Are you a Harry Potter fan longing for another magical adventure? Do you wish there were even more Harry Potter books? You’re not alone! Millions of readers who fell in love with the Wizarding World are eager to explore other fantastical tales that capture the same magic, wonder, and excitement. So, stick around, because this list of the best 7 YA fantasy books similar to Harry Potter has it all! From hidden worlds to unforgettable characters, these books are perfect for filling the huge void Harry Potter left behind.
And if you want to explore the Harry Potter world even more and discover all its secrets, don’t miss our Must-Read Harry Potter Companion Books post for the best magical recommendations!
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Our Top 7 Favorite YA Fantasy Books Similar to Harry Potter
While no series can fully replicate Harry Potter, the YA fantasy books below all share similar elements: the good vs evil theme, the richly developed worlds, the unique twists, compelling character arcs, coming-of-age stories, and more.
So, before checking out these books, please be aware that we only chose the fantasy books that are similar to the Harry Potter books so that you can read them to your heart’s content!
1. Percy Jackson & The Olympians by Rick Riordan
In Percy Jackson and the Olympians, many things make it a hit among Potterheads, one of those is the relatable young hero going on a quest, in this case, an ordinary Percy Jackson, a twelve-year-old boy who suddenly discovers he’s a demigod, the son of Poseidon. From that moment on Percy is thrown into Camp Half-Blood, a world where ancient Greek mythology comes alive, and where he learns to manage and wield his newfound powers and save the day.
What makes this coming-of-age fantasy book series truly resonate with Harry Potter fans is the perfect mix of humor, heart, and daring adventures. And, just like Harry, Percy is the unlikely hero who goes on amazing adventures, forming friendships, and saving the day while facing the challenges of growing up.
And, if besides Harry Potter, Greek mythology is also a passion or interest of yours, then look no further than Percy Jackson and the Olympians, a thrilling book series filled with banter, fast-paced action, and relatable heroes going on daring adventures.
2. The Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis
The classic tale of the Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis invites you to know an enchanting new world (just like the wizarding world!), a magical land that our intrepid heroes, the Pevensie siblings discover by going through their wardrobes.
This amazing series showcases the epic and daring adventures of the Pevensie siblings, who must face mythical creatures, dark forces, and foes while learning profound lessons on bravery, sacrifices, and hope.
What makes this book truly resonate with Harry Potter fans, is the central theme of good versus evil, the magical world full of magical and mythical creatures, and the same type of high stakes adventures.
3. His Dark Materials by Philip Pullman
However, if you are in the mood for a darker, and more thought-provoking book in the same line of the Harry Potter book series then check out His Dark Materials by Philip Pullman, a gripping and emotionally resonant series.
This trilogy follows the journey of the young hero Lyra Belaccqua, as she goes on amazing adventures, filled with dangerous secrets, unknown world-destroying powers, magical science, magical creatures, more specifically daemons, which are animal companions that reflect the soul (don’t worry, there is no nagini in there!), and more.
These incredible books offer a darker take on the good versus evil trope, present in the Harry Potter books, making us question the morality and reasons behind it, while also allowing us explore and reflect upon themes like free will, faith, and the nature of existence.
4. The School for Good and Evil by Soman Chainani
Have you ever wondered what it would be like to go to a school just for heroes and villains? Then look no further than The School for Good and Evil series by Soman Chainani.
These books flip the traditional fairy tale trope into their heads, making for an unique coming-of-age fantasy book. The story focuses on two young girls, Sophie and Agatha, who are whisked away to a magical school where students are trained to become heroes or villains, and where identities and pre-determined destines are put in question.
For all the Harry Potter fans out there who love Hogwarts with everything they have, and enjoyed reading about all the trials that our favorite golden trio faced, then there are no better books than The School of Good and Evil series, not only for the magical school setting but for the challenging trials and the strong friendships that mark these books and make it shine.
5. The Magicians by Lev Grossman
Have you ever wondered what a darker, more mature Harry Potter book would look like? Then look no further than The Magicians series by Lev Grossman.
