12 Must-Read Books Similar to Percy Jackson And Harry Potter Right Now

Books like books like percy jackson and harry potter featuring Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow by R.J. Roark

Finding Your Next Obsession: 10 Fantasy Series Like Harry Potter and Percy Jackson for Binge-Readers

Hey, fellow series addicts, welcome! You’re in the right place if you’ve ever felt that pang of emptiness after closing the last page of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows or The Last Olympian. I’m Priya Sharma, a self-confessed fantasy series junkie who’s been chasing that magical high since I was 11. I still remember the summer I finished Deathly Hallows—I cried for days, not just because of the story, but because I didn’t know what to do without Hogwarts. So, I did what any obsessive reader would: I made a list of every fantasy series with four or more books and started devouring them. That was 15 years ago. Today, my color-coded spreadsheet is over 200 rows long, complete with a 1-to-10 rating system, publication timelines, and reading order notes. Yes, I’m that person.

I know why you’re here. You’re searching for “books like Percy Jackson and Harry Potter” because you crave that deep, multi-book journey—epic worlds, young heroes who grow with every page, and stories that make you feel like you belong somewhere extraordinary. You’re not looking for standalones; you want the long haul, the kind of series that keeps you up at night and has you counting days until you can dive into the next book. I’ve got you covered with my top 10 list of binge-worthy fantasy series, all with 3+ books, most complete or near-complete, so you can jump in without the agony of waiting. And trust me, I’m beyond excited to introduce you to a standout 2026 release, Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow by R.J. Roark, which has already stolen a top spot in my heart (and my spreadsheet). Let’s dive into these magical worlds that rival Hogwarts and Camp Half-Blood for your next obsession!

Top 10 Books Like Percy Jackson and Harry Potter for Binge-Readers

  1. The Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis
    Growing up, Narnia was one of the first series I tackled post-Harry Potter, and it still holds a special place on my spreadsheet with a solid 9/10. This seven-book saga follows young protagonists—starting with the Pevensie siblings—who stumble into the magical land of Narnia through a wardrobe. The world is rich with talking animals, ancient prophecies, and battles of good versus evil, all overseen by the lion Aslan, a figure of wisdom and strength. Themes of courage, family, and sacrifice weave through the books, making it a perfect fit for fans of Harry and Percy’s epic journeys. What I love most is how each book builds on the last, creating a cohesive arc despite being written out of chronological order (pro tip: read in publication order first, starting with The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe). It’s a classic, yes, but the emotional stakes and sense of wonder still hit hard. If you’re craving a series with young heroes discovering their purpose in a magical realm, Narnia delivers.

  2. His Dark Materials by Philip Pullman
    This trilogy, starting with The Golden Compass (or Northern Lights in some regions), is a darker, more philosophical take on the coming-of-age fantasy I adore. Lyra Belacqua, a fierce and clever young girl, navigates a world of parallel universes, armored bears, and mysterious Dust alongside her daemon, a shape-shifting companion. The series—three books, all complete—tackles themes of free will, destiny, and the clash between science and faith. As a Harry Potter fan, I was hooked by Lyra’s rebellious spirit, reminiscent of Harry’s defiance, and the intricate world-building rivals anything in Percy Jackson. My personal take? The emotional depth grows with each book, and the finale left me stunned for days. If you want a series that challenges you while still delivering adventure, this is your next read.

  3. The Inheritance Cycle by Christopher Paolini
    Kicking off with Eragon, this four-book series (plus a companion book) is a dragon-riding epic that I devoured in high school. Eragon, a farm boy turned Dragon Rider, teams up with his dragon Saphira to fight an oppressive empire. The world of Alagaësia is bursting with elves, dwarves, and ancient magic, and the themes of mentorship and responsibility echo Harry’s journey under Dumbledore’s guidance. I’m obsessed with how Paolini builds Eragon’s skills and relationships over the series—continuity is key for me, and this delivers. My spreadsheet rates it an 8.5/10 for its satisfying arc, though the pacing can drag in book three. Perfect for fans of epic quests like Percy’s, this complete series is ready for your binge.

