Beyond Hogwarts: Adult Harry Potter Fantasy Series to Explore
The magical world of Harry Potter has captivated readers for over two decades, introducing millions to the enchanting realm of young adult fantasy literature. While J.K. Rowling's beloved series remains a cornerstone of the genre, there's a vast universe of equally enthralling fantasy series waiting to be discovered. For those who have journeyed through Hogwarts and are seeking new magical adventures, this article presents a curated list of fantastic young adult fantasy series that will transport you to worlds filled with magic, mystery, and wonder.
The enduring popularity of Harry Potter has paved the way for a renaissance in young adult fantasy literature. Authors have been inspired to create rich, immersive worlds that appeal to both adolescent and adult readers, tackling complex themes while weaving tales of magic and adventure. These series offer diverse characters, intricate plotlines, and unique magical systems that expand the boundaries of the genre.
As we explore these captivating series, we'll delve into what makes each one special, from their inventive magic systems to their compelling characters and the themes they address. Whether you're drawn to epic quests, urban fantasies, or retellings of classic tales, there's something here for every fantasy enthusiast.
So, grab your wand (or your reading glasses) and prepare to embark on new magical journeys.
Books Like Harry Potter for Adults
Here are 17 fantastic young adult fantasy series that deserve a place on your bookshelf alongside Harry Potter:
1. The Magicians by Lev Grossman
The Magicians is a captivating coming-of-age story that delves into the complexities of magic and adulthood. Quentin Coldwater, a brilliant but unhappy high school student, is admitted to Brakebills College for Magical Pedagogy, where he learns modern sorcery alongside his peers. However, magic doesn't bring him the happiness he expected, and he soon discovers that his childhood fantasy world, Fillory, is real but far darker than imagined. The series explores themes of power, identity, and the consequences of one's desires, offering a nuanced portrayal of magic in the real world.
2. The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern
Set against the backdrop of a mystical circus that appears at night, The Night Circus is a tale of love, magic, and competition. Two young illusionists, Celia and Marco, are bound by a magical contract to compete against each other, but their rivalry blossoms into romance, complicating the game and threatening the circus itself. The novel explores the consequences of their love amidst a complex narrative of magic and fate.
3. A Discovery of Witches by Deborah Harkness
This novel blends fantasy, romance, and historical fiction, following Diana Bishop, a reluctant witch and scholar who uncovers a long-lost alchemical manuscript at Oxford's Bodleian Library. Her discovery attracts supernatural creatures, including vampires and daemons, and she forms an alliance with Matthew Clairmont, a vampire geneticist. Together, they navigate the complex world of magic and science, facing challenges from both human and supernatural adversaries.
4. Neverwhere by Neil Gaiman
Neverwhere is a dark fantasy novel that introduces readers to London Below, a hidden world beneath the city's streets. Richard Mayhew, an ordinary man, finds himself drawn into this mystical realm after helping a mysterious woman named Door. As he navigates this strange new world, Richard encounters a variety of fantastical beings and must confront his own identity and purpose.
5. The Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss
This epic fantasy novel tells the story of Kvothe, a legendary musician and magician, as he recounts his life story. The book explores themes of identity, power, and storytelling, delving into Kvothe's journey from a young boy to a renowned figure. Rothfuss masterfully weaves a narrative that is both personal and epic, focusing on Kvothe's quest for knowledge and his struggles with loss and ambition.
6. Rivers of London series by Ben Aaronovitch
The Rivers of London series combines urban fantasy with police procedural elements, following Peter Grant, a young police officer who discovers his magical abilities. As he becomes an apprentice to Detective Chief Inspector Nightingale, Peter delves into a world of supernatural crimes in London. The series explores themes of power, identity, and the coexistence of magic with modern society.
7. Red Rising series by Pierce Brown
Set in a future where humanity has colonized the solar system, Red Rising is a dystopian fantasy series with a strict color-coded caste system. The story follows Darrow, a Red who infiltrates the elite Golds to spark a rebellion. The series explores complex themes of power, rebellion, and identity, offering a gripping narrative of social hierarchy and revolution.
8. Shadow and Bone series by Leigh Bardugo
This series is set in the Grishaverse, a world inspired by Tsarist Russia, where magic and war collide. Alina Starkov, a young soldier, discovers she has the power to summon light, making her a crucial figure in the fight against the Shadow Fold, a dark force that divides her country. The series explores themes of power, identity, and the cost of being extraordinary, with a richly detailed world and complex characters.
9. The School for Good and Evil series by Soman Chainani
This whimsical series follows Sophie and Agatha, two girls who are kidnapped and taken to a school where fairy tale heroes and villains are trained. However, they find themselves in the wrong schools—Sophie in the School for Evil and Agatha in the School for Good. The series explores themes of identity, friendship, and the balance between good and evil, offering a unique blend of humor and adventure.
10. Ninth House series by Leigh Bardugo
Ninth House is a dark fantasy novel set at Yale University, where secret societies practice occult magic. The story follows Alex Stern, a young woman with the ability to see ghosts, as she navigates her new life at Yale and monitors the magical activities of these societies. The series delves into themes of trauma, power, and identity, offering a blend of mystery and fantasy.
11. Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros
Fourth Wing is a captivating romantasy novel that follows Violet Sorrengail, a young woman forced by her mother, a military general, to abandon her dreams of becoming a scribe and instead enroll in the elite dragon rider program at Basgiath War College. The training is brutal, with only a fraction of cadets surviving the first year. Violet must navigate this challenging environment while dealing with the complexities of her family's legacy and her own identity. As she faces political and military threats, Violet discovers her unique strengths and forges unexpected alliances. The novel explores themes of identity, power dynamics, and the consequences of war, offering a compelling narrative of self-discovery and resilience.
