Let us know what authors similar to Rick Riordan we missed!
“With great power… comes great need to take a nap. Wake me up later.”
If you’ve devoured the Percy Jackson series and can’t get enough of Rick Riordan’s fast-paced adventures, witty characters, and mythology-infused stories, you’re not alone. Riordan’s books have a unique way of blending fantasy, humour, and heart that keeps readers hooked from start to finish. But what happens when you’ve finished Percy, Magnus Chase, or the Trials of Apollo and you’re craving more? The good news is that there are plenty of incredible authors like Rick Riordan who deliver the same sense of magic, mythology, and epic quests. From middle-grade fantasy to young-adult adventures filled with gods, monsters, and unlikely heroes, these writers are sure to capture your imagination and keep the pages turning. Whether you’re looking for books like Percy Jackson or simply want more authors similar to Rick Riordan, this list will guide you to your next favourite read.
Recommended books: Mythos Academy series, Elemental Assassin series
Kicking off our list of the best authors like Rick Riordan, is Jennifer Estep. Best known for her Mythos Academy series, Estep mixes modern settings with ancient mythology in a way that is sure to strike a chord with any Percy Jackson fans out there. Her stories follow young heroes who discover hidden powers, encounter legendary creatures, and discover that the myths of the past are still very much alive today. Similar to Riordan, Estep blends action, humour, and coming-of-age themes.
A great place to begin is with Touch of Frost, the first entry in the bestselling Mythos Academy series, which introduces Gwen Frost, a teenager gifted with magical abilities, who must navigate a school for descendants of mythical warriors. If you love books like Percy Jackson, Estep’s novels are an excellent next read.
Recommended books: Fablehaven series, Dragonwatch series
The mastermind behind the Fablehaven and Dragonwatch series, Brandon Mull, creates magical worlds filled with mythical creatures, ancient secrets, and epic quests. Much like Rick Riordan’s Percy Jackson books, his stories juggle humour, action, and heart, making them appealing to both middle-grade and young-adult readers. His characters are ordinary kids who happen upon extraordinary circumstances, where they are forced to wrestle with dangerous creatures and protect the balance between worlds.
If you’ve found yourself looking for books similar to Percy Jackson, begin with Fablehaven, where siblings Kendra and Seth learn that their grandparents’ estate is really a sanctuary for mythical beings. Once you’ve fallen into that world, continue the adventure with Dragonwatch, which expands on the mythology and raises the stakes even higher.
Recommended books: Artemis Fowl series
When it comes to authors like Rick Riordan, Eoin Colfer is an easy recommendation. A global bestseller on the back of his Artemis Fowl series, Colfer blends sharp humour, clever plotting, and a mischievous young hero who typically finds himself in over his head. Whilst Riordan’s books in the Percy Jackson series centre around mythology, Colfer opts for the world of high-tech fairies, magical creatures, and daring heists in his works.
Both authors have a knack for witty dialogue and creating unforgettable characters who walk the fine line between hero and troublemaker. Artemis Fowl is naturally the best book to read first here, introducing the twelve-year-old criminal mastermind who uncovers a world of fairies and magic.
Recommend books: The Bartimaeus Trilogy
If you’re looking for authors similar to Rick Riordan with a slightly darker edge, Jonathan Stroud is your man. His Bartimaeus Trilogy is brimming with sharp wit, magical duels, and a snarky djinni whose sarcastic commentary keeps readers laughing even in the midst of danger. Like Riordan, Stroud deftly blends humour with action and conjures a world where young protagonists face epic responsibilities far beyond their years.
A great place to begin is with The Amulet of Samarkland, the first book in the Bartimaeus Trilogy. It orbits around Nathaniel, a young magician’s apprentice, who summons Bartimaeus – a powerful, wisecracking djinni – and soon gets caught up in a web of political intrigue and magical chaos.
Recommended books: Wings of Fire series
While Rick Riordan draws on Greek mythology, Tui T. Sutherland creates her own richly imagined dragon mythology, complete with prophecies, warring tribes, and young heroes struggling to find their place in the world. Both authors capture that blend of epic adventure, humour, and heart that makes fantasy so addictive for middle-grade readers.
If you’re looking for books like Percy Jackson but want a fresh twist on the formula, start with The Dragonet Prophecy, the first book in Wings of Fire. It introduces five young dragons who embark to fulfill a prophecy that could end generations of conflict.
