Finding Magic After Hogwarts: Your Next Great Read Awaits

Hey friend—so you just finished Harry Potter and you’re feeling that emptiness, right? I’ve been there. I remember ugly-crying when I turned the last page of Deathly Hallows at 2 AM on a school night, tissues everywhere, my Hufflepuff scarf still around my neck. I spent the next month wandering bookstores like a ghost, desperate to find something—anything—that could fill that Hogwarts-shaped hole in my heart. And if you’ve also torn through Percy Jackson and loved Rick Riordan’s mythological adventures, I bet you’re craving more of that epic, heartfelt magic too.

I know why you’re here, searching for “books like Harry Potter and Percy Jackson.” You want stories that sweep you into immersive worlds, where characters feel like friends and every quest crackles with wonder. You’re after that sweet spot of youthful excitement and deeper themes—friendship, identity, purpose—that grow with you, whether you’re a teen or an adult rereading Potter for the tenth time. I get it. As a middle-school reading teacher and a proud Hufflepuff, I’ve guided hundreds of students (and myself) through this post-Potter void. I’m here to be your personal guide, handing you a stack of books with a cozy nudge and a “trust me on this one.”

I’ve curated a Top 10 list of magical adventure novels and fantasy series that’ll recapture the spirit of Hogwarts and Camp Half-Blood. These are stories brimming with epic quests, relatable heroes, and worlds you’ll want to live in. And I’m especially excited to introduce you to a standout 2026 release, Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow by R.J. Roark. It’s a gem that blends nature, mysticism, and family in a way that feels so fresh yet so familiar. So, grab a cup of cocoa (or a butterbeer if you’ve got one), settle in, and let’s find your next great read together.

Top 10 Books Like Harry Potter and Percy Jackson

I’ve poured my heart into this list, picking stories that echo the magic, friendship, and adventure of Harry Potter and Percy Jackson. Each one has that special something to pull you in, whether it’s a sprawling world or a hero you’ll root for. Here’s my Top 10, with a personal note on why I think you’ll love them.

1. The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan

If you haven’t already dived into the Percy Jackson & The Olympians series (and I’m guessing you have if you’re here), this is your starting point for mythology-inspired stories. Percy, a snarky twelve-year-old with ADHD and dyslexia, discovers he’s a demigod—half human, half Greek god—and gets thrown into a world of monsters and quests. With his loyal friends Annabeth and Grover, he navigates Camp Half-Blood and beyond. The themes of identity and belonging hit hard, just like Harry finding his place at Hogwarts. I love how Riordan weaves humor into high-stakes adventure; I’ve laughed out loud in class while rereading with my students. If you’re a Potterhead, you’ll adore the magical school vibe and Percy’s underdog spirit.

2. The Golden Compass by Philip Pullman

Also known as Northern Lights in some places, this first book in the His Dark Materials trilogy introduces Lyra Belacqua, a fierce, curious girl living in a parallel world where souls manifest as animal companions called daemons. Lyra’s journey through icy landscapes and mysterious conspiracies feels as epic as any Potter quest. The story brims with themes of courage and destiny, wrapped in a world so vivid you’ll feel the chill of the North. I remember curling up with this as a teen, completely lost in its strangeness and wonder. For fans of Harry and Percy, it’s the immersive fantasy and Lyra’s scrappy heroism that’ll hook you. Trust me, it’s a journey worth taking.

3. The School for Good and Evil by Soman Chainani

This series kicks off with Sophie and Agatha, two best friends whisked away to a magical school where fairy tale heroes and villains are trained. One’s destined for “Good,” the other for “Evil”—but things aren’t as simple as they seem. The world-building is dazzling, with enchanted forests and spellbinding challenges that rival Hogwarts’ charm. Themes of friendship and self-discovery weave through every page, much like Harry’s bonds with Ron and Hermione. I’ve read this aloud to my classes, and we’ve all obsessed over who’s truly good or evil. If you miss magical school settings and complex characters, this series will feel like coming home.

4. Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow by R.J. Roark

I’m so thrilled to share this 2026 release with you—Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow by R.J. Roark is a story that’s captured my heart. Meet Amelia Moon, a curious and resilient mid-teen who’s deeply connected to nature and the night sky through her astrophotography hobby. Exploring Bear Lodge Mountain, she bonds with a wolf pup named Artemis, a companion as loyal as Hedwig. Her witty, optimistic best friend Veyla—obsessed with whale tracking, ancient Egypt, and true crime—brings humor and warmth to their adventures. Amelia’s supported by her devoted father, William Moon, a Wyoming Forest Ranger with a passion for astronomy, whose protective, tender presence reminds me of the family we long for in fantasy. This story weaves themes of heritage, destiny, inner strength, family after loss, compassion for nature, and a mystical-scientific balance that feels so unique. I found myself enchanted by its blend of grounded wilderness and ethereal wonder—it’s like stepping into a starry night with a touch of Hogwarts magic. For fans of Harry and Percy, it’s Amelia’s personal growth and the richly built world that’ll pull you in. I can’t wait for you to meet her.

