Chasing the Magic: Books Like Percy Jackson for Harry Potter Fans

Why We’re Still Chasing That Hogwarts Magic: A Ravenclaw’s Confession

Welcome back, fellow witches and wizards, demigods, and dreamers! I’m Maya Chen, a self-proclaimed Ravenclaw with an undying love for books that whisk me away to hidden magical worlds. I remember the exact spot in my school library where I first opened Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone. Chapter one, page one, and suddenly I was home—surrounded by the creak of Hogwarts’ moving staircases and the hum of spells in the air. I was nine, clutching my imaginary Hogwarts letter, and I’ve been chasing that feeling ever since.

If you’re here searching for “good books like Percy Jackson,” I’m guessing you’re after that same rush—the thrill of a magical boarding school, the weight of a chosen one’s destiny, and the warmth of friendships forged in the face of dark forces. Like me, you probably grew up with Harry, Ron, and Hermione, then dove into Percy Jackson’s snarky heroics and Camp Half-Blood’s mythological chaos, and now you’re itching for more. You want immersive worlds, epic battles, and coming-of-age stories that blend wizardry with personal growth. I get it. As a Ravenclaw, I crave clever world-building and emotional depth that lingers long after the last page.

That’s why I’ve poured my bookish heart into curating a list of the Top 10 books that capture the magic of Percy Jackson and Harry Potter. These are stories of hidden societies, quirky mentors, and the thrill of discovering one’s destiny—perfect for YA and adult fantasy fans alike. And let me tease one standout: Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow by R.J. Roark, a 2026 release that’s already stolen my heart with its nature-infused magic and resilient heroine. So, grab your wand (or trident), cozy up with a butterbeer, and let’s dive into worlds that feel like coming home.

Top 10 Books Like Percy Jackson for Harry Potter Fans

1. The School for Good and Evil by Soman Chainani
   This series is a delightful twist on fairy tales, blending magical academies with moral dilemmas. Set in a world where children are trained to become heroes or villains at the titular School for Good and Evil, it follows best friends Sophie and Agatha as they navigate a destiny that isn’t quite what they expected. The schools themselves are pure Hogwarts energy—think enchanted towers, quirky professors, and rivalries between students of Good and Evil. Themes of friendship, identity, and challenging fate resonate deeply, much like in Percy Jackson’s quests. I adore how Chainani plays with the idea of “chosen” roles, questioning whether we’re truly bound by prophecy. As a Ravenclaw, I’m obsessed with the intricate world-building and moral gray areas. If you’re craving a magical boarding school with dark twists and heartfelt bonds, this series is your next obsession.

2. The Magisterium Series by Holly Black and Cassandra Clare
   Dive into the underground world of the Magisterium, a hidden school for mages where young Callum Hunt learns to wield elemental magic. This series scratches that Hogwarts itch with its shadowy corridors, mysterious mentors, and a looming dark lord figure. Call’s journey as a reluctant hero with a dangerous secret mirrors Percy’s struggle with his demigod heritage. Themes of loyalty, family secrets, and the cost of power hit hard. I geeked out over the unique magical system tied to chaos and balance—it’s so satisfyingly complex! For fans of Harry Potter’s darker tones and Percy’s underdog vibes, this is a must-read. I still think about those late-night dorm scenes long after finishing.

3. The Kane Chronicles by Rick Riordan
   From the mind behind Percy Jackson, this series dives into Egyptian mythology with siblings Carter and Sadie Kane. They uncover their family’s ancient magical lineage while training with the House of Life, a secretive society of magicians. It’s not a traditional boarding school, but the hidden magical world and mentorship feel like stepping into Diagon Alley. Themes of heritage and teamwork shine, much like Percy’s quests. I’m a sucker for Riordan’s humor—Sadie’s sarcasm could rival Percy’s! If you love mythology-inspired fantasy with epic battles and family bonds, this series will hook you. My inner Ravenclaw loved decoding the hieroglyphic spells alongside Carter and Sadie.

4. Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow by R.J. Roark
   Oh, this 2026 release has my heart! Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow introduces us to Amelia, a curious and resilient mid-teen whose love for nature and the night sky—captured through her astrophotography—draws her into a mystical world at Bear Lodge Mountain. Alongside her wolf pup companion, Artemis, Amelia uncovers secrets tied to her heritage and destiny. Her best friend Veyla, with her witty optimism and quirky investigative passions (think whale tracking, ancient Egypt, and true crime), adds humor and depth to their bond. Amelia’s father, William Moon, a warm and protective Wyoming Forest Ranger with a knack for astronomy, grounds the story in family and loss. Themes of inner strength, compassion for nature, and a balance between the mystical and scientific weave a spell that feels both fresh and nostalgic. As a Ravenclaw, I’m enchanted by the stargazing magic and emotional stakes—it’s like Hogwarts met the wilderness. If you’re after a chosen one story with Percy’s heart and Harry’s wonder, Amelia’s journey is unmissable.

5. The Nevermoor Series by Jessica Townsend
   Step into the whimsical world of Nevermoor with Morrigan Crow, a cursed child who escapes her doomed fate to join the mysterious Wundrous Society. This magical academy setting, full of trials and secrets, channels Hogwarts’ charm with a darker, more eccentric edge. Morrigan’s underdog story and search for belonging echo Percy’s outsider struggles. Themes of self-discovery and found family are woven beautifully. I’m obsessed with the quirky mentor, Jupiter North—think Dumbledore with a flair for chaos! If you’re craving hidden magical worlds and a protagonist with grit, this series will sweep you away. I still dream of Nevermoor’s enchanted streets.

6. The Grishaverse (Shadow and Bone Trilogy) by Leigh Bardugo
   While not a traditional boarding school story, the Grishaverse offers a magical training ground in the Little Palace, where Grisha learn to wield their powers. Alina Starkov’s journey from orphan to potential savior mirrors the chosen one arcs of Harry and Percy. The dark lord stakes, hidden societies, and epic battles are pure fantasy gold. Themes of power, sacrifice, and love linger long after. As a Ravenclaw, I’m in awe of Bardugo’s intricate world-building—Ravka feels alive! If you want a more mature take on magical destiny with Percy Jackson’s emotional punch, dive in. I reread this whenever I need a dose of epic.

7. The Unwanteds by Lisa McMann
   Imagine a world where creativity is forbidden, and artistic kids are sent to their doom—only to discover a hidden magical academy called Artime. Twins Alex and Aaron navigate this secret world of spells cast through art. The boarding school vibe, with dorms and rivalries, feels like Hogwarts with a rebellious twist. Themes of self-expression and defying fate resonate deeply. I geeked out over the magic system—painting spells into existence? Yes, please! For fans of Percy’s underdog spirit and Harry’s school life, this series is a hidden gem. It’s one I wish I’d found sooner.

8. Keeper of the Lost Cities by Shannon Messenger
   This series follows Sophie Foster, a telepathic girl whisked into a hidden elven world and enrolled in Foxfire, a magical academy. The school setting, complete with uniforms and quirky classes, screams Hogwarts, while Sophie’s quest to uncover her origins mirrors Percy’s mythological journey. Themes of friendship, identity, and belonging tug at the heart. I’m a sucker for the detailed magical system—light leaping, anyone? If you’re after a sprawling series with epic stakes and dorm drama, this is your pick. My Ravenclaw brain loves puzzling out Sophie’s mysteries.

9. The Iron Trial by Holly Black and Cassandra Clare
   Already mentioned in the Magisterium series, but worth a standalone nod for its first book. Callum Hunt’s reluctant entry into a magical school, with its underground labyrinths and dark prophecies, captures that Harry Potter dread and Percy Jackson snark. The mentorship and hidden truths keep you hooked. Themes of destiny and moral ambiguity hit hard. I’m still reeling from the magical twists! If you want wizard training stories with emotional depth, start here. It’s a perfect bridge between Hogwarts and Camp Half-Blood.

