If You Like That, Try This: Harry Potter Edition

As a part of the generation that grew up with Harry Potter, I know all about the search for another book or series that speaks to me as much as it did. And, over the course of my life, I’ve found some that I think feel fit that mold. Now, I’m not going to include obvious ones like Percy Jackson (although you should still read it if you haven’t). I’m going to include ones you either haven’t read or simply haven’t thought of. And so, without further ado, here are some suggestions for all you Harry Potter fanatics out there:

The Shades of Magic trilogy by V.E. Schwab: This New Adult fantasy follows Kell, an Antari that can travel through parallel Londons. After smuggling a magic stone, Kell is pickpocketed by genderfluid thief and wannabe-pirate named Delilah Bard. Together, they get wrapped up in the dangerous world of dark magic. While the story is very unlike Harry Potter’s, it has a very similar atmosphere. It’s magical and weirdly nostalgic. It also has a wonderful cast of characters you just can’t help but love. It’s the perfect upgrade for the life-long Harry Potter
The Ren Crown series by Anne Zoelle: This is another New Adult fantasy Harry Potter fans are sure to love. It follows the titular Ren Crown as she discovers she has magic powers and goes to what is essentially a wizard college. She soon discovers her powers may be more complex than she thought and races against the clock to try and bring her twin brother back from the dead. It deals with similar themes to Harry Potter with an adult twist. It’s a great series to introduce you to New Adult fantasy.
The Magisterium series by Holly Black and Cassandra Clare: This one is a middle grade fantasy series. It follows Call, after he takes the Iron Trial and goes to the Magisterium, the magic school his father has warned him against his entire life. This series subverts a lot of common fantasy tropes, including the Chosen One trope. It’s very unique for a story about a magic school and is definitely a middle grade series worth trying out.
Timekeeper by Tara Sim: This is the first book in a new YA fantasy series. It follows Danny Hart, a clock mechanic; however, Time is a magical entity that controls life. While recovering from a recent trauma, Danny begins to uncover an insidious plot. He also begins to fall in love with a boy named Colton. This story takes place in England (in a bit of an alternate timeline) and has a similar atmosphere to Harry Potter. While this story has started out small, it is very obvious it’s going to get much, much bigger. Definitely get in on the ground floor with this one.
The Rest of Us Just Live Here by Patrick Ness: This YA standalone follows Mikey, an ordinary boy who is struggling with anxiety and OCD. The twist? He lives in a fantasy world where the apocalypse threatens on the regular. Only he’s not the chosen one. Neither are his friends. This satirical story is almost a reverse Harry Potter. But it’s genuine and heartfelt, the perfect quick read for Harry Potter fans to devour.