Books Similar to Harry Potter
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Book Recommendations for Harry Potter Fans
Have you finished reading J. K. Rowling's famous heptalogy and are sad that the series ended? (I know I was!) Does your kid want to read more books like Harry Potter? Whatever the case, I hope this list of similar fantasy novels and series will come in handy. I have listed of what I believe are the best books that resemble Harry Potter at least a little bit in some way. You will find stories of adventure, friendship, magic, battles, growing up, and love among these pages.
Browse the collection below and find some good books to read after finishing Harry Potter. You are also welcome to post a comment with any other titles you've enjoyed reading.
Percy Jackson and the Olympians Series
Special powers, mythical enemies, and new friends
When talking about fantasy series similar to Harry Potter, Percy Jackson and the Olympians comes to mind first. Percy is just a normal boy who struggles in school due to his dyslexia - until one day he discovers that he is a son of Poseidon, god of the seas. He is brought to Camp Half-Blood by his best friend, Grover (who is actually a satyr in disguise) to train along the other demi-gods. There he meets the daughter of Athena named Annabeth, and together the three friends embark on a quest to prevent an apocalyptic war between the Greek gods.
Inheritance Series
Epic tale of adventure, magic, battle and love
Eragon is a farm boy living in the small village of Carvahall. One night when he was out hunting in the mountains, Eragon stumbled upon a mysterious blue stone. A blue dragon hatches from the "stone", and the tyrant king Galbatorix sends his servants after Eragon. The boy and the dragon are forced to flee and leave their old life behind. Eragon is destined to become a dragon Rider, learn to use his new magic powers and finally confront the evil king.
I've found this series to be darker and larger in scope than Harry Potter. The similarity is in the story of an ordinary boy discovering magic powers, becoming a hero and facing a powerful evil enemy.
Young Wizards Series
Frequently recommended as a "Harry Potter alternative"
Fans looking for more books like Harry Potter will surely appreciate the magic of the Young Wizards series. The first book tells the story of a thirteen-year-old girl Juanita Callahan, who discovers a book titled So You Want to Be a Wizard while hiding from bullies in a library. The book claims that she can become a wizard if she takes the Oath. Nita is quite skeptic, but decides to try it anyway - and the next day when, she tries to cast her first spell she meets Kit Rodriguez, another newbie magician. The kids soon become friends and end up going on an epic adventure together.
Bartimaeus Trilogy
The Amulet of Samarkand, Golem's Eye and Ptolemy's Gate
When talking about books similar to Harry Potter I have to mention one of my favorites, the Bartimaeus trilogy. It tells the story of a young magician's apprentice named Nathaniel. The boy is an exceptionally gifted magician, able to summon and command even high level spirits at his young age. However, he is also impatient and eager to exact revenge on people who have wronged him. The series follows his life from the time he was placed into apprenticeship at the age of 5, to adulthood. Part of them are told from the perspective of a djinni Bartimaeus that Nathaniel frequently commands.
Keys to the Kingdom Series
Great fantasy series for for children and young adults
I think Garth Nix did a really splendid work with this series. Unlike his Abhorsen trilogy (which is quite excellent too, by the way), Keys to the Kingdom is aimed at younger readers. It tells the story of an asthmatic 12-year-old boy, Arthur Penhaligon, who suddenly finds himself the Rightful Heir to the House - a place at the center of the Universe, on which all creation depends. Treacherous Morrow Days have broken the Will of the Architect and taken control of the House. It's up to Arthur to claim the Keys to the Kingdom, defeat the Morrow Days, and fulfill the Will.
The Earthsea Cycle
Young wizard's magic journey of epic proportions
This is an epic fantasy series following the adventures of a powerful wizard named Sparrowhawk (or Ged, which his true name). He lived in a small village as a boy, first discovering his magic powers by accident. Word of him reached an old mage, who took Ged as his apprentice. The young wizard grew impatient with his master's slow way of teaching and traveled to a famous wizarding academy, eager to learn more. Ged's arrogance took the better of him and he allowed a great evil enter the world through a void he had accidentally created when working on an extremely hard spell. In his epic journeys Ged has to battle dragons, help kings, and constantly keep searching for a way to vanquish the evil he set loose on the world. This is really one of the best fantasy books I've ever read!