12. Caraval by Stephanie Garber
Caraval is a mesmerizing fantasy novel that transports readers to a magical world where the lines between reality and illusion blur. Scarlett Dragna, who has always dreamed of attending the legendary Caraval performance, finally receives an invitation. However, upon arrival, her sister Donatella is kidnapped by the enigmatic mastermind, Legend, and Scarlett must participate in the game to find her. As she navigates this intricate world of magic and deception, Scarlett becomes entangled in a game of love, heartbreak, and mystery. The novel explores themes of family, love, and the power of imagination, offering a captivating narrative that challenges the reader to distinguish between what is real and what is part of the performance.
13. Zodiac Academy Series by Caroline Peckham & Susanne Valenti
The Zodiac Academy Series is a thrilling fantasy series that combines magic, astrology, and academy life. The story follows twin sisters Darcy and Tory Vega as they discover their Fae heritage and enroll in the prestigious Zodiac Academy. As they master their newfound powers and navigate the complex social hierarchies of the Fae realm, the sisters must confront their own destinies and the challenges of their star signs. The series offers a unique blend of magical world-building and character development, exploring themes of identity, power, and the intricate connections between astrology and magic.
14. A Deadly Education by Naomi Novik
A Deadly Education is set in the Scholomance, a school for the magically gifted where failure means certain death. The story follows El, a brilliant but isolated student who possesses powerful dark magic. As she navigates the treacherous environment of the school, El must form strategic alliances to survive, all while uncovering the secrets of the Scholomance. The novel explores themes of survival, power, and the complexities of morality in a world where magic is both a blessing and a curse. Novik's vivid world-building and complex characters make this series a compelling read for fans of magical academies and dark fantasy.
15. Reckless Souls by K.C. Kean
Reckless Souls is the first book in the Saints Academy series, a paranormal fantasy that follows Rhea, an orphan who discovers she has supernatural blood after a mandatory test. Sent to Saints Academy, Rhea navigates a world of gods, angels, demons, vampires, and werewolves, where she must find her place and master her powers. The story is filled with drama, romance, and intrigue, as Rhea forms unexpected bonds with a group of supernatural males. The series explores themes of identity, power, and the complexities of relationships in a world where magic and mythology collide.
16. Fractured Fates by Hannah Haze
Fractured Fates is the first book in the Arrow Hart Academy series, a paranormal romance that follows a young woman sent to a ruthless magical academy after years of hiding from the authorities. Struggling to fit in, she finds herself at the center of attention from four men who seem determined to make her life difficult. As she navigates this complex web of relationships and magic, she must confront her own destiny and the mysterious forces that bind her to these men. The novel explores themes of power, identity, and the blurred lines between love and hate in a world of magic and fated mates.
17. Legendborn by Tracy Deonn
Legendborn is a captivating YA contemporary fantasy that reinvents the King Arthur legend, weaving together Southern folk traditions and Black Girl Magic into a searing modern tale of grief, power, and self-discovery. The story follows Bree Matthews, a sixteen-year-old girl who enrolls in a residential program at UNC–Chapel Hill after her mother's sudden death. Bree's life takes a dramatic turn when she witnesses a magical attack on campus, involving a flying demon and a secret society known as the Legendborn, who claim to be descendants of King Arthur's knights.
A Rich and Diverse Genre
These seventeen series represent just a fraction of the rich and diverse world of young adult fantasy literature that has flourished in the wake of Harry Potter's success. Each offers its own unique take on magic, adventure, and coming-of-age themes, providing readers with new worlds to explore and characters to fall in love with.
Complex Themes and Deep Narratives
What sets these series apart is not just their magical elements, but their ability to tackle complex themes in ways that resonate with both young adult and adult readers. From exploring identity and power dynamics to questioning societal norms and the nature of good and evil, these books offer more than just escapism – they provide a lens through which readers can examine their own world and experiences.
Diversity and Representation
Moreover, many of these series feature diverse casts of characters, representing a range of ethnicities, backgrounds, and LGBTQ+ identities. This increased representation in fantasy literature allows more readers to see themselves reflected in these magical worlds, fostering a sense of inclusivity and broadening the appeal of the genre.
Universal Appeal
The success of these series also demonstrates the enduring appeal of young adult fantasy literature. These books often bridge the gap between younger readers and adults, offering layered narratives that can be appreciated on multiple levels. They prove that stories of magic and adventure can also be vehicles for exploring deep, universal themes.
The Future of Fantasy
As the young adult fantasy genre continues to evolve, we can expect to see even more innovative and diverse stories emerging. The foundations laid by series like Harry Potter and those listed above have created a rich landscape for authors to push boundaries, experiment with new ideas, and create worlds that captivate readers of all ages.
Beyond Hogwarts
For those who have finished their journey through Hogwarts and are looking for new magical adventures, these series offer countless hours of reading pleasure. Each provides its own unique blend of magic, adventure, and coming-of-age narratives, ensuring that the love for fantasy literature kindled by Harry Potter can continue to burn brightly.
So, whether you're drawn to epic quests, urban fantasies, or retellings of classic tales, there's a world of magic waiting for you beyond the pages of Harry Potter. Pick up one of these series, and prepare to be transported to new realms of wonder and imagination. The magic doesn't end with the Boy Who Lived – it's just the beginning of a lifelong journey through the enchanting world of fantasy literature.
