It's the perfect time to pack your trunk and leave Hogwarts behind. If you're not planning to dive back into all seven books anytime soon, fear not—there's a world of enchanting literature waiting to capture your imagination. From thrilling magical school murder mysteries to spell-teaching academies nestled in the clouds, to low-stakes fantasy adventures and boarding schools for kids rejected from mythical realms, our list has something for every Harry Potter fan. So, grab your magic wand, find a cozy spot, and prepare to discover new favorites to read in 2025.
Craving more Hogwarts magic? Experience the wizarding world with friends by playing one of the best Harry Potter board games. For a cinematic treat, check out our curated list of movies that echo the magic of the Harry Potter films.
The Marvellers
If you're yearning for the thrill of being a new student at a magical academy, The Marvellers is your ideal read. Dhonielle Clayton transports us to the enchanting Arcanum, a global magic school high in the clouds. Ella, the first conjurer at the school, is brimming with excitement, yet discovers that Arcanum harbors secrets and mistrust behind its gilded doors. Clayton crafts a captivating world that you'll be eager to join, yet she doesn't shy away from the darker realities that can exist even in the most magical places. Ella's dynamic character will leave you longing for more adventures in her magical world.
The Marvellers
Hardcover and Kindle versions are available now, while the paperback is up for pre-order on August 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 readers to a world where the children of gods walk among us. The first book follows Percy Jackson, son of Poseidon, on a perilous quest to find Zeus' stolen lightning bolts and clear his name. These inclusive, thoughtful stories masterfully balance the fantastical with the everyday, featuring a hero with ADHD and dyslexia navigating the challenges of growing up. Riordan, who started writing these tales for his son, has created an immersive world that has captured readers worldwide. Once you start, it's easy to see why they're so beloved.
For more, check out our complete guide to the Percy Jackson books in order, or dive into the new Percy Jackson series on Disney+.
Percy Jackson & the Olympians Paperback Boxed Set
All five books in the blockbuster Percy Jackson and the Olympians series, in paperback, are 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)
Though it doesn't feature a magical academy, Christopher Paolini's The Inheritance Cycle is an excellent follow-up for Harry Potter fans. The story follows young Eragon, who discovers a dragon egg and is thrust into a world filled with magic, peril, and dragons. With four books in the series, you'll witness Eragon and his dragon mature as they confront a seemingly invincible enemy bent on destroying everything they cherish. This young adult fantasy strikes a balance between the magic of Harry Potter and the epic scope of Lord of the Rings.
The Inheritance Cycle
Legends & Lattes
If you cherished the sumptuous feasts and visits to Hogsmeade at Hogwarts, Legends & Lattes is the perfect pick for your next read. Travis Baldree's cozy fantasy has captured hearts online and for good reason. This enchanting tale follows an orc who trades her warrior life for a coffee shop adventure. Filled with delectable baked goods, steaming drinks, and charming patrons, it's a heartwarming story of found family that satisfies your fantasy cravings without the high stakes and violence of traditional fantasy. Instead, you'll find pages brimming with delightful 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 made a significant impact with this stunning debut about Yadriel, a trans boy determined to become a Brujo. When a spell goes awry, he accidentally summons the ghost of his school's notorious bad boy, Julian, instead of his cousin. Left with no choice, Yadriel must help Julian come to terms with his fate and move on before returning to his own life. This novel is sweet, spooky, and romantic, offering a unique fantasy experience that 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
This innovative anthology introduces readers to the Galileo Academy for the Extraordinary, a magical school rocked by a murder. Over 18 chapters, 18 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—narrate the story from 18 students' perspectives. Grimoire of the Grave Fates offers a bracing, subversive, and ultimately radical take on the magic school trope, delivering the kind of thoughtful fantasy we need more of.
Grimoire of the Grave Fates
Hardcover and Kindle versions are available now. See it at Amazon
Magic For Liars
Murders seem to be a recurring theme at magical schools, as seen in Magic For Liars. A gruesome killing brings private detective Ivy Gamble back to the supernatural world she was rejected from. While her sister Tabitha thrived and secured a teaching position at The Osthorne Academy of Young Mages, Ivy struggles to make ends meet as a PI until she's hired to solve a murder at her sister's school. This contemporary twist on the magic school narrative is witty, mature, and set in a realistically magical world. The mystery will keep you guessing, but it's the intricate character development 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 features the first three stories from Seanan McGuire's Wayward Children series, perfect for a summer to fall read. Since the release of Every Heart a Doorway, McGuire's best-selling novellas have enchanted readers, and now they're available together for the first time. Set in a school for children rejected from portal worlds—like those in Alice in Wonderland or the Narnia books—the series kicks off with a murder mystery and continues to surprise. Filled with complex characters, incredible worlds, and McGuire's engaging storytelling, these are some of the best fantasy stories of the last decade. Grab 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. See it at Amazon