The Persephane Pendrake Chronicles
Promising debut from a new fantasy author
Meet Persephane Pendrake: a young witch, and, quoting the author, a "general offender of the norm". Together with her wizard friend Thaddeus, and their dragon & dragonfly familiars, the gang sets out to stop the evil witch Melanthios from obtaining nine artifacts of great power and taking over the planet. To make things worse, there are other villains going after the objects of power as well. If you like Harry Potter, you should enjoy this one.
This is the first book out of 9 planned (three trilogies), so be warned, it might take quite a while for you to finish this series!
More Books Like Harry Potter
There are many great books similar to Harry Potter, and everyone who commented on this page has helped me build the following list. Find good Harry Potter alternatives to read, or submit your own recommendation in the comments!
#1. His Dark Materials by Philip Pullman
This award-winning trilogy follows the coming-of-age of two children, Lyra Belacqua and Will Parry, as they wander through a number alternate universes against a backdrop of epic events.
#2. Chronicles of Narnia by C. S. Lewis
A set of seven classic fantasy novels for children, the Chronicles of Narnia tells of the adventures of children from our world who are magically transported to Narnia: a land where animals talk, magic is common, and good battles evil.
#3. Artemis Fowl by Eoin Colfer
12-year-old Artemis Fowl is a son of an Irish crime lord, and an aspiring criminal mastermind himself. He believes in the existence of fairies, and even decides to kidnap one. Artemis gets more than what he bargained for when an elite squad of LEPrecon (Lower Elements Police reconnaissance) lays siege to his manor.
#4. Inkheart Trilogy by Cornelia Funke
A 12-year-old girl Meggie Folchart has the power of Silvertongue - she can bring objects and characters from the books she reads aloud into reality. She has to deal with dangerous characters her father (who possesses the same ability) accidentally read out of a book called Inkheart, and try to save her mother who in turn got trapped inside it.
#5. Bridge to Terabithia by Katherine Paterson
Two lonely children create a magical kingdom in the forest, where they rule as King and Queen of Terabithia.
#6. Magyk (Septimus Heap Series) by Angie Sage
This series follows the adventures of Septimus Heap, who as a seventh son of a seventh son has great magical power . After he becomes apprenticed to the ExtraOrdinary wizard Marcia Overstrand, he must study for seven years and a day before he is qualified to take over from her. This is a great Harry Potter alternative for children aged nine to twelve.
#7. The Last Apprentice by Joseph Delaney
Thomas Ward is a young boy training to be a Spook: an exorcist whose job it is to contain witches, exorcise ghosts and seal off evil spirits. This series is known as "The Last Apprentice" in the US, and "The Wardstone Chronicles" elsewhere.
#8. Fablehaven by Brandon Mull
Fablehaven is the last refuge for creatures of legend and magic like satyrs, witches, fairies, and trolls. When 13-year-old Kendra and 11-year-old Seth come to visit their grandfather, they have no idea that he is the current caretaker of this magical place. However, magic is not only fascinating, but dangerous as well, and the duo have to find the courage to face the forces of evil.
#9. The Serpent In The Glass by D.M. Andrews
On his eleventh birthday Thomas Farrell is informed that the deceased father he never knew has provided for his education at Darkledun Manor, a school for gifted children. Thomas, however, feels he's just an ordinary boy, but Darkledun Manor proves to be anything but an ordinary school.
#10. Pyromancer by Don Callander
The 'mancer series (Pyromancer, Aquamancer, Geomancer, Aeromancer) follow the adventures of Douglas Brightglade, a young apprentice of the wizard Flarman Firemaster who learns of his natural flare for fire magic and battles the Ice King.
