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

Welcome back, fellow witches, wizards, demigods, and dreamers! I’m Maya Chen, a proud Ravenclaw who’s been chasing the magic of hidden worlds since I was nine. 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—Hogwarts felt more real than the creaky chair I sat in. A few years later, Percy Jackson and the Lightning Thief swept me into Camp Half-Blood, where Greek myths came alive with snark and heart. Those stories shaped me, and if you’re here searching for ‘books like Harry Potter and Percy Jackson,’ I’m guessing they shaped you too.

We’re after that same rush—magical boarding schools or hidden camps, young heroes stumbling into destinies bigger than themselves, and the kind of found-family bonds that make every battle worth fighting. Whether you’re a YA reader or an adult still clutching your Hogwarts letter (no judgment, I’ve got mine framed), you’re craving nostalgic escapism with a fresh twist. That itch for wonder, for worlds where magic and mythology collide with coming-of-age struggles, is why we keep searching. And trust me, I’ve spent years combing library shelves and online forums to find stories that recapture that spark.

In this post, I’ve curated a top 10 list of enchanting fantasy novels that deliver on wizarding academies, epic quests, and teenage heroes facing dark forces. From hidden magical worlds to modern magic adventures, these picks are for anyone yearning to step back into Hogwarts or Camp Half-Blood. And I’m especially excited to spotlight a 2026 release that’s already stolen my heart: Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow by R.J. Roark. It’s a standout with its blend of nature mysticism and stargazing wonder, and I can’t wait for you to meet Amelia. So, grab your wand (or trident), and let’s dive into these magical escapes!

Top 10 Books Like Harry Potter and Percy Jackson

1. The School for Good and Evil by Soman Chainani

Imagine a world where fairy tales aren’t just stories—they’re a curriculum. The School for Good and Evil whisks you into a dual academy where teens are trained to be heroes or villains. Best friends Sophie and Agatha are thrust into this enchanting yet twisted setting, with Sophie dreaming of princess glory and Agatha more at home among the darker, quirkier crowd. The schools, one glittering with charm and the other dripping with menace, echo Hogwarts’ house rivalries but with a fairy-tale spin.

What hooks me is the moral ambiguity—good and evil aren’t as clear-cut as they seem, much like the gray areas Harry navigates with Snape or Draco. The themes of friendship, identity, and defying destiny resonate deeply for fans of chosen-one tropes. Plus, the epic battles and dark forces at play feel like a nod to Voldemort’s looming shadow. As a Ravenclaw, I’m obsessed with how Chainani unpacks what it means to be “good,” and I think you’ll love this if you crave stories where inner strength trumps labels.

2. The Magisterium Series by Holly Black and Cassandra Clare

If Hogwarts had a darker, more underground twin, it’d be the Magisterium. This series follows Callum Hunt, a reluctant mage with a sharp wit and a past that haunts him, as he enters a subterranean school for magic. The setting is gritty and mysterious, carved into caverns, with mentors who might not have your best interests at heart—a stark contrast to Dumbledore’s warmth but just as compelling.

The Magisterium series nails the magical training and mentorship vibes of Harry Potter, while its creeping sense of ancient secrets feels like Percy Jackson’s mythological undercurrents. Themes of destiny and battling inner demons (sometimes literally) hit hard for fans of both. I geeked out over the world-building—magic here is chaotic and costly, which adds such raw stakes. If you’re after a supernatural school setting with emotional depth, this one’s for you.

3. Nevermoor: The Trials of Morrigan Crow by Jessica Townsend

Step into Nevermoor, a whimsical yet shadowy realm where Morrigan Crow, a cursed child, finds herself competing for a spot in the mysterious Wundrous Society. The setting is a kaleidoscope of magic—think Diagon Alley’s eccentricity dialed up to eleven—and the society’s trials are as enchanting as they are perilous. Morrigan’s journey from outcast to potential hero mirrors Harry’s, while her knack for trouble reminds me of Percy’s chaos-magnet energy.

