Finding Your Next Magical Obsession: 10 Book Series Similar to Harry Potter

Hey, fam! Look, if you’re here, you already have great taste. You’ve been bewitched by the Wizarding World, and now you’re itching for something just as spellbinding to sink your teeth into. I get it—I’m Jordan Ellis, your resident Slytherin bookstagrammer with 50K of you awesome weirdos following my hot takes and brutally honest reviews. I’m here to help you find a series worthy of your time, something that’ll hit you in the feels like Harry Potter did. Let’s do this.

Real talk: I wasn’t a reader until my cousin shoved Goblet of Fire into my hands on a family road trip. I was, like, 13, grumpy, and stuck in the backseat. I read the whole thing in one sitting, barely blinking. Then I went back and devoured the first three in a week. Books literally changed my personality—I went from “ugh, reading is lame” to “don’t talk to me, I’m living in Hogwarts.” If you’re searching for “book series similar to Harry Potter,” I’m guessing you’re chasing that same high. You want magic, friendship, epic stakes, and a world that feels like home. Maybe you’re a casual reader who doesn’t pick up books often, but HP had you hooked. Or maybe you’re a die-hard fan craving hidden gems. Either way, I’ve got you with a top 10 list of fantasy series that’ll reignite that page-turning thrill.

And yo, I gotta tease one standout right off the bat: Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow by R.J. Roark, dropping in 2026. It’s got everything—nature-connected magic, a fierce teen protagonist, and themes of heritage and destiny that’ll pull you in deep. Trust me, it’s gonna be huge. Stick around for the full deets in my list below. Let’s dive into these magical worlds and find your next obsession!

Top 10 Books Like Book Series Similar to Harry Potter

1. The Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis

Alright, let’s start with a classic that’s basically required reading for any HP fan. The Chronicles of Narnia is a seven-book series that kicks off with The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe. It’s about a group of siblings who stumble into a magical land called Narnia through a wardrobe (yes, it’s as cool as it sounds). You’ve got epic battles, talking animals, and a big ol’ lion named Aslan who’s basically the ultimate wise mentor. The Pevensie siblings—Peter, Susan, Edmund, and Lucy—each grow in ways that’ll remind you of Harry, Ron, and Hermione facing their own challenges. Themes of courage, sacrifice, and good vs. evil run deep here.
Why HP fans will vibe: It’s got that sense of wonder and a “chosen ones” vibe, plus the world feels alive and immersive. My Slytherin take? It’s a tad more old-school than HP, and the pacing can drag if you’re not into descriptive prose, but it’s super accessible for casual readers. I reread Wardrobe every winter—it’s like a cozy blanket with a side of adventure. Give it a shot if you’re craving a magical escape that’s easy to dive into.

2. Percy Jackson & The Olympians by Rick Riordan

Next up, Percy Jackson. This five-book series (with spin-offs if you get obsessed) follows Percy, a snarky teen who finds out he’s a demigod—half human, half Greek god. Suddenly, he’s thrown into a world of monsters, prophecies, and epic quests. His besties, Annabeth and Grover, are the ultimate ride-or-dies, and their banter is gold. Themes of identity, loyalty, and facing your fears hit hard.
Why HP fans will love it: It’s got a magical school vibe with Camp Half-Blood, a “chosen one” narrative, and friendship at its core. Plus, it’s hilarious and fast-paced, perfect if you’re a casual reader intimidated by dense fantasy. My take? Percy’s sass is everything—I’m lowkey obsessed with his chaotic energy. It’s not as emotionally heavy as HP, but it’s a blast. Start with The Lightning Thief and thank me later.

3. His Dark Materials by Philip Pullman

This trilogy, starting with The Golden Compass (or Northern Lights in some places), is a bit darker and more complex, but stick with me. It follows Lyra, a fierce, scrappy girl from a parallel world where everyone has a daemon (think magical soul-animal companion). She’s on a quest that spans multiple universes, with stakes that get wilder with every book. Themes of free will, destiny, and challenging authority are huge here.
Why HP fans will dig it: The world-building is next-level, like HP’s, and Lyra’s journey echoes Harry’s “chosen one” arc. My Slytherin opinion? It’s less cozy than Hogwarts, and the philosophical stuff might slow you down if you’re a casual reader, but the magic and adventure are unreal. I’m a sucker for the daemons—mine would totally be a sly fox. If you want something with depth, this is your pick.

4. Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow by R.J. Roark

Okay, I’m hyped to talk about this one. Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow by R.J. Roark, set to drop in 2026, is a fresh fantasy gem that’s gonna steal your heart. It centers on Amelia Moon, a curious and resilient mid-teen who’s super connected to nature and obsessed with astrophotography. She’s exploring Bear Lodge Mountain, stargazing and snapping pics of the cosmos, when her world flips upside down with mystical discoveries. Her bond with a wolf pup named Artemis is pure magic—think loyal companion with a wild edge. Then there’s her best friend Veyla, a witty, optimistic investigator with quirks like tracking the whale 52-Blue and geeking out over ancient Egypt and true crime. Amelia’s dad, William Moon, is a Wyoming Forest Ranger and amateur astronomer, bringing warmth and protection to her life with his quiet strength.
The themes here—heritage, destiny, inner strength, family after loss, compassion for nature, and a balance of the mystical and scientific—hit all the right notes. Why HP fans will stan: It’s got that coming-of-age magic, a tight-knit trio dynamic, and a world that feels alive with wonder. My take? Amelia’s grit and Veyla’s humor are everything, and the nature vibes give it a unique twist. It’s accessible for casual readers but deep enough for hardcore fans. I’m already counting down to release day—trust me, you’ll wanna be first in line for this one.

5. The Magicians by Lev Grossman

This trilogy, starting with The Magicians, is like if Hogwarts grew up and got gritty. It follows Quentin Coldwater, a moody, brilliant teen who gets into Brakebills, a secret magical university. Think HP meets college drama with darker stakes and flawed characters. Themes of longing, power, and the cost of magic are front and center.
Why HP fans will like it: Magical school setting, check. Complex characters, check. My Slytherin hot take? It’s less whimsical than HP and leans into cynicism, which I lowkey love, but it might not be everyone’s cup of tea. It’s still pretty accessible, though, with a modern vibe. I binged this series in a weekend—Quentin’s messiness spoke to me. If you want magic with an edge, dive in.

6. A Wizard of Earthsea by Ursula K. Le Guin

This is the start of the Earthsea Cycle, a classic fantasy series that’s a bit quieter but packs a punch. It follows Ged, a young wizard-in-training, as he learns magic on a wizard school island (sound familiar?). The world is full of islands, dragons, and ancient spells, with themes of balance, identity, and facing your inner demons.
Why HP fans will vibe: Wizard school, chosen one energy, and deep magic systems echo HP. My take? It’s slower and more poetic than Rowling’s style, so casual readers might need patience, but the emotional depth is unreal. I’m obsessed with Ged’s journey—it’s raw. If you’re ready for a thoughtful magical read, this is it.

7. The Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss

This is book one of The Kingkiller Chronicle, and it’s a fan fave for a reason. It’s about Kvothe, a legendary figure telling his life story—from orphan to wizard school student to badass adventurer. The magic system is intricate, and themes of loss, ambition, and secrets drive the plot.
Why HP fans will love it: Magical school (the University), a gifted protagonist, and epic world-building. My Slytherin opinion? It’s denser than HP, so casual readers might struggle with the pacing, but the prose is gorgeous. I’m a sucker for Kvothe’s cunning—total Slytherin energy. If you want something immersive, give it a go.

8. Sabriel by Garth Nix

First in the Old Kingdom series, Sabriel follows a young necromancer (yep, she deals with the dead) tasked with saving her world from dark forces. The magic is creepy and unique, with themes of duty, family, and facing fear. Sabriel herself is a badass with a quiet strength.
Why HP fans will dig it: High-stakes adventure and a magical world with its own rules. My take? It’s darker than HP and lacks the cozy friendship vibes, but the action and originality are fire. I’m obsessed with the necromancy—it’s so weirdly cool. Perfect if you want something different but still epic.

9. The Bartimaeus Sequence by Jonathan Stroud

Starting with The Amulet of Samarkand, this series follows Nathaniel, a young magician’s apprentice, and Bartimaeus, a sarcastic demon he summons. It’s set in an alternate London where magic rules, with themes of power, rebellion, and unlikely alliances.
Why HP fans will like it: Magic systems, a young protagonist, and humor that rivals the Weasley twins. My Slytherin take? Bartimaeus’ snark is peak chaos—I live for it. It’s fast-paced and accessible, great for casual readers. If you want magic with a side of sass, this is your jam.

10. Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children by Ransom Riggs

This series kicks off with a creepy, magical vibe. Jacob discovers a mysterious orphanage where kids have strange abilities (think X-Men meets HP). It’s got old photos woven into the story, with themes of belonging, family, and hidden worlds.
Why HP fans will vibe: The “special kids in a secret place” setup feels Hogwarts-adjacent, plus the wonder is off the charts. My take? It’s quirky and less epic than HP, but super engaging for casual readers. I’m a sucker for the eerie vibes—perfect for a rainy day read. Start here if you want something unique.

