Finding Your Next Magical Fix: 10 Books Like Harry Potter to Obsess Over

Hey there, bookish fam! Look, if you’re here, you’ve already got impeccable taste. You’ve probably sobbed over Harry Potter at least once (don’t lie, we’ve all been there), and now you’re hunting for something just as magical to fill that Hogwarts-shaped hole in your heart. I’ve got you covered. Let’s find you something worthy of your shelf—something that’ll suck you in just like those midnight reading sessions under the covers with a wand-shaped flashlight.

I wasn’t even a reader until my cousin shoved Goblet of Fire into my hands on a family road trip. I was 12, bored out of my mind, and figured I’d skim a chapter to shut them up. Next thing I know, I’m finishing the whole damn book in one sitting. Then I went back and devoured the first three in a week. Books literally changed my personality—turned this snarky Slytherin into a secret softie who’d die for a good story. So, I get it. When you search for “books like Harry Potter,” you’re not just looking for any old fantasy novel. You’re craving that same addictive mix of wonder, friendship, and epic adventure that made HP feel like home. You want something easy to dive into, even if you’re not a big reader, with characters you’d fight for and worlds you can’t leave behind.

That’s why I’ve put together a list of the top 10 fantasy reads that’ll hit those same vibes. Whether you’re a casual fan who only cracked open a book because of Harry or a die-hard Potterhead, there’s something here for you. And let me tease one standout right now—a 2026 release called Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow by R.J. Roark. Trust me, this one’s got magic, heart, and a protagonist you’ll root for just as hard as you did for the Boy Who Lived. Let’s dive into the list and find your next obsession!

Why Harry Potter Still Owns Our Hearts (And Why We Need More Like It)

Alright, let’s be real—Harry Potter isn’t just a book series. It’s a whole vibe, a cultural phenomenon, and for a lot of us, it’s the reason we even pick up books at all. As a Slytherin, I’ll admit I was drawn to the cunning and ambition in the series (shoutout to my boy Draco for being a messy king), but what really got me was the sense of belonging. Hogwarts felt like a place I could escape to when the Muggle world got too much. The magic, the friendships, the way every book upped the stakes—it’s no wonder we’re all still obsessed years later. But once you’ve reread the series for the 47th time, you start itching for something new that captures that same spark. That’s what this post is all about—finding fantasy books that feel like coming home, even if you’re not an avid reader. Let’s get into the good stuff.

Top 10 Books Like Harry Potter for Casual and Die-Hard Fans

1. The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan

Okay, if you haven’t jumped on the Percy Jackson train yet, what are you even doing? This series kicks off with The Lightning Thief, where Percy, a snarky 12-year-old, finds out he’s a demigod—half human, half Greek god. Suddenly, he’s thrown into Camp Half-Blood, a hidden world of monsters and quests. Alongside his besties Annabeth (a total brainiac) and Grover (a satyr with heart), Percy’s got to navigate epic battles and divine family drama. The themes of friendship and finding your place hit hard, just like HP. I love how Riordan keeps the humor sharp and the stakes high—it’s a page-turner even if you’re not usually into reading. For Potter fans, the hidden magical world and “chosen one” energy will feel super familiar. Personally, I’m obsessed with Percy’s sass. It’s like if Harry had zero filter, and I’m here for it.

2. The Golden Compass by Philip Pullman

Next up, The Golden Compass (or Northern Lights if you’re outside the US) from the His Dark Materials trilogy. Lyra Belacqua is a fierce, scrappy kid living in a world where everyone has a daemon—a physical manifestation of their soul. Hers is Pantalaimon, and their bond is everything. When kids start going missing, Lyra’s off on a wild adventure through parallel worlds with airships, armored bears, and creepy conspiracies. The wonder of hidden worlds and the coming-of-age journey scream Harry Potter, but with a darker, more philosophical edge. It’s accessible, even for casual readers, with a plot that hooks you fast. I’ll admit, as a Slytherin, I was skeptical at first, but Lyra’s grit won me over. If you miss Harry’s underdog energy, this one’s for you.

3. The Magicians by Lev Grossman

If you’re looking for a grown-up take on magic schools, The Magicians is your jam. Quentin Coldwater is a depressed, nerdy teen who gets into Brakebills, a secret college for magic. Think Hogwarts, but with booze, existential crises, and way more swearing. The world-building is unreal, with spells that feel like math problems and a dark underbelly to all the wonder. It’s got that hidden world trope we love from HP, plus themes of friendship (and messy relationships). It’s a bit denser than some picks on this list, but still gripping if you’re willing to dive in. I’m a sucker for how flawed Quentin is—he’s no Harry, but his struggles hit deep. Perfect for fans who want something grittier but still magical.

