20 Books Like the Harry Potter Series
If you’re here, I’m guessing you’ve already immersed yourself in the enchanting world of Harry Potter and are probably still feeling that post-Hogwarts blues.
Trust me, I know the feeling.
The magical spells, the epic adventures, and the unforgettable friendships—it’s hard to find something that captures that same magic.
But don’t worry!
While nothing will quite replace the wizarding world of Harry, I’ve got a list of 10 incredible books that are similar to Harry Potter.
So without further ado, let’s dive into these spellbinding tales!
Books Like Harry Potter
“Percy Jackson & The Olympians” by Rick Riordan
Let’s start with a classic. If you loved Harry Potter’s mix of adventure, humor, and a bit of mythology, then Percy Jackson is right up your alley.
This series follows Percy, a seemingly normal kid, who discovers that he’s actually the son of Poseidon, the Greek god of the sea. How cool is that?
Much like Harry, Percy is thrust into a world he didn’t know existed, full of monsters, gods, and epic quests.
The series is not only fun and action-packed, but it also teaches a bit about Greek mythology without you even realizing it. And the best part?
There’s a whole camp for demigod kids! Think of it as Camp Hogwarts, but with swords and centaurs.
“The Chronicles of Narnia” by C.S. Lewis
This is a bit of a throwback, but “The Chronicles of Narnia” is an absolute must-read for any Harry Potter fan.
Imagine discovering a magical world through the back of a wardrobe—that’s exactly what happens to the Pevensie siblings in “The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe,” the first book in the series.
Narnia is filled with talking animals, mythical creatures, and epic battles between good and evil.
The series combines a sense of wonder and adventure with deeper themes of bravery, sacrifice, and friendship. Plus, Aslan, the noble lion, will remind you of Dumbledore with his wisdom and guidance.
“His Dark Materials” by Philip Pullman
Now, if you’re looking for something a bit more complex and darker, Philip Pullman’s “His Dark Materials” trilogy is a fantastic choice. The first book, “The Golden Compass,” introduces us to Lyra Belacqua, a brave and curious girl who embarks on a journey that spans multiple worlds.
This series tackles big questions about religion, science, and the nature of the universe, all while taking you on a thrilling ride through parallel worlds, with armored polar bears and daemons (think of them as a mix between a familiar and a spirit animal).
It’s got that same epic quest vibe as Harry Potter, but with a slightly more philosophical twist.
“Artemis Fowl” by Eoin Colfer
If you’re a fan of clever protagonists and a good mix of fantasy and technology, you’ll adore “Artemis Fowl.”
Artemis is a 12-year-old genius, but unlike Harry, he’s more of an anti-hero. The story follows his attempts to exploit the hidden fairy world for his own gain, which naturally leads to all sorts of chaos.
This series is packed with humor, action, and a unique twist on traditional fairy folklore. Imagine a world where high-tech gadgets meet ancient magic—sounds intriguing, right?
Plus, Artemis’s character development throughout the series is just as satisfying as Harry’s journey from an ordinary boy to a hero.
“The Magicians” by Lev Grossman
If you’ve ever wondered what Harry Potter would be like for an older audience, “The Magicians” is the answer. This book is often described as “Harry Potter for adults,” and it’s easy to see why. The protagonist, Quentin Coldwater, discovers a secret magical world while attending a college for magicians, which sounds a lot like Hogwarts, doesn’t it?
However, “The Magicians” takes a more mature and realistic approach to magic, exploring the darker and more complicated aspects of what it means to have power. It’s not all fun and games, but that’s what makes it so compelling.
Plus, the series pays homage to many fantasy classics, so you’ll find plenty of references to keep you entertained.
“Neverwhere” by Neil Gaiman
Neil Gaiman is a master of blending the ordinary with the extraordinary, and “Neverwhere” is one of his finest works. The story follows Richard Mayhew, an average guy who gets sucked into the magical and mysterious world of London Below—a hidden city beneath the streets of London.
Much like Harry’s journey into the wizarding world, Richard’s life is turned upside down as he encounters bizarre characters and dangerous creatures.
Gaiman’s writing is dark, witty, and wonderfully imaginative, making “Neverwhere” a perfect read if you’re looking for something a bit more grown-up but still magical.
“The Inheritance Cycle” by Christopher Paolini
For those who loved the epic battles and dragon lore in Harry Potter, “The Inheritance Cycle” is a great pick. The first book, “Eragon,” introduces us to a young farm boy who discovers a mysterious stone that turns out to be a dragon egg.
