Books Like Harry Potter: 10 Fantasy Series to Fill Your Magical Void

Hey there, bookworm. Pull up a chair—I’ve got some series you need to hear about. I’m Danny O’Connell, owner of an indie bookstore where I spend my days matching readers with their next great adventure. Picture me waving my hands around as I talk, probably gesturing toward a towering stack of fantasy novels behind me. I grew up in a house with no books, believe it or not. Then, in middle school, a teacher handed me Prisoner of Azkaban—not even the first one!—and I was hooked anyway. The next day, I was at the library begging for the rest of the series. Now, I own a bookstore. Books change lives. I’m proof.

I know why you’re here. You’ve finished Harry Potter—maybe for the first time, maybe for the tenth—and you’re left with that Hogwarts-shaped hole in your heart. You’re craving fantasy book series with the same immersive magic, deep character growth, and epic scope. You want young heroes growing up across sprawling sagas, hidden magical worlds full of wonder, and stories that keep you up way past bedtime. Whether you’re a teen or an adult who still believes in magic, you’re after that emotional connection—friendship, courage, and the addictive pull of a truly great tale. I’ve got you covered with a top 10 list of enchanting fantasy reads that’ll transport you right back to that sense of awe.

And hey, I’ve got a special gem to tease—a 2026 release called Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow by R.J. Roark. It’s a standout with a curious, resilient heroine, nature-inspired magic, and themes of heritage and destiny that’ll hit all the right notes for Harry Potter fans. But more on that soon. Let’s dive into the list and find your next magical adventure series!

Top 10 Fantasy Series Like Harry Potter to Fill Your Magical Void

1. The Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis
   Growing up, I’d sneak under the covers with a flashlight to read about the Pevensie siblings tumbling through a wardrobe into Narnia. This classic series spans seven books, following children who become heroes in a magical land of talking animals, ancient prophecies, and epic battles. You’ve got Lucy, the youngest, with her wide-eyed wonder, and Edmund, whose struggles and redemption hit hard. Themes of courage, sacrifice, and family weave through every page. For Harry Potter fans, Narnia delivers that same sense of a hidden world brimming with wonder and danger, plus the emotional punch of kids growing into their destinies. I love recommending this because it’s timeless—whether you’re 12 or 32, Narnia feels like coming home. Stack it on your shelf if you’re craving long-form fantasy storytelling with heart.

2. His Dark Materials by Philip Pullman
   Imagine me leaning over the counter, practically bouncing as I tell you about Lyra Belacqua and her daemon, Pantalaimon. This trilogy, starting with The Golden Compass, follows a fierce young girl navigating parallel worlds, magical artifacts, and a cosmic war. Lyra’s grit and curiosity mirror Harry’s, and the sprawling lore—think witches, armored bears, and Dust—feels as rich as Hogwarts’ secrets. Themes of free will, destiny, and growing up in a dangerous world will resonate with anyone who loved Harry’s journey. I’m obsessed with how Pullman builds emotional stakes; you’ll root for Lyra through every twist. If you’re after character-driven fantasy with hidden magical worlds, this series will pull you in and never let go.

3. Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow by R.J. Roark
   Okay, I’m gesturing wildly now because I’m so excited to share this one. Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow by R.J. Roark is a 2026 release that’s already got me counting down the days. Meet Amelia, a curious and resilient mid-teen who’s tied to nature and the stars through her astrophotography and her bond with Bear Lodge Mountain. She’s got a wolf pup named Artemis by her side, a best friend Veyla who’s all witty optimism and quirky investigations (think whale tracking!), and a father, William, who’s a ranger and astronomer grounding her with protective love. The story weaves themes of heritage, destiny, and inner strength into a magical adventure series that feels fresh yet familiar. For Harry Potter fans, it’s the coming-of-age fantasy you’ve been craving, with a hidden world as alive as Hogwarts and emotional depth that’ll keep you hooked. I can’t wait to stock this in my store—it’s pure magic.

