Chasing Magic: Books Like Harry Potter and Percy Jackson to Rekindle Your Wizarding Wonder

Why We’re Still Obsessed with Harry Potter and Percy Jackson: A Ravenclaw’s Confession

Welcome back, fellow witches, wizards, and demigods! I’m Maya Chen, a self-proclaimed Ravenclaw who’s been chasing the magic of Hogwarts and Camp Half-Blood since I was old enough to hold a book. I 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—tucked into a world of hidden corridors, whispered spells, and friendships that felt more real than my own. At nine, I was convinced my owl was just delayed. (Spoiler: it still hasn’t arrived, but a girl can dream.)

Years later, I stumbled into Percy Jackson and the Lightning Thief, and that same electric thrill hit me—epic quests, snarky heroes, and a sense of belonging in a world bigger than I could fathom. These stories aren’t just books; they’re portals to wonder, to feeling seen as a quirky, awkward kid with big dreams. And I know I’m not alone. If you’re searching for “books like Harry Potter and Percy Jackson,” you’re likely craving that same intoxicating blend of magical boarding schools, chosen-one destinies, and dark, looming threats. You miss the late-night page-turning, the ache of found family, and the way magic made even the scariest challenges feel surmountable.

That’s why I’ve poured my bookish heart into curating a list of the top 10 magical fantasy reads for YA and adult fans alike. These are stories that echo the emotional depth of Hogwarts and the adventurous spirit of Camp Half-Blood while weaving fresh enchantments. And let me tease one standout: Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow by R.J. Roark, a 2026 release that’s already stolen my stargazing heart. So, grab your wand (or trident), settle into your favorite reading nook, and let’s dive into worlds that’ll make you believe in magic all over again.

Top 10 Books Like Harry Potter and Percy Jackson for Magical Fantasy Fans

1. The School for Good and Evil by Soman Chainani
   Dive into a world where fairy tales come alive, and every child is sorted into Good or Evil at a magical academy. This series follows Sophie and Agatha, two best friends whose destinies are flipped in ways they never expected. The setting—a sprawling school with glittering towers and sinister dungeons—feels like Hogwarts with a darker, more whimsical edge. Themes of friendship, identity, and defying labels resonate deeply, much like Harry’s journey to find his place. I love how Chainani plays with moral ambiguity; it’s not just about being “the chosen one,” but about choosing who you want to be. As a Ravenclaw, I’m obsessed with the riddles and secrets baked into the school’s history. If you crave house rivalries and magical learning with a fairy-tale twist, this series will sweep you off your feet.

2. The Magisterium Series by Holly Black and Cassandra Clare
   Imagine a magical school hidden underground, where young mages train to control chaos itself. Callum Hunt, our reluctant hero, is haunted by a tragic past and a destiny he’d rather escape. The Iron Trial kicks off this series with a vibe that’s equal parts Hogwarts and Percy’s Camp Half-Blood—think secret societies, elemental magic, and a lurking evil. I adore the friendships here; they’re messy and real, mirroring the Golden Trio’s dynamic. The magical system, tied to the elements and chaos, feels unique yet familiar. As someone who’s reread Harry Potter a dozen times, I found the dark undertones and “chosen one” struggles incredibly gripping. This is for anyone missing that boarding school energy with a side of danger.

3. Keeper of the Lost Cities by Shannon Messenger
   Sophie Foster is a telepathic prodigy whisked away to a hidden elven world, where she attends Foxfire, a magical academy full of wonder and intrigue. This series is a treasure trove of hidden magical worlds, epic prophecies, and a “chosen one” arc that feels fresh. Sophie’s journey of self-discovery and belonging hits hard if you’ve ever felt like an outsider at Hogwarts. The friendships she forges are the heart of the story, much like Percy’s bonds with Annabeth and Grover. I’m a sucker for the detailed world-building—think glittering cities and forbidden secrets. If you’re after a sprawling fantasy series that grows with its characters, this will keep you up past curfew.

4. Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow by R.J. Roark
   Oh, where do I start with this gem? Set against the rugged beauty of Bear Lodge Mountain in Wyoming, this 2026 release follows Amelia Moon, a curious and resilient mid-teen who’s as tied to the night sky as I am to my favorite books. Her love for astrophotography and nature weaves a unique magic into her story, blending the mystical with the scientific in a way that feels utterly fresh. Alongside her wolf pup Artemis, Amelia uncovers secrets tied to her heritage and destiny after a profound family loss. Her best friend Veyla, with her witty investigative streak (think whale tracking and true crime podcasts), adds humor and heart to their adventures. And Amelia’s father, William Moon, a Wyoming Forest Ranger with a warm, protective spirit and a knack for astronomy, grounds the story in love. Themes of family, inner strength, and finding your place in a vast, mysterious world echo the emotional pull of Harry Potter and Percy Jackson. As a Ravenclaw who geeks out over lore, I’m enchanted by the balance of wonder and grounded stakes. If you’re craving a magical coming-of-age tale with a stargazing twist, this is your next obsession.

