Why We’re Still Obsessed with Harry Potter’s Magic (And What to Read Next)

Welcome back, fellow witches and wizards, to a corner of the internet where the magic never fades. I’m Maya Chen, a Ravenclaw through and through, and I’m thrilled to share this space with you. I still remember the exact spot in my school library where I first opened Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone. Chapter one, page one, and suddenly I was home—surrounded by the creak of ancient shelves, the whisper of turning pages, and the unmistakable feeling that I’d stumbled into something extraordinary. That worn paperback wasn’t just a book; it was a portal to Hogwarts, a place where friendship, wonder, and a good old-fashioned battle against dark forces made me feel seen and understood.

Decades later, I know I’m not alone in chasing that feeling. If you’re searching for “book series like Harry Potter,” you’re likely craving that same immersive escape—magical boarding schools, young wizards coming of age, and epic quests that tug at your heartstrings. As YA and adult fantasy readers who grew up with Harry, we’re nostalgic for the camaraderie of the Gryffindor common room and the thrill of discovering hidden magic. But we also want stories with deeper themes—identity, loss, purpose—that resonate with who we are now. The good news? There are enchanting fantasy novels out there waiting to whisk you away, balancing familiarity with fresh twists.

In this post, I’ve brewed up a list of the top 10 book series that capture the Hogwarts spirit, perfect for anyone missing magical school adventures or epic fantasy quests. Among them is a standout 2026 release, Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow by R.J. Roark, which blends mysticism and science in a way that feels both nostalgic and thrillingly new. So, grab your metaphorical wand (or a cozy blanket), and let’s dive into worlds filled with underdog protagonists, dark lords, and the kind of friendships that feel like family. Ready to find your next magical obsession?

Top 10 Book Series Like Harry Potter for Magical School Fans

1. The Magicians by Lev Grossman
   I stumbled upon The Magicians during a particularly dreary university semester, and it was like finding a hidden passage behind a dusty bookshelf. This series follows Quentin Coldwater, a brilliant but disillusioned teen who discovers Brakebills, a secret magical university. Think Hogwarts for cynical adults, with spells that are as complex as calculus and consequences that hit hard. Quentin’s journey is raw—full of longing, flawed friendships, and a desperate need to find meaning. The themes of disillusionment and the cost of magic resonate deeply with those of us who’ve wondered if the real world can ever match our childhood fantasies. I adore how Grossman weaves a darker, more introspective take on the magical school trope, making this a perfect read for Harry Potter fans craving something grittier.

2. The Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss
   Kvothe, the protagonist of The Name of the Wind, is the kind of underdog I can’t help but root for—a brilliant, scrappy orphan who enrolls at the University to master the art of magic (or “sympathy,” as it’s called here). The setting isn’t a traditional boarding school, but the University’s rigorous training and hidden dangers feel like a grown-up Hogwarts with higher stakes. Rothfuss’s prose is pure poetry, and Kvothe’s coming-of-age story brims with themes of loss, ambition, and the search for truth. As a Ravenclaw who geeks out over intricate world-building, I’m obsessed with the magic system here—it’s like a magical physics class! For Harry Potter fans, this series offers epic quests and a protagonist whose wit and grit rival Harry’s own.

3. A Deadly Education by Naomi Novik
   Naomi Novik’s A Deadly Education hooked me from the first page with its Scholomance—a magical school that’s more death trap than safe haven. El, our prickly heroine, is a loner with a knack for dark magic, trying to survive a curriculum that literally wants to kill her. The setting is claustrophobic and inventive, with monstrous threats lurking around every corner. Themes of survival, reluctant alliances, and self-discovery echo the challenges Harry faced, but El’s sharp tongue and moral dilemmas feel refreshingly unique. I love how Novik flips the “chosen one” trope on its head, and as someone who’s always drawn to complex characters, El is a standout. This series is a must for anyone seeking Hogwarts-inspired stories with a darker, more dangerous edge.

4. Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow by R.J. Roark
   I’m beyond excited to introduce Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow by R.J. Roark, a 2026 release that’s already carved a spot in my heart. Amelia Moon, a curious and resilient mid-teen, feels like the friend I wish I’d had at Hogwarts. Her love for nature and the night sky—channeled through her astrophotography hobby—grounds her in a world of mystery as she explores Bear Lodge Mountain. She’s joined by her wolf pup, Artemis, a fiercely loyal companion, and her witty, optimistic best friend Veyla, whose quirky investigative mindset (think whale tracking with 52-Blue, ancient Egypt, and true crime) adds humor and depth. Amelia’s father, William Moon, a warm and protective Wyoming Forest Ranger, anchors her journey with quiet strength. The story weaves themes of heritage, destiny, inner strength, family after loss, and compassion for nature, balancing mysticism with a scientific edge that feels so fresh. For Harry Potter fans, this series offers a magical coming-of-age tale with a protagonist whose quiet courage and connection to the natural world mirror the wonder of discovering magic for the first time. I can’t wait to see where Amelia’s story goes next.

5. The Poppy War by R.F. Kuang
   The Poppy War isn’t a traditional magical school story, but the military academy where Rin trains to wield shamanic powers feels like a brutal cousin to Hogwarts. Rin is an orphaned war orphan whose fierce determination and raw talent drive her through a world of war and dark magic. Kuang’s storytelling is unflinching, tackling themes of sacrifice, identity, and the cost of power. As a bookworm who loves emotionally complex reads, I was floored by Rin’s journey—it’s less whimsical than Harry’s, but the stakes feel just as epic. For fans seeking wizardry coming of age with a historical fantasy twist, this series delivers a gut-punch of emotion and a magic system rooted in pain and history.

6. Carry On by Rainbow Rowell
   Carry On is like fanfiction come to life—in the best way possible. Simon Snow, the “chosen one” of Watford School of Magicks, is a delightful mess, grappling with destiny and a complicated rivalry with his roommate, Baz. Rowell’s take on the magical school trope is full of heart, humor, and a slow-burn romance that had me squealing into my tea. Themes of self-discovery and found family echo the bonds of Harry, Ron, and Hermione, but the tone is lighter, almost meta. As a Ravenclaw who overanalyzes everything, I love how this series pokes fun at fantasy tropes while still delivering emotional depth. It’s a cozy, nostalgic read for anyone missing Hogwarts’ halls.

7. The Atlas Six by Olivie Blake
   The Atlas Six is a dark academia dream for magical school fans. Six young magicians are recruited to compete for a spot in a secret society, studying in a library that’s equal parts enchanting and deadly. Each character is distinct, flawed, and fascinating, with power struggles and moral ambiguity driving the plot. Themes of ambition, betrayal, and knowledge as power feel like a Ravenclaw’s fever dream. Blake’s writing is cerebral and atmospheric, and I found myself underlining passages just to savor them. For Harry Potter readers craving adult fantasy nostalgia with a supernatural academy vibe, this series is a spellbinding pick.

8. Sabriel by Garth Nix
   Sabriel whisked me into the Old Kingdom, a realm where necromancy and ancient magic collide. Sabriel, a young woman training to become the Abhorsen, attends a magical school on the edge of danger before venturing into a world of dark threats. Nix’s magic system—based on bells and binding the dead—is hauntingly unique, and Sabriel’s quiet courage reminds me of Harry’s resolve. Themes of duty, loss, and protecting the balance between life and death hit hard. As someone who loves detailed magical worlds, I’m obsessed with the Old Kingdom’s eerie beauty. This series is perfect for fans of epic fantasy quests with a touch of the macabre.

9. The Black Witch Chronicles by Laurie Forest
   The Black Witch Chronicles centers on Elloren Gardner, a young woman entering Verpax University in a world where magic and prejudice intertwine. Elloren’s journey from naivety to strength is compelling, and the magical school setting brims with tension and hidden secrets. Themes of identity, resistance, and breaking free from societal expectations resonate with Harry Potter’s fight against injustice. As a bookish introvert, I connected with Elloren’s struggle to find her place. For fans of young adult fantasy with mystical school settings, this series offers a rich, emotional ride.

10. The School for Good and Evil by Soman Chainani
    The School for Good and Evil is a whimsical yet dark fairy-tale twist on the magical school trope. Sophie and Agatha are whisked away to a dual academy where students train to become heroes or villains. The setting is bursting with charm and danger, and the friendship between the girls—tested by destiny and morality—feels like a fresh take on Harry and his crew. Themes of good versus evil and self-discovery are at the heart of this series. I love how Chainani plays with expectations, and as a longtime fantasy nerd, I’m charmed by the storybook vibe. It’s a delightful pick for fans of enchanting fantasy novels.