#11. Mister Monday (Keys to the Kingdom, Book 1) by Garth Nix
Fantasy adventure series by Garth Nix. Arthur Penhaligon, an asthmatic 12-year-old boy finds himself declared the Rightful Heir of the House - the center of the Universe itself. It's up to Arthur to battle the Morrow Days and fulfill the Will of the Architect, creator of the House.
#12. Ellena and the Magic Lamp by R. B. W. Culpepper
Set in present time. Ellena and The Magic Lamp tells the story of Ellena Wilson, whose life changes overnight when she receives a special lamp from her father stationed in Iraq. She quickly discovers the lamp she possesses has an actual genie and by keeping it, she is plunged into the eternal battle of good versus evil that stretches across the cosmos and into different dimensions. Join Ellena and her friends as they try to save all of creation from an ancient evil.
#13. The Secrets of the Immortal Nicholas Flamel
A six book YA fiction series by Michael Scott that tell the story of 15-year-old twins Sophie and Josh Newman. Their adventure begins when they witness a magical battle between a bookstore owner Nick Fleming, and Dr. John Dee. Dr. Dee steals the ancient Book of Abraham the Mage from Fleming. The latter confesses that his real identity is Nicholas Flamel, an immortal alchemist, and that Sophie and Josh have to awaken their magic and help him get the book back.
#14. Willow Reed Road by R.B.W. Culpepper
Levi and his friends are all geared up for the upcoming Summer vacation. Unfortunately for them, the last week of school will be the most troublesome of all. They find themselves being chased by the notorious Bedlam brothers, three of the biggest and meanest bullies that has ever walked the halls of Riverdale Jr. High. To make matters worse while being chased the boys trespass on the Gravestone's private property. The neighborhood rumor is that the Gravestones are witches.
#15. Bacon Finnegan: The Sword of Fire (The Artifacts of Merlin Saga) by T. A. Northburg
Fifteen-drean-old Bacon Finnegan just found a teleportation watch and recklessly transports himself, his four new friends, and his redundant android robot IQ32 from the Starship Ruby Darton to the planet of his destiny. He meets up with a White Witch who explains he is Merlin's lost grandson and unleashes his magical powers. Bacon embarks on his quest to find seven hidden magical artifacts. Before he can do that, he must rescue his friends and defeat the evil Warlock, Zamra-Teg.
#16. The Enchanted Forest Chronicles by Patricia C. Wrede
Cimorene, an intelligent and independent princess has no interest in embroidery and etiquette, and does not approve of her parent's plans to marry her off to a prince of the neighboring kingdom. She runs from home and willingly becomes a "captive" of a dragon.
#17. The Dresden Files by Jim Butcher
Harry Dresden is a private investigator and a wizard in modern-day Chicago. He has to deal with dark creatures and protect the general public against the forces they do not understand. The local police unit frequently employs Dresden to help solve supernatural cases.
#18. The Lost Histories: Magus by Steven Jameson
The Lost Histories is an epic tale of a young man named Kell, who's never truly had a home. All he's ever hoped for was a quiet peaceful life. When he arrived in Shale Valley three years ago, he thought he'd finally found his place in life. But when an old man from Kell's dreams visits him, those hopes are scattered to the wind after he learns the tyrant emperor Malcor is hunting him down, for powers he never knew he had.
#19. The Last Crusaders by V.L. Hoyt
Four teenagers from all over the world find out that they are descended from the Knights of the Round Table. Merlin asks them to go on a quest to defeat the Dark Powers. Great fantasy novel for young adults, and the first book in the Crusaders trilogy.
#20. The Mortal Instruments by Cassandra Clare
Six contemporary fantasy books starting with City of Bones, City of Ashes, and City of Glass. Follows the adventures of teenagers Clary Fray, Jace Wayland, and Simon Lewis who find out they are Shadowhunters, humans with angel blood in them, who protect humanity from demons.
#21. The Infernal Devices by Cassandra Clare
Victorian fantasy trilogy consisting of Clockwork Angel, Clockwork Prince, and Clockwork Princess. The books are a prequel to the author's Mortal Instruments series, and take place 145 years before them. They focus on a number of magic races (vampires, fairies, warlocks, and so on) collectively called Downworlders.
