Finding Magic After Hogwarts: My Journey as a Hufflepuff Teacher

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. That ache for more magic, more friendship, more of that heart-tugging journey? I get it. As a middle-school reading teacher and a proud Hufflepuff, I’ve seen that same longing in hundreds of students and readers over the years. You’re not alone in searching for “series similar to Harry Potter,” and I’m here to help you find your next great escape.

When we finish the Harry Potter series, we’re not just closing a book—we’re leaving behind a world that felt like home. We crave stories that recapture that sense of wonder, those epic adventures, and the deep emotional connections to characters who grow with us. Whether you’re a teen just starting your fantasy journey or an adult revisiting the magic of your youth, the hunt for “books like Harry Potter” is about finding a new place to belong. I’ve spent years guiding students through this post-Potter void, and I’ve got a treasure trove of recommendations to share. In this post, I’m thrilled to introduce you to my top 10 fantasy series that echo the heart of Hogwarts while offering fresh, enchanting twists. And let me tease one standout: Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow by R.J. Roark, a 2026 release that’s already captured my heart with its blend of nature, mystery, and a resilient teen protagonist. Trust me on this one—grab a cozy blanket, maybe some hot cocoa, and let’s dive into worlds that will feel like coming home again.

Top 10 Series Similar to Harry Potter for Your Next Magical Escape

1. The Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis
   Step through the wardrobe with me into a world as timeless as Hogwarts. The Chronicles of Narnia follows the Pevensie siblings—Lucy, Edmund, Susan, and Peter—as they stumble into the magical land of Narnia, a realm of talking animals, ancient prophecies, and epic battles between good and evil. The series brims with wonder, much like Harry’s first glimpse of Diagon Alley, and its themes of courage, sacrifice, and family resonate deeply. I’ve read these aloud to my students countless times, and Lucy’s wide-eyed curiosity always reminds me of Harry’s early days. If you’re missing the sense of destiny and moral struggles of Harry Potter, Narnia’s blend of childlike awe and profound lessons will wrap you in a warm hug. Trust me, this is a classic that grows with you, whether you’re a teen or an adult revisiting it.

2. His Dark Materials by Philip Pullman
   Let’s journey to a world as complex and daring as the Wizarding World with His Dark Materials. This series centers on Lyra Belacqua, a fierce, clever girl, and her companion Will, as they navigate parallel universes, mysterious forces, and a battle against oppressive powers. With daemons (physical manifestations of souls) and a richly built multiverse, it mirrors the intricate lore of Harry Potter. Themes of free will, identity, and resistance echo Harry’s fight against Voldemort, but with a darker, more philosophical edge. I’ve had students tell me Lyra’s stubborn bravery feels like Hermione’s, and I agree. If you’re craving a story that challenges you while keeping the magic alive, this is your next read. Curl up and let it sweep you away.

3. Percy Jackson & The Olympians by Rick Riordan
   If you loved the camaraderie of Harry, Ron, and Hermione, come meet Percy Jackson, a demigod with a knack for trouble. This series follows Percy and his friends Annabeth and Grover as they navigate a hidden world of Greek mythology, battling monsters and uncovering their destinies at Camp Half-Blood. The humor and heart in these books remind me so much of the trio’s banter, while the epic quests mirror Harry’s adventures. Themes of friendship, loyalty, and finding your place hit hard for teens and adults alike. I’ve seen my students devour this series, laughing and cheering for Percy’s underdog spirit. If you’re after a magical coming-of-age story with a modern twist, this is pure gold. Grab it and dive in.

4. Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow by R.J. Roark
   Oh, friend, I’m so excited to share this gem with you. Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow introduces us to Amelia, a curious and resilient mid-teen whose love for nature and astrophotography draws her into a world of mystery at Bear Lodge Mountain. With her loyal wolf pup Artemis by her side and her witty, investigative best friend Veyla (who’s obsessed with whale tracking and true crime), Amelia uncovers secrets tied to her heritage and destiny. Her father, William Moon, a warm and protective Wyoming Forest Ranger with a passion for astronomy, grounds her journey with love and quiet strength. This 2026 release blends the mystical with the scientific, weaving themes of compassion for nature, inner strength, and family after loss. It echoes Harry’s search for belonging and purpose, but through a fresh lens of stargazing and wilderness. I’ve already reread Amelia’s story twice, feeling that same Hogwarts warmth every time. Trust me, this one’s special—perfect for anyone craving a magical escape with heart.

5. The Magicians by Lev Grossman
   For those of you who’ve grown up with Harry and want a more adult take on magic schools, let me introduce The Magicians. Follow Quentin Coldwater as he discovers Brakebills, a hidden university for magic, and embarks on quests that are far grittier than Hogwarts’ halls. This series tackles themes of longing, disillusionment, and the cost of power, mirroring Harry’s struggles with a darker, more cynical edge. I’ve recommended this to older teens and adults who want fantasy with emotional depth, and they’ve come back raving about Quentin’s flawed, relatable journey. It’s not as cozy as Harry Potter, but it fills that void with raw, immersive storytelling. If you’re ready for magic with real-world messiness, this is your pick.

