Introduction: Why Rick Riordan Fans Need a Curated Discovery Playbook
So you have devoured every Rick Riordan book. Percy Jackson, the Kane Chronicles, Magnus Chase. You laughed, you cried, and now you are staring at your bookshelf wondering what to read next.
You are not alone.
Rick Riordan’s books have sold over 191 million copies worldwide, according to recent statistics. The Percy Jackson series alone accounts for more than 180 million copies across 35 countries. That is a massive community of readers who all face the same challenge: finding the next great YA fantasy book that hits the same sweet spot.
Here is the thing. The YA fantasy genre is packed with thousands of titles. Without a guide, you might waste hours browsing, pick something that looks good but feels flat, and end up right back where you started. It is frustrating.
This article is your playbook. We have put together a research-backed roadmap to help you discover hidden gems, build personalized reading lists, and even find fresh picks for your book club. Whether you want more mythology-inspired adventures, fast-paced quests, or stories with the same humor and heart, we have you covered.
Along the way, we will also point you toward other fan favorites like the books for teens in the speculative fiction world that Riordan readers often love. And if you are ready to start exploring right now, check out our curated recommendations for more unusual, offbeat fantasy finds.
Let us find your next obsession.
What Makes Rick Riordan Books So Irresistible? Decoding the Formula
Before you go hunting for your next obsession, it helps to understand why the rick riordan books you already love hook you in the first place.
Once you see the secret recipe, spotting it in other ya fantasy books becomes way easier.
Mythology meets modern life. Riordan takes ancient gods and drops them straight into our world. A dyslexic kid finds out his dad is Poseidon. Egyptian deities walk through a museum in Brooklyn. This blend of the familiar and the fantastic makes everything feel possible. You do not have to learn a complicated new fantasy land. The setting is our world, just with a magical layer on top. That keeps the story grounded and the action moving fast.
Humor that never stops. Let us be honest. Percy Jackson is genuinely funny. The jokes land even when the stakes are life or death.
This humor makes heavy topics like identity, loss, and betrayal easier to digest. It keeps you turning pages late into the night. In fact, the Percy Jackson series alone has sold over 180 million copies across 35 countries, according to recent sales data. That kind of global love does not happen without a formula that clicks with millions.
Relatable coming-of-age arcs. At their core, Riordan novels are about kids figuring out who they are. Percy struggles with ADHD and dyslexia. Annabeth carries a deep need to prove herself. These are real, everyday challenges wrapped in mythological adventures. Readers see themselves in these characters. This emotional connection is what turns a casual reader into a lifelong fan. It is the same reason that hunger games books resonate so deeply with books for teens who want stories about brave young people finding their place in a messy world.
Worldbuilding anyone can enter. Riordan never dumps you into a confusing fantasy map with ten made-up names on page one. He introduces each mythological concept step by step. A talking cat here. A magical elevator there. This approach lowers the barrier for new fantasy readers. It makes ya fantasy books feel less intimidating and more like an invitation to explore.
The best part? Many other authors use this same powerful formula. Once you know what to look for, you can find dozens of good books to read for teens with mythology inspired quests, sharp humor, and real heart. To start your journey, browse our curated recommendations for offbeat fantasy titles that channel the same Riordan energy into fresh, unexpected directions.
Top 10 YA Fantasy Authors Every Rick Riordan Fan Should Read Next
You now know the secret sauce behind the rick riordan books you love. Fast pacing. Witty dialogue. Mythology made fresh. And characters who feel like real kids. So where do you go when you have read every Percy Jackson book twice? Here are ten ya fantasy books authors who bring that same magic to the page.
I picked these names by looking at what Riordan fans actually read next. Goodreads members who enjoy Riordan also gravitate toward authors like Lois Lowry and Christopher Paolini. And in a recent Q&A, Riordan himself recommended Rosie Brown’s Serwa Boateng series from his own Rick Riordan Presents imprint. That is a direct signal you can trust.