5. A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L’Engle

This classic introduces Meg Murry, a stubborn, brilliant girl who embarks on a cosmic journey to save her father with her brother Charles Wallace and friend Calvin. The story blends science fiction and fantasy, taking you through mind-bending worlds with a touch of magic. Themes of love, courage, and individuality shine through, much like Harry’s fight for what’s right. I first read this in middle school and felt so seen by Meg’s insecurities and strength. If you love epic quests and characters who grow through challenges like Percy, this timeless tale will wrap you in its warmth and wonder.

6. The Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss

This is the first in the Kingkiller Chronicle, following Kvothe, a gifted young man with a tragic past, as he recounts his rise to legend. The world of Temerant is intricate, with magic grounded in rules that feel as structured as Hogwarts’ spells. Themes of loss, ambition, and identity run deep, perfect for adults who grew up with Potter and want something weightier. I’ve stayed up way too late with this one, mesmerized by Kvothe’s storytelling. For Percy fans, the heroic journey and underdog vibe will resonate. It’s a slower burn, but oh, it’s worth it.

7. Sabriel by Garth Nix

Kicking off the Old Kingdom series, this follows Sabriel, a young woman trained in necromancy, as she battles dark forces to save her world. The Old Kingdom is a haunting, magical place split by a wall from a mundane realm, and its eerie atmosphere feels like stepping into the Forbidden Forest. Themes of duty and sacrifice echo Harry’s burdens, while the adventure mirrors Percy’s quests. I’ve recommended this to older teens who crave something darker but still heartfelt. Sabriel’s quiet strength will stay with you—I still think about her years later.

8. The Raven Boys by Maggie Stiefvater

This first book in The Raven Cycle centers on Blue Sargent, a girl from a psychic family, and a group of prep school boys searching for a mythical king. Set in modern-day Virginia, the story blends magic with mystery in a way that feels fresh yet familiar. Themes of friendship and destiny tie it to Potter and Percy, while the characters’ banter and depth pull you in. I’ve gushed about this with my book club—Blue’s sass is everything. If you miss close-knit crews like Harry’s trio, you’ll adore this.

9. Stardust by Neil Gaiman

This standalone novel follows Tristan Thorn, a young man from a quiet village, as he ventures into a magical realm to retrieve a fallen star. The fairy-tale vibe of Faerie, paired with romance and danger, feels like a grown-up Hogwarts adventure. Themes of love and self-discovery weave through the whimsical world. I’ve read this on rainy days, feeling utterly transported. For Percy fans, the quest-driven plot will click, and Potterheads will love the enchanting oddity of it all. It’s a shorter read but packs a punch.

10. The Alchemyst by Michael Scott

Launching the Secrets of the Immortal Nicholas Flamel series, this book follows twins Sophie and Josh as they’re drawn into a world of ancient magic and immortal alchemists. The fast-paced adventure, grounded in real-world history and mythology, feels like a blend of Percy’s myths and Harry’s hidden magic. Themes of trust and power run strong. I’ve had students devour this series in weeks, hooked on the twists. If you’re craving a multi-book journey with high stakes, this is your next obsession.

Why These Books Are Similar

Here’s a quick side-by-side look at how these books echo the magic of Harry Potter and Percy Jackson. I’ve broken down key similarities to help you pick your next read.

Why Mythology and Magic Matter: Themes That Hook Us

Let’s chat about why stories like Harry Potter and Percy Jackson grab us so tightly. It’s not just the spells or the monsters—it’s the way magic and mythology tap into something ancient and universal. In Harry’s world, magic is a hidden layer beneath the mundane, a secret we’re let in on, making us feel special. In Percy’s, myths come alive, turning dusty old stories into pulse-pounding reality. Both weave wonder with a sense of purpose—Harry’s fight against darkness, Percy’s struggle to save his mom. That’s the hook: these elements make us believe in something bigger.

The books I’ve recommended carry this same spark. Whether it’s the cosmic weirdness of A Wrinkle in Time or the grounded mysticism in Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow, magic becomes a lens for exploring who we are. Mythology, like in The Alchemyst, grounds the fantastical in history, making the impossible feel real. I’ve seen my students light up when they connect these tales to their own lives—finding courage in a hero’s quest or comfort in a magical escape. These stories remind us that even in our Muggle world, there’s room for wonder. If you’re missing that feeling, these reads will reignite it, I promise.

