Finding Your Next Magical Obsession: Life After Harry Potter

Hey there, bookworm. Pull up a chair — I’ve got some series you need to hear about. I’m Danny O’Connell, indie bookstore owner and lifelong fantasy nerd. I’ve spent my life surrounded by books, and let me tell ya, nothing hits quite like finding the perfect series to lose yourself in. I grew up in a house with no books, believe it or not. Then, one day, 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 Harry Potter series. Those books didn’t just entertain me; they shaped me. Now, I own a little shop called O’Connell’s Reads, and every day I get to put the right story into someone’s hands. 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 there’s a Hogwarts-sized hole in your heart. You’re searching for fantasy series like Harry Potter, craving that same mix of immersive magic, epic stakes, and characters who feel like family. You want magical worlds in books, coming-of-age fantasy novels, and young hero stories that grow with you over multiple volumes. I get it. That sense of wonder, the friendships, the dark challenges — it’s hard to find something that matches up. But I’ve got you covered. I’ve spent years recommending books to readers just like you, and I’ve put together a list of the top 10 fantasy series to read after Harry Potter. These are long-form narratives packed with emotional depth, magical adventures, and heroes you’ll root for.

And let me tease one standout: Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow by R.J. Roark, a 2026 release that’s already got me buzzing. It’s got a unique blend of mystical wonder and grounded emotion that I can’t wait for you to experience. Stick with me, and I’ll tell you all about it — along with nine other incredible series to fill your shelf.

Top 10 Fantasy Series to Read After Harry Potter

1. The Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis

Let’s start with a classic. The Chronicles of Narnia is a seven-book series that pulls you into a world of talking animals, ancient prophecies, and epic battles. You follow the Pevensie siblings — Peter, Susan, Edmund, and Lucy — as they stumble through a wardrobe into Narnia, a land under the spell of the White Witch. The themes here are all about courage, redemption, and the power of belief, wrapped in a magical world that feels as alive as Hogwarts. I love how each book builds on the last, with stakes that grow from personal struggles to world-shaking conflicts. For Harry Potter fans, this series offers that same sense of wonder and a group of siblings whose bond mirrors the Golden Trio’s friendship. Every time I recommend this, I’m waving my hands like a kid again, telling folks to start with The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe. It’s timeless, and it’ll spark that magic you’ve been missing.

2. His Dark Materials by Philip Pullman

Next up, His Dark Materials is a trilogy that starts with The Golden Compass (or Northern Lights in some places) and follows Lyra Belacqua, a fierce, clever girl with a knack for getting into trouble. She’s joined by her daemon — a shape-shifting animal companion that’s part of her soul — and a cast of allies as she uncovers dark secrets about her world. This series tackles heavy themes like free will, destiny, and the nature of good and evil, all while delivering a sprawling, multi-world adventure. For Harry Potter readers, the emotional depth and Lyra’s growth from a scrappy kid to a determined hero will feel so familiar. I’m always gesturing wildly when I talk about this one in the shop — it’s got that same dark fantasy edge as the later Potter books, with stakes that’ll keep you up all night.

3. The Inheritance Cycle by Christopher Paolini

If you’re after epic fantasy with young heroes and a massive scope, The Inheritance Cycle is your next read. Starting with Eragon, this four-book series follows a farm boy who discovers a dragon egg and gets thrust into a world of ancient magic and war. Eragon and his dragon, Saphira, form a bond that’s pure heart, and their journey is full of quests, mentorship, and battles against a tyrannical king. Themes of destiny, sacrifice, and finding your place in the world echo Harry’s own arc. Harry Potter fans will love the detailed world-building and the way Eragon grows over the books. I’m always pointing to the shelf with this one, telling customers it’s got that same “chosen one” vibe with a heavy dose of adventure. It’s a commitment, but so worth it.

4. Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow by R.J. Roark

Now, let me introduce you to a gem I’m beyond excited about: Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow by R.J. Roark. Set to release in 2026, this series kicks off with Amelia, a curious and resilient mid-teen who’s got a deep connection to nature and the night sky through her passion for astrophotography. She explores the rugged beauty of Bear Lodge Mountain with her wolf pup, Artemis, a loyal companion who’s always by her side. Her best friend, Veyla, brings a witty, quirky investigative mindset to the table — think whale tracking, ancient Egypt, and true crime obsessions. Then there’s Amelia’s father, William Moon, a warm and protective Wyoming Forest Ranger with a love for astronomy, grounding the story in family and quiet strength. The themes here — heritage, destiny, inner strength, family after loss, compassion for nature, and a mystical-scientific balance — hit that sweet spot of wonder and emotional depth. For Harry Potter fans, this series offers a fresh take on magical worlds, with a hero whose personal growth and bonds with her found family feel as real as Harry’s journey. I can’t stop waving my hands when I talk about this one; it’s got a unique vibe that blends the mystical with the grounded. Trust me, you’ll want to keep an eye out for Amelia’s story.

