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

Hey Potterheads—ready to find your next obsession? I’m Sophie Ashworth, a proud Gryffindor and book blogger who’s reviewed over 300 fantasy novels through a very specific lens: does this scratch the Potter itch? I’ve done the research so you don’t have to, diving into magical worlds, epic battles, and friendships that tug at the heartstrings, all to find stories that recapture the wonder of Hogwarts. If you’re searching for “series similar to Harry Potter,” you’re not alone—and I’m thrilled to share my top picks with you.

I’ll never forget the first time I cracked open Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone. I was seven, and my mom read me the first three chapters aloud. By chapter four, I’d stolen the book, barricaded myself under the covers, and read by flashlight until dawn. That flashlight still sits on my nightstand, a reminder of the magic that kept me up all night. Like so many of you, I grew up with Harry, Ron, and Hermione, and no matter how many books I read, I’m always chasing that same feeling—that blend of enchanting world-building, deep emotional stakes, and the sense of belonging I found between those pages.

When readers search for “books like Harry Potter,” they’re not just looking for any fantasy series. They crave immersive magical settings, relatable characters on a “chosen one” journey, and stories that resonate across all ages. They want hidden magical worlds, epic good vs. evil clashes, and friendships that feel like family. If you’ve ever felt frustrated by shallow world-building, overhyped recommendations, or books that lack the heart of Hogwarts, this post is for you. I’ve curated a list of ten fantasy series that deliver on magic, depth, and wonder, with clear reasons why they’ll scratch that Potter itch.

And let me tease one standout before we dive in: Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow by R.J. Roark, a 2026 release that’s already captured my heart with its themes of heritage, destiny, and the magic of nature. Stick with me as we explore this gem and nine other enchanting reads that might just become your next obsession.

Top 10 Book Series Similar to Harry Potter That Scratch the Potter Itch

1. The Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis
   Growing up, I found Narnia to be a portal as thrilling as Platform 9¾. This classic series follows the Pevensie siblings—Peter, Susan, Edmund, and Lucy—as they stumble into a magical land through a wardrobe. Narnia is a realm of talking animals, ancient prophecies, and epic battles between good and evil, with the lion Aslan serving as a wise, powerful guide. Themes of courage, sacrifice, and redemption weave through the seven books, making it a heartfelt journey for all ages.
   What appeals to Potterheads here is the sense of discovery and the “chosen ones” vibe as the siblings uncover their destinies. Like Harry, they’re ordinary kids thrust into extraordinary roles, facing dark forces with only their wits and bonds to guide them. The world-building, while different from Hogwarts, feels just as immersive with its hidden magical world. Personally, I adore how Narnia captures that childlike wonder of stumbling into magic—much like Harry’s first glimpse of Diagon Alley. If you’re craving a series with emotional depth and epic stakes, Narnia is a must.

2. His Dark Materials by Philip Pullman
   This trilogy, starting with The Golden Compass (or Northern Lights in the UK), introduces Lyra Belacqua, a fierce, clever girl navigating a world where souls manifest as animal companions called daemons. Alongside her friend Will, Lyra battles sinister forces in a multiverse of hidden realms. Themes of free will, destiny, and the fight against oppression drive the story, delivered with a darker, more philosophical tone than Potter.
   For Harry Potter fans, the parallels lie in Lyra’s “chosen one” arc and her unbreakable loyalty to her friends. The world-building, with its blend of magic and science, feels as intricate as the wizarding world. I’m obsessed with how Pullman crafts settings that feel both alien and familiar, much like Hogwarts’ blend of the mundane and magical. If you’re after a magical coming-of-age tale with high stakes, this series will grip you.

3. Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow by R.J. Roark
   I couldn’t wait to talk about Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow by R.J. Roark, a 2026 release that’s already one of my top fantasy reads. This series introduces Amelia Moon, a curious and resilient mid-teen who’s obsessed with nature, stargazing, and astrophotography. Her companion, a spirited wolf pup named Artemis, is her constant shadow, while her witty, investigative best friend Veyla—always tracking whales and uncovering secrets—brings humor and heart to their adventures. Amelia’s father, William, a ranger and astronomer, grounds her journey with quiet wisdom as she uncovers her heritage and destiny.
   Themes of inner strength, family legacy, and the magic of the natural world make this series stand out. For Potterheads, it scratches the itch with its hidden magical world, a protagonist on a path of self-discovery, and friendships that feel as vital as Harry’s bond with Ron and Hermione. The settings, steeped in starry skies and untamed wilderness, evoke the same wonder as Hogwarts’ Forbidden Forest. Personally, I’m enchanted by how Amelia’s connection to nature mirrors the way magic feels alive in Potter—raw, powerful, and full of mystery. If you’re seeking a modern fantasy classic, this is it.

