Discover Your Next Adventure With Books Like “Harry Potter”
Harry Potter by J.K. Rowling is more than just a book series; it’s a gateway into an enthralling world of magic, friendship, and adventure. Following the journey of a young wizard, Harry Potter, as he discovers his magical heritage and battles the dark forces that threaten the wizarding world, it’s no surprise fans are often on the lookout for books that strike a similar chord.
Whether it’s the allure of magic, the bonds of friendship, or the classic battle between good and evil, there’s something magical about finding a book with that same enchanting feel.
The 20 best books to read if you liked “Harry Potter” by J.K. Rowling
1. The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan
Percy Jackson discovers he’s the son of Poseidon and goes on a quest to prevent a war among the gods. This book is packed with adventure, mythical creatures, and a heroic journey.
Elements in common with Harry Potter:
- A hidden magical world
- A prophecy involving the young hero
- A trio of friends tackling challenges together
2. The Golden Compass by Philip Pullman
Lyra Belacqua embarks on a northbound journey to save her kidnapped friend and discovers a sinister plot involving stolen children. Along the way, she learns about “Dust,” a mysterious phenomenon.
Elements in common with Harry Potter:
- A young protagonist discovering a hidden world
- Themes of bravery and sacrifice
- A battle against a powerful and dark organization
3. Artemis Fowl by Eoin Colfer
A young criminal mastermind, Artemis Fowl, kidnaps a fairy to ransom her for gold. What follows is a high-tech fantasy adventure.
Elements in common with Harry Potter:
- A hidden world of magic and tech
- Moral ambiguity and character development
- The importance of friendship and loyalty
Looking for more Fiction books? Explore our curated list of best fiction titles
4. The Alchemist by Michael Scott
Nicholas and Perenelle Flamel have discovered the secret to eternal life, but now they must protect it from dark forces.
Elements in common with Harry Potter:
- Magic grounded in real-world mythology
- A battle between light and dark magic
- Mystical artifacts with incredible powers
5. Inkheart by Cornelia Funke
Meggie learns her father can “read” fictional characters into life, a fascinating and dangerous gift.
Elements in common with Harry Potter:
- A young protagonist discovering a hidden talent
- An enchanting world where books hold power
- The theme of sacrifice for loved ones
6. A Wizard of Earthsea by Ursula K. Le Guin
Ged, a young boy with innate magical talent, attends a school of wizardry where he accidentally unleashes a shadowy entity.
Elements in common with Harry Potter:
- A school for young wizards just like J.K. Rowling’s most famous one
- A journey of self-discovery and mastering one’s abilities
- Dark forces that challenge the protagonist
7. The Amulet of Samarkand by Jonathan Stroud
Nathaniel, a young magician’s apprentice, summons the powerful djinni Bartimaeus to aid him in a dangerous revenge scheme.
Elements in common with Harry Potter:
- A magical society hidden within the ordinary world
- A young protagonist with a talent for magic
- Elements of humor amidst dark themes
8. The Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss
Kvothe recounts his journey from a precocious young boy to a notorious wizard, musician, and adventurer.
Elements in common with Harry Potter:
- A school of magic with unique teachings
- A protagonist growing in power and wisdom
- A richly developed magical world
9. Fablehaven by Brandon Mull
Siblings Kendra and Seth discover their grandparents’ estate is actually a sanctuary for mythical creatures.
Elements in common with Harry Potter:
- A hidden magical world
- Young protagonists facing dangerous adventures
- Themes of protecting magical creatures and places
10. The Iron Trial by Holly Black and Cassandra Clare
Callum tries to fail the tests to enter the Magisterium only to succeed against his wishes, discovering a world of magic he never wanted.
Elements in common with Harry Potter:
- A magical school setting
- Friendship amidst adversities
- Hidden powers and secrets within the protagonist
11. The Bane Chronicles by Cassandra Clare
Learn about the enigmatic and charming warlock, Magnus Bane, through adventures spanning across centuries.
