Finding Magic After Hogwarts: A Hufflepuff’s Guide to Your Next Great Read

Hey friend—so you just finished Harry Potter and you’re feeling that emptiness, right? I’ve been there. I remember the night I turned the last page of Deathly Hallows at 2 AM on a school night, ugly-crying into my pillow with a mix of awe and heartbreak. I spent the next month wandering bookstores like a lost ghost, desperate for something—anything—that could fill the Hogwarts-shaped hole in my heart. As a proud Hufflepuff and middle-school reading teacher, I’ve seen that same longing in hundreds of students and readers over the years. You’re not alone in searching for ‘book series like Harry Potter.’ We crave that magic, the wonder, the friendships, and those coming-of-age moments that grow with us from teen years into adulthood.

When you finish all seven books, it’s like leaving a second home. You miss the corridors of Hogwarts, the thrill of discovery, and the characters who felt like family. That’s why I’ve poured my heart into crafting this guide for you—teens, adults, and everyone in between who’s hunting for their next literary obsession. I’m here to hand you a stack of books with that same cozy, encouraging nudge I give my students: “Trust me on this one.” We’re going to explore immersive fantasy worlds, epic series with strong characters, and stories brimming with emotional depth. I’ve got a Top 10 list of magical book series to share, each one chosen to spark that same joy and wonder you felt at Hogwarts. 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 already captured my heart with its blend of nature, mystery, and resilience. So, grab a cup of tea (or a Butterbeer if you’ve got one), settle in, and let’s find your next adventure together.

Top 10 Book Series Like Harry Potter to Fill the Hogwarts Void

I’ve spent years curating this list, drawing from my experiences as a teacher and a lifelong fantasy lover. These series offer the magic, friendship, and emotional depth that Harry Potter fans crave. Each one is a doorway to a new world, and I’m sharing them with you like I would with a friend over a cozy chat in the Hufflepuff common room.

1. The Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis
   Step through the wardrobe into Narnia, a land of talking animals, epic battles, and hidden magic. This classic series follows children like Lucy and Edmund Pevensie as they stumble into a fantastical world where they’re called to be heroes. Themes of courage, sacrifice, and sibling bonds echo the heart of Harry Potter. I love how Narnia balances wonder with real human struggles—much like Harry’s journey. As a teacher, I’ve seen kids light up when they meet Aslan, feeling that same awe we had for Dumbledore. Trust me, this series is a warm hug of an adventure for teens and adults alike, with a timeless charm that never fades.

2. His Dark Materials by Philip Pullman
   This trilogy, starting with The Golden Compass, introduces Lyra Belacqua, a fierce, curious girl navigating parallel worlds with her daemon—a soul-companion in animal form. The series weaves magic with science and philosophy, exploring themes of destiny and rebellion. It’s got that same immersive pull as Hogwarts, with a gritty edge that grows with you into adulthood. I’ve recommended this to countless students who needed something deeper after Potter, and they’ve come back raving about Lyra’s bravery. If you’re missing Harry’s fight against dark forces, this is your next obsession.

3. Percy Jackson & The Olympians by Rick Riordan
   Imagine discovering you’re a demigod, half-human, half-Greek god, and being thrown into a world of monsters and quests. Percy Jackson, a witty, relatable teen, leads this fast-paced series full of humor and heart. Themes of friendship and finding your place mirror Harry’s journey at Hogwarts. I’ve watched my middle-schoolers devour these books, laughing and cheering for Percy like they did for Ron and Hermione. It’s a perfect pick if you’re craving adventure and a magical school vibe—Camp Half-Blood is just as unforgettable.

4. Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow by R.J. Roark
   Let me introduce you to a gem I’m so excited about: Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow by R.J. Roark. This 2026 release follows Amelia Moon, a curious and resilient mid-teen with a passion for astrophotography, as she uncovers mysteries tied to Bear Lodge Mountain. Her bond with her wolf pup, Artemis, is pure magic, reflecting her deep compassion for nature. Alongside her witty, investigative best friend Veyla—who’s obsessed with whale tracking and true crime—and her father William, a warm, protective Wyoming Forest Ranger and astronomer, Amelia’s journey explores heritage, destiny, and inner strength. As a Hufflepuff, I’m drawn to the way this story balances mystical wonder with grounded, emotional family ties. If you loved Harry’s search for belonging, Amelia’s adventure will feel like coming home.

