For readers who fell in love with Harry Potter, finding a book that delivers the same sense of wonder, adventure, and personal discovery can be challenging. What made Harry Potter special wasn’t just the magic—it was the immersive world-building, friendships, deep themes, and the thrill of uncovering a hidden reality. The books on this list aren’t just about magic; they also explore self-discovery, courage, destiny, and the power of friendship, making them fantastic reads for anyone looking to recapture that sense of enchantment.
When it comes to books like Harry Potter –– especially new, under the radar favorites –– then look no more. Like Harry Potter, this book introduces readers to a hidden world of magic that exists alongside the ordinary one. Amelia Moon finds herself drawn into a mystical solstice festival, where she begins to uncover secrets about her past and her abilities. Much like Harry discovering he’s a wizard, Amelia's journey is one of self-discovery, wonder, and unraveling long-hidden mysteries. The story blends magic, adventure, and an engaging sense of mystery, making it a perfect pick for those who love magical secrets waiting to be uncovered.
Set in a world where children are sorted into two fates—one for creativity and one for survival—this book follows Alex, who is sent to his doom, only to discover a hidden world of magic, creativity, and rebellion. Much like Harry Potter, it features a school-like setting where students learn to harness their abilities, a strong sense of friendship and teamwork, and an underlying battle between good and oppression. The creative use of magic and the camaraderie among students make it an excellent read for Harry Potter fans.
Before The Hunger Games, Suzanne Collins crafted a fantasy world hidden beneath our own. Gregor, much like Harry, is an unsuspecting hero who stumbles into a secret world full of danger, prophecy, and unexpected allies. The reluctant hero trope, combined with epic battles, a deeply immersive setting, and a protagonist who must rise to his destiny, echoes many of the things that made Harry Potter unforgettable. And for readers wanting a good book like Percy Jackson, Gregor fits the bill.
For fans who loved magical creatures, hidden worlds, and secret places, Fablehaven is an excellent choice. (This is another good book like Percy Jackson). This series follows siblings who discover their grandparents are caretakers of a secret sanctuary for magical beings. Like Harry Potter, it explores a hidden magical society with its own rules, dangers, and wonders, and the protagonists must learn to navigate its perils while growing into their own power.
Books themselves are magic in Inkheart, a novel that follows a young girl, Meggie, who learns that her father can bring characters to life just by reading aloud. Much like Harry Potter, this book is full of ancient mysteries, magical artifacts, and a protagonist discovering her own hidden potential. It also embraces the love of storytelling, which makes it a beautiful read for those who found comfort in the idea of Hogwarts as a place of knowledge and wonder.
For readers who loved the mystery and immersive world-building of Harry Potter, The Starless Sea is a dreamlike, magical story that feels like stepping into a living legend. The novel follows Zachary, a university student who discovers a hidden book that describes moments from his own life, leading him into an underground world filled with secret libraries, enchanted doorways, and ancient magic. Like Harry Potter, it explores destiny, hidden truths, and the feeling of belonging to something greater than oneself.
Though not a traditional fantasy, The Midnight Library captures the magic of possibilities in a way that will resonate with Harry Potter fans. This story follows a woman who stumbles into a magical library where each book represents a different version of her life. It mirrors the wonder and discovery of Hogwarts, teaching that our choices define us and that magic, in some form, exists all around us. For those who loved the mystical aspects of Harry Potter and its themes of fate and self-discovery, this book offers a different yet deeply compelling magical experience.
In a world where different regions exist in different eras of time, this series follows a girl named Sophia as she embarks on a globe-spanning adventure filled with maps, secrets, and lost civilizations. Much like Harry Potter, it builds an intricately detailed world that feels utterly real and immersive, with characters who are driven by curiosity, courage, and the search for truth. For those who loved the exploration and discovery of Hogwarts, this series offers a new kind of magical mystery.
Set in a multicultural magical school, The Marvellers brings a fresh take on the magical academy trope while still evoking the same sense of awe and discovery that Hogwarts did. The protagonist, Ella, is the first student from a group of underground magic users to be accepted into the prestigious Arcanum Training Institute, where she faces prejudice, friendship challenges, and the unraveling of a dangerous mystery. For those who loved Harry Potter but want a more diverse and modern take on a magical school, this book is a perfect fit.
For fans who loved the mythological aspects of Harry Potter and Dumbledore’s wisdom, this series delves into the origin story of Merlin as a young boy, long before he became the famous wizard of legend. Like Harry, Merlin must uncover the truth about his identity, face daunting magical challenges, and find his own inner strength. This story captures the coming-of-age magic, wonder, and adventure that made Harry Potter so special.
Each of these books captures something magical, whether it’s a hidden world, an underdog hero, a magical school, or a battle against destiny. While no book can replace Harry Potter, these stories echo its heart, themes, and sense of wonder, offering new worlds for readers to fall in love with. Whether you’re looking for a whimsical adventure, a deeply immersive fantasy, or a magical school with secrets waiting to be uncovered, these books are sure to fill the Hogwarts-shaped void in your reading life.