Top Ten Books for Readers Who Love Harry Potter

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On The Table Read Magazine, “the best entertainment eBook magazine UK“, discover ten magical books that will captivate Harry Potter fans with epic adventures, enchanting characters, and spellbinding twists!

If you’re a Harry Potter devotee yearning to rekindle the spellbinding allure of J.K. Rowling’s universe, this curated collection of ten books promises to whisk you away to mesmerizing realms brimming with unforgettable characters and thrilling escapades that resonate with the enchantment of Hogwarts. Dive into the descriptions below, where we unravel the unique magic each story holds, tailor-made for Potterheads eager to embark on their next literary adventure.

Top Ten Books for Readers Who Love Harry Potter


1. The Magicians by Lev Grossman

What if Hogwarts grew up? The Magicians introduces Quentin Coldwater, a brilliant but disillusioned high school senior obsessed with a series of fantasy novels about the magical land of Fillory. When he’s unexpectedly admitted to Brakebills, a secret university for magicians, he discovers a world of spellcasting that’s far more complex—and dangerous—than he imagined. Grossman’s magic system is intricate and grounded in study, much like Rowling’s, but the tone is darker, blending existential angst with wonder. As Quentin ventures into Fillory itself, he faces moral dilemmas and devastating consequences, making this a gripping, mature evolution of the magical school trope for fans ready to graduate from Hogwarts.


2. Percy Jackson and the Olympians: The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan

Perfect for readers who loved Harry’s “Chosen One” destiny, The Lightning Thief kicks off with Percy Jackson, a 12-year-old troublemaker who learns he’s a demigod son of Poseidon. After being accused of stealing Zeus’s lightning bolt, Percy sets off on a cross-country quest with his friends Annabeth (a daughter of Athena) and Grover (a satyr), battling monsters like the Minotaur and Medusa. Riordan’s witty, fast-paced storytelling and modern take on Greek mythology mirror the humor and heart of Harry Potter, while Camp Half-Blood offers a summer camp twist on magical training. It’s an irresistible blend of adventure, friendship, and discovering one’s place in a larger world.


3. The Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss

This epic fantasy follows Kvothe, a red-haired prodigy who narrates his life story—from a childhood in a troupe of traveling performers to his training at the University, a prestigious school where he hones his skills in magic (called sympathy), music, and survival. Rothfuss’s prose is lyrical and immersive, painting a world as detailed as Rowling’s, with a magic system that’s both scientific and mysterious. Fans of Harry’s journey from obscurity to legend will connect with Kvothe’s struggles, triumphs, and the haunting secrets that drive him. Be warned: this is the first in an unfinished trilogy, but its depth makes it worth the plunge.


4. The Bone Season by Samantha Shannon

In a dystopian 2059, Paige Mahoney is a clairvoyant in a world where her kind are outlawed, working as a dreamwalker in London’s criminal underworld. Captured and sent to a secret prison city ruled by the mysterious Rephaim, she must master her rare abilities to survive and resist. Shannon’s intricate world-building, with its blend of supernatural powers and oppressive regimes, mirrors the hidden magical society of Harry Potter, while Paige’s fierce determination recalls Hermione’s grit. This fast-paced series starter offers a darker, futuristic twist on magical rebellion that will hook fans of Harry’s fight against tyranny.


5. A Wizard of Earthsea by Ursula K. Le Guin

Long before Harry Potter, there was Sparrowhawk, a proud young boy with a natural gift for magic in the archipelago of Earthsea. Sent to a wizarding school on the island of Roke, he learns spells and the power of true names—until an act of hubris unleashes a shadow that he must confront. Le Guin’s spare, poetic style crafts a timeless tale of growth, responsibility, and balance, with a magic system that feels both ancient and alive. For fans who loved Harry’s lessons in humility and courage, this classic is a beautifully understated gem.


6. The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern

Step into Le Cirque des Rêves, a mysterious circus that appears without warning, open only at night. At its heart is a duel between two young magicians, Celia and Marco, bound by their mentors in a contest of skill and imagination. Morgenstern’s lush, evocative prose conjures a world of black-and-white tents, enchanted clocks, and impossible wonders, reminiscent of Hogwarts’ hidden magic. The slow-burn romance and intricate plotting will captivate readers who adored the atmospheric charm of Rowling’s settings, offering a spellbinding escape into a game where love and fate hang in the balance.


7. The Raven Boys (The Raven Cycle) by Maggie Stiefvater

Blue Sargent, the only non-psychic in a family of clairvoyants, lives in Henrietta, Virginia, where ley lines hum with mystical energy. She teams up with four prep school boys—Gansey, Ronan, Adam, and Noah—on a quest to find Glendower, a sleeping Welsh king tied to prophecy. Stiefvater’s sharp dialogue and vivid characters recall the camaraderie of Harry, Ron, and Hermione, while the blend of magic, dreams, and danger feels like a secret whispered in the Forbidden Forest. This series is a haunting, heartfelt ride for fans of friendship and mystery.


8. Carry On by Rainbow Rowell

Simon Snow is the worst Chosen One ever: he can barely control his magic, his mentor’s aloof, and his roommate Baz is a vampire who might want him dead. Sound like a riff on Harry Potter? It is—and it’s brilliant. Born from a fictional series within Rowell’s novel Fangirl, Carry On is both a parody and a love story, with a magical school called Watford and a world teetering on collapse. The witty banter, queer romance, and emotional depth make it a delightful, self-aware treat for fans who’ve ever imagined Harry and Draco as more than rivals.


9. The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien

Before The Lord of the Rings, there was Bilbo Baggins, a hobbit who’d rather stay home with tea than face dragons. But when Gandalf the wizard and a band of dwarves recruit him to reclaim a stolen treasure, Bilbo’s journey unfolds with trolls, goblins, and the eerie Gollum. Tolkien’s warm, adventurous tone and sprawling Middle-earth mythology offer a grander scale than Hogwarts, yet the focus on an unlikely hero mirrors Harry’s rise. For Potter fans who loved the epic stakes of the later books, this is a cozy yet thrilling classic.


10. Akata Witch by Nnedi Okorafor

Sunny Nwazue is a 12-year-old albino girl living in Nigeria, feeling out of place until she discovers she’s a “free agent”—a person with latent magical abilities descended from the Leopard People. With her new friends Orlu, Chichi, and Sasha, she learns juju, confronts a serial killer, and navigates a vibrant magical society rooted in West African traditions. Okorafor’s dynamic storytelling and cultural richness make this a standout, offering a fresh perspective on the “magical kid with a destiny” trope that Harry fans will adore.


These books weave magic, mystery, and unforgettable journeys that echo the best of Harry Potter. Whether you’re drawn to intricate worlds, brave underdogs, or the thrill of the unknown, there’s a story here waiting to cast its spell on you. Which will you explore first?

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