You’ve just closed the final page of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. The Great Hall is quiet, the Hogwarts Express has pulled away for the last time, and a quiet ache settles in your chest. The wizarding world feels complete, but the magic? That never really ends. If you’re searching for books like Harry Potter that recapture the same sense of wonder, friendship, epic quests, hidden magical worlds, and that intoxicating feeling of growing up alongside extraordinary powers, you’re in the right place.
As a longtime curator of Harry Potter content and a voracious reader of fantasy fiction, I’ve spent years recommending the perfect follow-ups to the series. These aren’t just random suggestions—they’re hand-picked series that echo the core elements that made J.K. Rowling’s books unforgettable: a young protagonist discovering their destiny, unbreakable bonds of friendship, moral complexity, richly built worlds, and that spark of pure enchantment.
Whether you’re looking for magical schools, mythical creatures, coming-of-age adventures, or stories that blend humor with heart, this ultimate guide delivers 15 of the best books like Harry Potter to read next. I’ve included spoiler-free summaries, direct comparisons to the Harry Potter series, age recommendations, and notes on adaptations so you can dive in immediately.
Let’s chase the next great adventure.
Why These Books Feel Like Harry Potter
Before we dive into the list, let’s quickly break down the key ingredients that make a book feel like a spiritual successor to Harry Potter:
- A hidden magical world revealed to an ordinary (or seemingly ordinary) protagonist
- Found family and deep friendships that carry the story
- Magical education or training systems (Hogwarts-like schools are a big draw)
- Epic quests against powerful evil
- Creatures, spells, and wonder that feel tangible and immersive
- Coming-of-age themes with humor, heart, and moral dilemmas
Many of these recommendations are YA (young adult) fantasy, but several lean into adult or new adult territory for readers who’ve grown up with Harry.
Quick Comparison Table
| Series | Key Harry Potter Similarity | Age Range | Standout Feature |
|---|---|---|---|
| Percy Jackson & the Olympians | Mythical world + quests + humor | 10+ | Fast-paced, witty, Greek mythology |
| A Deadly Education (Scholomance) | Deadly magical school | 14+ | Dark, survival-based academia |
| The Magicians | Secret magic college for adults | 16+ | Mature, morally complex |
| Nevermoor | Whimsical trials & magical city | 9+ | Pure joy and imagination |
| Fourth Wing | Intense dragon-riding training | 16+ | Romance + high-stakes action |
The Top 15 Books Like Harry Potter
1. Percy Jackson and the Olympians by Rick Riordan
The closest match to Harry Potter in tone and accessibility is Rick Riordan’s beloved series. Percy Jackson, a 12-year-old boy with ADHD and dyslexia, discovers he’s a demigod—the son of Poseidon—and is whisked off to Camp Half-Blood, a secret training ground for young heroes.
Why it feels like Harry Potter: A reluctant hero learns about his powers, makes loyal friends (Annabeth and Grover are instant favorites), battles monsters, and embarks on epic quests. The humor is sharp, the friendships are deep, and the world feels alive.
Best for: Readers ages 10+ who loved the lighthearted moments of Harry Potter. Reading order: Start with The Lightning Thief. Adaptations: Disney+ series (Season 2 released in 2025).
2. The Inheritance Cycle (Eragon) by Christopher Paolini
Written by a teenager and published when he was just 19, this epic fantasy follows Eragon, a farm boy who finds a dragon egg and becomes a Dragon Rider in a world oppressed by a tyrannical king.
Why it feels like Harry Potter: A young orphan discovers a hidden destiny, bonds with a magical creature, trains under a wise mentor, and fights in a grand war against evil.
Best for: Fans of dragons and sweeping battles (ages 12+).
3. A Deadly Education (Scholomance Trilogy) by Naomi Novik
El (Galadriel) Higgins attends the Scholomance, a magical school that has no teachers, no holidays, and a very high mortality rate. Every day is a fight for survival against man-eating creatures.
Why it feels like Harry Potter: A dark, dangerous magical school with cliques, alliances, and a protagonist who doesn’t quite fit in. The friendships formed under pressure are some of the most rewarding in modern fantasy.
