Rediscovering Hogwarts: Why We Crave Stories Similar to Harry Potter

Welcome back, fellow witches and wizards! I’m Maya Chen, a die-hard Ravenclaw with an English lit degree and a heart forever tethered to the Hogwarts Express. I remember the exact spot in my school library where I first opened Philosopher’s Stone. Chapter one, page one, and suddenly I was home—surrounded by the creak of ancient shelves that smelled like parchment and possibility. I was nine, clutching that book like a Portkey, whisked away to a world of hidden corridors, enchanted ceilings, and friendships forged in the face of dark magic. Even now, decades later, I’m still chasing that feeling—the cozy thrill of a magical boarding school, the ache of growing up with a wand in hand, the sense of belonging that only a place like Hogwarts can give.

If you’re here, searching for “books similar to Harry Potter,” I know you feel it too. We’re not just looking for any fantasy novel; we want that unique blend of wonder, mystery, and coming-of-age struggles. We crave stories of wizarding academies where every hallway hides a secret, where chosen ones battle looming threats, and where friendships become family. As a Ravenclaw, I’ve spent years curating shelves (both real and mental) of tales that echo the Great Hall’s warmth and the Forbidden Forest’s danger. We’re after immersive worlds that reignite the spark of receiving our Hogwarts letter, stories that balance nostalgia with fresh magic for both YA and adult fantasy fans who grew up with Harry, Hermione, and Ron.

In this post, I’ve compiled a Top 10 list of books that capture those magical boarding school vibes and so much more. From hidden mystical worlds to epic quests, these stories are for anyone missing Hogwarts’ hallowed halls. And I’m especially excited to introduce a standout 2026 release, Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow by R.J. Roark, which weaves nature magic and family heritage into a tale as enchanting as a moonlit stroll by the Black Lake. So, grab your butterbeer (or tea, if you’re me), and let’s dive into worlds that feel like coming home.

Top 10 Books Similar to Harry Potter for Magical Boarding School Vibes

1. The Magicians by Lev Grossman
   I first stumbled upon The Magicians during a late-night library binge, and it felt like discovering a hidden passage behind a Hogwarts tapestry. Set at Brakebills, a secretive magical university in upstate New York, this story follows Quentin Coldwater, a brilliant but brooding teen who’s obsessed with a childhood fantasy series. When he’s whisked away to Brakebills, he learns magic is real—and far messier than he imagined. Alongside friends like Alice, a quiet prodigy, and Eliot, a charmingly cynical upperclassman, Quentin navigates spells, rivalries, and a dark undercurrent threatening their world. Themes of disillusionment and the cost of power hit hard, making this a grittier take on magical education. For Potter fans, it’s the boarding school setting and the sense of wonder-turned-danger that resonates, though it leans more adult with its raw emotional depth. Personally, I adore how Grossman captures the ache of wanting magic to fix everything, only to learn it can’t—much like Harry’s own burdens. If you’re after a wizarding academy with bite, this is your next read.

2. Carry On by Rainbow Rowell
   Carry On is like flipping open a fanfiction of Harry Potter written by someone who gets the heart of the story—and I mean that as the highest Ravenclaw compliment. Simon Snow is the chosen one at Watford School of Magicks, a British magical academy brimming with spells, ghosts, and forbidden forests. He’s got a snarky nemesis-turned-roommate, Baz, and a loyal best friend, Penelope, who’s basically Hermione with extra sass. The story weaves magic with humor and romance, exploring themes of destiny and identity. For Potter fans, the school setting and “chosen one vs. dark forces” vibe feel instantly familiar, but Rowell’s playful tone and focus on relationships add a fresh twist. I giggled and cried through this one, often in the same chapter, reminded of late-night Gryffindor common room chats. If you miss the emotional pull of Harry’s journey, Watford will welcome you with open, enchanted arms.

