Adult Books Similar to Harry Potter

House in the Cerulean Sea

Author: T.J Klune

Year: 2020

Genre: Fantasy

More info: Cerulean Chronicles #1

Spice Rating:💋

Age Range: 14+

Plot

Linus Baker is a caseworker in the Department in Charge of Magical Youth. He is sent on a mission to a secret orphanage isolated on an island where 6 of the world’s most dangerous youth live. 

Linus is sent to determine if the children are being cared for properly. Linus, who lives his life by the book, will have to look deeper to try and find the real answers to his questions.

Trigger Warnings

Child abuse

Why Jackie loves it

This story was so much more than the sum of its parts. I felt like I had met each of the children in the story. Even though the story has magic, it somehow seems completely relevant to our society now. The magic and the orphan aspect are all reminiscent of Harry Potter.

Find this book in: Magical Realism Books / Feel-Good Books / Book for Book Club / Books About Friendship / Books With Color in the Title / Best Beach Reads / Adult Books Similar to Harry Potter

Deadly Education

Author: Naomi Novik

Year: 2020

Genre: YA Fantasy

More info: New York Times Bestseller, Finalist for the Lodestar Award

Age Range: 14+

Plot

Thank goodness Hogwarts is nothing like this school. There is not a single first year that would survive. This magic school, The Scholomance, is bursting with magic that is very dark and unforgiving.

Losing a few classmates is nothing surprising. You either graduate or die. If you love the dark side of Harry Potter, you will love this YA fantasy book.

El, along with all other magical children are sent to the Schoolomnace because even though there is a chance they will die inside, they will almost certainly be killed on the outside. There are no holidays and no packages from home. El isn’t exactly worried because she has powers that make her the most dangerous thing inside the walls.

But Orion Lake keeps saving her life and she cannot understand why. All she knows is that she is supposed to stay away from him.

Why Jackie loves it

I loved how dark and disturbing this book is while somehow also being fun. It seems like an oxymoron. El has abilities that make her one of the most dangerous people on the planter; yet, she chooses kindness. I loved all three books in this series.

Find this book in: Dark Academia Books /Young Adult Dystopian Novels / Best Young Adult Fantasy Series / Fantasy Books for Teens / The Ultimate List of YA Fantasy Books / Adult Books Similar to Harry Potter /Best Magic School Books

A Wizard of Earthsea

Author: Ursula K. Le Guin

Year: 2012

Genre: Fantasy

More info: Earthsea Cycle Book 1 of 6

Age Range:10+

Plot

This book is about a young mage named Ged who displays magic at a young age. He eventually goes to a school for wizardry. Although his path does not resemble Harry Potter’s, both boys must come to terms with their power and death in their journeys.

Why Jackie loves it

I loved reading about Ged and his path to wizardry. This is a fun series for anyone looking for another series to read that is like Harry Potter.

Find this book in: Adult Books Similar to Harry Potter / Books for 11-year-olds

The Magicians

Author: Lev Grossman

Year: 2009

Genre: Fantasy

More info: Magicians Book 1 of 3

Spice Rating:💋💋

Age Range: 18+

Plot

Quentin Coldwater is a high school student obsessed with the made-up world of Fillory.  He finds himself admitted to a magical college that is both secret and elite. This one has an almost cult-like following.

The best way I can describe this series is if Harry Potter was admitted to Hogwarts in College.  It has a different, darker feel but it is fun, imaginative, and entertaining. The magic in this school is a little bit dark. If you love urban fantasy books, you must read this series of books like Harry Potter. This is a witch book unlike any other.

Why Jackie loves it

This is dark and unique- unlike any book I have read before.

Find this book in: Books Set in College / Dark Academia Books / Best Witch Books / Adult Books Similar to Harry Potter / Best Adult Fantasy Novels / The Best Books Like Fourth Wing

Ninth House

Author: Leigh Bardugo

Year: 2019

Genre: Fantasy

More info: Alex Stern #1

Spice Rating:💋💋

Age Range: 18+

Plot

Alex Stearn is the sole survivor of a horrible homicide. While recovering in the hospital, she is offered a chance to attend Yale on a full scholarship. She finds the Secret Societies of Yale, each practicing a unique type of magic.

