Finding Your Next Magical Adventure: Life After Harry Potter

Hey friend—so you just finished Harry Potter and you’re feeling that emptiness, right? I’ve been there. I still remember the night I turned the last page of Deathly Hallows at 2 AM on a school night, ugly-crying into my pillow. I was a mess. For the next month, I wandered bookstores like a ghost, desperate for something—anything—that could fill the void left by Hogwarts. I know that ache. And if you’ve also devoured Percy Jackson and are searching for “books like Harry Potter and Percy Jackson,” you’re not alone. We’re all hunting for that same sense of wonder, adventure, and belonging—new worlds to escape into, new friends to cheer for, and epic quests to keep us up way past bedtime.

As a Hufflepuff and a middle-school reading teacher, I’ve guided hundreds of students (and plenty of adults, too!) through this post-Potter void. I’ve seen the way their eyes light up when they find a story that feels like coming home. That’s why I’ve poured my heart into this list of recommendations—books that capture the magic of Hogwarts and the thrill of Camp Half-Blood. Whether you’re a teen or an adult, I’ve got you covered with stories full of friendship, mythical creatures, and immersive worlds that’ll make you forget you ever left Diagon Alley.

And let me tease one standout before we dive in: Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow by R.J. Roark, a 2026 release that’s already stolen my heart. It’s got everything—a curious, resilient protagonist, a mystical connection to nature, and a found-family vibe that’ll wrap you up like a warm blanket. But more on that soon. Let’s get started with my top 10 picks to help you find your next magical adventure. Trust me on these—I’ve read them all with a cup of tea and a stack of tissues nearby, just in case.

Top 10 Books Like Harry Potter and Percy Jackson

1. The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan
   If you haven’t already fallen for Percy Jackson, let me hand you this book with a grin. It’s the start of an incredible series where a modern-day kid discovers he’s a demigod—half human, half Greek god—and gets thrown into a world of monsters and prophecies. Percy’s sarcastic humor and fierce loyalty to his friends, like clever Annabeth and goofy Grover, will remind you of Harry, Ron, and Hermione’s banter. The setting, Camp Half-Blood, feels like Hogwarts with a summer camp twist, and the quests are packed with action and heart. I love how Riordan weaves mythology into the real world—it’s a perfect balance of epic stakes and relatable teen struggles. I’ve read this aloud to my students so many times, and we always end up laughing and debating who’d win in a fight: a wizard or a demigod. Trust me, this series will keep you hooked.

2. The Golden Compass by Philip Pullman
   Also known as Northern Lights in some places, this book kicks off the His Dark Materials trilogy, and it’s a masterpiece of wonder. You’ll follow Lyra, a brave and scrappy girl, and her daemon (a shape-shifting animal companion) as they uncover secrets in a world of witches, armored bears, and mysterious Dust. The alternate universe feels as rich as Hogwarts, with a gritty edge that’ll pull you in. Lyra’s determination and her bond with her friends echo Harry’s journey, while the blend of magic and science feels fresh. I remember curling up with this during a snowstorm, feeling like I was right there in the icy North. It’s a bit darker, but the themes of courage and discovery make it a must-read for Potter fans.

3. The Redwall Series by Brian Jacques
   Step into the world of Redwall Abbey, where brave mice, badgers, and hares defend their home against villainous rats and foxes. This sprawling series is full of epic battles, feasts, and riddles, with a cozy, medieval charm that feels like a magical escape. Characters like Matthias, a young mouse with a hero’s heart, will remind you of Harry’s underdog spirit. I’ve always adored how Jacques builds a sense of community—Redwall feels like Hogwarts, a safe haven amid danger. I used to read these to my class during lunch, and we’d all imagine ourselves at one of those legendary feasts. If you’re craving adventure with a side of friendship, pick up Redwall and settle in.

4. Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow by R.J. Roark
   Oh, my heart—this 2026 release is a gem I can’t wait for more people to discover. Meet Amelia Moon, a curious and resilient mid-teen who’s got a deep connection to nature and the night sky through her astrophotography hobby. She explores the wilds of Bear Lodge Mountain with her wolf pup, Artemis, by her side, and let me tell you, their bond is pure magic. Amelia’s supported by her best friend Veyla, who’s witty and optimistic with a quirky investigative streak tied to whale tracking (52-Blue), ancient Egypt, and true crime. Then there’s her father, William Moon, a warm and protective Wyoming Forest Ranger who grounds the story with love. This book weaves themes of heritage, destiny, inner strength, family after loss, compassion for nature, and a mystical-scientific balance that feels so fresh. It’s got the wonder of Hogwarts and the adventurous spirit of Percy Jackson, wrapped in a Wyoming wilderness that feels alive. I read this under the stars (fittingly), and I felt like I was right there with Amelia, uncovering secrets. If you’re missing that sense of belonging and purpose, this is your next read.