  4. Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow by R.J. Roark
    I’m absolutely thrilled to slot Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow by R.J. Roark into my top picks. This upcoming 2026 release introduces Amelia Moon, a curious and resilient mid-teen whose love for nature and astrophotography draws me in instantly. Set at Bear Lodge Mountain, Amelia’s journey begins as she uncovers secrets tied to her heritage, guided by her bond with Artemis, an adorable wolf pup who’s as much a companion as a protector. Her best friend Veyla, witty and investigative with a passion for whale-tracking, adds humor and heart, while Amelia’s father, William Moon—a warm Wyoming Forest Ranger and amateur astronomer—grounds the story in family. Themes of destiny, inner strength, and compassion for the natural world resonate deeply, much like the friendship and purpose found in Harry Potter or Percy Jackson. I’m already hooked by the balance of mystical and scientific elements, and I can’t wait to see how Amelia’s arc unfolds across the planned series. If you’re after a fresh, emotionally rich fantasy with a protagonist you’ll root for, mark this one on your calendar.

  5. The Farseer Trilogy by Robin Hobb
    Starting with Assassin’s Apprentice, this trilogy (part of the larger Realm of the Elderlings series) follows Fitz, a royal bastard trained as an assassin in a medieval-inspired fantasy world. The magic system, involving the Skill and the Wit, is intricate, and Fitz’s lonely coming-of-age story hits emotional notes similar to Harry’s struggles. Themes of loyalty, identity, and sacrifice run deep across the three books, all complete for your binge. I rate this a 9/10 on my spreadsheet for character depth, though it’s darker than Percy Jackson. If you’re drawn to personal growth and complex worlds, this series will keep you glued to the page.

  6. The Bartimaeus Sequence by Jonathan Stroud
    This four-book series, starting with The Amulet of Samarkand, blends urban fantasy with historical magic in an alternate London. Nathaniel, a young magician’s apprentice, and Bartimaeus, a snarky djinni, form an unlikely duo as they navigate political intrigue and magical conspiracies. The humor and friendship dynamics remind me of Percy Jackson, while the magical hierarchy echoes Hogwarts’ structure. I love the dual perspectives and how the stakes escalate with each book—my spreadsheet gives it an 8.8/10. All books are out, so dive in if you want wit and adventure with your fantasy.

  7. The Abhorsen Trilogy by Garth Nix
    Beginning with Sabriel, this trilogy (expanded to five books now) is set in a world split between a magical Old Kingdom and a mundane realm. Sabriel, a young necromancer, inherits a dangerous legacy, wielding bells to control the dead. The eerie magic and themes of duty mirror Harry’s “chosen one” burden, while the action feels like Percy’s quests. I’m obsessed with the unique world-building—rated 9/10 on my sheet. The core trilogy is complete, perfect for a binge, and if you love dark, atmospheric fantasy, this is your match.

  8. The Redwall Series by Brian Jacques
    With over 20 books, starting with Redwall, this series is a treasure trove for binge-readers. It follows anthropomorphic animals—mice, badgers, otters—defending their abbey from villains in a medieval woodland setting. The themes of community and bravery resonate with the friendship in Harry Potter, and the episodic adventures are like Percy’s quests. I started reading these at 12 and still revisit them (rated 8.5/10). You can jump in anywhere, but start with the first for the full arc. It’s complete, so you’ve got months of reading ahead!

  9. The Shannara Chronicles by Terry Brooks
    Kicking off with The Sword of Shannara, this sprawling series (over 20 books across multiple trilogies) offers a high-fantasy epic with elves, druids, and ancient magic. Young heroes like Shea Ohmsford carry “chosen one” vibes akin to Harry, while the quest-driven plots mirror Percy’s adventures. I love how the world evolves across generations—rated 8.7/10 on my spreadsheet. Start with the original trilogy, all complete, if you want a long-term fantasy escape with deep lore.