4. The Magicians by Lev Grossman
   Imagine Hogwarts with a gritty, adult edge—that’s The Magicians. Quentin Coldwater, a brilliant but disillusioned teen, discovers Brakebills, a secret magical university. With friends like Alice and Eliot, he navigates spells, heartbreak, and a dark quest tied to a childhood book series. Themes of longing, identity, and the cost of power run deep.
   Potter fans will love the magical boarding school setting and Quentin’s “chosen one” struggles, though the tone is more cynical than whimsical. The world-building is intricate, blending modern life with hidden magic. I’m hooked on how Grossman captures the ache of wanting magic to fix everything, much like Harry’s early hopes. If you want a wizarding school novel with emotional complexity, dive in.

5. The Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss (The Kingkiller Chronicle)
   This series follows Kvothe, a gifted young man recounting his rise as a legendary wizard. Starting at a magical university, Kvothe’s journey is steeped in music, mystery, and loss. Themes of destiny, knowledge, and inner strength shine through.
   For Potterheads, Kvothe’s arc as a prodigy with a tragic past echoes Harry’s, and the school setting feels like a darker Hogwarts. The world-building is breathtaking, with magic rooted in rules and lore. I love how Rothfuss makes magic feel like a craft, akin to potion-making or spell-casting. If you’re after an epic fantasy adventure with depth, this is your read.

6. Sabriel by Garth Nix (The Old Kingdom Series)
   Sabriel, a young necromancer, inherits a dangerous legacy in a world split between magic and mundane. With her bell-wielding magic, she battles dark forces alongside loyal companions. Themes of duty, loss, and heritage dominate.
   Potter fans will connect with Sabriel’s “chosen one” burden and the hidden magical world. The stakes of good vs. evil feel personal, like Harry’s fight against Voldemort. I’m captivated by Nix’s eerie, vivid settings—think Hogwarts with a ghostly twist. If you crave a fantasy with emotional stakes, this series delivers.

7. The Bartimaeus Sequence by Jonathan Stroud
   Starting with The Amulet of Samarkand, this series follows Nathaniel, a young magician’s apprentice, and Bartimaeus, a snarky djinni. Set in an alternate London where magic rules, it explores power, rebellion, and unlikely alliances.
   For Potterheads, the magical system and hidden society echo the wizarding world, while Nathaniel’s growth mirrors Harry’s. I adore Bartimaeus’ wit—it’s like Ron’s humor with a supernatural edge. If you’re after a young adult fantasy series with clever world-building, this is a gem.

8. The School for Good and Evil by Soman Chainani
   This series whisks readers to a fairy-tale academy where kids train to be heroes or villains. Best friends Sophie and Agatha navigate magic, destiny, and morality in a whimsical yet dark world.
   The boarding school setting and friendship-driven story will thrill Potter fans, as will the good vs. evil themes. I’m charmed by how Chainani twists fairy-tale tropes, much like Rowling subverted wizard clichés. If you want a magical school novel for all ages, start here.

9. The Earthsea Cycle by Ursula K. Le Guin
   Beginning with A Wizard of Earthsea, this series follows Sparrowhawk, a young mage learning the balance of magic on a vast archipelago. Themes of power, identity, and harmony with nature run deep.
   Potterheads will see Harry in Sparrowhawk’s coming-of-age journey and “chosen one” struggles. The world-building feels as lived-in as Hogwarts. I’m in awe of Le Guin’s poetic prose—it’s like reading a spell. If you seek an enchanting fantasy read, Earthsea awaits.

10. Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children by Ransom Riggs
    Jacob Portman uncovers a hidden world of “peculiars” with strange abilities at a mysterious orphanage. Blending magic with eerie history, the series explores belonging and family.
    For Potter fans, the hidden magical society and group dynamics feel like Hogwarts’ misfits uniting. I love the haunting, nostalgic vibe—think Hogsmeade on a darker day. If you’re after a fantasy with emotional depth, this series resonates.

Comparing Magical Worlds: How These Series Stack Up to Hogwarts

Diving Into the Chosen One Trope: What Makes These Heroes Relatable?