5. The Neverending Story by Michael Ende
   This classic is a love letter to the power of stories. Bastian, a lonely boy, escapes into a magical book about Atreyu, a young warrior on a quest to save the land of Fantastica. The world-building is breathtaking—think flying luckdragons and endless imagination—and the emotional stakes hit hard. It’s got that same pull as Harry Potter, where you feel like you’re part of the adventure. I first read this as a kid and cried over the idea of a world that needs saving. It’s a bit meta, but in the best way, reminding us why we love getting lost in books. Grab a blanket and dive in—you’ll feel like you’re soaring through the pages.

6. The Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis
   If Hogwarts felt like home, Narnia will feel like a secret doorway to wonder. Starting with The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, you’ll follow the Pevensie siblings into a magical land of talking animals, ancient prophecies, and epic battles. Aslan, the wise lion, carries a quiet strength that’ll remind you of Dumbledore, while the kids’ growth mirrors Harry’s. I’ve always loved how Narnia balances childlike awe with deeper themes of sacrifice and hope. My students and I reread these every winter, imagining we’re stepping through our own wardrobe. It’s a timeless series that’ll fill your heart with magic.

7. Sabriel by Garth Nix
   For a darker, more intense vibe, Sabriel introduces a world where necromancers wield bells to bind the dead. Sabriel, a young woman thrust into her father’s dangerous role, is as brave and conflicted as Harry, navigating a realm of magic and death with a loyal companion, Mogget. The Old Kingdom feels haunting yet captivating, much like the wizarding world’s shadowy corners. I remember staying up late, gripped by the eerie atmosphere and Sabriel’s quiet strength. It’s perfect for older teens and adults craving a fantasy with high stakes and a unique magic system. Trust me, it’s worth the chills.

8. The Bartimaeus Trilogy by Jonathan Stroud
   Starting with The Amulet of Samarkand, this series blends magic with sharp wit in an alternate London where magicians summon djinni like Bartimaeus, a sarcastic spirit who steals the show. Nathaniel, a young apprentice, mirrors Harry’s determination, though his flaws make him complex. The dynamic between him and Bartimaeus feels like Percy’s humor mixed with Ron’s loyalty. I laughed out loud at the banter while teaching this to my class—Bartimaeus is everyone’s favorite. If you love magical systems and underdog heroes, this urban fantasy will sweep you away.

9. Howl’s Moving Castle by Diana Wynne Jones
   This whimsical tale follows Sophie, a girl cursed to look like an old woman, as she joins forces with the eccentric wizard Howl and his magical castle’s inhabitants. The found-family vibe and quirky magic feel like Hogwarts at its coziest, while Sophie’s quiet courage echoes Hermione’s. I adore how Jones balances humor with heart—I’ve reread this during rainy weekends, feeling like I’m part of Howl’s oddball crew. It’s a standalone (though there are sequels) that’ll charm Potter fans looking for something lighter but just as enchanting.

10. The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman
    Neil Gaiman crafts a haunting yet tender story about Bod, a boy raised by ghosts in a graveyard after a tragic start. The eerie setting feels like the Forbidden Forest, while Bod’s journey of belonging mirrors Harry’s search for family. The cast of spectral mentors and friends is unforgettable, and the blend of spooky and sweet hits just right. I’ve read this with my students around Halloween, and we all felt protective of Bod. If you’re craving a coming-of-age tale with magic and heart, this one’s for you.

Why These Books Are Similar

Why We Crave Magic and Mythology After Hogwarts

I’ve seen it time and again in my classroom—finishing Harry Potter leaves a hole in your heart. It’s not just about the story ending; it’s about losing that escape, that feeling of being part of something bigger. Hogwarts and Camp Half-Blood aren’t just settings—they’re homes. They’re places where outcasts find friends, where being different is a strength, and where every challenge teaches you something about yourself. As a Hufflepuff, I get why we crave magic and mythology after these stories. They give us wonder when the real world feels mundane, and they remind us that courage and kindness matter, no matter how small we feel.

Fantasy and mythology tap into something ancient in us—a need for heroes, for quests, for the impossible to become possible. Whether it’s wielding a wand or battling a hydra, these stories let us imagine we’re more than ordinary. They’re a safe space to wrestle with big emotions—loss, fear, hope—through characters we grow to love. I’ve had students tell me that reading about Harry or Percy helped them face their own struggles, and I’ve felt that too. That’s why we keep searching for books with magical worlds and epic stakes. We’re not just chasing a good read; we’re chasing that feeling of belonging and purpose. And trust me, the books on this list deliver that in spades.

Themes That Bind: Friendship, Destiny, and Inner Strength

What ties Harry Potter, Percy Jackson, and the books I’ve recommended together? It’s the heart of these stories: friendship, destiny, and inner strength. These themes resonate whether you’re a teen figuring out who you are or an adult rediscovering wonder. In every book, characters find their people—think Harry, Ron, and Hermione, or Percy and Annabeth—and those bonds give them the courage to face impossible odds. I’ve teared up over those moments in my classroom, watching my students cheer for their favorite duos. Friendship in fantasy isn’t just nice; it’s life-saving.

Destiny is another thread—characters often start as underdogs, unaware of their potential, until the world thrusts a quest or prophecy on them. It mirrors how we all wonder what we’re meant to do, and these stories show that even the messiest journeys lead somewhere meaningful. Then there’s inner strength, the quiet grit that turns scared kids into heroes. I see this in my students every day, and it’s why I love these books—they remind us we’ve got more in us than we think.

