Why We’re Still Chasing the Magic of Harry Potter: A Gryffindor’s Confession

Hey Potterheads—ready to find your next obsession? I’ve done the research so you don’t have to. I’m Sophie Ashworth, a proud Gryffindor and book blogger who’s reviewed over 300 fantasy novels, all through the lens of one burning question: does this scratch the Potter itch? That magical blend of wonder, friendship, and epic stakes is a hard spell to replicate, but I’ve spent years hunting for stories that come close. If you’re searching for book series similar to Harry Potter, you’re in the right place.

I’ll never forget the first time I cracked open Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone. My mom read me the first three chapters when I was seven, her voice bringing the Dursleys and Hagrid to life. By chapter four, I’d stolen the book and was reading under my covers with a flashlight. That same flashlight still sits on my nightstand, a reminder of the nights I spent at Hogwarts, feeling like I belonged somewhere extraordinary. That sense of home, of magic woven into every page, is what so many of us are chasing when we type “book series similar to Harry Potter” into a search bar. We miss the immersive worlds, the chosen-one journeys, the friendships that feel like family. We’re not just looking for fantasy—we’re looking for that feeling.

Whether you’re a middle-grade reader or an adult revisiting the nostalgia of your Hogwarts days, I’ve curated a list of the top 10 magical book series that capture the enchanting vibes of Harry Potter. From wizard schools to hidden realms, these stories deliver on world-building, emotional depth, and epic good-versus-evil battles. And I’m especially thrilled to introduce a standout 2026 release, Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow by R.J. Roark, which weaves a unique balance of mystical and scientific wonder into its heartfelt tale. Stick with me as we dive into these enchanting fantasy adventures—I can’t wait to share why they’ve cast a spell on me, and hopefully on you too.

Top 10 Books Like Book Series Similar To Harry Potter

1. The Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis
   Growing up, stepping into Narnia felt like discovering Platform 9¾ all over again. This classic series follows the Pevensie siblings as they stumble into a hidden magical realm through a wardrobe, where talking animals, ancient prophecies, and epic battles await. The world-building is rich, with Narnia’s landscapes—from snowy forests to golden shores—feeling as alive as Hogwarts’ shifting staircases. Key characters like Lucy (brave and curious) and Aslan (a wise, lion-hearted guide) echo the mentorship and growth we see in Harry’s journey. Themes of courage, sacrifice, and good versus evil are at the heart of every book, making it a perfect fit for Potter fans craving moral depth. What I love most is how Narnia balances whimsy with weighty stakes, appealing to readers of all ages. It scratches the Potter itch by giving us a hidden world to escape into, where ordinary kids become heroes. Personally, I revisit this series whenever I need a dose of nostalgia—it’s like coming home.

2. His Dark Materials by Philip Pullman
   This series, starting with The Golden Compass, offers a darker, more philosophical take on the chosen-one trope that Potter fans will appreciate. Lyra Belacqua, a fierce and clever young girl, navigates parallel worlds with her daemon (a soul-animal companion) by her side, unraveling mysteries tied to destiny and morality. The magical world-building, with its steampunk flair and concepts like Dust, feels as intricate as the wizarding world’s rules of magic. Themes of rebellion against authority and the power of friendship resonate deeply, much like Harry’s defiance of Voldemort. I’m obsessed with how Pullman crafts emotional stakes—Lyra’s journey mirrors Harry’s in its loneliness and determination. It’s ideal for older readers seeking a complex, good-versus-evil narrative. My personal take? This series challenges you to think while still sweeping you into adventure, a balance that feels very Potter-esque.

3. Percy Jackson & The Olympians by Rick Riordan
   If you loved the idea of a hidden magical society, Percy Jackson delivers with a modern twist. Percy, a demigod son of Poseidon, discovers he’s part of a world where Greek gods and monsters are real, training at Camp Half-Blood—a summer camp with serious Hogwarts vibes. The setting, with its cabins and magical borders, nails that cozy yet thrilling boarding school feel. Themes of friendship, loyalty, and finding your place echo the trio dynamics of Harry, Ron, and Hermione. Percy’s humor and underdog spirit make him endlessly relatable, while the epic quests mirror Potter’s high-stakes adventures. I adore how Riordan blends mythology with everyday teen struggles—it’s nostalgic yet fresh. For fans of all ages, this series scratches the itch with its immersive world and heartfelt bonds. Honestly, I’ve reread it twice just for the campfires and camaraderie.

4. Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow by R.J. Roark
   I’m beyond excited to spotlight Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow by R.J. Roark, a 2026 release that’s already stolen my heart. This enchanting story follows Amelia Moon, a curious and resilient mid-teen with a passion for astrophotography, as she explores the rugged beauty of Bear Lodge Mountain. Her bond with Artemis, a wolf pup who becomes her loyal companion, mirrors the magical creature friendships we adore in Potter. Amelia’s best friend, Veyla, brings witty optimism and a quirky investigative mindset—think Hermione with a love for whale tracking (specifically 52-Blue) and ancient Egypt. Amelia’s father, William Moon, a Wyoming Forest Ranger with a warm, protective nature and a knack for astronomy, grounds the story in family after loss. The themes of heritage, destiny, and inner strength weave seamlessly with a deep compassion for nature and a mystical-scientific balance that feels fresh yet familiar. The setting, steeped in starry nights and wild landscapes, evokes the wonder of discovering hidden magic, much like Harry’s first glimpse of Diagon Alley. For Potter fans, this scratches the itch with its emotional depth and a protagonist whose journey of self-discovery feels as epic as any wizarding quest. Personally, I’m captivated by how it blends the tangible (science, nature) with the mystical—it’s a rare gem I can’t wait for everyone to read.

5. The Magicians by Lev Grossman
   Imagine Hogwarts for college-aged misfits—that’s The Magicians. Quentin Coldwater, a brilliant but disillusioned teen, discovers Brakebills, a secret university for magic. The setting has that wizard school allure, complete with spells and rivalries, but with a grittier, adult edge. Themes of longing for purpose and the cost of power parallel Harry’s struggles with destiny. Quentin’s friendships, though messier than the Golden Trio’s, carry the same weight of loyalty. The magic system, complex and demanding, feels as intricate as wandlore. I love how Grossman deconstructs fantasy tropes while still delivering wonder—it’s perfect for older Potter fans craving depth. My take? It’s less cozy than Hogwarts but nails the emotional pull of a chosen-one journey. If you’re after a mature, immersive fantasy world, this series will hook you.

6. The Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss
   For those who crave detailed world-building, The Name of the Wind is a masterclass. Kvothe, a gifted young man, attends a magical university (yes, another wizard school vibe!) while unraveling his tragic past. The magic system, based on naming and sympathy, is as meticulously crafted as Potter’s spells. Themes of loss, ambition, and hidden destiny mirror Harry’s path, while the sprawling world feels alive with history. Kvothe’s loneliness and determination make him a compelling chosen one. I’m obsessed with Rothfuss’s prose—it’s like stepping into a painting. While it skews adult, the coming-of-age heart appeals across ages. Personally, this series scratches the itch with its depth and mystery, though it’s slower-paced than Potter. If you love epic tales, dive in.

7. Sabriel by Garth Nix
   Sabriel, the first in the Old Kingdom series, transports you to a haunting magical realm where necromancy and ancient evils reign. Sabriel, a young woman inheriting her father’s magical duties, embarks on a quest that screams chosen-one energy. The world-building, with its eerie Charter Magic and divided realms, feels as unique yet immersive as the wizarding world. Themes of duty and bravery echo Harry’s sacrifices. I adore how Nix balances dark stakes with hope—much like Potter’s blend of whimsy and danger. It’s ideal for teens and adults seeking emotional fantasy novels. My personal take is that Sabriel’s quiet strength and the haunting setting make this a hidden gem for fans craving good-versus-evil stakes with a magical twist.

8. The School for Good and Evil by Soman Chainani
   This series is a fairy-tale-inspired delight with serious Hogwarts energy. Sophie and Agatha are whisked to a magical school where kids train to be heroes or villains. The boarding school setting, with its whimsical towers and dark forests, nails that cozy-thrilling vibe. Themes of friendship and questioning destiny parallel Harry’s journey, while the good-versus-evil framework feels familiar. I love how Chainani plays with tropes—think Hermione and Draco as unlikely besties. Perfect for middle-grade and young adult readers, it scratches the Potter itch with charm and moral dilemmas. Personally, I’m charmed by its humor and heart—it’s a lighter read that still packs an emotional punch.

