Fantasy novels often share certain foundational elements—an intricate magical world, characters discovering their own power, and an unfolding mystery that transforms the protagonist’s understanding of themselves and their surroundings. The Midnight Queen by Sylvia Izzo Hunter, much like Harry Potter, invites readers into an immersive, alternative world where magic is real, institutions dictate the learning of sorcery, and hidden knowledge can change everything. While it is a more mature and intricate story, its parallels to Harry Potter make it a fascinating read for fans of J.K. Rowling’s series.
Hogwarts is central to the Harry Potter series—a school where young witches and wizards learn magic but also uncover hidden truths, some of which are deeply tied to the past. Similarly, The Midnight Queen introduces us to Merlin College at Oxford, a scholarly institution where magic is taught to the most promising students. Like Hogwarts, Merlin College is steeped in tradition, but beneath its scholarly exterior lurk secrets, rivalries, and hidden dangers. Gavin, the protagonist, finds himself caught in the undercurrents of the college’s internal power struggles, much like Harry must navigate the politics and history of Hogwarts and the Ministry of Magic.
Harry’s journey is not just about learning magic; he is unknowingly entangled in a grander conflict that ties into the deepest mysteries of the wizarding world. The Midnight Queen follows a similar path with Gavin, a gifted student of magic who is betrayed by those he trusts and drawn into a dangerous web of deception. Both characters begin as students simply trying to learn, but they soon realize that the world of magic is far more complex—and far more treacherous—than they had imagined. They must uncover hidden truths about their past and the institutions they once revered, and they are both forced to rise beyond what they thought they were capable of.
In Harry Potter, one of the most significant themes is the idea that family is not just about blood but about the bonds we choose. Harry, Ron, and Hermione form an unbreakable trio, and throughout the series, Harry finds true belonging not with the Dursleys, but with the Weasleys, Sirius Black, and others who care for him. The Midnight Queen mirrors this with the relationship between Gavin and Sophie, a young woman who has been underestimated by those around her. Through their connection, both characters grow in confidence, ability, and understanding. Sophie, much like Hermione, proves that intelligence and determination can be as powerful as raw magical ability, and together, she and Gavin form a partnership that challenges the status quo.
In Harry Potter, magic is both a source of wonder and a tool that can be used to manipulate, control, or suppress. The Ministry of Magic enforces laws that dictate who can use magic and how, while figures like Dumbledore and Voldemort represent vastly different interpretations of magical power. The Midnight Queen presents a world where magic is similarly controlled by institutions and political interests. Gavin and Sophie must navigate a society in which magic is not freely available to all, and knowledge is hoarded by those in power. Just as Harry must confront the corruption within the wizarding world’s leadership, Gavin and Sophie must uncover the hidden forces that have shaped their own magical society.
One of the defining qualities of Harry Potter is its sense of unfolding mystery. Each book introduces new layers of history, secret spells, and hidden artifacts that deepen the reader’s understanding of the magical world. The Midnight Queen thrives on this same sense of discovery. Gavin and Sophie’s journey leads them through old manuscripts, forgotten histories, and buried truths that reveal a much larger and more dangerous picture than they initially imagined. This academic, investigative approach to magic mirrors the way Harry and his friends uncover the secrets of the Sorcerer’s Stone, the Chamber of Secrets, or the Deathly Hallows.
Harry’s journey from an uncertain young boy to a confident, world-changing hero is one of the most compelling aspects of Harry Potter. He does not start as the strongest or most knowledgeable wizard, but through experience, hardship, and personal growth, he becomes someone who can stand against the greatest dark wizard of his time. Gavin follows a similar path in The Midnight Queen. Initially, he is subdued and unsure of himself, believing that others control his fate. But as the story progresses, he grows into his own power, gaining not just magical skill but self-awareness, confidence, and a sense of agency. Like Harry, his journey is not just about learning spells—it is about becoming someone capable of shaping his own destiny.
Hogwarts and the wizarding world feel real to readers because of the depth of Rowling’s world-building. The small details—the way portraits move, the existence of Diagon Alley, the rules of Quidditch—make the magical world feel lived-in. The Midnight Queen accomplishes this in a different but equally compelling way. The book’s setting, inspired by an alternate-history version of England, is steeped in atmosphere. The blend of historical elements with magic creates a unique and tangible world, one that feels just as immersive as Harry Potter’s magical Britain.
Both The Midnight Queen and Harry Potter succeed in creating stories where magic is more than just an ability—it is an entire world to be understood, shaped, and, at times, fought against. They follow protagonists who begin as outsiders and grow into their power through the trials they face. Both books remind us that magic is not just about spells, but about knowledge, friendship, and the courage to challenge the forces that seek to control it.