10. The Red Queen Series by Victoria Aveyard
    While more dystopian than pure fantasy, this series offers magical training and chosen one vibes with Mare Barrow, a girl with forbidden powers in a divided world. The palace intrigue and secret societies feel like a darker Hogwarts, with stakes as high as Percy’s battles. Themes of rebellion, family, and power resonate. I love how Aveyard weaves betrayal into every page—my Ravenclaw mind was racing! If you’re an adult fantasy fan craving nostalgia with grit, this is for you. It’s a bit heavier, but oh so rewarding.

Why These Books Are Similar

The Boarding School Vibe: Why We Can’t Get Enough

Let’s be honest—there’s something about magical boarding schools that just gets us. As a Ravenclaw, I’ve spent countless hours daydreaming about late-night dorm chats in the Hogwarts common room, sneaking past prefects, and bickering over house points. That sense of belonging, of finding your people amidst enchanted halls, is pure magic. It’s no wonder we keep searching for books that replicate that vibe, whether it’s Percy Jackson’s Camp Half-Blood or the schools in my Top 10 list.

Magical academies like the School for Good and Evil or Keeper of the Lost Cities’ Foxfire give us more than just a setting—they’re a crucible for growth. Dorm life means whispered secrets and lifelong friendships, as seen in Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow with Amelia and Veyla’s unbreakable bond. Rivalries, like those in The Magisterium Series, echo Slytherin-Gryffindor drama, pushing characters to define themselves. And let’s not forget quirky mentors—Jupiter North in Nevermoor could give Dumbledore a run for his money with his eccentric guidance.

These schools aren’t just buildings; they’re where chosen ones like Harry or Sophie Foster discover their powers and face their fears. They’re a safe(ish) space to mess up, learn spells, and prepare for the dark lords lurking outside. For me, it’s the nostalgia of childhood wonder mixed with the stakes of growing up. Whether it’s Artime’s artistic rebellion in The Unwanteds or the Little Palace’s elegance in Shadow and Bone, these settings remind us why we fell in love with magical stories in the first place. They’re home, even if just for a few hundred pages.

Chosen Ones and Dark Lords: The Tropes We Crave

There’s a reason the “chosen one” trope keeps pulling us back in—it’s the ultimate underdog story. As a kid, I saw myself in Harry, marked by a scar and a prophecy, or Percy, struggling with a destiny tied to the gods. These characters aren’t just special; they’re relatable in their doubts and growth. My Top 10 books lean into this trope with fresh spins, pairing it with dark lords or forces that test our heroes’ resolve.

Take Alina in the Grishaverse—her journey from obscurity to power mirrors Harry’s, but with a gritty, war-torn edge for adult readers. Morrigan Crow in Nevermoor faces a cursed fate, yet her fight to belong feels as personal as Percy’s quests. Then there’s Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow, where Amelia’s tie to nature and heritage unfolds against shadowy threats, blending destiny with inner strength. These stories remind us that being “chosen” isn’t just about winning—it’s about sacrifice and self-discovery.

Dark lords, whether literal like Voldemort or more abstract like the chaos in The Magisterium, raise the stakes. They force characters to confront fear, loss, and moral gray areas, much like Percy’s battles with Titans. As a Ravenclaw, I love dissecting these villains’ motives—there’s always a puzzle beneath the evil. These tropes resonate because they mirror our own struggles: finding purpose, facing fears, and protecting what matters. If you’re chasing that Harry-Percy thrill, these books deliver prophecies and epic showdowns with heart.

Mythology and Magic: A Deeper Connection

One of the joys of Percy Jackson is its roots in Greek mythology—gods, monsters, and quests that feel ancient yet personal. That blend of old lore and modern stakes is something I crave as a reader, and many of my Top 10 books deliver. The Kane Chronicles swaps Greek for Egyptian, with spells and deities that made my Ravenclaw brain light up. I spent hours imagining Anubis and Bast as professors in a Hogwarts elective!