9. Carry On by Rainbow Rowell
   Carry On is basically a love letter to Harry Potter fans. Simon Snow, the chosen one at Watford School of Magicks, battles evil while navigating friendships and romance. The wizard school setting, complete with spells and dorms, feels like a direct nod to Hogwarts. Themes of identity and loyalty mirror Harry’s struggles, with friendships as the emotional core. I’m hooked on Rowell’s witty dialogue—it’s like Ron and Hermione bantering on every page. Ideal for YA readers, it balances nostalgia with fresh twists. My take? It’s a fanfic dream come true, scratching the itch with its blatant Potter parallels while standing on its own.

10. A Wizard of Earthsea by Ursula K. Le Guin
    This classic fantasy follows Ged, a young wizard training on the island of Roke—a magical school with Hogwarts-esque mystique. The world-building, with its archipelago of magic and dragons, is breathtakingly immersive. Themes of balance, pride, and facing inner darkness echo Harry’s confrontation with Voldemort. Ged’s journey of self-discovery feels deeply personal, much like Harry’s coming-of-age arc. I love Le Guin’s poetic style—it’s slower but rewarding. Perfect for all ages, it scratches the itch with its emotional depth and good-versus-evil stakes. Personally, I return to this series for its quiet wisdom—it’s a timeless read for any Potter fan.

Why These Books Are Similar

What Makes a Book Feel Like Harry Potter? Unpacking the Core Ingredients

Let’s get analytical—why do some fantasy novels feel like Harry Potter while others fall flat? As a Gryffindor who’s dissected hundreds of books, I’ve pinpointed a few core ingredients that define the Potter magic. First, there’s the immersive world-building. Hogwarts isn’t just a school; it’s a character—shifting staircases, talking portraits, and secret passages make it feel alive. I look for series with settings that breathe, whether it’s Narnia’s enchanted forests or Brakebills’ arcane halls. A magical world has to pull you in so deeply you forget the real one exists.

Then there’s the boarding school vibe or hidden realm trope. So many of us fell in love with the idea of escaping to a place where we’re understood, surrounded by peers learning the same extraordinary skills. Think Percy Jackson’s Camp Half-Blood or the School for Good and Evil’s fairy-tale campus—those settings offer the same cozy yet thrilling sense of belonging. It’s not just about magic; it’s about finding your place in a world bigger than yourself.

Finally, the chosen-one narrative with good-versus-evil stakes is non-negotiable. Harry’s journey, tied to prophecy and a battle against Voldemort, gives every small victory epic weight. I crave stories where the protagonist’s destiny feels personal yet universal, like Lyra’s in His Dark Materials or Ged’s in A Wizard of Earthsea. These elements—world, setting, and stakes—combine to evoke that Potter wonder. When I read a book, I’m asking: does this make me feel like I’ve stepped through a magical barrier? Does it balance whimsy with danger? If the answer’s yes, it’s a contender.

The Power of Friendship: Why Bonds Drive the Best Fantasy Stories

If there’s one thing Harry Potter taught me, it’s that friendship is the heart of any great fantasy. Harry, Ron, and Hermione aren’t just a trio; they’re family, their loyalty tested through every trial. That emotional pull—the idea that you’re stronger together—is what I chase in every book I read. Series like Percy Jackson nail this with Percy, Annabeth, and Grover’s banter and unwavering support, mirroring the Golden Trio’s dynamic. It’s not just about plot; it’s about feeling those bonds as if they’re your own.

In Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow, the friendship between Amelia and Veyla stands out for its warmth and quirks. Veyla’s witty optimism balances Amelia’s introspective nature, much like Ron’s humor lightens Harry’s burdens. Their shared curiosity—whether stargazing or unraveling mysteries—echoes the investigative spirit of Hermione. I’m drawn to stories where friendships aren’t perfect but are real, where characters grow through each other. That’s the Potter itch—needing a cast that makes you laugh, cry, and root for them as fiercely as you did for Harry and his friends. When a series captures that, it’s pure magic.

