Artemis Fowl is a beloved series of eight books written by Eoin Colfer. The series revolves around the adventures of a young boy named Artemis Fowl II, a criminal mastermind who hatches a plan to steal gold from the fairies. The books are a perfect blend of adventure, fantasy, magic, and humor, making them a favorite among readers of all ages.
You’re in luck if you’re looking for more books like Artemis Fowl. We’ve compiled a list of 20 books that capture the magic and wonder of Colfer’s series. These books feature daring protagonists, supernatural creatures, and mythical worlds that will take you on a journey you won’t forget.
Let’s dive in!
Percy Jackson and the Olympians by Rick Riordan
Percy Jackson and the Olympians is a five-book series that follows the adventures of Percy Jackson, a demigod with ADHD and dyslexia. When Percy discovers that his father is Poseidon, the god of the sea, he is whisked away to Camp Half-Blood, a summer camp for demigods. Along with his friends Annabeth Chase and Grover Underwood, Percy must go on a series of quests to save the world of the gods and prevent a war between the Olympians and the Titans.
With its fast-paced action, witty humor, and clever retellings of Greek myths, Percy Jackson and the Olympians is a must-read for fans of Artemis Fowl. Riordan’s writing style is engaging and accessible, making this series perfect for younger and older readers.
Harry Potter by J.K. Rowling
No children’s fantasy and magic book list would be complete without Harry Potter. This seven-book series follows the journey of Harry Potter, an orphan boy who discovers he is a wizard. At Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, Harry learns magic, makes friends, and battles the evil Lord Voldemort.
Rowling’s world-building is unparalleled, and her characters are beloved by readers all over the world. With themes of friendship, love, and sacrifice, the Harry Potter series is a timeless classic that will continue to enchant readers for generations to come.
The Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis
The Chronicles of Narnia is a seven-book series introduce readers to the magical world of Narnia. When siblings Peter, Susan, Edmund, and Lucy stumble into a wardrobe and are transported to a world of talking animals, mythical creatures, and epic battles, they realize they have a destiny to fulfill.
Lewis’s prose is beautiful, and his themes are timeless. With its mix of adventure, fantasy, and Christian allegory, The Chronicles of Narnia is a series that has stood the test of time.
The Magicians by Lev Grossman
The Magicians is a trilogy that takes place at Brakebills College for Magical Pedagogy. When Quentin Coldwater discovers that magic is real, he is thrilled to be accepted into the secretive school. But as he delves deeper into the world of magic, Quentin realizes that it is far more dangerous and complicated than he ever imagined.
Grossman’s writing is dark, witty, and introspective. With its themes of disillusionment, depression, and the dark side of magic, The Magicians is a refreshing take on the genre that will appeal to fans of Artemis Fowl, who are looking for something a little more mature.
The Secrets of the Immortal Nicholas Flamel by Michael Scott
The Secrets of the Immortal Nicholas Flamel is a six-book series that transports readers to a world of magic and mythology. When twins Sophie and Josh Newman stumble into a magical world of immortal beings and ancient legends, they find themselves in the middle of a battle between good and evil that could decide the fate of the world.
Scott’s world-building is impressive, and his characters are complex and compelling. With its mix of mythology, magic, and adventure, The Secrets of the Immortal Nicholas Flamel series will keep readers on the edge of their seats.
The Bartimaeus Trilogy by Jonathan Stroud
The Bartimaeus Trilogy is a beloved children’s fantasy series that follows the adventures of young magician Nathaniel and his wisecracking djinni, Bartimaeus. The series by Jonathan Stroud has received critical acclaim for its intricate world-building, complex characters, and engaging plot.
Set in an alternate version of London, the series features a magic system that relies heavily on summoning and binding spirits, which can often have unforeseen and dangerous consequences. Nathaniel, a gifted but ambitious young magician, seeks to climb the ranks of the government’s magical elite, and he often turns to Bartimaeus for help with his schemes.
