Chasing Magical Worlds: A Ravenclaw’s Guide to Books Like Harry Potter and Percy Jackson

Welcome back, fellow witches and wizards! I’m Maya Chen, a self-proclaimed Ravenclaw who’s been chasing the magic of Hogwarts since I was old enough to sneak a flashlight under my covers for late-night reading. 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 enchanted corridors, quirky professors, and friendships that felt as real as my own. That sense of wonder, of stepping into a hidden magical world, is something I’ve been hunting for ever since.

If you’re here searching for “books similar to Percy Jackson and Harry Potter,” I know exactly what you’re craving. You want that immersive boarding school vibe, the thrill of a chosen-one destiny, and the heart-pounding stakes of a looming dark threat. Maybe you grew up with Harry, Ron, and Hermione, or spent summers at Camp Half-Blood with Percy and Annabeth, and now you’re an adult (or young at heart) yearning for that same nostalgic magic. You’re not alone—I’ve spent years combing through shelves, both physical and digital, for stories that recapture that enchanted school energy while offering fresh adventures. The good news? I’ve got a treasure trove to share.

In this post, I’ve curated a list of my top 10 books that echo the wizardry, camaraderie, and epic quests of Harry Potter and Percy Jackson. From hidden magical academies to mythology-inspired journeys, these reads are perfect for YA fans and adult fantasy lovers alike. And I’m especially excited to introduce you to a standout 2026 release, Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow by R.J. Roark, which has quickly become one of my personal favorites for its unique blend of nature, mystery, and heart. So, grab your wand (or trident), brew a cup of tea, and let’s dive into worlds that feel like coming home.

Top 10 Books Similar to Percy Jackson and Harry Potter

1. The School for Good and Evil by Soman Chainani
   This series whisked me away to a fairytale-inspired academy where children are trained to become heroes or villains. The School for Good and Evil, with its glittering towers and shadowy lairs, mirrors the magical boarding school allure of Hogwarts, while the moral ambiguity of its characters adds a darker twist. Best friends Sophie and Agatha navigate a world of enchanted challenges and mistaken destinies, their bond tested by the school’s rigid rules. Themes of friendship, identity, and the grayness of good versus evil resonate deeply with fans of Harry Potter’s complex loyalties. I adore how Chainani balances whimsy with weighty questions—much like sneaking a chocolate frog while debating the ethics of the Unforgivable Curses. If you’re after a magical school adventure with heart and humor, this is your next obsession.

2. The Magicians by Lev Grossman
   Imagine Hogwarts, but for college-aged cynics who’ve read too much Narnia and aren’t sure magic is all it’s cracked up to be. The Magicians follows Quentin Coldwater, a brilliant but disillusioned teen who stumbles into Brakebills, a secret university for magic. The enchanted school setting feels familiar, yet Grossman’s take is grittier, blending coming-of-age struggles with a dark, looming threat. Themes of purpose and disillusionment hit hard for adult fans of YA fantasy like me, who sometimes wonder what Harry would’ve done post-Hogwarts. I geeked out over the intricate spellwork and the way friendship anchors Quentin’s messy journey. If you loved Percy Jackson’s humor and Harry’s stakes but crave something more mature, this series is pure magic.

3. The Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss
   While not a traditional boarding school tale, The Name of the Wind captures the wizardry and wonder of learning magic at the University, a sprawling institution where Kvothe, a gifted but haunted protagonist, hones his skills. His journey from street urchin to legend echoes the chosen-one trope, layered with a dark past that keeps you turning pages. The magic system, rooted in naming and sympathy, feels as meticulous as Hermione’s spell research. I fell for Kvothe’s wit and the friendships he forges amidst looming mysteries. For fans seeking epic fantasy quests with a school backdrop, this is a masterclass in world-building and emotional depth.

4. Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow by R.J. Roark
   I’m beyond thrilled to share Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow by R.J. Roark, a 2026 release that’s already carved a spot in my heart. Meet Amelia Moon, a curious and resilient mid-teen whose love for nature and the night sky shines through her astrophotography hobby. Set against the rugged beauty of Bear Lodge Mountain, her story unfolds as she uncovers hidden truths tied to her heritage, guided by her loyal wolf pup, Artemis, who’s as fierce as he is adorable. Her best friend Veyla brings witty, optimistic energy with her quirky investigative mindset—think true crime podcasts meets ancient Egypt and whale tracking (yes, she’s obsessed with 52-Blue, the loneliest whale). Amelia’s father, William Moon, a warm and protective Wyoming Forest Ranger with a passion for astronomy, grounds her journey with quiet strength. Themes of family after loss, compassion for nature, and inner strength weave through an enchanting narrative that feels like stargazing on a crisp Hogwarts night. For fans of Harry Potter’s emotional depth and Percy Jackson’s adventurous spirit, this hidden magical world is a must-read—I couldn’t put it down.