Trigger Warnings

Sexual Assault

Why Jackie loves it

There are so many things about this urban fantasy book that I love. It is filled with magic, unlike anything you have ever read before. It has fantasy, secret societies, magic, and mystery. I could not put it down.

Find this book in: Urban Fantasy / Books Set in College / Books About Secret Society / Magic School Books / Adult Books similar to Harry Potter / Best Books of 2019 / Best Adult Fantasy Novels / The Best Books Like Fourth Wing

Magic For Liars

Author: Sarah Gailey

Year: 2020

Genre: Fantasy

More info: A 2020 Locus Award Finalist for Best First Novel

Spice Rating:💋

Age Range: 18+

Plot

Did someone say Harry Potter for adults?

This fantasy book is about a magic school and a chosen one wrapped up in a murder mystery with a not-so-lovable PI, Ivy Gamble.

Ivy has never had magic unlike her twin sister Tabitha. When Ivy is hired to investigate a murder at the school where Tabitha teaches, two worlds come together and Ivy must confront her past. This book was such a fun read.

Why Jackie loves it

This was a fun and unexpected read. I love the aspect of twins- one with magic and one without. It is a mystery and fantasy all wrapped up in one fun read.

Find this book in: Adult Books Similar to Harry Potter / Best Magic School Books

Zodiac Academy: The Awakening

Author: Caroline Peckham and Susanne Valenti

Year: 2019

Genre: Fantasy Romance

More info: Zodiac Academy Book 1 of 12

Spice Rating:💋💋💋

Age Range: 18+

Plot

Whew. I have found my newest adult fantasy romance series addiction. Orphan twins Tory and Darcy find out they are actually Fae after their 18th birthday. And not just any Fae, they are the heirs to the throne and they only need to graduate from Zodiac Academy to claim their throne.

The problem comes in the form of the four Heirs – The boys in each elemental order who have been raised to share the throne and rule Solaria together in the Twins’ absence.They aren’t planning to give up their claim anytime soon and they use their considerable magic in the air, fire, earth, and water elements to put these girls to the test.

This urban fantasy series is on fire hot, with lots of steam, bullying romance, and deadly situations. Even though this is one of a few great books set in high school, do NOT read this one if you are under 18.

Why Kirsten loves it

There is something about this series that is seriously addicting. There is romance, adventure, and some serious girl power in this series.

Why Jackie likes it

I liked this series but didn’t love it as much as Kirsten. The bullying felt too abusive to me and the pranks were a little too dangerous. And despite those reservations, I wanted to see Tory and Darcy kick some butts. As the series progresses and the sisters become more powerful, the story gets a lot more detailed.

Find this book in: Urban Fantasy / Books Like ACOTAR / Books Like Zodiac Academy / Adult Fantasy Romance Books / Books Set in College / Adult Fantasy Novels / Adult Fantasy Novels / Books Like A Court of Thorns and Roses / Dragon Books for Adults

The Night Circus

Author: Erin Morgenstern

Year: 2011

Genre: Historical Fantasy Romance

Spice Rating:💋

Age Range: 14+

Plot

The scene has been set for a magical competition between the pupils of two very powerful magicians. The stage: The Night Circus. The pupils, a man & a woman, are unsure of the rules, unsure of how to win, or when the competition will end.

As the competition continues, the opponents fall in love – a situation that only complicates their predicament. They are never quite sure of the rules or how to win.

Why Jackie loves it

Every word captivated me from beginning to end and I couldn’t put it down. The story was magical- both literally and figuratively and the descriptions are so vivid. This is one of my all-time favorite books. I have read this book a few times and each time, I get something different from the story.

Why Kirsten loves it

This is magic in a way that I never imagined it before. The story has twists and surprises that left me wondering how I didn’t see what was right there all along.

