Post-Harry Potter: Exploring New Fantasy Worlds

After the magical journey of Harry Potter, it's not surprising that many find themselves eager to dive into the enchanting world of fantasy literature once again. There are numerous titles that cater to different preferences and tastes, ensuring a fresh and exciting read for any Harry Potter fan.

Themes and Genres

The choice of book largely depends on what you enjoyed most about the Harry Potter series. If you enjoyed the magical teenagers who save the world, consider starting with Garth Nix's Abhorsen series. This series follows the adventures of a young magical teen who fights against dark forces and misconception. Another option is A Wizard of Earthsea by Ursula K. Le Guin, which offers a rich tapestry of magic in a school setting. For those who enjoy British boarding school dramas without the magic, Enid Blyton's Malory Towers could be a delightful choice.

For a more contemporary setting, you might consider Ben Aaronovitch's Rivers of London. This series features modern-day wizards in London, providing a fresh take on the genre. If you prefer something grittier, Jim Butcher's Dresden Files is a fantastic series with a strong, professional protagonist battling supernatural threats in a darker, more realistic world.

Different Aged Audiences

It's important to note that the above suggestions are primarily aimed at young adults (YA) fiction. However, for children, Malory Towers leans more towards juvenile audiences, and for adult audiences, Dresden Files is more appropriate. Additionally, the late Terry Pratchett offers an unmatched collection of fantasy books; you really can't go wrong with his work. His Discworld series includes titles like The Colour of Magic and Equal Rites, both of which are great introductions to his world.

Other Notable Series

The Secret of the Immortal Nicholas Flamel by Michael Scott is a series that follows the adventures of twins, Sophie and Josh Newman, without any direct connection to the Harry Potter character. It's a rich and engaging series, and the Secret chronicles the books are diverse and captivating. Jonathan Stroud's The Bartimaeus Sequence is another highly recommended series. This series features a novice magician, Nathaniel, and his sardonic master, the Djinn Bartimaeus, from multiple perspectives. The series is filled with clever footnotes from Bartimaeus, which add depth to the storytelling. Cornelia Funke's The Inkworld Saga is a fascinating series, telling the tale of Meggie and her father, Mo, who has a unique magical ability. The series includes titles like Inkheart, Inkspell, and Inkdeath. Another intriguing book by Funke is The Color of Revenge, which is about Meggie and Dustfinger on a rescue mission. Meredith Ann Pierce's The Firebringer trilogy is another engaging series, following the unicorn, Jan, and his fight to protect his herd from the evil Wyvern. The series is well-written and has a unique perspective, making it a delightful read. The Percy Jackson the Olympians series by Rick Riordan brings Greek mythology into a modern setting. The books include titles like The Lightning Thief, The Sea of Monsters, The Titan’s Curse, The Battle of the Labyrinth, and The Last Olympian. These books offer a fun and captivating read for those familiar with the Greek gods. The Pendragon Series by D. J. MacHale is another set of books that follow the story of Bobby Pendragon, a young boy who discovers he's a Traveller, fighting against the evil shapeshifting demon Saint Dane in an intricate series of books. Any works by Tamora Pierce are highly recommended, especially her Tortall universe and other series. These books offer strong female characters and are beloved among fans. Books by Diana Wynne Jones like her Chronicles of Chrestomanci, including Howl’s Moving Castle and The Golden Compass, are praised for their unique plots and imaginative settings. The His Dark Materials trilogy by Philip Pullman is a must-read for anyone interested in exploration and deep philosophical questions. The Chronicles of Prydain by Lloyd Alexander is a well-loved classic series, following the adventures of a boy named Taran, his quest to defeat the Horned King, and his journey towards the high kingship. The Old Kingdom series by Garth Nix, including Sabriel, Lirael, and Abhorsen, is another series that offers necromancers and a dark, intriguing world. Reviews suggest that these books are highly engaging for fans of dark and intricate fantasy.

Each of these series offers a unique perspective and engaging characters, ensuring a captivating read for any Harry Potter fan. Whether you prefer classic tales or modern fantasy, there's a book that will keep you enchanted. Happy reading!