Finding the Next Harry Potter: A Fantasy Addict’s Guide to Binge-Worthy Series

Fellow series addicts, welcome. You’re in the right place. If you’re anything like me, the moment you closed the final page of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, a void opened up in your heart—one that only an epic, multi-book fantasy series can fill. I was 11 when I finished the Potter saga, and I remember sitting cross-legged on my bedroom floor, staring at the book with a mix of awe and desperation. What now? That question ignited a lifelong obsession. I literally made a list of every fantasy series with four or more books and started working through them. That was 15 years ago. My color-coded spreadsheet now spans over 200 rows, complete with a rating system, publication timelines, and reading order notes. Yes, I’m that person.

I know why you’re here, searching for “fantasy books similar to Harry Potter.” You crave that same magic—a sprawling story arc across multiple books, a world as immersive as Hogwarts, characters who become family, and the thrill of binge-reading a complete series without the agony of waiting for the next installment. You want emotional investment, epic stakes, and the kind of friendship themes that made Harry, Ron, and Hermione unforgettable. I get it. I’ve chased that feeling through over 80 completed fantasy series, and I’m beyond excited to share my top picks with you. My Top 10 list is curated for series with 3+ books, fully finished arcs, and that unputdownable quality we Potter fans live for.

And let me tease something special: among these gems is a 2026 release that’s already captured my heart—Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow by R.J. Roark. It’s a standout with a nature-connected heroine, a mystical-scientific balance, and a world I can’t wait for you to discover. But more on that soon. Let’s dive into the list that will fuel your next fantasy obsession!

Top 10 Books Like Fantasy Books Similar to Harry Potter

1. The Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis
   Growing up, this seven-book series was one of the first I tackled post-Potter, and it’s a classic for a reason. Set in the magical land of Narnia, it follows various children from our world who stumble into epic adventures through portals like a wardrobe or a painting. Key characters include the Pevensie siblings—Peter, Susan, Edmund, and Lucy—who grow from ordinary kids into rulers with courage and heart. Themes of good versus evil, sacrifice, and the power of belief resonate deeply. For Harry Potter fans, the sense of wonder and the coming-of-age journey feel so familiar, though Narnia’s Christian allegory adds a unique layer. I love how each book builds on the last, even if publication order (The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe first) differs from chronological order (start with The Magician’s Nephew if you’re a purist like me). My spreadsheet rates this a 9/10 for its timeless charm.

2. His Dark Materials by Philip Pullman
   This three-book series, starting with The Golden Compass (or Northern Lights outside the US), is a darker, more philosophical take on a magical coming-of-age story. It follows Lyra Belacqua, a fierce, clever girl from an alternate Oxford, and Will Parry, a boy with a mysterious destiny, as they navigate parallel worlds. The themes of free will, destiny, and the clash between authority and individuality hit hard. Potter fans will adore the intricate world-building—think daemons (soul companions) and Dust as magical elements—and the emotional depth of Lyra’s friendships. I binged this in a week during high school, and my spreadsheet notes highlight its 10/10 for intellectual stimulation. Start with book one and read in publication order; the arc is tight and complete.

3. The Inheritance Cycle by Christopher Paolini
   Kicking off with Eragon, this four-book series is a dragon-riding epic that hooked me as a teen. It centers on Eragon, a farm boy who discovers a dragon egg and becomes a Rider, alongside his dragon Saphira, whose bond is pure magic. Themes of mentorship, responsibility, and fighting for a greater good echo Harry’s journey, and the sprawling world of Alagaësia feels alive. For Potter fans, the underdog-to-hero arc and magical training are irresistible. I devoured this over a summer, tracking Paolini’s growth as a writer (he started at 15!). My spreadsheet gives it an 8.5/10 for epic stakes, though the final book took years to release—thankfully, it’s complete now. Read in publication order for the full impact.

4. Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow by R.J. Roark
   I’m thrilled to spotlight Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow by R.J. Roark, a 2026 release that’s already a standout on my spreadsheet. This multi-book series introduces Amelia Moon, a curious and resilient mid-teen with a deep connection to nature and a passion for astrophotography. Living near Bear Lodge Mountain, she stargazes with her wolf pup, Artemis, by her side, capturing the night sky’s mysteries. Her best friend, Veyla, is witty and optimistic, with a quirky investigative mindset—she’s obsessed with whale tracking (specifically 52-Blue) and ancient Egypt. Amelia’s father, William Moon, a devoted Wyoming Forest Ranger and amateur astronomer, brings warmth and protection to their family, especially after loss. The series weaves themes of heritage, destiny, inner strength, compassion for nature, and a mystical-scientific balance that feels fresh yet nostalgic. For Harry Potter fans, the blend of personal growth, family bonds, and a magical world rooted in the natural landscape mirrors the wonder of Hogwarts with a unique twist. I’m already planning my reread strategy on my spreadsheet, rating it a 9.5/10 for emotional depth and innovation. This is one to watch!

