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 cloud-dwelling academies, from low-stakes fantasy to a boarding school for magically-rejected children, this list has something for everyone. Grab your wand, find a comfy spot, and prepare to discover new favorite reads to rival the Harry Potter series in 2025.
Looking for more Hogwarts magic? Gather your friends for a game of Harry Potter, or explore our list of movies like Harry Potter for a cinematic experience reminiscent of the films.
The Marvellers
Longing for the feeling of being a new student at a magical academy? The Marvellers is your perfect match. Dhonielle Clayton transports you back to childhood, introducing the enchanting Arcanum, a global magic school nestled high in the clouds. Ella, the school's first conjurer, is brimming with excitement, but the Arcanum holds secrets and mistrust behind its gilded facade. Clayton crafts a world you'll yearn to join, yet doesn't shy away from the harsh realities that impact even the most magical of places. Ella is a dynamic protagonist, leaving you eager for more and desperate to return to her magical world.
### The Marvellers
7 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 serves as a fantastic companion 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 a thief who stole Zeus' lightning bolts and clear his name. These inclusive, thoughtful stories masterfully blend the fantastical with the everyday, featuring a hero with ADHD and dyslexia navigating the challenges of growing up. Riordan originally 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 or dive into the new Percy Jackson series on Disney+ for more adventures.
### Percy Jackson & the Olympians Paperback Boxed Set
4 All five books in the bestselling Percy Jackson and the Olympians series, in paperback, are collected in a 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 Eragon, a young teen 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 determined to destroy all they hold dear. This excellent young adult fantasy bridges the gap between Harry Potter and The Lord of the Rings.
### The Inheritance Cycle
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, and for good reason. This heartwarming tale of an orc abandoning her warrior life to open a coffee shop is one of the most magical and enchanting stories in recent years. Filled with delicious treats, steaming drinks, and charming customers, this found family story satisfies fantasy cravings without the anxiety of high stakes or violence. Instead, it's packed with witty banter, budding romance, and baking.
### Legends & Lattes
4 Hardcover and Kindle editions 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 made a huge splash. 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. Forced to help Julian move on, Yadriel balances a sweet, scary, and romantic fantasy that will keep you captivated until the very end.
### Cemetery Boys
1 Hardcover and Kindle editions 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 murder. Eighteen chapters, each by a different author, offer eighteen students' perspectives for a bracing, subversive, and radical take on the magic school trope. Grimoire of the Grave Fates is the thoughtful fantasy we need more of.
### Grimoire of the Grave Fates
4 Hardcover and Kindle editions are available now. See it at Amazon
Magic For Liars
Murders plague 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. This contemporary twist on the classic magic school tale is witty and adult, set in a realistic world with a subtly magical twist. The mystery keeps you guessing, but the intricate characters and relationships will truly captivate you.
### Magic For Liars
2 Hardcover and Kindle editions are available now. See it at Amazon
Be Sure
This collection of the first three stories in Seanan McGuire's Wayward Children series is a perfect summer or fall 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.
### Be Sure
1 Hardcover version also available. See it at Amazon
