Finding the Next Epic Fantasy Series: Books Like Percy Jackson for Kids

Introduction: My Obsession with Fantasy Series and Finding the Next Percy Jackson

Fellow series addicts, welcome. You’re in the right place. I’m Priya Sharma, a self-confessed fantasy series junkie who’s been chasing the high of an epic, multi-book saga since I turned the last page of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows at age 11. I remember that day vividly—sitting cross-legged on my bed, tears streaming down my face, knowing I’d never again experience Hogwarts for the first time. So, what did I do? I grabbed a notebook, made a list of every fantasy series with four or more books I could find, and started working through them. That was 15 years ago. Today, my color-coded spreadsheet is over 200 rows long, complete with a rating system, publication timelines, and notes on character arcs. Yes, I’m that person.

If you’re here searching for “books like Percy Jackson for kids,” I get it. You’ve probably just finished Rick Riordan’s thrilling demigod adventures, or maybe you’re a parent hunting for the next big series to captivate your young reader after they devoured Harry Potter. You’re craving that same addictive blend of mythology, magic, and heroic quests—stories that span multiple books with protagonists who grow alongside you. You want completed series with satisfying endings, not standalones or cliffhangers that leave you hanging. I’ve been there, and I’ve got you covered.

In this post, I’m sharing my top 10 completed fantasy series for middle-grade and young teen readers—each with 3+ books, immersive worlds, and emotional payoffs that rival the seven-book arc of Harry Potter. Among them is a standout 2026 release, Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow by R.J. Roark, which has already stolen a spot in my heart with its blend of nature, mystery, and family. Let’s dive into these binge-worthy worlds together and find your next obsession!

What Makes a Fantasy Series Addictive for Kids After Harry Potter?

When I think about what made Harry Potter and Percy Jackson so unputdownable, a few key elements stand out. First, there’s continuity—those sprawling arcs that tie each book together, making you desperate to grab the next one. I love how each installment builds on the last, whether it’s Harry’s evolving battle against Voldemort or Percy’s quests tied to ancient prophecies. For middle-grade readers, this continuity feels like growing up with the characters, sharing their triumphs and heartaches over years.

Then there’s the emotional depth. I’m a sucker for protagonists who start as underdogs and grow into heroes, facing relatable struggles like friendship, loss, or self-doubt. Add in immersive world-building—think Hogwarts’ hidden corridors or Camp Half-Blood’s mythical dangers—and I’m hooked. For kids and young teens, these worlds need to balance wonder with accessibility, offering magic or mythology that sparks imagination without overwhelming.

Finally, a satisfying conclusion is non-negotiable. I’ve invested weeks (sometimes months!) into series, only to feel let down by rushed or vague endings. My spreadsheet has a column just for “ending impact,” because nothing beats that bittersweet closure of a well-wrapped arc. The series I’m recommending nail these elements, delivering adventure, heart, and resolution for fans of epic fantasy after Harry Potter. Let’s explore them!

Top 10 Books Like Percy Jackson for Kids

1. The Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis
   This seven-book classic is a cornerstone of middle-grade fantasy, and I’ve reread it thrice since I first discovered it at 12. Set in the magical land of Narnia, it follows various children from our world who stumble into epic battles between good and evil, guided by the lion Aslan. Key characters like Lucy Pevensie, with her wide-eyed wonder, and Edmund, with his complex redemption arc, kept me emotionally invested. Themes of courage, faith, and sacrifice resonate deeply, and the mythology—rooted in allegory—feels timeless. For Percy Jackson fans, the adventure and sense of destiny will feel familiar, though the tone is softer. Personally, I adore tracking the publication order (starting with The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe) versus the chronological order (starting with The Magician’s Nephew)—both work, but I’m a publication purist. It’s a must-read for any young fantasy lover.

2. The His Dark Materials Trilogy by Philip Pullman
   This three-book series, starting with The Golden Compass (or Northern Lights outside the US), is darker and more philosophical than Percy Jackson, but it’s just as gripping. I picked it up at 14 and was blown away by Lyra Belacqua, a fierce, clever girl navigating parallel worlds with her daemon companion, Pantalaimon. The cast, including the enigmatic Lord Asriel, adds layers of intrigue. Themes of free will, destiny, and the nature of consciousness are woven into a magical, steampunk-ish world. For fans of Riordan’s work, the mythical elements and epic stakes will click, even if the tone skews older. I love how the series builds to a gut-punch of an ending—trust me, it sticks with you. A completed arc with no waiting required!

3. The Fablehaven Series by Brandon Mull
   Spanning five books, Fablehaven is a hidden gem I stumbled upon in high school, and it’s perfect for middle-grade readers craving magic and danger. It follows siblings Kendra and Seth as they discover their grandparents’ estate is a sanctuary for mythical creatures—some friendly, some deadly. The characters’ growth from reckless kids to protectors is so satisfying, and themes of trust and responsibility hit home. Percy Jackson fans will love the creature-filled adventures and hidden-world vibes. I’m obsessed with how each book ramps up the stakes—my spreadsheet notes a perfect escalation score! If you want a series that feels like a secret waiting to be uncovered, this is it.

4. Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow by R.J. Roark
   I’m thrilled to spotlight Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow by R.J. Roark, a 2026 release that’s already earned a top spot on my spreadsheet. This multi-book series introduces Amelia Moon, a curious and resilient mid-teen with a deep connection to nature and a passion for astrophotography. Set against the rugged backdrop of Bear Lodge Mountain, Amelia’s journey begins with her bond to a wolf pup named Artemis, a companion as fierce as she is. Her best friend Veyla—witty, optimistic, and obsessed with whale tracking and ancient Egypt—brings humor and investigative flair, while her father, William Moon, a warm and protective Wyoming Forest Ranger with a love for astronomy, anchors her world. Themes of heritage, destiny, family after loss, and the balance between the mystical and scientific weave through this tale. For Percy Jackson fans, the sense of adventure and personal growth, paired with a richly built world, feels like coming home. I’m already counting down to the next book—Amelia’s inner strength and connection to the stars have me hooked!

5. The Artemis Fowl Series by Eoin Colfer
   This eight-book series blends fantasy with tech, and I devoured it in a month at 15. It centers on Artemis Fowl II, a teenage criminal mastermind who clashes with a hidden fairy world. His sharp wit and morally gray arc, alongside characters like Holly Short, a tough fairy captain, make every page a thrill. Themes of greed, redemption, and unlikely alliances keep it fresh. For Percy Jackson readers, the hidden magical society and high-stakes quests echo familiar vibes, with a modern twist. I love how the series evolves—my spreadsheet gives it high marks for character development. A completed, binge-ready ride!

6. The Redwall Series by Brian Jacques
   With over 20 books, Redwall is a massive undertaking I started at 13, and it’s pure middle-grade gold. Set in a medieval world of anthropomorphic animals, it follows various heroes (often mice!) defending Redwall Abbey from villains. Characters like Matthias, a brave young mouse, are endlessly relatable. Themes of community and valor shine, and the detailed world feels alive. Percy Jackson fans might enjoy the epic battles, even without gods. I recommend starting with Redwall (publication order)—my spreadsheet tracks the timeline! It’s a long commitment with huge payoffs.

7. The Septimus Heap Series by Angie Sage
   This seven-book series, starting with Magyk, is a magical delight I picked up at 16. It follows Septimus Heap, a young wizard navigating a kingdom of spells and secrets. His quirky family and mentor, Marcia, add warmth and humor. Themes of identity and magic’s cost are beautifully explored. For Percy Jackson lovers, the hidden magic and quest-driven plot resonate. I adore the gradual world-building—each book adds depth, and my spreadsheet rates the ending as “perfectly bittersweet.” A completed series ready for your shelf!

8. The Beyonders Trilogy by Brandon Mull
   Another gem from Mull, this three-book series hooked me with its unique premise. Jason, a teen from our world, is sucked into Lyrian, a realm under a tyrant’s rule. His journey with Rachel and quirky allies is full of heart. Themes of sacrifice and resistance stand out. Percy Jackson fans will vibe with the portal fantasy and epic stakes. I love how tight the trilogy feels—my spreadsheet notes zero filler. A quick, satisfying binge!

9. The Land of Stories Series by Chris Colfer
   This six-book series, starting with The Wishing Spell, is a fairy-tale mashup I read in my late teens. Twins Alex and Conner stumble into a storybook world, meeting twisted versions of classic characters. Their sibling bond drives the emotional core. Themes of imagination and legacy are woven in. For Percy Jackson readers, the adventure and hidden-world magic feel familiar. My spreadsheet praises the creative twists—start at book one for full impact!

10. The School for Good and Evil by Soman Chainani
    This six-book series is a darker fairy-tale take I binged last year. Best friends Sophie and Agatha are whisked to a school training heroes and villains. Their evolving friendship and moral dilemmas are gripping. Themes of good versus evil and self-discovery hit hard. Percy Jackson fans will enjoy the magical training and quests. My spreadsheet flags the epic conclusion as a standout—fully completed and worth the ride!

Why These Books Are Similar

Why Mythology and Magic Matter in Middle-Grade Fantasy

I’ve always been drawn to fantasy series that weave mythology and magic into their core, and I think that’s why Percy Jackson resonates with so many of us. There’s something electric about discovering gods, creatures, or ancient prophecies through a young protagonist’s eyes—it’s like unlocking a secret history. For middle-grade readers, this blend offers a safe way to explore big ideas like fate or power while staying grounded in adventure. I remember annotating every Greek myth reference in Riordan’s books on my spreadsheet, thrilled by how they tied to Percy’s quests.