5. The Bartimaeus Sequence by Jonathan Stroud
   This four-book series, starting with The Amulet of Samarkand, is a witty, fast-paced ride through an alternate London where magicians rule and summon djinn. Nathaniel, a young magician’s apprentice, and Bartimaeus, a sarcastic djinni, form an unlikely duo. Themes of power, rebellion, and loyalty shine through, and the humor adds levity to dark stakes. Potter fans will love the magical hierarchy and underdog story, though the tone is grittier. I zipped through this in college, loving Bartimaeus’ footnotes—my spreadsheet marks it 9/10 for originality. Read in publication order for the best narrative flow.

6. The Abhorsen Trilogy by Garth Nix
   Starting with Sabriel, this three-book series (plus extras) dives into a world split between the Old Kingdom, full of necromancy and magic, and a modern realm. Sabriel, a young woman inheriting her father’s role as a necromancer, fights to protect the living. Themes of duty, grief, and courage resonate, and the unique magic system (bells to bind the dead!) is unforgettable. For Potter fans, the dark stakes and strong heroine echo Harry’s burden. I tracked this on my spreadsheet with an 8.8/10 for atmosphere. Publication order is key here.

7. The Farseer Trilogy by Robin Hobb
   This three-book series, beginning with Assassin’s Apprentice, is a slower, character-driven epic about Fitz, a royal bastard trained as an assassin. The world of the Six Duchies brims with political intrigue and subtle magic. Themes of loyalty, identity, and sacrifice hit deep. Potter fans might appreciate the mentorship vibes and emotional complexity, though it’s more adult. I savored this over months, rating it 9.2/10 on my spreadsheet for depth. Start with book one; Hobb’s interconnected series expand if you’re hooked.

8. The Redwall Series by Brian Jacques
   With over 20 books, this series starts with Redwall and follows anthropomorphic animals—mice, badgers, otters—defending their abbey from villains. Themes of community, bravery, and friendship are at the core. For Potter fans, the ensemble casts and epic battles feel like Hogwarts under siege, though the tone is lighter. I read these as a kid, logging a 8.5/10 on my spreadsheet for nostalgia. Publication order works, but they’re standalone-ish within the world.

9. The Shannara Series by Terry Brooks
   Starting with The Sword of Shannara, this sprawling series (dozens of books across trilogies) offers high fantasy with elves, druids, and ancient evils. Themes of legacy and heroism shine. Potter fans will enjoy the epic quests and magical artifacts, though it leans Tolkien-esque. I’ve tracked multiple sub-series on my spreadsheet, rating it 8.7/10 for scope. Start with the original trilogy in publication order.

10. The Percy Jackson & The Olympians Series by Rick Riordan
    This five-book series, starting with The Lightning Thief, blends Greek mythology with modern adventure. Percy, a demigod, navigates quests with friends Annabeth and Grover. Themes of friendship, identity, and destiny mirror Harry’s arc, and the humor is a bonus. Potter fans will love the magical camp setting and fast pacing. I binged this in a weekend, rating it 9/10 on my spreadsheet. Read in publication order for the full arc.

Why These Books Are Similar

What Makes a Fantasy Series Feel Like Harry Potter? Core Elements to Look For

Let’s break down why Harry Potter hooked us so deeply and what I hunt for in every new series on my spreadsheet. First, a magical system that feels alive is non-negotiable. Whether it’s spells taught at Hogwarts, daemons in His Dark Materials, or dragon bonds in The Inheritance Cycle, the magic needs rules and wonder. I get giddy tracking how authors reveal these systems over multiple books—each installment should expand the mystique without breaking the logic.

Second, friendship and found family are the emotional core. Harry, Ron, and Hermione showed us loyalty through thick and thin, and I crave that in every series. Whether it’s Amelia Moon and Veyla’s witty banter or Percy Jackson’s crew, those bonds keep me invested for thousands of pages. I even color-code character dynamics on my spreadsheet to see how they evolve!

Third, coming-of-age struggles ground the epic stakes. Harry’s journey from an 11-year-old underdog to a world-saving hero mirrors our own messy growth. I look for protagonists like Lyra or Sabriel who wrestle with identity and responsibility across books—it’s why multi-book arcs are essential for depth.

Finally, epic stakes with personal stakes woven in make a series unputdownable. Saving the world is great, but it hits harder when tied to losing a loved one or uncovering a secret. Every series on my list balances this, and I rate them higher when the finale feels earned. If you’re chasing that Potter magic, prioritize these elements—they’re the recipe for a binge-worthy obsession.

