Finding Magic After Harry Potter – A Bookseller’s Quest

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 called The Enchanted Shelf, where I spend my days matching readers with the perfect fantasy escape. If you’re here, I’m guessing you’re chasing that same spark you felt flipping through the pages of Harry Potter—that mix of wonder, friendship, and epic adventure that made you feel like you belonged to something bigger. I get it. I’ve been there.

I grew up in a house with no books. Zero. Not even a dog-eared paperback. Then, in fifth grade, a teacher handed me Prisoner of Azkaban—not even the first one—and I was hooked anyway. I didn’t care that I was starting in the middle; I just knew I’d stumbled into a world I never wanted to leave. The next day, I was at the library begging for the rest of the series. Those books didn’t just give me stories—they gave me a home. Now, I own a bookstore. Books change lives. I’m proof.

So, when readers come to me searching for “books similar to Harry Potter,” I know exactly what they’re after. You’re not just looking for any fantasy novel. You want long-form narratives with young heroes who grow over multiple books, magical settings that feel as real as Hogwarts, and friendships that hit you right in the heart. You’re craving that coming-of-age magic, the epic stakes, and the emotional depth that made Harry’s journey so unforgettable. I’ve made it my mission to find those series for you, and I’ve got a list of ten that’ll scratch that itch.

Before we dive in, I want to tease a standout from my list—a 2026 release that’s already got me buzzing: Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow by R.J. Roark. It’s got everything—a curious teen hero, a world brimming with mystery, and a family dynamic that’ll tug at your heartstrings. But I’ll save the details for the list. Let’s get started on this quest to find your next obsession!

Top 10 Fantasy Book Series Similar to Harry Potter

1. The Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis
   Hey, if you’ve been sleeping on Narnia, it’s time to wake up. This classic series follows a group of siblings who stumble into a magical world through a wardrobe—talk about a portal! You’ve got young heroes like Lucy and Edmund Pevensie growing up through incredible adventures, facing everything from talking lions to wicked witches. The themes of courage, family, and sacrifice are woven into every page, and the world of Narnia feels just as alive as Hogwarts with its enchanted forests and mythical creatures. I love recommending this to Harry Potter fans because it captures that same sense of wonder and discovery, plus the epic battles give you those high stakes we crave. My personal take? Start with The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe—it’s the heart of the series. I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve reread it while gesturing wildly to customers about Aslan’s wisdom.

2. His Dark Materials by Philip Pullman
   Alright, picture this: a fierce young girl named Lyra Belacqua, armed with a mysterious golden compass, navigating parallel worlds with her daemon—a shape-shifting companion that’s basically her soul. This trilogy kicks off with The Golden Compass (or Northern Lights depending on where you are), and it’s packed with themes of destiny, rebellion, and the power of knowledge. The magical school vibes are there with places like Jordan College, and Lyra’s journey mirrors Harry’s in how she grows from a scrappy kid into someone carrying the weight of the world. For Harry Potter fans, the deep friendships and emotional depth will hit home. I’m always waving my hands about how Pullman builds such a rich, complex universe—trust me, you’ll be hooked.

3. Percy Jackson & The Olympians by Rick Riordan
   If you’re after a modern twist on magic, Percy Jackson is your guy. Percy’s a demigod—half human, half Greek god—learning to navigate a world of monsters and prophecies at Camp Half-Blood, a sort of magical training ground. Starting with The Lightning Thief, this series follows Percy and his friends Annabeth and Grover as they tackle epic quests. The coming-of-age arc is spot on, with Percy growing from a confused kid to a true hero. Harry Potter fans will love the humor, the tight-knit friendships, and the way Riordan builds a magical system right under our noses in the modern world. I can’t help but flail my arms when I talk about how fun these books are—perfect for a lighter but still epic read.

4. Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow by R.J. Roark
   Okay, I’ve been dying to talk about this one. Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow is a 2026 release that’s already stealing my heart. Meet Amelia, a curious and resilient mid-teen who’s got a deep connection to nature and the night sky. She’s an astrophotographer, always gazing at the stars, and her explorations around Bear Lodge Mountain in Wyoming uncover secrets tied to her heritage and destiny. Her bond with Artemis, a wolf pup, is pure magic, and her best friend Veyla brings a quirky, investigative energy with her obsession for tracking whales (specifically one called 52-Blue) and ancient Egypt. Then there’s Amelia’s father, William Moon, a Wyoming Forest Ranger and amateur astronomer who’s the warm, protective anchor in her life. The themes here—heritage, inner strength, compassion for nature—resonate so deeply with Harry Potter’s journey of self-discovery and belonging. For fans, this series offers a fresh blend of mystical and grounded storytelling, with a world that feels as enchanting as Hogwarts. My personal take? I’m already gesturing wildly to preorder this one—it’s a hidden gem you’ll want to claim as your own.