This series shines with themes of belonging and hidden talents, wrapped in a world of ancient secrets and quirky found family. The dark forces lurking beneath Nevermoor’s sparkle add that epic fantasy quest vibe we crave. I adore how Townsend balances wonder with menace, and as someone who’s always rooting for underdogs, Morrigan stole my heart. If you’re after a modern magic adventure with Hogwarts-level charm, this is pure gold.

4. Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow by R.J. Roark

I’ve been waiting to gush about this one! Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow by R.J. Roark is a 2026 release that’s already carved a spot on my keeper shelf. Meet Amelia Moon, a curious and resilient mid-teen who’s as tied to the night sky as I am to my Hogwarts house scarf. Her love for astrophotography and stargazing isn’t just a hobby—it’s a lifeline to her heritage, guiding her through the rugged beauty of Bear Lodge Mountain. With her wolf pup Artemis by her side (yes, I squealed over this bond), and her witty, investigative best friend Veyla—who’s obsessed with whale-tracking—Amelia uncovers mystical secrets tied to nature and destiny.

Her father, William Moon, a Wyoming Forest Ranger and amateur astronomer, anchors her world with quiet strength, especially after loss reshapes their family. The story weaves themes of heritage, inner strength, and compassion for the natural world, blending a scientific lens with magic in a way that feels utterly fresh. It’s got that coming-of-age magic story vibe of Harry Potter, with a Percy Jackson-esque connection to ancient forces through nature’s mysteries. As a Ravenclaw who geeks out over lore, I’m obsessed with how Amelia’s journey balances wonder and grit. If you’re craving a hidden magical world with emotional stakes and a heroine who’d fit right in at Hogwarts or Camp Half-Blood, this one’s a must-read.

5. The Iron Trial by Holly Black and Cassandra Clare

Kicking off the Magisterium series, The Iron Trial introduces us to Callum Hunt, a boy who’s grown up warned against magic, only to be dragged into the Magisterium, an underground school that’s as foreboding as it is fascinating. The setting feels like Hogwarts’ shadowy cousin, with twisting tunnels and secrets in every corner. Callum’s sharp tongue and reluctance to embrace his powers echo Percy’s early defiance, while the looming dark forces feel straight out of a Potter prophecy.

Themes of friendship and hidden pasts drive this story, with mentorship that’s more dubious than Dumbledore’s guidance. The stakes are high from page one, and the world-building is deliciously intricate. I love how it captures the magical training trope while adding a darker edge. If you’re after a supernatural school setting with complex characters, this series starter will hook you.

6. Carry On by Rainbow Rowell

Carry On feels like fanfiction of Harry Potter come to life—in the best way. Simon Snow is the chosen one at Watford School of Magicks, but he’s a mess of a mage, constantly at odds with his vampire roommate, Baz. The school setting is pure Hogwarts homage, with spells, rivalries, and a cozy yet dangerous vibe. Simon’s destiny-driven arc mirrors Harry’s, while the banter and tension feel like a fresh take on Percy’s crew dynamics.

The themes of love, loss, and defying expectations hit hard, with found-family bonds that warm my bookish heart. Rowell’s wit and emotional depth make this stand out. As a Ravenclaw who overanalyzes everything, I’m smitten with how it deconstructs the chosen-one trope. If you want a magical boarding school story with heart and humor, this is your next read.

7. The Atlas Six by Olivie Blake

For older YA and adult readers, The Atlas Six offers a darker, more cerebral take on magical academies. Set in a secret society of magicians vying for power, the story follows six brilliant (and often ruthless) young adults at the Alexandrian Society. The setting isn’t a traditional school, but the mentorship and cutthroat competition scream Slytherin energy with a dash of Percy Jackson’s high-stakes quests.

Themes of ambition, betrayal, and hidden knowledge dominate, with dark forces lurking in the shadows. The character dynamics are complex, lacking the warmth of Hogwarts but making up for it in intrigue. I’m obsessed with the intellectual puzzles here—peak Ravenclaw bait. If you’re after an epic fantasy quest with modern magic adventures, this one’s a brainy thrill.