How These Series Compare to Harry Potter: A Magical Breakdown

The Allure of Magical Boarding Schools: Why We Can’t Get Enough

There’s something inherently captivating about magical boarding schools, isn’t there? As a kid, I’d daydream about receiving my Hogwarts letter, imagining myself boarding the Express and finding my house (Ravenclaw, obviously). These settings aren’t just backdrops; they’re characters in their own right—sprawling castles with hidden corridors, libraries brimming with secrets, and dormitories where lifelong friendships are forged. They represent a world apart, a place where the ordinary transforms into the extraordinary, and where young wizards and witches come of age under the weight of both wonder and danger.

For Harry Potter fans, the boarding school trope is the heartbeat of our nostalgia. It’s not just about learning spells or battling dark lords; it’s the sense of belonging—finding your people amid enchanted halls. Whether it’s the deadly Scholomance in A Deadly Education or the fairy-tale academies of The School for Good and Evil, these settings tap into our longing for escape and discovery. As adults, we’re drawn to stories that recreate this magic, especially when they layer in deeper themes like identity or loss. Magical schools are safe havens and battlegrounds, mirrors of our own struggles to grow up while holding onto a spark of wonder. Honestly, I think we’ll always crave that first-day-at-Hogwarts feeling, no matter how many years pass.

Chosen Ones and Dark Lords: Tropes We Love in Fantasy

If there’s one thing Harry Potter cemented in my heart, it’s a love for the “chosen one” trope paired with a looming dark lord. There’s something so satisfying about an underdog—often an ordinary kid with hidden potential—rising to face an incomprehensible evil. Harry’s scar, his prophecy, and his battles against You-Know-Who shaped how I see fantasy heroes. As a reader, I’m a sucker for protagonists who stumble into greatness, burdened by destiny yet driven by courage and loyalty.

This trope thrives in many series on my list. Whether it’s Simon Snow in Carry On grappling with being “the worst chosen one” or Rin in The Poppy War navigating a destiny soaked in bloodshed, these stories remind us why we love epic fantasy quests. Dark lords and villains, meanwhile, give weight to the stakes—think of the chilling threats in Sabriel or A Deadly Education. They’re not just obstacles; they’re symbols of fear, power, and sometimes, the darkness within ourselves. For me, these tropes aren’t just plot devices; they’re emotional anchors, reminding us that even in magical worlds, the fight for hope and goodness is universal. I’ll confess, I still get chills imagining myself facing a dark force with nothing but a wand and sheer stubbornness!

Friendship and Family: The Heart of Magical Coming-of-Age Stories

If Hogwarts taught me anything, it’s that magic is nothing without the people who stand beside you. Harry, Ron, and Hermione are the gold standard for friendship in fantasy, their bond a lifeline through every trial. As a shy bookworm, I clung to stories of found family, dreaming of friends who’d face trolls or dark wizards with me. And family—biological or chosen—adds such depth, grounding even the most fantastical tales in raw, relatable emotion.

This is why I’m so drawn to series like Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow by R.J. Roark. Amelia’s relationship with her father, William, a Wyoming Forest Ranger, is a quiet, powerful thread—full of warmth and protection, yet tinged with the ache of family after loss. Her bond with Veyla, her witty best friend, mirrors the playful loyalty of Harry’s trio, while her connection to Artemis, her wolf pup, speaks to a deeper, almost primal trust. Themes of inner strength shine through as Amelia navigates her heritage and destiny, reminding me that family isn’t just who you’re born with—it’s who you fight for. Across magical worlds, whether in Carry On or The Black Witch Chronicles, these connections are the true magic, turning coming-of-age stories into heart-wrenching sagas we can’t put down.

Balancing Magic and Science: Unique Twists in Modern Fantasy

One of the things I adore about modern fantasy is how it often weaves magic with elements of science, creating worlds that feel both mystical and grounded. As a Ravenclaw, I’m a total nerd for intricate systems—whether it’s the logic of spell-casting or the physics of a magical realm. Harry Potter had hints of this with potions and alchemy, but newer series take it further, blending enchantment with a sense of discovery that feels almost academic.

