Harry Potter
Harry Potter is a series of seven fantasy novels written by British author J. K. Rowling. The novels chronicle the lives of a young wizard, Harry Potter, and his friends, Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger, all of whom are students at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.
The main story arc concerns Harry's conflict with Lord Voldemort, a dark wizard who intends to become immortal, overthrow the wizard governing body known as the Ministry of Magic, and subjugate all wizards and Muggles (non-magical people).
Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone
By J.K. Rowling
Turning the envelope over, his hand trembling, Harry saw a purple wax seal bearing a coat of arms; a lion, an eagle, a badger and a snake surrounding a large letter 'H'. Harry Potter has never even heard of Hogwarts when the letters start dropping on the doormat at number four, Privet Drive. Addressed in green ink on yellowish parchment with a purple seal, they are swiftly confiscated by his grisly aunt and uncle. Then, on Harry's eleventh birthday, a great beetle-eyed giant of a man called Rubeus Hagrid bursts in with some astonishing news: Harry Potter is a wizard, and he has a place at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. An incredible adventure is about to begin! Having become classics of our time, the Harry Potter eBooks never fail to bring comfort and escapism.
Published: 2015
Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets
By J.K. Rowling
'There is a plot, Harry Potter. A plot to make most terrible things happen at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry this year.' Harry Potter's summer has included the worst birthday ever, doomy warnings from a house-elf called Dobby, and rescue from the Dursleys by his friend Ron Weasley in a magical flying car! Back at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry for his second year, Harry hears strange whispers echo through empty corridors - and then the attacks start. Students are found as though turned to stone... Dobby's sinister predictions seem to be coming true. Having become classics of our time, the Harry Potter eBooks never fail to bring comfort and escapism.
Published: 2015
Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban
By J.K. Rowling
'Welcome to the Knight Bus, emergency transport for the stranded witch or wizard. Just stick out your wand hand, step on board and we can take you anywhere you want to go.' When the Knight Bus crashes through the darkness and screeches to a halt in front of him, it's the start of another far from ordinary year at Hogwarts for Harry Potter. Sirius Black, escaped mass-murderer and follower of Lord Voldemort, is on the run - and they say he is coming after Harry. In his first ever Divination class, Professor Trelawney sees an omen of death in Harry's tea leaves... But perhaps most terrifying of all are the Dementors patrolling the school grounds, with their soul-sucking kiss... Having become classics of our time, the Harry Potter eBooks never fail to bring comfort and escapism.
Published: 2015
Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire
By J.K. Rowling
'There will be three tasks, spaced throughout the school year, and they will test the champions in many different ways ... their magical prowess - their daring - their powers of deduction - and, of course, their ability to cope with danger.' The Triwizard Tournament is to be held at Hogwarts. Only wizards who are over seventeen are allowed to enter - but that doesn't stop Harry dreaming that he will win the competition. Then at Hallowe'en, when the Goblet of Fire makes its selection, Harry is amazed to find his name is one of those that the magical cup picks out. He will face death-defying tasks, dragons and Dark wizards, but with the help of his best friends, Ron and Hermione, he might just make it through - alive! Having become classics of our time, the Harry Potter eBooks never fail to bring comfort and escapism.
Published: 2015
Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix
By J.K. Rowling
'You are sharing the Dark Lord's thoughts and emotions. The Headmaster thinks it inadvisable for this to continue. He wishes me to teach you how to close your mind to the Dark Lord.' Dark times have come to Hogwarts. After the Dementors' attack on his cousin Dudley, Harry Potter knows that Voldemort will stop at nothing to find him. There are many who deny the Dark Lord's return, but Harry is not alone: a secret order gathers at Grimmauld Place to fight against the Dark forces. Harry must allow Professor Snape to teach him how to protect himself from Voldemort's savage assaults on his mind. But they are growing stronger by the day and Harry is running out of time...
Published: 2015
Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince
By J.K. Rowling
There it was, hanging in the sky above the school: the blazing green skull with a serpent tongue, the mark Death Eaters left behind whenever they had entered a building... wherever they had murdered... When Dumbledore arrives at Privet Drive one summer night to collect Harry Potter, his wand hand is blackened and shrivelled, but he does not reveal why. Secrets and suspicion are spreading through the wizarding world, and Hogwarts itself is not safe. Harry is convinced that Malfoy bears the Dark Mark: there is a Death Eater amongst them. Harry will need powerful magic and true friends as he explores Voldemort's darkest secrets, and Dumbledore prepares him to face his destiny...
Published: 2015
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows
By J.K. Rowling
'Give me Harry Potter,' said Voldemort's voice, 'and none shall be harmed. Give me Harry Potter, and I shall leave the school untouched. Give me Harry Potter, and you will be rewarded.' As he climbs into the sidecar of Hagrid's motorbike and takes to the skies, leaving Privet Drive for the last time, Harry Potter knows that Lord Voldemort and the Death Eaters are not far behind. The protective charm that has kept Harry safe until now is broken, but he cannot keep hiding. The Dark Lord is breathing fear into everything Harry loves and to stop him Harry will have to find and destroy the remaining Horcruxes. The final battle must begin - Harry must stand and face his enemy...
Published: 2015
Reading Guide
Harry Potter Books in Order: Complete Reading Guide
Last updated: July 2025
The Harry Potter series might seem straightforward, but with companion books, screenplays, and spin-offs, many readers wonder about the best reading order. Here's your complete guide to experiencing J.K. Rowling's Wizarding World in the most rewarding sequence.