The trilogy is known for its strong character development, with Nathaniel evolving from a ruthless and selfish magician to a more compassionate and empathetic person throughout the series. Bartimaeus, too, is a standout character, providing much of the series’ humor and snarky commentary on the world around him.
Overall, The Bartimaeus Trilogy is a thrilling and thought-provoking fantasy series that will appeal to fans of Artemis Fowl and other young adult fantasy novels.
The Seeker: The Dark is Rising by Susan Cooper
The Seeker: The Dark is Rising is a classic children’s fantasy series that follows Will Stanton, a young boy who discovers he is the last of the Old Ones – immortal beings who have protected the world from the forces of darkness for centuries.
As Will learns to control his powers and battle the evil forces of the Dark, he must also navigate the challenges of growing up in a world he no longer fully understands. The series is rich with mythology and folklore and a must-read for anyone who loves epic fantasy.
The series follows their adventures as they learn to control their powers, decipher hieroglyphics, and battle dangerous creatures from Egyptian mythology. With Riordan’s trademark humor and action-packed storytelling, The Kane Chronicles is a thrilling and magical journey through ancient Egypt.
The Spiderwick Chronicles by Tony DiTerlizzi and Holly Black
The Spiderwick Chronicles follow the Grace children – Simon, Mallory, and Jared – as they move into their great-aunt’s old house and discover a world of fairies and other magical creatures.
The children must navigate dangerous battles with goblins and trolls as they learn to use the magical seeing stone that allows them to see the creatures that inhabit their world. The series is filled with whimsical illustrations and a sense of wonder that will delight readers of all ages.
The Magisterium series by Holly Black and Cassandra Clare
The Magisterium series is a collaboration between the biggest names in young adult fantasy, Holly Black and Cassandra Clare. The series follows the adventures of Callum Hunt, a boy with a complicated past who is chosen to attend the Magisterium, a school for young mages.
As Callum learns to control his magic and navigate the dangerous politics of the mage world, he begins to uncover a conspiracy that threatens everything he knows. With complex characters and a richly imagined magical world, The Magisterium series is a must-read for fans of young adult fantasy.
The Mortal Instruments by Cassandra Clare
The Mortal Instruments is a six-book series that centers on Clary Fray, a teenage girl who learns she is a Shadowhunter. The book portrays shadow-hunters as the human-angel mix who hunts demons. With the help of her fellow Shadowhunters, including the enigmatic Jace Wayland, Clary must navigate a dangerous and magical world filled with demons, vampires, and werewolves. The series is full of action, romance, and humor and explores love, identity, and family themes.
The Rangers Apprentice by John Flanagan
The Ranger’s Apprentice series by John Flanagan is a captivating fantasy series that follows the journey of a young boy named Will as he aspires to become a ranger, a legendary protector of the Kingdom. Alongside his mentor, Halt, Will learns the skills necessary to become a ranger, including tracking, archery, and sword fighting. The Rangers is set in a world of knights, castles, and battles, and this series is packed with action, adventure, and mystery to keep readers engaged until the end.
The Beyonders series by Brandon Mull
The Beyonders series by Brandon Mull is a thrilling epic fantasy series that takes readers on a journey to another world. The series follows the adventures of Jason Walker, a boy who finds himself transported to a magical world called Lyrian.
There, he must embark on a dangerous quest to find a way back home, all while trying to stop an evil wizard from destroying Lyrian. With a vast world filled with magic, creatures, and adventure, the Beyonders series is sure to delight fans of all ages.
The Inheritance Cycle by Christopher Paolini
The Inheritance Cycle by Christopher Paolini is a sweeping epic fantasy series in the land of Alagaesia, where magic and dragons once thrived. The series follows the story of Eragon, a young farm boy who discovers a dragon egg and becomes the last of the Dragon Riders.
Together with his dragon, Saphira, Eragon embarks on a journey to overthrow the evil king and restore peace to Alagaesia. Filled with action, adventure, magic, and dragons, the Inheritance Cycle is a must-read for fans of epic fantasy.
