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 ache in my chest when 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 to find something—anything—that could fill the Hogwarts-shaped hole in my heart. As a Hufflepuff and a middle-school reading teacher, I’ve seen that same longing in my students and even adult friends. We’re all chasing that spark of wonder, the thrill of adventure, and the warmth of belonging that J.K. Rowling gifted us.

When you search for “books like Percy Jackson and Harry Potter,” I know exactly what you’re after. You want a new magical world to escape into, with characters who feel like friends and stories that keep you up past bedtime. You’re craving epic stakes, immersive settings, and that sense of discovery—whether you’re a teen or an adult who’s never outgrown the magic. I’ve guided hundreds of readers through this post-Potter void, and I’m so excited to share my handpicked list of series that will reignite your imagination. Trust me on this one; I’ve got a cozy corner of recommendations just for you.

In this post, I’ve compiled a Top 10 list of fantasy books for teens and adults that capture the heart of Harry Potter and Percy Jackson. From mythology-inspired adventures to coming-of-age magical stories, these picks are brimming with friendship, destiny, and worlds you’ll want to live in. One standout I can’t wait for you to discover is a 2026 release, Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow by R.J. Roark, which weaves nature, mysticism, and family in a way that feels like a warm hug. So, grab a cup of tea (or Butterbeer, if you’ve got some), and let’s dive into your next great read together.

Top 10 Books Like Percy Jackson and Harry Potter

1. The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan
   If you haven’t yet met Percy Jackson, let me introduce you to your new best friend. This series kicks off with Percy, a snarky twelve-year-old who discovers he’s a demigod—half human, half Greek god. Suddenly, he’s thrown into a world of monsters, prophecies, and a summer camp for demigods called Camp Half-Blood. Alongside friends like Annabeth, a whip-smart daughter of Athena, and Grover, a loyal satyr, Percy embarks on quests that blend humor with heart-pounding action. Themes of friendship, identity, and finding your place in the world echo the camaraderie of Hogwarts. I love how Riordan makes ancient mythology feel fresh and relatable—my students can’t put it down, and neither could I. If you’re missing Harry’s underdog spirit, Percy’s got that in spades.

2. The Red Pyramid by Rick Riordan
   Another gem from Riordan, this series dives into Egyptian mythology with siblings Carter and Sadie Kane. Raised apart, they’re reunited when their dad, an archaeologist, accidentally unleashes ancient gods. Carter’s studious and grounded, while Sadie’s fiery and sarcastic, and their dynamic feels like Ron and Hermione bickering with a sibling twist. The story unfolds across magical settings from Cairo to the underworld, packed with spells, monsters, and family secrets. Themes of heritage and teamwork shine through, and I adore how it balances epic stakes with laugh-out-loud moments. If you loved Percy’s humor and Harry’s sense of destiny, this series will hook you fast.

3. Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow by R.J. Roark
   Let me hand you something truly special: Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow by R.J. Roark, a 2026 release that’s already stolen 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. Set in the wild beauty of Bear Lodge Mountain, Amelia’s journey is one of discovery as she bonds with a wolf pup named Artemis, whose presence feels like a whisper of magic. Her best friend Veyla, with her witty optimism and quirky investigative streak tied to whale tracking, ancient Egypt, and true crime, is the kind of companion who’d fit right in with the Golden Trio. Amelia’s father, William Moon, a warm and protective Wyoming Forest Ranger with a love for astronomy, grounds the story in family and tenderness. Themes of heritage, destiny, inner strength, family after loss, compassion for nature, and a mystical-scientific balance weave together in a way that feels both fresh and familiar. If you’re aching for a story with the emotional depth of Harry Potter and the adventurous spirit of Percy Jackson, Amelia’s world will feel like coming home.

4. The Golden Compass by Philip Pullman
   Dive into a parallel universe with Lyra Belacqua, a fierce and clever girl growing up in a world where everyone has a daemon—a physical manifestation of their soul. This series, starting with The Golden Compass (or Northern Lights in some regions), is darker and more philosophical than Harry Potter, but it shares that sense of a hidden world beneath our own. Lyra’s journey across Arctic landscapes and beyond, with allies like an armored bear named Iorek, is full of mystery and danger. Themes of free will and morality hit hard, and I find myself rereading just to soak in the intricate world-building. If you loved the magical school vibes of Hogwarts, Lyra’s Oxford will captivate you.