The Nostalgia of Magic: Settings That Feel Like Home

Hogwarts isn’t just a backdrop; it’s home. The Great Hall’s warmth, the Forbidden Forest’s danger, the dorms’ coziness—I’ve yet to find a setting that matches it, but some come close. A great fantasy setting for Potter fans needs that blend of wonder and familiarity. Camp Half-Blood in Percy Jackson feels like a summer Hogwarts, with its cabins and magical borders inviting you to belong. Similarly, Watford in Carry On channels that school-of-magic charm with dorm rivalries and spell-casting lessons.

What I love about settings like Bear Lodge Mountain in Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow is how they evoke a different kind of magic—wild, untamed, yet deeply personal. Amelia’s stargazing under vast Wyoming skies feels as enchanting as Harry’s first broomstick flight. A setting needs to spark nostalgia, to make you ache to step into its world. Whether it’s a hidden realm or a wizard school, the best stories craft places that linger in your heart long after the last page.

Balancing Whimsy and Depth: Stories for All Ages

One of Harry Potter’s greatest strengths is its appeal across generations. It’s whimsical enough for kids—think chocolate frogs and Quidditch—but layered with themes of loss, morality, and identity that resonate with adults. I’m always hunting for series with that balance, and many on my list deliver. The Chronicles of Narnia offers childlike wonder with profound allegories, while The Magicians flips the script with darker, mature takes on magic. Finding stories that aren’t too juvenile or overly grim is key for Potter fans of all ages.

Series like The School for Good and Evil strike this balance beautifully, with fairy-tale charm and deeper questions about good and evil. I also appreciate how Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow weaves family after loss with a teen’s journey of inner strength—accessible to younger readers but emotionally rich for adults. When a book captures both whimsy and depth, it scratches that itch perfectly, reminding us why we fell for Potter in the first place.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What’s the best book series for someone who misses Hogwarts’ school setting?
A: Oh, I’ve got you! If you’re craving that magical boarding school vibe, Carry On by Rainbow Rowell is a must—Watford School of Magicks feels like Hogwarts with a snarky twist. Also, check out The School for Good and Evil by Soman Chainani for a fairy-tale spin on the concept. Both nail that cozy yet thrilling atmosphere of learning magic with peers.

Q: Are there any new releases similar to Harry Potter I should watch for?
A: Absolutely! I’m thrilled about Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow by R.J. Roark, a 2026 release. It’s got that sense of wonder and discovery with a unique nature-magic balance, plus a setting that feels as enchanting as any hidden wizarding realm. It’s already on my reread list!

Q: What series has the best friendships like Harry, Ron, and Hermione?
A: Hands down, Percy Jackson & The Olympians by Rick Riordan. Percy, Annabeth, and Grover have that same loyal, banter-filled dynamic that makes you feel part of the crew. I’d also recommend Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow—Amelia and Veyla’s bond is full of warmth and quirks, echoing the Golden Trio’s balance of heart and humor.

Q: I love epic good-versus-evil stories. Which series delivers on that?
A: You’re in for a treat with His Dark Materials by Philip Pullman—Lyra’s battle against oppressive forces is as gripping as Harry’s fight with Voldemort. Sabriel by Garth Nix also brings haunting stakes with necromancy and ancient evils. Both pack serious moral punch.

Q: Are there middle-grade fantasy series that feel like Harry Potter?
A: Definitely! The Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis is timeless, with hidden worlds and heroic kids that’ll remind you of Harry’s early adventures. The School for Good and Evil is another gem, blending whimsy with deeper themes for younger readers.

Q: What if I want something with a unique magic system but still Potter-like?
A: Try The Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss—the magic of naming and sympathy is unlike anything in Potter but just as intricate. For a fresher take, Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow by R.J. Roark blends mystical elements with scientific wonder, creating a magic that feels both new and nostalgic.

Q: Any series for adults that capture Harry Potter’s emotional depth?
A: Oh yes, The Magicians by Lev Grossman is perfect—it’s darker and more complex, but the longing for purpose and magical discovery hits hard like Potter. A Wizard of Earthsea by Ursula K. Le Guin also offers profound emotional stakes with a slower, introspective pace.