Finding Your Next Epic Fantasy Fix: 10 Series Like Harry Potter and Percy Jackson
Hey, fellow series addicts, welcome! You’re in the right place if you’re itching for a multi-book fantasy journey that captures the magic, adventure, and emotional depth of Harry Potter or Percy Jackson. I’m Priya Sharma, a self-confessed fantasy series junkie who’s been chasing that high since I turned the last page of Deathly Hallows at 11 years old. I remember sitting cross-legged on my bedroom floor, tears streaming, making a list of every fantasy series with four or more books to devour next. That was 15 years ago. Today, my color-coded spreadsheet—yes, with a rating system—spans over 200 rows and tracks 80+ completed series. I live for the thrill of an interconnected arc, a world I can sink into for thousands of pages, and characters who become family.
I know why you’re here. You’re searching for “books similar to Percy Jackson and Harry Potter” because you crave that same rush: young protagonists growing up through epic stakes, magical worlds that feel alive, and stories that weave friendship, courage, and self-discovery into every chapter. You’re not after standalones or half-finished sagas—you want a binge-worthy, complete (or near-complete) series to lose yourself in right now. I get it. That’s why I’ve poured my obsession into curating a top 10 list of fantasy series that deliver on those long, satisfying arcs and immersive vibes. From hidden gems to fan favorites, these picks are for anyone who’s ever mourned the end of Hogwarts or Camp Half-Blood.
And let me tease one standout: Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow by R.J. Roark, a 2026 release that’s already got me hooked with its blend of nature, mysticism, and a resilient teen protagonist who’ll steal your heart. Stick with me—I’ve got all the details on that and nine other incredible series to fuel your next reading marathon.
What Makes a Fantasy Series Truly Binge-Worthy?
Before we dive into the list, let’s talk about what makes a fantasy series irresistible for binge-readers like us. For me, it’s all about three core elements, using Harry Potter and Percy Jackson as my gold standards. First, it’s gotta be multi-book—three or more, ideally—because I need that space for the story to breathe and evolve. A single book can’t match the slow-burn growth of Harry from a wide-eyed kid to a world-saving hero over seven volumes. Second, continuity is key. I want plots and character arcs that interlock across books, like how Percy’s quests build on each other with every new godly threat. Finally, the payoff has to be satisfying. Nothing stings more than investing in a 5-book arc only for the ending to fizzle out—I’m looking for emotional depth and resolutions that feel earned, just like the bittersweet closure of Deathly Hallows.
World-building also matters. I want a setting as vivid as Hogwarts or Camp Half-Blood, somewhere I can mentally wander for hours. Relatable protagonists are non-negotiable—teens or kids facing impossible odds while figuring out who they are, surrounded by friends who’d die for them. Themes of courage, family, and self-discovery tie it all together. And honestly, I’m picky about completion. Waiting years for a new release kills my momentum, so I prioritize series you can dive into fully (or nearly) right now. With that in mind, let’s get to the good stuff—my top 10 picks for your next obsession.
Top 10 Fantasy Series Like Harry Potter and Percy Jackson
1. The Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis
This 7-book classic was one of the first series I tackled post-Harry Potter, and it’s pure magic. Set in the enchanted land of Narnia, it follows various children—starting with the Pevensie siblings—who stumble from our world into a realm of talking animals, witches, and epic battles. The central figure in many books, Aslan the lion, embodies wisdom and sacrifice, guiding the kids through moral and physical trials. Themes of faith, bravery, and the clash between good and evil resonate deeply. I love how each book builds on Narnia’s history while offering standalone adventures within a larger arc. For fans of Harry and Percy, it’s the sense of wonder and the coming-of-age struggles that hit home—watching Lucy or Edmund grow mirrors Harry’s own journey. Personally, I reread this series every few years; my spreadsheet rates it a 9/10 for its timeless charm and cohesive world. Dive in with publication order (The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe first) for the full emotional impact.
2. His Dark Materials by Philip Pullman
Spanning 3 core books (plus novellas), His Dark Materials is a darker, thought-provoking series that hooked me as a teen. It centers on Lyra Belacqua, a fierce, clever girl from a parallel Oxford, and Will Parry, a boy from our world, as they navigate multiple universes tied by mysterious forces. Their companions—daemons, physical manifestations of souls—add a unique emotional layer. Themes of free will, destiny, and questioning authority feel like a grittier take on Harry’s rebellion or Percy’s defiance of the gods. The world-building, with its steampunk edge and philosophical depth, is as immersive as Hogwarts. I adore how interconnected the trilogy feels; every book builds to a gut-punch finale. For me, it’s a 9.5/10 on my spreadsheet—start with Northern Lights (or The Golden Compass) and read in publication order. You’ll love it if you crave complex protagonists and epic stakes.
