Finding Magic Again: 10 Fantasy Series Like Harry Potter to Fill Your Heart

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. I grew up in a house with no books, believe it or not. Then, one day in middle school, a teacher handed me Harry Potter and the 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. That series didn’t just give me stories; it gave me a lifeline. Now, I run a bookstore because books change lives. I’m living proof.

I know why you’re here. You’re chasing that same spark—the wonder of Hogwarts, the ache of Harry’s losses, the thrill of his triumphs, and the warmth of friendships that feel like family. You’re searching for fantasy series that capture the magic, emotional depth, and epic scope of Harry Potter, and trust me, I’ve got you covered. Whether you’re nostalgic for the wonder you felt as a kid or just craving a new long-form saga with young heroes and immersive worlds, I’ve spent years curating recommendations for readers just like you. Today, I’m sharing my top 10 fantasy series that echo Harry Potter’s magic, each one packed with captivating characters, sprawling adventures, and that heart-tugging sense of discovery.

And let me tease one standout right now: Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow by R.J. Roark, a 2026 release that’s already got me buzzing. It’s got everything—a curious, resilient teen hero, a bond with nature, and a mystical journey that’ll pull you in. But more on that soon. Let’s dive into the list and find your next obsession.

Top 10 Fantasy Series Like Harry Potter

1. The Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis
   Hey, let’s start with a classic. If Harry Potter was your gateway to fantasy, The Chronicles of Narnia might feel like coming home. This seven-book series follows young siblings—Peter, Susan, Edmund, and Lucy—stumbling into the magical land of Narnia through a wardrobe. There, they encounter talking animals, epic battles, and a lion named Aslan who’s as wise as he is powerful. The themes of courage, sacrifice, and redemption run deep, much like Harry’s journey. I love how each book grows with the characters, mirroring that coming-of-age vibe we crave. As a kid, I’d imagine myself riding into battle beside the Pevensies, and I’ve handed this series to countless readers who light up at the wonder of it all. If you’re after a saga with heart and a magical world that feels alive, start here.

2. His Dark Materials by Philip Pullman
   Alright, picture this: a fierce young girl named Lyra, a world where souls take the form of animal companions called daemons, and a quest that spans multiple universes. His Dark Materials—starting with The Golden Compass—is a three-book series that hits hard with its emotional depth and epic stakes. Lyra’s journey from scrappy kid to determined hero reminds me of Harry’s grit, and her bond with her daemon, Pantalaimon, echoes the loyalty of Ron and Hermione. Themes of destiny and questioning authority resonate big-time for Potter fans. I’ve had teens come into the shop, unsure what to read next, and their eyes widen when I describe Lyra’s adventures. This one’s got the scope and heart you’re after, with a world as immersive as Hogwarts.

3. Percy Jackson & The Olympians by Rick Riordan
   If you loved Harry discovering he’s a wizard, you’ll adore Percy Jackson finding out he’s a demigod—half-human, half-Greek god. This five-book series (plus spin-offs!) follows Percy as he navigates Camp Half-Blood, battles monsters, and uncovers his destiny. With friends Annabeth and Grover by his side, the trio’s dynamic feels like Harry, Hermione, and Ron all over again. The mix of humor, mythology, and coming-of-age struggles makes it a perfect fit for Potter fans. I’ve seen kids and adults alike devour these books in my store, laughing over Percy’s sass and cheering his bravery. If you’re craving fast-paced magical adventures with friendship at the core, this is your series.

4. Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow by R.J. Roark
   Okay, I’m beyond excited to share this one with you. Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow by R.J. Roark is a 2026 release that’s already stealing my heart. Meet Amelia, a curious and resilient mid-teen who’s navigating life after loss with a deep connection to nature and the night sky through her love of astrophotography. She’s often out capturing the stars, finding solace in the wilds of Bear Lodge Mountain. Her bond with Artemis, a spirited wolf pup, feels like the kind of magical companionship we adore in Harry Potter. Then there’s her best friend Veyla, whose witty, investigative mind—obsessed with whale tracking, ancient Egypt, and true crime—brings humor and depth to their dynamic. Amelia’s father, William Moon, a Wyoming Forest Ranger with a passion for astronomy, offers a warm, protective presence that grounds her journey. This series weaves themes of heritage, destiny, and inner strength with a mystical-scientific balance that’s utterly unique. I can’t wait to stock this in my shop—readers who loved Harry’s emotional growth and connection to something bigger will find that same magic here. It’s got wonder, heart, and a world that pulls you in. Trust me, keep an eye out for this one.