Find this book in: Best Romance Novels of all Time / The Best Carnival and Circus Books / Books Like the Hunger Games / Books Like the Night Circus / Cozy Books / Best Adult Fantasy Novels

Jonathan Strange and Mr. Norrell

Author: Susanna Clarke

Year: 2000

Genre:

More info: World Fantasy Award Winner, 2005
Hugo Award Winner, 2005
Locus Award Winner, 2005

Spice Rating:💋

Age Range: 18+

Plot

This book. So many people recommended it to me because of my love for Harry Potter. The writing style was Victorian, which fit the book’s time period but felt hard to read at times. The story, however, is full, complex and epic. If you love witch books, this is a must-read.

In nineteenth-century England, people believed that magic had disappeared until Mr. Norrell revealed his powers. He then takes Jonathan Strange as a student. But when Strange is drawn to darker magic, the two men develop a rivalry that can change history.

Why Kirsten likes it

There are so many things that I liked about this book- from the writing to the time period and the complex plot. I can see why it is a best-seller and award winner. For me, the story was a bit too complex and heavy to be considered a favorite. However, I still consider it a must-read for fantasy lovers.

Find this book in: The Best Witch Books

Neverwhere

Author: Neil Gaiman

Year: 1997

Genre: Fantasy

More info: New York Times Bestseller

Age Range: 14+

Plot

Harry Potter fans need to read this dark fantasy book.  It’s almost like what would happen if Harry found himself in Nocturn Alley before he knew about magic. 

Richard Mayhew finds a woman bleeding on the street. When he helps her, he is introduced to the world of magic in London Below and is forced to give up his life in London Above. No one can see him or hear him. His life has been completely disrupted as he tries to get himself back to life as it was- even if he is not very happy.

Why Jackie loves it

I could not stop reading this book even if I found it to be very dark and creepy. It is like a strange dream that you hope you wake from sooner rather than later.

Find this book in: Adult Books Similar to Harry Potter

A Discovery of Witches

Author: Deborah Harkness

Year: 2011

Genre: Fantasy

More info: All Souls Trilogy #1

Spice Rating:💋

Age Range: 18+

Plot

Diana Bishop is in Oxford’s Bodleian Library when she accidentally recovers an ancient book, Ashmole 782, that has been missing for hundreds of years. In doing so, she triggers her long-forgotten magic and opens the door for vampires, witches, and demons to search out Diana and the book.

Matthew de Clermont is one of the vampires drawn to Ashmole 782. He has been looking for it for hundreds of years. Soon it is clear that even though relationships between species is forbidden, Matthew is drawn to Diana for more than just the book. The two begin to work together to unravel the mysteries behind the book, the magic and the people looking for the book.

This urban fantasy book about secret societies, witches, vampires, and more is a blend of heart-pounding action, historical fiction, and romance with the perfect mix of fantasy as well.

Trigger Warnings

Blood, torture

Why Jackie loves it

If you love the witch aspect of Harry Potter, Vampires, fantasy books, or time travel books then you will love The All Souls trilogy. This adult fantasy novel explores the history of witches, demons, and vampires. This series reads like a historical fiction and I love it. I thought the series was done at book four and was so excited to learn that there is a new book in the series!

Find this book in: Books Like A Discovery of Witches / Best Fantasy Books for Adults / Books About Witches / Adult Books Similar to Harry Potter / Books About Libraries / Adult Fantasy Romance Books / Adult Fantasy Novels

Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West

Author: Gregory Maguire

Year: 1995

Genre: Fantasy

More info: New York Times Bestselling Author
Tony Award-winning musical, soon to be a major motion picture

Age Range: 13+

Plot

Everyone knows the Wicked Witch of the West but not everyone knows how she became that way. She wasn’t always bad. This is the story of a girl who would grow up to become one of the most hated villains in history. Elphaba is born with green skin and is treated with superstition and dislike. When she enters Shiz University, she is eventually able to make friends

When Elphaba realizes that Animals are threatened with exile, she tries to protect them. After all, they have voices, minds, thoughts, and opinions too. Soon she finds herself in a war with the mysterious wizard.

