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 wealth of captivating books awaits, ready to satisfy your craving for fantastical storytelling. From magical school murder mysteries to cloud-dwelling academies and low-stakes fantasy adventures, even 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 for 2025, rivaling the magic of Harry Potter.
Looking for more Hogwarts magic? Gather your friends for a game of Harry Potter, or explore our list of films similar to the Harry Potter movies for a cinematic experience.
The Marvellers
If you long 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 yearn to join, yet doesn't shy away from the harsh realities that even magical spaces face. Ella is a dynamic protagonist, and you'll finish The Marvellers eager for more of her magical journey.
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 companion to the Boy Who Lived. Introducing a world where children of gods live among us, the first book follows Percy Jackson, son of Poseidon, on a perilous quest to find a thief who stole Zeus' lightning bolts and clear his name. These inclusive stories expertly blend the fantastical with the everyday, featuring a hero with ADHD and dyslexia navigating the challenges of growing up. Riordan initially wrote these 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 or dive into the new Percy Jackson series on Disney+ for more adventures.
All five books in the Percy Jackson & the Olympians series, 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 superb 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, confronting a powerful enemy threatening everything they hold dear. It's a fantastic young adult fantasy bridging the gap between Harry Potter and The Lord of the Rings.
Legends & Lattes
If Hogwarts' feasts and Hogsmeade visits were your favorites, 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 stories in recent years. Filled with delicious treats, steaming drinks, and charming customers, it's a heartwarming story that satisfies your fantasy cravings without the anxiety of high-stakes conflicts. Instead, it offers witty banter, budding romance, and delightful 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 but accidentally summons the wrong ghost is a must-read. Yadriel, confident in his identity, attempts to prove his family wrong with a spell, but instead summons the ghost of his school's notorious bad boy, Julian. Yadriel must help Julian find peace before returning to his life. Sweet, spooky, and romantic, this unique fantasy 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, rocked by a murder. Eighteen authors offer eighteen student perspectives in a bold, subversive, and ultimately radical take on the magic 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 abounds at magical schools, as proven in Magic For Liars, where a gruesome killing draws 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 twin teaches. This contemporary twist on the classic magic school tale is witty and adult, set in a realistic world with a subtle magical touch. The mystery, intricate characters, and 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/autumn read. Set in a school for children banished from portal worlds, the series begins with a murder mystery and continues to surprise. Filled with compelling characters, unbelievable worlds, and McGuire's engaging storytelling, these are some of the best fantasy stories of the last decade.
Hardcover version also available. See it at Amazon