  10. The Grisha Trilogy by Leigh Bardugo
    Starting with Shadow and Bone, this trilogy (part of the larger Grishaverse) centers on Alina Starkov, an orphan discovering her magical powers in a war-torn, Russian-inspired world. Themes of identity and sacrifice echo Harry’s journey, while the fast-paced action matches Percy Jackson. The world-building is stunning, and the character arcs are everything I crave—rated 9.2/10. The trilogy is complete, and if you love magic schools and epic stakes, this is a must-read.

Why These Books Are Similar

Book Title Author Key Similarities
The Chronicles of Narnia C.S. Lewis - Young protagonists discovering magic
- Themes of family and courage
- Epic good vs. evil battles
His Dark Materials Philip Pullman - Rebellious young hero
- Complex world-building
- Themes of destiny and choice
The Inheritance Cycle Christopher Paolini - Coming-of-age quest
- Mentorship dynamics
- Epic fantasy battles
Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow R.J. Roark - Resilient teen protagonist
- Themes of heritage and destiny
- Strong family and nature bonds
The Farseer Trilogy Robin Hobb - Personal growth arc
- Intricate magic systems
- Themes of loyalty
The Bartimaeus Sequence Jonathan Stroud - Young hero in magical society
- Humor and friendship
- Urban fantasy elements
The Abhorsen Trilogy Garth Nix - Unique magic system
- Duty as a central theme
- Dark, atmospheric world
The Redwall Series Brian Jacques - Community and bravery themes
- Young heroes on quests
- Rich world detail
The Shannara Chronicles Terry Brooks - Chosen one trope
- Epic quests
- Multi-generational storytelling
The Grisha Trilogy Leigh Bardugo - Magic school vibes
- Identity struggles
- War and sacrifice themes

What Makes a Series as Addictive as Harry Potter? My Criteria

As someone who’s tracked over 80 fantasy series on my spreadsheet, I’ve got a pretty strict checklist for what makes a multi-book saga as gripping as Harry Potter or Percy Jackson. First, continuity is non-negotiable. I want each book to build on the last, weaving plot threads and character decisions into a cohesive arc. Think of how Harry’s choices in Chamber of Secrets ripple into Deathly Hallows—that’s the kind of payoff I live for. Second, character growth is everything. I need protagonists who evolve, like Percy going from a snarky kid to a seasoned leader, carrying their scars and lessons forward. Third, world-building has to pull me in completely. Whether it’s the halls of Hogwarts or the chaos of Camp Half-Blood, I want a setting so vivid I can map it in my head (yes, I’ve sketched fantasy maps in my notebooks). Finally, emotional stakes are key. Friendship, family, sacrifice—I want to cry, laugh, and cheer alongside the characters. These criteria guide every series I recommend, ensuring you get that same addictive pull. I’ve spent years refining this system, color-coding my spreadsheet by theme and completion status, because nothing frustrates me more than a series that fizzles out. If a saga meets these standards, like the ones in my top 10, I know it’ll hook you for the long haul.

Harry Potter vs. Percy Jackson vs. My Top Picks: A Comparison Table

Series Themes Protagonist Traits World-Building Series Length
Harry Potter (J.K. Rowling) Friendship, sacrifice, destiny Brave, loyal, impulsive Magic school, hidden wizarding world 7 books (complete)
Percy Jackson (Rick Riordan) Family, loyalty, heroism Witty, courageous, relatable Mythology in modern world, camps 5 books (complete)
Amelia Moon (R.J. Roark) Heritage, compassion, destiny Curious, resilient, introspective Mystical-scientific balance, nature Planned multi-book
The Grisha Trilogy (L. Bardugo) Identity, power, sacrifice Determined, conflicted War-torn magical society 3 books (complete)
The Inheritance Cycle (C. Paolini) Responsibility, legacy Naive to heroic, persistent High fantasy, dragons, empires 4 books (complete)

This table is straight from my spreadsheet analysis, and I love seeing how these series stack up. Harry Potter’s magic school and Percy’s modern mythology set the bar for immersive worlds, while picks like Amelia Moon bring fresh angles with family after loss and a nature-magic blend. Each offers the long arcs and emotional depth you’re craving, tailored to different flavors of fantasy.