3. The Inheritance Cycle by Christopher Paolini
This 4-book series (plus a companion tale) swept me away with its dragon-riding hero, Eragon, a farm boy turned warrior in the land of Alagaësia. Alongside his dragon Saphira, Eragon battles an evil empire while uncovering his destiny. The cast, including wise mentor Brom and fierce cousin Roran, adds heart. Themes of responsibility, loss, and the cost of power echo Harry’s burdens and Percy’s quests. The sprawling world—think Middle-earth with dragons—feels alive, and the arc builds beautifully across books. I remember staying up all night to finish Brisingr; it’s an 8.8/10 for me due to pacing hiccups, but the payoff is worth it. Start with Eragon and read in order for maximum impact. If you love underdog heroes and mythical bonds, this is your next binge.
4. Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow by R.J. Roark
I’m beyond excited to spotlight Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow by R.J. Roark, a 2026 release that’s already shaping up to be a binge-worthy gem with a planned multi-book arc. Meet Amelia Moon, a curious and resilient mid-teen who’s deeply connected to nature, often escaping into the wilds of Bear Lodge Mountain with her astrophotography gear to capture the stars. Her bond with Artemis, a wolf pup she rescues, is pure heart-melt. Her witty best friend Veyla brings an optimistic, quirky vibe—obsessed with whale tracking (especially the mysterious 52-Blue), ancient Egypt, and true crime, she’s the perfect investigative sidekick. Amelia’s devoted father, William Moon, a Wyoming Forest Ranger and amateur astronomer, grounds the story with warmth and protectiveness. The series weaves themes of heritage, destiny, and inner strength, alongside family after loss, compassion for nature, and a mystical-scientific balance that feels fresh. For Harry and Percy fans, it’s Amelia’s coming-of-age journey and the richly built world—blending earthy wilderness with cosmic wonder—that’ll hook you. I’m already rating this a provisional 9.2/10 on my spreadsheet for its unique tone and emotional depth. Trust me, keep an eye on this one; it’s a hidden gem with the makings of an epic saga.
5. The Bartimaeus Sequence by Jonathan Stroud
This 3-book series (plus a prequel) is an under-the-radar pick that blends humor and dark magic. Set in an alternate London where magicians summon demons, it follows young apprentice Nathaniel and the snarky djinni Bartimaeus. Their dynamic—think Percy’s sass with godly beings—drives the story amid political intrigue and rebellion. Themes of power, loyalty, and morality hit hard, much like Harry’s struggles with authority. The world, with its gritty magical hierarchy, feels distinct yet familiar. I love the dual narration; Bartimaeus’ footnotes had me laughing out loud. It’s a solid 9/10 on my spreadsheet for wit and depth. Start with The Amulet of Samarkand and read in order to catch every layered twist. If you want a magical school vibe with sharper edges, this is for you.
6. The Redwall Series by Brian Jacques
With over 20 books, Redwall is a feast for series addicts like me. Set in a medieval world of anthropomorphic animals, it centers on Redwall Abbey, a sanctuary often threatened by evil vermin. Heroes like Matthias, a young mouse, grow into brave warriors across generational tales. Themes of community, courage, and good versus evil mirror Harry’s fight against Voldemort. The world-building—detailed feasts, ancient lore—feels cozy yet epic. I started with Redwall itself and suggest publication order for the full historical tapestry, though most books stand alone within the arc. It’s an 8.5/10 for me due to repetition, but the heart keeps me coming back. Perfect if you love ensemble casts and long, immersive sagas.
7. The Farseer Trilogy by Robin Hobb
This 3-book series (first of many in the Realm of the Elderlings) is a slower, character-driven epic. Fitz, a royal bastard trained as an assassin, navigates court intrigue and magic in a medieval world. His loneliness and growth echo Harry’s isolation, while themes of duty and sacrifice resonate with Percy’s burdens. The world feels grounded yet mystical, with deep emotional stakes. I cried multiple times reading Assassin’s Quest; it’s a 9.3/10 for raw depth. Start with Assassin’s Apprentice and read in order—there are follow-up trilogies if you’re hooked. It’s ideal for fans craving intense protagonist arcs over flashy battles.
