Best Books Like Harry Potter
If you're looking for the best books like Harry Potter, here are five great options that capture the magic, adventure, and world-building like Harry Potter:
(A BIG THANK YOU to the folks over at BESTBOOKSLIKE.COM for recommending Amelia Moon as on the best books like Harry Potter 🥰)
1. Amelia Moon Series by RJ Roark
Why it’s similar: Like Harry Potter, it’s about a young girl who discovers she’s special and is thrust into a world steeped in the mythology of ancient civilizations. The series combines humor, friendship, and epic quests with mythology of ancient civilizations.
First book: The Solstice Spectacular
2. Percy Jackson & The Olympians Series by Rick Riordan
Why it's similar: Like Harry Potter, Percy Jackson is about a young boy discovering he's part of a magical world—this time, the world of Greek mythology. Percy goes on quests, forms tight friendships, and battles powerful enemies.
Vibe: Mythology, coming-of-age, action-packed, humorous
3. His Dark Materials Trilogy by Philip Pullman
Why it's similar: This series, starting with The Golden Compass, is full of magical elements, complex world-building, and a young protagonist who embarks on a journey that challenges authority and destiny.
Vibe: Philosophical, adventure, alternate universes, magical creatures
4. The Magicians Trilogy by Lev Grossman
Why it's similar: Often referred to as a darker, more adult version of Harry Potter, this series follows Quentin Coldwater as he discovers a hidden magical school and an entire world of magic. It's more introspective and gritty but carries similar themes of magical education and the cost of power.
Vibe: Dark, complex, magic school, fantasy for adults
5. The Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis
Why it's similar: Full of magical lands, epic battles between good and evil, and a group of young protagonists who must navigate a world filled with mythical creatures and talking animals. The Narnia series has enchanted readers for decades and offers a timeless sense of wonder.
Vibe: Classic fantasy, magical worlds, adventure, Christian allegory
These books offer similar themes of magic, adventure, and deep friendships that fans of Harry Potter often enjoy.
Amelia Moon Series by RJ Roark
When it comes to the best books like Harry Potter, the Amelia Moon series fits the bill. Centered around a 12-year-old girl named Amelia Moon, who discovers her sleepy western town of Sundance, Wyoming is no ordinary town — and she’s no ordinary kid. Her world is suddenly turned upside down as she uncovers long buried ancient secrets hidden in a modern world. Amelia is swept into a life of adventure as she and her best friend Veyla Plumb pull on mysterious threads that extend far beyond their little town.
Why It's a Great Fit for Harry Potter Fans:
Modern Mythology: Like Harry Potter's seamless blend of the magical and the mundane, Amelia Moon overlays a hidden world of ancient mythology on top of modern-day life. This duality adds a fresh, relatable twist to the classic hero's journey.
Humor and Heart: Amelia’s voice is humorous and self-deprecating, bringing levity to even the most intense situations. Her relationships, especially with her friend Veyla, are heartfelt and full of loyalty, much like the trio of Harry, Hermione, and Ron.
Coming-of-Age Themes: Amelia grapples with feelings of abandonment, anger, and the burden of destiny, just as Harry does. Both characters are propelled into a world they never knew existed and must grow up quickly, learning about their own inner strength and responsibilities.
Epic Quests: The series is packed with quests that take Amelia and her friends all across town (and far, far beyond) as they face a wide array of mysterious adventures.
Character Development: Much like Harry Potter, Amelia grows significantly over the course of the series. She goes from an unsure, frustrated kid who feels out of place to a confident hero who embraces her destiny. Along the way, the friendships she builds are central to her growth, with a focus on teamwork and trust.
Fast-Paced Adventure: Each book in the series is a rollercoaster of action, blending humor, danger, and discovery in a way that keeps readers hooked. It’s a perfect mix of thrilling battles, puzzle-solving, and touching moments of friendship and sacrifice.
For those who love the magic and camaraderie of Harry Potter, the Amelia Moon series provides a similarly rich experience, filled with mythological wonders and a hero who is both brave and relatable. It’s a fresh take on a hidden magical world where ancient powers still shape the lives of young heroes.