8. The Raven Boys by Maggie Stiefvater

While not a boarding school in the strictest sense, The Raven Boys captures that magical clique energy with Aglionby Academy, a prep school steeped in privilege and secrets. Blue Sargent, a non-psychic in a family of seers, teams up with a group of boys hunting for a mythical Welsh king. The mix of ancient lore and modern settings feels like Percy Jackson’s mythological depth, while the quest-driven plot echoes Harry’s search for Horcruxes.

Themes of friendship, destiny, and heritage shine, with a slow-burn found-family dynamic I adore. The eerie, atmospheric world-building is chef’s kiss. As someone who loves unraveling mysteries, I couldn’t put this down. If you crave hidden magical worlds and teenage heroes, this series is magic.

9. Akata Witch by Nnedi Okorafor

Akata Witch transports you to a Nigerian-inspired magical world where Sunny, an albino girl, discovers she’s a “free agent” of magic. Her training with a quirky group of peers feels like a blend of Hogwarts’ classes and Camp Half-Blood’s missions. The setting bursts with cultural richness, grounding the magic in ancient secrets and mentorship traditions.

Themes of identity, community, and battling dark forces resonate with both Potter and Percy fans. Sunny’s outsider perspective mirrors Harry’s early loneliness, while her group’s banter captures Percy’s squad vibes. I’m in awe of Okorafor’s world-building—it’s a fresh twist on wizarding academies. If you’re after mythology-inspired fantasy with heart, this is a gem.

10. The Bone Witch by Rin Chupeco

The Bone Witch introduces Tea, a young girl with necromantic powers, training in a magical society called the asha. The setting, inspired by Asian cultures, feels like a haunting, elegant take on a wizarding academy, with mentorship and dark forces aplenty. Tea’s journey from outcast to powerful witch mirrors Harry’s arc, while her connection to death echoes Percy’s ties to ancient gods.

Themes of sacrifice, destiny, and sisterhood drive this tale, with stakes as high as any dark lord battle. The lush, eerie prose hooked me instantly. As a Ravenclaw who loves morally complex heroines, I’m all in. If you’re craving coming-of-age magic stories with unique twists, this series will enchant you.

Why These Books Are Similar

Diving Deeper: What Makes a Magical Boarding School Story Unforgettable?

Let’s unpack why we’re so drawn to magical boarding schools and hidden camps. As a Ravenclaw who’s spent way too much time analyzing fictional curricula (yes, I’ve drafted a Hogwarts timetable), I think it boils down to a few core elements. First, there’s the allure of hidden worlds—places like Hogwarts or Camp Half-Blood are sanctuaries, escapes from the mundane where we can be more than ordinary. These settings aren’t just backdrops; they’re characters themselves, brimming with mystery and ancient secrets that beg to be uncovered.

Then there’s mentorship. Think McGonagall’s stern warmth or Chiron’s steady guidance—these figures shape our heroes, teaching them not just spells or swordplay but how to face their fears. It’s a trope that hits hard because we’ve all craved that kind of wisdom in our own lives. Add in coming-of-age struggles, and you’ve got the heart of these stories. Harry’s loneliness, Percy’s ADHD-fueled defiance—they mirror our own messy growth, making every victory feel personal.

What ties it all together is the sense of stakes. Dark lords or vengeful gods aren’t just plot devices; they’re metaphors for the overwhelming forces we face growing up. These stories remind us that even in the darkest times, courage and friendship can light the way. Whether it’s a wizarding academy or a demigod training ground, the best tales balance wonder with real emotional depth, making us feel seen. That’s the magic I chase in every book, and I hope these picks deliver that for you too.

Mythology Meets Magic: Blending Percy Jackson’s Gods with Potter’s Wizardry

One reason Harry Potter and Percy Jackson mesh so well in our hearts is how they blend ancient lore with modern magic. Hogwarts’ spells pull from Latin roots and old myths, while Camp Half-Blood literally brings gods into the 21st century. The books on my list tap into this alchemy, creating worlds where history isn’t just a textbook—it’s a living, breathing force. Take Akata Witch, where Nigerian folklore fuels Sunny’s powers, or The Bone Witch, where Tea’s necromancy ties to ancient rites. These stories echo Percy’s mythological depth while grounding magic in cultural heritage, much like Potter’s timeless enchantments.