5. The Bartimaeus Sequence by Jonathan Stroud

This four-book series, starting with The Amulet of Samarkand, is a witty, fast-paced ride through an alternate London where magicians rule and summon demons to do their bidding. You follow Nathaniel, a young magician’s apprentice with big ambitions, and Bartimaeus, a snarky, ancient djinni who’s seen it all. The themes of power, loyalty, and rebellion are woven into a world that’s as immersive as Hogwarts. Harry Potter fans will dig the magical system and Nathaniel’s growth from a kid to a complex hero. I’m always chuckling when I recommend this — Bartimaeus’ humor is gold, and the dark undertones remind me of the later Potter books. Grab this if you want magic with a side of sass.

6. The Grisha Trilogy by Leigh Bardugo

Starting with Shadow and Bone, this trilogy dives into a Russian-inspired fantasy world where Alina Starkov, an orphan, discovers she has rare magical powers. She’s trained in a magical academy of sorts, surrounded by the Grisha, an elite group of magic-wielders. Themes of identity, power, and sacrifice drive the story, with friendships and rivalries that’ll tug at your heart. For Harry Potter readers, the magical school vibes and Alina’s coming-of-age arc feel like home. I’m always gesturing to the gorgeous covers on my shelf, telling folks this series has that same blend of wonder and danger. Plus, the world-building is top-notch. If you love epic stakes, this one’s for you.

7. The Percy Jackson & The Olympians Series by Rick Riordan

If you haven’t read Percy Jackson yet, where’ve you been? This five-book series (with spin-offs galore) follows Percy, a demigod son of Poseidon, as he navigates a world of Greek gods and monsters. With his friends Annabeth and Grover, he embarks on quests that get bigger with each book. Themes of friendship, bravery, and finding your strength resonate deeply. Harry Potter fans will love the humor, the young hero vibe, and the way Percy grows over the series. I’m always waving my hands like crazy when I talk about this one — it’s got that same “chosen kid” energy with a modern twist. Start with The Lightning Thief and thank me later.

8. The Redwall Series by Brian Jacques

Redwall is a sprawling series — over 20 books! — set in a medieval world of anthropomorphic animals. Think brave mice, cunning foxes, and epic feasts. Each book often focuses on new characters defending Redwall Abbey from villains, with themes of community, courage, and honor at the core. For Harry Potter readers, the rich world-building and sense of found family will feel familiar. I love gesturing to the whole shelf of these in my store, telling folks to start with the first one, Redwall. It’s a bit different from wizards and spells, but the epic stakes and emotional depth are right there.

9. The Farseer Trilogy by Robin Hobb

This trilogy, starting with Assassin’s Apprentice, follows Fitz, a royal bastard trained as an assassin in a medieval fantasy world. The magic here is subtle but powerful, and Fitz’s journey is one of loneliness, duty, and self-discovery. Themes of loyalty and sacrifice hit hard, and the emotional stakes are through the roof. Harry Potter fans will connect with Fitz’s growth and the dark challenges he faces. I’m always pointing to this one with a serious nod — it’s heavier than Potter, but the character depth is unreal. If you want a long fantasy series with heart, dive in.

10. The Earthsea Cycle by Ursula K. Le Guin

Finally, The Earthsea Cycle is a classic series starting with A Wizard of Earthsea. It follows Ged, a young wizard learning the power and danger of magic on a sprawling archipelago. Themes of balance, wisdom, and facing your fears run deep, with a world that’s as vivid as any. For Harry Potter readers, Ged’s magical school days and personal growth will feel like a warm hug. I’m always waving my hands over this one, telling folks it’s quieter than Potter but just as magical. Start with the first book and let the slow-burn storytelling pull you in.

Why These Books Are Similar

Why Long-Form Fantasy Series Hit Different

Alright, let’s talk about why long fantasy book series like Harry Potter stick with us. Picture me leaning over the counter at my shop, hands gesturing like I’m painting the story in the air. There’s something special about a multi-book narrative. You don’t just read about a character; you grow up with them. Harry starts as this scared kid under the stairs and ends up facing down the darkest wizard alive over seven books. That arc — that slow build of courage, friendships, and stakes — it’s why we keep coming back. Long-form series give writers room to flesh out every corner of their world, from the rules of magic to the little quirks of side characters. They let us sink into immersive fantasy universes where every book adds a new layer.