Percy Jackson & The Olympians Series by Rick Riordan
The Percy Jackson series centers around a 12-year-old boy named Percy Jackson, who discovers he's no ordinary kid—he's a demigod, the son of Poseidon, the Greek god of the sea. His world is suddenly turned upside down as he learns that all the ancient Greek gods and mythical creatures not only exist but are alive and well in the modern world. Percy is swept into a life of quests, monsters, and adventure when he is sent to Camp Half-Blood, a camp for demigod children like himself.
Why It's a Great Fit for Harry Potter Fans:
Modern Mythology: Like Harry Potter's seamless blend of the magical and the mundane, Percy Jackson overlays a hidden world of Greek gods and ancient magic on top of modern-day life. This duality adds a fresh, relatable twist to the classic hero's journey.
Humor and Heart: Percy’s voice is humorous and self-deprecating, bringing levity to even the most intense situations. His relationships, especially with his friends Annabeth and Grover, are heartfelt and full of loyalty, much like the trio of Harry, Hermione, and Ron.
Coming-of-Age Themes: Percy grapples with feelings of abandonment, anger, and the burden of destiny, just as Harry does. Both characters are propelled into a world they never knew existed and must grow up quickly, learning about their own inner strength and responsibilities.
Epic Quests: The series is packed with quests that take Percy and his friends across the country (and even into the Underworld) as they face a wide array of mythological creatures. Each book introduces new gods, monsters, and challenges, keeping the adventure fresh and unpredictable.
Character Development: Much like Harry Potter, Percy grows significantly over the course of the series. He goes from an unsure, frustrated kid who feels out of place to a confident hero who embraces his destiny. Along the way, the friendships he builds are central to his growth, with a focus on teamwork and trust.
Fast-Paced Adventure: Each book in the series is a rollercoaster of action, blending humor, danger, and discovery in a way that keeps readers hooked. It’s a perfect mix of thrilling battles with creatures from Greek mythology, puzzle-solving, and touching moments of friendship and sacrifice.
For those who love the magic and camaraderie of Harry Potter, the Percy Jackson series provides a similarly rich experience, filled with mythological wonders and a hero who is both brave and relatable. It’s a fresh take on a hidden magical world where ancient powers still shape the lives of young heroes.
His Dark Materials Trilogy by Philip Pullman
The His Dark Materials trilogy, beginning with The Golden Compass (or Northern Lights in the UK), is a sweeping, multi-dimensional fantasy that explores themes of free will, authority, and the nature of the universe. Set in a world both familiar and fantastical, the story follows a young girl named Lyra Belacqua, who embarks on a perilous journey across multiple realities, filled with magic, science, and deep philosophical questions.
Why It Appeals to Harry Potter Fans:
Magical World-Building: Like Harry Potter, His Dark Materials introduces readers to an immersive world with its own set of magical rules. In Lyra’s world, every human has a “dæmon,” a shape-shifting animal companion that represents their soul. This unique element of Pullman’s world serves as a constant reminder of the magical bond between humans and nature, much like the magical creatures in Harry’s world.
A Strong, Young Heroine: Lyra, much like Harry, starts as an ordinary child who is soon thrust into an extraordinary situation. Both characters possess a hidden strength and an unbreakable determination. Lyra’s journey is both physical and emotional, as she grapples with complex questions of morality and authority, much like Harry’s struggle against Voldemort and the corrupt wizarding world.
Parallel Universes: While Harry Potter stays mostly rooted in one magical universe, His Dark Materials is a saga that spans multiple worlds. Each world is distinct, with its own set of rules, creatures, and societies. This idea of parallel worlds adds a deep layer of complexity to the story, and fans who love the hidden magic of Hogwarts will appreciate the rich, layered environments Pullman creates.
Epic Battles and Moral Dilemmas: Like Harry's battle against dark forces, Lyra’s journey is steeped in epic confrontations between good and evil, but His Dark Materials adds a philosophical twist. The battle between the oppressive forces of the Magisterium (a stand-in for religious authority) and those who seek to preserve free will is central to the trilogy. These complex, adult themes set it apart from simpler fantasy tales, challenging readers to think deeply about the nature of power, belief, and personal choice.