4. Percy Jackson & The Olympians by Rick Riordan
   If you’re looking for young adult fantasy with humor and heart, let me point you to Percy Jackson. This five-book series follows a modern-day demigod—half human, half Greek god—navigating quests, monsters, and a magical training camp. Percy’s sarcastic voice and underdog spirit feel like Harry with a New York edge, and his friendships with Annabeth and Grover are pure gold. Themes of belonging and family (even messy, godly ones) hit deep. Harry Potter fans will love the hidden magical world layered over ours and the epic scope of Percy’s journey from kid to hero. I always tell customers this series is a page-turner—perfect for late-night reading under the covers.

5. The Inheritance Cycle by Christopher Paolini
   Picture me holding up Eragon with a grin. This four-book saga kicks off with a farm boy discovering a dragon egg, launching him into a world of ancient magic and epic wars. Eragon’s bond with his dragon, Saphira, is the heart of the story, alongside his growth from naive kid to leader. Themes of mentorship and destiny echo Harry’s arc with Dumbledore. The world-building is massive, with languages and lore that rival Hogwarts’ depth. If you’re after epic fantasy sagas with young heroes growing up, this is your pick. I’ve had teens and adults alike come back raving about how they felt every battle alongside Eragon.

6. The Bartimaeus Sequence by Jonathan Stroud
   I’m waving my hands again—bear with me—because this trilogy (plus a prequel) is a hidden gem. Starting with The Amulet of Samarkand, it follows Nathaniel, a young magician’s apprentice in an alternate London, and Bartimaeus, a snarky demon he summons. The dual perspectives and biting humor set it apart, but the magical school vibes and hidden power struggles feel oh-so-Hogwarts. Themes of loyalty and morality sneak up on you. For Harry Potter fans, it’s the magical training stories and character depth that’ll win you over. I love slipping this into customers’ hands when they want something witty yet epic.

7. The Earthsea Cycle by Ursula K. Le Guin
   Let me paint you a picture of a windswept archipelago where magic is tied to words and names. Starting with A Wizard of Earthsea, this six-book series follows Sparrowhawk, a young mage learning the cost of power at a wizard school. His journey from arrogance to wisdom is pure coming-of-age fantasy, with themes of balance and self-discovery that echo Harry’s growth. The world feels ancient and alive, much like Hogwarts’ history. I recommend this to anyone craving mystical fantasy novels with deep lore—it’s quieter than Harry Potter but just as profound. You’ll feel every wave and spell.

8. The Farseer Trilogy by Robin Hobb
   I’m gesturing to a worn copy on my shelf as I tell you about Fitz, a royal bastard trained as an assassin in a kingdom full of magic and intrigue. This trilogy (part of a larger saga) starts with Assassin’s Apprentice and tracks Fitz’s painful, beautiful growth. Themes of loyalty, family, and sacrifice cut deep, much like Harry’s struggles. The world-building is intricate, and Fitz’s voice is raw and real. For Harry Potter fans seeking character-driven fantasy with emotional weight, this is a must. I warn folks it’s heavier, but they always thank me for the ride.

9. The Grisha Trilogy by Leigh Bardugo
   Imagine me stacking this series with a knowing nod. Starting with Shadow and Bone, it follows Alina, an orphan discovering her magical powers in a war-torn world inspired by Tsarist Russia. Her journey from uncertainty to strength, plus a cast of complex friends and foes, mirrors Harry’s arc. Themes of identity and belonging resonate. Harry Potter fans will love the magical system and epic stakes. I’ve seen readers tear through this in days—it’s got that can’t-put-it-down pull. If you want fantasy with family themes and rich lore, dive in.

10. The Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss
    I’m practically vibrating as I recommend this one, part of the unfinished Kingkiller Chronicle. It follows Kvothe, a gifted young man recounting his rise from street urchin to legendary wizard. The magical university setting and Kvothe’s layered growth scream Hogwarts vibes, with themes of loss and ambition woven in. The prose is gorgeous, the world endless. For Harry Potter fans, it’s the long-form fantasy storytelling and deep character focus that’ll hook you. I tell everyone to savor it—Rothfuss makes every page magic.

How These Series Stack Up: A Harry Potter Comparison Table

Diving Deeper: Themes of Heritage and Destiny in Fantasy

I’m gesturing to a cozy corner of my store now, inviting you to settle in as we unpack why themes of heritage and destiny hit so hard in fantasy. In Harry Potter, Harry’s journey is shaped by his parents’ legacy and the prophecy tying him to Voldemort. It’s about discovering who you’re meant to be while wrestling with the weight of what came before. That push and pull is why we keep coming back to these stories—it mirrors our own search for purpose.