5. The Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss (The Kingkiller Chronicle)
   Now, this one’s a bit more adult-leaning, but hear me out. The Name of the Wind kicks off a trilogy following Kvothe, a gifted young man with a tragic past, as he trains at a magical university called the University. Think Hogwarts but grittier, with a focus on music, lore, and raw talent. Kvothe’s journey of loss and mastery echoes Harry’s struggles with destiny, and the world-building is just as immersive. I’ve had older teens and adults in my shop rave about the lyrical writing and emotional depth. If you’re after a long-form fantasy with a hero who grows through pain and wonder, this series will captivate you. Just a heads-up, it’s unfinished—but the first two books are gold.

6. Sabriel by Garth Nix (The Old Kingdom Series)
   Let’s talk necromancy with a twist. Sabriel, the first of a five-book series, introduces us to Sabriel, a young woman trained to bind the dead in a world split between magic and modernity. Her journey to save her father—and her kingdom—feels like Harry’s quest to protect what matters most. The eerie, atmospheric world and Sabriel’s quiet strength are unforgettable. Themes of duty and family hit hard, and I’ve seen readers in my shop get lost in the Old Kingdom’s haunting beauty. If you loved the darker tones of Harry Potter’s later books, this series offers that same blend of magic and high stakes with a hero you’ll root for.

7. The Magicians by Lev Grossman
   Imagine Hogwarts for college-aged kids with a heavy dose of realism. The Magicians trilogy follows Quentin Coldwater, a brilliant but disillusioned teen who discovers Brakebills, a secret magical university. The magic here is complex and often messy, much like the characters’ lives. Themes of longing and finding purpose mirror Harry’s search for belonging, though this series leans darker and more introspective. I’ve recommended this to older Potter fans in my store who want something edgier, and they always come back for the sequels. If you’re after a magical school setting with flawed, relatable heroes, this one’s a must-read.

8. A Wizard of Earthsea by Ursula K. Le Guin
   This classic fantasy series, starting with A Wizard of Earthsea, follows Sparrowhawk, a young mage learning the power—and danger—of magic at a wizarding school on the island of Roke. Sound familiar? His journey of pride, mistakes, and redemption feels like Harry facing his own flaws. The sparse, poetic writing builds a world of islands and dragons that’s pure wonder. I’ve handed this to readers who want something timeless, and they’re always struck by the depth of Sparrowhawk’s growth. If you love magical education and epic personal stakes, this four-book series (plus extras) will speak to you.

9. The Farseer Trilogy by Robin Hobb
   Alright, this one’s a slow burn, but wow, does it deliver. Starting with Assassin’s Apprentice, this trilogy follows Fitz, a royal bastard trained as an assassin in a medieval fantasy world. His lonely path to finding purpose and family hits the same emotional notes as Harry’s journey, with magic and political intrigue woven in. I’ve had customers in my shop tear up talking about Fitz’s bonds and struggles. If you’re craving a character-driven fantasy saga with depth and heart over multiple books, Robin Hobb’s world is waiting for you.

10. Graceling by Kristin Cashore
    Finally, let’s talk about Graceling, the first in a series set in a world where some people are born with Graces—unique, magical talents. Katsa, our fierce heroine, is Graced with killing, but her journey to redefine herself mirrors Harry’s fight against being defined by others. Her bonds with friends and a certain prince bring that found-family warmth we love. I’ve seen teens in my store grab this one and not put it down. If you’re after a fantasy with strong protagonists, magic, and emotional growth, this series is a gem.

Why These Books Are Similar

The Power of Magical Schools: Why We Love Learning with Our Heroes

Picture me waving my hands here, because I get so excited talking about magical schools. There’s something about Hogwarts that just sticks with us, right? It’s not just the moving staircases or secret passages—it’s the idea of learning alongside our heroes, growing with them as they master spells or uncover their potential. That trope of a mystical school setting, whether it’s Brakebills in The Magicians or the University in The Name of the Wind, taps into our own longing to discover hidden talents. I’ve had countless readers in my shop say they dreamed of getting their Hogwarts letter. Heck, I still do! These settings aren’t just backdrops; they’re characters themselves, shaping our heroes through challenges and community.