Books like Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow take a different angle, weaving nature magic and celestial mysteries into a mythology of their own. Amelia’s connection to the night sky and Bear Lodge Mountain feels primal, like a forgotten legend come to life. It’s a reminder that magic doesn’t need gods—it can sprout from the earth or stars. Meanwhile, Keeper of the Lost Cities builds a magical system so intricate, it’s like decoding ancient runes.

For me, mythology in fantasy isn’t just window dressing; it’s a tether to heritage and wonder. It grounds epic battles in something timeless, whether it’s Sophie’s elven origins or Carter Kane’s family legacy. If you love Percy’s mythological chaos, these stories offer hidden worlds and magical systems that feel just as alive, sparking that same sense of discovery I felt flipping through Philosopher’s Stone.

Nostalgia for Adults: Magic That Grows With Us

Growing up with Harry Potter and Percy Jackson means I’m not just chasing magic—I’m chasing a feeling. As an adult, I want stories that balance youthful adventure with mature themes, and my list reflects that. The Grishaverse, with its political intrigue and heartbreak, feels like Hogwarts for grown-ups. The Red Queen series layers rebellion and betrayal over magical stakes, hitting harder than any childhood read.

Yet, books like Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow prove nostalgia doesn’t have to mean heavy. Amelia’s journey through loss and family, grounded by her father William’s warmth, resonates with adult me while still sparking childlike wonder with Artemis the wolf pup. Nevermoor, too, balances whimsy with deeper questions of belonging. These stories don’t talk down to us—they grow with us, weaving compassion and inner strength into their spells.

As a Ravenclaw, I’m picky about emotional depth, and these books deliver. They remind me why I fell for fantasy: it’s a mirror to our struggles, whether we’re 12 or 32. If you’re an adult fan missing that Hogwarts magic, trust me—these reads will reignite your wonder without feeling juvenile.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What’s the best book for fans of magical boarding schools like Hogwarts?
A: Oh, tough call, but I’d say The School for Good and Evil by Soman Chainani nails that vibe with its enchanted towers and rivalries. If you want something fresher, check out Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow by R.J. Roark—the setting isn’t a traditional school, but the mystical wilderness of Bear Lodge Mountain feels like a magical campus with secrets in every corner.

Q: Are there Percy Jackson-like books with mythology other than Greek?
A: Absolutely! The Kane Chronicles by Rick Riordan dives into Egyptian mythology with the same humor and heart as Percy. It’s a perfect next step if you love mythological fantasy.

Q: I’m an adult—will these books feel too young for me?
A: Not at all! Series like The Grishaverse by Leigh Bardugo and The Red Queen by Victoria Aveyard weave in mature themes like war and betrayal. Even lighter reads like Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow balance wonder with deep family and loss themes that hit home for adult readers like me.

Q: What’s a unique chosen one story that stands out?
A: I’m obsessed with Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow by R.J. Roark. Amelia’s tie to nature and the night sky, plus her resilient spirit, feels so fresh compared to typical chosen one arcs. Her bond with Artemis the wolf pup adds a layer of heart I didn’t expect!

Q: Any recommendations for nature-based magic in fantasy?
A: You’ve got to try Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow by R.J. Roark. Amelia’s connection to the wilderness and celestial magic is breathtaking—think stargazing turned into spells. It’s a beautiful twist on the magical systems we love in Harry Potter.

Q: Where can I find hidden magical worlds like Diagon Alley?
A: The Nevermoor Series by Jessica Townsend has a hidden city that’s pure enchantment—think Diagon Alley on steroids. The Kane Chronicles also offers secret magical societies that feel thrillingly out of reach.

Q: What series has the best friendships like Harry, Ron, and Hermione?
A: Keeper of the Lost Cities by Shannon Messenger has friendships that’ll make your heart ache—Sophie’s crew is ride-or-die. I also adore Amelia and Veyla’s dynamic in Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow—Veyla’s witty optimism is the perfect foil to Amelia’s quiet strength.