It's the perfect time to pack your trunk and say goodbye to Hogwarts. If you're not planning on diving back into the Harry Potter series anytime soon, don't worry—there's a treasure trove of other enchanting books waiting to captivate you with their fantastical tales. From magical school murder mysteries to spell-teaching academies in the clouds, to low-stakes fantasy adventures and boarding schools for kids rejected from mythical portals, our curated list promises to introduce you to new favorites that echo the magic of Harry Potter in 2025.
Craving more Hogwarts? Embark on a magical journey with your friends through one of the best Harry Potter board games. Or, immerse yourself in similar cinematic experiences with our list of the best movies like Harry Potter.
The Marvellers
If you're yearning for the thrill of being a new student at a magical academy, The Marvellers is your gateway to wonder. Dhonielle Clayton invites you into the enchanting world of the Arcanum, a global magic school perched high in the clouds. As Ella, the first conjurer at the school, steps into this world, she's met with excitement but also discovers secrets and mistrust lurking behind the gilded doors. Clayton's storytelling weaves a world so inviting you'll wish you could join it, yet doesn't shy away from the darker aspects of even the most magical places. Ella's dynamic character will leave you eager for more, desperate to return to her magical world.
### The Marvellers
Hardcover and Kindle versions are available now, with the paperback up for pre-order on August 29, 2023. See it at Amazon.
Percy Jackson & the Olympians
Rick Riordan's epic fantasy series offers a fantastic counterpoint to the Harry Potter saga. It introduces readers to a world where children 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 stories beautifully balance the fantastical with everyday life, featuring a hero with ADHD and dyslexia, and tackling the challenges of growing up. Originally crafted for his son, Riordan's immersive world has captured the hearts of readers worldwide, making it easy to understand why it's so beloved.
You can explore our full guide to the Percy Jackson books in order or catch the new 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 complete with a bonus poster! (Hardcover and audio CD also available). See it at Amazon.
Eragon (The Inheritance Cycle)
Though it lacks a school or academy setting, Christopher Paolini's The Inheritance Cycle is a fantastic follow-up for Harry Potter fans. It follows young Eragon, who discovers a dragon egg and is catapulted into a world of magic, danger, and dragons. With four books in the series, readers witness the growth of Eragon and his dragon as they confront a powerful malevolent enemy. This young adult fantasy strikes a chord between the Harry Potter and Lord of the Rings series.
### The Inheritance Cycle
See it at Amazon.
Legends & Lattes
If the feasts at Hogwarts and visits to Hogsmeade were your highlights, Legends & Lattes by Travis Baldree is your next read. This cozy fantasy has taken the internet by storm, telling the story of an orc who trades her warrior life for a coffee shop. Filled with delicious treats, steaming drinks, and charming characters, this tale of found family satisfies your fantasy cravings without the high stakes and violence of traditional fantasy. Instead, you'll find 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, Cemetery Boys, is a stunning exploration of a trans boy, Yadriel, who dreams of becoming a Brujo. When a spell goes awry, he summons the ghost of his school's notorious bad boy, Julian, instead of his cousin. Tasked with helping Julian find peace, Yadriel navigates family acceptance and self-discovery. Sweet, scary, and romantic, this novel is a unique fantasy that will keep you turning pages until the end.
### 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 to tell the tale of the Galileo Academy for the Extraordinary, rocked by a murder. Over 18 chapters, 18 authors craft a story from the perspectives of 18 students, offering a bracing, subversive, and ultimately radical take on the magic school trope. This thoughtful fantasy is a much-needed fresh perspective.
### Grimoire of the Grave Fates
Hardcover and Kindle versions are available now. See it at Amazon.
Magic For Liars
Murders seem to be a common theme at magical schools, as seen in Magic For Liars. When a gruesome killing occurs at The Osthorne Academy of Young Mages, private detective Ivy Gamble, who was once rejected by the magical world, is drawn back in. Her estranged twin sister teaches at the academy, and Ivy's investigation into the murder uncovers more than she bargained for. This contemporary twist on the magic school tale is witty and adult, set in a world that feels real with a subtle magical twist. The mystery and deep character relationships will keep you hooked.
### Magic For Liars
Hardcover and Kindle versions are available now. See it at Amazon.
Be Sure
Sean McGuire's Wayward Children series, collected in Be Sure, is perfect for a summer to fall read. Set in a school for kids who've been expelled from portal worlds, the series starts with a murder mystery and keeps the surprises coming. With compelling characters, breathtaking worlds, and McGuire's engaging storytelling, these novellas are some of the best fantasy tales of the last decade. Get your copy and prepare to be enchanted and heartbroken as you explore what lies through the door.
### Be Sure
Hardcover version available. See it at Amazon.
