Hi friends!
The last Harry Potter book may have come out in 2007, but the fandom has held up to the test of time. I still saw little kids dressed up as Harry and Hermione for Halloween last year. While there is no shame in re-reading the entire Harry Potter series for the 105th time, it doesn't mean you can't enjoy other fantasy series.
So, if you're looking for a pinch of Potter in the next book you pick up, check out these reading recommendations.
1. The Black Witch (The Black Witch Chronicles) by Laurie Forest
Good Reads Summary:
Elloren Gardner is the granddaughter of the last prophesied Black Witch, Carnissa Gardner, who drove back the enemy forces and saved the Gardnerian people during the Realm War. But while she is the absolute spitting image of her famous grandmother, Elloren is utterly devoid of power in a society that prizes magical ability above all else.
When she is granted the opportunity to pursue her lifelong dream of becoming an apothecary, Elloren joins her brothers at the prestigious Verpax University to embrace a destiny of her own, free from the shadow of her grandmother’s legacy. But she soon realizes that the university, which admits all manner of people—including the fire-wielding, winged Icarals, the sworn enemies of all Gardnerians—is a treacherous place for the granddaughter of the Black Witch.
As evil looms on the horizon and the pressure to live up to her heritage builds, everything Elloren thought she knew will be challenged and torn away. Her best hope of survival may be among the most unlikely band of misfits…if only she can find the courage to trust those she’s been taught to hate and fear.
Why You Should Read It:
There is a lot of controversy surrounding this debut novel, but if the premise interests you at all you should give this book a try. I not only loved it for Forest's lush descriptions that made me visualize her magical world, but for the realistic character growth in the protagonist, Elloren, as her worldview was altered by her experiences at Verpax University. If you loved Harry Potter and are looking for a coming of age story in a magical school setting then this book is exactly what you're looking for.
2. The Burning Sky (The Elemental Trilogy) by Sherry Thomas
Good Reads Summary:
Iolanthe Seabourne is the greatest elemental mage of her generation—or so she's been told. The one prophesied for years to be the savior of The Realm. It is her duty and destiny to face and defeat the Bane, the most powerful tyrant and mage the world has ever known. This would be a suicide task for anyone, let alone a reluctant sixteen-year-old girl with no training.
Guided by his mother's visions and committed to avenging his family, Prince Titus has sworn to protect Iolanthe even as he prepares her for their battle with the Bane. But he makes the terrifying mistake of falling in love with the girl who should have been only a means to an end. Now, with the servants of the tyrant closing in, Titus must choose between his mission—and her life.
Why You Should Read It:
This book is like if Harry Potter met She's The Man. The story takes place in 1883 at Eton College, the English boys' pubic school, where Iolanthe must disguise herself as a boy for her own safety while Titus trains her. It follows the "chosen one" trope like Harry Potter and has a unique magic system that was fun to explore, but my favorite part about this book was the witty banter between the two main characters that had me laughing at multiple points throughout this story. If you're looking to escape into a rich fantasy world with a memorable cast of characters and romance, you should check this book out.
3. A Shadow Bright and Burning (Kingdom on Fire Series) by Jessica Cluess
Good Reads Summary:
I am Henrietta Howel. The first female sorcerer. The prophesied one. Or am I?
Henrietta Howel can burst into flames. When she is brought to London to train with Her Majesty's sorcerers, she meets her fellow sorcerer trainees, young men eager to test her powers and her heart. One will challenge her. One will fight for her. One will betray her. As Henrietta discovers the secrets hiding behind the glamour of sorcerer life, she begins to doubt that she's the true prophesied one. With battle looming, how much will she risk to save the city — and the one she loves?
Why You Should Read It:
This Victorian fantasy felt like if Harry Potter met Pride and Prejudice. Set in a world where girls are expected to wear pretty dresses and have prim manners, this book showcased a strong, outspoken female lead as she navigated through a world full of magic and monsters in London. With enchanting world-building and a cast of lovable characters, this book makes for a fun read.
Thanks for stopping by my blog! Hope to see you around here sometime soon!
Taylor
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