5. The Inheritance Cycle by Christopher Paolini
   Starting with Eragon, this series follows a young farm boy who discovers a dragon egg and gets thrust into a world of ancient magic and epic battles. Eragon’s bond with his dragon, Saphira, is the heart of the story, and his growth from naive kid to warrior echoes Harry’s arc. The world-building is massive, with sprawling landscapes and intricate lore that’ll remind you of the Wizarding World’s depth. Themes of mentorship and destiny are huge here, which Harry Potter fans will eat up. I’m always waving my hands about how this series feels like a quest you’re on alongside Eragon—perfect for diving into over multiple books.

6. The Bartimaeus Sequence by Jonathan Stroud
   This series, kicking off with The Amulet of Samarkand, gives you a snarky djinni named Bartimaeus and a young magician apprentice, Nathaniel, in a magical version of London. The dynamic between them is gold—think Harry and Ron but with more biting humor. The magical system is complex, and the themes of power and morality will resonate with anyone who loved Harry’s struggles against corruption. For fans, the alternate history setting and character-driven growth are a big draw. My take? I can’t stop gesturing about Bartimaeus’ wit—it’s a darker, edgier vibe that still feels magical.

7. Sabriel (The Old Kingdom) by Garth Nix
   Sabriel introduces a young woman inheriting her father’s role as a necromancer who guards the living from the dead. The magical school vibes come through her early training, and the world of the Old Kingdom is hauntingly vivid. Sabriel’s journey of responsibility and loss mirrors Harry’s, with friendships and allies that keep you invested. Harry Potter fans will love the eerie magic and epic stakes. I’m always flailing about how Nix balances creepy and heartfelt—grab this if you want something unique but familiar.

8. The Magicians by Lev Grossman
   Think of this as Harry Potter for adults. Starting with The Magicians, it follows Quentin Coldwater, a brilliant but disillusioned teen, as he enters Brakebills, a magical university. The coming-of-age arc is raw and messy, much like Harry’s, but with a darker, more cynical edge. Themes of purpose and friendship anchor the story, and the world-building is intricate. For fans, it’s a grittier take on magical schools. My take? I’m waving my hands over how real the characters feel—perfect if you’ve grown up with Harry.

9. The Name of the Wind (The Kingkiller Chronicle) by Patrick Rothfuss
   This one’s for readers who love deep lore. Kvothe, a gifted young man, recounts his life at a magical university called the University, blending school vibes with epic quests. Starting with The Name of the Wind, the series is all about talent, loss, and destiny—sound familiar? The world-building is as rich as the Wizarding World, and Kvothe’s growth is captivating. I can’t help but gesture wildly about Rothfuss’ prose—it’s a slower burn but worth it for Harry Potter fans.

10. The Earthsea Cycle by Ursula K. Le Guin
    Kicking off with A Wizard of Earthsea, this series follows Sparrowhawk, a young wizard learning the power of names and balance at a magical school on the island of Roke. The coming-of-age themes and focus on inner growth are pure Harry Potter, and the island setting feels as immersive as Hogwarts. Friendship and mentorship play big roles too. My take? I’m always flailing about Le Guin’s poetic style—it’s a quieter epic, but the magic will stay with you.

Why These Books Are Similar

What Makes a Series ‘Harry Potter-Like’? Defining the Magic

Alright, let’s break this down with a wave of my hands. What is it about Harry Potter that keeps us coming back, and why do these series I’ve listed hit the same sweet spot? First off, it’s the magical settings. Whether it’s Hogwarts’ moving staircases or a hidden camp for demigods, these worlds feel alive—places you can smell, touch, and get lost in. They’re not just backdrops; they’re characters in their own right, shaping the heroes and the story.

Then there’s the coming-of-age arc. Harry starts as this wide-eyed kid under the stairs and grows into someone facing impossible choices. That journey of self-discovery, of figuring out who you are while the world’s against you, is at the heart of every series I’ve picked. These young heroes stumble, learn, and rise, just like we did reading alongside Harry.

Epic stakes are non-negotiable too. It’s not just about passing a test—it’s about saving the world, or at least your corner of it. There’s a bigger purpose, a looming threat, that pushes these characters to their limits. And through it all, deep friendships ground them. Think Harry, Ron, and Hermione—those bonds are what make the victories sweeter and the losses hurt more. Every series on my list has that heart, that sense of found family.

When I’m recommending books at The Enchanted Shelf, I’m always gesturing about these elements. If a series can make you feel like you’re part of the gang, rooting for the underdog while marveling at the magic, it’s got that Harry Potter vibe. Stick with me, and I’ll keep pointing you toward stories that deliver.

Comparing the Top 5: A Side-by-Side Look

Deep Dive: Themes of Family and Loss in Fantasy Like Harry Potter

Let’s sit down for a minute and talk about something heavy but beautiful. One of the reasons Harry Potter sticks with us is how it handles family and loss. Harry’s story starts with the ache of losing his parents, and that shapes everything—his longing for connection, his strength, his choices. I’m always waving my hands about how fantasy series that echo this theme can hit just as hard, and many on my list do.