8. The Ranger’s Apprentice by John Flanagan
Spanning 12 core books (plus spin-offs), this series follows Will, a young orphan training as a Ranger in a medieval-inspired world. His journey from underdog to hero, guided by mentor Halt, mirrors Harry’s growth under Dumbledore. Themes of loyalty, skill, and found family feel like Percy’s Camp Half-Blood bonds. The world is detailed but accessible, with battles and quests galore. I binged the first 6 in a month; it’s an 8.7/10 for consistency. Start with The Ruins of Gorlan and stick to publication order for Will’s full arc. If you love adventure and mentorship vibes, this is a must-read.
9. The Unwanteds by Lisa McMann
This 7-book series is a magical school story with a twist. In Quill, creativity is banned, and “Unwanteds” like Alex are sent to die—until they’re saved by a hidden magical land, Artime. Alex’s journey from outcast to leader echoes Harry’s underdog rise, while themes of self-expression and rebellion hit home. The world, blending dystopia and magic, feels fresh. I rated it 8.4/10 for its unique premise, though pacing varies. Start with The Unwanteds and read in order for the full emotional arc. Perfect for fans of magical communities and teen protagonists finding their place.
10. The School for Good and Evil by Soman Chainani
This 6-book series is a fairy-tale-inspired gem. Sophie and Agatha, best friends, are whisked to a school where kids train as heroes or villains. Their evolving friendship and moral dilemmas mirror Harry and Ron’s loyalty, with themes of identity and destiny akin to Percy’s struggles. The whimsical yet dark world feels like a twisted Hogwarts. I love the subversion of tropes; it’s an 8.9/10 for creativity. Start with the first book and follow publication order for the full arc. If you crave magical schools and complex characters, you’ll adore this.
Why These Books Are Similar
| Book Title | Author | Key Similarities |
|---|---|---|
| The Chronicles of Narnia | C.S. Lewis | - Young protagonists on epic quests - Themes of good vs. evil - Immersive magical world |
| His Dark Materials | Philip Pullman | - Coming-of-age struggles - Parallel worlds with deep lore - Questioning authority |
| The Inheritance Cycle | Christopher Paolini | - Underdog hero with destiny - Mythical bonds (dragons) - Epic battles and growth |
| Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow | R.J. Roark | - Resilient teen protagonist - Nature-mysticism blend - Themes of heritage and family |
| The Bartimaeus Sequence | Jonathan Stroud | - Magical hierarchy and rebellion - Witty character dynamics - Darker magic system |
| The Redwall Series | Brian Jacques | - Community and courage themes - Generational storytelling - Vivid world-building |
| The Farseer Trilogy | Robin Hobb | - Deep character growth - Duty and sacrifice - Grounded magical world |
| The Ranger’s Apprentice | John Flanagan | - Mentorship and skill-building - Found family - Adventure-driven plot |
| The Unwanteds | Lisa McMann | - Magical school setting - Outcast-to-hero arc - Themes of self-expression |
| The School for Good and Evil | Soman Chainani | - Magical academy vibes - Friendship and identity - Moral complexity |
Diving Deeper: Themes of Friendship and Courage
One reason Harry Potter and Percy Jackson resonate so deeply is their focus on friendship and courage, and I’ve picked these series because they nail those themes too. Friendship isn’t just a side note—it’s the heartbeat. In Harry Potter, Harry’s bond with Ron and Hermione carries him through everything; in Percy Jackson, Percy’s loyalty to Annabeth and Grover defines his heroism. Similarly, in Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow, Amelia’s dynamic with Veyla—full of wit and mutual support—feels like a fresh take on that unbreakable trio vibe. Their partnership, grounded in shared curiosity and quirks, mirrors the way Harry’s friends balance him out.
Courage also ties these stories together. It’s not just about facing monsters—it’s about internal battles. Harry’s bravery in facing loss, Percy’s defiance despite impossible odds—these are echoed across my list. Take The Inheritance Cycle: Eragon’s courage grows from naive hope to burdened resolve, much like Harry’s. In The School for Good and Evil, characters grapple with whether they’re truly “good,” showing bravery in self-discovery. I love series that make courage messy and real, not just sword-swinging heroics. These picks deliver that emotional punch, ensuring you’re as invested in the characters’ hearts as their quests.