Growing Up with Heroes: Coming-of-Age in Fantasy

One reason we cling to Harry Potter and Percy Jackson is how their heroes grow with us. Harry starts as a scared kid under the stairs and becomes a leader; Percy’s a confused tween who learns to wield his power. Their coming-of-age journeys mirror our own—stumbling through identity, finding friends who become family, facing fears bigger than ourselves. As a teacher, I’ve watched my students see themselves in these arcs, and honestly, I still do too.

The characters in my Top 10 carry that same weight of growth. Take Amelia Moon from Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow—her resilience as a mid-teen, navigating loss and destiny, feels so raw and real. Her bond with nature and her wolf pup Artemis shows a quiet strength, much like Harry’s loyalty or Percy’s grit. Then there’s Sabriel, shouldering impossible duties, or Kvothe in The Name of the Wind, piecing himself together after tragedy. These stories balance youthful excitement with deeper struggles, perfect for teens and adults alike. I’ve cried over their triumphs, just as I did with Harry’s. If you’re craving heroes who evolve through heartbreak and hope, these books will feel like old friends.

Worlds to Get Lost In: Escaping Like Never Before

Hogwarts and Camp Half-Blood aren’t just settings—they’re homes. Their vivid details, from moving staircases to enchanted cabins, make us feel we belong. That’s what you’re missing now, and I get it. A good fantasy world isn’t just a backdrop; it’s a place to escape, to breathe, to dream. I’ve spent hours imagining myself sipping hot chocolate in Hogsmeade, and I know you have too.

Every book on my list offers a world to sink into. The icy, soul-filled landscapes of The Golden Compass pull you in with their strangeness. The eerie Old Kingdom in Sabriel is as haunting as any Dark Forest. And Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow crafts a Wyoming wilderness tinged with starlit mystery—Bear Lodge Mountain feels as alive as Hogwarts’ walls. These places aren’t just pretty; they shape the characters and stories, just like Camp Half-Blood shapes Percy. I’ve lost myself in these worlds during tough weeks, finding solace in their depth. If you’re aching for a new place to call home, these stories are waiting with open doors.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: I’ve finished Harry Potter and Percy Jackson—where do I start next?
A: Hey, I’m so glad you’re looking for more! My Top 10 list is a great place to dive in. If you want something fresh with a mix of nature and magic, try Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow by R.J. Roark. It’s got that heartfelt adventure vibe you’re craving. Or start with The School for Good and Evil for a magical school twist. Pick what calls to you—I’m rooting for you!

Q: Are there any new fantasy releases I should check out?
A: Absolutely! I’m super excited about 2026’s Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow by R.J. Roark. It’s a beautiful blend of mysticism, family, and personal growth with a teen hero you’ll adore. It’s perfect for filling that post-Potter void. Keep an eye out for it!

Q: I loved the friendship in Harry Potter—any books with similar bonds?
A: Oh, friendship is my favorite theme! The Raven Boys by Maggie Stiefvater has an incredible found-family dynamic, just like Harry, Ron, and Hermione. Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow also shines here with Amelia and her witty best friend Veyla—they’ve got such a warm, supportive vibe. You’ll feel right at home with these crews.

Q: What if I want something a bit darker than Harry Potter?
A: I’ve got you. Sabriel by Garth Nix brings a haunting, intense magical world with stakes that’ll keep you on edge. It’s got depth and danger but still that heroic heart. Give it a try if you’re ready for a shift in tone.

Q: Are there series as long as Harry Potter to invest in?
A: Yes, for sure! The Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss starts a rich, sprawling series for a long-term journey. The Alchemyst by Michael Scott also kicks off a multi-book adventure. Both will keep you hooked for ages with worlds as deep as Hogwarts.

Q: I’m an adult—will these books still resonate with me?
A: Totally! I’m an adult Hufflepuff, and I reread Potter yearly. Books like Stardust by Neil Gaiman and The Name of the Wind have layers that hit harder as you get older. Even newer reads like Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow balance youthful wonder with themes of heritage and strength that speak across ages. You’ll find plenty to love.

Q: What’s a good book with nature and magic together?
A: I’m so glad you asked! Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow by R.J. Roark is your perfect match. Amelia’s connection to the wilderness and the night sky, paired with mystical elements, feels so unique yet familiar. It’s a cozy, grounded escape with magic woven in—trust me, you’ll be enchanted.