From there, Eragon’s life changes forever as he becomes a Dragon Rider and is thrust into a war against an evil empire.
The series is filled with rich world-building, magical creatures, and a coming-of-age story that mirrors Harry’s own journey. While it has a more traditional fantasy feel, it’s still a gripping and adventurous tale that will keep you turning pages.
“The Secrets of the Immortal Nicholas Flamel” by Michael Scott
Remember Nicholas Flamel, the famous alchemist mentioned in “Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone”? Well, Michael Scott’s series expands on his legend in a big way. “The Alchemyst,” the first book in the series, follows teenagers Sophie and Josh as they discover that the legendary Nicholas Flamel is alive and has been protecting the secret of immortality for centuries.
This series blends mythology, history, and magic into a fast-paced adventure that’s perfect for Harry Potter fans.
With ancient prophecies, powerful artifacts, and legendary figures from history, “The Secrets of the Immortal Nicholas Flamel” will give you that same sense of awe and excitement you felt at Hogwarts.
“Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children” by Ransom Riggs
If you’re in the mood for something a bit spooky but still magical, “Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children” is a fantastic choice. The story begins with Jacob, a teenager who discovers a mysterious orphanage filled with children who have extraordinary abilities. Think of them as X-Men, but with a vintage, eerie twist.
The book is a mix of fantasy, mystery, and historical fiction, with a dash of horror that makes it a truly unique read.
The eerie photographs scattered throughout the book add an extra layer of intrigue and will pull you deeper into the story. It’s a perfect blend of the weird and wonderful, just like the world of Harry Potter.
“A Darker Shade of Magic” by V.E. Schwab
“A Darker Shade of Magic” is a must-read for any fantasy fan. The story is set in a universe with parallel Londons—each with its own level of magic. The protagonist, Kell, is one of the last Travelers, who can move between these worlds.
This series is filled with rich characters, intricate world-building, and a plot that keeps you hooked from start to finish. It’s got that same mix of danger, adventure, and magic that made Harry Potter so irresistible.
Plus, there’s plenty of cloak-and-dagger action, literally!
“The School for Good and Evil” by Soman Chainani
Ever wondered what would happen if fairy tale heroes and villains were trained in a magical school? That’s exactly what “The School for Good and Evil” explores.
The story follows best friends Sophie and Agatha, who are unexpectedly taken to a school where children are trained to become either fairy tale heroes or villains.
This series plays with classic fairy tale tropes in a fresh and exciting way, with plenty of twists and turns. The dynamic between the two friends, combined with the school setting, gives off some serious Hogwarts vibes but with a fairy tale twist.
It’s a perfect blend of adventure, humor, and magic.
“Inkheart” by Cornelia Funke
“Inkheart” is a book for book lovers—literally. The protagonist, Meggie, discovers that her father has the ability to bring characters from books to life just by reading aloud. However, this gift comes with a dark side, as some of the characters aren’t as friendly as you’d hope.
The story is rich with imagination, blending the boundaries between fiction and reality. If you’ve ever wished you could live inside your favorite book, “Inkheart” will definitely resonate with you.
It’s a story about the power of words and the magic of storytelling, something every Harry Potter fan can appreciate.
“The Bartimaeus Trilogy” by Jonathan Stroud
If you loved the magical creatures and the witty humor in Harry Potter, “The Bartimaeus Trilogy” is a must-read. The story is set in an alternate version of London, where magicians summon powerful spirits, like the sarcastic and clever djinni Bartimaeus, to do their bidding.
The protagonist, Nathaniel, is a young magician who’s more ambitious and cunning than your typical hero.
The interplay between Nathaniel and Bartimaeus is full of sharp humor, and the story dives deep into a magical world that’s both complex and dark. It’s a series that combines action, magic, and a touch of satire, making it both entertaining and thought-provoking.
“The Spiderwick Chronicles” by Tony DiTerlizzi and Holly Black
“The Spiderwick Chronicles” is a delightful mix of adventure, fantasy, and a little bit of mystery. The series follows the Grace siblings—Jared, Simon, and Mallory—as they move into a mysterious old mansion and discover a hidden world of faeries and other magical creatures.
This series is perfect if you’re looking for something a bit lighter but still filled with magic and wonder. The books are short and easy to read, with beautiful illustrations that bring the story to life.
