It's time to pack your trunk and bid farewell to Hogwarts! If rereading the seven books isn't on your immediate agenda, fear not! A plethora of captivating books await, ready to satisfy your craving for fantastical storytelling. From magical school murder mysteries to spell-casting academies nestled among the clouds, and from low-stakes fantasy adventures to a boarding school for children rejected by mythical portals, 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? Gather your friends for a magical time with one of the best Harry Potter board games, or delve into our list of the best movies like Harry Potter for a cinematic experience echoing the beloved 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 soaring high above the clouds. Ella, the school's first conjurer, is brimming with excitement, but the Arcanum isn't all it seems; secrets and mistrust lurk 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 of places. Ella is a dynamic protagonist, and you'll finish The Marvellers eager for more, desperate to rejoin her in her magical world.
Hardcover and Kindle versions are available now; the paperback is available for pre-order on August 29, 2023. See it at Amazon
Percy Jackson & the Olympians
Rick Riordan's epic fantasy series serves as a wonderful 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 expertly balance the fantastical with the everyday, featuring a hero with ADHD and dyslexia who navigates the challenges of growing up. Riordan initially 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 dive into the new Percy Jackson series on Disney+ for more adventures.
All five books in the blockbuster Percy Jackson & the Olympians series are collected in this paperback boxed set, perfect for demigods, and includes 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 fantastic follow-up for Harry Potter fans. The story centers on young Eragon, who stumbles upon a dragon egg and is thrust into a world of magic, danger, and dragons. Across four books, you witness the growth of both Eragon and his dragon as they confront a seemingly all-powerful enemy bent on destruction. It's a compelling young adult fantasy that bridges the gap between Harry Potter and The Lord of the Rings.
Legends & Lattes
If your favorite Hogwarts memories involve lavish feasts and trips to Hogsmeade, Legends & Lattes is your next read. Travis Baldree's charming cozy fantasy has taken the internet by storm, and for good reason. This delightful tale of an orc abandoning her warrior life to open a coffee shop is one of the most magical and fantastical stories in recent years. Filled with delicious baked goods, steaming hot drinks, and endearing customers, this found family story fulfills your fantasy needs without the anxiety of high stakes or graphic violence. Instead, the pages are brimming with witty banter, budding romance, and the joy of 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 made a significant impact. Yadriel, secure in his identity, attempts to prove his family wrong with a spell, but instead of summoning his cousin, he summons the ghost of his school's notorious bad boy, Julian. Forced to help Julian find peace, Yadriel must navigate this unexpected situation before returning to his life. Sweet, spooky, and romantic, this unique fantasy novel will keep you hooked 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 addition to the magical school genre is a collection of interconnected short stories about the Galileo Academy for the Extraordinary, rocked by a murder. Eighteen chapters, each written by a different author—Cam Montgomery, Darcie Little Badger, Hafsah Faizal, Jessica Lewis, Julian Winters, Karuna Riazi, Kat Cho, Kayla Whaley, Kwame Mbalia, L. L. McKinney, Marieke Nijkamp, Mason Deaver, Natasha Díaz, Preeti Chhibber, Randy Ribay, Tehlor Kay Mejia, Victoria Lee, and Yamile Saied Méndez—offer eighteen students' perspectives, providing a bold, subversive, and ultimately radical take on the magic school trope. Grimoire of the Grave Fates represents the kind of thoughtful fantasy we need more of.
Hardcover and Kindle versions are available now. See it at Amazon
Magic For Liars
Murder is rampant at magical schools, as demonstrated in Magic For Liars, where a gruesome killing draws private investigator Ivy Gamble back into the supernatural world that rejected her. While her sister thrived at The Osthorne Academy of Young Mages, Ivy struggles to make ends meet until she's hired to solve a murder at the very academy where her estranged twin teaches. This contemporary twist on the classic magic school tale is witty, mature, and set in a realistically rendered world with subtle magical elements. The mystery will keep you guessing, but the intricate character work and relationships will truly captivate you.
Hardcover and Kindle versions are available now. See it at Amazon
Be Sure
This delightful collection of the first three stories in Seanan McGuire's Wayward Children series is the perfect summer or fall read. McGuire's bestselling novellas, beginning with Every Heart a Doorway, have enchanted readers since their release and are now collected for the first time. Set in a school for children expelled from portal worlds—think Alice in Wonderland or The Chronicles of Narnia—the series begins with a murder mystery and continues to surprise. Filled with fascinating characters, incredible worlds, and McGuire's engaging storytelling, these are some of the best fantasy stories of the last decade. Prepare to fall in love and have your heart broken as you explore what lies beyond the door.
Hardcover version also available. See it at Amazon
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