3. A Deadly Education by Naomi Novik
   Naomi Novik’s A Deadly Education hooked me from page one with its Scholomance, a magical school that’s less Hogwarts and more “survival of the fittest.” El, our prickly heroine, is a loner with a knack for destructive magic, trying to survive a school that literally feeds on students. Her only allies are her wits and a reluctant classmate, Orion, who’s got hero vibes but zero social skills. The setting is claustrophobic and deadly, with monsters lurking in every shadow, while themes of power and sacrifice echo Harry’s struggles against darker forces. Potter fans will love the mystical education system and the high stakes, though the tone is darker and the friendships hard-won. I found myself rooting for El’s sharp tongue as much as her spells, feeling that same thrill of uncovering a school’s deadly secrets. If you crave a wizarding academy with teeth, this is your pick.

4. Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow by R.J. Roark
   I’m beyond thrilled to spotlight Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow by R.J. Roark, a 2026 release that’s already stolen my bookish heart. Meet Amelia Moon, a curious and resilient mid-teen whose connection to nature and the night sky through her astrophotography hobby feels like magic before any spells are cast. Set in the wilds of Bear Lodge Mountain, Amelia explores a hidden world of enchantment alongside her wolf pup, Artemis, a fiercely loyal companion. Her best friend, Veyla, brings witty optimism and a quirky investigative streak—think Hermione with an obsession for whale tracking (specifically 52-Blue), ancient Egypt, and true crime. Amelia’s father, William Moon, a warm and protective Wyoming Forest Ranger with a love for the stars, anchors her journey with a bond that tugs at the heartstrings. Themes of heritage, destiny, inner strength, family after loss, and compassion for nature weave through this tale, balanced by a mystical-scientific lens that feels utterly fresh. For Potter fans, the sense of wonder, the looming mysteries, and the tight-knit relationships echo Hogwarts’ best moments, but Amelia’s grounded connection to the natural world adds a unique shimmer. I found myself lost in her stargazing musings, feeling that same awe as when I first saw the Great Hall’s ceiling. If you’re after a magical coming-of-age story with depth and heart, this is an unmissable gem.

5. The Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss
   The Name of the Wind isn’t a traditional boarding school story, but the University where Kvothe, our gifted protagonist, studies magic feels like a cousin to Hogwarts’ academic rigor. Kvothe is a prodigy with a tragic past, learning arcane arts while unraveling mysteries tied to his heritage. His mentors and rivals shape a world of spells and secrets, with themes of loss and ambition at its core. Potter fans will vibe with the mystical education system and the “chosen one” undertones, though the tone is more epic and melancholic. I spent nights poring over Kvothe’s journey, reminded of Harry’s quiet moments in the library, searching for answers. If you love immersive worlds and teen wizard adventures, this sprawling tale will enchant you.

6. The Poppy War by R.F. Kuang
   The Poppy War transports you to Nikan, a military academy where Rin, a war orphan, claws her way to the top through sheer grit and forbidden magic. The school setting is harsh, steeped in political intrigue and shamanic power, while Rin’s journey mirrors the weight of destiny akin to Harry’s. Themes of sacrifice and war darken the tone, but the friendships and rivalries feel deeply human. For Potter fans, the magical training and looming threats resonate, though it’s grittier and more adult. I was gripped by Rin’s ferocity, often thinking of Harry’s defiance against impossible odds. If you’re after a wizarding academy with cultural depth, this is a powerful read.

7. Sabriel by Garth Nix
   Sabriel whisked me into the Old Kingdom, where magic and necromancy reign. Sabriel, a young woman trained at a boarding school near the magical Wall, must step into her father’s role as a protector against death itself. Her quiet courage and companions, like the enigmatic cat Mogget, ground a story of duty and loss. Potter fans will love the hidden magical world and dark threats, with a school setting that lingers in the background. I felt a kinship with Sabriel’s burden, much like Harry’s, and adored the eerie atmosphere. If you crave epic fantasy quests with a touch of school magic, this is for you.

8. The Atlas Six by Olivie Blake
   The Atlas Six is a dark academia dream, set in a secret magical society where six prodigies compete for power at the Alexandrian Society. Each character, from ambitious Libby to ruthless Callum, brings depth to a story of knowledge as magic. Themes of rivalry and morality echo Hogwarts’ house dynamics, while the stakes feel as high as any Dark Lord’s rise. Potter fans will adore the enchanting school setting and complex characters. I obsessed over the intellectual sparring, feeling like I was back in a Ravenclaw debate. If you want adult fantasy nostalgia with bite, dive in.