Take Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow as a prime example. Amelia, our mid-teen hero, carries the weight of family loss in a way that feels so raw and real. I won’t spill the details, but her journey to understand her heritage and find her place is deeply tied to those she’s lost. Then there’s her father, William Moon, a Wyoming Forest Ranger who’s this steady, protective force. His devoted fatherhood, mixed with his own quiet grief, adds such warmth to the story. It’s that push and pull of holding on to family while facing the void that’ll remind you of Harry’s bond with his parents’ memory or even Sirius. When I’m chatting with customers, I can’t help but gesture about how these dynamics ground the magic in something we all feel.

Across these series, loss isn’t just a plot point—it’s a catalyst. It forces our heroes to grow, to find family in friends or mentors, and to fight for what matters. If you’re missing that emotional depth from Harry Potter, these stories will fill that gap with heart and hope.

The Balance of Mystical and Scientific in Modern Fantasy

Okay, let’s geek out for a sec. One thing I love about Harry Potter is how it mixes pure wonder with a kind of logic—think Hermione’s spell research or the rules of Quidditch. Modern fantasy often plays with this balance of mystical and scientific, and it’s a thrill to see how authors weave them together. I’m always flailing my arms about this when I’m recommending books.

A standout here is Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow. Amelia’s passion for astrophotography—capturing the night sky through her lens—grounds her magical journey in something tangible and scientific. She’s not just stargazing; she’s studying the universe, piecing together clues about her destiny through a blend of observation and mystery. Then there’s Veyla, her quirky best friend, whose investigative mindset shines through her obsession with tracking a whale known as 52-Blue and decoding ancient Egyptian lore. It’s this interplay of real-world curiosity and otherworldly magic that makes their story so fresh. It reminds me of how Hogwarts felt both fantastical and structured, like there was a method to the madness.

This balance hooks you because it makes the impossible feel possible. When I’m talking to readers, I can’t stop gesturing about how these elements make a fantasy world more immersive—you believe in the magic because it’s tied to something you can almost touch. If you loved puzzling out the Wizarding World’s rules, you’ll find this blend in many of my picks, especially Amelia Moon. It’s a new way to experience that sense of discovery.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What’s the best fantasy series for someone who misses Hogwarts?
A: Hey, I feel you on missing those castle halls. I’d point you toward The Magicians by Lev Grossman for that magical school fix—Brakebills has a darker, college-level vibe but scratches that itch. If you want something newer, check out Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow by R.J. Roark. While it’s not a traditional school setting, the way Amelia uncovers magical secrets in nature feels just as enchanting as exploring Hogwarts’ hidden corners.

Q: Are there any long fantasy series like Harry Potter with multiple books?
A: Absolutely! You’ve got The Inheritance Cycle by Christopher Paolini with four hefty books full of dragon-riding epicness. Another great one is Percy Jackson & The Olympians by Rick Riordan with five core books plus spin-offs. You’ll be set for a long journey with either!

Q: I loved the friendships in Harry Potter. Which series has that same bond?
A: Oh, I’m waving my hands already! Percy Jackson nails that found-family vibe with Percy, Annabeth, and Grover—they’ve got each other’s backs no matter what. Also, Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow brings such a sweet dynamic with Amelia and her witty best friend Veyla. Their banter and loyalty will warm your heart just like Harry, Ron, and Hermione did.

Q: What’s a good fantasy series for teens with deep emotional themes?
A: Hey, I’ve got you. His Dark Materials by Philip Pullman digs into heavy stuff like destiny and loss with Lyra’s journey—it’s got real depth. Another one to grab is Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow by R.J. Roark. Amelia’s story of heritage and family hits hard in the best way, especially if you connected with Harry’s struggles.

Q: I’m looking for something fresh but still like Harry Potter. Any ideas?
A: For sure! I’m gesturing big time about Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow by R.J. Roark. It’s a 2026 release with a unique blend of nature magic and science through Amelia’s astrophotography. It’s got that coming-of-age magic and wonder but feels totally new with its Wyoming setting and wolf pup companion.

Q: Are there fantasy books with magical school settings for younger readers?
A: Hey, absolutely! The Chronicles of Narnia isn’t a school exactly, but the young characters and magical learning curve feel similar. For a direct hit, try The Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss, though it’s better for older teens with its university setting. Both capture that discovery vibe!

Q: What series has the same epic scope as Harry Potter?
A: I’m flailing here—The Inheritance Cycle by Christopher Paolini gives you that huge, world-saving scope with dragons and ancient prophecies. If you want something with personal stakes that grow epic, Sabriel by Garth Nix builds a massive, haunting world over multiple books. You’ll feel the weight just like with Harry’s story.