For a nautical adventure with mythical sea creatures, 'Voyage of the Frostheart' by Jamie Littler is a wonderful middle-grade series. It's set in a snowy, monster-filled world where a boy with a forbidden song magic travels in a giant sleigh-ship.
The found-family crew, the map exploration, and the mysterious leviathans give it a sense of wonder and peril. While it's original fantasy, the vibe of journeying through a dangerous world full of ancient, singing beasts has a mythic quality that fans of Percy's seafaring adventures might love.
I've spent years hunting down books that scratch that same itch—mythology meets the modern world with a side of humor and heart. 'The Kane Chronicles', also by Riordan, is an obvious pick, diving into Egyptian mythology with the same witty, fast-paced style. But if you want something fresh, 'Aru Shah and the End of Time' by Roshani Chokshi is a brilliant Indian mythology-infused adventure with a protagonist who’s just as flawed and relatable as Percy.
For a darker twist, 'The Goddess Test' by Aimee Carter reimagines Greek myths in a contemporary setting with a gothic vibe. Meanwhile, 'American Gods' by Neil Gaiman is a more mature take, blending ancient deities with modern Americana in a way that’s both surreal and deeply thought-provoking. If you’re into urban fantasy with a mythological backbone, 'The Iron Druid Chronicles' by Kevin Hearne packs action, humor, and Celtic gods into a modern-day romp. Each of these books offers a unique spin on mythology, making them perfect for fans craving more after 'Percy Jackson'.
Hmm, is the core desire here the 'chosen one in a modern myth' framework, or the specific young adult adventure tone? Because if it's the former, Naomi Novik's 'A Deadly Education' is a dark academia twist. The protagonist, El, is prophesied to become a monstrous dark sorceress, making her a 'chosen villain' of sorts. Her entire school existence is a brutal, survivalist quest against the monsters that infest the building.
It subverts the trope by making the hero's journey about actively fighting against a dark destiny rather than embracing a glorious one. The mythological elements are more generically magical, but the structure of facing trials, making allies, and uncovering hidden truths about her power is very much a hero's quest narrative, just with teeth.