#22. The Firestone Crystal by Linda David
Agathea Fulstropp is a lonely 11-year-old girl, a bit on the moody side, and more than a little spoilt. She is looking forward to a luxury break in the Caribbean with her parents, but is livid when they announce that the trip has to be cancelled due to work commitments. So instead of spending six weeks sunning herself on a tropical beach, Thea - as she insists on being called - finds herself unceremoniously packed up, and sent off to stay with a grandfather she barely knows.
Comments
Shaloo Walia from India on September 25, 2019:
Interesting recommendations... thanks for sharing!
Tori Leumas on September 24, 2019:
Great article. I love reading books. I have read all of the Narnia books and all of the Lord of the Rings books. I have read the first book in the Inheritance trilogy, but not the second two. I would like to read them at some point. I haven't really had much time for reading lately because I've been writing my own books.
Prasad Tiruvalluri from Hyderabad, India on January 05, 2015:
Great recommendations..You might add the following too.
1. Chronicles of Narnia series
2. Kane Chronicles series
3. Inkheart series
4. Fablehaven series
A lot of these are recommended by good reads too. Brandon Sanderson's the Rythmatist is also a very good one but the series is not yet finished, I believe. All in a a good article..
anonymous on September 28, 2014:
If you're looking for a book like Harry Potter, you have to read Jaxon Stewart & the black dragon.
Spirality on February 16, 2014:
L.E Modesitt, Jr. has some very good books.The Corean Chronicles are my favorite.
anonymous on June 01, 2013:
Readers are saying that the New Adult Fantasy, THOUGHTS TO DIE FOR by C.G. Rousing is similar to Harry Potter. It's a transformative adventure through the 11th Dimension where thoughts create reality. Levi Levy (the protagonist) is invited to finish high school in the Selective Thought Studies program in another world. He soon learns that his thoughts create his experience. For Levi, it's a matter of life and death for him to learn how to direct his thoughts. It's a fun, fast read with a great message. It's Available on Amazon and Barnes & Noble.
anonymous on March 15, 2013:
Great list. I have read most of these books!
anonymous on March 09, 2013:
I sooooooo loved the Black Magician Trilogy.
Klaartje Loose on February 25, 2013:
The Spiderwick Chronicles...
anonymous on January 21, 2013:
SPI: The Case of The Dark Shadow, not about wizards but suspenseful and the characters are awesome
anonymous on November 21, 2012:
@carny: I read The Hunger Games well before the movie came out, and I can honestly say that it's amazingly good. Harry Potter is still a more in-depth series (that's just a Potterhead's opinion), but the Hunger Games is definitely worth reading. It isn't fantasy and doesn't contain anything magical, but it's got futuristic/science-fiction elements to it that makes it unique.
anonymous on November 04, 2012:
Lantamyra-A Tapestry of Fantasy by Susan Waterwyk
anonymous on September 06, 2012:
@MSBeltran1: ..I cannot recommend Derek landy's Skulduggery Pleasant books Highly enough, 7 books now..all aaace!!!
anonymous on September 02, 2012:
@pcmacgames: i agree !!!!!!!!!
boa11kfh on August 30, 2012:
I love loads of these books. My sister has Percy Jackson and Magyk, and I've got all the Garth Nix stuff. The wizard one looks good too but I'm probably far too old for it now. :(
boa11kfh on August 30, 2012:
@hamdaniamin: I don't know what's happening with the film, but there are five Percy Jackson books. The second one is the sea of monsters. Then there are two separate books in a related series.
hamdaniamin on August 21, 2012:
What happen to sequel to The Lightning Thief (Percy Jackson and the Olympians, Book 1)? Will they make one?
linda-david-311 on August 16, 2012:
Great list for those who loved the Harry Potter series! J K Rowling has been a great inspiration to me in my own writing. Working my way through it now!
LittleMy LM on July 26, 2012:
thanks for the recommendations ... will have to look at some of them ...
beffybooilu lm on July 11, 2012:
who's going to have the most awesome 23rd birthday party? this girl!
