The Percy Jackson books are fast becoming a classic: myths, monsters, heroes, and legends. And they’re not just for kids! People of all ages fall in love with these wacky characters full of courage and kindness. But what do you do when you’ve finished reading the books or watching the shows? These ten series will launch you into your next memorable adventure and leave you feeling like a hero.
How to Train Your Dragon by Cressida Cowell
Venture back into Hiccup’s world in these silly stories, complete with hilarious drawings. However, be warned that they are not like the books: they are much more playful, but still delightful for those wondering what it takes to be a hero in the Viking world.
Serafina and the Black Cloak by Robert Beatty
This four-book series is slightly spookier than the Percy Jackson books, where the “monster” is a man in a black cloak that Serafina teams up with another boy to uncover before all the children at the Biltmore estate in North Carolina disappear. Mystery, legend, and magic weaves throughout the story, giving readers an unforgettable adventure. Beatty has also written a delightful duology, Willa of the Wood, about a magic forest girl who lives in the Smoky Mountains, that is also a sweet adventure.
On the Edge of the Dark Sea of Darkness by Andrew Peterson
In this quirky and silly story, follow three siblings as they attempt to survive the pursuit of the venomous Fangs of Dang who have overtaken their city. Yes, you read that name right! The creatures in this book are as imaginative as those in the Percy Jackson series, with everything from horned cows to toothy cows. And the characters are just as brave and kind-hearted.
Wings of Fire by Tui T. Sutherland
In this middle-grade series, five young dragons have been raised to fulfill a prophecy and end a generations-long war. But not all the dragons wish to partake in a prophecy and long for lives of their own. The main character is just as funny and brave as Percy, and those who enjoy the unique magic for each demigod in the Percy Jackson books will appreciate all the various kinds of dragons that have their special kinds of magic.
Want more dragon books in your life? Check out this list of 23 dragon books that every fantasy lover should read!
The Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis
One of the most iconic, adventure fantasy series for middle grade is The Chronicles of Narnia. In my opinion, you can never read this series enough, and it never grows old–no matter how old you are! This series has some of everything: humor, brave characters who make mistakes and learn from them, tight-knit siblings and friends, terrifying monsters, and heroes even more good than those in the Percy Jackson books.
Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone by J.K. Rowling
Another classic (wow, that makes me feel old!) adventure series that readers of any age will love. Fans of the Percy Jackson series will love the close friendships, the quest-like feel of each book even though each story in the seven-book series all happens at the magical school of Hogwarts, and the fight for good and evil that occurs in each story. There’s also plenty of humor to lighten the more serious moments.
The School for Good and Evil by Soman Chainani
In this trilogy, the people who you believe to be good and evil are not always what you think! This series is a cleaner, more imaginative version of the play Wicked. Two friends, Sophie and Agatha, are taken to the School for Good and Evil, where ordinary boys and girls are trained to be fairy tale heroes and villains. When Agatha and Sophie are dropped into the opposite schools of where they expected to study, they must rediscover who they are. A delightfully humorous, imaginative story with hints of fairytales!
Check out this list of magic school fantasy books that will give you all the school vibes without all the homework!
Artemis Fowl by Eoin Colfer
There’s not much that Artemis, a rich, brilliant, 12-year old criminal mastermind can’t do. Until, that is, he captures a fairy, Captain Holly Short, whose spunk and smarts remind me of Annabeth in the Percy Jackson series. The two, along with some other unlikely team members, partner up to solve a dangerous mystery.
Fablehaven by Brandon Mull
Much like Percy, the siblings Kendra and Seth learn that their safe, normal world isn’t so safe or normal when powerful forces break out of the rules and wards protecting them. The characters must battle fearsome creatures to save their family, home, and the world.
Skyriders by Polly Holyoke
You can do anything when you have a winged horse at your beck and call! And good thing Kiesandra does, because she’ll need her faithful steed at her side to battle the monsters that reemerge and threaten the empire. Friends must overcome impossible odds, leaving the reader thrilled and wondering where they can pick up the next book in the series.
