It's the perfect time to pack your trunk and bid farewell to Hogwarts. If you're not planning to dive back into all seven books anytime soon, fear not—there are plenty of other captivating books to satisfy your craving for fantastical storytelling. From enchanting school murder mysteries to spell-casting academies floating in the clouds, to low-stakes fantasy adventures and boarding schools for kids rejected from mythical portals, our curated list has something for everyone. So, grab your magic wand, find a cozy spot, and get ready to discover new favorites to rival the Harry Potter series in 2025.
Yearning for more Hogwarts? Immerse yourself in the wizarding world with friends by playing one of the best Harry Potter board games. Alternatively, explore our list of the best movies similar to Harry Potter for a cinematic journey akin to the magical films.
The Marvellers
If you're eager to experience the thrill of being a new student at a magical academy, "The Marvellers" by Dhonielle Clayton is the book for you. 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 gilded doors lie secrets and mistrust. Clayton crafts a world so inviting you'll wish to join it, yet she doesn't shy away from the darker realities that can infiltrate even the most magical of places. With Ella as a dynamic protagonist, you'll finish "The Marvellers" yearning for more adventures in her magical realm.
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 an excellent counterpart to the Boy Who Lived. It introduces readers to a world where the offspring of gods walk among us. The first book follows Percy Jackson, the son of Poseidon, on a perilous quest to retrieve Zeus' stolen lightning bolts and clear his name. These inclusive, thoughtful stories masterfully blend the fantastical with everyday life, featuring a hero with ADHD and dyslexia navigating the challenges of growing up. Initially penned for his son, Riordan's expansive world has captivated readers worldwide, and it's easy to understand why once you start reading.
You can explore our complete guide to the Percy Jackson books in order or catch the new Percy Jackson series on Disney+ for more of this enchanting saga.
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 it doesn't feature an academy or school, "The Inheritance Cycle" by Christopher Paolini is a fantastic follow-up for Harry Potter enthusiasts. The saga follows young Eragon, who discovers a dragon egg and is thrust into a realm of magic, peril, and dragons. Spanning four books, the series chronicles the growth of Eragon and his dragon as they confront a formidable enemy bent on destruction. This young adult fantasy strikes a balance between the Harry Potter series and the Lord of the Rings books.
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 captured hearts online with its enchanting tale of an orc who trades her warrior life for a coffee shop. Filled with delectable baked goods, steaming hot drinks, and charming patrons, this story is a magical and fantastical journey with low stakes and no high fantasy violence. Instead, it's packed with delightful banter, blossoming 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 his debut novel "Cemetery Boys," a stunning tale about a trans boy named Yadriel aspiring to become a Brujo. When a spell goes awry, Yadriel accidentally summons the ghost of Julian, the school's notorious bad boy, instead of his cousin. Forced to help Julian come to terms with his fate, Yadriel's journey is sweet, eerie, and romantic. This fantasy novel, unlike any other, will keep you turning pages until the very end.
Cemetery Boys
Hardcover and Kindle versions are available now. $0 with Kindle Unlimited. See it at Amazon
Grimoire of the Grave Fates
One of the most innovative additions to the magical school genre, "Grimoire of the Grave Fates" is a collection of short stories that form a narrative around the Galileo Academy for the Extraordinary, which is rocked by a murder. Over 18 chapters, 18 authors including Cam Montgomery, Darcie Little Badger, and others, offer unique perspectives on 18 students, creating a bracing, subversive, and ultimately radical take on the magic school trope. This is 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" by Sarah Gailey. A gruesome killing pulls private detective Ivy Gamble back into the supernatural world that once rejected her. While her twin sister Tabitha thrives as a teacher at The Osthorne Academy of Young Mages, Ivy struggles as a PI until she's hired to solve a murder at the same institution. This contemporary twist on the classic magic school tale is witty, mature, and set in a realistically grounded world with a subtle magical overlay. 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 includes the first three stories in Seanan McGuire's Wayward Children series, making it the perfect read from summer to fall. McGuire's best-selling novellas have enchanted readers since the release of "Every Heart a Doorway," and now they're collected for the first time. Set against the backdrop of a school for children rejected from portal worlds—think Alice in Wonderland or the Narnia books—the series kicks off with a murder mystery and continues to surprise. With compelling characters, extraordinary worlds, and McGuire's captivating 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
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