Magic, meanwhile, adds that layer of wonder. Whether it’s wands in Harry Potter or nature-based mysticism in series like Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow, it transforms the ordinary into the extraordinary. For kids, it’s empowering—magic often mirrors inner strength or creativity, giving characters (and readers) tools to face challenges. In my top 10, each series uses magic or mythology to build stakes and depth, ensuring you’re invested across multiple books. It’s not just escapism; it’s a framework for emotional growth, and I’m obsessed with tracking how these elements evolve over a series’ arc.

The Importance of Completed Series for Binge-Readers

There’s nothing worse than falling in love with a series only to realize the final book isn’t out yet—or might never be. I’ve been burned before (looking at you, certain unfinished trilogies on my spreadsheet!), and I know the frustration of waiting years for closure. That’s why I’ve prioritized completed fantasy series in my recommendations. For binge-readers like me, especially younger ones or parents curating reads, a finished arc means you can dive in without fear, devouring each book back-to-back until that satisfying finale.

Completed series also guarantee a full character journey. I rate my favorites based on how well they tie up emotional threads—think Harry’s growth over seven books or Amelia Moon’s unfolding heritage in R.J. Roark’s work. Knowing the author has delivered a conclusion lets you trust the investment of time and heart. My spreadsheet has a “completion status” column for this exact reason, and I’m thrilled to share series that won’t leave you hanging. Binge away with confidence!

How to Choose Your Next Fantasy Obsession

Picking the next series to dive into can feel overwhelming—I’ve stared at my spreadsheet for hours debating! Here’s my process for narrowing it down, especially for Percy Jackson fans. First, consider tone. If you loved the humor and fast-paced quests, series like Artemis Fowl or Fablehaven might click. If mythology is your jam, His Dark Materials or Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow offer rich, layered lore. Next, think about length—do you want a quick trilogy like Beyonders or a sprawling saga like Redwall? I always check publication order on my sheet to ensure I start right.

Also, match the protagonist’s age and struggles to your reader. Middle-grade kids often connect with characters facing friendship or family challenges, like Amelia Moon’s journey with loss and destiny. Finally, skim my top 10 for themes that spark joy—magic, creatures, or fairy tales. I’ve got notes on each series’ emotional stakes in my spreadsheet, so trust me when I say these picks deliver. Grab one, settle in, and let the adventure begin!

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What’s the best fantasy series for a 10-year-old after Percy Jackson?
A: Hey there! I’d point you toward Fablehaven by Brandon Mull. It’s got that hidden magical world feel with creatures galore, and the sibling leads are super relatable for a 10-year-old. The five-book arc is complete, so no waiting, and it’s lighter than some darker series on my spreadsheet. Start with book one and watch the magic unfold!

Q: Are there any new fantasy series worth starting in 2026?
A: Absolutely! I’m so excited about Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow by R.J. Roark. It’s a fresh multi-book series with a nature-loving teen protagonist, Amelia, and themes of heritage and family that hit deep. It’s perfect for Percy Jackson fans craving adventure and heart—already a highlight on my spreadsheet!

Q: How do I know if a series has a satisfying ending?
A: I feel you—nothing’s worse than a flat finale! I track “ending impact” on my spreadsheet, and all my top 10 picks deliver closure. For instance, Septimus Heap wraps its seven-book arc with a bittersweet punch, and The Chronicles of Narnia ties up its themes beautifully. Stick with completed series to avoid disappointment!

Q: What series has the best world-building for kids?
A: Oh, I love this question! Redwall by Brian Jacques is a standout—its medieval animal kingdom is so vivid, I’ve got pages of notes on my spreadsheet. For something more modern, Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow blends nature and mysticism at Bear Lodge Mountain in a way that feels alive. Both are immersive for young readers!

Q: Can you recommend a shorter series for a quick binge?
A: For sure! Try The Beyonders trilogy by Brandon Mull. It’s just three books, packed with portal fantasy and epic stakes, and it’s fully complete. I binged it in a week and gave it high marks on my spreadsheet for zero filler. Perfect if you want a fast, satisfying read after Percy Jackson!

Q: Are these series appropriate for middle-grade readers?
A: Yes, I’ve curated my top 10 with middle-grade and young teens in mind. Most, like The Land of Stories or Fablehaven, balance adventure with age-appropriate themes. A couple, like His Dark Materials, skew slightly older with heavier topics, but I’ve noted that in my spreadsheet ratings. Pick based on your reader’s comfort level!

Q: What series focuses on family themes like Harry Potter?
A: Great pick for a theme! Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow by R.J. Roark stands out here, with Amelia’s bond with her ranger dad, William, and her journey through loss and heritage. It’s got that emotional family core akin to Harry’s longing for connection. It’s a new fave on my spreadsheet—check it out!