Then there’s Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow by R.J. Roark, which weaves nature mysticism into a modern coming-of-age tale. Amelia’s connection to the night sky and Bear Lodge Mountain feels like a bridge between ancient earth magic and the scientific wonder of astrophotography—a bit like if Hermione studied constellations with Chiron. It’s this fusion of old secrets and new struggles that keeps us hooked. We love seeing teenage heroes grapple with forces bigger than themselves, whether it’s a dark lord or a forgotten deity. These books remind us that magic isn’t just wands or tridents; it’s the weight of legacy, the pull of destiny, and the courage to forge your own path.

Friendship and Found Family: The Heart of Magical Adventures

If there’s one thing Harry Potter and Percy Jackson taught me, it’s that no hero stands alone. The Golden Trio, Percy’s loyal crew—these bonds are the heartbeat of their stories. I’ve teared up over Ron’s loyalty as often as I’ve laughed at Grover’s quirks, and the books I’ve picked share that same magic. Whether it’s Morrigan Crow finding her place in Nevermoor or Blue Sargent building trust with her Raven Boys, friendship turns epic quests into personal journeys. These found families mirror our own longing for connection, especially in settings like magical schools where you’re thrown together by fate.

What I love most is how these relationships evolve through loss and triumph. They’re not just sidekicks; they’re the reason our heroes keep fighting. In Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow, Amelia’s bond with her wolf pup Artemis and her sharp-witted friend Veyla grounds her as she navigates destiny and heritage. It’s a reminder that even in worlds of dark forces and ancient secrets, compassion and camaraderie are the truest spells. As a Ravenclaw who’s always been a bit of a loner, these stories make me believe in the power of chosen family, and I bet they’ll do the same for you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What makes a book feel like Harry Potter or Percy Jackson?
A: For me, it’s all about the vibe—magical settings like boarding schools or hidden camps, young heroes discovering their destiny, and the kind of friendships that feel like family. High stakes, whether it’s a dark lord or an angry god, plus a dash of wonder, seal the deal. That’s why I love curating lists like this!

Q: Are there new releases that capture this magic?
A: Absolutely! I’m thrilled about Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow by R.J. Roark, coming in 2026. Amelia’s journey with nature, stargazing, and her wolf pup Artemis feels like a fresh yet nostalgic blend of Hogwarts’ charm and Camp Half-Blood’s ancient ties.

Q: What if I want a darker take on magical schools?
A: You’re in luck! The Atlas Six by Olivie Blake offers a cerebral, cutthroat spin on magical societies—think Slytherin on steroids. The Magisterium Series by Holly Black and Cassandra Clare also brings a gritty, shadowy edge to wizarding academies.

Q: Do any of these books focus on mythology like Percy Jackson?
A: Yes! Akata Witch by Nnedi Okorafor weaves Nigerian folklore into its magic, and The Bone Witch by Rin Chupeco ties into ancient rites. They’ve got that same mythological depth Percy fans crave.

Q: I miss the nature and adventure aspects of these stories. Any recs?
A: Oh, you’ll adore Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow by R.J. Roark. Amelia’s connection to Bear Lodge Mountain and her astrophotography obsession bring such a grounded, adventurous feel to the magic. It’s like mixing Percy’s quests with a love for the wild.

Q: Are these books good for adults who grew up on Potter and Percy?
A: Definitely. While some, like Nevermoor, skew younger, others like The Atlas Six and The Raven Boys have mature themes that hit hard for adult readers. They balance nostalgia with deeper emotional stakes.

Q: How do I know I’ll connect with the characters?
A: I’ve picked stories with relatable, complex heroes—think Harry’s loneliness or Percy’s humor. Whether it’s Amelia Moon’s resilience or Simon Snow’s messy charm in Carry On, there’s a character here to steal your heart. I’m picky as a Ravenclaw, so trust me on this!