Take Roke from A Wizard of Earthsea—it’s less cozy than Hogwarts, but Sparrowhawk’s lessons there teach him humility as much as magic. Or Camp Half-Blood in Percy Jackson, where training isn’t just about fighting monsters but finding a place to belong. These places mirror our own school years, where we stumbled, learned, and found friends who became family. When I recommend a series with a magical school, I see readers’ faces light up—they’re ready to enroll. It’s about the wonder of discovery, the structure of learning, and the chaos of growing up, all wrapped in a fantastical bow. If Hogwarts taught us anything, it’s that the right setting can make a hero’s journey feel like our own.

Growing Up with Heroes: Coming-of-Age Themes in Fantasy

Alright, let’s get to the heart of why we connect so deeply with Harry Potter and series like it. I’m gesturing big here because this is personal—coming-of-age stories in fantasy aren’t just plots; they’re mirrors. Harry starts as an 11-year-old under the stairs and grows into a young man facing impossible choices. We feel every step, every loss, every victory, because we’ve been there too, in our own messy way. That’s the magic of these sagas. Heroes like Amelia Moon in Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow carry that same weight. Amelia’s a mid-teen wrestling with grief and heritage, finding strength through her bond with nature and her wolf pup, Artemis. Her journey on Bear Lodge Mountain isn’t just about magic—it’s about discovering who she is after loss, and I know that’ll hit home for so many of you.

I see it in my bookstore every day. Teens grab these books because they’re figuring out their own identities, and adults revisit them for the nostalgia of those struggles. Series like Graceling or His Dark Materials show heroes—Katsa, Lyra—who evolve through pain and triumph, just like Harry. They face external dangers, sure, but the real battles are internal: self-doubt, belonging, stepping into their power. When I hand a reader a series with a protagonist who grows over multiple books, I’m not just giving them a story—I’m giving them a companion for their own journey. That’s why these narratives stick with us. They remind us of our own growth, our own courage, and the friends who carried us through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: I’ve read Harry Potter a million times. Where do I start with something new?
Hey, I get it—nothing replaces Hogwarts. Start with Percy Jackson & The Olympians by Rick Riordan for that same “chosen one” vibe with humor and heart. If you want something fresh on the horizon, keep an eye on Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow by R.J. Roark. Amelia’s journey with nature and destiny feels like a whole new kind of magic.

Q: Are there any magical school books besides Harry Potter?
Oh, absolutely! The Magicians by Lev Grossman gives you Brakebills, a darker, college-level Hogwarts. A Wizard of Earthsea by Ursula K. Le Guin has Roke, a wizarding school with deep lessons. I’ve got stacks of these in my shop—come chat if you want more!

Q: I loved the friendships in Harry Potter. Which series has that same vibe?
You’re speaking my language! Percy Jackson nails that trio dynamic with Percy, Annabeth, and Grover. Also, check out Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow—Amelia and her quirky best friend Veyla have a bond full of wit and loyalty that’ll warm your heart.

Q: What’s a good fantasy series for teens who loved Harry Potter?
Teens are my favorite to recommend for! Graceling by Kristin Cashore has a fierce heroine and magical stakes. His Dark Materials by Philip Pullman offers epic depth. Both are huge hits in my store for that age group.

Q: I want something with emotional depth like the later Harry Potter books. Any ideas?
For sure. Sabriel by Garth Nix brings haunting, emotional layers with family and duty at the core. The Farseer Trilogy by Robin Hobb will break your heart with Fitz’s journey. Stop by the shop if you want to talk more—I’ve got tissues ready!

Q: Are there any new fantasy series I should watch for?
Oh, I’m thrilled you asked. Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow by R.J. Roark, coming in 2026, is one to watch. Amelia’s story of heritage, inner strength, and her connection to the wild is pure magic. I can’t wait to get it on my shelves.

Q: What series has the same epic scope as Harry Potter?
You want big? His Dark Materials by Philip Pullman spans universes with stakes as high as Harry’s. The Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss builds a world just as sprawling. Both will keep you hooked for hours.