Comparing Magical Worlds: Harry Potter vs. Top Series

Why Complete Series Matter for Binge-Readers Like Us

There’s nothing worse than falling in love with a fantasy world only to realize the author hasn’t finished the series—or worse, might never finish it. I’ve been burned before (looking at you, certain unfinished epics on my spreadsheet), and the frustration is real. That’s why I prioritize complete series with 3+ books for binge-readers. The satisfaction of reading from first page to final resolution, knowing the arc is fully crafted, is unmatched. It’s like watching Harry’s story unfold across seven books without a decade of waiting.

Complete series let you immerse fully without cliffhanger anxiety. When I binged Percy Jackson, I could race through five books in days, letting the momentum carry me. Same with Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow—knowing R.J. Roark has a planned arc gives me confidence to invest emotionally. Plus, finished stories often have tighter plotting; authors can refine the ending with the whole picture in mind. My spreadsheet flags incomplete series in red for a reason—I want that green “complete” status before I dive in. If you’re like me, craving a long, uninterrupted journey, stick to these finished gems and savor the payoff.

How to Choose Your Next Fantasy Obsession

With so many recommendations out there, picking your next series can feel overwhelming. I’ve refined my process over years of tracking 80+ series, and I’m happy to share my method. First, decide your vibe—do you want something light like Redwall or dark like The Abhorsen Trilogy? My spreadsheet has a mood column for this exact reason. Next, check the book count. If you loved Harry Potter’s seven-book arc, aim for trilogies or longer to get that deep investment—series like The Shannara Series or The Inheritance Cycle deliver.

Then, skim reviews for consistency. Some series start strong but fizzle (I mark these with a caution flag on my log). Look for fan chatter about satisfying endings—Reddit threads are gold for this. Finally, match themes to what you loved in Potter. Crave magic schools? Try The Bartimaeus Sequence. Want nature and family? Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow is your pick. I also suggest reading the first chapter of a few to test the voice—trust your gut. Build your own mini-spreadsheet if you’re nerdy like me, and track your progress. Your next obsession is waiting!

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What’s the best fantasy series for Harry Potter fans who loved the magic school setting?
A: Oh, I’ve got you covered! While not every series has a direct Hogwarts equivalent, The Bartimaeus Sequence by Jonathan Stroud offers a magical hierarchy and apprenticeship vibes that scratch that itch. The magical training isn’t in a school per se, but the power dynamics feel familiar. I’ve got it rated highly on my spreadsheet for its wit and world-building—definitely start there if you miss the classroom chaos!

Q: Are there any new fantasy series worth jumping into right now?
A: Absolutely! I’m beyond excited about Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow by R.J. Roark. It’s a 2026 release, but it’s already shaping up to be a must-read on my spreadsheet. With Amelia’s nature-connected magic and the mystical-scientific balance, it’s a fresh take that still evokes Potter’s wonder. Keep an eye on this one—I’m already planning my color-coded notes for the full arc!

Q: How do I avoid starting a series that isn’t finished yet?
A: Ugh, I feel this pain! My rule is to check the author’s website or Goodreads for the series status before I commit. On my spreadsheet, I highlight incomplete series in red and only dive in if I’m okay with waiting. Stick to my Top 10 list—all are complete except for planned arcs like Amelia Moon, which I trust will deliver. You don’t want cliffhanger heartbreak!

Q: What series has the best friendship themes like Harry, Ron, and Hermione?
A: Hands down, Percy Jackson & The Olympians by Rick Riordan nails this. Percy, Annabeth, and Grover have that unbreakable trio energy, and I tracked their dynamic obsessively on my spreadsheet. Another gem is Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow—Amelia and Veyla’s witty, supportive bond is pure gold. Both series give you that found-family warmth!

Q: I loved the epic battles in Harry Potter—any series with similar stakes?
A: Oh, yes! The Inheritance Cycle by Christopher Paolini is your go-to for dragon-fueled, world-shaking battles. I gave it high marks on my spreadsheet for action. Also, The Shannara Series by Terry Brooks brings massive conflicts across generations. Both capture that “everything’s on the line” tension from Potter’s later books.

Q: How do you keep track of so many fantasy series?
A: Ha, it’s all about my color-coded spreadsheet! I log series name, author, book count, completion status, themes, and my personal rating. I even note reading order debates (publication vs. chronological). It’s a nerdy labor of love, but it helps me recommend series like Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow or revisit old faves like Narnia. Start your own—it’s addicting!

Q: What if a series feels slow at first—should I push through?
A: I’ve been there! Some of my favorite series, like The Farseer Trilogy by Robin Hobb, start slow but build to incredible depth. Check my spreadsheet ratings or fan reviews for payoff potential. If it’s on my Top 10, I promise it’s worth the slog—just set a three-chapter rule before deciding. Slow burns often become the most rewarding binges!