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It's the perfect time to pack your trunk and bid farewell to Hogwarts. If you're not planning to revisit all seven books anytime soon, fear not—there's a wealth of other enchanting reads waiting to capture your imagination. From magical school murder mysteries and cloud-based spell-teaching academies to low-stakes fantasy and boarding schools for kids rejected by mythical portals, our curated list is sure to offer something you'll adore. So, grab your magic wand, find a cozy spot, and prepare to discover new favorites that rival the Harry Potter series in 2025.
Craving more Hogwarts magic? Immerse yourself in the wizarding world with friends through one of the top Harry Potter board games. Alternatively, explore our selection of movies similar to Harry Potter for a cinematic journey akin to the beloved films.
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 match. This book will transport you back to the excitement of childhood as you step into the enchanting world of the Arcanum, a global magic school nestled high in the clouds. Ella, the school's first conjurer, is brimming with excitement, but soon discovers that the Arcanum harbors secrets and mistrust behind its gilded doors. Clayton crafts a captivating world you'll long to be part of, while never shying away from the darker realities that can infiltrate even the most magical of places. With Ella as a dynamic lead, you'll finish The Marvellers eager for more and ready to dive back into her magical adventures.
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 or companion to the adventures of the Boy Who Lived. In 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 retrieve Zeus' stolen lightning bolts and clear his name. These inclusive and thoughtful stories masterfully balance the fantastical with the everyday, featuring a hero who navigates ADHD and dyslexia while confronting the challenges of growing up. Originally written for Riordan's son, the immersive and expansive world he crafted has become a global favorite, captivating readers with its undeniable allure.
For a complete reading guide, check out our full list of the Percy Jackson books in order, or catch the new Percy Jackson series on Disney+ for more of this beloved universe.
Percy Jackson & the Olympians Paperback Boxed Set
This set includes all five books in the blockbuster Percy Jackson and the Olympians series, in paperback, housed in a boxed set perfect for demigods, complete with a bonus poster! (Hardcover and audio CD versions are also available). See it at Amazon
Eragon (The Inheritance Cycle)
Though it doesn't feature a magical school, The Inheritance Cycle by Christopher Paolini is a compelling follow-up for Harry Potter fans. The series follows young Eragon, who discovers a dragon egg and is catapulted into a realm of magic, peril, and dragons. Spanning four books, the narrative charts the growth of Eragon and his dragon as they confront a formidable enemy bent on destruction. A stellar young adult fantasy, this series bridges the gap between Harry Potter and The Lord of the Rings.
The Inheritance Cycle
Legends & Lattes
If the sumptuous feasts and trips to Hogsmeade were your favorite parts of Hogwarts, Legends & Lattes by Travis Baldree is the perfect next read. This cozy fantasy has captivated readers with its heartwarming tale of an orc who trades her warrior life for a coffee shop. Brimming with delicious baked goods, steaming hot drinks, and charming patrons, this story is a magical and fantastical journey. With its focus on found family and low-stakes charm, Legends & Lattes offers a delightful escape without the high tension of traditional fantasy.
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 aspiring to become a Brujo. When a spell goes awry, he summons the ghost of Julian, his school's notorious bad boy, instead of his cousin. Tasked with helping Julian come to terms with his fate before returning to his own life, Yadriel's journey is sweet, spooky, and romantic. Cemetery Boys is a unique fantasy novel 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
One of the most innovative additions to the magical school genre, Grimoire of the Grave Fates is a collection of short stories that weave together the narrative of the Galileo Academy for the Extraordinary, 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—present 18 students' perspectives, delivering a bracing, subversive, and ultimately 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
Murders seem to be a recurring theme at magical schools, as evidenced by Magic For Liars by Sarah Gailey. A gruesome killing draws 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 her sister's school. This contemporary twist on the magic school narrative is witty, mature, and set in a world that feels eerily realistic with a subtle magical overlay. While the mystery keeps you guessing, it's the intricate character dynamics and relationships that truly captivate.
Magic For Liars
Hardcover and Kindle versions are available now. See it at Amazon
Be Sure
This exquisite collection features the first three stories in Seanan McGuire's Wayward Children series, making it the perfect read from summer into fall. McGuire's best-selling novellas have enchanted readers since Every Heart a Doorway, and now they're gathered for the first time. Set against the backdrop of a school for children who've been expelled from portal worlds, reminiscent of Alice in Wonderland or the Narnia books, the series kicks off with a murder mystery and continues to surprise. With its rich cast of complex characters, otherworldly settings, and McGuire's engaging narrative style, these are among the most compelling fantasy stories of the last decade. Grab your copy and prepare for a journey filled with love and heartbreak as you explore what lies beyond the door.
Be Sure
Hardcover version available. See it at Amazon
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