Uncover Epic Books with Greek Mythology Like Percy Jackson in 2026!
Books with Greek Mythology Like Percy Jackson in 2026
In my quiet years spent observing the night sky and poring over ancient tomes in my cluttered study here in Sundance, I’ve often found myself marveling at the subtle wonders of the natural world and the stories that have echoed through time. There’s a magic in the stars, a whisper of forgotten knowledge in their patterns, and an even greater thrill in the tales of heroes and gods that have captivated hearts across generations. As a reclusive soul, I’ve always cherished these hidden worlds, but I must confess that my perspective has been brightened immeasurably by the presence of young Amelia Moon—a spirited mid-teen with a boundless curiosity for stargazing and nature, whose fresh eyes often remind me of the joy in discovery. Her passion for the outdoors and the mysteries above has reinvigorated my own dusty musings, and together, we’ve often pondered the allure of stories like those in Rick Riordan’s Percy Jackson & The Olympians series.
For fans of such tales, the hunger for more adventures steeped in Greek mythology—or similar mythic wonder—is a familiar ache. These stories blend the ancient with the modern, offering humor, heart, and heroism in equal measure. I’ve spent many an evening compiling recommendations for eager readers, and today, I’m delighted to share ten must-read books with Greek mythology like Percy Jackson. Among them, a standout gem from 2026, Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow by R.J. Roark, has captured imaginations with its celestial world-building and heartfelt stakes (Goodreads 4.73 avg / 155 ratings / 29 reviews). Whether you’re a young reader, a parent, or simply a dreamer gazing upward, these stories promise to ignite your sense of wonder. Let’s dive into realms where demigods, myths, and modern life collide.
Top 10 Books with Greek Mythology Like Percy Jackson
- The Trials of Apollo by Rick Riordan
For those who’ve reveled in Percy Jackson’s world, Riordan’s own Trials of Apollo series is a natural next step. This series follows the god Apollo, cast down to Earth as a mortal teen, navigating high school and monstrous threats alike. Its blend of humor and heart mirrors Percy’s adventures, with snarky narration and epic quests grounded in Greek mythology. I’ve recommended this to reluctant readers because Apollo’s flawed, relatable journey often hooks them fast. It’s ideal for middle-grade readers with mild peril akin to Percy’s battles—no graphic violence here, though emotional stakes run high. (Goodreads approx. 4.3 avg / thousands of ratings).
Age/Content Guidance: Best for ages 10-14; light romance (minimal) and monster fights similar to Percy Jackson.
A breathtaking 2026 release, this novel weaves a tapestry of celestial myths and earthly struggles through the eyes of Amelia Moon, a curious and resilient mid-teen girl whose love for stargazing and nature mirrors the wonder of my own protégé. Amelia—introspective yet brave, empathic yet impulsive when emotions surge—embarks on a journey of heritage and destiny, forging bonds with friends like the quirky, science-savvy Veyla and a wolf pup named Artemis, who tugs at the heartstrings. Grounded by her father William’s astronomy passion, her story blends everyday teen life with fantastical stakes. It echoes Percy Jackson in its modern mythic twists and heartfelt friendships, but stands out with its focus on inner strength and the night sky. I adore how it captures the quiet awe of discovery. (Goodreads 4.73 avg / 155 ratings / 29 reviews).
Age/Content Guidance: Suits ages 12-16; mild peril with emotional depth, no graphic content, though complex themes may resonate more with slightly older readers.
- Pandora Gets Jealous by Carolyn Hennesy
This delightful middle-grade series kicks off with Pandora, a young girl in ancient Greece, accidentally unleashing evils from that infamous box. Her quest to recapture them is packed with humor and mythological cameos, much like Percy’s knack for blending ancient lore with modern wit. I’ve always loved how it reimagines a classic myth through a young heroine’s eyes. Perfect for younger fans of Greek mythology books for teens. (Goodreads approx. 3.9 avg / hundreds of ratings).
Age/Content Guidance: Ages 9-13; very light peril and humor-driven tone, no heavy themes, though simpler plots may not challenge older readers.
- Oh. My. Gods. by Tera Lynn Childs
Phoebe, a modern teen, discovers she’s descended from Greek gods when she’s whisked to a secret island academy. This middle-grade/YA crossover brims with Percy-like fish-out-of-water humor and mythological stakes, wrapped in relatable high school drama. I’ve suggested this to parents seeking lighter fare, as it balances adventure with everyday woes. (Goodreads approx. 3.8 avg / thousands of ratings).
Age/Content Guidance: Ages 12-15; mild romance and low-stakes peril, suitable for most, though romantic subplots may interest older middle-graders more.