Dæmons and Destiny: A central aspect of Lyra’s world is the bond between humans and their dæmons. This intimate connection between soul and body makes for a powerful metaphor and adds emotional depth to the characters’ journeys. Watching Lyra’s dæmon, Pantalaimon, and the dæmons of others shift and evolve based on the person’s emotional state or life stage gives the story a unique and deeply personal touch.
Friendships and Bonds: Just like in Harry Potter, where friendship is the core of the story, Lyra forms deep, meaningful bonds with various characters, from the courageous armored bear Iorek Byrnison to the witch Serafina Pekkala. These relationships are tested as Lyra’s journey leads her into increasingly dangerous territory, but the sense of loyalty, trust, and sacrifice will resonate with readers who loved the strong friendships in Harry Potter.
Dark and Thought-Provoking Themes: While Harry Potter explores the fight against evil and prejudice, His Dark Materials delves into weightier subjects, such as the nature of consciousness, the role of organized religion, and the conflict between authority and personal freedom. The trilogy doesn’t shy away from controversial topics, making it a more mature and thought-provoking read, while still maintaining the magical adventure that readers crave.
Complex Characters: Like the morally gray characters in Harry Potter, His Dark Materials features complex individuals whose motives aren’t always clear. Characters such as Mrs. Coulter and Lord Asriel, who play pivotal roles in Lyra’s life, often straddle the line between hero and villain, making their actions and choices unpredictable and compelling.
In His Dark Materials, Philip Pullman crafts a beautifully intricate universe filled with wonder, danger, and deep questions about the world and our place in it. Fans of Harry Potter will appreciate the balance between the magical adventure and the thought-provoking exploration of truth, belief, and the fight for freedom. The trilogy offers a richly layered, immersive experience for readers looking to go beyond the familiar and into a world of boundless imagination and possibility.
The Magicians Trilogy by Lev Grossman
The Magicians Trilogy offers a darker, more mature take on the classic "magical school" story that will resonate deeply with fans of Harry Potter, while also offering a more complex, gritty perspective on the consequences of magic. The story follows Quentin Coldwater, a brilliant but disillusioned teenager, who discovers that the magical world he dreamed about as a child is real—but it’s not as whimsical or safe as he imagined.
Why It Appeals to Harry Potter Fans:
Magic School with an Edge: Like Hogwarts, Brakebills College for Magical Pedagogy is a secretive school where gifted students are trained in the art of magic. However, while Hogwarts is filled with wonder and charm, Brakebills is more grounded and realistic, treating magic as something that requires discipline and intellect but comes with heavy emotional and psychological consequences. This adds a layer of realism and complexity that adult fans of Harry Potter may appreciate.
A Darker Exploration of Magic: Where Harry Potter often presents magic as a way to solve problems and overcome evil, The Magicians treats it with more caution. The use of magic in Grossman’s world often exacerbates the characters’ personal flaws and leads them into morally gray territory. Magic is not an escape from reality; it amplifies the characters’ struggles with identity, purpose, and belonging. This depth makes The Magicians feel like a more grown-up counterpart to Harry Potter, exploring what happens when magic isn’t the cure-all it seems.
A Complex Protagonist: Quentin Coldwater is not the traditional hero. Unlike Harry, who is driven by a sense of duty and innate goodness, Quentin is deeply flawed—prone to depression, self-doubt, and dissatisfaction with his life. His journey is as much about internal growth and confronting his own disillusionment as it is about external magical challenges. Fans of Harry Potter who enjoy character-driven stories will find Quentin’s internal struggles compelling, as his search for meaning mirrors the real-world challenges of growing up.
A World of Fantasy within a Fantasy: Much like how Harry Potter introduces the magical world hidden within the mundane, The Magicians goes a step further with the fictional world of Fillory, a parallel magical realm that exists within the books Quentin loved as a child. Fillory is Grossman’s homage to Narnia, but it’s a much more dangerous and unpredictable place than its childhood counterpart. As Quentin and his friends travel to Fillory, they discover that it’s far from the idyllic land they dreamed of, confronting the darker truths of growing up and realizing that fantasy doesn’t always offer an escape from real-life struggles.