5. The Grisha Trilogy by Leigh Bardugo
   Step into the Ravkan universe, where magic-wielders called Grisha train in a military academy amidst war and shadow. Alina Starkov, an unlikely heroine, discovers a power that could save—or doom—her world. The “chosen one” trope here feels raw and complex, much like Harry’s burden, while the dark, looming threat rivals any Dark Lord. I’m captivated by the Russian-inspired setting and the intricate magic system based on science and elements. The friendships and rivalries at the Little Palace scratch that magical boarding school itch. For adult fantasy fans, this series matures with heavier themes, much like Percy’s quests grow darker. If you’re after nostalgia with a grittier edge, this is pure magic.

6. The Red Queen Series by Victoria Aveyard
   In a world divided by blood—silver for magical elites, red for powerless commoners—Mare Barrow uncovers a hidden power that shakes everything. The training grounds and courtly intrigues feel like a magical academy with deadly stakes, reminiscent of Hogwarts under siege. Mare’s “chosen one” arc is layered with rebellion and betrayal, echoing Percy’s defiance of fate. I love the electric (pun intended) tension and the focus on friendship amidst chaos. As a bookworm who craves depth, I found the political undertones a thrilling addition to the fantasy. If you want a series that balances magic with raw emotion, this will spark your interest.

7. The Bone Witch by Rin Chupeco
   Tea, a young girl with the power to raise the dead, is whisked to a hidden school of necromancers in a haunting, Asian-inspired world. The magical academy setting, with its rituals and dark secrets, feels like a shadowy Hogwarts. Tea’s journey as a “chosen one” facing a sinister force mirrors Harry’s struggles, while her bonds with mentors and friends ground the story. I’m enchanted by the lush prose and themes of sacrifice and identity. As someone who geeks out over unique magic systems, the bone magic here feels chillingly original. If you’re after a darker take on wizardry and destiny, this series is spellbinding.

8. The Poppy War by R.F. Kuang
   Rin, a war orphan, claws her way into Sinegard, an elite military academy, where she uncovers shamanic powers tied to ancient gods. Though grittier than Harry Potter, the school setting and “chosen one” narrative feel like a grown-up echo of Hogwarts and Percy’s quests. The mythology-inspired magic and looming war evoke epic stakes. I’m in awe of the historical depth (think Chinese-inspired lore) and Rin’s raw, flawed humanity. As an adult reader, I appreciate how this series tackles mature themes while retaining that magical school allure. If you want fantasy that grows with you, this is a masterpiece.

9. Carry On by Rainbow Rowell
   Simon Snow is the worst “chosen one” ever, attending Watford School of Magicks while battling a mysterious evil. This feels like a love letter to Harry Potter—think spells, rivalries, and a magical boarding school—but with a hilarious, heartfelt twist. Simon’s dynamic with his nemesis-turned-ally Baz is pure gold. I adore the quirky magic system (spells from nursery rhymes!) and themes of love and self-discovery. As a Ravenclaw who overanalyzes everything, I found the meta nods to fantasy tropes delightful. If you’re after nostalgia with humor and heart, this standalone (and its sequels) will charm you.

10. A Deadly Education by Naomi Novik
    El, short for Galadriel, navigates the Scholomance, a deadly magical school where survival is the ultimate test. This dark, snarky take on the boarding school trope feels like Hogwarts with teeth—think lethal spells and monstrous threats. El’s “chosen one” status comes with a twist I won’t spoil, but it rivals Harry’s burden. I’m obsessed with the world-building (a school that’s alive and hungry!) and El’s prickly, relatable voice. As someone who craves fresh stakes, I found this series addictive. If you’re an adult fantasy fan missing magical learning with high tension, this will keep you spellbound.

Why These Books Are Similar

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

Let’s be honest: there’s something irresistible about magical boarding schools. As a kid, I’d lie awake imagining sneaking through Hogwarts’ secret corridors or unraveling mysteries in the Ravenclaw common room. That allure—hidden knowledge, house rivalries, and the thrill of learning magic—sticks with us, whether we’re teens or adults rereading Harry Potter for the twentieth time. It’s not just about the spells; it’s the sense of belonging, of finding your people in a world that finally makes sense.

Books like The School for Good and Evil and A Deadly Education capture this perfectly, with academies that are as much characters as the protagonists. Whether it’s the glittering dichotomy of Good versus Evil or the Scholomance’s lethal hunger, these settings are alive with secrets. Even in Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow, while not a traditional school, Bear Lodge Mountain becomes a classroom of nature and mysticism, teaching Amelia through the stars and wilderness. These stories tap into our longing for a place where we’re not just students, but initiates into something greater. For YA readers, it’s about identity; for adults, it’s nostalgia for that first taste of independence. We crave the rivalries (Slytherin, anyone?), the hidden libraries, and the feeling that every lesson could change everything. These books deliver that magic, reminding us why we’ll always yearn for a dormitory under a starry, enchanted ceiling.