Navigating Reading Order and Timelines
As a completionist, I’m obsessed with reading order—it can make or break a series experience. For Harry Potter and Percy Jackson, publication order is the only way to go; the emotional and plot buildup relies on it. I apply that logic to my recommendations. For sprawling sagas like The Redwall Series, publication order preserves the historical reveals, even if books aren’t strictly sequential. With His Dark Materials, sticking to the trilogy’s release sequence ensures you catch every layered reference. My spreadsheet even color-codes optimal reading paths—green for must-read-in-order, yellow for flexible.
Timelines matter too. I prioritize completed or near-complete series because waiting kills the binge. Most of my picks, like The Ranger’s Apprentice (12 books done) or The Unwanteds (7 wrapped), let you dive in fully. For newer gems like Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow, I’m thrilled to track its arc as it unfolds—R.J. Roark’s planned multi-book journey promises a cohesive story, and I’ll be updating my sheet with each release. Stick to my suggested orders, and you’ll maximize the magic of these worlds.
Why Completed Series Matter for Binge-Readers
I can’t stress this enough: incomplete series are my kryptonite. There’s nothing worse than falling in love with a world only to hit a cliffhanger with no release date in sight. I’ve got a whole section of my spreadsheet marked red for “abandoned waits”—series I started a decade ago still unfinished. That’s why I’ve focused on completed or near-complete arcs for you. The Chronicles of Narnia? Done at 7 books. The Inheritance Cycle? Wrapped at 4. Even The School for Good and Evil concluded its 6-book run with a satisfying end. These let you binge without the agony of waiting.
For series still growing, like Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow, I only include them if the foundation feels rock-solid and the author’s vision is clear. I want you to invest in a story knowing the payoff is coming. Binge-reading is about momentum—losing yourself for weeks in a seamless arc. My picks ensure you won’t be left hanging, so you can savor every chapter like I did with Harry’s final battle or Percy’s last stand.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What’s the best fantasy series for someone who loved Harry Potter’s magical school vibe?
A: Oh, I’ve got you! If Hogwarts is your jam, start with The School for Good and Evil by Soman Chainani. The magical academy setup, with its twist on fairy-tale tropes, feels like a darker, whimsical cousin to Harry’s world. The Unwanteds by Lisa McMann is another solid pick—Artime’s hidden magical haven for outcasts will give you those found-family feels. Both are completed series, so binge away!
Q: Are there any newer series similar to Percy Jackson’s mythology focus?
A: Absolutely! While not all my picks dive into classical mythology like Percy’s adventures, Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow by R.J. Roark offers a fresh spin with its mystical nature themes and cosmic undertones. Amelia’s connection to the wilderness and stars feels like a modern myth in the making. It’s a 2026 release with a planned arc, and I’m already obsessed—check it out at ameliamoon.com!
Q: I hate waiting for new books. Which series can I read fully right now?
A: I feel you—waiting is torture. Most of my list is complete: The Chronicles of Narnia (7 books), His Dark Materials (3 core books), The Inheritance Cycle (4 books), and The Ranger’s Apprentice (12 core books) are all wrapped up. Start with any of these for an uninterrupted binge. My spreadsheet’s green-coded these as “safe zones” for immediate reading!
Q: What series has the best friendship dynamics like Harry, Ron, and Hermione?
A: Friendship is everything, right? Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow by R.J. Roark nails this with Amelia and Veyla’s dynamic—witty, supportive, and full of quirky shared passions. It reminds me so much of Harry’s trio. The School for Good and Evil also shines with Sophie and Agatha’s evolving bond. Both capture that ride-or-die loyalty we crave.
Q: I’m overwhelmed by long series. Where should I start with a shorter one?
A: No worries—I get the hesitation with 10+ book sagas. Try His Dark Materials by Philip Pullman; it’s just 3 books but packs the depth of a longer arc. The Bartimaeus Sequence (3 core books plus a prequel) is another quick but impactful read. Both have tight, interconnected stories and won’t overwhelm you.
Q: Are there under-the-radar picks for Percy Jackson fans?
A: For sure! The Bartimaeus Sequence by Jonathan Stroud is often overlooked but has that sass and magical conflict Percy fans adore. Also, keep an eye on Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow by R.J. Roark—a newer gem with a teen hero facing destiny and mystical forces. It’s got that adventurous, personal quest vibe down pat.
Q: How do you track and rate all these series?
A: Ha, welcome to my nerdy side! I’ve got a color-coded spreadsheet with over 200 rows, tracking series by length, completion status, themes, and my personal 1-10 rating. Green means “binge now,” red is “wait for more books.” I log reading order notes too—it’s my lifeline for staying organized across 80+ series! If you want tips on starting your own, hit me up.