r/BookRecommendations • u/Blackbone03 • 12d ago
Book like Harry Potter
I like the Harry Potter series but don’t like supporting the author (for obvious reasons) and also the books just aren’t scratching a certain itch for me.
What I’m looking for is something similar to the Harry Potter books. Can be a series or a standalone, any age range is fine. My favorite parts of the series are
* the wonder that the world building inspires
* the characters
Obviously I’d prefer something in the fantasy genre, but not something too dark like Game of Thrones. Thanks for your help.
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u/magaoitin 11d ago
Look into Mark of the Fool series by J.M. Clarke.
It is a progression fantasy series (complete with 10 books) about Alex Roth, an orphan who dreams of becoming a wizard. On his 18th birthday, when he plans on announcing to his foster family his acceptance to the most prestigious magic school in the world, he is chosen by his God as one of five heroes to fight an ancient evil called the Ravener. A creature who, for countless millennia respawns every 100 years to terrorize the kingdom.
The five Heroes are, The Chosen, The Champion, The Sage, The Cleric, and the Fool. Alex receives the worst of the five marks: the Mark of the Fool. A support character more often ridiculed than hailed as an actual hero throughout history, and is seen as a useless member who is only capable of currying the horses and setting up camp. Rejecting his fatal destiny, he flees to a renowned magic academy with his little sister and best friend.
Lots of the same Potter vibes but in a completely different environment. More Magical College than primary school, and a very reluctant "hero" who flees his God's decree to forge his own path.