Best for: Teens and adults who want a grittier, more mature take on Hogwarts (ages 14+).
4. The Magicians by Lev Grossman
Quentin Coldwater discovers Brakebills, a secret college for magic in upstate New York. What starts as a dream quickly becomes a complex, adult exploration of power, depression, and consequence.
Why it feels like Harry Potter: Often called “Harry Potter for grown-ups,” it features a magical school, spells, and a hidden world—but with real stakes, flawed characters, and mature themes.
Best for: Older readers (16+) who want depth and realism.
5. Nevermoor: The Trials of Morrigan Crow by Jessica Townsend
Morrigan Crow is cursed to die on Eventide, but she’s whisked away to the magical city of Nevermoor to compete in a series of trials to join the Wundrous Society.
Why it feels like Harry Potter: Whimsical world-building, a found family, magical trials reminiscent of the Triwizard Tournament, and pure joy.
Best for: Ages 9+—perfect for younger readers or anyone craving unadulterated wonder.
6. The Alchemyst: The Secrets of the Immortal Nicholas Flamel by Michael Scott
Twins Josh and Sophie Newman stumble into a world of alchemy, mythology, and immortal beings when they meet the legendary alchemist Nicholas Flamel (yes, the same one from Harry Potter).
Why it feels like Harry Potter: Real historical figures mixed with magic, twins discovering powers, and a globe-trotting quest.
Best for: Ages 12+.
7. Legendborn by Tracy Deonn
Bree Matthews uncovers a secret society at her university that practices Arthurian magic—and discovers she’s connected to it through her mother’s hidden past.
Why it feels like Harry Potter: Secret magical order, powerful bloodlines, and a determined heroine fighting for truth.
Best for: Diverse representation and modern fantasy (ages 14+).
8. His Dark Materials by Philip Pullman
Lyra Belacqua embarks on a journey across parallel worlds with her daemon (a physical manifestation of her soul) to uncover the truth about Dust and the Magisterium.
Why it feels like Harry Potter: Epic scope, moral complexity, and a fierce young heroine.
Best for: Ages 12+ (HBO series adaptation available).
9. Fourth Wing (Empyrean Series) by Rebecca Yarros
Violet Sorrengail is forced to join Basgiath War College to become a dragon rider, despite her fragile health and the deadly training.
Why it feels like Harry Potter: High-stakes magical training, dragons, rivalries, and romance.
Best for: New adult readers (16+) who enjoy spice and action.
10. The Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis
The Pevensie children stumble through a wardrobe into Narnia, a world of talking animals, witches, and a great lion named Aslan.
Why it feels like Harry Potter: Classic portal fantasy with good vs. evil, hidden worlds, and wonder.
Best for: All ages—timeless classic.
11. Akata Witch by Nnedi Okorafor
Sunny, an American-born Nigerian girl, discovers she’s a Leopard Person with magical abilities and joins friends to stop a powerful criminal.
Why it feels like Harry Potter: Discovering powers, diverse cultural magic, and strong friendships.
Best for: Ages 12+.
12. The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern
Two young magicians are bound in a lifelong competition within a magical circus that appears without warning.
Why it feels like Harry Potter: Enchanting magic, mystery, and romance.
Best for: Ages 14+.
13. Carry On by Rainbow Rowell
Simon Snow, the Chosen One at Watford School of Magicks, navigates his final year while battling the Insidious Humdrum.
Why it feels like Harry Potter: Deliberately written as a loving parody of Harry Potter, with humor and heart.
Best for: Ages 14+.
14. Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children by Ransom Riggs
Jacob discovers a hidden home for children with strange abilities, protected by a time loop.
Why it feels like Harry Potter: Found family of gifted kids, hidden world.
Best for: Ages 12+.
15. The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches by Sangu Mandanna
Mika Moon, a solitary witch, takes on the task of teaching young witches how to control their powers.
Why it feels like Harry Potter: Cozy found family, magical education, and heartwarming moments.
Best for: Ages 14+ (perfect for cozy fantasy fans).
