If you're ready to pack up your trunk and bid farewell to Hogwarts, fear not—plenty of enchanting reads await to satiate your craving for magical storytelling. From thrilling murder mysteries set in magical schools to spell-teaching academies floating in the clouds, to cozy low-stakes fantasy and boarding schools for children rejected from their once-welcoming mythical realms, our curated list promises to captivate you. So, grab your magic wand, find a cozy nook, and prepare to discover new favorites to rival the Harry Potter series in 2025.
Yearning for more of the wizarding world? Engage in magical adventures with friends through one of the best Harry Potter board games. Alternatively, explore our selection of the best movies similar to Harry Potter for a cinematic journey reminiscent of the beloved films.
The Marvellers
If the thrill of being a new student at a magical academy excites you, "The Marvellers" by Dhonielle Clayton is your perfect read. This enchanting tale transports you to the Arcanum, a global magic school perched high in the clouds. As the school's first conjurer, Ella is brimming with excitement, but soon discovers that behind the Arcanum's gilded doors lie secrets and mistrust. Clayton masterfully crafts a world you'll yearn to be a part of, while not shying away from the darker realities that can infiltrate even the most magical of places. With Ella as a compelling protagonist, you'll finish "The Marvellers" eager to dive back into her magical journey.
The Marvellers
Hardcover and Kindle versions are available now, while the paperback is up for pre-order on Aug 29, 2023. See it at Amazon
Percy Jackson & the Olympians
Rick Riordan's epic fantasy series offers a compelling counterpart and companion to the Harry Potter saga. Dive into a world where the offspring of gods walk among us. The first book follows Percy Jackson, son of Poseidon, on a perilous quest to retrieve Zeus' stolen lightning bolts and clear his name. These inclusive, thoughtful narratives skillfully blend the fantastical with the everyday, featuring a hero with ADHD and dyslexia navigating the challenges of growing up. Originally penned for Riordan's son, the series has captivated readers worldwide with its immersive, expansive universe.
Percy Jackson & the Olympians Paperback Boxed Set
This boxed set includes all five books of the blockbuster Percy Jackson and the Olympians series in paperback, complete with a bonus poster! (Hardcover and audio CD also available). See it at Amazon
Eragon (The Inheritance Cycle)
While it doesn't feature a magical school, Christopher Paolini's "The Inheritance Cycle" is a must-read for Harry Potter fans. The series follows Eragon, a young teen who discovers a dragon egg and is thrust into a world of magic, peril, and dragons. Spanning four books, you'll witness Eragon and his dragon mature as they confront a formidable enemy bent on destruction. This young adult fantasy strikes a balance between the charm of Harry Potter and the epic scope of The Lord of the Rings.
The Inheritance Cycle
Legends & Lattes
If the sumptuous feasts and visits to Hogsmeade were your favorite parts of Hogwarts, "Legends & Lattes" by Travis Baldree is your next must-read. This cozy fantasy has taken the internet by storm, and for good reason. It follows an Orc who trades her warrior life for a coffee shop, weaving a magical and fantastical tale. Filled with delectable baked goods, steaming hot drinks, and charming patrons, this story of found family fulfills your fantasy cravings without the high stakes or violence of traditional fantasy. Instead, enjoy the fun banter, budding romance, and the joy of baking.
Legends & Lattes
Hardcover and Kindle versions are available now. See it at Amazon
Cemetery Boys
Aiden Thomas's debut novel, "Cemetery Boys," made a significant impact with its poignant narrative. It follows Yadriel, a trans boy aspiring to become a Brujo, who accidentally summons the wrong ghost. Instead of his cousin, he conjures the spirit of Julian, the school's notorious bad boy. Tasked with helping Julian come to terms with his fate, Yadriel embarks on a journey that's sweet, scary, and romantic. This unique fantasy novel will keep you hooked until the very last page.
Cemetery Boys
Hardcover and Kindle versions are available now. $0 with Kindle Unlimited. See it at Amazon
Grimoire of the Grave Fates
An innovative addition to the magical school genre, "Grimoire of the Grave Fates" is a collection of short stories that weave together the tale of the Galileo Academy for the Extraordinary, rocked by a murder. Over 18 chapters, 18 authors, including Cam Montgomery, Darcie Little Badger, and Hafsah Faizal, among others, offer 18 students' perspectives, delivering a bracing, subversive, and ultimately radical take on the magic school trope. This thoughtful fantasy is exactly what the genre needs more of.
Grimoire of the Grave Fates
Hardcover and Kindle versions are available now. See it at Amazon
Magic For Liars
Magical schools seem to be hotspots for murder, as seen in "Magic For Liars" by Sarah Gailey. When a gruesome killing occurs, private detective Ivy Gamble is drawn back into the supernatural world that once rejected her. While her sister Tabitha thrives as a teacher at The Osthorne Academy of Young Mages, Ivy struggles as a PI until she's hired to solve the murder at her sister's school. This contemporary twist on the classic magic school tale is witty, adult, and set in a recognizably realistic world with a subtle magical twist. The mystery will keep you guessing, but it's the intricate character work and relationships that will truly captivate you.
Magic For Liars
Hardcover and Kindle versions are available now. See it at Amazon
Be Sure
This beautiful collection of the first three stories in Seanan McGuire's Wayward Children series is the perfect read from summer to fall. Since the release of "Every Heart a Doorway," McGuire's best-selling novellas have enchanted readers. Set in a school for children who've been expelled from portal worlds—think Alice in Wonderland or the Narnia books—the series kicks off with a murder mystery and never ceases to surprise. With its intriguing, complex characters, unbelievable worlds, and McGuire's engaging storytelling, these are some of the best fantasy stories of the last decade. Get your copy and prepare to fall in love and have your heart broken as you explore what lies beyond the door.
Be Sure
Hardcover version available as well. See it at Amazon