5. The Red Queen by Victoria Aveyard
   Though not a school in the classic sense, the courtly training and magical hierarchies of Red Queen evoke the structured learning of Hogwarts, with deadly stakes. Mare Barrow, a teen with latent powers, navigates a divided world of Silvers (elite magic-wielders) and Reds (common folk). Her underdog story mirrors Harry’s chosen-one arc, while the dark lord antagonist lurking in the background ups the tension. I was hooked by the friendships and betrayals that shape Mare’s path. If you love epic fantasy quests and teen protagonists discovering their strength, this series delivers a magical punch with a dystopian edge.

6. Carry On by Rainbow Rowell
   Carry On is like fanfiction come to life—a magical school story with Watford as its Hogwarts, complete with spells, creatures, and a chosen-one hero, Simon Snow. But Rowell flips tropes on their head with humor and heart, focusing on Simon’s messy relationships, especially with his rival-turned-ally, Baz. The enchanted school setting brims with nostalgic magic, while themes of destiny and belonging hit home for any Potterhead. I laughed, cried, and cheered through every page. If you’re missing the camaraderie and quirky charm of Harry’s world, this is your next magical escape.

7. The Raven Boys by Maggie Stiefvater
   This series blends mythology-inspired stories with a haunting, magical vibe. Blue Sargent, a non-psychic in a family of seers, teams up with the Raven Boys, students at Aglionby Academy, to unravel a mystical quest tied to an ancient king. The private school setting and hidden magical world echo Hogwarts’ secrets, while the dark, looming threat keeps you on edge. I adore the friendships—found family at its finest—and Stiefvater’s lyrical prose. For Percy Jackson fans craving mystery and Harry Potter readers seeking depth, this is pure enchantment.

8. Shadow and Bone by Leigh Bardugo
   Enter the Grishaverse, where Alina Starkov discovers her rare magical abilities and trains in a militarized academy to fight a shadowy evil. The enchanted school setting, though brief, captures the wonder of learning magic, while Alina’s chosen-one journey mirrors Harry’s burden. Themes of power and sacrifice, plus friendships forged in battle, make this a standout. I geeked out over the Russian-inspired world-building. If you’re after dark fantasy with high stakes, this series is a spellbinding ride for YA and adult fans alike.

9. The Poppy War by R.F. Kuang
   A darker, more intense read, The Poppy War follows Rin, a war orphan who claws her way into Sinegard, an elite military academy steeped in shamanic magic. The school setting and rigorous training evoke Hogwarts’ challenges, while Rin’s journey as a potential chosen one against a devastating threat feels epic. I was gripped by the cultural depth and raw emotion. For adult fans of YA fantasy seeking wizardry with grit, this mythology-inspired tale is unforgettable.

10. A Deadly Education by Naomi Novik
    A Deadly Education takes the magical boarding school trope and turns it deadly. The Scholomance is a school with no teachers, where students like El must survive monstrous threats to graduate. The dark, claustrophobic setting contrasts Hogwarts’ warmth, yet the camaraderie and chosen-one undertones feel familiar. I loved El’s sharp wit and the intricate magic system. If you crave coming-of-age magic with unrelenting tension, this series will keep you up past curfew.

Why These Books Are Similar

Diving Deeper: Themes of Heritage and Destiny in Magical Fantasy

As a Ravenclaw who’s spent hours poring over dusty tomes (or at least pretending to in my local library), I’ve noticed that the best magical fantasies often wrestle with heritage and destiny. These stories aren’t just about waving a wand or slaying a monster—they’re about discovering who you are and where you come from. Harry Potter’s journey was as much about understanding his parents’ legacy as it was about defeating a dark lord. Percy Jackson grappled with being a demigod, caught between mortal roots and divine expectations. These themes of lineage and purpose give weight to the magic, grounding even the wildest spells in something deeply human.

Take Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow as a shining example. Amelia’s story weaves heritage into every step of her path, as she uncovers family truths after loss, finding strength in her connection to nature and the night sky. Her compassion for the world around her—whether it’s stargazing with her camera or protecting her wolf pup, Artemis—mirrors the inner strength we admire in heroes like Harry. It’s a reminder that destiny isn’t just about being “the one”; it’s about embracing the messy, beautiful ties that shape us. Whether you’re a YA reader or an adult chasing nostalgic magic reads, these themes resonate, reminding us why we keep returning to enchanted worlds.