Why Kirsten loves it

I think of Professor Snape from Harry Potter in the same way. If you love witches and rooting for the bad guys, this book is for you. Like the Broadway play, the movie adaptation of this will be a must-see.

Why Jackie loves it

I grew up watching The Wizard of Oz and could not imagine the Wicked Witch of the West as anything else, until I read this book. This is a brilliantly written book that shows there are always two sides to the story. This is a message that is so strong and remains relevant in our society.

Find this book in: YA Books About Witches / Books Becoming Movies or TV Series / Books Like the Lunar Chronicles / Classic Book Retellings / Adult Books Similar to Harry Potter

A History of Witches

Author: Louisa Morgan

Year: 2017

Genre: Historical Fantasy

Spice Rating:💋

Age Range: 16+

Plot

Five generations of witches must decide what they are willing to do to protect their family. Ursule is a powerful witch whose power is thought to be lost when she dies. When her granddaughter steps into the circle, the magic is reborn. This is such a great historical fiction witch book, we highly recommend it.

Why Jackie loves it

I love a historical family saga- especially one that centers around the relationships between mothers and daughters. The added element of witches and fantasy made this book right up my alley!

Find this book in: Best Witch Books

Lord of the Rings

Author: J.R.R Tolkein

Year: 1954

Genre: Fantasy

More info: Classic Fantasy and Academy Award-Winning Movie Adaptation

Age Range: 15+

Plot

It is hard to believe that this trilogy was published in 1954. This epic fantasy is the first in a trilogy that has withstood the test of time. In ancient times, on Middle Earth, the elves created the Rings of Power. Sauron, the dark lord, forged his own ring, The One Ring, that ruled over all the others. The ring went missing and was discovered by Bilbo Baggins, the hobbit. Now, Sauron’s power is rising and the only way to stop him is to destroy the ring.

Gandolf the Wizard; Merry, Pippin, and Sam the Hobbits; Gimli the Dwarf; Legolas the Elf; Boromir of Gandor (a human); and Aragorn (called Strider initially but is the King of Men), set out together on a quest to destroy the ring. This is the ultimate story of the fight between good and evil and the fight to overcome the evil within.

Trigger Warnings

Death, violence

Why Jackie loves it

This is an epic trilogy with world-building and characters that are timeless. I love that there are not hundreds of characters to keep track of which makes this series feel more readable than some of the other series with generations of characters to remember

Find this book in: Best Classic Novels to Read / Books Like Game of Thrones / Adult Fantasy Novels /Best Long Books over 500 Pages

A Game of Thrones: Song of Ice and Fire

Author: George R.R. Martin

Year: 1996

Genre: Fantasy

More info: Locust Award Winner, 1997

Spice Rating:💋

Age Range: 18+

Plot

This is a book that I learned about after I watched the series on HBO. In my case, watching the show first helped me remember (and put a face to) the plethora of characters within this series.

Truth be told, I still needed reminders now and then. Winter is coming. The House of Stark is preparing for winter after a centuries-long summer. They must prepare to defend themselves from the creatures behind the wall.

There is no way to briefly summarize this epic world-building, historical fantasy with powerful women, an intricate, captivating story, and more. There are dragons and war, love and lust, scheming and backstabbing, in this epic world-building fantasy.

Trigger Warnings

Violence, rape, incest

Why Jackie loves it

This book is EPIC and the series is completely EPIC as well.

Find this book in: Books Like Game of Thrones / Best Adult Fantasy Novels / The Best Books Like Fourth Wing / Dragon Books for Adults

Fourth Wing

Author: Rebecca Yarros

Year: 2023

Genre: Fantasy Romance

More info: Empyrean Series Book #1 of 5

Spice Rating:💋💋💋💋💋

Age Range: 18+

Plot

If you have not heard of this book and love fantasy, this is the book for you. Don’t be intimidated by the length of this dragon book. I started and finished this 528-page bad boy in a day and a half. I cannot remember the last time I did that!