His Dark Materials by Philip Pullman
His Dark Materialsby Philip Pullman is a beloved fantasy trilogy that takes place in a world much like our own but with subtle differences. The series follows the adventures of Lyra Belacqua, a young girl who sets out on a dangerous journey to rescue her friend and uncover the secrets of the universe.
Along the way, she discovers the truth about the nature of the universe, battles with fantastical creatures, and meets a host of unforgettable characters. With themes of love, sacrifice, and the importance of free will, His Dark Materials is a classic that will leave readers breathless.
The Keys to the Kingdom by Garth Nix
The Keys to the Kingdom by Garth Nix is an imaginative and thrilling fantasy series that follows the adventures of Arthur Penhaligon, a boy who discovers he is the rightful heir to a magical kingdom known as the house. With the help of his loyal companions, Arthur must navigate through the seven domains of the house to retrieve the Keys to the Kingdom. Each of these keys unlocks a different part of the house.
Along the way, Arthur battles against a host of enemies, including the infamous Morrow Days, to claim his rightful place as ruler of the house. With intricate world-building, fascinating characters, and an epic quest, The Keys to the Kingdom is a must-read for fantasy fans of all ages.
The Last Apprentice series by Joseph Delaney
The Last Apprentice series, also known as The Wardstone Chronicles, is a dark and eerie fantasy series that follows the story of Tom Ward, an apprentice to the Spook, who is responsible for protecting the county from evil forces. The series is set in a fictional version of England and draws heavily from English folklore and legends. The Last Apprentice series is full of suspense, horror, and action that will keep readers on the edge of their seats.
The Land of Stories by Chris Colfer
The Land of Stories series is a delightful and whimsical adventure series that follows the story of twins Alex and Conner Bailey, who is transported into a magical world of fairy tales. The series takes readers on an exciting journey through classic fairy tales with a unique and modern twist. The Land of Stories series is filled with magic, humor, and heartwarming moments that will capture the imagination of readers of all ages.
The Children of the Red King series by Jenny Nimmo
The Children of the Red King series, also known as the Charlie Bone series, is a magical and mystical adventure series that follows the story of Charlie Bone. Bone is a young boy who discovers a special gift that allows him to see and communicate with people in photographs. The series is set in a mysterious boarding school, Bloor’s Academy, full of secrets and hidden powers. The Children of the Red King series is full of twists, turns, and surprises that keep readers guessing until the end.
The Neverending Story by Michael Ende
A young boy named Bastian finds a magical book that enables him to travel to the fantastical realm of Fantastica in the classic fantasy novel The Neverending Story. The story follows Bastian’s journey through Fantastica as he tries to save the world from the evil force known as The Nothing. The Neverending Story is a timeless tale that explores the power of imagination, storytelling’s importance, and friendship’s beauty. It is a must-read for any fan of fantasy literature.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes these children’s fantasy and magic books stand out from others?
The children’s fantasy and magic books in this list are highly imaginative and feature unique magical worlds and characters that capture the imagination of young readers. They also often tackle themes of friendship, courage, and perseverance in the face of adversity.
Are the books suitable for all age groups, or are they recommended for a specific age range?
Most of the books in this list are aimed at children and young adults, but many adults also enjoy them. The age range varies depending on the book, but generally, they are recommended for ages 8-16.
Can both children and adults enjoy these books?
Yes, many of these books have become classics and are beloved by readers of all ages. The themes explored in these books are universal and resonate with readers of all ages.
Do these books have any underlying themes or messages that readers can take away from them?
Many books explore friendship, courage, family, and good versus evil themes. They often teach important life lessons about acceptance, compassion, and the power of perseverance.
What sets these books apart from the Artemis Fowl series while still maintaining a similar feel?
While these books share a similar genre and tone as the Artemis Fowl series, each has its own unique world and characters. They often have different themes and explore various aspects of magic and fantasy, but all share a sense of adventure and excitement that will captivate readers.
What makes these books similar to Artemis Fowl?
These books share common themes and elements with Artemis Fowl, such as children as main characters and a focus on fantasy, magic, adventure, and action. They also feature intricate plots, well-developed characters, and imaginative worlds.