Themes of Disillusionment and Growing Up: One of the central themes of The Magicians is the disillusionment that comes with adulthood. Quentin enters Brakebills believing that magic will solve all his problems, only to realize that even in a world full of spells and enchanted worlds, the human condition—loneliness, uncertainty, longing for purpose—remains. This more mature, philosophical exploration of growing up resonates deeply with adult readers who grew up on the optimism of Harry Potter but are now seeking stories that confront the complexities of real life.
Friendship and Complicated Relationships: While friendship is a key theme in Harry Potter, The Magicians takes a more nuanced approach to relationships. Quentin's friendships are often strained, imperfect, and complicated by envy, love, and betrayal. Characters like Alice, Eliot, and Julia each have their own arcs of growth, and their relationships with Quentin evolve in ways that feel both realistic and poignant. The emotional complexity in these friendships and romantic entanglements is richer and darker, offering a more mature perspective on how relationships evolve as people change.
A Journey into Darkness: As the trilogy progresses, the stakes become increasingly high, and the tone becomes darker. Characters grapple with deep existential questions, and the boundaries between heroism and selfishness blur. This shift toward moral ambiguity is a departure from the clearer lines of good and evil found in Harry Potter, making The Magicians a thought-provoking read for those who enjoy stories that challenge the conventions of traditional fantasy.
A Love Letter to Fantasy and Magic: Grossman’s trilogy is full of literary nods to the fantasy genre, from Narnia and Harry Potter to Lord of the Rings. It’s both a tribute and a critique of the genre, questioning what happens when the fantastical worlds we adore in books don’t live up to our expectations in real life. Fans of Harry Potter will appreciate these clever allusions, as The Magicians plays with and subverts many of the tropes that define the genre.
The Cost of Power: One of the most striking aspects of the trilogy is its exploration of the cost of power and magic. Whereas in Harry Potter, the use of magic is largely celebrated and integral to overcoming challenges, The Magicians emphasizes that magic often comes with a price—be it emotional, physical, or existential. Quentin and his friends face devastating consequences for their actions, driving home the idea that magic, while enticing, isn’t always a force for good.
Overall, The Magicians Trilogy is a sophisticated, dark, and deeply reflective series that takes the magical school concept and infuses it with the complexities and uncertainties of adult life. Fans of Harry Potter who are looking for a more grown-up, emotionally complex journey into magic will find this series a compelling and rewarding read.
The Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis
The Chronicles of Narnia is a classic seven-book fantasy series that transports readers into a magical world filled with talking animals, mythical creatures, and epic battles between good and evil. First published in the 1950s, the series has enchanted generations of readers with its timeless themes of adventure, faith, and the triumph of good over evil. The story begins with The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe, where four siblings—Peter, Susan, Edmund, and Lucy Pevensie—stumble into the magical land of Narnia through a wardrobe, setting in motion a series of adventures that span across several books and generations.
Why It Appeals to Harry Potter Fans:
Magical World Filled with Wonder: Much like Harry Potter’s Wizarding World, Narnia is a fully realized magical universe that feels as though it could exist just beyond our own reality. From its sprawling forests, frozen tundras, and majestic castles to the talking animals and mythical creatures that inhabit it, Narnia is a place where readers can lose themselves in its magic and beauty. Fans of Harry Potter’s immersive world-building will find a similar sense of wonder in Narnia, where every corner of the land holds new discoveries.
Ordinary Children in Extraordinary Circumstances: Like Harry, the Pevensie siblings are ordinary children who are suddenly thrust into a magical world where they are called upon to play important roles in great battles and quests. The transition from their mundane, war-torn life in London to the magical world of Narnia mirrors Harry’s journey from the ordinary to the extraordinary. This idea of unsuspecting children becoming heroes is a theme that resonates with readers of all ages, much as it does in Harry Potter.