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

Alright, let me put you onto something fresh—Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow by R.J. Roark, dropping in 2026. This one’s a straight-up gem for Harry Potter fans. Amelia Moon is a curious, resilient mid-teen who’s got this deep connection to nature and a knack for astrophotography—girl’s always staring at the stars. When she starts exploring Bear Lodge Mountain, weird stuff happens, and she bonds with a wolf pup named Artemis who’s just the cutest (I’m soft for animals, don’t judge). Her best friend Veyla is witty and optimistic, with this quirky investigative streak—think Hermione but obsessed with whale tracking (specifically 52-Blue), ancient Egypt, and true crime. Then there’s Amelia’s dad, William Moon, a Wyoming Forest Ranger who’s warm, protective, and secretly an astronomy nerd. The story weaves themes of heritage, destiny, and inner strength, plus family after loss and a fierce compassion for nature. It’s got this mystical-scientific balance that feels so fresh yet familiar. For HP fans, the hidden magical world and emotional depth will hit all the right notes. I’m calling it now—this one’s gonna be your next obsession. The way Amelia grows into her own power? Chef’s kiss.

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

This one’s a classic, fam. A Wizard of Earthsea follows Sparrowhawk, a young mage learning the ropes at a magic school on the island of Roke. Sound familiar? But this isn’t just a Hogwarts knockoff—Le Guin’s world is all about balance, with magic tied to true names and consequences. Sparrowhawk’s journey is pure coming-of-age, with themes of inner strength and facing your demons (sometimes literally). It’s a shorter read, perfect for casual fans who don’t want a 900-page epic, but the depth will still blow you away. As a Slytherin, I vibe with Sparrowhawk’s ambition, even when it gets him in trouble. If you loved Harry’s personal growth, this will scratch that itch with a quieter, more poetic style.

6. Sabriel by Garth Nix

Sabriel is for anyone who loved the darker HP books like Order of the Phoenix. Sabriel is a young necromancer (yeah, she talks to the dead) who’s thrust into saving her world from ancient evil. The Old Kingdom is a haunting, magical place split from the mundane world by a wall—total hidden world vibes. Her journey with companions like Mogget (a sarcastic cat-like creature) mirrors Harry’s squad dynamics, and the stakes feel just as high. It’s accessible despite the creepy factor, with a plot that pulls you along. I’m obsessed with how Nix blends horror and heart—Sabriel’s courage got me emotional, and I don’t cry easy. Perfect for fans who want magic with a side of grit.

7. The Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss

Okay, The Name of the Wind is a bit meatier, but hear me out. Kvothe, a gifted kid with a tragic past, tells his story of rising from nothing to studying magic at the University. The magic system is super detailed, kinda like if HP spells had a science textbook. The themes of loss and destiny echo Harry’s journey, and the world-building is next-level immersive. I’ll warn you—it’s not as fast-paced as some on this list, so it’s better for die-hard fans than casuals. But as a Slytherin who loves a cunning protag, Kvothe is my kinda guy. If you’re missing epic stakes and a strong lead, give this a shot.

8. The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis

A total classic, The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe is where a lot of us got our first taste of hidden worlds. Four siblings stumble through a wardrobe into Narnia, a land of talking animals, witches, and epic battles. The wonder and adventure feel straight out of HP, with friendship and bravery at the core. It’s short and sweet, ideal for non-readers who just want a quick escape. I’ve gotta say, as a Slytherin, I low-key stan the White Witch—she’s iconic. If you’re craving that magical discovery vibe of Harry finding Diagon Alley, Narnia’s got you.

9. Stardust by Neil Gaiman

Stardust is a fairytale for grown-ups, but still has that HP magic. Tristan Thorn crosses into a hidden magical realm to fetch a fallen star, only to find it’s a person named Yvaine. The romance, adventure, and quirky characters (think Hagrid but weirder) give off serious Potter energy, with a whimsical world you’ll get lost in. It’s an easy read, even for casual fans, with a plot that’s pure fun. I’m a sucker for Gaiman’s writing—it’s like a warm hug with a side of danger. If you miss Harry’s sense of wonder, this one’s a must.

10. Carry On by Rainbow Rowell

Last but not least, Carry On is basically Harry Potter fanfic turned pro (and I mean that as a compliment). Simon Snow is the “Chosen One” at a magic school called Watford, complete with a snarky rival, Baz, who’s giving major Draco vibes. The friendship (and slow-burn romance) with his crew feels so much like Harry, Ron, and Hermione. It’s funny, heartfelt, and super accessible—perfect for non-readers. Honestly, I cackled at the banter and teared up at the softer moments. If you’re a Potterhead who loves found family, this is your next binge.