| Author | Start Here | Why It Fits |
|---|---|---|
| Rosie Brown | Serwa Boateng series | Riordan personally endorses this one. It blends Ghanaian folklore with modern middle grade life. Fast, funny, and full of heart. |
| Diana Wynne Jones | Charmed Life (Chrestomanci series) | She is a master of witty dialogue and layered magic systems. Readers in the Goodreads community frequently name her as a top pick after Riordan. |
| Jessica Townsend | Nevermoor: The Trials of Morrigan Crow | Think Percy Jackson energy with a magical hotel instead of Camp Half-Blood. Quirky quests. A heroine who never gives up. Pure fun. |
| J.K. Rowling | Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone | The classic comparison holds up. Magic hidden inside our world. A chosen one. Humor that balances dark stakes. Millions of readers agree. |
| Christopher Paolini | Eragon | If you love the quest structure in Riordan’s books, Paolini delivers. A farm boy discovers his destiny. Dragons. Epic battles. Slow burn worldbuilding. |
| Lois Lowry | The Giver | Less mythology, but deep coming-of-age storytelling. Riordan fans who love the emotional weight of Percy’s journey will find the same resonance here. |
| Mark Oshiro | The Sun and the Star (co-written with Riordan) | Oshiro co-wrote this direct sequel in the Percy Jackson universe. If you want more of that world, start here. Then dive into their original work. |
| Tui T. Sutherland | Wings of Fire series | Fast pacing. A team of young heroes. High stakes. Dragons instead of demigods, but the energy is identical. Great for readers who burn through series. |
| Katherine Rundell | Impossible Creatures | Mythical animals, a hidden archipelagos, and a kid who must save them. Rundell writes with the same wonder Riordan brings to ancient myths. |
| Tahereh Mafi | Furthermore | Whimsical. Colorful. A girl with no magic goes on a quest in a fantastical world. Mafi’s humor lands perfectly for readers who love Percy’s voice. |
This list includes big names and hidden gems. But here is the thing. You can find even more good books to read for teens by following the same path Riordan fans have walked for years. The formula is out there. You just need to know where to look.
If you love the battle royal tension of the hunger games books, you will find plenty of crossover appeal in the authors above. Many of these series share that same blend of high stakes and young characters fighting for their place in a broken system. It is a powerful mix that keeps books for teens flying off shelves.
You now have ten doors to walk through. Pick one start here title and give it 50 pages. That is all it takes to know if it clicks. And if you want even more curated picks, you can always browse our full recommendations for offbeat fantasy titles that channel the same Riordan energy into fresh, unexpected directions.
Hidden Gems: Underrated YA Fantasy Authors and Series (2026 Edition)
The last section gave you ten solid authors. But what if you want something truly unexpected? The best ya fantasy books in 2026 are not always the ones with the biggest marketing budgets. Some of the most exciting books for teens come from small presses and authors who take big creative risks. These are the good books to read for teens that deserve a much bigger spotlight.
Think of this as your secret map. Here are six authors and trends shaping the hidden side of YA fantasy right now.
U. M. Agoawike Black as Diamond
Nigerian Canadian author. Dark, thrilling debut. Queer identity. Fresh and bold. Perfect for rick riordan books fans who want something deeper. Featured on the Unmissable Fantasy and SciFi of 2026 list.
Carnival Fantástico
Latin American magic. Folklore traditions mainstream YA rarely touches. A must-watch for mythology lovers. It is part of the 2026 YA releases by BIPOC authors roundup.
Small Press & Cozy Fantasy
Small presses take big swings. According to Litro Magazine’s guide, books like Ghost Driver prove independent publishers lead originality. Meanwhile, the cozy fantasy trend is booming. Rachel A. Greco highlights books with cozy dragons and low-stakes magic. Perfect for readers who love Riordan’s warmth but want a quieter setting.
ALA Winners & Anticipated Debuts
The ALA Youth Media Awards handpicks the year’s best. Pair that with the 72 Anticipated YA Books Releases Of 2026 from The Nerd Daily, and you have a goldmine of fresh, overlooked voices.
If you love the high stakes of hunger games books, you will find plenty of crossover appeal here. Check out our ya speculative fiction picks for even more connections.
Finding these hidden gems takes time. That is why we built a space for readers who love the unusual. Browse Recommendations on Fiction Fantasy Novels to discover your next favorite book.
How to Build Your Own Personalized YA Fantasy Reading List (Step-by-Step)
You just discovered six hidden gems. But now you might feel stuck. How do you pick which one to read first? And how do you keep finding more good books to read for teens that match your exact taste?
The secret is not a generic algorithm. It is a "taste map." Think of it as your personal compass for ya fantasy books. Here is how to build one in three easy steps.
Step 1: Define your taste map
Start with what you already love. If you love rick riordan books, you know you enjoy mythology, humor, and fast-paced quests. If you love hunger games books, you lean toward high stakes and survival stories. Write down your favorite subgenres: urban fantasy, epic fantasy, comic fantasy. Then note the tone you want (funny, dark, cozy) and any diversity requirements. Readers who enjoyed Rick Riordan also tend to like authors like Lois Lowry and Christopher, according to Goodreads similarities. This helps you find your next read faster.
Step 2: Use smart resources
Do not rely on guesswork. Use tools built for books for teens discovery.
- Book subscription services: Boxes like OwlCrate offer curated monthly picks.
Their blog even shares tips on 2026 reading goals to help you stay on track.
- Peer recommendation threads: The Goodreads community is full of threads where readers ask for series similar to Harry Potter or Percy Jackson. You can find real people sharing overlooked gems.
- Library catalogs: Your local library often has staff picks and genre lists. Plus, you can borrow without spending a dime.
- Personalized tools: Services like Bookfinity give recommendations based on your reading personality, not just what is popular.