Maurice Glaude from Mobile on July 09, 2012:
I've read several of your suggestions. Guess I like this genre.
misscullenxx on June 14, 2012:
I love Eragon. I just love it. <3 I've actually read seven of the books on this list, and they're all amazing. (:
Musicalcroc LM on June 14, 2012:
Thanks for the recommendations. Never heard of many in this list. I think I will check them out.
Leah J. Hileman from East Berlin, PA, USA on June 08, 2012:
I like David and Leigh Eddings' EARLY books (only the first two or three series). They turned crazy cynical and a little riske after that.
Andrew Po (author) on May 25, 2012:
@anonymous: So I've heard, but apparently there's no fantasy/magic element in it?
glutenallergy on May 24, 2012:
Thank you for this list. I will share it with my children, who are huge Harry Potter fans, as well as major bookworms.
anonymous on May 24, 2012:
Hunger Games is apparently VERY good
anonymous on May 24, 2012:
Eragon + Harry Potter <3
Also try: Artemis Fowl, Percy Jackson, Cane Chronicles
Maybe Inkheart (but not so much
pcmacgames on May 21, 2012:
I've read almost every book described in this lens. Unfortunately, no match to Harry Potter series.
anonymous on May 08, 2012:
the kane chronicle, the percy jackson series,the spiderwick chronicle hope i helpes
anonymous on May 08, 2012:
some other books simiar to harry potter seies are the lost hero series, percy jackson and if you don't like faries the spiderwick chronicle it has mean stuff about faries and other magical creatures(hope i helped) =)
Stampaddict on April 26, 2012:
Megan Whalen Turner's Attolia series is fab. Read 'The Thief' first, but don't read anything at all about the subsequent three books as even their jackets will give you spoilers. Read each one before looking at details of the next. In order, it is The Thief, The Queen of Attolia, The King of Attolia and finally A Conspiracy of Kings. Enjoy! The Septimus Heap series by Angie Sage is also a good read though aimed at a younger audience.
anonymous on April 21, 2012:
Those are all good books, but nothing measures up to Harry Potter. Always will love 'em!
anonymous on April 10, 2012:
no there is no seis that can beat harry potter there the best i do feel sad that
i finished them i just wish j.k rowling could write more
anonymous on April 10, 2012:
you can also read the kane series by rick riordan
anonymous on April 02, 2012:
Very interesting collection of books you've listed here. I have to say love the Potter series, and the Dresden series (though I'd not recommend Dresen for anyone young than teenagers. Just me.) Thank you for collecting some new possibilities for summer reading.
anonymous on March 22, 2012:
I loved the 'Young Wizards' series! Esther Friesner has good teen books about magic also, love her stuff!
TeacherSerenia on March 17, 2012:
Here is one Charlie Bone link
http://www.scholastic.com/charliebone/books.htm
and there is even a new book series about the Red King too.
TeacherSerenia on March 17, 2012:
Has anyone mentioned the Charlie Bone series? Those are great books for tweens (kids aged 9-12) as well. I know I enjoyed them and I am way past the tween years!!! It involves kids being descendents from a Red King who had 10 powers,. Each one of these powers got passed on to one child - and he had 10 kids. The descendents and families have lost touch with each other. Charlie is bringing them all back together.
anonymous on February 11, 2012:
I have a list of books that I had found that satisfies the Harry Potter addition. Lorien Legacies (I am Number Four) by Pittacus Lore, Beyonders by Brandon Mull, Kane Chronicles and The Lost Heroes by Rick Riordan, The Immortal Champions Saga by Jason Salfali and Jennifer Hopkings. I enjoy reading these books. All of these books are new series that have two or more (Beyonders is the first of the series the second one comes out within the next 6 months). I hope that these will help your list. Good job on the lens by the way!
anonymous on January 31, 2012:
great article topic, made me want to see which ones you had on here.
