If you're ready to pack your trunk and leave Hogwarts behind, there's no need to worry about what to read next. The world of fantasy literature is vast and filled with enchanting stories that can satisfy your craving for magical narratives. Whether you're drawn to tales of magical school mysteries, cloud-dwelling academies, light-hearted fantasy, or boarding schools for children who've been turned away from other mythical realms, our curated list has something for everyone. So, grab your wand, find a cozy spot, and prepare to discover new favorite books akin to the Harry Potter series to enjoy in 2025.
Looking for more magic? Dive deeper into the wizarding world with friends through one of the best Harry Potter board games. For a cinematic journey similar to the Harry Potter films, explore 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 by Dhonielle Clayton is your perfect read. This book transports you to the Arcanum, a global magic school perched high in the clouds. As the first conjurer at Arcanum, Ella is brimming with excitement, but soon discovers that the school harbors secrets and mistrust behind its gilded doors. Clayton's storytelling weaves a world you'll long to join, while not shying away from the darker realities that can exist even in the most magical of places. Ella's dynamic character will leave you eager for more adventures in her enchanting 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 Percy Jackson & the Olympians series offers a compelling alternative to the Harry Potter saga. It introduces readers to a world where the offspring of gods walk among us. The first book follows Percy Jackson, son of Poseidon, on a perilous quest to retrieve Zeus' stolen lightning bolt and clear his name. These stories masterfully blend the fantastical with the everyday, featuring a hero with ADHD and dyslexia navigating the challenges of growing up. Originally written for Riordan's son, this series has captivated readers worldwide with its immersive world and relatable characters.
For a complete reading experience, check out our guide to the Percy Jackson books in order, or catch the new series on Disney+.
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 The Inheritance Cycle by Christopher Paolini doesn't feature a magical school, it's a fantastic follow-up for Harry Potter fans. The series follows Eragon, a young teen who discovers a dragon egg and is thrust into a world of magic, danger, and dragons. Spanning four books, readers witness Eragon and his dragon mature as they confront a formidable enemy bent on destruction. This young adult fantasy strikes a balance between the charm of Harry Potter and the epic scope of The Lord of the Rings.
The Inheritance Cycle
Legends & Lattes
If the feasts at Hogwarts and trips to Hogsmeade were your favorite parts, Legends & Lattes by Travis Baldree is the ideal next read. This cozy fantasy has captured hearts online with its heartwarming story of an Orc who trades her warrior life for a coffee shop. Filled with delectable baked goods, warm drinks, and charming patrons, this tale of found family offers a magical yet low-stakes fantasy experience. With its focus on fun banter, budding romance, and baking, it's a delightful escape from the high tension of traditional fantasy.
Legends & Lattes
Hardcover and Kindle versions are available now. See it at Amazon
Cemetery Boys
Aiden Thomas's debut, Cemetery Boys, is a groundbreaking novel about a trans boy, Yadriel, who aspires to become a Brujo. When a spell goes awry, he summons the ghost of Julian, the school's notorious bad boy, instead of his cousin. Yadriel must help Julian come to terms with his fate before returning to his own life. This sweet, spooky, and romantic tale offers a unique fantasy experience 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
Grimoire of the Grave Fates is an innovative anthology that reimagines the magical school genre. Set at the Galileo Academy for the Extraordinary, this collection follows a murder mystery through 18 chapters, each written by a different author. With perspectives from 18 students, this anthology offers a subversive and radical take on the magic school trope. It's a thoughtful fantasy that pushes boundaries and captivates readers.
Grimoire of the Grave Fates
Hardcover and Kindle versions are available now. See it at Amazon
Magic For Liars
In Magic For Liars by Sarah Gailey, a murder at the Osthorne Academy of Young Mages draws private detective Ivy Gamble back into the magical world that once rejected her. While her sister Tabitha thrives as a teacher at the academy, Ivy struggles as a PI until she's hired to solve the murder. This contemporary twist on the magical school narrative is witty, adult, and set in a world that feels real yet subtly magical. The mystery keeps you guessing, but it's the deep character development and relationships that truly captivate.
Magic For Liars
Hardcover and Kindle versions are available now. See it at Amazon
Be Sure
Be Sure is a beautiful collection of the first three stories in Seanan McGuire's Wayward Children series, perfect for a summer to fall read. Set at a school for children who've been expelled from portal worlds, the series kicks off with a murder mystery and continues to surprise. With its complex characters, incredible worlds, and engaging storytelling, these novellas are some of the best fantasy reads of the last decade. 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
