It's the perfect time to pack up your trunk and bid farewell to Hogwarts. If you're not planning to dive back into all seven books anytime soon, don't worry—there's a treasure trove of other enchanting tales waiting for you. 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 realms, our curated list has something for everyone. So, grab your magic wand, find a cozy spot, and prepare to discover new favorites to rival the Harry Potter series in 2025.
Craving more magic? Immerse yourself in the wizarding world with friends by exploring the best Harry Potter board games. Or, for a cinematic journey, check out 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 next read. This book transports you to the enchanting Arcanum, a global magic school soaring high in the clouds. Ella, the school's first conjurer, is brimming with excitement, yet soon discovers that Arcanum holds secrets and mistrust behind its gilded doors. Clayton crafts a mesmerizing world that you'll long to join, while not shying away from the darker realities that can pervade even the most magical of places. Ella's dynamic character will leave you eager 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 is a fantastic companion to the Harry Potter saga. It introduces readers to a world where the children of gods walk among us. The first book follows Percy Jackson, the son of Poseidon, on a perilous quest to recover Zeus' stolen lightning bolt and clear his name. These inclusive, thoughtful stories masterfully balance the fantastical with everyday life, featuring a hero with ADHD and Dyslexia, and tackling the challenges of growing up. Riordan crafted these stories for his son, but the expansive world he created has captivated readers worldwide, making it clear why they're so beloved.
For a full guide, check out our list of 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, collected in a boxed set fit 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 a magical academy, Christopher Paolini's "The Inheritance Cycle" is a stellar 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. With four books in the series, you'll witness Eragon and his dragon grow and face an all-powerful malevolent enemy. This young adult fantasy strikes a perfect 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, Travis Baldree's "Legends & Lattes" is your ideal next read. This cozy fantasy has captured hearts online, and for good reason. It follows an Orc who trades her warrior life for a coffee shop, crafting a tale filled with delectable baked goods, steaming hot drinks, and charming patrons. This low-stakes story is all about found family, fun banter, and burgeoning romance, offering a magical yet anxiety-free read.
Legends & Lattes
Hardcover and Kindle versions are available now. See it at Amazon
Cemetery Boys
Aiden Thomas's debut, "Cemetery Boys," made waves with its stunning narrative about a trans boy, Yadriel, who dreams of becoming a Brujo. When a spell goes awry, he summons the ghost of Julian, his school's notorious bad boy, instead of his cousin. Yadriel must help Julian come to terms with his fate before returning to his normal life. This sweet, scary, and romantic fantasy novel is unlike any other, keeping 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 adds a fresh twist to the magical school genre. "Grimoire of the Grave Fates" follows the students of the Galileo Academy for the Extraordinary as they navigate a murder mystery. Over 18 chapters, 18 authors weave a gripping tale from 18 different perspectives, offering a subversive and radical take on the magic school trope. This thoughtful fantasy is exactly what the genre needs more of.
Grimoire of the Grave Fates
Hardcover and Kindle versions are available now. See it at Amazon
Magic For Liars
In "Magic For Liars," murders at magical schools are the norm. When a gruesome killing pulls private detective Ivy Gamble back into the supernatural world that once rejected her, she's thrust into a mystery at The Osthorne Academy of Young Mages, where her estranged twin sister teaches. This contemporary twist on the magic school tale is witty, adult, and set in a realistic world with a subtle magical overlay. The mystery will keep you guessing, but it's the intricate character work and relationships that will truly captivate you.
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 the perfect read for transitioning from summer to fall. These best-selling novellas have enchanted readers since "Every Heart a Doorway." Set in a school for kids rejected from portal worlds, the series kicks off with a murder mystery and never ceases to surprise. With complex characters, unbelievable worlds, and McGuire's engaging storytelling, these are some of the best fantasy stories of the last decade. Get ready 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
