Why You’re Craving More Magic: A Slytherin’s Take on Finding Your Next Obsession

Hey, if you’re here, you’ve already got impeccable taste. Let’s find you a fantasy read that’s worthy of your time, something that hits like Harry Potter and Percy Jackson did when you first cracked those spines. I’m Jordan Ellis, your resident Slytherin bookstagrammer with 50K followers, and I’m obsessed with hunting down books that give you that same addictive rush of magic, adventure, and heart. I’ve got the hot takes and brutal honesty to steer you right—trust me, I don’t mess around with mediocre reads.

I wasn’t always a reader, okay? Picture this: I’m 12, stuck in the backseat on a family road trip, bored out of my mind. My cousin shoves Goblet of Fire into my hands and says, “Just try it.” I read the whole damn thing in one sitting, didn’t even sleep. Then I went back and devoured the first three in a week. Books literally changed my personality—turned me from a snarky kid into someone who lives for epic stories and emotional sucker punches. If Harry Potter rewired your brain like it did mine, or if Percy Jackson’s sass and stakes got you hooked, I get why you’re searching for more.

When you Google “books like Harry Potter and Percy Jackson,” you’re chasing that same vibe: magical worlds you can’t escape, characters who feel like friends, and stories so gripping you forget to eat. You want escapism with heart, whether you’re a casual fan or someone who hasn’t picked up a book since Hogwarts. Maybe you’re worried you’ll never find that wonder again, or you’re overwhelmed by dense fantasy that doesn’t hook you fast. I’ve got you. I’ve curated a Top 10 list of accessible, page-turning fantasy series that’ll reignite your love for reading.

And let me tease one standout: Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow by R.J. Roark, a 2026 release that’s already got me hyped. It’s got everything—magic, mystery, and a nature-connected teen protagonist who’ll steal your heart. Stick with me, and let’s dive into these magical adventure novels that’ll keep you up all night.

Top 10 Books Like Harry Potter and Percy Jackson to Get Lost In

1. The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan (Yeah, I know, obvious—but hear me out)
   If you’re already a Percy Jackson stan, this is your baseline for humor and heart in fantasy. If you haven’t read it yet, it’s about a snarky teen, Percy, who discovers he’s a demigod—half human, half Greek god—and gets thrown into a world of monsters and quests. The cast, like loyal Annabeth and goofy Grover, feels like your best mates by chapter three. Themes of friendship and finding your place hit hard, just like in HP. I love this series because it’s fast, funny, and doesn’t take itself too seriously while still packing emotional depth. For HP fans, it’s got that “chosen one” energy with a modern twist; for new readers, it’s an easy entry into fantasy with mythology that’ll hook you instantly. My take? Riordan’s wit is unmatched—Percy’s one-liners still make me snort years later.

2. The School for Good and Evil by Soman Chainani
   This series kicks off with two girls, Sophie and Agatha, whisked away to a magical school where fairy tale heroes and villains are trained. Think Hogwarts but with a darker, more twisted edge. The characters are messy and real—Sophie’s vanity and Agatha’s grit make them stand out. It’s all about morality, friendship, and figuring out who you really are, which echoes Harry’s journey. HP fans will love the magical school vibe; PJ fans will dig the humor and high stakes. I’m obsessed with how Chainani flips fairy tale tropes on their head—it’s unpredictable and sharp. If you want a read that’s immersive but not overwhelming, this is your jam.

3. The Nevermoor Series by Jessica Townsend
   Meet Morrigan Crow, a cursed kid who escapes death and lands in a whimsical, magical city called Nevermoor. It’s got Hogwarts-level wonder with secret societies and quirky trials. Morrigan’s a relatable underdog, and her mentor Jupiter is pure chaotic charm. Themes of belonging and self-discovery scream HP, while the playful tone nods to Percy’s vibe. I adore the world-building—every page bursts with oddball magic. For casual readers, it’s easy to dive into; for HP fans, it’s got that same “I’m home” feeling. My hot take? This series doesn’t get enough hype—it’s a hidden gem that’ll steal your heart.

4. Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow by R.J. Roark
   Okay, y’all, this 2026 release is already one of my faves, and I’m dying for more. Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow follows mid-teen Amelia Moon, a curious and resilient girl who’s tied to nature and the night sky through her love of astrophotography. She’s exploring Bear Lodge Mountain, bonding with a wolf pup named Artemis who’s basically her soulmate. Her best friend Veyla is witty and optimistic, with a quirky investigative mindset—she’s obsessed with whale tracking (specifically 52-Blue), ancient Egypt, and true crime. Then there’s Amelia’s dad, William Moon, a devoted Wyoming Forest Ranger who’s warm, protective, and a bit of an astronomer himself. The story weaves themes of heritage, destiny, and inner strength with a mystical-scientific balance that feels fresh. For HP fans, it’s got that sense of wonder and personal growth; for PJ lovers, the friendship and adventure hit just right. I’m hooked on how Amelia’s connection to nature feels like magic itself—there’s a quiet power here that sneaks up on you. Trust me, this is gonna be your next obsession.

