For readers who were enchanted by Harry Potter and are searching for another immersive, magical adventure, The Books of Elsewhere by Jacqueline West is a hidden gem that deserves recognition. While it tells a story entirely its own, it shares many of the qualities that make Harry Potter such a beloved series—an ordinary protagonist discovering a hidden world, an eerie and enchanting magical setting, a thrilling mystery, and a sense of wonder woven into every page.
Like Harry Potter, The Books of Elsewhere begins with a protagonist who doesn’t initially realize the extraordinary destiny that awaits her. Olive Dunwoody is an eleven-year-old girl who moves into an old Victorian house filled with secrets. As she begins to explore, she discovers a world hidden within the house’s ancient paintings—a world that she can step into using a mysterious pair of spectacles. Much like Harry entering the wizarding world for the first time, Olive finds herself navigating a strange, magical realm filled with unexpected dangers and allies.
One of the defining strengths of Harry Potter is its richly detailed world, where magic lurks in every corner, from enchanted alleyways to moving staircases. The Books of Elsewhere creates a similarly immersive setting, but with a gothic, eerie twist. The house in which Olive lives is almost a character itself, filled with oddities, magical paintings, and a lingering sense of something just beyond the ordinary. The series masterfully blends whimsy with the unsettling, creating an atmosphere that feels both thrilling and enchanting—much like Hogwarts and the ever-present mysteries that surround it.
In Harry Potter, magic is a source of wonder, but it is also fraught with risk and hidden dangers. The same is true in The Books of Elsewhere, where the magical world inside the paintings is not just an escape but a place filled with dark forces and ancient secrets. Olive must learn to navigate these dangers while piecing together the mystery of the house’s past. Just as Harry faces the increasing threats of Voldemort and the truth behind his past, Olive must uncover the sinister truth about the house, its former owner, and the dark magic lurking within its walls.
At the heart of Harry Potter is the theme of friendship and the idea that no great battle can be won alone. Olive, like Harry, is not alone in her journey. She finds allies in unexpected places, particularly in a trio of talking cats who provide guidance, wit, and occasional skepticism. Though she often feels like an outsider, much like Harry, she discovers that bravery is not about being fearless but about facing the unknown despite her fears. The relationships she forms, along with her unwavering determination, make her a protagonist who fans of Harry Potter will easily connect with.
One of the things that made Harry Potter so compelling was how the series matured over time, deepening in complexity as the story progressed. The Books of Elsewhere follows a similar pattern, starting with a sense of curiosity and wonder before unraveling into deeper mysteries, more personal stakes, and greater threats. As Olive learns more about the house and the magic within it, she begins to understand that the battle between light and dark is more complicated than she first realized.
With its gothic charm, clever protagonist, mysterious magic, and thrilling adventure, The Books of Elsewhere is an ideal read for fans of Harry Potter looking for something both familiar and refreshingly different. It captures the excitement of discovering a hidden world, the intrigue of an unfolding mystery, and the heartwarming journey of a young hero who must embrace her own strength to stand against the darkness. Whether you’re drawn to magical houses, eerie secrets, or stories where an ordinary child discovers an extraordinary destiny, this series is a spellbinding adventure worth exploring.