Recommended books: Pegasus series, Valkyrie series
Kate O’Hearn’s Pegasus series blends modern-day adventure with Greek mythology, much like Riordan’s stories. O’Hearn’s stories typically feature young protagonists who stumble into extraordinary quests, facing gods, mythical creatures, and epic challenges along the way. What makes her work so appealing to fans of Riordan is her ability to bring ancient myths into flesh, contemporary settings, whilst keeping the action fast-paced and characters relatable.
A fantastic place to start is Pegasus: The Flame of Olympus, where a young girl called Emily happens upon a wounded winged horse on a Manhattan rooftop, hauling her into a battle between gods and monsters. O’Hearn explores Norse mythology in her Valkyrie series, creating another thrilling adventure series perfect for mythology lovers.
Recommended books: Tristan Strong series
Kwame Mbaila’s award-winning Tristan Strong series, published under Rick Riordan Presents, blends African American folklore and West African mythology into fast-paced, heartfelt adventures. Much like Riordan’s books, Mbaila’s writing balances humour, action, and emotional depth, whilst celebrating cultural storytelling traditions in fresh and exciting ways. His stories explore themes of friendship, bravery, and identity, making them a powerful choice for readers who loved Percy Jackson.
Start with Tristan Strong Punches a Hole in the Sky, where seventh-grader Tristan accidentally tears a hole in the world of legendary gods, spirits, and folktale heroes. Mbaila’s work is engaging, imaginative, and unforgettable.
Recommended books: Aru Shah and the End of Time series
In Roshani Chokshi’s Aru Shah and the End of Time series, Hindu mythology is brought to life in a way that feels just as thrilling and accessible as Riordan’s books. Chokshi’s novels weave humour, adventure, and relatable young heroes who must navigate epic quests filled with gods, demons, and magical challenges. Her writing captures the same fast-paced energy and witty dialogue that make Riordan’s work so beloved.
A great place to jump in is with Aru Shah and the End of Time, where young Aru accidentally awakens a demon and sets off on a dangerous mission to save the world. Fans can continue the journey through the series, offering a vibrant and engaging next step into a world of magic and legend.
Recommended books: Legend series, Young Elites series
While her Legend and Young Elites series lean more towards dystopian and dark fantasy than classical mythology, Marie Lu’s books share the same fast-paced action, clever plots, and character-driven storytelling that Rick Riordan fans love. Lu excels at creating worlds that are brimming with danger, intrigue, and morally complex characters, keeping readers turning the pages just as eagerly as they do with Percy Jackson.
A great starting point is Legend, which follows June and Day, two teenagers on opposite sides of a dystopian society, as their paths collide in a story of loyalty, courage, and strategy. If you loved Percy Jackson and you’re looking for something with a bit more of a grown-up, grittier feel, the Young Elites series is a solid option.
Recommended books: The Secrets of the Immortal Nicholas Flamel series
For fans looking for authors like Rick Riordan, Michael Scott is a great option for another writer who excels at creating expansive universes packed full of adventure, wit, and unforgettable characters. His The Secrets of the Immortal Nicholas Flamel series ties together history, myth, and magic in a way that mirrors the adventurous spirit of the Percy Jackson series.
Scott’s stories feature young protagonists thrust into epic quests, encountering legendary figures and magical creatures while racing against time to save the world. Like Riordan, he balances humour, action, and rich mythology, making his books hugely captivating for middle-grade and YA readers. The perfect starting point is The Alchemyst, the first book in the series, where twins Sophie and Josh discover the legendary alchemist Nicholas Flamel and are sucked into a battle involving gods, immortals, and ancient prophecies.
Recommended books: Skulduggery Pleasant series
This one is a real favourite for us here at What We Reading. Derek Landy is best known for his Skulduggery Pleasant series, which follows a wisecracking skeleton sorcerer and detective and his partner, Stephanie Edgely. This bestselling dark fantasy series features humour, magic, fast-paced adventures, and a smart, resourceful edge that makes every entry so enthralling.
The first entry in the series follows Skulduggery, Stephanie, and their numerous magic-wielding allies attempting to prevent the necromancer Nefarian Serpine from unleashing a powerful weapon called The Sceptre of Ancients. Fans of books like Percy Jackson will love the humour, clever plotting, and magical mayhem that Landy brings to every instalment in this bestselling series.
Check Out The Best Fantasy Books For Tweens
Part-time reader, part-time rambler, and full-time Horror enthusiast, James has been writing for What We Reading since 2022. His earliest reading memories involved Historical Fiction, Fantasy and Horror tales, which he has continued to take with him to this day. James’ favourite books include The Last (Hanna Jameson), The Troop (Nick Cutter) and Chasing The Boogeyman (Richard Chizmar).
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