The magic of Harry Potter goes beyond just wands and spellsâit lies in its ability to create an immersive world, a sense of wonder, and characters whose journeys of self-discovery resonate deeply with readers. Whether through magical schools, hidden realms, or unlikely heroes stepping into a destiny they never expected, the following books capture elements that make Harry Potter so beloved.
A book filled with enchantment, mystery, and the warmth of friendship, Amelia Moon & the Solstice Spectacular brings readers into a world where the changing of the seasons holds magical power. Much like Harry Potter, Amelia discovers that she has a deep connection to an ancient and hidden magical order, setting her on a path of discovery, danger, and adventure. The novelâs richly woven lore, whimsical yet perilous magic, and compelling characters make it a perfect choice for fans of Hogwarts who want a new world to exploreâone tied to the cycles of nature and the secrets of the past.
For readers who love the idea of a hidden magical society and a protagonist with an extraordinary destiny, Nevermoor is an absolute delight. Morrigan Crow, like Harry, begins as an outcastâcursed to bring misfortune and marked for an early deathâuntil she is whisked away to a secret world filled with wonder. Her entrance into the Wundrous Society mirrors Harryâs arrival at Hogwarts, complete with a series of trials that test her strength, courage, and resourcefulness. The humor, magic, and heart of this book will make it an instant favorite for those longing for a new magical adventure.
This novel takes the concept of a magical school and twists it into something both familiar and refreshingly unique. Two girls, Sophie and Agatha, are taken to the School for Good and Evil, where one is meant to become a fairy-tale hero and the other a villain. But as they navigate their destinies, they begin to question whether their assigned roles truly define them. Much like Harry Potter, this story dives into themes of fate, identity, and the complexities of good versus evil, all while surrounding the reader with an immersive magical school setting filled with unforgettable characters.
For readers who grew up with Harry Potter and want something that feels like a darker, more mature exploration of magic, The Magicians is a must-read. This book follows Quentin Coldwater as he enters Brakebills, a magical university where he learns that magic is realâbut far from the whimsical version he imagined. Unlike Hogwarts, magic in The Magicians comes with heavy consequences, making this a thought-provoking, sophisticated take on what it truly means to wield power. It is perfect for those who want to explore magic in a world where adulthood and reality complicate the dream.
While The Queenâs Poisoner lacks a traditional school setting, it is an excellent choice for fans of Harry Potter due to its themes of political intrigue, hidden magic, and the journey of a young protagonist discovering their own power. Owen Kiskaddon, much like Harry, is thrown into a world where he must survive among dangerous figures who see him as either a pawn or a threat. Through cunning, courage, and unexpected friendships, he learns that knowledge can be as powerful as magic, making this a compelling story for those who loved Harryâs journey of growth and discovery.
Few books capture the same sense of wonder and adventure as Harry Potter, but The Golden Compass manages to do so with its own rich mythology and unforgettable heroine, Lyra Belacqua. Like Harry, Lyra is an orphan destined for something far greater than she understands, navigating a world filled with hidden forces, powerful figures, and magical elementsâmost notably, the daemon companions that serve as extensions of a personâs soul. Pullmanâs world-building is exquisite, and the bookâs exploration of destiny, knowledge, and rebellion make it a perfect choice for those who love deep, immersive fantasy.
Books themselves become magical in Inkheart, where characters can step in and out of stories. Meggie and her father possess the rare ability to bring book characters to life simply by reading aloud, a talent that leads them into a world of adventure, danger, and literary wonder. Inkheart shares Harry Potterâs deep love for storytelling, its richly built fantasy world, and a protagonist who slowly uncovers their own extraordinary abilities. With elements of both enchantment and peril, this novel is perfect for readers who want a magical tale that celebrates the power of books themselves.
For those who loved the atmospheric magic of Harry Potter, The Night Circus offers a breathtakingly beautiful tale of mystery and enchantment. Set in a traveling circus that only opens at night, the book follows two young magicians locked in a competition of extraordinary magical feats. Like Harry Potter, it creates a world where magic is not just a tool but an art, something woven into every moment of the story. The novelâs dreamlike quality, combined with its intricate and mesmerizing magical system, makes it an excellent read for fans who love the allure of mystery and wonder.
This historical fantasy novel brings magic into the real world in much the same way as Harry Potter, blending medieval England with hidden supernatural forces. The protagonist, William, is an orphan who stumbles upon a secret that ties him to an ancient, magical struggle. Like Harry, he is drawn into a conflict much older than himself, filled with mythical creatures, magical forces, and the weight of destiny. The blend of historical atmosphere, mystery, and quiet but powerful magic makes The Crowfield Curse a perfect choice for those looking for a different yet equally captivating take on fantasy.
For readers who were drawn to the hidden corners of Hogwarts, the Room of Requirement, and the idea that magic is woven into forgotten places, The Starless Sea is a masterpiece of literary fantasy. This book follows Zachary Ezra Rawlins as he discovers a hidden book that leads him into a labyrinthine underground world filled with locked doors, shifting stories, and magic that feels ancient and infinite. Much like Harry Potter, this novel captures the magic of discovery, the power of books, and the way fate can pull an ordinary person into something extraordinary.
Each of these books, in its own way, captures an element of what makes Harry Potter so enduringâwhether itâs the magic of a hidden world, the journey of self-discovery, the bonds of friendship, or the thrill of uncovering secrets long buried. Whether youâre looking for a whimsical adventure, a dark and intricate magical system, or a story that blends mythology with mystery, these books will take you on journeys just as unforgettable as Harryâs.