It's time to pack your bags and leave Hogwarts behind! If rereading the seven books isn't on your immediate agenda, fear not! A wealth of fantastic books awaits, ready to satisfy your craving for magical storytelling. From magical school murder mysteries to cloud-dwelling academies and low-stakes fantasy adventures, even a boarding school for magically-rejected children—this list has something for everyone. Grab your wand, find a cozy spot, and prepare to discover new favorite reads to rival the Harry Potter series in 2025.
Want more Hogwarts? Join your friends in the wizarding world with one of the best Harry Potter board games, or explore our list of the best movies like Harry Potter for a cinematic experience similar to the films.
The Marvellers
If you yearn for the feeling of being a new student at a magical academy, The Marvellers is your perfect match. Dhonielle Clayton transports you to the enchanting Arcanum, a global magic school nestled high in the clouds. Ella, the school's first conjurer, is thrilled, but the Arcanum holds secrets and mistrust behind its gilded doors. Clayton crafts a world you'll long to join, yet doesn't shy away from the harsh realities that impact even the most magical places. Ella is a captivating protagonist, and you'll finish The Marvellers desperate for more of her magical world.
Hardcover and Kindle editions are available now; paperback pre-orders begin August 29, 2023. See it at Amazon
Percy Jackson & the Olympians
Rick Riordan's epic fantasy series is a fantastic counterpart to the Boy Who Lived. Introducing a world where the children of gods live among us, the first book follows Percy Jackson, son of Poseidon, on a perilous quest to find the thief who stole Zeus' lightning bolts and clear his name. These inclusive, thoughtful stories blend the fantastical with the everyday, featuring a hero with ADHD and dyslexia, and addressing the realities of growing up. Riordan wrote these stories for his son, but the immersive world he created has captivated readers globally—and it's easy to see why.
Explore our complete guide to the Percy Jackson books in order, or watch the new Percy Jackson series on Disney+ for more adventures.
All five books in the Percy Jackson & the Olympians series are available in a paperback boxed set, complete with a bonus poster! (Hardcover and audio CD also available). See it at Amazon
Eragon (The Inheritance Cycle)
While lacking a school setting, Christopher Paolini's Inheritance Cycle is a perfect follow-up for Harry Potter fans. The story centers on young Eragon, who discovers a dragon egg and is thrust into a world of magic, danger, and dragons. Across four books, Eragon and his dragon grow up while confronting a powerful, malevolent enemy. It's a great young adult fantasy that bridges the gap between Harry Potter and The Lord of the Rings.
Legends & Lattes
If Hogwarts' feasts and Hogsmeade trips were your favorite parts, Legends & Lattes is your next read. Travis Baldree's cozy fantasy has taken the internet by storm. This charming tale of an orc abandoning her warrior life to open a coffee shop is one of the most magical and delightful stories in recent years. Filled with delicious baked goods, steaming drinks, and charming customers, it's a heartwarming story of found family, fulfilling your fantasy desires without the high-stakes anxiety. Instead, enjoy fun banter, budding romance, and baking!
Hardcover and Kindle versions are available now. See it at Amazon
Cemetery Boys
Aiden Thomas's stunning debut about a trans boy who dreams of becoming a Brujo is a must-read. Yadriel, confident in his identity, attempts to prove his family wrong with a spell, but summons the ghost of his school's notorious bad boy, Julian, instead. Yadriel must help Julian find peace before returning to his own life. Sweet, scary, and romantic, this unique fantasy novel will keep you captivated until the very end.
Hardcover and Kindle versions are available now. $0 with Kindle Unlimited. See it at Amazon
Grimoire of the Grave Fates
This innovative magical school story is a collection of interconnected short stories about the Galileo Academy for the Extraordinary, torn apart by a murder. Eighteen authors offer eighteen students' perspectives, creating a bold, subversive, and radical take on the magical school trope. Grimoire of the Grave Fates is the kind of thoughtful fantasy we need more of.
Hardcover and Kindle versions are available now. See it at Amazon
Magic For Liars
Murder plagues magical schools, as evidenced in Magic For Liars, where a gruesome killing brings private investigator Ivy Gamble back to the supernatural world that rejected her. While her sister thrived at The Osthorne Academy of Young Mages, Ivy struggles until hired to solve a murder at the very academy where her estranged twin teaches. This contemporary twist on the classic tale is witty and adult, set in a realistic world with a subtle magical touch. The mystery and intricate character relationships will keep you hooked.
Hardcover and Kindle versions are available now. See it at Amazon
Be Sure
This collection of the first three stories in Seanan McGuire's Wayward Children series is the perfect summer or fall read. Set in a school for children expelled from portal worlds (think Alice in Wonderland or Narnia), the series begins with a murder mystery and continues to surprise. Filled with complex characters, unbelievable worlds, and engaging storytelling, these are some of the best fantasy stories of the last decade.
Hardcover version also available. See it at Amazon