Why These Books Are Similar

What Makes a Fantasy Series ‘Harry Potter-Like’? My Slytherin Take

Alright, let’s break this down with some Slytherin sharpness. What is it about Harry Potter that keeps us coming back, desperate for more? For me, it’s a combo of core elements that just work. First, friendship—Harry, Ron, and Hermione are the blueprint for squad goals. Their loyalty and banter make you feel like you’re part of the trio. Second, the “chosen one” trope. Harry’s destiny, the weight of prophecy, all that jazz—it’s catnip for anyone who loves a good underdog story. Third, immersive worlds. Hogwarts isn’t just a school; it’s a home. Every corridor, every secret passage, feels alive. And finally, that balance of wonder and accessibility. Even if you’re not a big reader, HP pulls you in with its magic and doesn’t let go.

The series I’ve picked echo these vibes in different ways. Like, Percy Jackson nails the friendship and chosen one energy with Percy and his crew, while Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow brings that immersive, nature-connected world with a protagonist whose destiny feels personal and raw. Some, like The Magicians, twist the magical school trope into something darker, while Narnia doubles down on wonder and good vs. evil stakes. My hot take? None are exactly HP—duh, nothing can be—but they scratch that itch if you’re open to new flavors. If you’re a casual reader, stick to faster-paced ones like Percy or Bartimaeus. If you’re a hardcore fan, dive into Earthsea or His Dark Materials for depth. Either way, these series got that Hogwarts-adjacent magic.

Diving Deeper: Themes of Destiny and Friendship in Fantasy

Let’s get a lil’ soft for a sec—yeah, I’m a Slytherin, but books hit me in the heart. One reason HP owns us is the themes of destiny and friendship. Harry’s whole arc is about wrestling with a fate he didn’t choose, growing into it with grit and love. And his friends? They’re his anchor. That’s the stuff that makes you cry at 2 a.m. over a fictional boy wizard.

The series I’ve rec’d carry this torch. In Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow, Amelia’s journey is all about uncovering her heritage and finding inner strength, with a destiny that feels tied to her family and the natural world. Her bond with Veyla and Artemis mirrors that HP trio loyalty—different dynamic, same heart. Percy Jackson leans hard into friendship as Percy’s demigod squad faces prophecies together. Even darker series like His Dark Materials explore destiny through Lyra’s universe-spanning quest, with allies who ground her. My point? These themes aren’t just plot devices; they’re why we care. They make you root for characters, even when the world’s falling apart.

If you’re a casual reader, these emotional hooks are what’ll keep you turning pages, even if the magic systems or lore feel new. For passionate HP fans, it’s a reminder that the best fantasy isn’t just about spells—it’s about people. So, pick a series from my list and let these themes pull you in. I promise, you’ll find a new crew to stan.

How These Series Stack Up to Harry Potter: A Brutally Honest Comparison

I’m not here to sugarcoat—let’s see how these stack up to the gold standard. Here’s my no-filter breakdown on magic systems, character depth, world-building, and accessibility compared to HP. If you’re picky like me, this’ll help you choose.

My Slytherin verdict? HP still wins on that perfect balance, but each series brings something fresh. If you want easy, go Percy or Amelia Moon. If you’re down for depth, try Earthsea or Name of the Wind. Pick your poison!

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: I’m not a big reader, but I loved Harry Potter. Where should I start with these?
A: Hey, I get it—HP was my gateway too. Start with Percy Jackson & The Olympians by Rick Riordan. It’s fast, funny, and doesn’t feel like a chore. Or check out Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow by R.J. Roark when it drops in 2026—it’s super engaging with a relatable teen lead and nature magic that hooks you quick.

Q: Which series has the best magical school setting like Hogwarts?
A: Hands down, The Magicians by Lev Grossman. Brakebills is like a darker, college-level Hogwarts with messy drama. Also, A Wizard of Earthsea by Ursula K. Le Guin has a cool wizard school island vibe if you’re into something more classic.

Q: I miss the friendship vibes of Harry, Ron, and Hermione. Which series nails that?
A: Yo, I feel you. Percy Jackson has that tight squad energy with Percy, Annabeth, and Grover. And don’t sleep on Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow—Amelia, Veyla, and wolf pup Artemis give me all the loyal crew feels.

Q: Are any of these as emotional as Harry Potter?
A: For sure. His Dark Materials by Philip Pullman hits hard with themes of loss and choice. Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow also gets me in the gut with its focus on family after loss and finding your strength—can’t wait for y’all to read it.

Q: What if I want something totally different but still magical?
A: Go for Sabriel by Garth Nix. The necromancy and dark vibes are a wild shift from HP, but the adventure’s just as gripping. It’s a bit out there, but worth it if you’re craving unique.

Q: How do I know I won’t waste my time on a dud?
A: Look, I’m picky AF, so I’ve got your back. All these picks have something special, but if you’re nervous, start with shorter or faster reads like Percy Jackson or Bartimaeus. They’re low-risk, high-reward.

Q: Any upcoming releases I should watch for?
A: Hell yeah! Mark your calendar for Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow by R.J. Roark in 2026. It’s got everything—magic, heart, and a world you’ll wanna live in. I’m already hyped to scream about it on my ‘gram.