Reading Guide

Best Books to Read After Harry Potter

3 sections - Updated June 2026

You finished all seven Harry Potter books. Now what? This guide covers the best next reads based on what you loved most about the series. Different paths for different readers.

If you loved the magic school

More hidden worlds with training, friendships, and secrets.

Percy Jackson and the Lightning Thief
Percy Jackson and the Lightning Thief2005

The most natural next step. Camp Half-Blood is the American Hogwarts with Greek mythology.

Keeper of the Lost Cities
Keeper of the Lost Cities2012

An elven academy with advanced technology and conspiracy. Longer books, deeper worldbuilding.

The Name of the Wind
The Name of the Wind2007

For older readers (13+). A university for magic with beautiful prose. Warning: unfinished trilogy.

If you loved the adventure and stakes

Epic quests, chosen ones, and worlds in danger.

The Hunger Games
The Hunger Games2008

A dystopian tournament where kids fight to the death. Darker than HP but the same unputdownable pacing.

Eragon
Eragon2003

A farm boy finds a dragon egg. Classic fantasy quest written by a teenager. Good for ages 10-14.

The Chronicles of Narnia
The Chronicles of Narnia1950

The original portal fantasy. Shorter, more allegorical. The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe first.

If you loved the characters and community

Found family, friendships, and growing up together.

Wings of Fire
Wings of Fire2012

Dragon tribes with distinct personalities and loyalties. Each book follows a different narrator. 15 books total.

A Wizard of Earthsea
A Wizard of Earthsea1968

A young wizard studying at a school for magic. Quieter and more literary than Potter, but the DNA is the same.

Six of Crows
Six of Crows2015

For teens (14+). A heist crew of outcasts in a richly built fantasy world. The found-family energy is strong.

Related guides

Frequently asked questions

Percy Jackson for ages 9-12. The Hunger Games for ages 12+. The Name of the Wind for adults.

Different strengths. Percy is funnier and more accessible. Harry Potter has deeper worldbuilding and more emotional range. Most readers love both.

The Name of the Wind, A Wizard of Earthsea, or The Magicians. All have magic schools and coming-of-age arcs at an adult reading level.

Contains affiliate linksUpdated June 2026