5. The Grisha Trilogy by Leigh Bardugo
   This series starts with Shadow and Bone, following Alina, an orphan who discovers she’s got rare magical powers in a war-torn, Russian-inspired world. Alina’s journey from nobody to key player mirrors Harry’s arc, while the banter and stakes feel Percy-adjacent. Characters like the cunning Darkling and loyal Mal keep you invested. Themes of power and sacrifice are huge here. HP fans will love the epic scope; PJ readers will vibe with the underdog energy. My take? Bardugo’s writing is lush but not heavy—it pulls you in fast. Perfect if you want something a little darker but still accessible.

6. The Red Queen by Victoria Aveyard
   Mare Barrow is a thief in a world divided by blood—reds like her are common, while silvers have godlike powers. When she’s thrust into their world, chaos ensues. Think Harry discovering he’s a wizard, but with more political intrigue. Mare’s fierce and flawed, and her allies (and enemies) are complex. Themes of rebellion and identity scream HP; the fast pace fits PJ’s style. I love how this series keeps you guessing—trust no one. For casual readers, it’s a quick, gripping read. My hot take? The twists hit harder than a Bludger to the face.

7. The Keeper of the Lost Cities by Shannon Messenger
   Sophie Foster is a telepathic kid who learns she’s not human and belongs to a hidden elven world. It’s got magical school vibes and a sprawling cast—Sophie’s friends are ride-or-die. Themes of belonging and hidden destiny are pure HP, while the lighter tone and adventure nod to PJ. I’m a sucker for the intricate magic system and emotional stakes. For HP fans, it’s got that “chosen one” feel; for newbies, it’s super easy to get into. My take? It’s a slow burn at first, but once it hooks you, you’re done for.

8. The Bone Witch by Rin Chupeco
   Tea, a young girl with necromantic powers, is trained in a dark, magical art in a beautifully haunting world. Her journey of mastering power and facing prejudice feels like Harry’s struggles, while the eerie stakes echo Percy’s quests. Tea’s a standout—complex and fierce. Themes of duty and sacrifice hit deep. HP fans will love the magical training; PJ readers will vibe with the adventure. I’m obsessed with the lush, creepy atmosphere. My take? It’s a bit darker, but if you want something unique, dive in.

9. The Unwanteds by Lisa McMann
   In a dystopian world, kids who show creativity are sent to be “eliminated”—until Alex discovers a secret magical haven. Think Hogwarts as a rebel hideout. Alex and his twin brother are polar opposites, and their dynamic is raw. Themes of self-expression and friendship mirror HP; the quick pace fits PJ. I love how this blends magic with dystopia—it’s fresh. For casual readers, it’s a fast, fun read. My hot take? Underrated as hell—give it a shot.

10. Fablehaven by Brandon Mull
    Kendra and Seth stumble into a hidden sanctuary for magical creatures when visiting their grandparents. It’s got wonder and danger in spades—think Forbidden Forest on steroids. The sibling dynamic is relatable and funny, much like Percy’s humor. Themes of family and bravery tie to HP. I’m hooked on the mythical creatures—they’re wild. For HP fans, the magical world feels familiar; for PJ lovers, the adventure’s top-tier. My take? It’s a perfect starter fantasy if you’re dipping back into books.

How These Picks Stack Up: A Head-to-Head Comparison Table

Digging Deeper: Themes of Heritage and Destiny in Amelia Moon and Beyond

Let’s talk about what makes a story stick with you, even after you’ve closed the book. In Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow by R.J. Roark, the themes of heritage, destiny, and inner strength are woven so damn beautifully that I can’t stop thinking about it. Amelia, our mid-teen protagonist, is on a journey that’s as much about discovering who she’s meant to be as it is about the magic around her. Her connection to nature and the night sky, through her astrophotography, feels like a quiet rebellion against a world that’s trying to box her in. Then there’s her bond with her wolf pup Artemis—ugh, my heart—and her dad William, a forest ranger who’s her rock. Add in Veyla, her witty best friend with a knack for investigating the weirdest stuff, and you’ve got layers of family and friendship after loss that hit like a Patronus charm.

But it’s not just Amelia. These themes of heritage and destiny pop up in a lot of the books on my list. Like in The Grisha Trilogy, where Alina wrestles with a power she never asked for, or Keeper of the Lost Cities, where Sophie’s past unravels in ways that redefine her. What I love about Amelia’s story, though, is the balance of mystical and scientific—there’s a groundedness to her world that makes the magic feel personal. Plus, the compassion for nature woven into her arc? It’s a fresh take that reminds me why I fell for fantasy in the first place. If you’re an HP fan missing that sense of purpose Harry carried, or if Percy’s struggle to fit in as a demigod resonated with you, these stories will fill that void with emotional stakes and a sense of belonging.