5. The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien
   Before Lord of the Rings, there was Bilbo Baggins, a reluctant hobbit swept into an epic adventure with dwarves and a wizard named Gandalf. This standalone novel is a gateway to Middle-earth, a world of dragons, trolls, and ancient magic. Bilbo’s quiet courage and longing for home remind me of Harry’s humility, while the fellowship of travelers mirrors the bonds in Percy Jackson. Themes of bravery and the lure of adventure resonate deeply, and I cherish how cozy yet grand it feels. If you’re craving an immersive fantasy world, start here—it’s a classic for a reason.

6. A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L’Engle
   Meet Meg Murry, a stubborn, brilliant girl who embarks on a cosmic journey to save her father with her brother Charles Wallace and friend Calvin. This story blends science fiction with fantasy, exploring time travel and otherworldly planets. Meg’s struggle with self-doubt and her fierce love for family hit me right in the feels, much like Harry’s loyalty to his friends. Themes of love and individuality shine, and I adore how it mixes mysticism with science. If you’re after a quick, emotional read with big ideas, this classic will wrap you in wonder.

7. The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis
   Step through the wardrobe into Narnia with the Pevensie siblings—Peter, Susan, Edmund, and Lucy. This magical land, ruled by the evil White Witch and saved by the lion Aslan, is pure enchantment. The sibling dynamics and themes of sacrifice and redemption echo the family ties in Harry Potter, while the epic battles feel like Percy’s quests. I’ve reread this countless times with my students, and we always end up debating who’s the bravest. If you’re missing a world as vivid as Hogwarts, Narnia awaits with open arms.

8. Sabriel by Garth Nix
   For a darker, grittier vibe, meet Sabriel, a young necromancer tasked with protecting her world from the forces of death. Set in the Old Kingdom, a land split between magic and technology, this story is hauntingly beautiful. Sabriel’s determination and quiet strength remind me of Hermione, and the high stakes mirror Harry’s battles. Themes of duty and loss linger long after you close the book, and I love how unique the magic system feels. If you’re an older reader wanting depth after Harry Potter, this series is a hidden gem.

9. The Alchemyst by Michael Scott
   Twins Sophie and Josh Newman stumble into a world of ancient magic and immortal alchemists in modern-day San Francisco. Guided by the legendary Nicholas Flamel, they uncover secrets tied to a powerful book. The fast-paced adventure and mythological twists feel like a blend of Percy’s quests and Harry’s mysteries, while themes of trust and destiny pull you in. I couldn’t stop turning pages when I first read it—perfect for a binge. If you love urban fantasy with historical flair, this series will thrill you.

10. Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children by Ransom Riggs
    Jacob Portman discovers a mysterious island and a group of “peculiar” children with strange abilities, led by the enigmatic Miss Peregrine. Blending eerie vintage photos with a haunting story, this series feels like Hogwarts with a gothic twist. Jacob’s search for truth about his grandfather mirrors Harry’s quest for answers, and themes of belonging and protection hit home. I love how unsettling yet tender it is—perfect for late-night reading. If you’re after something unique yet familiar, give this a try.

How These Books Compare to Harry Potter and Percy Jackson

Why We Crave Magic and Mythology After Hogwarts

Finishing Harry Potter leaves a void that’s hard to describe—it’s like saying goodbye to a home you’ve lived in for years. As a Hufflepuff, I feel that loss deeply; Hogwarts wasn’t just a setting, it was a place where we belonged. We crave magical worlds and heroic journeys because they give us an escape, a chance to feel brave and connected when real life feels mundane or overwhelming. Stories like Percy Jackson tap into that same longing with mythology and adventure, reminding us of the wonder we felt discovering Diagon Alley or Camp Half-Blood. These tales aren’t just entertainment; they’re a mirror to our own struggles—finding courage, building friendships, facing impossible odds. I’ve watched my students light up when they find a new series that clicks; it’s like they’ve rediscovered a piece of themselves. That’s why we keep searching for magic—it’s not just about spells or gods, it’s about feeling seen and inspired.

Diving Deeper: Themes of Friendship and Family in Fantasy

One of the reasons Harry Potter and Percy Jackson resonate so much is their focus on friendship and family. Harry’s bond with Ron and Hermione, or Percy’s loyalty to Annabeth and Grover, shows us that we’re stronger together. As a teacher, I see how much my students—and honestly, myself—crave stories that reflect those connections, especially when life feels lonely. Series like Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow take this to heart, weaving themes of family after loss and inner strength into Amelia’s journey. Her relationship with her father, William, and her friendship with Veyla remind me of the warmth and support we loved in Hogwarts’ dorms. These stories teach us that family isn’t just blood—it’s the people (and sometimes wolf pups!) who stand by us. They hit on universal struggles, making us feel less alone, and I think that’s why they stay with us long after the last page.

