For Those Who Grew Up with Percy: Books Like Percy Jackson for Adults
If you devoured the Percy Jackson & the Olympians series as a kid and yearn for that same blend of adventure, humor, and mythology, you're not alone. While the world of demigods might seem like a distant memory, there are plenty of books for adults that capture the spirit of Rick Riordan's epic saga.
Get ready to dive back into a world of mythical creatures, powerful magic, and epic battles!
Modern Takes on Greek Mythology
**1. ** Circe and The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller: These novels are lauded for their beautiful prose and poignant portrayals of ancient Greek myths. Circe reimagines the story of the sorceress Circe, offering a feminist perspective on her struggles for power and autonomy. The Song of Achilles weaves a captivating tale of love and war, focusing on the relationship between Achilles and Patroclus.
**2. ** Mythos by Stephen Fry: This witty and accessible retelling of Greek myths brings the gods and monsters of ancient Greece to life with humor and intelligence. Fry's engaging storytelling style makes even the most familiar myths feel fresh and exciting.
**3. ** A Thousand Ships by Natalie Haynes: This novel offers a powerful and thought-provoking reimagining of the Trojan War, told from the perspectives of the women who were impacted by the conflict. Haynes's feminist lens brings a fresh perspective to the classic story.
Beyond Olympus: Adventures in Diverse Mythologies
**1. ** The House in the Cerulean Sea by T.J. Klune: This heartwarming and humorous story follows a social worker investigating an orphanage for magical children. While not focused on Greek mythology, it shares the spirit of adventure and acceptance found in Percy Jackson.
**2. ** The Priory of the Orange Tree by Samantha Shannon: This epic fantasy novel blends elements of dragons, magic, and ancient lore, offering a complex world to explore. The book's sweeping scope and intricate characters will appeal to fans of sprawling fantasy series.
**3. ** The Poppy War by R.F. Kuang: Set in a world inspired by Chinese mythology, this dark fantasy novel features a compelling protagonist navigating war, betrayal, and the darker aspects of magic. It is a powerful and gritty exploration of themes of war and trauma.
For the True Fans of Camp Half-Blood
**1. ** The Kane Chronicles by Rick Riordan: This series introduces Egyptian mythology to the world of demigods, following the adventures of two siblings who discover their magical heritage. You'll find familiar elements of humor, action, and mythological creatures that make it a worthy successor to Percy Jackson.
**2. ** Magnus Chase and the Gods of Asgard by Rick Riordan: This series ventures into Norse mythology, featuring a homeless teen who discovers he's a descendant of the god Frey. It maintains Riordan's signature blend of humor, action, and mythology, but with a new set of Norse gods and monsters.
**3. ** The Trials of Apollo by Rick Riordan: This series brings back the familiar world of Camp Half-Blood, but with a new perspective. Apollo, the god of music and the sun, is stripped of his divine powers and must find his way back to his former glory. This series features some familiar faces and expands on the mythology introduced in Percy Jackson.
No matter what your preferred style of fantasy or adventure, there's a book out there waiting to transport you back to a world of myths and magic. So grab a copy, embark on a new adventure, and rediscover the joy of storytelling.
