Top Picks for Harry Potter Fans: Next Reads

It's the perfect time to pack your trunk and say goodbye to Hogwarts. If you're not planning to revisit the Harry Potter series soon, don't worry—there are plenty of other enchanting books waiting to captivate you with their magical narratives. From thrilling school murder mysteries and spell-teaching academies in the sky to low-stakes fantasy and tales of boarding schools for kids rejected by mythical portals, our curated list has something for everyone. 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? Engage with the wizarding world alongside your friends through one of the best Harry Potter board games. Alternatively, immerse yourself in similar cinematic experiences with our list of the best movies like Harry Potter.

The Marvellers

If you're yearning for the excitement of being a new student at a magical academy, The Marvellers is your perfect read. Dhonielle Clayton transports readers to the enchanting world of the Arcanum, a global magic school perched 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 creates a world so inviting you'll want to join it, yet she doesn't shy away from the harsh realities that can impact even the most magical of places. Ella is a compelling protagonist, and you'll finish The Marvellers 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 serves as a fantastic counterpart 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 retrieve Zeus' stolen lightning bolt and clear his name. These inclusive and thoughtful stories masterfully blend the fantastical with everyday life, featuring a hero with ADHD and dyslexia navigating the challenges of growing up. Originally written for Riordan's son, the series has captivated readers worldwide with its immersive, expansive world.

Explore our complete guide to the Percy Jackson books in order, or dive into the new Percy Jackson 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 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 a magical school, Christopher Paolini's The Inheritance Cycle is a must-read 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 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 charm of Harry Potter and the epic scope of The Lord of the Rings.

The Inheritance Cycle

See it at Amazon

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 taken the internet by storm, telling the heartwarming story of an Orc who trades her warrior life for a coffee shop. Filled with delectable baked goods, steaming drinks, and charming patrons, this tale of found family offers a magical and fantastical experience without the high stakes and violence of traditional fantasy. Instead, enjoy the light-hearted 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 made a significant impact with Cemetery Boys, a stunning debut about a trans boy named Yadriel who dreams of becoming a Brujo. When a spell goes awry, he accidentally 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 novel offers a unique fantasy experience that 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

This innovative anthology adds a fresh twist to the magical school genre. Grimoire of the Grave Fates tells the story of the Galileo Academy for the Extraordinary, which is rocked by a murder. Over 18 chapters, 18 authors weave together the perspectives of 18 students, creating 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 seen in Magic For Liars. When a gruesome killing occurs, private detective Ivy Gamble is drawn back into the supernatural world that once rejected her. While her sister Tabitha thrives as a teacher at The Osthorne Academy of Young Mages, Ivy struggles as a PI until she's hired to solve the murder at her sister's school. This contemporary twist on the magic school narrative is witty, adult, and set in a realistically magical world. 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 of the first three stories in Seanan McGuire's Wayward Children series is perfect for a summer to fall read. McGuire's best-selling novellas have enchanted readers since Every Heart a Doorway, and now they're available together for the first time. Set in a school for kids who have 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 among 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