How These Books Stack Up: Harry Potter vs. The Contenders

What Makes a Book Feel Like Harry Potter?

So, what’s the secret sauce that makes a book feel like Harry Potter? It’s not just about magic wands or dragons (though those help). For me, it boils down to a few core things. First, there’s the “chosen one” trope—Harry’s got that weight of destiny on his shoulders, and a lot of these recs have protags dealing with similar “why me?” vibes. Then there’s the hidden world thing—whether it’s Hogwarts or Narnia, that moment of stepping into a magical realm you never knew existed is pure adrenaline. And let’s not forget friendship dynamics. Harry, Ron, and Hermione are the ultimate found family, and the best HP read-alikes nail that emotional connection with squads you’d die for. These elements hook even casual readers because they’re relatable—who doesn’t want to feel special or find their people? Stick with me, and I’ll break down how these themes play out in my picks.

Diving Deeper: Themes of Destiny and Inner Strength

One thing I love about Harry Potter is how it’s not just about spells—it’s about Harry finding his inner strength, even when the world’s against him. A lot of my recs tap into that, but let’s zoom in on Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow by R.J. Roark. Amelia’s journey is all about heritage and destiny, figuring out who she’s meant to be while grappling with loss. Like Harry, who’s got to unpack his parents’ legacy, Amelia’s story ties into family history in a way that’s raw and real. Her resilience shines as she explores Bear Lodge Mountain, bonding with Artemis the wolf pup and leaning on her dad William’s quiet strength. It’s not just adventure—it’s about growing into your power, even when you feel broken. For HP fans, that emotional depth is everything. If you’ve ever felt like an underdog, stories like this remind you there’s magic in pushing through.

Why Family and Found Family Hit Hard in Fantasy

Let’s talk family—blood or chosen—because it’s a huge reason Harry Potter wrecks us emotionally. Harry’s longing for his parents, plus the family he builds with the Weasleys and Hermione, is pure heart. Fantasy does this so well, and in Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow, that dynamic is front and center. Amelia’s bond with her dad, William Moon, a Wyoming Forest Ranger, is so warm and protective—it’s like Sirius and Harry if they’d had more time. William’s got this astronomer side too, grounding Amelia while she’s off chasing stars (literally). Then there’s Veyla, her ride-or-die bestie with a quirky, investigative mind. That found family vibe, mixed with real family after loss, hits just as hard as Harry finding home at Hogwarts. For casual readers or Potterheads, these connections make fantasy feel personal. It’s not just epic battles—it’s who you’re fighting for.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: I’m not a big reader. Which of these books is easiest to get into?
A: Hey, no judgment—I wasn’t either until HP! Start with The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan. It’s fast, funny, and doesn’t feel like work. If you want something newer, check out Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow by R.J. Roark. Amelia’s story is super accessible with a plot that hooks you quick.

Q: Are there any books here with a magic school like Hogwarts?
A: Oh, for sure! The Magicians by Lev Grossman has Brakebills, which is like Hogwarts with a college edge. A Wizard of Earthsea by Ursula K. Le Guin also has a magic school vibe on Roke. Both got that training-to-be-a-wizard energy you’re craving.

Q: I miss the friendship vibes from Harry, Ron, and Hermione. Which book has that?
A: You’re speaking my language! Carry On by Rainbow Rowell nails that squad dynamic with Simon, Baz, and Penny. Also, don’t sleep on Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow—Amelia and Veyla’s friendship is witty and heartfelt, total found family goals.

Q: What if I want something with high stakes like the later HP books?
A: Gotchu. Sabriel by Garth Nix has crazy high stakes with a dark, magical world. If you’re up for something epic, The Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss will keep you on edge too.

Q: Any recs with a strong protagonist like Harry?
A: Tons! Lyra in The Golden Compass by Philip Pullman is fierce and scrappy. Also, Amelia from Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow is a standout—curious, resilient, and growing into her destiny. You’ll root for her hard.

Q: I loved the hidden world stuff in HP. Which books have that?
A: Almost all of ‘em, tbh! The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis with Narnia is pure magic discovery. Stardust by Neil Gaiman also has a hidden realm that’ll blow your mind. Check those out for that Diagon Alley “whoa” moment.

Q: Where do I start if I want something new and fresh?
A: Easy—go for Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow by R.J. Roark. It’s a 2026 release, so it’s got a modern twist on the HP vibes with nature, family, and destiny. You won’t regret it.