J.K. Rowling's Harry Potter cycle has undeniably influenced several generations of readers and viewers. Cleverly blending the codes of both fantasy and the school story—a quintessentially British literary genre—Harry Potter is an intergenerational saga. Completed in 2007 in its paper version, and in 2011 in its film version, it is once again making waves with the series project produced by HBO, for which we have summarized the casting. While waiting for its release, here are seven sagas that will please fans of Harry Potter!
#1 Fantastic Beasts, by J.K. Rowling and David Yates
As fans of Harry Potter know, J.K. Rowling's literary cycle integrates a larger transmedia universe: the Wizarding World. During the 2010s, the Scottish writer teamed up with English director David Yates, who had directed the last four Harry Potter films, to develop a new series: Fantastic Beasts. The series immerses us in the tensions that shook the Wizarding world during the first half of the 20th century, through the eyes of the magizoologist Newt Scamander. The ambitious series unfortunately did not make it past its third installment due to audience disaffection. Although imperfect, not to say full of flaws - particularly in terms of the writing, which has numerous continuity problems - we retain a certain sympathy for Fantastic Beasts which has allowed the magic of the Harry Potter saga to continue for several years.
#2 His Dark Materials, by Philip Pullman
Published in the United Kingdom between 1995 and 2000, the His Dark Materials trilogy by Philip Pullman is undoubtedly the biggest competitor to the adventures of the young wizard with glasses. The adventures of the young and intrepid Lyra Belacqua and her daemon Pantalaimon are a true treasure trove of inventiveness. Parallel worlds, witches, angels, fighting bears—Philip Pullman's imagination seems limitless in this masterpiece inspired by Milton's Paradise Lost. While Lyra Belacqua's heroic destiny and the prophecy that surrounds her make her a fascinating character to follow, she is surrounded by equally iconic supporting characters, such as Lord Asriel, Marisa Coulter, Will Parry, Lee Scoresby, and Iorek Byrnison. A true attack on religious fundamentalism, His Dark Materials has been given a sequel, The Dust Trilogy, the final volume of which will be released later this year. Our anticipation is at its peak!
#3 The Mirror Visitor, by Christelle Dabos
A true source of French pride, The Mirror Visitor confirms the immense talent of French fantasy authors. It follows the adventures of Ophelia, a young woman with the ability to read the history of objects and walk through mirrors, who is forcibly betrothed to the mysterious and calculating Thorn after an arranged marriage. The Looking-Glass tetralogy plunges us into the world of floating arks, each with its own unique culture and powers. Like Harry Potter, Looking-Glass combines a personal quest with epic stakes, and celebrates qualities such as loyalty, courage, and friendship. The saga also draws some of its strength from its memorable supporting characters, such as Berenilde and Aunt Roseline. A must-read! Snicket
One of the great strengths of the Harry Potter cycle is the deep friendship and loyalty shared by the three main characters: Harry, Ron, and Hermione. Another close-knit trio that should please fans of J.K. Rowling's novels is Violet, Klaus, and Sunny, the three heroes of the A Series of Unfortunate Events by writer Lemony Snicket. After the tragic death of their parents in a fire, the three children are placed in the care of the sinister Count Olaf, a man willing to do anything to seize their fortune. In each volume, the three orphans are plunged into perilous situations. Full of dark humor and suspense, this literary saga adapted into a series by Netflix is based on the love that the three siblings have for each other, which is their greatest asset in the face of adversity from malicious adults.
#5 Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children, by Ramson Riggs
Before being a film directed by Tim Burton, Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children is a literary cycle of six novels that follows the adventures of Jacob Portman, a teenager who, after the death of his grandfather, discovers a strange school populated by children with extraordinary abilities, off the coast of Wales. The school run by Miss Peregrine—the headmistress who can transform into a bird and manipulate time—is threatened by the Stars, monstrous creatures that hunt children. Blending fantasy and nostalgia, this kind of gothic X-Men is an ideal recommendation for all Harry Potter fans. Like the work of J.K. Rowling, Ramson Riggs' novels pay homage to the spirit of teenage camaraderie and the tolerance of difference.
#6 The Spook's Apprentice, by Joseph Delaney
The only cycle in our selection to take place in a medieval-fantasy universe, Joseph Delaney's The Spook's Apprentice plunges us into the adventures of Thomas Ward, the seventh son of a seventh son, who becomes the apprentice of the Spook John Gregory, charged with protecting the Shire against witches, goblins, and other evil creatures. Like Harry, Tom is a young hero who finds himself thrust into a dangerous world where he must learn its codes and develop his own skills to survive. Moreover, the relationship between Tom and John Gregory is one of the greatest strengths of the saga, similar to the relationship between Harry and Albus Dumbledore.
#7 Percy Jackson, by Rick Riordan
When Percy Jackson, a New York teenager, discovers that he is the son of Poseidon and that he is in fact a demigod, he finds himself thrust into a world where the Greek gods still exist. Alongside his friends Annabeth - daughter of Athena - and the satyr Grover, he explores Camp Half-Blood and confronts deities and titans. Full of humor, Rick Riordan's saga modernizes Greek mythology. The comparisons with Harry Potter are quite obvious: an ordinary young hero discovers a hidden world along with his own powers, and evolves to become a courageous leader. The work has been adapted for film and series for Disney+.
Did you like this article? Then don't hesitate to discover this fantasy work which could become the new Game of Thrones if it were adapted!
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