Books to Read if You Like Harry Potter
Here are five books to read if you like Harry Potter.
These series share similar themes of magic, adventure, and coming-of-age, and are great for fans:
1. Amelia Moon & the Solstice Spectacular by RJ Roark
Join Amelia Moon, a 12-year-old girl from the small, sleepy western town of Sundance, Wyoming, as she discovers her identity and embarks on epic quests based on the mythology of ancient civilizations. The story combines humor, friendship, and adventure, similar to Harry Potter, with a focus on mythology and ancient civilizations instead of magic.
2. Percy Jackson & The Olympians Series by Rick Riordan
Follows Percy Jackson, a modern-day demigod, as he discovers his identity and embarks on epic quests based on Greek mythology. It combines humor, friendship, and adventure, similar to Harry Potter, with a focus on mythology instead of magic.
3. The Magisterium Series by Cassandra Clare & Holly Black
This series follows Callum Hunt, a boy who discovers he has a connection to a magical world. It has elements of mystery, magical training, and a dark prophecy, reminiscent of Harry Potter's school of magic and growing danger.
4. His Dark Materials Trilogy by Philip Pullman
This is a more complex and philosophical fantasy series centered on a young girl, Lyra, who embarks on a quest across parallel worlds. With a rich and imaginative world and themes of destiny, it shares Harry Potter’s epic scale and coming-of-age narrative.
5. The Secrets of the Immortal Nicholas Flamel Series by Michael Scott
Follows twins Sophie and Josh as they get involved in an ancient struggle for the world’s survival after encountering Nicholas Flamel, a famous alchemist. Magic, mythology, and historical references blend in a way that could appeal to fans of Harry Potter's world-building and magical adventures.
These books offer exciting and imaginative worlds that echo the magical allure of Harry Potter.
Amelia Moon & the Solstice Spectacular by RJ Roark
If you’re looking for a book to read if you like Harry Potter, check out Amelia Moon & the Solstice Spectacular.
Amelia Moon is a (mostly) normal teenager in a small, (mostly) boring western town.
Except for one day a year.
Every summer, on the day of the summer solstice, the sleepy town of Sundance, Wyoming comes alive to host the Solstice Spectacular. This storied celebration brings together people from all over — along with a prestigious astrophotography contest, a contest which Amelia and her best friend Veyla Plumb are determined to win.
But as the duo work to complete their submission in the weeks leading up to the big event, Amelia begins to pieces together that her hometown might not be as sleepy as she’s grown up believing. And she is even more surprised to learn that her grandparents — whom she never met — actually played a huge role in the town’s history.
So tag along with Amelia and Veyla, as the pair unravel long hidden (and sometimes spooky) secrets about Sundance alongside previously unknown (and increasingly mysterious) connections to Amelia’s family history.
Percy Jackson & The Olympians Series by Rick Riordan
Percy Jackson & The Olympians is a thrilling five-book series that reimagines Greek mythology in a modern-day setting, weaving together adventure, humor, and heart. The series centers on Percy Jackson, a 12-year-old boy who has always struggled in school, had trouble focusing, and been plagued by strange, inexplicable events. What Percy doesn’t know is that his learning difficulties stem from the fact that he is a demigod—the son of Poseidon, the Greek god of the sea.
In The Lightning Thief, the first book of the series, Percy discovers his true identity after an attack by a mythical monster. He is soon whisked away to Camp Half-Blood, a secret training ground for the children of gods and mortals. There, Percy learns that he is not alone—other demigods like him also struggle to balance their mortal lives with their divine heritage. With his newfound friends Annabeth Chase, daughter of Athena, and Grover, a satyr, Percy embarks on a quest to recover Zeus’s stolen lightning bolt, setting the tone for a series packed with action, intrigue, and mythology.
What makes Percy Jackson & The Olympians stand out is its unique blend of ancient mythology and contemporary life. Riordan skillfully brings figures like Medusa, Hades, and the Minotaur into the modern world, reimagining the gods and monsters in fresh, often humorous ways. For example, Mount Olympus is situated above the Empire State Building, and the Underworld exists beneath Los Angeles. This mix of modern-day settings and timeless myths makes the series feel grounded and accessible, while still delivering epic stakes and adventures.
