In this series Which Book Should I Read Next?, I’ll be giving out a list of recommendations based on a popular book (or book series). In this first one, I’ll start with none other than the Harry Potter series. So below I’ll list a bunch of books to check out after Harry Potter.
Which Book Should I Read Next? – What to read after finishing the Harry Potter series
Warbreaker | Buy on Amazon US | Buy on Amazon UK
Summary: Warbreaker is the story of two princess sisters. One sister must marry and procreate with the God King, but many secrets are waiting to be unraveled. What’s most interesting about Warbreaker is its super unique magic system that revolves around color.
Why read it: Magic is at the heart of the Harry Potter books and Brandon Sanderson’s books have some of the most unique uses of magic you’ll find in the fantasy genre. In fact, you could probably pick any book in Sanderson’s library and it would satisfy your magical needs. The Rithmatist would be a great choice if you still want the magical classroom trope after Harry Potter. But Warbreaker is known as one of Sanderson’s best standalone stories, which doubles as the perfect place to start when getting into his work.
Throne of Glass | Buy on Amazon US | Buy on Amazon UK
Summary: Throne of Glass is the first book in an epic series centered around main character Celaena Sardothien, who is introduced as a teenage assassin. This first book is heavily influenced by Cinderella, but the story branches off into something that’s very much it’s own creation.
Why read it: Harry Potter is a series that shows the growth of its main characters. The Throne of Glass series does a great job showing the growth of its protagonist. From book to book, Celaena is a changed person based on everything she goes through.
Six of Crows | Buy on Amazon US | Buy on Amazon UK
Summary: Six of Crows is a fantasy heist book set in a place inspired by the Dutch Republic of the 17th century. Its protagonist Kaz Brekker is offered a large sum of money to rescue a valuable person named Bo Yul-Bayur. Kaz must assemble a strong team of misfits to plan the job and get it done.
Why read it: A common theme of the Harry Potter books is love and friendship. If you enjoyed reading the antics that Harry and his classmates got up to then you’ll absolutely love the chemistry between the squad in Six of Crows. There’s a ton of fun banter and bond building here.
The Knife of Never Letting Go | Buy on Amazon US | Buy on Amazon UK
Summary: The story begins in Prentisstown, where a 12 year old Todd Hewitt lives among a town full of men. In this town, everyone can hear each other’s thoughts. Keeping secrets is basically impossible here. So when Todd hears a secret about his past, he ends up running away. He also ends up meeting the first girl he’s ever met, and because she’s a girl he can’t hear her thoughts. From then one, on of the most gripping YA adventures I’ve read since Harry Potter ensues.
Why read it: The way the story starts reminds me a lot of Harry Potter. The way in which Todd is stuck in a town where the adults are keeping important secrets from him. The antagonist of this series is also as well developed as Voldemort was so I highly recommend it.
The Night Circus | Buy on Amazon US | Buy on Amazon UK
Summary: Set in Victorian London, The Night Circus is a magical book that’s much more of an experience than a story. The basis of it is that two powerful magicians pit their two proteges against each other; one a man and one a woman. What happens next is better read than explained.
Why read it: Every Harry Potter book brought another layer of magic and discovery with it. Readers were hooked on Rowling’s every word as she described the inner-workings of this secret wizarding universe and The Night Circus does this in perhaps a more fruitful way.
What did I miss? Be sure to drop your own recommendations in the comments below. Feel free to also discuss the choices listed above.
TL:DR Summary
Which books should I read after Harry Potter?
- Warbreaker by Brandon Sanderson
- Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas
- Six of Crows by Leigh Bardugo
- The Knife of Never Letting Go by Patrick Ness
- The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern
-Featued image designed by Olly Moss
