Which Modern Fantasy Novels Build A Magical Society Like Harry Potter?

I think the 'magic' for a lot of us was tied to age. We grew with Harry. A series that does that brilliantly is 'The Protector of the Small' quartet by Tamora Pierce. You follow Keladry from age 10 to 18 as she trains to become a knight, the first girl to openly do so in a century. You see her through every bruise, victory, and moral challenge. The fantasy world of Tortall is rich, but the magic is in Kel's unwavering perseverance. It's a coming-of-age story with sword fights and occasional gods, and it feels earned every step of the way.

I'm gonna be that person and say sometimes the best thing is to branch out completely. The search for 'something like Harry Potter' can lead you to amazing books, but it can also set up unfair comparisons. Maybe try a fantasy that does its own unique thing brilliantly. Something like 'The Fifth Season' by N.K. Jemisin, which is about a world plagued by catastrophic climate events and the oppressed orogenes who can control seismic energy. It's a masterpiece of world-building, character, and theme, but it's nothing like Hogwarts. Or 'Gideon the Ninth' which is lesbian necromancers in space—wildly original, hilarious, and gripping. Harry Potter's magic was in its specific combination of elements, but fantasy is a vast genre. You might find your new favorite book in a subgenre you never expected. The sense of wonder can come from many places, not just magical schools and chosen ones. Not trying to dismiss the question, just offering an alternative perspective from someone who went down this rabbit hole and came out the other side loving things that were nothing like Potter at all.

Growing up, I was totally drawn into the magical worlds of novels that feature schools for wizards and witches, kind of like 'Harry Potter'. One standout is 'The Magicians' by Lev Grossman. It’s got this more adult twist on the whole magical school concept, blending fantasy with a bit of realism. Instead of a whimsical place, it's a darker, more complex journey, exploring deeper themes like depression and belonging, making it super relatable even if you can’t cast a spell. Then there's 'A Deadly Education' by Naomi Novik, which is hilarious—imagine a school where the deadly creatures are a constant threat, and you really have to be on your A-game to survive. It's fascinating how it flips the school trope on its head, focusing on survival rather than just learning spells. And let’s not forget 'Nevermoor: The Trials of Morrigan Crow' by Jessica Townsend. It’s like a breath of fresh air, featuring a unique magical system and an amazing world with whimsical characters. Morrigan’s adventure really captures that sense of wonder and escapism. For a classic feel, I loved 'The Worst Witch' by Jill Murphy. It’s nostalgia all the way with a lighter tone that kids can really get into while still offering that magical school environment. If you’ve got little ones around or just want a cozy read, this one’s golden. It’s amazing to see how different authors take the idea of magical schools in unique directions, each adding their own twist to what it means to learn magic. So, if you're craving another magical adventure, these might just hit the spot. Keep those wands at the ready!