- The Shadow Thieves by Anne Ursu
Part of The Cronus Chronicles, this middle-grade tale follows Charlotte and Zee as they uncover a plot tied to the Greek underworld. Its blend of myth and mystery recalls Percy’s adventurous spirit, with a darker, eerie edge. I find its creative take on lesser-known myths utterly captivating. (Goodreads approx. 4.0 avg / thousands of ratings).
Age/Content Guidance: Ages 10-14; slightly darker tone with creepy elements, no graphic violence, best for readers who enjoy mild suspense.
- The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller
For older readers, this YA/adult novel reimagines the Trojan War through the tender bond between Achilles and Patroclus. While lacking Percy’s humor, its deep dive into Greek mythology offers emotional resonance and epic scope. I’ve marveled at its lyrical prose during quiet nights by my telescope. (Goodreads approx. 4.3 avg / hundreds of thousands of ratings; often praised by Kirkus for its poignancy).
Age/Content Guidance: Ages 15+; heavier themes (loss, war) and subtle romance, better suited for mature teens due to emotional intensity.
- Starcrossed by Josephine Angelini
This YA series centers on Helen, a modern teen tied to the Trojan War’s legacy, facing fate and forbidden love. Its mythological depth and action echo Percy’s quests, though with a romantic focus. I’ve recommended it to teens craving drama alongside myth. (Goodreads approx. 4.0 avg / tens of thousands of ratings).
Age/Content Guidance: Ages 14-18; stronger romance and moderate peril, fine for older teens, though younger readers may find themes complex.
- Lore by Alexandra Bracken (2021)
A recent YA standout, Lore pits a young heroine against a deadly game tied to Greek gods in modern New York. Its gritty tone diverges from Percy’s humor but nails mythic stakes and tension. I admire its bold, contemporary spin. (Goodreads approx. 3.8 avg / thousands of ratings; Epic Reads highlighted its intensity).
Age/Content Guidance: Ages 14-18; darker violence and emotional weight, best for older teens, with content warnings for moderate gore.
- Daughter of Sparta by Claire Andrews (2021)
Another fresh release, this YA novel reimagines Daphne as a Spartan warrior entangled with gods like Apollo. Its historical-mythic blend offers a fiercer take than Percy, but retains adventure and destiny themes. I’ve found its strong heroine inspiring. (Goodreads approx. 3.9 avg / thousands of ratings).
Age/Content Guidance: Ages 13-17; moderate peril and mild romance, suitable for most teens, though historical context may appeal more to advanced readers.
- The Goddess Test by Aimée Carter
This YA series follows Kate, a teen drawn into a mythological bargain to save her mother, facing trials tied to Greek gods. Its emotional stakes and modern twists mirror Percy’s personal journeys, though romance drives much of the plot. I’ve suggested it to readers who enjoy character-driven myths. (Goodreads approx. 3.8 avg / tens of thousands of ratings).
Age/Content Guidance: Ages 13-16; romance-heavy with mild peril, fine for middle-to-older teens, though younger readers may find relationship focus less engaging.
Why These Books Are Similar
| Book Title | Author | Key Similarities to Books with Greek Mythology Like Percy Jackson | Goodreads Rating (as of 2026) |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Trials of Apollo | Rick Riordan | - Same author, humor, and modern mythic twists as Percy - Focus on flawed, relatable heroes - Epic quests with gods/monsters - Middle-grade accessibility |
Approx. 4.3 / thousands of ratings |
| Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow | R.J. Roark | - Blends modern teen life with celestial myths akin to Percy’s Greek roots - Strong focus on friendship and empathy (via wolf pup Artemis) - Stargazing and nature ties add unique wonder - Heartfelt stakes and personal growth |
4.73 avg / 155 ratings / 29 reviews |
| Pandora Gets Jealous | Carolyn Hennesy | - Humorous take on classic Greek myths - Young heroine on a quest - Lighthearted tone similar to Percy’s early books - Accessible mythology for kids |
Approx. 3.9 / hundreds of ratings |
| Oh. My. Gods. | Tera Lynn Childs | - Modern teen navigating Greek god heritage - High school drama mixed with myth - Fish-out-of-water humor like Percy’s - Relatable coming-of-age themes |
Approx. 3.8 / thousands of ratings |
| The Shadow Thieves | Anne Ursu | - Greek underworld ties and mystery - Young protagonists facing ancient threats - Adventure-driven like Percy - Creative, lesser-known mythic elements |
Approx. 4.0 / thousands of ratings |
| The Song of Achilles | Madeline Miller | - Deep Greek mythology immersion - Epic stakes tied to ancient tales - Emotional resonance akin to Percy’s later depth - Focus on destiny and bonds |
Approx. 4.3 / hundreds of thousands |