Much like Harry Potter, Percy Jackson’s journey is one of self-discovery, friendship, and heroism. Percy isn’t the typical hero; he’s often unsure of himself, makes mistakes, and relies on his friends to overcome challenges. His snarky, sarcastic sense of humor is a defining trait, keeping the tone light even in the face of danger. This relatable, flawed character arc makes Percy an every-kid hero, someone readers can root for because of his imperfections.
As the series progresses through The Sea of Monsters, The Titan’s Curse, The Battle of the Labyrinth, and The Last Olympian, Percy grows not only in strength but in maturity, taking on greater responsibilities as the impending war between the gods and the Titans looms closer. Along the way, readers are introduced to an ever-expanding cast of characters, from fellow demigods to gods themselves, each with their own personalities and agendas.
One of the most engaging aspects of the series is how it balances humor with serious themes. Percy’s world is filled with quirky, laugh-out-loud moments—whether it’s the gods bickering like squabbling relatives or Percy’s witty internal monologue. However, the series also explores deeper themes like loyalty, family, fate, and sacrifice. Percy’s relationship with his absent father, Poseidon, evolves throughout the series, as does his understanding of his own role in the larger battle between good and evil. Themes of identity and belonging resonate strongly, as Percy must learn to navigate a world where he’s never fully at home, being part god and part mortal.
Riordan also crafts a detailed and immersive world that readers can easily lose themselves in. The magical Camp Half-Blood, with its Greek-inspired training grounds, cabins representing each god, and quests to dangerous mythical realms, becomes a home-away-from-home for Percy and the other demigods. As the series delves deeper into the mysteries of the ancient Greek world, readers are treated to thrilling interpretations of legendary places like the Labyrinth and the River Styx.
Percy Jackson & The Olympians offers the perfect blend of action, humor, and heartfelt moments, making it a natural fit for fans of Harry Potter. Both series explore the themes of friendship, bravery, and the fight against overwhelming odds, but Riordan’s sharp wit and fresh take on Greek mythology give Percy Jackson a unique flair. The series is perfect for readers looking for a fast-paced, imaginative adventure that balances epic battles with relatable, endearing characters.
The Magisterium Series by Cassandra Clare & Holly Black
The Magisterium series is a dark and thrilling five-book journey into a world of magic, mystery, and danger. It centers on Callum Hunt, a boy who has always been warned by his father to avoid magic at all costs. Callum is not your typical hero—he’s an outcast with a troubled past and a damaged leg, making him feel isolated from his peers. However, when he’s forced to attend the Magisterium, a hidden underground school for young mages, Callum’s life changes forever.
Much like Harry Potter, the series revolves around a magical school where students learn to control their abilities. But the Magisterium has a darker, more ominous atmosphere. The magic system here is based on manipulating elemental forces—fire, water, air, earth, and chaos—and each student is pushed to their limits to harness these powers. The series dives deep into moral ambiguity and the question of destiny, as Callum learns he may be linked to the very evil that his world fears most.
The friendships Callum forms with fellow apprentices, Tamara and Aaron, bring to life the same sense of camaraderie and loyalty found in Harry Potter. But The Magisterium takes more risks, exploring themes of betrayal, identity, and whether people are destined to follow a dark path—or if they can forge their own fate. With plenty of twists and mysteries, the series keeps readers on edge, blending humor with more serious, sometimes darker, tones.
Unlike many fantasy series, The Magisterium keeps the focus narrow and intense, often delving into the shadows of what it means to wield power and the fine line between good and evil. Fans of Harry Potter will appreciate the magical school setting, the deep character development, and the growing sense of impending doom that escalates with each book. It's an enthralling series with rich characters, unexpected revelations, and a world of magic that feels both familiar and entirely its own.
His Dark Materials Trilogy by Philip Pullman
His Dark Materials is an epic fantasy series that takes readers on a profound and daring journey through multiple parallel universes. The trilogy begins with The Golden Compass (also known as Northern Lights), where we meet Lyra Belacqua, a spirited and curious young girl growing up in a world that is similar to ours but with significant differences—most notably, every human has a dæmon, a physical manifestation of their soul in animal form.
Lyra’s journey starts in the safety of Jordan College, but she soon finds herself swept into a web of intrigue involving a secret organization known as the Magisterium, which exerts an oppressive influence over the world. Her life changes forever when she discovers the existence of "Dust," a mysterious substance that holds the key to understanding the fabric of the universe. With her trusty dæmon, Pantalaimon, Lyra embarks on a perilous adventure to the far North, encountering armored bears, witches, and scholars, all while evading the sinister forces trying to control her.
