The Expeditioners by S.S. Taylor, and Katherine Roy
Peter and the Starcatchers by Dave Barry and Ridley Pearson
“This series is fun for everyone. The authors imagined what happened before J.M. Barrie’s Peter Pan. A stunning, fantastical adventure of magical star stuff, evil shadows, and so much more.”
The First Fifteen Lives of Harry August by Claire North
“This lovely story focuses on the lives of Harry August, a boy who reaches death and becomes a young boy again, each time with the full knowledge of every time before. What times it all together is a mysterious knowledge that the world is about to end. Plus, this beautiful book’s author is totally a mystery!”
Howl’s Moving Castle by Diana Wynne Jones
A Great and Terrible Beauty by Libba Bray
Invention of Hugo Cabret by Brian Selznick
“This illustrated work of fiction is about a 12 year old orphan, clock keeper, and thief who lives secretly in the walls of a 1930s Paris train station. I love this totally unique book and recommend it for any reader with an artistic appreciation.”
Sabriel by Garth Nix
The Demon King by Cinda William Chima
“Han: the perfect anti-hero who discovers he is actually a wizard.
Raisa: an independent heroine, and princess, with a mind of her own.
Demon King: a cinematic mix of intrigue, magic, war, and a dash of romance.”
Neverwhere by Neil Gaiman
The School for Good & Evil by Soman Chainani
“Sophie, the princess type, can’t wait to go to the school for Good. Agatha expects her Goth look will land her in the school for Evil. Neither gets exactly what they expected in this trilogy beginner that will have you questioning the difference between good and evil.”
The Fire Sermon by Francesca Haig
“This book blends magic with the apocalypse perfectly. There is an epic quest, lots of action, friendship, and even a few laughs. Fans of dystopia and Harry Potter should read this ASAP!”
Carry On by Rainbow Rowell
“Rainbow Rowell created Simon Snow as a fictional character within the fictional world of her novel Fangirl. While invented as a kind of Harry Potter fanfic, Carry On is in fact an inspiring, super entertaining must-read story that stands alone.”
The Name of This Book Is Secret by Pseudonymous Bosch
The Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss
“This is the story of a young man who grows up to become the most famous wizard the world has ever known. Sound familiar? Rothfuss creates a grittier, more adult version of a magic school for a whole new series for fantasy loves to embrace.”
The Queen of the Tearling by Erika Johansen
“Emma Watson is starring in the movie adaptation of the book, so you basically have to read it. It’s about a battle between light and dark, a princess versus a sorceress. Might this be the answer to a female Harry Potter?”
Nimona by Noelle Stevenson
Red Rising by Pierce Brown
“This YA series takes place on Mars with a caste society. Darrow, a low-ranking Red, infiltrates the Gold training school. His mission? Kill or be killed. This is better than the Hunger Games, and way more action-packed!”
House of Secrets by Chris Columbus and Ned Vizzini
“When the elusive J.K. Rowling blurbs a book, it’s worth paying attention, especially when she calls it a ‘breakneck roller coaster of an adventure.‘ She should know, as she advised author Christopher Columbus on his debut novel!”
Magyk by Angie Sage
Young Elites by Marie Lu
“Adelina, a fierce, white-haired girl and natural Slytherin, survives a blood fever and gains mysterious powers. She isn’t the only one and she joins a secret society of superhuman teenagers. This story is pure adrenaline!”
The Novice by Taran Matharu
The Magicians Book by Lev Grossman
“Imagine a world in which everyone is basically a Slytherine and a Ravenclaw at the same time. Now imagine a boy who is sent to study at a magic university, where a mysterious beast attacks one of the classes. This sounds pretty familiar, but this magical tale will certainly surprise you!”
The Rook by Daniel O’Malley
“A secret agency, staffed with people with unusual abilities, protects the world from supernatural threats. At the center is Myfanwy Thomas. She wakes up without a memory and has to follow her own clues to save the world! She’s Jason Bourne crossed with Hermione Granger.”
Bartimaeus by Jonathan Stroud
“Nathaniel is a magician-in-training and decides the summon an ancient djinni named Bartimaeus. This begins their hilarious and action-packed adventures. The magic and whimsy will remind you of stepping into the world of Harry Potter.”
Artemis Fowl by Eoin Colfer
The Warrior Heir by Cinda Chima
Shadow & Bone by Leigh Bardugo
“Alima Starkov is just a normal mapmaker until she discovers she has a rare magical power that could save her kingdom. This beautiful, intricate story is fresh, and complicated, and funny. A must-read for Harry Potter loves.”