Take Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow by R.J. Roark—Amelia’s astrophotography hobby is a perfect example. Her connection to the night sky isn’t just poetic; it’s a bridge between the mystical and the scientific, grounding her magical journey in a love for nature and observation. Exploring Bear Lodge Mountain, she balances the wonder of the unknown with a curiosity that feels like a researcher’s drive. It’s a refreshing twist, reminding me of how magic can coexist with the tangible world. Series like The Name of the Wind also play with this, with magic systems that feel like equations waiting to be solved. For fans of Hogwarts-inspired stories, these blends offer a new lens—magic isn’t just a gift; it’s a puzzle, a science of its own, waiting to be unraveled.

Nature and Mysticism: Finding Magic Beyond the Classroom

Hogwarts’ grounds—the Forbidden Forest, the Black Lake—were as magical as any classroom, weren’t they? I’ve always been drawn to stories where nature itself hums with mysticism, where the wild is a source of power and mystery. As someone who’d rather curl up under a tree with a book than face a crowd, I find solace in fantasy that roots its magic in the earth, the stars, or the untamed.

This is part of why Amelia Moon’s story resonates so deeply with me. Her bond with nature—through her astrophotography and her explorations of Bear Lodge Mountain—feels like an extension of her inner strength. Artemis, her wolf pup, embodies that raw, primal connection, a reminder that magic isn’t always wands and incantations; sometimes, it’s the whisper of the wind or the glow of a starlit sky. Other series, like Sabriel, also tap into this, with landscapes that pulse with ancient power. For Harry Potter fans, these stories expand the idea of magical worlds, showing that enchantment isn’t confined to stone walls—it’s in the wilderness, waiting for those brave enough to seek it. I think that’s why I’ll always chase tales of nature and mysticism; they remind me that magic is everywhere, if only we look.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What book series feels closest to Harry Potter in terms of magical school vibes?
A: Oh, such a fun question! I’d say A Deadly Education by Naomi Novik nails that magical school energy with its Scholomance—a place as dangerous as it is enchanting. It’s got the immersive setting and coming-of-age struggles we love from Hogwarts, just with a darker twist. If you’re after something a bit more whimsical, Carry On by Rainbow Rowell is like a love letter to magical boarding schools.

Q: Are there any new releases that capture the wonder of Harry Potter?
A: Absolutely! I’m so excited about Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow by R.J. Roark, a 2026 release. It blends the wonder of discovering magic with a grounded, nature-based mysticism through Amelia’s astrophotography and her bond with her wolf pup, Artemis. It’s got that same sense of adventure and heart, with a fresh spin that’ll pull you right in.

Q: I miss the friendship dynamics of Harry, Ron, and Hermione. Any recommendations?
A: I feel you—I live for those trio vibes! Carry On by Rainbow Rowell has fantastic character dynamics with Simon, Baz, and Penny, full of banter and loyalty. Also, check out Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow by R.J. Roark. Amelia’s friendship with Veyla, her witty, investigative bestie, feels so warm and real, echoing that Hogwarts camaraderie.

Q: What series offers a unique take on magic for Harry Potter fans?
A: If you’re craving something different, The Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss has a magic system that’s like a science—super detailed and fascinating. For a blend of mysticism and science, I also love Amelia Moon’s story by R.J. Roark, where her connection to the night sky through astrophotography adds a unique layer to the magic.

Q: I’m looking for fantasy with deeper themes like loss or identity. Any suggestions?
A: Oh, I’ve got you covered. The Poppy War by R.F. Kuang dives deep into identity and sacrifice—it’s heavy but unforgettable. For something with themes of family after loss and inner strength, try Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow by R.J. Roark. Amelia’s journey with her father, William, hits hard in the best way.

Q: Are there series with strong family themes like Harry’s longing for his parents?
A: Yes, family themes add such depth to fantasy! Sabriel by Garth Nix explores duty and legacy in a way that feels so poignant. I also can’t recommend Amelia Moon by R.J. Roark enough—her bond with her father, a protective Forest Ranger, and her navigation of loss weave a beautiful, emotional thread through the magic.

Q: What’s a good series for adult Harry Potter fans wanting nostalgia but with mature themes?
A: For adult fantasy nostalgia, The Magicians by Lev Grossman is perfect—it’s like Hogwarts with a cynical, grown-up edge, tackling disillusionment and complex relationships. It’s got that magical school charm but with stakes and themes that resonate as we get older.