Harry Potter Books in Order: Complete Guide to the Series in 2023 +PDF

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone by J.K Rowling

I was in university when this book was published and the first four were sitting on my younger brother’s bookshelf before I picked it up to see what the fuss was about. I read all four books in as many days and was married with a child before the final book was published. 

This story introduces us to Harry, Ron Weasley, and Hermione Granger; our fearless trio.  We also meet the other favorite beloved and detested characters that make the Harry Potter book series so special. After all, what would Hogwarts be without Hagrid, Dumbledore, Professor McGonagall, Professor Snape, and Draco Malfoy?

Why We Love This Book: In our opinion, this is the best children’s fantasy series ever written. It features strong lessons on morality, inventive plotlines, and hidden threads woven throughout the entire series. Jim Dale’s audiobook narration of this book is award-winning. He voices over 200 characters, each with distinct accents.
Appropriate for ages 9-13
Find this book in Books like Harry Potter / Books Like Percy Jackson / 21 Adult Books Similar to Harry Potter / Harry Potter Books in Order / Best Audiobooks for Kids

Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (Harry Potter Book 2) by J.K Rowling

This is the second book in the Harry Potter series. If you are reading the Harry Potter books in order then this book picks up at the end of the summer right before Harry is supposed to go back to school. But, our sweet friend Dobby, the house elf, has something to say about that.

When Ron comes to get Harry in an enchanted car, they miss the train, fly to school, and nearly get creamed by the whooping willow; you know the year will be an eventful one. After all, Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry has not even started yet.

Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (Harry Potter Book 3) by J.K Rowling

Harry Potter is back at Hogwarts in The third book in the Harry Potter series. His life is in danger once again but this time, it is from the escaped convict, Sirius Black. He has escaped from the wizard prison, Azkaban, and seeks revenge on Harry.

Sirius Black is a mass murderer and a follower of Voldemort. Now, there are Dementors patrolling the school and Harry can only read of death and destruction in his divination class with Professor Trelawney. What else could go wrong?

Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (Harry Potter #4) by J.K Rowling

Although the order changes sometimes, this is my second favorite Harry Potter book in the series. In my opinion, it was the first book that really showed Rowling’s potential for great storytelling. If you are reading the Harry Potter books in order, as you should, you will LOVE this book.

Harry Potter finds himself participating in the Triwizard Tournament when someone tricked the Goblet of Fire and entered Harry’s name. He must compete against much more experienced wizards in tasks that will bring him glory or death.

Why We Love It: Harry faces dragons, dark wizards, and mermaids while performing magic he never thought possible. He faces the Deatheaters for the first time!
Find this Book In Books About Secret Societies / Harry Potter Books in Order / Best Puzzle Books

Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix (Harry Potter Book 5) by J.K. Rowling

The fifth installment of the Harry Potter series is the longest book at 766 pages. Harry knows that Voldemort wants Harry dead and that somehow, they have a connection. It is up to professor snape to teach Harry how to protect his mind from Voldemort using occlumency.

This is by far the darkest book in the series, in my opinion. We are introduced to the new Defense Against the Dark Arts Professor who is also the senior undersecretary to the Minister of Magic. Professor Umbridge is one of the characters who have no redeeming features!

Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince (Harry Potter Book #6) by J.K. Rowling

This book starts off with Dumbledore arriving at Harry’s house with a blackened hand and a mission. Harry has no idea that this is the start of the epic journey he must complete if he wants to live and defeat Voldemort.

Harry is convinced that Draco Malfoy is not only up to something but also bears the Dark Mark of the Deatheaters. Now, Harry will have to put his trust in Dumbledore as they explore Voldemort’s darkest secrets.

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows (Harry Potter Book #7) by J.K Rowling

This is the stunning conclusion of the EPIC Harry Potter Series. And if you read the entire Harry Potter series in order, how did you feel about the ending?

I felt elated at the ending and devastated that the series was over. It took me 10 years to read these books and when I finished the last page, I was so sad to say goodbye to the characters and to the wizarding world of Harry Potter.

Thankfully, this last book was just the beginning of what would become an empire. Whether you watched the movies, have visited Universal Studios, plan to watch the tv show or none of the above; we think that these books have opened up the world of books to an entire generation of readers.

Quidditch Through the Ages by J.K. Rowling and Kennilworthy Whisp

This is one of the three books from the Hogwarts Library that we, as muggles, are allowed to read.

This is a beautifully illustrated edition that will give you a history of the game that unites witches and wizards from around the world. The audio version of the book even has an except from the world cup!

Tales of Beetle the Bard by J.K Rowling

As Muggles, we grew up with fairy tales like Snow White and Rapunzel. Wizard children grew up with the stories of Beetles the Bard and I am sure there are many copies of this book on the shelves of Hogwarts.

Inside this book, you will find many brand new stories, but if you read the Harry Potter books in order, you will be familiar with The Tale of the Three Brothers and their story of the deathly hallows. So, it is up to you to decide if all of these stories are made up or if they are true.

Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them: The Original Screenplay by J.K. Rowling

The first in a five-part movie series featuring New Scamander, a magical zoologist, and writer of the famed book from which Harry Potter studies.

If you loved these movies and are looking for books related to Harry Potter, this collector’s edition of the screenplay will make a wonderful addition to your home library

The Crimes of Grindelwald by J.K. Rowling

The second screenplay in the Fantastic Beast series, this book features the plot of The Crimes of Grindelwald movie.

This edition comes with gorgeous art created by MinaLima, the artist behind many of the on-screen artwork. MinaLima books are all must-reads, especially this pick from our list of books related to Harry Potter

Harry Potter and the Cursed Child by J.K. Rowling, John Tiffany, and Jack Thorne

The famed Broadway show gets special treatment with this set featuring plays 1 and 2. It would be interesting to see which parts have been omitted from the new show that only has one play! For any hard-core Potter fan, this pick from books related to Harry Potter is a must for your bookshelf.

Harry Potter’s story continues when his son Albus is sorted into Slytherin and befriends Draco’s son. I don’t want to spoil anything, but I loved seeing Harry, Ron, Hermione, Ginny, and Malfoy as parents in the plays.