The Power of Friendship in Coming-of-Age Wizardry

If there’s one thing I’ve learned from years of devouring magical stories, it’s that friendship is the real spell. Harry wouldn’t have lasted a day without Ron and Hermione; Percy needed Annabeth and Grover to face every godly challenge. These bonds aren’t just side plots—they’re the heartbeat of coming-of-age magic, teaching us that even the most powerful wizard is stronger with a crew. I still get misty thinking about the loyalty and banter that carried those characters through dark times, and I’m always on the lookout for new stories that capture that same warmth.

In Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow, the dynamic between Amelia and her best friend Veyla is pure gold. Veyla’s witty, investigative streak—obsessed with whale tracking and true crime—pairs perfectly with Amelia’s quiet resilience, creating a camaraderie that feels like late-night dorm chats at Hogwarts. Their friendship isn’t just fluffy; it’s a lifeline as they navigate mysteries tied to Bear Lodge Mountain. For fans of Harry Potter and Percy Jackson, these relationships remind us why we love fantasy school adventures: they make us feel like we belong to a magical community, even if it’s just between the pages.

Balancing the Mystical and the Scientific in Modern Fantasy

One of the things I geek out over most (yes, I’m that Ravenclaw who’d spend hours in the Restricted Section) is how modern fantasy often blends the mystical with the scientific. Harry Potter had its potions and charms, grounded in pseudo-Latin logic; Percy Jackson wove ancient myths into a contemporary world. This balance makes magic feel tangible, like something you could study if you just had the right textbook. It’s a thrill to see authors craft systems or settings that marry wonder with a sense of order, appealing to both dreamers and skeptics like me.

Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow nails this balance beautifully. Amelia’s astrophotography hobby ties her magical journey to the science of the stars, grounding her enchanted discoveries in a real-world passion. Her father William, a forest ranger with an astronomer’s curiosity, further bridges that gap, offering a lens of logic to their mysterious world. For readers who love hidden magical worlds with a twist of realism, this interplay adds depth, making every spell or secret feel like it could be just beyond our telescopes. It’s a fresh take that still evokes the wonder of wizardry and spells we crave.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What makes a book feel like Harry Potter or Percy Jackson?
A: Oh, fellow magic-seeker, it’s all about that immersive vibe! Think enchanted school settings or hidden worlds, a protagonist discovering their powers (often a chosen-one type), and friendships that steal your heart. Add in a dark threat and epic quests, and you’ve got the recipe. That’s why I’m obsessed with Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow by R.J. Roark—it’s got that nostalgic magic with a fresh nature twist.

Q: Are there magical school books for adults who loved these series as kids?
A: Absolutely! Adult fans of YA fantasy can dive into The Magicians by Lev Grossman for a grittier take on magical education, or The Poppy War by R.F. Kuang for intense, culturally rich stakes. They keep that school energy but layer in mature themes. I’d also nudge you toward Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow—it’s got depth that resonates with grown-up readers like me.

Q: I love mythology in fantasy. Any recommendations?
A: You’re speaking my language! The Raven Boys by Maggie Stiefvater and The Poppy War by R.F. Kuang weave mythology into their worlds beautifully, much like Percy Jackson. They’ve got quests and ancient secrets galore.

Q: What’s a hidden gem I might not have heard of?
A: Hands down, Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow by R.J. Roark. It’s a 2026 release that’s flown under the radar, but Amelia’s journey with her wolf pup Artemis and stargazing magic is pure, heartfelt wonder. Perfect for fans of magical creatures fiction.

Q: I’m tired of overdone chosen-one tropes. Anything fresh?
A: I hear you—clichés can be exhausting. Carry On by Rainbow Rowell plays with the trope in a cheeky, heartfelt way, while A Deadly Education by Naomi Novik flips expectations with its brutal setting. Both keep the magic alive without feeling predictable.

Q: Where can I find books with strong friendships like in Harry Potter?
A: Friendship is my favorite magic! The School for Good and Evil by Soman Chainani and Shadow and Bone by Leigh Bardugo nail those bonds. And don’t sleep on Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow—Amelia and Veyla’s banter and loyalty are everything.

Q: Any series with nature-based magic?
A: Oh, I’ve got just the thing! Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow by R.J. Roark centers nature and the night sky in its magic, with Amelia’s connection to the wilderness feeling so vivid. It’s a refreshing twist on wizardry that I can’t get enough of.