Quick Answer: Start Here
For first-time readers: Read the 7 main books in publication order, then explore companion books.
Core series reading order:
- Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone
- Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets
- Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban
- Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire
- Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix
- Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince
- Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows
Why Reading Order Matters
Unlike some fantasy series, Harry Potter must be read in order. Each book builds directly on the previous ones with:
- Character development: Harry's growth from age 11 to 17
- Mystery reveals: Clues planted in early books pay off later
- Relationship evolution: Friendships, romances, and rivalries develop over time
- Magic system expansion: New spells and concepts build on established rules
- Plot threads: Voldemort's return and the prophecy unfold across multiple books
Starting with book 4 or 6 would spoil major plot points and leave you completely lost.
Complete Wizarding World Reading Order
Option 1: Publication Order (Recommended)
Main Series (1997-2007):
1. Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone (1997)
2. Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (1998)
3. Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (1999)
4. Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (2000)
5. Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix (2003)
6. Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince (2005)
7. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows (2007)
Companion Books:
8. The Tales of Beedle the Bard (2008)
9. Quidditch Through the Ages (2001)
10. Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them (2001)
Fantastic Beasts Series:
11. Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them: The Original Screenplay (2016)
12. Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald (2018)
13. Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore (2022)
The Cursed Child:
14. Harry Potter and the Cursed Child (2016) - Read after main series
Option 2: Chronological Order (For Completists)
If you want to experience events in Wizarding World chronological order:
- Fantastic Beasts series (1920s-1930s)
- Main Harry Potter series (1991-1998)
- Harry Potter and the Cursed Child (2020s)
- Companion books (anytime)
Note: Most fans recommend publication order for first-time readers, as the Fantastic Beasts series assumes knowledge from the main series.
Individual Book Summaries
Book 1: Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone
Harry discovers he's a wizard on his 11th birthday and enters Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. He makes his first friends, learns about his parents' death, and faces the mysterious Philosopher's Stone. Essential starting point - introduces the magical world, main characters, and Harry's origin story.
Book 2: Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets
Students are being petrified at Hogwarts, and Harry can hear a sinister voice in the walls. He discovers he can speak to snakes and faces the monster in the Chamber of Secrets. Builds on book 1 with deeper Hogwarts lore and introduces Tom Riddle's diary.
Book 3: Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban
Sirius Black escapes from wizard prison, apparently hunting Harry. Harry learns more about his parents and discovers the truth about betrayal and loyalty. Fan favorite that introduces time travel and expands the wizarding world beyond Hogwarts.
Book 4: Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire
Harry competes in the dangerous Triwizard Tournament and witnesses Voldemort's return to physical form. Turning point - the series becomes darker and more complex from here.
Book 5: Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix
Harry deals with PTSD from Voldemort's return while the wizarding world denies the truth. He forms Dumbledore's Army and faces his greatest loss. Longest book exploring themes of government corruption and teenage angst.
Book 6: Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince
Harry learns about Voldemort's past through memories while romance blooms at Hogwarts. The war escalates with devastating consequences. Sets up the finale with crucial backstory and character development.
Book 7: Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows
Harry, Ron, and Hermione abandon school to hunt Voldemort's remaining Horcruxes and end the war. Epic conclusion that resolves all major plot threads and character arcs.
What About the Companion Books?
The Tales of Beedle the Bard
Wizarding fairy tales mentioned in book 7. Read after the main series - references events from Deathly Hallows.
Quidditch Through the Ages & Fantastic Beasts (Original)
Fun reference books about magical sports and creatures. Can be read anytime but most enjoyable after book 1 when you understand the concepts.
Harry Potter and the Cursed Child
Stage play script set 19 years after Deathly Hallows, focusing on Harry's son Albus. Controversial among fans - some consider it official canon, others don't. Read only after completing the main series.
Common Reading Order Questions
Should I read the companion books between main books?
No. The companion books were written as supplements to the complete series. Read the 7 main books first, then explore the extras.
Can I skip any books?
Absolutely not. Each book is essential to the overall story. Even fans who dislike certain books (often book 5) agree they're necessary for character development and plot progression.
What about the movies vs. books?
Read the books first. The movies cut significant plot points and character development. If you've only seen movies, the books will feel like discovering new stories.
Should I read Fantastic Beasts before or after Harry Potter?
After Harry Potter. While Fantastic Beasts is set earlier chronologically, it was written for audiences familiar with the Harry Potter world and contains references that work better with prior knowledge.
Is there a difference between UK and US editions?
Minor differences in language (Philosopher's vs. Sorcerer's Stone, different slang terms). Choose based on availability - the story is identical.
Reading Tips for New Fans
Start young or old: Don't worry about the books being "for children." The series matures as Harry ages, and adult readers find plenty to enjoy.
Pace yourself: Each book gets longer and more complex. It's fine to take breaks between books to process events.
Avoid spoilers: Stay off fan wikis and forums until you finish. Major plot points are frequently discussed without warning.
Keep a character list: Especially helpful from book 4 onward as the cast expands significantly.
Why Harry Potter Reading Order Guides Matter
Despite being a straightforward series, Harry Potter generates thousands of reading order searches monthly because:
- New readers want confirmation they're starting correctly
- Parents seek age-appropriate guidance for children
- Completists want to include all companion material properly
- Movie fans aren't sure how books relate to films
- Returning fans want to revisit after years away
The good news? Unlike complex fantasy epics, Harry Potter's reading order is simple. Start with book 1, read straight through to book 7, then explore the extras. The magic awaits.
Ready to start your Hogwarts journey? The link below will take you to each book in the correct order.