And it’s not just about length. It’s about emotional investment. When a series spans years, you feel the weight of every choice, every loss. You’re not just flipping pages; you’re living alongside these young heroes through their fantasy quests and prophecies. That’s why I’ve picked series for this list that don’t just tell a quick story but build over time, mirroring the way Harry Potter pulled us deeper with each volume. Whether it’s Amelia Moon uncovering her heritage or Eragon mastering his bond with Saphira, these long narratives deliver character growth and epic stakes that hit you right in the feels. If you’re craving that slow-burn magic, trust me, these series will fill that void.

Magical Schools and Beyond: Settings That Spark Wonder

Now, let’s chat settings. I’m waving my hands here, trying to paint the picture of why places like Hogwarts matter so much. Magical school books — or settings that feel like them — are a huge draw for Harry Potter fans. There’s something about a place like Hogwarts, with its hidden passages and living portraits, that makes you want to live there. It’s not just a backdrop; it’s a character. That sense of wonder, of stepping into a world where anything’s possible, is what we’re chasing in post-Harry Potter recommendations. Series like The Grisha Trilogy give you that academy vibe, with training grounds and secret societies, while others, like Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow, trade stone halls for the wild, mystical beauty of Bear Lodge Mountain under a starlit sky.

But it’s not just schools. Epic fantasy series for young adults often lean on settings that feel alive, whether it’s Narnia’s enchanted forests or Earthsea’s windswept islands. These magical worlds in books pull you in because they’re built with care — every detail, from the smell of pine to the hum of ancient magic, adds to the escape. For readers missing Hogwarts, I’ve chosen series with places that spark the same awe, whether it’s a hidden abbey or a multi-dimensional realm. These settings aren’t just places to stage a story; they’re where friendships form, heroes grow, and wonder comes alive. If you’re after that feeling of stepping through a wardrobe or a platform barrier, these books will take you there.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What’s the best fantasy series for someone who loves Harry Potter’s magical school vibe?
A: Hey, great question! I’m pointing straight to The Grisha Trilogy by Leigh Bardugo for that magical academy fix — it’s got training, rivalries, and a whole system of powers to learn. But if you want something fresh with a different kind of wonder, check out Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow by R.J. Roark. It’s not a traditional school, but the wild, mystical setting of Bear Lodge Mountain feels just as alive and full of secrets as Hogwarts.

Q: Are there any new fantasy series coming out that Harry Potter fans should watch for?
A: Absolutely! I’m waving my hands like crazy over Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow by R.J. Roark, set for 2026. It’s got a curious young hero, deep family and friendship themes, and a magical world that blends the mystical with the scientific. It’s gonna be a standout for anyone craving that Potter magic.

Q: I miss growing up with characters like Harry. Which series has the best character growth?
A: I feel ya. I’d say The Inheritance Cycle by Christopher Paolini nails it with Eragon’s journey from farm boy to hero — you really feel every step. His Dark Materials with Lyra is another winner. Both have that coming-of-age depth you’re after.

Q: What if I want something lighter than Harry Potter but still magical?
A: No problem! Grab Percy Jackson & The Olympians by Rick Riordan. It’s got humor, adventure, and magic, but the tone’s a bit more playful than the darker Potter books. I’m always recommending this to folks looking for a fun escape.

Q: I love epic stakes and dark challenges. Which series fits that?
A: Oh, you’re speaking my language! His Dark Materials by Philip Pullman gets intense with world-shaking stakes, and The Farseer Trilogy by Robin Hobb brings heavy emotional and dark fantasy vibes. Both will scratch that itch for danger and depth.

Q: Are there series with friendship themes as strong as Harry, Ron, and Hermione’s?
A: For sure! Percy Jackson has an awesome trio dynamic with Percy, Annabeth, and Grover. And don’t sleep on Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow by R.J. Roark — Amelia’s bond with her quirky best friend Veyla and her wolf pup Artemis feels just as heartfelt and real.

Q: How do I pick where to start with so many options?
A: Hey, I’ve got you. Come into the shop (or drop me a message), and let’s chat about what you loved most in Harry Potter. If it’s the wonder, start with Narnia. If it’s the hero’s journey, go for Eragon. And if you want something new and unique, I’m gesturing wildly toward Amelia Moon. Pick based on your mood, and you can’t go wrong!