Books Like Harry Potter and the Half-blood Prince

Kelly Barnhill

Like Hogwarts, it balances whimsy and real peril, with a found-family warmth and a dark current running under the magic that suits fans of Half-Blood Prince's growing unease.

Diana Wynne Jones

A witty fantasy full of enchantment, sharp humour and a magical household, much like the lighter classroom scenes that make Half-Blood Prince feel so lived-in.

Lev Grossman

A school for magic with students who are clever, flawed and out of their depth, which will appeal to readers who enjoyed the teenage world of Hogwarts in this instalment.

Ellen Raskin

A clever puzzle full of clues, red herrings and characters with hidden motives, echoing the detective-like search for hidden truths that drives Half-Blood Prince.

Neil Gaiman

A creepy, tightly paced story where an ordinary child uncovers a sinister secret, matching the eerie suspense that builds steadily through Half-Blood Prince.

Megan Whalen Turner

A sly, twisty adventure built on deception and hidden plans, rewarding readers who enjoy working out the schemes behind the story as Half-Blood Prince does.

R. J. Palacio

A warm story about a young boy starting school and finding his place among friends, capturing the same emotional focus on friendship and growing up found in Half-Blood Prince.

Jeanne Birdsall

A gentle, funny family story full of summer adventures and loyal siblings, suited to readers who loved the close bonds and everyday humour of Harry's circle.

Rick Riordan

A fast-moving modern fantasy where a young hero discovers a hidden magical world and a circle of friends, much like Harry's own discovery of wizarding life.

Ursula K. Le Guin

A classic coming-of-age fantasy about a young mage learning the power and cost of magic, offering the same sense of a rich, carefully built magical world as Half-Blood Prince.

J.R.R. Tolkien

A beloved adventure with a memorable mentor figure and a gradually darkening world, appealing to readers who enjoyed the growing scope of Rowling's story.