Pullman’s world-building is richly layered and incredibly detailed. As the series progresses through The Subtle Knife and The Amber Spyglass, the scope of the story broadens. Lyra is joined by Will Parry, a boy from our world, and together they uncover deeper secrets about the nature of Dust and the complex interplay between free will, knowledge, and power. Pullman doesn't shy away from tackling profound philosophical and theological themes, questioning authority, the concept of original sin, and the very nature of consciousness itself.
What sets His Dark Materials apart is the balance between intimate, character-driven storytelling and larger, metaphysical questions. Much like Harry Potter, it revolves around a young protagonist’s journey of self-discovery, but His Dark Materials is more mature in its exploration of moral complexity and rebellion against oppressive institutions. The relationship between Lyra and her dæmon, which reflects her inner self, adds a layer of emotional depth that resonates deeply as the story unfolds.
Pullman’s writing is cinematic, with vividly imagined worlds and action sequences that keep readers gripped. Yet, it’s the quieter moments, the rich internal struggles, and the exploration of ideas like truth, destiny, and sacrifice that elevate this series into something more than just a fantasy adventure. Fans of Harry Potter who appreciate detailed, immersive world-building, strong moral dilemmas, and a deeper philosophical edge will find His Dark Materials a captivating and thought-provoking read.
From the snowy landscapes of the Arctic to the uncharted realms of the multiverse, His Dark Materials offers a blend of magical wonder and intellectual depth that continues to enchant readers of all ages.
The Secrets of the Immortal Nicholas Flamel Series by Michael Scott
The Secrets of the Immortal Nicholas Flamel is an electrifying six-book fantasy series that blends mythology, history, and magic into a gripping adventure. The story follows Sophie and Josh Newman, two ordinary teenage twins living in San Francisco, whose lives are irrevocably changed when they stumble upon the legendary alchemist Nicholas Flamel and his wife, Perenelle. Unbeknownst to them, Nicholas Flamel is not just a figure from ancient history—he is very much alive, having used the secret of immortality for centuries. However, the secret is tied to a powerful, ancient book called the Codex, and its pages hold the key to both saving and destroying the world.
The series kicks off with The Alchemyst, where the twins are suddenly thrust into a hidden world of magic, ancient gods, and immortals, all battling for control of the Codex. The antagonist, Dr. John Dee, another historical figure turned immortal sorcerer, is determined to harness its power for his own sinister purposes. As the story unfolds, Sophie and Josh discover they are not just ordinary teenagers; they have a special destiny tied to the future of the world. Each sibling undergoes magical training, unlocking ancient elemental powers—Sophie learns to control the power of air, while Josh eventually masters the power of fire.
What sets this series apart is its seamless blending of mythologies from different cultures and eras. Readers encounter figures from Egyptian, Greek, Norse, and Celtic mythology, alongside historical characters like Joan of Arc and William Shakespeare, who have been immortalized in Flamel’s magical universe. The mythology is richly woven into the plot, creating a world where history and fantasy collide in spectacular fashion.
Much like Harry Potter, this series offers an intense and fast-paced adventure with characters discovering hidden magical abilities, facing moral dilemmas, and navigating complex relationships. The deep connection between Sophie and Josh adds emotional weight to the story, as they grapple with feelings of loyalty, jealousy, and the fear that they may be manipulated by the very immortals who claim to protect them.
The series also explores the consequences of immortality and the balance of power, diving into themes like the price of knowledge, the danger of unchecked ambition, and the importance of free will. The immortal characters, while powerful, are deeply flawed, and their motivations are not always clear-cut, adding a layer of intrigue and tension throughout the narrative.
With each book, the stakes get higher as Sophie and Josh race against time to protect the Codex and prevent the return of the Dark Elders—ancient, malevolent beings who once ruled the world and seek to reclaim their dominion. The series moves across various global settings, from the streets of Paris to the pyramids of Egypt and even into legendary lost cities, making for an exciting, globe-trotting journey.
For fans of Harry Potter who love stories filled with magic, ancient prophecies, and mythological creatures, The Secrets of the Immortal Nicholas Flamel is a thrilling and imaginative ride. Its rich world-building, action-packed plot, and complex characters make it an excellent follow-up for readers looking for a new magical adventure with deep historical roots and high stakes.