Themes of Good vs. Evil: Central to both Harry Potter and Narnia is the eternal struggle between good and evil. In The Chronicles of Narnia, the villainous White Witch, who plunges the land into eternal winter, is a powerful embodiment of evil, much like Voldemort in Harry Potter. Aslan, the noble lion who represents goodness and sacrifice, serves as the series’ guiding moral force, much like Dumbledore. The battle for Narnia's soul echoes the fight for the wizarding world’s survival, with the children playing pivotal roles in deciding the fate of the realm.
Epic Battles and Heroism: Fans who loved the thrilling confrontations in Harry Potter will find Narnia full of similarly epic moments. From the climactic battle in The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe, where the children fight alongside Aslan’s army of mythological creatures, to the grand confrontations in later books like Prince Caspian and The Last Battle, the series is brimming with moments of heroism, sacrifice, and bravery. The children’s transformation from ordinary kids into warriors and leaders is a journey that fans of Harry’s own hero’s journey will find deeply satisfying.
Magical Creatures and Beings: Much like the Harry Potter universe’s magical creatures (such as Hippogriffs, House-elves, and Dragons), Narnia is populated by a rich array of fantastical beings. From fauns and centaurs to talking animals and dwarfs, the inhabitants of Narnia are as diverse and magical as any found in Hogwarts. Aslan, the great lion and ruler of Narnia, embodies both mystery and power, much like Harry’s relationship with magical creatures such as Fawkes the Phoenix or Hedwig. Readers who loved discovering new magical species in Harry Potter will delight in exploring the diverse inhabitants of Narnia.
Relatable Themes of Family, Loyalty, and Courage: While the central battle of Narnia is between good and evil, the series also emphasizes themes of family and loyalty, which are just as crucial in Harry Potter. The Pevensie siblings, though they face moments of division (such as Edmund’s betrayal in The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe), ultimately rely on their bonds as family to triumph over adversity. This emphasis on love, loyalty, and unity parallels the strong bonds between Harry, Ron, and Hermione, whose friendship is at the heart of their success in the face of overwhelming odds.
A Journey of Growth and Redemption: One of the most compelling aspects of The Chronicles of Narnia is its exploration of personal growth and redemption. Edmund’s journey from betraying his siblings to becoming a loyal and brave king in The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe mirrors the theme of redemption that runs throughout Harry Potter, particularly in characters like Severus Snape or Draco Malfoy. Readers who appreciate characters grappling with their choices and striving for personal redemption will find similar themes in Narnia.
A Mythical Landscape of Timeless Adventure: While Harry Potter is set in a magical world closely intertwined with our own, Narnia exists as a timeless, mythic landscape where time passes differently, and each visit holds new possibilities. Fans who loved the hidden world of Diagon Alley, Platform 9¾, and the secret places within Hogwarts will relish the mystery and adventure of discovering new realms within Narnia, such as the voyages across magical seas in The Voyage of the Dawn Treader or the enchanted lands of The Silver Chair.
Christian Allegory and Deeper Themes: While Harry Potter touches on themes of sacrifice, love, and death, The Chronicles of Narnia is imbued with deeper Christian allegories. Aslan, the noble lion, represents a Christ-like figure who sacrifices himself for the greater good and rises again. The series explores themes of faith, redemption, and resurrection, though these themes are woven into the fantasy in a way that remains accessible to all readers, regardless of religious background. Fans who enjoy uncovering deeper meanings and symbolism in stories will appreciate the layers of allegory present in Narnia.
A Story for All Ages: While The Chronicles of Narnia was originally written for children, much like Harry Potter, it transcends age and speaks to readers of all generations. The magical adventures, moral lessons, and heartwarming characters resonate with both younger readers discovering Narnia for the first time and adults revisiting the land with a new perspective. Its timeless appeal lies in its ability to balance lighthearted wonder with deep, meaningful storytelling, making it a perfect series for fans who grew up with Harry Potter and are looking for another world to get lost in.
Overall, The Chronicles of Narnia is a rich, imaginative series filled with magical adventure, timeless moral lessons, and unforgettable characters. For fans of Harry Potter seeking another epic journey into a world of wonder, Narnia offers a landscape where good battles evil, courage is rewarded, and the bonds of family and friendship are the keys to triumph.