For readers who loved the magic, adventure, and character-driven storytelling of Harry Potter, Percy Jackson & The Olympians by Rick Riordan is a natural next step. This series takes the familiar themes of destiny, friendship, and hidden worlds and weaves them into an exciting modern mythology. While the world of Percy Jackson is distinct from that of Harry Potter, it offers the same heart-pounding action, humor, and deep emotional resonance that made J.K. Rowling’s series so beloved.
One of the most compelling aspects of Harry Potter is Harry’s journey from an ordinary boy to a figure of great importance in the magical world. Percy Jackson follows a similar arc, beginning as a struggling student with a troubled past who suddenly learns that he is no ordinary kid—he is the son of Poseidon, one of the Greek gods. Just as Harry is thrown into the wizarding world, Percy is introduced to Camp Half-Blood, a sanctuary for demigods like him. This revelation changes his life, forcing him to navigate new dangers, develop his abilities, and face a destiny greater than himself. For Harry Potter fans, Percy’s journey of self-discovery will feel instantly familiar and just as thrilling.
One of the joys of Harry Potter is the idea that magic is hidden in plain sight, just beneath the surface of the ordinary world. Percy Jackson builds on this concept by weaving Greek mythology into modern-day life. The gods of Olympus, mythical creatures, and ancient prophecies exist all around us, but only demigods and certain mortals can see them. This blend of history, myth, and adventure creates the same sense of wonder that Harry Potter fans love—offering a universe where everyday locations like New York City hold magical secrets, just like Diagon Alley and Platform 9¾.
Friendship is at the heart of Harry Potter, with Harry, Ron, and Hermione forming an unbreakable bond that carries them through every challenge. Percy Jackson has its own trio of unforgettable characters: Percy, Annabeth, and Grover. Their dynamic is just as engaging, with Percy’s humor and bravery, Annabeth’s intelligence and strategy, and Grover’s loyalty and comic relief making for a well-balanced team. Their relationships grow and evolve over the course of the series, reinforcing the same themes of trust, sacrifice, and friendship that made Harry Potter so powerful.
While Harry Potter is built around a structured magical system with spells, potions, and wands, Percy Jackson channels its fantasy elements through mythology. Demigods like Percy inherit unique abilities from their godly parents, making their powers feel both personal and unpredictable. The presence of mythical creatures like centaurs, satyrs, and hydras adds a rich layer to the story, much like the magical beasts in Harry Potter. Instead of a traditional magic school, Percy trains at Camp Half-Blood, a summer camp where demigods learn to wield celestial bronze weapons and master their divine gifts. The result is a world that feels just as immersive and enchanting, while offering a fresh take on how magic manifests.
Just as Harry is guided by the prophecy that links him to Voldemort, Percy is bound to an ancient prophecy that predicts the fate of Olympus and the world itself. This prophecy adds a layer of tension and mystery to the story, forcing Percy to question his role and responsibility, much like Harry does throughout his own journey. The looming sense of fate versus free will gives the Percy Jackson series an emotional depth that will resonate with Harry Potter fans who love stories about chosen ones struggling to define their own paths.
Percy Jackson & The Olympians is the perfect series to read after Harry Potter because it captures the same excitement, humor, and emotional weight while offering a completely fresh setting and mythology. With a relatable protagonist, an engaging magical system rooted in Greek mythology, and an unforgettable cast of characters, this series provides a seamless transition for fans looking for their next great adventure. While Hogwarts may be behind you, Camp Half-Blood awaits with new legends to uncover, monsters to battle, and friendships to cherish.