Is Ronan Boyle the new Harry Potter? We’re guessing author Thomas Lennon won’t be upset by any comparisons to the J.K. Rowling series. And while much of Harry Potter takes place in Scotland, the new middle-grades series, which kicks off with “Ronan Boyle and the Bridge of Riddles” (Amulet Books), takes readers to Ireland with 14-year-old Ronan, the latest (and lowest ranking) recruit to the Garda.

The Garda is a secret Irish police force that keeps misbehaving magical creatures (think law-breaking leprechauns, etc.) in check. Ronan’s parents are in jail, but he’s convinced they’ve been framed by assorted wee folk and he’s on a quest to prove their innocence. Ronan is small, socially awkward, has bad eyesight and an assortment of allergies, but no matter: He must head to Tir Na Nog, the land of leprechauns, to take on a series of characters from Irish mythology.

The series is illustrated by John Hendrix and written by Thomas Lennon, best known for his role as Lt. Jim Dangle on “Reno 911!” as well as co-writer of the “Night at the Museum” movies.