It's time to pack your trunk and bid farewell to Hogwarts. If you're not planning to revisit the seven books anytime soon, fear not—there's a vast world of enchanting literature waiting to captivate your imagination. From thrilling magical school murder mysteries to spell-teaching academies soaring in the clouds, from low-stakes fantasy to a boarding school for children rejected by mythical realms, our curated list promises to unveil new treasures that resonate with the magic of the Harry Potter series. So, grab your wand, find a cozy nook, and prepare to discover your next favorite reads in 2025.
Craving more of the wizarding world? Engage in magical adventures with friends by exploring our selection of the best Harry Potter board games. For a cinematic journey akin to the Harry Potter films, don't miss our list of the best movies that echo the magic of the series.
The Marvellers
If the thrill of being a new student at a magical academy excites you, The Marvellers is your perfect match. Dhonielle Clayton transports readers to the Arcanum, a global magic school perched high in the clouds. As the first conjurer at Arcanum, Ella is brimming with excitement, yet discovers the school harbors secrets and mistrust behind its gilded doors. Clayton masterfully weaves a world so enticing you'll yearn to be a part of it, while not shying away from the darker realities that can infiltrate even the most magical places. Ella's compelling journey will leave you eager for more, longing to return to her enchanting world.
The Marvellers
Hardcover and Kindle versions are available now, while paperback is up for pre-order on Aug 29, 2023. See it at Amazon
Percy Jackson & the Olympians
Rick Riordan's epic fantasy series serves as a fantastic counterpart to the Boy Who Lived. It introduces us to a realm where the offspring of gods walk among us. The inaugural book follows Percy Jackson, son of Poseidon, on a perilous quest to retrieve Zeus' stolen lightning bolts and clear his name. These inclusive and thoughtful tales beautifully balance the fantastical with the everyday, featuring a hero with ADHD and Dyslexia navigating the complexities of growing up. Originally penned for his son, Riordan's immersive world has captured hearts worldwide, making it clear why these books are so beloved.
For a comprehensive guide, check out our full list of the Percy Jackson books in order, or tune into the new Percy Jackson series on Disney+ for more adventures.
Percy Jackson & the Olympians Paperback Boxed Set
All five books in the blockbuster Percy Jackson and the Olympians series are available in paperback, collected in a boxed set perfect for demigods, complete with a bonus poster! (Hardcover and audio CD also available). See it at Amazon
Eragon (The Inheritance Cycle)
While not centered around an academy, Christopher Paolini's The Inheritance Cycle is a captivating follow-up for Harry Potter enthusiasts. The saga follows Eragon, a young teen who discovers a dragon egg and is thrust into a world brimming with magic, peril, and dragons. Spanning four books, readers witness the growth of both Eragon and his dragon as they confront a formidable, malevolent foe threatening all they hold dear. This young adult fantasy strikes a balance between the worlds of Harry Potter and 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 is your next must-read. Travis Baldree's cozy fantasy has enchanted the internet with its tale of an orc who trades her warrior life for the tranquility of running a coffee shop. This heartwarming story is filled with delectable baked goods, steaming hot drinks, and charming patrons, crafting a found family narrative that satisfies your fantasy cravings without the high stakes and violence typical of the genre. Instead, you'll find pages brimming with witty banter, blossoming romance, and the joys of baking.
Legends & Lattes
Hardcover and Kindle versions are available now. See it at Amazon
Cemetery Boys
Aiden Thomas made a remarkable debut with Cemetery Boys, a gripping tale of a trans boy named Yadriel who aspires to become a Brujo. When his spell goes awry, summoning the ghost of his school's notorious bad boy Julian instead of his cousin, Yadriel finds himself on a poignant journey to help Julian accept his fate and move on. This sweet, spooky, and romantic fantasy novel is unlike any other, captivating readers until the final page.
Cemetery Boys
Hardcover and Kindle versions are available now. $0 with Kindle Unlimited. See it at Amazon
Grimoire of the Grave Fates
A groundbreaking addition to the magical school genre, Grimoire of the Grave Fates is a collection of interconnected short stories that narrate the turmoil at the Galileo Academy for the Extraordinary following a murder. With 18 chapters penned by 18 different authors—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—the anthology offers a bracing, subversive, and ultimately radical take on the magical school trope. This thoughtful fantasy is a must-read for fans of the genre.
Grimoire of the Grave Fates
Hardcover and Kindle versions are available now. See it at Amazon
Magic For Liars
In Magic For Liars, murders haunt magical schools once again. When a gruesome killing pulls private detective Ivy Gamble back into the supernatural world that once rejected her, she's forced to confront her past. While her sister Tabitha thrives as a teacher at The Osthorne Academy of Young Mages, Ivy struggles to make ends meet as a PI. Hired to solve the murder at her twin's school, this contemporary twist on the classic magic school narrative is witty, mature, and set in a world that feels strikingly real, with a subtle magical undercurrent. The mystery keeps you guessing, but it's the intricate character dynamics and relationships that truly captivate.
Magic For Liars
Hardcover and Kindle versions are available now. See it at Amazon
Be Sure
This stunning collection features the first three stories from Seanan McGuire's Wayward Children series, perfect for a summer-to-fall read. McGuire's bestselling novellas have been enchanting readers since Every Heart a Doorway, and now they're gathered together for the first time. 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. Filled with intriguing, complex characters, breathtaking worlds, and McGuire's captivating storytelling, these are some of the finest 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
