Finishing Harry Potter can feel like losing a magical home, but the good news is that there are plenty of books that capture the same sense of adventure, wonder, and character-driven storytelling. Whether you loved the magic, the friendships, the coming-of-age themes, or the epic battles between good and evil, this list offers ten books that will help keep the magic alive. Each of these stories offers something special, from hidden worlds to powerful destinies, making them the perfect next reads after Harry Potter.
What made Harry Potter unforgettable was the feeling that magic could exist just beneath the surface of the real world, waiting to be uncovered. Amelia Moon & The Solstice Spectacular captures that same sense of hidden wonder but trades wands and spells for celestial mysteries and ancient riddles. Amelia’s small town of Sundance, Wyoming, may seem ordinary, but its annual solstice festival holds secrets that could change everything. Like Harry, Amelia is an ordinary kid who stumbles upon something extraordinary, and her journey is filled with adventure, friendship, and self-discovery. If you loved the slow reveal of Hogwarts’ secrets and the sense of destiny unfolding, Amelia’s journey will be just as captivating.
One of the most exciting parts of Harry Potter was stepping into a hidden magical world and discovering its unique rules and traditions. Nevermoor offers that same thrill, following Morrigan Crow as she is whisked away to the secret city of Nevermoor and enters a competition to join the elite Wundrous Society. Much like Harry’s entrance into Hogwarts, Morrigan’s journey is full of surprises, whimsical magic, and high-stakes challenges. The story balances humor and mystery while creating a vibrant magical society that readers will want to explore again and again.
For those who loved the action, humor, and sense of camaraderie in Harry Potter, Percy Jackson & The Olympians is a perfect choice. Instead of wizards, Percy discovers that he is a demigod, the son of Poseidon, and is sent to train at Camp Half-Blood, a sanctuary for the children of gods. Like Harry, Percy starts off as an outsider but soon finds himself at the center of an ancient prophecy. With fast-paced storytelling, mythology-based magic, and a lovable cast of characters, this series captures the same mix of adventure and friendship that made Harry Potter such a joy to read.
Hogwarts was more than just a school—it was a place of learning, mystery, and unexpected friendships. The School for Good and Evil takes the concept of magical education and twists it into something new. In this world, children are sent to one of two schools to train as either fairy tale heroes or villains. Best friends Sophie and Agatha are placed in what seem to be the wrong schools, leading to an adventure that questions fate, morality, and what it truly means to be good or evil. The series blends humor, magic, and high-stakes drama in a way that will appeal to Harry Potter fans who loved the complexities of Hogwarts life.
Readers who enjoyed the deeper themes of Harry Potter—the nature of good and evil, destiny versus free will, and the battle for knowledge—will find His Dark Materials to be a thrilling and thought-provoking read. Lyra Belacqua’s journey takes her through multiple worlds, uncovering hidden truths about the universe and her own role in a cosmic battle. While the magic in His Dark Materials differs from traditional fantasy, the sense of wonder, adventure, and character growth make it a powerful follow-up to Harry Potter.
For those who loved the epic battles and magical lore of Harry Potter, The Inheritance Cycle offers a grand adventure set in a world of dragons, elves, and ancient power. Eragon, much like Harry, begins his journey as an ordinary farm boy but soon discovers he is the last of the Dragon Riders, destined to overthrow an evil empire. The series is filled with magic, prophecy, and coming-of-age struggles, making it a perfect next read for fans who enjoyed Harry Potter’s mix of personal growth and high-stakes conflict.
For older readers who grew up with Harry Potter and are looking for a more mature take on magical education, The Magicians provides a fascinating alternative. Quentin Coldwater is accepted into Brakebills, a school for magic, but quickly learns that magic is not as whimsical as he once believed. The story takes a darker, more introspective look at what it means to wield power and how fantasy worlds shape our expectations of life. It’s a great choice for readers who want something that feels like Harry Potter but with more adult themes and philosophical depth.
At the heart of Harry Potter is the idea that books and stories hold incredible power. Inkheart takes this concept literally, following a young girl named Meggie who learns that her father has the ability to bring characters out of books and into the real world. However, this gift comes with dangers, as villains from a cursed book begin to threaten their lives. With its love of storytelling, richly drawn characters, and blend of adventure and mystery, Inkheart is a fantastic follow-up for readers who loved the magic of Harry Potter.
For those who loved the intricate world-building and character-driven storytelling of Harry Potter, The Queen’s Rising offers a fantasy tale rich in history, rebellion, and self-discovery. Brienna, a girl raised in an elite school, finds herself drawn into a fight for a stolen throne, uncovering secrets about her past and destiny along the way. The novel blends political intrigue, hidden identities, and slow-burning magic, making it a gripping and atmospheric read for fans of Rowling’s work.
For readers who loved the thrill of uncovering ancient secrets in Harry Potter, The Gilded Wolves provides a blend of magic, history, and treasure hunting set in an alternate 19th-century Paris. A group of misfits, each with their own abilities and hidden pasts, must work together to unravel a mystery that could change their world. With its mix of fantasy, intricate puzzles, and a diverse cast of characters, The Gilded Wolves captures the same sense of adventure and camaraderie that made Harry Potter so compelling.
Each of these books captures a different element of what made Harry Potter so magical, whether it’s the thrill of discovering a hidden world, the bonds of friendship, the struggle against darkness, or the sheer joy of adventure. Whether you’re looking for a magical school, an epic hero’s journey, or a world filled with ancient mysteries, these books will keep you turning pages long after Hogwarts.