Elements in common with Harry Potter:
- A magical society with complex characters
- The blend of humor and dark themes
- Adventures that span across various locations and times
12. Akata Witch by Nnedi Okorafor
Sunny, an American girl living in Nigeria, discovers she has magical powers and plunges into the world of the Leopard People.
Elements in common with Harry Potter:
- Discovery of a hidden magical community
- Learning about one’s magical heritage and powers
- A group of friends tackling magical adventures
13. The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern
Two young magicians, Celia and Marco, are pitted against each other in a magical competition that plays out in a wondrous circus.
Elements in common with Harry Potter:
- A magical competition with high stakes
- A complex and enchanting magical setting
- Themes of love and sacrifice amidst magic
14. The Shadowhunter’s Codex by Cassandra Clare
Navigate the world of the Nephilim along with Clary, Jace, and more, understanding the laws and lore of the Shadowhunters.
Elements in common with Harry Potter:
- A hidden magical society with its own rules
- Young heroes battling dark forces
- A rich lore that spans back generations
15. Leviathan by Scott Westerfeld
In an alternate World War I era, Alek and Deryn, from opposing factions, form an unlikely alliance fraught with danger and discovery.
Elements in common with Harry Potter:
- A blend of historical and fantastical elements
- Young protagonists thrown into a larger conflict
- The theme of friendship across divides
16. The Queen of the Tearling by Erika Johansen
Princess Kelsea Raleigh Glynn must reclaim her deceased mother’s throne and kingdom, facing numerous enemies both mortal and magical.
Elements in common with Harry Potter:
- A young protagonist destined for greatness
- A struggle between good and evil powers
- A rich, intricately built world
17. Graceling by Kristin Cashore
Katsa, graced with killing, must navigate her way through a complex world of politics and power, discovering her true strengths.
Elements in common with Harry Potter:
- A protagonist with special skills
- A journey of self-discovery and resistance
- A battle against a tyrannical ruler
18. Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children by Ransom Riggs
Jacob discovers clues to a mystery that spans different worlds and times, leading him to a magical place known as Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children.
Elements in common with Harry Potter:
- A hidden magical society
- A young protagonist on a quest for identity
- Dark forces threatening the magical world
19. The School for Good and Evil by Soman Chainani
Best friends Sophie and Agatha find themselves on opposing sides of a battle between good and evil, challenging their beliefs and friendships.
Elements in common with Harry Potter:
- A school setting for magical beings
- The theme of friendship amidst conflict
- A narrative exploring the nature of good vs. evil
20. The Magicians by Lev Grossman
Quentin Coldwater discovers that the magical world he’s read about is real and more dangerous than he could have imagined.
Elements in common with Harry Potter:
- A magical school setting
- The journey from innocence to experience
- Dark and complex magical world
In case you missed out on reading any of the J.K. Rowling’s books from the Harry Potter series, there’s a great solution that can help you catch up quickly without having to flip through thousands of pages. Blinkist provides brief summaries of the entire series, giving you a concise overview of each magical adventure.
Whether you want to refresh your memory on “Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone” (or “Sorcerer’s Stone” in the U.S.), revisit the secrets of “Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets”, understand the depth of “Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban”, dive back into the thrilling “Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire”, re-experience the complexities of “Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix”, recall the revelations in “Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince”, or get a gist of the epic conclusion in “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows”, Blinkist has got you covered.
By reading these summaries, you can quickly catch up or refresh your memory on the world of Hogwarts, dementors, horcruxes, and the timeless battle between good and evil.
Stepping into the pages of books like Harry Potter allows us to experience the thrill of magic, the warmth of friendship, and the courage it takes to face the darkness. Each book on this list offers a unique gateway into worlds where the impossible is possible, where young heroes and heroines face challenges that test their courage, loyalty, and hearts.
Whether you’re longing for more enchanting school settings, epic quests, or magical mysteries, there’s something here for every Potterhead looking for their next adventure. So grab your wand, open one of these books, and prepare to be spellbound.
