I’m looking for a book or series that captures the magic of Harry Potter. I have so much nostalgia for it, and I want something that can hit me just as hard emotionally as an adult reader. I’ve read hundreds of books, but very few have characters I truly bond with, the kind where a death is absolutely gut-wrenching and leaves you reeling.
I’m looking for a fantasy or magical world with memorable, beloved characters, ideally in a story where tragic losses are real and impactful. I’m open to middle grade, YA, or adult, as long as the story brings that exciting, magical vibe and delivers moments that are truly heart-shattering.
by SamAndCheeseHandwich
8 Comments
The Traveler’s Gate Trilogy by Will Wight. Magic is used by calling energy and creatures from other worlds called territories. People who can draw from their territories are called travelers. The first book in the series is House of Blades. This series has a couple emotional highs and lows, between various character successes and losses.
You might dig Mercedes Lackey.
A Deadly Education by Naomi Novik. El and Orion will not be leaving my mind anytime soon.
His Dark Materials by Philip Pullman.
Theft of Swords by Michael J. Sullivan
The Jasmine Throne by Tasha Suri
Lore Olympus by Rachel Smythe – no one dies but they go through traumatic things and you develop emotional bonds with the characters
Malazan book of the fallen (series) by Steven Erikson. The first book is probably what you are used to then it starts getting pretty grim and tragic is everywhere.
Have you tried Dungeon Crawler Carl? It has all that. Starts out lite and a little rough, but quickly gets deeper into character development. It gets pretty heavy, but also has some of the funniest laugh out loud lines I have ever heard 😅 And the audiobook narrator is astounding in his range. Sounds like a full cast, but it’s just ONE guy.
Another one I really like is Robert Galbraith’s (JK Rowling) Cormoran Strike series. I was tired of ultra young protagonists “coming of age” stories. The Strike novels feature grown ass adults with complicated back stories. People who have been there and done that. Exciting murder mysteries. Worth a try.
I also liked The Thursday Murder Club. More light hearted and takes place at a posh old folks home. I especially liked the first one. Touching and real.
Oh and my best “Comfort Media”, The Murderbot Diaries, from Martha Wells, read by Kevin R Free. Murderbot is very endearing, right from the start. Short reads too (so if you are on Audible don’t waste a credit, just wait till they go on sale.
The latter two aren’t exactly fantasy, but the first – DCC, gets more incredible with every chapter. Don’t let the title put you off! You won’t be disappointed.
Hope you find something good here. I feel the same way about HP 💕
Edit: re Murderbot- the tv adaptation is nothing like the books, sadly. And the full cast rendition is shite! Ymmv. Good luck! Recommend any new favorites you find.
In addition to the suggestion of Mercedes Lackey above gave and which I second, here are some of my favorites for world building and relatable characters s well as an excellent plot line even over many books.
The Dresden Files,by Jim Butcher, up to book 18 now. First book Storm Front. Professional wizard who also helps out a paranormal branch of the Chicago PD. Magic, faerie, shapeshifters, vampires, etc. The most recent two are particularly heart shattering.
LE Modesitt Jr’s The Grand Illusion series, first book Isolate. This is fantasy in that it’s an alternate world with empathy and some similar powers.
Ilona Andrews Kate Daniels series, first book Magic Bites. Urban fantasy set after Magic starts coming back into our world.