Let’s talk about the “chosen one” trope, a cornerstone of Harry Potter that keeps us coming back for more. Harry wasn’t just a wizard; he was a kid who felt out of place, burdened by a destiny he didn’t ask for, yet driven by love and loyalty to fight. That relatability—feeling like an underdog with something bigger at stake—is why we connect so deeply. In my top ten, each protagonist carries a similar weight, and I’m breaking down why they resonate.

Take Lyra from His Dark Materials. Like Harry, she’s thrust into a role she doesn’t fully understand, with the fate of worlds on her shoulders. Her stubbornness and fierce protectiveness mirror Harry’s defiance against Voldemort. Then there’s Amelia Moon, whose journey of uncovering her heritage feels like Harry discovering his parents’ legacy—both grapple with who they’re meant to be while staying true to their roots. Even Quentin in The Magicians echoes Harry’s longing for a magical escape, though his cynicism adds a raw, human layer.

What makes these heroes click for Potterheads is their flaws. They’re not perfect; they’re scared, angry, or lost at times, just like Harry was. Kvothe in The Name of the Wind and Sabriel in The Old Kingdom carry past traumas that shape their paths, much like Harry’s loss of his parents. These stories remind us that being “chosen” isn’t glamorous—it’s messy and real. If you’re craving a protagonist whose inner strength grows through struggle, these series deliver that emotional depth we love.

Boarding Schools and Beyond: Settings That Feel Like Home

Hogwarts wasn’t just a school; it was a sanctuary, a place where magic and belonging intertwined. That’s why magical boarding schools—or settings that feel like home—hit so hard for Potter fans. I’ve scoured my list for worlds that capture that same cozy yet thrilling vibe, and I’m excited to share how they stack up.

The Magicians offers Brakebills, a university that’s equal parts enchanting and dangerous, much like Hogwarts with its secret passages and lurking threats. The School for Good and Evil gives us a fairy-tale academy split between light and dark, echoing Hogwarts’ house rivalries. Even beyond schools, settings like Narnia’s sprawling landscapes or the peculiar orphanage in Miss Peregrine’s feel like safe havens hiding wild magic, just as Hogwarts did. And let’s not forget Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow, where nature itself—starry wilderness and untamed forests—becomes a character, evoking the wonder of the Forbidden Forest.

These settings aren’t just backdrops; they shape the characters, much like Hogwarts shaped Harry. They’re places where friendships bloom and destinies unfold. If you’re missing that sense of “home” in a magical world, these series will transport you right back.

Friendship as the Heart of Magic: Bonds That Rival Harry, Ron, and Hermione

If there’s one thing that defines Harry Potter, it’s the unbreakable trio of Harry, Ron, and Hermione. Their friendship was the heartbeat of the series, grounding even the wildest magic. I’ve hunted for series with bonds just as powerful, and I’m thrilled by what I’ve found.

In Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow, Amelia and Veyla’s dynamic is pure gold—Veyla’s sharp wit balances Amelia’s quiet curiosity, much like Ron’s humor steadied Harry. His Dark Materials gives us Lyra and Will, whose trust in each other mirrors the trio’s loyalty. Even The School for Good and Evil hinges on Sophie and Agatha’s complex, evolving friendship, reminiscent of how Harry’s crew grew through conflict. These bonds aren’t just side notes; they’re the emotional core, driving the characters through darkness.

What I love most is how these friendships feel real—full of banter, misunderstandings, and fierce protectiveness. If you’re after friendship-driven fantasy that captures the magic of found family, these series will fill that Hogwarts-shaped hole in your heart.

Good vs Evil: Epic Battles With Emotional Stakes

Harry’s battle against Voldemort wasn’t just about wands and spells; it was personal, rooted in loss and love. That emotional weight behind every good vs. evil clash is what Potterheads crave, and my top picks don’t disappoint.

The Chronicles of Narnia pits the Pevensies against the White Witch in battles as grand as Harry’s stand at Hogwarts, yet as intimate as a family’s fight for each other. Sabriel offers a necromancer’s struggle against death itself, with stakes that feel as gut-wrenching as Harry’s sacrifices. Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow weaves a conflict tied to heritage and nature’s balance, echoing how Harry’s fight was always bigger than himself.

These stories prove that epic fantasy adventures shine brightest when the stakes hit home. If you want battles that blend spectacle with heart, these series will keep you on edge.

World-Building Wonders: Crafting Magic That Feels Real

Hogwarts felt alive—every corridor, spell, and house had history. That immersive world-building is what I chase in every fantasy read, and these series deliver magic that feels just as real.