AngryBaker on January 17, 2012:
the kids and I love Harry Potter... thanks for the list!
termit_bronx on January 13, 2012:
Vey useful lens. I will read some of these books. I love Harry Potter.
krakensquid on January 05, 2012:
This is simply a wonderful lens, very useful! Thanks for sharing. Feel free to check out my Harry Potter lens, its about the Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows 2 movie's most asked questions and provides the answers.
Ericastanciu on December 30, 2011:
I've never read the Inheritance series but now I'll have to download it. I would realky appreciate if you, and anyone else, would be willing to look at lens. It's fantasy related. If not I completely understand. Have a happy new year.
Andrew Po (author) on December 20, 2011:
@anonymous: Thanks, that sounds good. I've added it to the list.
anonymous on December 13, 2011:
the Secrets of the Immortal Nicolas Flamel is also a good series similar to Harry Potter. The stories main charecters are Sophie and Josh Newman both live pritty normal lives until the day whose regular lives working at their summer jobs are turned upside down by the arrival of Dr. John Dee. Dr. Dee engages the bookstore owner Nick Fleming in a battle of magic in an attempt to steal an ancient book, The Book of Abraham the Mage (aka the Codex) from him. Dr. Dee snatches the book from Josh's grasp but Josh manages to retain two pages. Dr Dee also kidnaps Nick's wife Perry in the melee.After the battle Nick Fleming confesses to Josh and Sophie that his real name is Nicholas Flamel, the famouse french alchemist. He then goes on to explain how Dee will use the codex to bring about the end of the world as we know it unless they get it back! Along the way he teachers Josh and Sophie about Auros and how to use them to protect themselves. Dee is all the while hunting them trying to get the last to pages of the codex. Along the way we are introduced to a whole cast of characters from legend and history. Some of these characters are Billy the kid, Virginia Dare, Joan of Arc, Mars, Bastet, and the Morrigan. It is a six book series that will both entertain you and teach you at the same time. It is well worth a look.
WriterJanis2 on December 04, 2011:
Thank you for the recommendations.
anonymous on November 25, 2011:
wow ive read over a quarter of these
ForTheLoveofYAF on September 14, 2011:
Love Percy Jackson and Inkheart! Both awesome series!
arletbode on August 09, 2011:
very cool list. Thanks
anonymous on August 07, 2011:
books by cassandra clare mortal instruments and infernal devices are a must read for anyone that likes these types of magic worlds
Andrew Po (author) on July 28, 2011:
@bp2011: Thanks. I haven't read this one, so I used your description in the list. Hope you don't mind.
anonymous on July 22, 2011:
The 'Keys to the Kingdom' Series is also a good one, and 'Fablehaven' lots of action, magic, and mystrie.
bp2011 on June 16, 2011:
I just finished 'The Last Crusaders' by V.L. Hoyt and loved it! Four teenagers from around the world find out that they are descended from Knights of the Round Table. Merlin asks them to go on a quest. There are a few dark horrors to be faced, so the book is a slightly more adult fantasy than child-like. And the author is planning on two more, forming a trilogy. Maybe you'd like it too!
Here's the Facebook Site for it: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Th...
And there are some nice YouTube videos: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R...
The Amazon link is here:
http://www.amazon.com/Last-Crusaders-V-L-Hoyt/dp/1...
Cheers!
CarynJSwift56889 on June 15, 2011:
I like harry potter
MSBeltran1 on May 13, 2011:
Good to know; my 12 yr old is just finishing up the HP series and will enjoy some more like it. Great lens.
Wendy Henderson from PA on January 27, 2011:
I would ad the Hunger Games Trilogy! Great lens.
KDimmick on December 19, 2010:
Blessed by an angel :)
julieannbrady on December 16, 2010:
Now, MY dear! This is a fabulously unique topic, you know? Love IT!
anonymous on October 17, 2010:
Young Wizards is an excellent series for teenagers and probably the most similar to Harry Potter, seeing how it too is set in the modern world with teenaged characters going on adventures and exploring hte possibilities of magic. However, after reading rather dark book 6 and 7 of HP, I have to say Young Wizards is probably a bit less "grown up" and more suited to younger readers.