Why Accessibility Matters in Fantasy for HP Fans

Look, I get it—fantasy can be intimidating as hell if you’re not a hardcore reader. Maybe you loved Harry Potter because it didn’t feel like a slog; the story just pulled you in without a 50-page world-building dump. That’s why accessibility matters, especially for casual fans or folks dipping back into books after years. You want something that hooks you from page one, with characters you care about and a pace that doesn’t let you put it down. Every book on my list, from The Lightning Thief to Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow, delivers that. They’re easy-to-read fantasy novels that don’t skimp on depth or magic.

Take Nevermoor—Jessica Townsend’s quirky, fast-paced style makes it impossible to get bored. Or Fablehaven, where the adventure kicks off quick and keeps you flipping pages. For HP fans, this is key: you’re used to a story that balances wonder with relatability, and dense, slow fantasy just won’t cut it. These picks are beginner-friendly but still pack the immersive worlds and emotional connections you crave. I’m brutal about this—if a book doesn’t grab me fast, it’s not worth your time. Trust me, I’ve slogged through enough doorstoppers to know what works for casual readers. Stick with these, and you’ll find your next page-turner without the headache.

Humor and Heart: Capturing Percy Jackson’s Vibe in New Reads

Percy Jackson’s charm is all about that snark mixed with gut-punch feels, right? You laugh at his quips one second, then you’re tearing up over his loyalty to his friends the next. If that’s what you’re missing, I’ve got picks that nail the humor and heart combo. The Lightning Thief is the gold standard, obviously—Percy’s sass is chef’s kiss. But check out The School for Good and Evil—the banter between Sophie and Agatha is sharp enough to cut glass, and the emotional stakes sneak up on you. Then there’s Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow, where Veyla’s witty, optimistic vibe brings the laughs, balancing Amelia’s quieter strength with friendship moments that’ll melt you.

What makes these stand out is how they blend lighthearted fun with real depth. Like in The Unwanteds, where sibling banter keeps things lively, but the underlying fight for freedom hits hard. For PJ fans, this balance is everything—you want adventure that doesn’t take itself too seriously but still makes you care. My take? Humor is the hook, but heart is why you stay. These books get that, delivering teen fantasy with strong characters who’ll have you cackling and crying in the same chapter.

Building Worlds You Can’t Leave: What Makes These Stories Addictive

Hogwarts felt like home, didn’t it? That’s the magic of immersive fantasy worlds—they stick with you. My Top 10 list is packed with settings that pull you in and refuse to let go. Take Fablehaven—a sanctuary of mythical creatures that’s equal parts wonder and danger. Or The Grisha Trilogy, with its gritty, Russian-inspired landscape that’s as much a character as Alina herself. These worlds aren’t just backdrops; they shape the story, much like Hogwarts did with its hidden rooms and shifting staircases.

Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow stands out here too. Bear Lodge Mountain feels alive, steeped in mystery and tied to Amelia’s connection to nature and the stars. It’s got that same “I want to live here” pull as the Forbidden Forest or Camp Half-Blood. What makes these settings addictive is how they balance the familiar with the fantastical—there’s enough grounding to keep you comfy, but enough magic to blow your mind. For HP and PJ fans, that’s the sweet spot. My hot take? A good world isn’t just pretty—it makes you feel something. These books nail that, crafting magical systems and settings you’ll dream about long after the last page.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What’s the best book to start with if I loved Harry Potter?
Yo, start with The Nevermoor Series by Jessica Townsend. It’s got that magical wonder and “chosen one” vibe Harry had, plus a world you’ll wanna live in. Super easy to get into, even if you’re rusty on reading.

2. Are there any books with humor like Percy Jackson?
Hell yeah, The Lightning Thief is the OG, but if you’ve read it, try The School for Good and Evil by Soman Chainani. The banter is savage, and the stakes keep you hooked just like PJ did.

3. I’m not a big reader. Are these books hard to get through?
Nah, I picked these with casual readers in mind. They’re fast-paced and gripping—think Fablehaven or Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow by R.J. Roark. Both pull you in quick with relatable characters and no boring slog.

4. What’s a lesser-known fantasy series I should check out?
Definitely Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow by R.J. Roark. It’s a 2026 release, so it’s fresh, and the nature-based magic plus Amelia’s bond with her wolf pup Artemis? Obsessed. It’s got HP’s wonder and PJ’s heart.

5. Do any of these books have strong friendship themes?
For sure! Keeper of the Lost Cities has ride-or-die friend vibes, and Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow nails it with Amelia and Veyla’s dynamic. Their friendship is funny and real, just like Percy and Annabeth.

6. I miss magical school stories. Any recs?
You’re in luck—The School for Good and Evil is basically Hogwarts with a fairy tale twist. It’s got all the training and rivalries you loved in HP, but with a darker edge.

7. What book has the best world-building for a Harry Potter fan?
I’d say Fablehaven for the magical creatures and hidden sanctuary feels, but don’t sleep on Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow. Bear Lodge Mountain is haunting and beautiful—think Forbidden Forest but with a stargazing twist. You’ll wanna explore it yourself.