Step 3: Build a seasonal pipeline
Decision fatigue is real. Avoid it by planning three months ahead. For example, in spring read cozy fantasy with dragons. In fall try darker urban fantasy. The 2026 book reading checklists organized by genre make this easy. Just pick a theme for each season and add three books. When you finish one, grab the next without thinking.
If you want more crossover between your favorite series, check out our picks for fans of rick riordan books who also love high-stakes worlds: ya speculative fiction picks.
Building your own list takes a little effort, but it saves you from endless scrolling. Ready to start? Browse Recommendations on Fiction Fantasy Novels for curated lists that match your taste.
Using Book Clubs to Discover Diverse YA Fantasy and Build Community
Reading alone is great, but sometimes you want to talk about that twist ending or debate whether the dragon really died. That is where a book club comes in.
Book clubs turn a solo hobby into a shared adventure. Plus, they solve the problem of getting stuck in your own reading bubble. When you join a group, you read titles you would never pick yourself, and that opens the door to ya fantasy books you might miss.
The best book clubs in 2026 focus on diverse own-voices YA fantasy. Why? Because stories written by authors from underrepresented backgrounds bring fresh magic and real-world depth. Groups that pick books like the ones on the 2026 YA releases by BIPOC authors spark richer conversations. Readers learn about different cultures, identities, and experiences through fantasy worlds. That makes the discussion more meaningful and fun.
But how do you get a group to agree on a book? Here are a few simple tips.
- Rotate genres. One month read a cozy dragon story. Next month try a dark urban fantasy. The 2026 Fantasy Book Club Schedule is a great example of how to plan ahead so everyone gets a turn.
- Use discussion guides. Many publishers now provide free guides with questions. They help keep the talk focused and prevent awkward silences.
- Send spoiler-free teasers. Before the meeting, share a short blurb or a first chapter. That way members who did not finish can still join.
If your group loves high-stakes worlds like hunger games books, check out our picks for fans of rick riordan books who also enjoy survival stories: ya speculative fiction picks. These titles work great for group reads because they mix action with themes worth debating.
Ready to find your next club pick? Browse Recommendations on Fiction Fantasy Novels for curated lists that match diverse tastes. You will discover good books to read for teens that your whole group will love.
The Future of YA Fantasy: Trends Beyond 2025
The YA fantasy genre is changing fast. And honestly, it is getting better every year. In 2026, three big trends are reshaping what ya fantasy books look like.
If you grew up reading rick riordan books and loved learning about Greek and Egyptian myths, get ready for something even bigger.
Own-Voices Mythologies Are Taking Over
The biggest shift in YA fantasy right now is the rise of own-voices stories. Authors from underrepresented backgrounds are writing fantasy rooted in their own cultures. Think Afrofuturism, Indigenous folklore, and South Asian epics. These books bring fresh magic systems and real depth.
Publishers have noticed. The most anticipated YA books of 2026 include tons of own-voices fantasy titles.
Tracy Deonn’s Legendborn series, a GMA Book Club pick for April 2026, blends King Arthur legend with Black American history and identity. It is a perfect example of why diversity sells and why readers love it.
The trending YA books in 2026 show that romantasy and character-driven stories from diverse authors are where the excitement is. Readers are hungry for worlds that feel both magical and real.
Serialized Fiction and Interactive Stories Are Growing
Another trend is the growth of serialized fiction. Think fantasy apps, webnovels, and interactive storytelling where readers make choices that affect the plot. Platforms like Bookfinity help you discover personalized book recommendations based on your reading personality, making it easier to find serialized series.
This format works great for books for teens because it keeps them hooked chapter by chapter. You get bite-sized stories that feel like a TV show. And many of these serials eventually become print books too.
YA and Adult Fantasy Readers Are Blending
Here is the thing. More and more adults are reading good books to read for teens. The line between YA and adult fantasy is blurring fast. Books like the hunger games books already proved that crossover appeal works. Now readers of all ages are picking up YA fantasy for the strong characters and fast pacing.
If you are someone who loved rick riordan books as a teen and still craves that excitement, you are not alone. The best YA fantasy books to read in 2026 feature complex worlds and moral questions that satisfy adult readers too.
For fans of high-stakes survival stories, check out our YA speculative fiction picks for crossover reads that work for any age.
Your Next Step
The future of YA fantasy is diverse, interactive, and open to everyone. Whether you are a teen or an adult, there has never been a better time to dive in.
Browse Recommendations on Fiction Fantasy Novels for curated lists that help you discover the next big trend before everyone else.
Summary
This article is a practical discovery playbook for readers who have finished Rick Riordan’s books and want the next great YA fantasy to binge. It explains why Riordan’s mix of modern settings, mythological hooks, sharp humor, and relatable coming-of-age arcs work so well, then uses that formula to recommend authors and series with similar energy. You get a top-10 list of authors (from Rosie Brown to Tui Sutherland), a curated set of underrated 2026 voices and trends, and a three-step method to build a personal