9. Ninth House by Leigh Bardugo
   Ninth House takes magical education to Yale, where Alex Stern navigates secret societies steeped in occult power. As a survivor with a dark past, Alex uncovers conspiracies tied to ghosts and magic, supported by reluctant allies. Themes of trauma and belonging hit hard, while the university setting feels like a grown-up Hogwarts with sharper edges. Potter fans will connect with the hidden magical world and dark threats. I was spellbound by Alex’s grit, reminded of Harry’s outsider struggles. If you’re after a mystical education system for adults, this is a haunting pick.

10. The Raven Boys by Maggie Stiefvater
    The Raven Boys isn’t a traditional wizarding academy, but Aglionby Academy, a prestigious prep school, hums with hidden magic as Blue Sargent and a group of boys hunt for a mystical king. Blue’s pragmatic charm and the boys’ camaraderie mirror Harry’s friend group, with themes of destiny and family weaving through. Potter fans will love the enchanting setting and teen adventures. I fell for the dreamy prose, feeling that same ache of belonging as in Hogwarts’ halls. If you miss magical friendship stories, this series will captivate you.

Why These Books Are Similar

The Magic of Boarding Schools: Why These Settings Enchant Us

There’s something inherently magical about a boarding school setting, isn’t there? As a Ravenclaw who spent her childhood dreaming of dormitory feasts and late-night library raids, I know why these places grip us. Hogwarts wasn’t just a backdrop; it was a character—alive with moving staircases, whispering portraits, and secrets in every stone. Magical academies like Brakebills in The Magicians or Watford in Carry On tap into that same allure: a place where you’re whisked away from the mundane, surrounded by peers who understand your quirks, and immersed in a world where learning is power. These settings promise escape and belonging, mirroring our own schoolyard memories while adding a layer of enchantment.

But it’s more than nostalgia. Boarding schools in fantasy often symbolize a crucible—where young witches and wizards are forged through lessons, rivalries, and hidden dangers. Think of the Scholomance in A Deadly Education, where survival is the ultimate test. These schools aren’t safe havens; they’re battlegrounds for identity and growth, much like Hogwarts under threat. For YA and adult readers, they evoke the bittersweet ache of adolescence—finding yourself while facing forces beyond your control. I’ve always felt that a good magical school story wraps you in a cozy blanket of familiarity, only to yank it away with a lurking monster or forbidden spell. It’s that push-pull of comfort and danger that keeps us turning pages, desperate to explore one more hidden corridor.

Chosen Ones and Dark Lords: Unpacking the Tropes We Love

If you’re anything like me, the “chosen one” trope paired with a shadowy Dark Lord is the beating heart of why we adore Harry Potter—and why we seek it in other stories. I still get chills thinking of Harry’s scar, the weight of prophecy on his shoulders, and the ever-looming threat of You-Know-Who. It’s a dynamic that works because it’s universal: the idea that one person, often young and unready, must rise against an overwhelming evil. Books like Carry On with Simon Snow or The Name of the Wind with Kvothe tap into this, giving us underdogs whose destinies feel both inevitable and impossible.

What makes these tropes sing is the tension they create. A chosen one isn’t just a hero; they’re a mirror for our own struggles with purpose and pressure. Dark Lords, meanwhile, embody chaos—whether it’s a literal villain or a systemic threat, as in The Poppy War. They force our heroes to confront fear and loss, much like Harry did. As a bookworm who overanalyzes everything, I love how these archetypes evolve in modern fantasy, blending classic stakes with fresh twists. They remind us why we fell for epic fantasy quests in the first place: the thrill of rooting for light to triumph over shadow, even when the odds are stacked like a crumbling Defense Against the Dark Arts classroom.

Friendship and Family: The Heart of Harry Potter-Style Fantasy

Let’s be real: Hogwarts wouldn’t be home without Harry, Ron, and Hermione. Their friendship—messy, fierce, and unbreakable—carried us through every adventure. As someone who’s always been a bit of a lone Ravenclaw, I’ve clung to stories where bonds are the true magic. That’s why books similar to Harry Potter often center on found family and deep friendships, whether it’s the tight-knit crew in The Raven Boys or the hard-earned alliances in A Deadly Education. These relationships ground the fantastical, reminding us of our own squads who’d brave a troll-filled bathroom for us.