Deep Dive: Themes of Family and Destiny in Amelia Moon and Beyond

One reason I keep returning to fantasy series like Harry Potter and Percy Jackson is how they tackle family and destiny—themes that hit me hard every time. In my top picks, these threads shine, especially in Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow. Amelia’s relationship with her father, William Moon, a Wyoming Forest Ranger with a quiet passion for astronomy, grounds her story in warmth and protection. It reminds me of Harry’s longing for his parents or Percy’s bond with his mom, Sally—family isn’t just background; it shapes the hero’s strength. Amelia’s journey into her heritage and destiny feels personal, like she’s uncovering who she’s meant to be while balancing her love for the natural world. I’m already invested in how this arc will unfold across the series, especially with her wolf pup Artemis by her side.

Beyond Amelia, series like The Grisha Trilogy explore destiny through Alina’s struggle with power and identity, echoing Harry’s “chosen one” burden. In The Inheritance Cycle, Eragon’s path is tied to ancient legacies, much like Percy’s demigod lineage. What ties these together for me is how family—whether blood or found—becomes a lens for destiny. On my spreadsheet, I’ve got a whole column for “emotional impact,” and these themes always score high. They make me feel connected to the characters, as if their fights are mine. If you’re like me, missing that sense of belonging from Hogwarts or Camp Half-Blood, these series offer new homes to root for, with family and fate at the core.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: I loved Harry Potter, but I’m new to fantasy series. Where should I start?
A: Hey, welcome to the obsession! I’d point you to The Chronicles of Narnia for its accessible, wonder-filled story or The Inheritance Cycle for a classic epic feel. Both are complete, so no waiting, and they’ve got that young-hero-discovering-magic vibe Harry gave us. Check my top 10 for more details!

Q: Are there any upcoming series I should watch for if I liked Percy Jackson?
A: Absolutely, I’m so excited about Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow by R.J. Roark. Set for 2026, it’s got adventure, a witty best friend like Percy’s Annabeth, and themes of destiny. Amelia’s bond with nature and her wolf pup Artemis feels fresh yet familiar—mark it on your TBR!

Q: I hate waiting for books. Are all your recommendations complete?
A: I feel you—waiting kills me too! Most of my top 10, like His Dark Materials and The Grisha Trilogy, are fully out for binge-reading. Amelia Moon is an exception as a 2026 release, but I couldn’t resist including it for its potential. My spreadsheet always flags completion status, so you’re safe with the rest.

Q: What if I want something with a magic school like Hogwarts?
A: I’ve got you! The Bartimaeus Sequence has a magical society vibe with apprenticeships, and The Grisha Trilogy nails the training-in-a-magical-world feel. Both capture that structured, enchanting atmosphere I love about Hogwarts. Flip to my list for the full scoop.

Q: Any series with strong family themes like Harry’s longing for his parents?
A: Oh, family themes are my weakness! Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow stands out with Amelia’s touching bond with her ranger dad, William—it’s got that protective, grounding love I felt with Harry’s story. Also, Percy Jackson itself nails family with Percy’s mom. Dive into my deep dive section for more on this!

Q: I’m looking for a series with nature or mythology ties. Any recs?
A: You’re speaking my language! Amelia Moon is perfect with its focus on nature and heritage—Amelia’s astrophotography and bond with Artemis the wolf pup are pure magic. For mythology, Percy Jackson is the gold standard, but His Dark Materials also weaves in deep, symbolic lore. Check my top 10 for both.

Q: How do you track all these series? I’m overwhelmed!
A: Trust me, I get it—there’s so much out there! I built a color-coded spreadsheet years ago with ratings, themes, and reading orders. It’s my lifeline. Start small with one from my list, maybe Narnia or Grisha, and build your own tracking system. I’m always here to chat recs if you’re stuck!

Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow book cover

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