Violet Sorrengail had spent her life studying to be a scribe until her father died and her mother, the commanding general, ordered her to join the dragon riders. Violet will become one of the hundreds of candidates who fight to the death to be a part of this elite group.

Unlike the other candidates who have worked towards this their whole lives, Violet is small and brittle and never meant for this to be her path. And other candidates do not have the children of rebel leaders waiting to take revenge.

This adult fantasy book has everything that you would want in a fantasy from epic world-building to amazing abilities, magical creatures, non-stop action, and romance.

Trigger Warnings

Graphic sexual content, death

Why Jackie loves it

I loved every second. It lives up to the hype and then some. The world-building is amazing and the book pulled me in from the first page. Usually the story begins with an event and the story commences after this catalyst moment. Fourth Wing begins after that crucial moment so I felt I was immersed in the story from page one.

Why Kirsten loves it

I don’t know why I waited so long to read this book, but Jackie was right when she told me how much I would love it. Even though I do not usually love world-building, fantasies like this, the plot line and romance throughout this book, kept me hooked the whole time.

Adaptation Information

It’s early days yet, but the rights to turn this book series into a TV series were acquired by Amazon Prime Video.

Find this book in: Adult Fantasy Books / Fourth Wing Series in Order / Adult Fantasy Romance Books / Best Books for Book Clubs to Read / Best Adult Fantasy Novels / Books Like A Court of Thorns and Roses / Dragon Books for Adults
For More Books Like This: The Best Books Like Fourth Wing

Shadow and Bone

Author: Leigh Bardugo

Year: 2012

Genre: Fantasy

More info: Shadow and Bone #1, Part of the Grishaverse

Age Range: 12+

Plot

Alina Starkov is an orphan who has never excelled in anything. When her regiment is sent into the fold and her best friend is in danger of being killed, she unleashes a power, unlike anything anyone has seen. It may be the answer to the wars that have ravaged her nation.

Why Jackie loves it

I was so excited when I learned that Netflix was making this young adult fantasy book series into an adaptation. I think it will be amazing on screen and I am so curious to see if they keep to the book or change things, which is so often the case.

Find this book in: Books Like Shadow and Bone / Leigh Bardugo Books in Order/ Netflix Adaptations / Fun Books for Teens / Popular Fantasy Book Series / Ultimate List of YA Fantasy Books / Best Books by Jewish Authors / Books Like a Court of Thorns and Roses

The Paper Magician

Author: Charlie N. Holmberg

Year: 2014

Genre: Fantasy

More info: Paper Magician Series Book 1 of 4

Age Range: 14+

Plot

Ceony has graduated from Tagis Praff School for the Magically Inclined and is disappointed when she is assigned to be bonded to paper. Once magicians bond with one magic, it is the only magic they can ever practice. When Ceony encounters a dark magician, she must use every piece of magic she knows to save her mentor.

Why Jackie loves it

I kept hearing about this book and when I saw it in paperback at the Amazon bookstore in NYC, I could not resist.  I didn’t put it down until I was done.  It was such a different look at the idea of magic, I loved it. 

Find this book in: Adult Books Similar to Harry Potter

Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children

Author: Ransom Riggs

Year: 2011

Genre: Middle-Grade Fantasy

More info: Miss Peregruine’s Peculiar Children book 1 of 6

Age Range: 9+

Plot

When Jacob experiences a family tragedy, he finds himself on a remote island off the coast of Whales. He Discovers a crumbling ruin that was once Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children.

As Jacob explores the ruins, he finds clues that lead him to believe these children might be alive even though it seems impossible.

Why Jackie loves it

This series is full of magic and mystery. The amazing combination of fiction with antique photographs leads to a truly unique story that brings the characters to life.

Find this book in: Middle Grade Fantasy / Halloween Chapter Books / Time Loop Books / Halloween Movies Based on Books / Magic School Books / Best Books for 11-year-olds / Time Travel Books