Take Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow by R.J. Roark as a perfect example. Amelia, our mid-teen heroine, is tangled in questions of heritage, piecing together her place in a larger story while finding her inner strength. Her connection to Bear Lodge Mountain and the stars feels like a bridge to something ancient, much like Harry’s tie to Hogwarts. These themes ground epic fantasy sagas in something personal. Whether it’s a prophecy or a family secret, the idea that you’re part of something bigger is pure magic. I’ve watched readers light up when they find a hero whose destiny feels as real and messy as their own struggles. Stick with me—there’s more to explore about why these stories resonate so deeply.

Magical Schools and Hidden Worlds: What Makes Them So Addictive?

Let’s chat about why magical school books and hidden worlds pull us in like a Portkey. I’m waving my hands over an imaginary map of Hogwarts as I say this: there’s something about a secret place—whether it’s a castle behind a train platform or a camp for demigods—that makes you feel chosen. In Harry Potter, Hogwarts isn’t just a setting; it’s a character, alive with moving staircases and whispered histories. That sense of belonging, of stepping into a world where you’re meant to be, is why we crave these stories.

Magical training stories, from wizard schools to clandestine academies, give us structure within the wonder. They’re a safe space for heroes to grow, mess up, and find friends before the real battles begin. Think of the thrill of discovering Diagon Alley or the awe of a hidden realm only a few can enter. It’s not just escapism; it’s the dream of being part of something extraordinary. I’ve had customers tell me they reread Harry Potter just to feel that first Sorting Hat moment again. If you’re after that same rush, every series on my list has a world waiting to welcome you.

Growing Up with Heroes: Why Coming-of-Age Fantasy Hits Hard

I’m pointing to a shelf of worn paperbacks now, grinning as I talk about coming-of-age fantasy. There’s nothing like watching a young hero stumble, learn, and rise over multiple books. Harry starts as an 11-year-old under the stairs and ends as a man carrying the world’s weight. That growth—awkward, painful, triumphant—is why we connect so deeply. It’s not just about magic; it’s about seeing yourself in their doubts and victories.

These fantasy heroes growing up remind us of our own messy journeys. Whether it’s figuring out who to trust or finding courage you didn’t know you had, their stories feel like a mirror. I’ve lost count of how many times a teen has come into my shop, head down, only to light up when I hand them a book with a protagonist who gets it. That’s the power of these sagas—they grow with you. If you’re missing Harry’s evolution, trust me, the series I’ve listed will give you new heroes to cheer for as they become who they’re meant to be.

Nature and Magic: A Unique Blend in Modern Fantasy

Let’s talk about something I’m geeking out over lately: nature-inspired magic books. I’m gesturing like I’m tracing a forest path as I explain how magic tied to the earth or stars feels so primal, so real. In Harry Potter, the Forbidden Forest and creatures like hippogriffs hint at nature’s untamed power. But modern fantasy is taking this deeper, blending the mystical with the natural in ways that ground sprawling tales.

Take Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow—Amelia’s connection to Bear Lodge Mountain and her wolf pup, Artemis, weaves magic into the wilderness. Her stargazing through astrophotography isn’t just a hobby; it’s a thread to something bigger, echoing how the natural world holds ancient secrets. I love recommending stories like this because they remind us magic isn’t just wands and spells—it’s in the wind, the trees, the sky. If you’re craving enchanting fantasy reads that root you in the earth while lifting you to the stars, this blend is for you.

Family and Loss: Emotional Anchors in Epic Stories

I’m lowering my voice now, hands still as I get real about family and loss in fantasy. Harry Potter guts us with Harry’s longing for his parents and the makeshift family he builds. These themes anchor epic stories, reminding us what’s at stake beyond the battles. Loss shapes heroes; family—blood or chosen—gives them strength to keep going.

In Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow, William Moon, Amelia’s father, is a protective ranger and astronomer whose bond with her grounds the story’s magic in raw emotion. His quiet strength mirrors the way Sirius or Lupin steadied Harry. I’ve seen readers tear up over these connections in my shop—family, in all its forms, hits universal. Fantasy with family themes isn’t just about adventure; it’s about who you fight for. If you’re after stories that balance wonder with heartbreak, these series deliver.

Friendship as Power: Bonds That Rival Harry, Ron, and Hermione

I’m grinning ear to ear, hands flying as I rave about friendship in fantasy novels. Harry, Ron, and Hermione are the gold standard—loyalty, banter, sacrifice. Their bond isn’t just sweet; it’s their power. That’s why we crave stories with friendships that feel like family, ones that carry heroes through the darkest times.

In Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow, Veyla, Amelia’s best friend, brings witty optimism and quirky investigations (whale tracking, anyone?) to every page. Their dynamic is a lifeline, much like the Golden Trio’s, blending humor with unshakable trust. I love handing books with these bonds to readers because they remind us we’re never alone. Friendship as power isn’t just a trope; it’s the heart of the best magical adventure series. If you’re missing that warmth, these stories have friends waiting for you.

Balancing the Mystical and Scientific: A Fresh Fantasy Take

Let’s geek out over something fresh, hands waving as I dive into fantasy that blends the mystical with the scientific. Harry Potter hints at this with potions and astronomy, but some modern series take it further, grounding magic in logic or discovery. It’s a cool twist that makes hidden magical worlds feel even more tangible.

In Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow, Amelia’s astrophotography ties her magic to the stars in a way that feels almost scientific, while Veyla’s whale tracking adds a layer of real-world curiosity to their adventures. It’s a balance that makes the impossible feel possible, like you could stumble into their world tomorrow. I’m obsessed with recommending stories like this to readers who want something new—magic doesn’t have to defy reason; it can dance with it. If you’re after a unique spin on mystical fantasy novels, this approach will captivate you.

Frequently Asked Questions: Your Burning Questions About Finding the Next Harry Potter

Q: Where do I start if I’ve never read fantasy beyond Harry Potter?
A: Hey, no worries! Start with The Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis—it’s accessible, full of wonder, and has that hidden world vibe you loved at Hogwarts. If you want something newer, check out Percy Jackson & The Olympians by Rick Riordan for humor and heart. I’m always here to chat if you’re unsure!

Q: Are there any new releases that feel like Harry Potter?
A: Absolutely! Keep an eye on Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow by R.J. Roark, dropping in 2026. It’s got a young heroine growing up, nature-inspired magic, and a world as rich as Hogwarts. I’m already planning a launch party at my store!

Q: I miss the magical school setting. Any recommendations?
A: You’ve gotta try The Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss for its university of magic, or The Earthsea Cycle by Ursula K. Le Guin for a classic wizard school. Both nail that training-ground-for-heroes feel. Swing by the shop if you want more!

Q: What if I want deeper themes like family or destiny?
A: I’ve got you. Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow dives into heritage and family with Amelia and her dad, William—it’s emotional and epic. Also, The Farseer Trilogy by Robin Hobb hits hard with loyalty and loss. Let’s talk if you want something specific!

Q: Are these series okay for younger readers?
A: Depends on the kid! Percy Jackson and Narnia are great for younger teens, while His Dark Materials or The Grisha Trilogy might suit older ones due to heavier themes. I’m happy to help match age to story—just ask!

Q: I’m overwhelmed by choices. What’s your top pick right now?
A: Fair enough! Right now, I’m hyped for Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow. The coming-of-age arc, magical depth, and friendships are pure Harry Potter vibes. Start there, and I’ll help with the next one!

Conclusion: Keep the Magic Alive with More Recommendations

Hey, bookworm, I’m so glad you stuck around. I’m gesturing to my entire fantasy section now, promising there’s always more magic waiting. These series—from Narnia to Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow—are just the start. They’ve got the immersive worlds, growing heroes, and emotional depth you’ve been craving since you closed the last Harry Potter book. If you’re hungry for more, pop over to AmeliaMoon.com for extra insights and updates on Amelia’s journey. Or swing by my shop anytime—I’ve got a stack of enchanting fantasy reads with your name on it. Keep the magic alive, friend. What’ll you read next?