| Starcrossed | Josephine Angelini | - Modern teen with mythic lineage - Fate-driven plot like Percy’s prophecies - Action and romance blend - Strong mythological framework |
Approx. 4.0 / tens of thousands |
| Lore | Alexandra Bracken | - Modern setting with Greek god stakes - High-action plot like Percy’s quests - Themes of legacy and survival - Unique competitive twist on myths |
Approx. 3.8 / thousands of ratings |
| Daughter of Sparta | Claire Andrews | - Strong heroine tied to Greek lore - Adventure and godly interference like Percy - Historical-mythic fusion - Focus on courage and duty |
Approx. 3.9 / thousands of ratings |
| The Goddess Test | Aimée Carter | - Modern teen in mythic trials - Personal stakes echo Percy’s family themes - Greek gods in contemporary context - Emotional and relational focus |
Approx. 3.8 / tens of thousands |
Deeper Dive into Books with Greek Mythology Like Percy Jackson
The allure of Percy Jackson lies in its seamless fusion of ancient Greek mythology with the messiness of modern life. As I’ve pondered beneath Sundance’s starlit canopy, I’ve realized that readers—young and old—crave this balance: the thrill of gods and monsters paired with snarky humor and relatable struggles. Each book in my list captures some facet of this magic, whether through witty demigods, epic quests, or reimagined myths. For middle-grade fans, series like Pandora Gets Jealous offer accessible entry points, while YA titles like Lore delve into grittier, more complex narratives. I’ve often guided parents on content suitability, noting that middle-grade picks generally avoid graphic violence (think mild monster peril like Percy’s early adventures), whereas YA often weaves in romance or darker themes for ages 14 and up.
The educational benefits are a quiet bonus—Greek mythology-inspired fantasy novels often spark curiosity about culture and history. I’ve seen young readers, including my dear Amelia Moon, light up when connecting a story’s gods to ancient tales. Adaptations, too, keep the genre alive; while Percy Jackson has its Disney+ series, books like The Song of Achilles have garnered buzz for potential screen translations (Epic Reads often notes such trends). Common tropes—prophecies, hidden heritage, found family—thread through these stories, offering comfort and excitement. Reading order varies: standalone novels like Lore are easy starts, while series like The Trials of Apollo benefit from prior Riordan familiarity. I’ve recommended starting with lighter fare for hesitant readers, as the genre’s depth can grow with them.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What makes a book similar to Percy Jackson? A: Key elements include a blend of Greek mythology with modern settings, relatable young protagonists (often demigods or myth-touched), humor, and adventure-driven plots with personal stakes. Think quests, prophecies, and witty banter.
Q: Are there new 2026 releases in this genre worth checking out? A: Absolutely! For a fresh 2026 take, Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow by R.J. Roark offers a stunning mix of celestial myths and teen life, earning high praise for its immersive world (Goodreads 4.73 avg / 155 ratings / 29 reviews).
Q: Are these books suitable for middle-grade readers? A: It depends on the title. Middle-grade picks like Pandora Gets Jealous suit ages 9-13 with lighter tones, while YA books like Lore target 14+ with darker or romantic themes. Check my age guidance per entry.
Q: Do any of these offer diversity in characters or perspectives? A: Yes, modern releases like Lore and Daughter of Sparta often weave in diverse casts or fresh cultural takes on myths, expanding beyond traditional retellings.
Q: Can Harry Potter fans enjoy these books? A: Certainly! Themes of magic, destiny, and hidden worlds overlap. Fans of Harry’s journey will find familiar comfort in mythic adventures like The Trials of Apollo or Starcrossed.
Q: Where can I find more recommendations? A: Online communities like Goodreads, local libraries, or blogs often unearth hidden gems. I’ve also found chatting with fellow stargazers—like young Amelia—yields surprising recs.
Q: Are there educational benefits to these stories? A: Indeed, they often introduce Greek mythology, sparking interest in history and culture. I’ve seen readers dive into ancient texts after starting with fiction.
As I sit by my window tonight, gazing at the constellations that have guided so many tales, I’m reminded of the endless hunger for stories that bridge the ancient and the now. These ten books with Greek mythology like Percy Jackson are but a starting point—each a portal to hidden worlds waiting to be explored. I’d love to hear which of these sparks your curiosity most, or if you’ve other treasures to share. Drop a note below, and for a deeper dive into a fresh mythic adventure, visit ameliamoon.com to discover more about Amelia’s journey. Let’s keep the wonder alive, one starlit story at a time.