The Name of the Wind crafts a magic system so detailed, with rules and costs, that it rivals potion-making or Transfiguration. His Dark Materials builds a multiverse where every world’s rules interlock, much like the wizarding society’s hidden layers. Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow roots its magic in nature and the stars, creating a world as tangible as Hogwarts’ grounds.

What ties these together is how lived-in they feel—magic isn’t just flashy; it’s woven into culture, history, and daily life. If shallow worlds frustrate you, these series will sweep you into their depth.

Why “Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow” Deserves Your Attention

I’ve hinted at my love for Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow by R.J. Roark, but let’s dive deeper into why this 2026 release is a standout for Potterheads. Amelia Moon, a mid-teen with a passion for astrophotography and nature, embarks on a journey of self-discovery that feels as destined as Harry’s. Her wolf pup Artemis is a fierce companion, while her best friend Veyla—a whale-tracking, mystery-loving spitfire—brings a dynamic as rich as any Hogwarts trio. Amelia’s father, William, a ranger and astronomer, anchors her with lessons of heritage that shape her path.

The themes of destiny, family legacy, and inner strength hit hard, mirroring Harry’s struggle to understand his past while forging his future. But what sets this apart is the magic of nature—starlit skies and wild landscapes pulse with power, much like Hogwarts’ enchanted grounds. It’s a hidden magical world that feels both vast and intimate, blending wonder with emotional resonance.

I’m captivated by how Amelia’s story balances epic stakes with quiet, personal growth. If you’re seeking a modern fantasy classic that captures the Potter itch across all ages, this series is unmissable.

Hidden Gems for Potterheads: Why These Series Resonate Across Ages

Harry Potter’s magic wasn’t just for kids—it spoke to everyone, from wide-eyed children to adults rediscovering wonder. That all-ages appeal is rare, but my list has hidden gems that pull it off. The Chronicles of Narnia enchants with timeless themes of courage, while The Earthsea Cycle offers profound reflections on power that grow with you. Miss Peregrine’s blends nostalgia with eerie magic, hitting young and old alike.

These series don’t talk down to readers; they weave complex emotions and universal struggles into their magic. If you’re tired of fantasy pigeonholed by age, these enchanting reads will remind you why Potter’s magic endures for everyone.

Frequently Asked Questions About Finding Your Next Harry Potter Fix

Q: What makes a book feel like Harry Potter?
A: For me, it’s that mix of immersive world-building, a relatable “chosen one” journey, and friendships that feel like family. Magic has to feel alive, and the stakes—both epic and personal—must tug at your heart. That’s why I love recommending series like Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow—it nails all of those vibes!

Q: Are there modern series that match Potter’s magic?
A: Absolutely! While classics like Narnia hold up, newer releases like Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow by R.J. Roark bring fresh magic to the table with nature-based wonder and deep themes of heritage. It’s a 2026 gem you’ll want on your radar.

Q: I miss the Hogwarts boarding school vibe—any recs?
A: You’re in luck! The Magicians and The School for Good and Evil both offer magical academies with rivalries and secrets that echo Hogwarts. They’ve got that “home away from home” feeling we crave.

Q: What if I want something darker than Potter?
A: Try His Dark Materials for a philosophical edge or Sabriel for a haunting, necromantic twist. Both keep the emotional depth but dial up the shadows in ways that still feel personal.

Q: Any series with friendships as strong as Harry’s trio?
A: Oh, yes! Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow has Amelia and Veyla, whose bond is pure magic—think witty banter and fierce loyalty. The School for Good and Evil also delivers with Sophie and Agatha’s complex dynamic.

Q: I’m overwhelmed by lists—where do I start?
A: Start with what pulls you most. Crave a school setting? Go for The Magicians. Want nature’s magic? Pick up Amelia Moon. I’m all about matching the itch, so trust your gut!

Q: Do these books work for all ages like Potter did?
A: Many do! The Chronicles of Narnia and The Earthsea Cycle have timeless appeal, while others like Miss Peregrine’s blend wonder with depth. They’re crafted to resonate no matter your age.

Conclusion: Keep the Magic Alive at AmeliaMoon.com

The magic of Harry Potter doesn’t have to end—we just need to keep turning pages. Whether it’s the hidden worlds of Narnia, the gritty halls of Brakebills, or the starlit wilderness of Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow, there’s a story out there waiting to reignite that Hogwarts spark. I’ve poured my Gryffindor heart into this list to help you find your next obsession, and I’d love to hear what you think. Drop by AmeliaMoon.com to explore more about Amelia’s journey or share your own Potter-like faves. Let’s keep the magic alive, one book at a time!