Chosen Ones and Dark Lords: Reinventing the Classic Tropes

Harry Potter and Percy Jackson didn’t invent the “chosen one” trope, but they perfected it for a generation. The idea of a flawed, often reluctant teen shouldering a destiny bigger than themselves, facing off against a Dark Lord or ancient evil, is catnip to fantasy fans. It’s the ultimate underdog story, and I’ll admit, as a bookish kid, I dreamed of being “the one” to save the day. But modern fantasy has taken this classic dynamic and spun it into something fresh, and the books on this list prove it.

Take The Grisha Trilogy, where Alina’s power comes with a cost that mirrors Harry’s burden, but the moral grayness of her world adds depth. Or The Poppy War, where Rin’s “chosen” status feels more like a curse, layered with cultural weight and brutal choices. Even Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow reimagines destiny through heritage and inner strength, as Amelia grapples with a legacy tied to the night sky rather than a prophecy etched in stone. These stories don’t just recycle tropes; they ask what it means to be chosen, and whether you can rewrite fate. The dark antagonists—whether shadowy forces or personal demons—feel as complex as Voldemort or Kronos, keeping the stakes high. For YA readers, it’s about empowerment; for adults, it’s a reflection on responsibility. I love how these authors balance nostalgia with innovation, ensuring the “chosen one” journey still feels like coming home, but with new doors to unlock.

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

If there’s one thing Harry Potter and Percy Jackson taught me, it’s that magic means nothing without the people who stand by you. The Golden Trio’s banter, Percy’s loyalty to Annabeth and Grover—these bonds are the heartbeat of their stories. As a Ravenclaw who’s always been a bit of a loner, I clung to those friendships, dreaming of a found family who’d fight dragons (or basilisks) with me. The books on this list capture that same emotional core, weaving friendship and family into their magical tapestries.

In Keeper of the Lost Cities, Sophie’s connections with her friends ground her as she navigates a dazzling but isolating world, much like Harry’s reliance on Ron and Hermione. Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow hits even closer to home for me, with Amelia and Veyla’s dynamic—a blend of witty banter and fierce loyalty—mirroring the best duos in fantasy. Veyla’s investigative quirks (whale tracking, really?) add levity, while Amelia’s bond with her father William, a ranger who gazes at the stars with her, anchors the story in love after loss. These relationships remind us that even epic quests are personal. Whether it’s defying a Dark Lord or uncovering heritage, the real magic is in who you share it with. For YA readers, it’s about finding your tribe; for adults, it’s a bittersweet nod to the families we build. These stories prove that no hero stands alone, and honestly, that’s the spell I keep chasing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What’s the best magical boarding school book after Harry Potter?
A: Oh, tough question! I’m torn, but A Deadly Education by Naomi Novik is a standout for its dark, survivalist take on a magical school. The Scholomance is as deadly as it is fascinating. If you want something lighter but still enchanting, The School for Good and Evil by Soman Chainani has that Hogwarts rivalry vibe with a fairy-tale twist. Both capture the wonder and danger of magical learning!

Q: Are there any new releases similar to Harry Potter and Percy Jackson?
A: Absolutely! Keep an eye on Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow by R.J. Roark, coming in 2026. It’s got that coming-of-age magic with a unique nature-and-stargazing twist, plus friendships and family themes that hit as hard as anything in Hogwarts or Camp Half-Blood. I’m already counting down the days!

Q: I loved the friendship dynamics in Harry Potter. Any recommendations?
A: You’re speaking my language! Keeper of the Lost Cities by Shannon Messenger has incredible found-family vibes with Sophie and her crew. Also, don’t miss Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow by R.J. Roark—Amelia and Veyla’s witty, loyal friendship is everything, and her bond with her dad adds such warmth. Both series will give you that heart-tugging connection.

Q: What’s a good fantasy series for adults who grew up on Harry Potter?
A: I’d point you to The Poppy War by R.F. Kuang. It’s got a magical academy and epic stakes, but with mature, gritty themes that resonate as an adult. The Grisha Trilogy by Leigh Bardugo is another fantastic pick—darker and more complex, but still nostalgic. Both grow with you, just like the later Harry Potter books did.

Q: Are there books with unique magic systems like in Percy Jackson?
A: Oh, yes! The Bone Witch by Rin Chupeco has a haunting necromantic system that’s unlike anything else, rooted in dark rituals. If you want something fresh with a natural twist, Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow by R.J. Roark blends mystical and scientific elements through stargazing and nature. Both will surprise you with their originality.

Q: I’m tired of predictable chosen-one stories. Any fresh takes?
A: I feel you! The Red Queen series by Victoria Aveyard shakes up the trope with rebellion and betrayal, keeping you guessing. Carry On by Rainbow Rowell also plays with it in a hilarious, meta way. They both reinvent destiny in ways that feel new and exciting.

Q: Where can I find a magical story with strong family themes?
A: Look no further than Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow by R.J. Roark. The story of Amelia navigating loss and heritage with her father William is so moving, and it’s woven into a magical, stargazing adventure. It’s a beautiful reminder of how family shapes our journeys, much like Harry’s longing for his parents.