Honorable Mentions & Emerging Picks (2024-2025)
While the top 15 are timeless favorites that have consistently topped “books like Harry Potter” lists for years, fantasy evolves quickly. Here are some standout newer releases and upcoming titles that capture similar magic, wonder, and adventure—perfect if you’ve already devoured the classics.
- Impossible Creatures by Katherine Rundell (2023/2024 US release): A boy discovers a hidden archipelago filled with mythical creatures like griffins and unicorns. It echoes Harry Potter’s sense of wonder and discovery, with a quest to save magic from fading. Often compared to Rowling for its British whimsy and timeless storytelling.
- Onyx Storm by Rebecca Yarros (Empyrean series #3, released January 2025): The latest in the dragon-riding romantasy saga that exploded in popularity. Violet and her friends face high-stakes battles at Basgiath War College—think Hogwarts but with dragons, intense training, and romance. It’s a massive hit for adult fans seeking more mature magic school vibes.
- The Poisoned King by Katherine Rundell (Impossible Creatures #2, expected 2025): The sequel expands the magical world, with more quests and creature-filled adventures.
These picks reflect 2025’s trends: dragon-riding academies, hidden magical realms, and fresh takes on classic tropes. If you’re craving something brand-new, start here!
Tips for Reading These Series
Finding the right entry point can make all the difference when you’re chasing that Harry Potter magic.
Start Here If You Want…
- Magical school vibes: A Deadly Education (gritty survival), The Magicians (adult complexity), Fourth Wing (dragons and romance), or Carry On (fun parody).
- Mythology and quests: Percy Jackson (Greek gods), The Alchemyst (immortal legends), or Legendborn (Arthurian secrets).
- Whimsical wonder: Nevermoor (trials and joy), Miss Peregrine’s (peculiar kids), or Impossible Creatures (mythical creatures).
- Epic coming-of-age: Eragon (dragons), His Dark Materials (parallel worlds), or Akata Witch (diverse powers).
Reading Orders & Adaptations
Many of these are series with multiple books—start with book 1 for the full experience.
- Percy Jackson: 5 main books + spin-offs; Disney+ series (Season 2 ongoing in 2025).
- Fourth Wing (Empyrean): Fourth Wing → Iron Flame → Onyx Storm (2025); TV adaptation in development.
- His Dark Materials: Trilogy; HBO series complete.
- Scholomance: Trilogy; no adaptation yet, but highly cinematic.
- Nevermoor: Ongoing series; film rights optioned.
Audiobooks are excellent for these—immersive narration brings the magic alive. Check libraries, Audible, or Libby for free access.
Where to Buy / Audiobooks
Support independent bookstores for signed editions, or use Bookshop.org for indie support. For e-books/audiobooks: Kindle, Audible, or your local library app. Many have free trials—perfect for trying a new series!
FAQs
What are the best books like Harry Potter for adults? The Magicians (mature magic college), Fourth Wing (romance + dragons), A Deadly Education (dark academia), and The Night Circus (enchanting competition). They keep the wonder but add complexity and stakes.
Is there a new Harry Potter series in 2025? No new books, but the HBO TV reboot is in development (filming started). For fresh magic, check Onyx Storm or Impossible Creatures.
Which series has a magical school like Hogwarts? A Deadly Education (Scholomance), The Magicians (Brakebills), Fourth Wing (Basgiath War College), Carry On (Watford), and Legendborn (secret society at university).
Are these kid-friendly or more mature? Kid-friendly: Percy Jackson, Nevermoor, Narnia, Akata Witch (ages 9-12+). Mature: Fourth Wing, The Magicians, A Deadly Education (teen/adult themes like romance, violence).
The wizarding world may have ended, but the magic never truly fades—it’s just waiting in new forms. These 15 books (plus the honorable mentions) recapture the wonder, friendships, epic battles, and sheer enchantment that made Harry Potter unforgettable. Whether you’re 12 or 42, there’s a series here to transport you.
The next great adventure is just a page away. Grab one, settle in, and let the spell begin. Which of these have you already read, or which are you adding to your TBR first? Drop your favorites in the comments—I’d love to hear! And subscribe for more fantasy guides, from cozy reads to dark academia deep dives.
Happy reading, fellow witches and wizards.
