The Underland Chronicles vs. Percy Jackson

After finishing The Underland Chronicles two days ago, I have one thing to say:

THEY WERE AWESOME! But...they reminded me A LOT of Percy Jackson. (Fine, two things)

So I decided to whip up some of the main Olympian/Underlander similarities I found here:

• Gregor vs. Percy: Both are extremely loyal to their families and become excellent warriors throughout the series. Both end up using resourcefullness during their quests. Both also use sarcasm and humor many times during the series. Who I liked better: Gregor. Don't get me wrong, I loved Percy too. Gregor, however, had more realistic fatal flaws, not to mention hubris (an essential quality most heroes encounter). Let's just say I found Percy too perfect. Also, Gregor was pretty non-whiny, compared to Percy. Don't forget that Gregor had to endure more than Percy as well. He didn't even get a weapon on his first quest. When he was offered a sword, he refused it. I like that. :D
• Luxa vs. Annabeth: Both are intelligent (compared to the other characters) and initially scorn their future love interest. Luxa's parents are dead and Annabeth's parents don't want her (or that's what she thinks). Both are extremely loyal to their friends (Luxa declares war on the rats for killing the nibblers; Annabeth accompanies Percy on almost all his quests). Both are separated from their love interest at some point for a while. Who I liked better: Luxa. Annabeth seemed like a whiny brat compared to what Luxa went through. Luxa was also was unselfish, in comparison with Annabeth. She also evolved through the series and became less pompous. At least Luxa didn't whine about all the times Henry betrayed her, considering all the times Annabeth complained about Luke's betrayal.
• Henry vs. Luke: The reason I put these two characters together was that their betrayals caused major impacts on the characters and the plot. Both of their betrayals affected Annabeth/Luxa respectably, and both Annabeth and Luxa were unable to hate them. Who I liked better: Sorry Henry. I thought Luke had more reasons for his betrayal and more character depth than Henry. Then again, he was in five books, compared with Henry's single appearance.
• Vikus vs. Chiron:Both were mentors towards the main protagonist throughout the series. Both of these characters had secrets about their families (Vikus was Luxa's grandfather and Chiron was Kronos's son). Both these characters had TROUBLE understanding their families (Vikus didn't understand Solovet's ruthelesness; Chiron didn't understand Kronos's power-hungry attitude). Who I liked beter: Vikus. Chiron seemed like the ideal teacher without any flaws. Vikus was definitely the more interesting one of the two; he had flaws and wasn't the omniscient "perfect person" Chiron was.
• Regalia vs. Olympus: Both these settings were significant in many parts of the books. I liked Olympus more, mainly because of the gods. :)
• Howard vs. Charles Beckendorf: Both these characters were brother-like figures to the main protagonist. Both were also considered (by me) heroic. Who I liked better: Howard. He played the part of a mature person very well :).
• Ripred vs. Ares: The one thing that caught me about these two was their use of sarcasm. Who I liked better: Ripred. No questions asked.
• Prophecies: Both books has prophecies that shape the character's destiny (or at least forshadows it). In fact, the last prophecy of both series foreshadowed the hero's death.
• Ares (bat) vs. Blackjack: Both were "pets" of the main protagonist and functioned as means of transportation. Who I liked better: Ares. Ares was lonely and secluded most of his life; his bond with Gregor was also interesting. Blackjack's relationship with Percy was VERY boring.
• Nerissa vs. Rachel: Both had the ability to understand prophecies. Who I liked better: Nerissa. Rachel annoyed me a lot and I felt she wasn't that interesting. Nerissa's personality intrigued me throughout the series. I was glad she didn't die.
• Bane vs. Bessie: Both were initially viewed as innocent creatures. However, their power was underestimated. Bessie had it easier than the Bane though. Who I liked better: Bessie; I think it's mainly the name.
• Twirltongue vs. Prometheus: Both these characters were highly manipulative and were able to twist people's minds, even the main protagonist's. Who I liked better: Twirltongue. She was evil to the core and her persuasion skills surpassed Prometheus's.
• TUC or Percy Jackson? Sorry Olympians but I'm going with The Underland Chronicles.