There are few series as beloved as J. K. Rowling's Harry Potter novels. These young reader/young adult stories captured the imagination of the entire world, spawning multiple films, theme parks, and even a hit theatrical show.
A favorite past time for many fans is to reread the series at least annually. But, even the most hard core fans have to admit they want to change it up every now and again. If you're looking for something new to read, but in the same vein as the Harry Potter books, this is the list for you.
Neverwhere By Neil Gaiman
Neil Gaiman is one of the most celebrated modern British authors today. Not only is he a novelist, but he has tried his hand at graphic novels as well as screenplays. This multifaceted author has a signature sense of humor and an imagination overflowing with original ideas.
One of his original works, Neverwhere is perfect for older Harry Potter fans. Set underneath London, Neverwhere explores a hidden world living right beneath us. Full of secret societies and complicated labyrinths, it is a perfect escapist option for fans of the Boy Wizard.
The Chronicles Of Narnia By C. S. Lewis
The Harry Potter novels play into a long standing tradition of English Literature, combining whimsical writing and humor into perfect children's fiction. One of the most influential authors that inspired Rowling was C. S. Lewis, author of The Chronicles of Narnia.
It is hard to imagine someone who hasn't read one of the books at least once, especially if they're fans of Harry Potter. But, if you haven't, they are must-read children's fiction. They remain a perfect blend of childhood fairy tales and mythic storytelling.
His Dark Materials By Philip Pullman
While the Harry Potter series never shied away from darker themes, it always tried to remain a story for all audiences. If you want more mature exploration and deeper subtext, then perhaps Philip Pullman's His Dark Materials books will be a good fit?
The series explores the existence of parallel worlds, and utilizes its fantasy backdrop to explore questions surrounding many hot button topics, from religion to government control. It certainly has enough whimsy to go around though.
Macbeth By William Shakespeare
This is a far step away from children's fiction, yet Macbeth might be the best follow up reading for adult Harry Potter fans. Shakespeare's classic tragedy remains one of the greatest triumphs in English literature. As such, its influence on Harry Potter can't be understated.
The Three Witches and their poetic musings are often referenced throughout the Series, both in film and page. But the thematic elements surrounding Macbeth himself make a direct line to that of Harry and Voldemort, tackling the ethics of destiny and murder.
The Little White Horse By Elizabeth Goudge
While The Chronicles of Narnia were undoubtedly inspirations for the Harry Potter books, one book in particular might have inspired a specific style of writing in the novels. Elizabeth Goudge's children's book The Little White Horse remains a favorite of J . K. Rowling's.
Specifically speaking, the way that Goudge writes about and describes food captured Rowling's imagination. The incredibly detailed descriptions in the Harry Potter books of food and material objects can be linked directly with Goudge's book.
The Hobbit By J.R.R. Tolkien
Another book that is often preoccupied with descriptions of food is J. R. R. Tolkien's The Hobbit. This classic book tells the story of a hobbit named Bilbo Baggins, who goes on a quest with a wizard and a horde of Dwarves.
Many know the story from both the films and it's companion The Lord Of the Rings. But, the Hobbit is a seminal classic of English Youth Fantasy. A massive bedtime story, it has the core elements of the classic Hero's Journey, just like Harry Potter.
The Wind In The Willows By Kenneth Grahame
If there was one thing missing from Harry Potter, it was the charm of anthropomorphic animals. In all seriousness, it is surprising that Rowling, who is a fanatic of books like Narnia and Wind in the Willows, didn't include any talking animal characters.
Luckily, fans can go directly to the source for this kind of story. The Wind in the Willows has all the charm that you would expect from a story about a talking rat, mole, toad, and badger. It's an incredibly sweet and charming story for any age.
Wildwood By Colin Meloy
Many know Colin Meloy as the front-man of the popular band The Decemberists. But, did you know he's a writer too? Meloy and his wife Carson Ellis wrote and illustrated a beautiful fantasy trilogy for all ages. Set in the magical woods outside Portland, Oregon, The Wildwood Chronicles are a perfect follow-up for fans of Harry Potter. The story features young heroic protagonists, magical beings and animals, and hidden worlds. It also is the kind of cozy alternative children's fantasy you would expect from Meloy.
The Once And Future King By T.H. White
The Hero's Journey is essential for the Harry Potter series. Apart from the style of the writing, the architecture finds its roots in the stories of myth and legend. If you're looking a for a novel that embraces this hero's journey perfectly, look no further than the story of King Arthur.
T. H. White's adaptation of Le Morte d'Arthur titled The Once and Future King is a near perfect retelling of the classic story. From the Sword in the Stone to the Lady in the Lake, this novel encompasses the full epic myth of this legendary hero.
The Canterbury Tales By Geoffrey Chaucer
The Harry Potter books went into a whole new territory when they introduced the "Tales of Beetle The Bard." Now the wizarding world had their own mythology and fairy tales. When Rowling was writing these stories, she looked to real life texts for inspiration.
The Canterbury Tales, a selection of short stories from Medieval England from author Geoffrey Chaucer, told an anthology of tales from the mouths of religious pilgrims. One of them, "The Pardoner's Tale," was a direct inspiration for "The Tale of The Three Brothers," sharing many of the same plot elements.