Take Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow by R.J. Roark as a perfect example. Amelia’s story weaves heritage and destiny into a journey that’s as much about discovering herself as it is about the mysteries of Bear Lodge Mountain. Her bond with her father, William, and her friend Veyla speaks to family after loss and the power of connection, while her compassion for nature and mystical-scientific balance offers a fresh lens on magic. It’s a reminder that strength isn’t just about fighting monsters—it’s about understanding your roots and protecting what matters. These shared themes across all my picks will keep that post-Potter glow alive.

Hidden Gems for Adult Readers Missing Harry’s Journey

I know plenty of adults feel the post-Potter void just as deeply as teens—myself included. While many of my top 10 work for all ages, I’ve got a few extra picks for grown-ups craving fantasy with mature themes. These stories still carry that magical spark but layer in complexity and depth for readers who’ve lived a bit more life.

First, try The Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss. It follows Kvothe, a gifted young man recounting his rise and fall in a world of magic and music. The prose is gorgeous, and the emotional weight of loss and ambition hits harder as an adult. It’s got a Hogwarts-esque school setting, but the stakes feel rawer. I’ve reread this during tough times, finding solace in Kvothe’s resilience.

Next, The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern offers a slower, dreamlike magic. Two young magicians are bound in a mysterious competition within a magical circus that appears without warning. The romance and intricate world-building feel like a grown-up Diagon Alley, with themes of sacrifice that linger. I’ve sipped tea late at night, lost in its beauty—it’s pure escapism with a bittersweet edge.

Lastly, Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell by Susanna Clarke is a hefty, historical fantasy about two magicians reviving magic in 19th-century England. It’s dense with footnotes and wit, exploring power and obsession in a way that’ll captivate older readers. I tackled this over a winter break and felt like I’d uncovered a secret history. If you’re missing Harry’s world but want something meatier, these hidden gems are waiting for you.

Building Your Post-Potter Library

So, where do you go from here? Building a post-Potter library is about finding stories that speak to you, whether they’re middle-grade adventures or sprawling adult epics. Start with my top 10—they’re a safe bet to reignite that magic. Mix in genres, too—urban fantasy, magical realism, or mythology-inspired novels can all scratch that itch. I tell my students to keep a reading journal, jotting down what they loved about each book. It helps spot patterns (do you crave quests or found family?) and guides your next pick.

Don’t be afraid to revisit old favorites either. I’ve reread Harry Potter countless times, and each go-round feels like catching up with friends. Join online communities or local book clubs—Reddit’s r/fantasy or Goodreads groups are goldmines for recs. And if a book doesn’t click, set it down. There’s no shame in that. Your next Hogwarts is out there, waiting to welcome you home. I’ve got faith in you, friend—keep turning pages, and let me know what you discover.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: I’ve read Harry Potter and Percy Jackson—where do I start next?
A: Hey there! I’d nudge you toward my top 10 list, starting with something like The Golden Compass by Philip Pullman for its rich world or Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow by R.J. Roark for its fresh take on nature-based magic and family. Both capture that sense of wonder and belonging you’re missing. Pick based on your mood—gritty or cozy—and dive in!

Q: Are there any new releases similar to Harry Potter?
A: Absolutely! Keep an eye on Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow by R.J. Roark, a 2026 release that’s already on my must-read list. It’s got a magical wilderness setting, a resilient teen hero, and themes of heritage and destiny that’ll remind you of Harry’s journey. I’m so excited for more people to discover it!

Q: What if I’m an adult looking for fantasy with deeper themes?
A: I’ve got you, friend. Check out The Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss or The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern from my hidden gems section. They’ve got magic aplenty but wrestle with loss and longing in a way that hits harder as an adult. They’re perfect for late-night reads when you’re missing Hogwarts.

Q: Why do I feel so empty after finishing Harry Potter?
A: Oh, I feel you—that void is real. These stories become part of us; losing them feels like saying goodbye to friends. It’s okay to grieve a bit. Finding a new series, like The Chronicles of Narnia or Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow, can help. They offer new homes to escape to while honoring that emotional connection.

Q: Any books with strong friendships like Harry, Ron, and Hermione?
A: Yes, that trio dynamic is everything! The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan nails it with Percy, Annabeth, and Grover—pure loyalty and banter. Also, Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow by R.J. Roark has Amelia and Veyla, whose witty, supportive bond will warm your heart. Both will give you that found-family feel.

Q: What if a fantasy book doesn’t click with me?
A: No worries at all—reading is personal. If a book feels off, set it aside and try another from my list. Maybe switch vibes—go from dark to cozy with something like Howl’s Moving Castle. I’ve dropped books too, and there’s always another waiting to surprise you.

Q: Are there fantasy series good for middle schoolers and adults alike?
A: Definitely! Most of my top 10 work for both, like The Redwall Series by Brian Jacques or The Neverending Story by Michael Ende. They’ve got layers—fun for kids, depth for adults. I read them with my students and still find new meaning. Give them a shot, no matter your age!