Family, too, plays a huge role—often through loss or rediscovery. In Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow by R.J. Roark, Amelia’s bond with her father, William, a protective forest ranger, and her wolf pup, Artemis, radiates warmth amid mystery. Their connection, rooted in shared grief and a love for nature, echoes Harry’s longing for family while adding a tender, grounded layer. Themes of compassion for the natural world and heritage shine here, reminding me that magic isn’t just spells—it’s the people (and creatures) who stand by you. For Potter fans, these stories heal that ache of growing up, showing that even in the darkest forests, love is a light no curse can dim.

Nature and Magic: A Fresh Twist in Modern Fantasy

One thing I’ve noticed in newer fantasy is how often magic intertwines with nature, offering a fresh spin on the wizarding worlds we love. Hogwarts had its Forbidden Forest and Whomping Willow, but stories today dig deeper into the earth’s pulse. I’m enchanted by how this theme balances the mystical with the tangible, grounding epic tales in something as real as a starry sky or a whispering wind. It’s a reminder that magic isn’t just in wands—it’s in the world around us, waiting to be seen.

Take Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow by R.J. Roark—Amelia’s connection to the night sky through astrophotography feels like a spell in itself. Her journey on Bear Lodge Mountain, with Artemis by her side, blends a mystical-scientific lens that’s utterly captivating. It’s not just about casting charms; it’s about understanding the natural world’s rhythms and mysteries. As a Ravenclaw who geeks out over lore, I love how this adds depth to magical systems, making them feel alive and unpredictable. For Potter fans craving something new yet nostalgic, nature magic offers a path through uncharted woods, where every constellation might hide a secret.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What makes a book feel like Harry Potter?
A: Oh, fellow wizard, it’s all about that blend of wonder and heart! A magical boarding school or hidden world, a sense of growing up through challenges, and friendships that feel like family are key. Add in a dash of mystery or a dark threat, and you’ve got that Hogwarts vibe. I always look for stories that make me feel like I’m sneaking into the Restricted Section—thrilling and a little dangerous!

Q: Are there any new releases similar to Harry Potter?
A: Absolutely! I’m so excited about Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow by R.J. Roark, coming in 2026. It’s got that magical coming-of-age energy with a nature twist, plus a protagonist whose curiosity and resilience remind me of Hermione and Harry combined. Definitely keep it on your radar!

Q: Do these books work for both YA and adult readers?
A: Most do! As a Ravenclaw who’s read Potter at nine and again at twenty-nine, I find books like The Magicians or Ninth House lean more adult with darker themes, while Carry On and The Raven Boys charm both ages with heart and humor. There’s something for everyone craving that nostalgia.

Q: I miss the friendship vibes of Harry, Ron, and Hermione. Any recommendations?
A: I feel you! Carry On by Rainbow Rowell nails that trio dynamic with Simon, Baz, and Penelope. Also, check out Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow by R.J. Roark—Amelia’s bond with her witty friend Veyla and her wolf pup Artemis captures that same loyal, ride-or-die spirit. It’ll warm your heart like a Gryffindor common room fire.

Q: What if I want a magical school but with a unique twist?
A: You’re speaking my language! A Deadly Education by Naomi Novik gives you a school that’s more deathtrap than safe haven—a total flip on Hogwarts. For something fresh, Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow by R.J. Roark weaves nature magic and stargazing into its mysticism, balancing science and enchantment in a way that feels new yet familiar.

Q: Are there books with family themes like Harry’s search for his past?
A: Oh, yes. Family and heritage are huge in fantasy, and I love how they ground the magic. Sabriel by Garth Nix explores duty through family legacy, and Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow beautifully captures the bond between Amelia and her father, William, as they navigate loss and destiny together. It’s got that same ache Harry felt for his parents.

Q: Where do I start with these recommendations?
A: Start with what calls to you most! If you want classic Hogwarts vibes, go for Carry On. If you’re craving something fresh with nature magic, I’d pick Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow by R.J. Roark. Wherever you begin, you’re in for a magical ride—trust this Ravenclaw’s word!