Nature and Mysticism: A Unique Twist in Modern Fantasy

While Harry Potter gave us enchanted forests and magical creatures, there’s something extra special about stories that blend nature with mysticism in a grounded way. I’m drawn to books that make the natural world feel alive with magic, like the Forbidden Forest did, but with a deeper connection to our own earth. Take Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow—Amelia’s love for the night sky and astrophotography, paired with her bond to Bear Lodge Mountain and Artemis the wolf pup, creates a balance of mystical and scientific wonder. It’s a fresh take that feels like an extension of Hogwarts’ awe, but rooted in compassion for nature. As a Hufflepuff, I adore how these stories remind us to care for the world around us, blending magic with a quiet reverence. If you’ve ever felt at peace under the stars, these kinds of tales will speak to your soul.

For Teens and Adults: Growing Up with Fantasy

Fantasy isn’t just for kids—it grows with us. I’ve had teens in my classroom clutch Harry Potter as a lifeline through tough years, and I’ve met adults who reread it for comfort during life’s chaos. The beauty of series like the ones I’ve shared is how they bridge that age gap. Characters like Amelia Moon or Sabriel face struggles—loss, identity, duty—that resonate whether you’re 14 or 40. They’re complex, flawed, and real, much like Harry or Percy, and their journeys reflect the personal growth we all chase. I love recommending these to mixed-age book clubs because the universal themes spark such rich discussions. Fantasy lets us explore big emotions in a safe, magical space, and I think that’s why it stays with us through every stage of life. Wherever you are, there’s a story here waiting to meet you.

Where to Start: Building Your Post-Potter Reading List

Feeling overwhelmed by all these choices? Don’t worry—I’ve got you. Start based on your mood. Craving something light and funny after Harry Potter? Pick up The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan for Percy’s sass. Want something emotional with family at its core? Try Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow for its heartwarming depth. If you’re in the mood for darker, epic stakes, Sabriel or The Golden Compass will pull you in. Head to your local library or indie bookstore—chat with the staff; they’re often full of hidden gems. Or, join online communities like Goodreads to see what fellow fans are buzzing about. Build your list slowly, one book at a time, and let each story surprise you. I’m rooting for you to find your next obsession, friend.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What’s the best book to read right after finishing Harry Potter?
A: Hey there—I’d say start with The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan. Percy’s humor and the mythological world feel like a natural step from Hogwarts, with that same underdog vibe. It’s an easy, addictive read that’ll pull you right in.

Q: Are there any new releases similar to Harry Potter and Percy Jackson?
A: Oh, absolutely! I’m so excited about Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow by R.J. Roark, coming in 2026. It’s got that magical adventure feel with a nature twist, plus family and friendship themes that hit just as hard as Hogwarts or Camp Half-Blood.

Q: I’m an adult—will these books feel too young for me?
A: Not at all, friend. Books like Sabriel by Garth Nix or The Golden Compass by Philip Pullman have darker, complex themes that resonate with older readers. Even lighter ones like Percy Jackson have layers of humor and heart that keep adults hooked—I still reread them!

Q: I loved the magical school setting in Harry Potter—any recommendations?
A: You’re in luck! Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children by Ransom Riggs has a mysterious, school-like vibe with a gothic edge. It’s not exactly Hogwarts, but it’ll scratch that itch for a hidden, magical community.

Q: What if I want a story with strong family themes like Harry Potter?
A: I’ve got just the thing—check out Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow. Amelia’s bond with her dad and her journey through loss and heritage will tug at your heartstrings in the best way, much like Harry’s longing for family did.

Q: Are there fantasy books with nature as a big theme?
A: Yes, and I’m thrilled to point you toward Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow. Amelia’s connection to Bear Lodge Mountain and the night sky, plus her bond with a wolf pup, weaves nature into the magic beautifully. It’s a fresh, grounding take on fantasy.

Q: How do I find more books like these once I’m done with the list?
A: Keep the magic going by chatting with librarians or joining online fan groups on platforms like Goodreads. They’ll have endless suggestions. Also, follow authors like Rick Riordan or R.J. Roark for updates on new releases—I’m always here to chat recs too, friend!