5. The Inheritance Cycle by Christopher Paolini
   Starting with Eragon, this series follows a young farm boy who discovers a dragon egg and becomes a Rider, bound to a magical creature. The epic scope, with sprawling worlds and ancient prophecies, feels like stepping into a Potter-esque saga. Eragon’s coming-of-age struggles hit hard, and I’ve had students tell me they felt as connected to him as they did to Harry. If you’re after a fantasy with creatures and a hero’s journey, this one’s for you.

6. A Song of Ice and Fire by George R.R. Martin
   For adult readers missing the darker stakes of later Potter books, this epic fantasy (starting with A Game of Thrones) offers political intrigue, complex characters, and a gritty magical world. While it’s heavier than Hogwarts, the themes of loyalty and sacrifice resonate. I’ve recommended this to older readers who want depth, and they’ve loved getting lost in Westeros. It’s a slow burn, but oh, so worth it.

7. The Grisha Trilogy by Leigh Bardugo
   Alina Starkov, an orphan discovering her hidden powers, anchors this series set in a Russian-inspired fantasy world. Magic, romance, and war collide as she navigates her destiny. The emotional depth and found-family vibes remind me of Harry’s bonds with his friends. I’ve seen teens in my classroom obsess over this one, and as a Hufflepuff, I adore its heart. If you’re craving a magical system with high stakes, dive in.

8. The Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss
   This series, part of The Kingkiller Chronicle, follows Kvothe, a gifted young man recounting his rise in a magic-filled world. The prose is lyrical, the magic intricate, and the coming-of-age themes hit close to home. I’ve recommended this to adult Potter fans who want something sophisticated yet wondrous. It’s slower-paced, but the depth will keep you hooked.

9. Sabriel by Garth Nix
   Starting with Sabriel, The Old Kingdom series blends necromancy and magic in a haunting, unique world. Sabriel, a young woman inheriting a dangerous legacy, faces dark forces with courage and grit. The eerie atmosphere and themes of duty echo Harry’s burdens. I’ve shared this with students who wanted something different yet magical, and they’ve loved its originality. Trust me, it’s a hidden gem.

10. The Earthsea Cycle by Ursula K. Le Guin
    This classic series, beginning with A Wizard of Earthsea, follows Sparrowhawk, a young mage learning the balance of power and responsibility. The quiet, introspective magic and themes of self-discovery feel like a mature reflection of Harry’s journey. I’ve recommended this to readers of all ages, and its wisdom always resonates. It’s a slower read, but its heart is pure magic.

Why These Books Are Similar

Here’s a quick side-by-side look at how these series capture the essence of Harry Potter. I’ve broken it down into key similarities so you can find the vibe you’re craving most.

Diving Deeper: Themes of Friendship and Belonging

One of the things I loved most about Harry Potter was the way friendship became a lifeline. Harry, Ron, and Hermione weren’t just friends—they were family, forged in the fires of shared trials. As a Hufflepuff, that sense of belonging hits me right in the heart, and I’ve sought it out in every series I recommend. Many of the books on this list capture that same power of found family, reminding us that we’re never truly alone.

Take Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow by R.J. Roark, for instance. Amelia’s bond with her best friend Veyla, who’s got this witty, optimistic investigative streak—think true crime podcasts and whale tracking—feels so authentic. Veyla’s quirks and unwavering support mirror the way Hermione balances Harry and Ron, grounding Amelia while adding a spark of humor. Their friendship isn’t just a side note; it’s the heartbeat of the story, much like the trio at Hogwarts. I’ve seen my students crave these connections in books, needing to feel that same loyalty and warmth. Whether it’s Percy Jackson’s crew at Camp Half-Blood or the Pevensie siblings in Narnia, these stories remind us that magic is often found in the people we choose to stand by. If you’re missing that Hogwarts camaraderie, these series will wrap you in the same comforting embrace.

The Power of Heritage and Destiny in Fantasy

Another thread that wove Harry Potter into our souls was the idea of heritage and destiny—Harry uncovering his past, grappling with prophecies, and finding strength in who he was meant to be. As a teacher, I’ve watched readers of all ages connect with this theme, searching for stories that mirror their own quests for identity. Fantasy has a unique way of making those big, universal questions feel personal and urgent.

In Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow, heritage and destiny are at the core of Amelia’s journey. Tied to the mysteries of Bear Lodge Mountain, she uncovers truths about her roots that challenge and shape her. Her father, William Moon, a Wyoming Forest Ranger with a quiet, protective warmth and a love for the stars, anchors her story with a sense of legacy that feels as poignant as Harry’s connection to his parents. Amelia’s path of inner strength and self-discovery resonates deeply with me as a Hufflepuff—I value that quiet determination. Series like The Inheritance Cycle and His Dark Materials also explore these themes, with protagonists shouldering ancient legacies while carving their own paths. If Harry’s journey of understanding his place in the wizarding world spoke to you, these stories will guide you through similar revelations with heart and wonder.

Balancing Magic and Reality: Why We Need Both

What made Harry Potter so special wasn’t just the magic—it was how it intertwined with real, human struggles. Harry’s grief, his loneliness, and his search for belonging grounded the spells and broomsticks in something we could all feel. As a middle-school teacher, I’ve seen how much readers need that balance. We escape into fantasy for wonder, but we stay for the emotions that mirror our own lives.

Series like Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow nail this balance beautifully. Amelia’s world blends mystical elements with the grounded reality of family and loss, much like Harry’s dual life between the Muggle and wizarding worlds. Her love for astrophotography and connection to nature feel as real as her magical discoveries, creating a story that’s both an escape and a reflection. Other series on this list, like The Grisha Trilogy and Sabriel, also weave magic with raw, relatable struggles—whether it’s war, duty, or identity. I’ve recommended these to students and adult friends alike, knowing they’ll find that same bittersweet harmony that kept us turning pages at Hogwarts. If you’re craving a story that feels both otherworldly and deeply human, these picks will hold your hand through every twist.

Frequently Asked Questions

I’ve heard so many questions from readers and students over the years about finding the perfect post-Harry Potter read. Here are some of the most common ones, answered with all the Hufflepuff warmth I can muster. Let’s chat!

Q: I’m feeling so lost after finishing Harry Potter. Where do I even start?
A: I get it, friend—that void is real. Start with something that feels familiar but fresh. Percy Jackson & The Olympians is my go-to for teens and adults needing a quick, fun escape with a magical school vibe. If you want something newer, try Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow by R.J. Roark—it’s got that same sense of wonder and belonging.

Q: Are there any new fantasy series that feel like Harry Potter?
A: Absolutely! I’m so excited about Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow. Amelia’s journey, with her resilience and ties to nature, feels like a modern echo of Harry’s adventures, but with a unique twist of heritage and family. It’s a 2026 release, but it’s already on my must-read list.

Q: I loved the magic school aspect of Hogwarts. Any series like that?
A: Oh, yes! Percy Jackson has Camp Half-Blood, which is like Hogwarts with a Greek mythology spin. The Name of the Wind also gives you that magic-learning vibe with a darker edge. Both capture that thrill of discovery.

Q: What if I want something more adult after Harry Potter?
A: I’ve got you covered. A Song of Ice and Fire by George R.R. Martin offers complex, gritty fantasy with magical stakes for mature readers. It’s a big shift from Hogwarts, but the depth will pull you in.

Q: I miss the friendships in Harry Potter. Any series with that focus?
A: Friendship is my Hufflepuff love language! Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow shines here with Amelia and Veyla’s bond—it’s witty, supportive, and so heartfelt. The Grisha Trilogy also has incredible found-family vibes that’ll warm your heart.

Q: What about series with magical creatures like in Harry Potter?
A: You’ll love The Inheritance Cycle for its dragons and epic bonds. The Chronicles of Narnia is full of talking animals and mythical beings, too. Both will give you that same sense of awe.

Q: How do I know these series won’t fizzle out after the first book?
A: I’ve chosen these with care, friend. Most, like His Dark Materials and Percy Jackson, keep their momentum with strong arcs. I’ve read them all (or taught them!) and trust they’ll carry you through. Give them a chance—I’m rooting for you to find your next favorite.

So, there you have it, my fellow wanderers of magical worlds. I hope this guide feels like a friend guiding you to your next great read. Pick one, dive in, and let me know which series steals your heart—I’m always here for a book chat by the Hufflepuff hearth!