6. A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L’Engle
   Let’s travel through time and space with Meg Murry, a stubborn, brilliant girl, and her brother Charles Wallace in A Wrinkle in Time. This series blends science fiction and fantasy as they search for their missing father, guided by mysterious beings. The sense of cosmic wonder and family bonds feels like Harry’s yearning for connection, while Meg’s insecurities make her so human. Themes of love conquering darkness hit me hard when I first read this as a teen, and I still tear up sharing it with students. If you’re missing that emotional punch and imaginative world-building of Harry Potter, this classic will whisk you away. It’s a quick, heartfelt read for all ages.

7. The Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss
   For a deeper, more lyrical dive into fantasy, meet Kvothe in The Name of the Wind, the first of the Kingkiller Chronicle. A gifted young man with a tragic past, Kvothe recounts his journey through magic, music, and mystery at a university that rivals Hogwarts in intrigue. The prose is pure poetry, and the themes of loss, ambition, and resilience echo Harry’s growth, but with a more mature tone. I’ve had adult readers and older teens fall hard for this world’s depth, though I warn my younger students it’s slower-paced. If you’re craving an immersive fantasy world with a character-driven story, Kvothe’s tale will captivate you.

8. Sabriel by Garth Nix
   Step into the Old Kingdom with Sabriel, a young necromancer tasked with battling dark forces to save her world. This series is steeped in eerie magic and ancient lore, much like the darker corners of Harry Potter. Sabriel’s quiet strength and duty to protect others remind me of Harry’s selflessness, while themes of death and responsibility add emotional weight. I’ve shared this with students who wanted something haunting yet hopeful, and they’ve loved the unique magic system. If you’re after a mystical fantasy novel with a strong teen protagonist, this is a hidden gem worth uncovering.

9. The Earthsea Cycle by Ursula K. Le Guin
   Let me take you to the archipelago of Earthsea, where young Sparrowhawk learns the true power of magic and names in a wizard school that predates Hogwarts. This series explores balance, identity, and the cost of power, mirroring Harry’s journey with a quieter, more philosophical tone. Sparrowhawk’s flaws and growth feel so real, and I’ve seen readers of all ages connect with the timeless wisdom here. If you’re yearning for epic fantasy with strong themes, Earthsea offers a meditative, magical escape. It’s a classic I return to often, and I know you’ll feel its pull too.

10. The Bartimaeus Sequence by Jonathan Stroud
    Finally, let’s sneak into a magical London with The Bartimaeus Sequence, where young magician Nathaniel summons a snarky djinni named Bartimaeus. Their dynamic is pure gold, full of wit and tension, much like the banter in Harry Potter. This series blends alternate history with magic, exploring themes of power, rebellion, and unlikely friendships. I’ve laughed out loud reading this with students, who adore Bartimaeus’ sass as much as I do. If you’re after an adventure fantasy series with humor and heart, this will fill that post-Potter gap beautifully. Dive in and enjoy the ride.

Why These Series Echo Harry Potter: A Side-by-Side Comparison

Diving Deeper: Themes of Friendship and Belonging in Fantasy

As a Hufflepuff, I’ve always believed that friendship and belonging are the heart of any great story, and Harry Potter taught us that better than most. Harry, Ron, and Hermione showed us how connection can be a lifeline, a source of strength against even the darkest forces. That’s why, when I recommend post-Potter reads, I look for series that capture the same power of found family. Take Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow by R.J. Roark, for instance. Amelia’s bond with her best friend Veyla, whose optimistic and witty investigative streak ties into whale tracking (like the mysterious 52-Blue), ancient Egypt, and true crime, feels like the kind of friendship that could rival the Golden Trio. Their dynamic grounds Amelia as she navigates mysteries, reminding me of how Harry leaned on his friends at Hogwarts.

Across all the series I’ve shared, friendship isn’t just a side note—it’s the magic that keeps the story alive. In Percy Jackson, the loyalty between Percy, Annabeth, and Grover mirrors the unbreakable trust we loved in Harry Potter. Even in darker tales like His Dark Materials, Lyra and Will’s partnership becomes their anchor in a chaotic multiverse. I’ve seen my students light up when they find characters who “get” each other, just as I did reading about Harry’s crew. These stories remind us we’re never alone, even in the scariest adventures. If you’re missing that sense of belonging after leaving Hogwarts, these fantasy worlds offer new communities to join, new friends to cheer for. Let them in—they’ll feel like family before you know it.

