If the tales of Harry Potter have left you yearning for more magical narratives, rest assured, you’re not the only one. The enchanting journeys of Harry, Ron, and Hermione have won over audiences across the globe, sparking a desire for more narratives that weave together elements of magic, camaraderie, and monumental confrontations with evil entities. To cater to this craving, we’ve compiled a selection of books akin to Harry Potter that promise to whisk you away to realms of equal wonder and enchantment.
The world of Harry Potter has such enduring power for so many reasons. There is the thrill of discovering a hidden world within our own, filled with wonder and the promise of belonging, especially for those who have felt like outsiders. The focus on magical education, with its eccentric teachers, enchanted lessons and sense of endless possibility, taps into our dreams of unlocking our own hidden potential. Yet, it’s the enduring strength of friendship and the battle against encroaching darkness that truly makes such stories resonate.
The good news is that the world of literature is brimming with extraordinary books like Harry Potter, ready to transport you to fantastical realms filled with dark magic, spells, charms and more. Whether you seek lighthearted fun and a touch of whimsy, thrilling adventures with high stakes, or explorations of deeper themes meant for a more mature audience, there’s a book out there to satisfy your inner Potter fan.
Books based on imaginative worlds and magical schools like those in Harry Potter
Carry On by Rainbow Rowell
Year of publishing: 2015
Synopsis: Simon Snow is the ‘Chosen One’ — and the worst one ever. His roommate/nemesis Baz might be a vampire; mysteries swirl around their school; Watford and Simon’s destiny may not be what anyone expected. This witty story turns magical tropes on their head, exploring themes of found family, self-discovery and the unexpected paths our lives can take because of a prophecy.
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Nevermoor: The Trials of Morrigan Crow by Jessica Townsend
Year of publishing: 2017
Synopsis: Cursed to die on her eleventh birthday, Morrigan Crow is whisked away to the fantastical city of Nevermoor, a place of fantastical wonders and hidden dangers. Here, she has a chance to join the prestigious Wundrous Society but only if she can pass a series of quirky, sometimes dangerous trials. If you love Hogwarts’ moving staircases and hidden rooms, Nevermoor’s ever-changing hotel and unpredictable challenges will capture your imagination.
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A Deadly Education by Naomi Novik
Year of publishing: 2020
Synopsis: Welcome to Scholomance, a deadly magical academy where survival is the only path to graduation. El Higgins, a powerful sorceress with a penchant for destruction, must navigate treacherous corridors where monsters lurk, alliances shift and friendships are forged in the face of constant danger. For those who loved the Triwizard Tournament in Harry Potter, Scholomance’s battle for survival will keep you on the edge of your seat.
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Books based on epic quests and hidden powers like those in Harry Potter
The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe by C.S Lewis
Year of publishing: 1950
Synopsis: Journey through an ordinary wardrobe into a world of talking animals, ancient prophecies and the icy reign of the White Witch. Four siblings, evacuated from wartime London, have to muster courage and embrace their unique gifts to free Narnia from her grip. This classic series explores timeless themes of good versus evil, sacrifice and the enduring power of hope. Three books in the Narnia series have been adapted into movies. A Netflix series is in the works as well.
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Percy Jackson & The Olympians: The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan
Year of publishing: 2005
Synopsis: Get ready for a wild ride as Percy Jackson discovers he’s a demigod, son of Poseidon and is thrust into a world where Greek mythology isn’t just stories — it’s dangerously real. Camp Half-Blood, with its cabins for each Olympian, becomes his home as he trains, forms lifelong bonds and embarks on quests with high stakes and even higher humour. The book and series have been adapted into two movies and an ongoing TV show.
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The Raven Cycle: The Raven Boys by Maggie Stiefvater
Year of publishing: 2012
Synopsis: Blue Sargent isn’t magical…or so she believes until she’s drawn into the world of the Raven Boys — four privileged private school students obsessed with finding a dead Welsh king and unlocking a hidden source of power. Immersive and atmospheric, this series explores ley lines, prophecies and the blurry boundaries between the mystical and the real while focusing heavily on friendship and the search for belonging.
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Books for adults who loved Harry Potter as kids
Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell by Susanna Clarke
Year of publishing: 2004
Synopsis: In a meticulously crafted alternate history, magic existed in England long ago but has faded from common knowledge. Enter Mr Norrell, determined to revive its practice, and Jonathan Strange, his unpredictable student. With its lush prose, sly humour, and touches of gothic darkness, this appeals to lovers of historical settings, complex world-building and magic that carries a true cost.
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The Magicians by Lev Grossman
Year of publishing: 2009
Synopsis: If Hogwarts was filled with disaffected college students and the journeys to other worlds were more bleak than bright, you would love The Magicians. This dark, introspective take on magic explores disillusionment, the consequences of power and the struggle to find meaning, even when the fairytales you believed in turn out false.
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The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern
Year of publishing: 2011
Synopsis: Le Cirque des Rêves, the Circus of Dreams, arrives unannounced and opens only at night, offering a feast for the senses. Behind the scenes, two young illusionists, Celia and Marco, are locked in a magical duel, yet their rivalry transforms into something deeper. Atmospheric and poetic, this celebrates the power of imagination and the enduring beauty of the unexpected.
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A Discovery of Witches by Deborah Harkness
Year of publishing: 2011
Synopsis: Diana Bishop, a reluctant witch denying her heritage, stumbles upon an enchanted manuscript, drawing her into a hidden world of magical beings and forcing an alliance with the dangerously enigmatic vampire, Matthew Clairmont. This blends urban fantasy, romance and historical detail, exploring forbidden love, ancient secrets and a clash between the scientific and the supernatural.
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(Hero and Featured image: Courtesy of Amazon)
This article first appeared here
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
-What book is similar to Harry Potter?
Nevermoor: The Trials of Morrigan Crow shares a focus on a hidden magical society and a young protagonist discovering their powers.
-What should you read if you love Harry Potter books?
If you love Harry Potter books, look for elements like quirky characters, epic battles or magical schools like Percy Jackson & the Olympians series by Rick Riordan, The Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis, or the Nevermoor series by Jessica Townsend.
-What is the least liked Harry Potter book?
Though opinions vary, Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets gets less love because of its slightly slower pace compared to later books in the series.
-What should an adult read after Harry Potter books?
Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell by Susanna Clarke has a lot more mature themes and sophisticated prose that adults will enjoy.
Kshitij is a journalism graduate who did not initially intend to become a film critic, but such are the vagaries of destiny. Now, Kshitij is a Rotten Tomatoes-approved critic and a member of the Film Critics Guild, bringing expertise and experience in evaluating entertainment content with him. Additionally, he serves as a jury member on the Critics' Choice Awards in India. When he's not busy wielding words, catch him nose-deep in books or joyfully lost in the realms of gaming and photography.
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