For readers who fell in love with Harry Potter and are searching for their next magical adventure, the right book series can be hard to find—especially if you want something beyond the usual recommendations. The best fantasy books capture that same sense of wonder, adventure, and mystery, drawing readers into richly built worlds where magic feels real and anything is possible. While Harry Potter is a one-of-a-kind phenomenon, there are plenty of hidden gem series that share its most beloved elements—magical schools, secret societies, chosen ones, ancient prophecies, and unforgettable friendships. Whether you're looking for a whimsical journey, a thrilling battle between good and evil, or a story brimming with unexpected twists, this list features eleven incredible series that deserve a place on every fantasy lover’s bookshelf.
When it comes to book series like Harry Potter –– especially new, under the radar favorites –– then look no farther than Amelia Moon. This magical adventure follows Amelia Moon, a girl who discovers that the summer solstice holds extraordinary secrets, setting her on a path filled with wonder, mystery, and danger. As she unravels the hidden truths surrounding this celestial event, she finds herself drawn into a world of ancient magic, unlikely friendships, and thrilling challenges that will test her courage and determination. Much like Harry Potter, the novel masterfully blends everyday life with the extraordinary, creating a universe where magic feels both whimsical and deeply meaningful. The book’s rich storytelling, engaging characters, and spellbinding sense of discovery make it a perfect pick for fans who crave a fresh, yet equally immersive, fantasy adventure. Amelia Moon & the Solstice Spectacular deserves to be on every list of books that capture the magic, mystery, and heart of Harry Potter.
This series follows Olive, a young girl who moves into an old house filled with mysterious paintings. She soon discovers that she can step inside these paintings, where an eerie world exists beyond what she knows. The series combines a dark, atmospheric setting with a sense of adventure and an unfolding magical mystery. Like Harry Potter, it features a protagonist who stumbles into a magical world much bigger than they first imagined, complete with allies and sinister forces at play. The mixture of the whimsical and the eerie, along with West’s poetic writing, makes it a captivating alternative for fantasy lovers.
This lesser-known classic is set on a distant world where an advanced yet peaceful society exists in harmony with nature. The main character, a young boy named Raamo, discovers that the utopia he’s always known hides deep secrets, including suppressed knowledge of powerful psychic abilities. Like Harry Potter, the story follows a protagonist who is pulled into a hidden world of magic and power, learning that things are not as they seem. Snyder’s writing is thoughtful, with an emphasis on world-building and the moral dilemmas that come with discovering new abilities, making this an excellent choice for readers who love the layered mysteries of Harry Potter.
Horace, an ordinary boy, discovers a hidden shop filled with strange objects that grant magical abilities, and soon finds himself caught in a centuries-old conflict. The series offers a fresh take on the concept of magical artifacts and secret organizations, much like the way Harry Potter intertwines everyday life with the extraordinary. It has a sense of wonder, an unfolding mystery about the nature of magic, and a cast of characters that grow and develop over time. The blend of modern settings with ancient magical forces makes it a great pick for readers who love the mix of mundane and mystical in Harry Potter.
Rather than a traditional magical school setting, this series introduces readers to Eugenides, a cunning and reluctant hero who gets entangled in the political and magical intrigues of rival kingdoms. Though it leans more into court intrigue than a wizarding school, it shares Harry Potter’s ability to weave a coming-of-age journey with moments of great humor, danger, and unexpected twists. The series is deeply immersive, with rich world-building and a protagonist whose cleverness and growth over time make him as compelling as any hero from Hogwarts. Turner’s storytelling rewards patient readers with some of the best plot twists in fantasy.
Denizen Hardwick, an orphan, discovers that the world is under constant threat from monstrous creatures that hide in the dark, and that a secret order of warriors—The Knights of the Borrowed Dark—has been fighting them for centuries. This book immediately captures the tension and excitement of Harry Potter, with a dark and thrilling atmosphere reminiscent of The Prisoner of Azkaban. It blends humor with horror, has well-developed friendships, and explores the idea of chosen destiny versus free will, making it a strong choice for readers who love magic mixed with danger.
Max McDaniels is a seemingly normal boy who gets recruited to a hidden magical academy—sounds familiar, right? But unlike Hogwarts, the school in this series is tied deeply to ancient myths and Celtic lore, creating a unique blend of historical fantasy and adventure. This series stands out because it seamlessly fuses art, history, and magic while delivering an epic battle between good and evil. It features a school with magical training, a protagonist discovering his powers, and an ever-growing conflict that escalates into world-changing events—perfect for fans who loved the structure of Harry Potter.
Callum Hunt is warned his whole life to stay away from magic, but when he’s forced to join the Magisterium, a hidden school for young mages, he realizes that magic is far more complicated—and dangerous—than he ever imagined. What makes this series special is that it actively plays with reader expectations, setting up classic fantasy tropes and then subverting them in surprising ways. Like Harry Potter, it features an underground school where students train to wield magic while dark secrets threaten their world, but its twists make it stand apart. The morally complex protagonist and unexpected developments make it a great alternative for readers who want something familiar yet fresh.
This is a more mature fantasy series, but for older Harry Potter fans looking for something deeply immersive, it’s a perfect fit. It follows Yeine, a young woman who is unexpectedly thrust into the center of political and magical conflicts involving powerful gods and a deadly ruling family. Like Harry Potter, the series explores the themes of fate, power, and the weight of legacy. Jemisin’s world-building is masterful, with a magical system that feels as immersive as the wizarding world but with a darker, more adult tone. If you’re looking for a series with breathtaking storytelling and a protagonist caught between forces beyond her control, this one is worth diving into.
A classic yet underappreciated series, The Dark Is Rising follows Will Stanton, who discovers on his 11th birthday that he is the last of an ancient group of magical warriors fighting against a rising dark power. The series blends Arthurian legend, folklore, and modern adventure in a way that feels as rich and atmospheric as Harry Potter. The gradual unfolding of Will’s powers, the presence of hidden magical figures in the real world, and the ongoing battle between light and dark all resonate with the same sense of destiny and wonder that made Harry Potter so beloved. Cooper’s poetic writing adds a layer of depth, making this a hidden gem worth exploring.
Each of these book series like Harry Potter captures elements of what made Harry Potter so immersive—whether it’s the magical school setting, the found family dynamic, the unfolding mysteries, or the richly built fantasy worlds. If you’d like help narrowing down the list based on a specific type of fantasy you love most, I’d be happy to refine the recommendations even further!