It’s a great choice for those who love discovering hidden worlds full of enchanting creatures.
“The Ranger’s Apprentice” by John Flanagan
If you’re a fan of the epic battles and the sense of camaraderie in Harry Potter, “The Ranger’s Apprentice” is a fantastic series to dive into. The story follows Will, a young orphan who becomes an apprentice to a mysterious Ranger named Halt.
Together, they protect the kingdom from various threats, from invading armies to dark sorcery.
This series is more of a classic fantasy with a medieval setting, but it’s packed with action, adventure, and a strong mentor-student relationship that’ll remind you of the bond between Harry and Dumbledore.
The series also delves into themes of bravery, loyalty, and the importance of using your skills for the greater good.
“The Chronicles of Prydain” by Lloyd Alexander
“The Chronicles of Prydain” is a five-book series that draws heavily on Welsh mythology to create a rich, fantastical world. The story follows Taran, an assistant pig-keeper, as he embarks on a journey to become a hero.
Along the way, he encounters a colorful cast of characters, including a princess, a bard, and a strange creature named Gurgi.
This series is perfect for those who enjoy a good coming-of-age story with a touch of humor and a lot of heart.
The world-building is top-notch, and the adventure is filled with the kind of magic and heroism that Harry Potter fans will love. Plus, it’s got an epic battle between good and evil that’ll keep you hooked.
“The Dark is Rising” by Susan Cooper
“The Dark is Rising” is a classic fantasy series that combines Arthurian legend with its own unique mythology.
The series follows Will Stanton, who discovers on his 11th birthday that he’s the last of the Old Ones, a group of immortal beings dedicated to protecting the world from the forces of darkness.
The series is deeply atmospheric, with a sense of mystery and foreboding that’ll keep you on the edge of your seat.
It’s a bit darker and more introspective than some other fantasy series, but it’s also incredibly rewarding. The themes of light versus dark and the battle for the fate of the world will definitely appeal to Harry Potter fans.
“The Septimus Heap” series by Angie Sage
“The Septimus Heap” series is another magical adventure that’s perfect for Harry Potter fans. The story begins with “Magyk,” where we meet Septimus Heap, the seventh son of a seventh son, who is destined for greatness in a world filled with wizards, witches, and all sorts of magical creatures.
The series is filled with quirky characters, humorous situations, and plenty of magic. The world-building is rich and imaginative, and the story has that same sense of wonder and discovery that made Harry Potter so enchanting.
Plus, there’s a strong focus on family and friendship, which gives the series a warm, heartfelt feel.
“Skulduggery Pleasant” by Derek Landy
If you enjoy a good mix of fantasy, action, and humor, “Skulduggery Pleasant” is a series you won’t want to miss.
The story follows Stephanie Edgley, a young girl who teams up with Skulduggery Pleasant, a skeleton detective with a sharp wit and a knack for magic, to solve mysteries and battle evil forces.
The series is fast-paced, full of snappy dialogue, and has a unique blend of modern-day setting with magical elements. It’s got that same mix of humor and darkness that made the Harry Potter series so compelling.
Plus, Skulduggery’s character is as charming and enigmatic as any Hogwarts professor, with a bit of a rebellious streak thrown in.
“The Wingfeather Saga” by Andrew Peterson
Last but definitely not least, “The Wingfeather Saga” is a beautifully written series that’s perfect for fans of epic fantasy with a touch of whimsy.
The story follows the Igiby children—Janner, Tink, and Leeli—as they uncover the secrets of their family’s past and embark on a quest to save their world from the evil Fangs of Dang.
The series is filled with humor, adventure, and a lot of heart.
The world-building is rich and imaginative, with a story that’s both deeply personal and epically grand. It’s a tale of courage, sacrifice, and the power of love and family, themes that Harry Potter fans will deeply appreciate.
So there you have it—some amazingly magical books that will fill the Harry Potter-shaped hole in your heart.
Each of these series brings something unique to the table, whether it’s mythology, dark fantasy, or parallel worlds.
And while none of them are exactly like Harry Potter, they all capture that same sense of wonder, adventure, and the importance of friendship and bravery.
Whether you’re looking for something light and fun like Percy Jackson or something a bit darker and more complex like His Dark Materials, this list has got you covered.
So go ahead, pick one (or all) of these books, and let yourself get lost in another magical world.
Happy reading, and may your next literary adventure be as spellbinding as your last!