The series focuses on the tumultuous magical journey of Quentin Coldwater, a brilliant but disillusioned young man who after discovering that magic is real enrolls in Brakebills, a secret magic school, but not everything is smooth sailing from here. Quentin and his friends will face personal struggles, complex relationships, and the harsh and dark realities of magic.
Beyond the magical world setting, the moral complex characters, and the unforeseen twists, The Magicians offers a more introspective and adult take on the fantasy trope, making the readers question if things really are better with magic.
6. Keeper of the Lost Cities by Shannon Messenger
If you also love a touch of mystery mixed with good old coming-of-age fantasy tropes, then check out the Keeper of the Lost Cities series by Shannon Messenger.
In this series, our young hero, Sophie Foster, is a young telepath who discovers she is not only different from her peers but also belongs to a hidden magical society filled with out-of-this-world wonders, like dazzling cities and mysterious abilities. However, her journey will be difficult, as she faces questions and secrets about her identity and her role in a much larger destiny.
It is the intricate world-building, the high-stakes adventures, the emotional journeys, and the friendships that make this a great read for all the Harry Potter fans out there!
7. The Inheritance Cycle by Christopher Paolini
Do you want to read more about magical creatures and be immersed in their world and adventures? Then pick up the The Inheritance Cycle series by Christopher Paolini.
This incredible story begins with a young, ordinary farm boy named Eragon who discovers a dragon egg, which will propel him into a journey filled with epic dragon battles and grand adventures as Eragon begins to bond with his new dragon, Saphira, and begins to discover his destiny as a Dragon Rider, which thrusts him into becoming a part of an ancient order tasked with protecting the realm of Alagaësia.
The semblance of the coming-of-age story of Harry and its magical setting to Eragon’s journey and the rich magical lore that fills the pages is what attracts us to this story, and what we believe will attract all the Harry Potter fans as well, especially as it mixes with epic high-stakes full-on dragon battles that keep you on edge of your seats and keep you yearning for more!
BONUS Hidden Gem: The Secrets of the Immortal Nicholas Flamel by Michael Scott
Now, prepare for a shocking bonus entry, a hidden gem that will shock you. And that is the Secrets of the Immortal Nicholas Flamel by Michael Scott.
This the perfect book series for fans of history and mythology, as the series follows twins Sophie and Josh Newman, who are caught in an ancient struggle between good and evil. Their journey to help humanity against evil counts with the help of the legendary Nicholas Flamel. Throughout the book, and along the action-packed pages, you will find many other known figures, such as Machiavelli, Joan of Arc, and Scathach the Warrior.
It’s the amazing fast-paced storytelling, the morally complex characters, the rich blend of myths and legends, and the magic-filled world-building that makes us gasp in wonder and suspense, and that make this book a must-read for all Harry Potter fans.
So, Where Do You Start Your Fantasy Reading Journey?
All of these books offer a portal to multiple magical worlds that help keep our imagination and our hope for even more Harry Potter books alive. They range from classic coming-of-age stories, like Percy Jackson and The Olympians and The Chronicles of Narnia, to more gritty and new adult fantasy tales, like The Magicians.
We know that with so many great options, it can be a bit overwhelming to choose the perfect book similar to Harry Potter, so to help you make the right choice for your first read, we are going to make things even easier for you and tell you what are the best books to choose based on your favorite elements of the Harry Potter series. So, if what you really loved about the Harry Potter books was the Hogwarts setting and all the dynamics involved, like the camaraderie and the immersive world-building, then consider picking up Percy Jackson and the Olympians, or the School for Good and Evil.
However, if what you loved about the Harry Potter and the Fantastic Beasts franchise was the magical creatures, like the dragons, nifflers, and others, then you will be right at home with The Inheritance Cycle, or Keeper of The Lost Cities. But if you are craving a darker and gritty take on the magical world, then look no further than His Dark Materials and/or The Magicians.
From epic battles to enchanting worlds, these magical reads are sure to captivate any Harry Potter fan. Whether you’re looking for a lighthearted adventure or a deep, philosophical journey, there’s something on this list for everyone.
But, if even after reading all these books, you still want to read more about the world of Harry Potter, then check out our Must-Read Harry Potter Companion Books to learn more about the lore, the magic, and the inventiveness that went into creating this amazing magical world!