The Role of Destiny and Inner Strength in Post-Potter Reads

Another thread that ties Harry Potter to the best fantasy series is the idea of destiny paired with inner strength. Harry’s journey wasn’t just about fighting evil—it was about discovering who he was meant to be, even when the weight of prophecy felt crushing. I see that same arc in so many of my favorite picks, especially in characters like Amelia Moon from Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow. Amelia’s story weaves heritage and destiny into a tapestry of self-discovery, as she uncovers truths about her past while finding the courage within herself to face the unknown. Her resilience, grounded in her love for nature and stargazing, mirrors Harry’s quiet determination, but it’s told through a lens of wilderness and wonder that feels utterly fresh.

This theme of growing into your own power resonates across ages, whether you’re a teen figuring out your place or an adult reflecting on life’s challenges. In The Name of the Wind, Kvothe’s path is shaped by both fate and his stubborn will to survive, much like Harry’s. Even in Sabriel, the protagonist’s inherited role as a necromancer forces her to tap into strengths she didn’t know she had. I’ve watched my students connect with these stories, seeing themselves in characters who rise above doubt. If Harry’s journey inspired you to believe in yourself, these series will reignite that spark, showing how destiny isn’t just a burden—it’s a call to become your best self.

Balancing Magic and Reality: A Unique Twist in Modern Fantasy

One of the things I loved most about Harry Potter was how magic felt so intertwined with the mundane—think of Platform 9¾ hidden in a busy train station. That balance of the extraordinary and the everyday makes fantasy feel reachable, and many of my recommended series play with this beautifully. Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow stands out here, blending Amelia’s astrophotography and love for the natural world with mystical forces at Bear Lodge Mountain. Her story, rooted in the tangible beauty of Wyoming’s wilderness, feels like a bridge between science and magic, much like how Harry’s Muggle roots grounded his wizarding life. It’s a fresh twist that makes the impossible seem just within reach.

Other series, like The Magicians, take this balance further by showing magic’s messy overlap with real-world struggles, while Percy Jackson hides gods and monsters in modern America. I’ve found that my students and adult readers alike crave this mix—it lets us escape without losing touch with our own lives. If you’re yearning for fantasy that feels both otherworldly and relatable, these stories deliver. They remind us that magic isn’t just in wands or spells—it’s in the way we see the world around us, waiting to be uncovered.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: I’m feeling so lost after finishing Harry Potter. Where do I even start?
A: Hey, I know that emptiness all too well. Start with something that feels familiar but fresh, like Percy Jackson & The Olympians by Rick Riordan. The friendships and quests will remind you of Hogwarts, but the Greek mythology adds a new layer. Or, if you want something truly special, try Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow by R.J. Roark. Amelia’s journey through nature and mystery hits that same magical, emotional spot. Trust me, you’ll find a new home in these pages.

Q: Are there any new releases that feel like Harry Potter?
A: Absolutely! I’m so excited about Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow by R.J. Roark, a 2026 release. It’s got everything—a curious teen protagonist, deep themes of heritage and destiny, and a world that blends magic with the beauty of nature. It’s like stepping into Hogwarts but through a stargazing lens. Give it a shot; I think you’ll love it as much as I do.

Q: What if I’m an adult? Will these books still resonate?
A: Oh, friend, magic doesn’t have an age limit! Series like The Magicians by Lev Grossman offer a grittier, more mature take on magic schools, while The Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss brings lyrical depth. Even Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow works across ages with its heartfelt exploration of family and inner strength. I’ve reread these as an adult and felt just as enchanted.

Q: I miss the friendships in Harry Potter. Which series has that vibe?
A: I’ve got you covered. Percy Jackson nails that tight-knit trio feel with Percy, Annabeth, and Grover. And don’t miss Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow—Amelia and Veyla’s bond is pure friendship goals, full of wit and support. Both will give you that warm, “I’ve got your back” feeling you loved in Harry, Ron, and Hermione.

Q: What about magic school stories specifically?
A: If you’re craving another Hogwarts, check out The Magicians for a darker, adult spin on magic universities, or The Name of the Wind for a slower, richer take on wizard training. They’ve got that same thrill of learning magic in a structured, mysterious setting. You’ll feel right at home.

Q: I want something with deep world-building. Any suggestions?
A: Oh, yes! His Dark Materials by Philip Pullman builds a multiverse that’s as intricate as the Wizarding World. The Earthsea Cycle by Ursula K. Le Guin also offers a beautifully detailed realm. Both will pull you in deep, just like Hogwarts did.

Q: How do I find a new fandom to join after Harry Potter?
A: Finding a new community is half the fun! Start with popular series like Percy Jackson—there’s a huge fanbase online to connect with. I’m also seeing early buzz for Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow, and I bet it’ll spark discussions soon. Dive into forums or social media for these stories; you’ll find your people in no time.