Nevermoor and Other Books to Read If You Like Harry Potter

If you have finished the Harry Potter book series and are feeling that familiar ache of longing for the wizarding world, you are not alone. The adventures of Harry, Ron and Hermione have captured hearts worldwide, leaving readers craving more stories similarly filled with magic, friendship and epic battles against dark forces. To fill that void, we have gathered a list of books like Harry Potter that will transport you to equally enchanting realms.

The world of Harry Potter has such enduring power for so many reasons. There is the thrill of discovering a hidden world within our own, filled with wonder and the promise of belonging, especially for those who have felt like outsiders. The focus on magical Education, with its eccentric teachers, enchanted lessons and sense of endless possibility, taps into our dreams of unlocking our own hidden potential. Yet, it’s the enduring strength of friendship and the battle against encroaching darkness that truly makes such stories resonate.

The good news is that the world of literature is brimming with extraordinary books like Harry Potter, ready to transport you to fantastical realms filled with dark magic, spells, charms and more. Whether you seek lighthearted fun and a touch of whimsy, thrilling adventures with high stakes, or explorations of deeper themes meant for a more mature audience, there’s a book out there to satisfy your inner Potter fan.

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Books based on imaginative worlds and magical schools like those in Harry Potter

Carry On by Rainbow Rowell

Year of publishing: 2015

Synopsis: Simon Snow is the ‘Chosen One’ — and the worst one ever. His rooMMAte/nemesis Baz might be a vampire; mysteries swirl around their school; Watford and Simon’s destiny may not be what anyone expected. This witty story turns magical tropes on their head, exploring themes of found family, self-discovery and the unexpected paths our lives can take because of a prophecy.

Buy the book here on Amazon.

Nevermoor: The Trials of Morrigan Crow by Jessica Townsend

Year of publishing: 2017

Synopsis: Cursed to die on her eleventh birthday, Morrigan Crow is whisked away to the fantastical city of Nevermoor, a place of fantastical wonders and hidden dangers. Here, she has a chance to join the prestigious Wundrous Society but only if she can pass a series of quirky, sometimes dangerous trials. If you love Hogwarts‘ moving staircases and hidden rooms, Nevermoor’s ever-changing hotel and unpredictable challenges will capture your imagination.

Buy the book here on Amazon.

A Deadly Education by Naomi Novik

Year of publishing: 2020

Synopsis: Welcome to Scholomance, a deadly magical academy where survival is the only path to graduation. El Higgins, a powerful sorceress with a penchant for destruction, must navigate treacherous corridors where monsters lurk, alliances shift and friendships are forged in the face of constant danger. For those who loved the Triwizard Tournament in Harry Potter, Scholomance’s battle for survival will keep you on the edge of your seat.

Buy the book here on Amazon.

Books based on epic quests and hidden powers like those in Harry Potter

The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe by C.S Lewis

Year of publishing: 1950

Synopsis: Journey through an ordinary wardrobe into a world of talking Animals, ancient prophecies and the icy reign of the White Witch. Four siblings, evacuated from wartime London, have to muster courage and embrace their unique gifts to free Narnia from her grip. This classic series explores timeless themes of good versus evil, sacrifice and the enduring power of hope. Three books in the Narnia series have been adapted into movies. A Netflix series is in the works as well.

Buy the book here on Amazon.

Percy Jackson & The Olympians: The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan

Year of publishing: 2005

Synopsis: Get ready for a wild ride as Percy Jackson discovers he’s a demigod, son of Poseidon and is thrust into a world where Greek mythology isn’t just stories — it’s dangerously real. Camp Half-Blood, with its cabins for each Olympian, becomes his home as he trains, forms lifelong bonds and embarks on quests with high stakes and even higher humour. The book and series have been adapted into two movies and an ongoing TV show.

Buy the book here on Amazon.

The Raven Cycle: The Raven Boys by Maggie Stiefvater

Year of publishing: 2012

Synopsis: Blue Sargent isn’t magical…or so she believes until she’s drawn into the world of the Raven Boys — four privileged private school students obsessed with finding a dead Welsh king and unlocking a hidden source of power. Immersive and atmospheric, this series explores ley lines, prophecies and the blurry boundaries between the mystical and the real while focusing heavily on friendship and the search for belonging.

Buy the book here on Amazon.

Books for adults who loved Harry Potter as kids

Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell by Susanna Clarke

Year of publishing: 2004

Synopsis: In a meticulously crafted alternate History, magic existed in England long ago but has faded from common knowledge. Enter Mr Norrell, determined to revive its practice, and Jonathan Strange, his unpredictable student. With its lush prose, sly humour, and touches of gothic darkness, this appeals to lovers of historical settings, complex world-building and magic that carries a true cost.

Buy the book here on Amazon.

The Magicians by Lev Grossman

Year of publishing: 2009

Synopsis: If Hogwarts was filled with disaffected college students and the journeys to other worlds were more bleak than bright, you would love The Magicians. This dark, introspective take on magic explores disillusionment, the consequences of power and the struggle to find meaning, even when the fairytales you believed in turn out false.

Buy the book here on Amazon.

The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern

Year of publishing: 2011

Synopsis: Le Cirque des Rêves, the Circus of Dreams, arrives unannounced and opens only at night, offering a feast for the senses. Behind the scenes, two young illusionists, Celia and Marco, are locked in a magical duel, yet their rivalry transforms into something deeper. Atmospheric and poetic, this celebrates the power of imagination and the enduring beauty of the unexpected.

Buy the book here on Amazon.

A Discovery of Witches by Deborah Harkness

Year of publishing: 2011

Synopsis: Diana Bishop, a reluctant witch denying her heritage, stumbles upon an enchanted manuscript, drawing her into a hidden world of magical beings and forcing an alliance with the dangerously enigmatic vampire, Matthew Clairmont. This blends urban fantasy, romance and historical detail, exploring forbidden love, ancient secrets and a clash between the scientific and the supernatural.

Buy the book here on Amazon.

(Hero and Featured image: Courtesy of Amazon)

This story first appeared on Lifestyle Asia India

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

-What book is similar to Harry Potter?

Nevermoor: The Trials of Morrigan Crow shares a focus on a hidden magical society and a young protagonist discovering their powers.

-What should you read if you love Harry Potter books?

If you love Harry Potter books, look for elements like quirky characters, epic battles or magical schools like Percy Jackson & the Olympians series by Rick Riordan, The Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis, or the Nevermoor series by Jessica Townsend.

-What is the least liked Harry Potter book?

Though opinions vary, Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets gets less love because of its slightly slower pace compared to later books in the series.

-What should an adult read after Harry Potter books?

Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell by Susanna Clarke has a lot more mature themes and sophisticated prose that adults will enjoy.