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, don't worry—there are plenty of other captivating books waiting to satisfy your craving for fantastical storytelling. From enchanting school murder mysteries to spell-teaching academies soaring in the clouds, to low-stakes fantasy adventures and a boarding school for kids who were once rejected by mythical portals, our list has something for everyone. So, grab your magic wand, find a cozy spot, and prepare to discover new favorites similar to the Harry Potter series to read in 2025.
Craving more Hogwarts? Immerse yourself in the wizarding world with your friends through one of the best Harry Potter board games. Or, for a cinematic treat, explore our list of the best movies like Harry Potter, which offer experiences akin to the beloved films.
The Marvellers
If you're eager to experience the thrill of being a new student at a magical academy, The Marvellers is your perfect read. Dhonielle Clayton transports readers into the enchanting realm of the Arcanum, a global magic school perched high in the clouds. As the first conjurer at the school, Ella is brimming with excitement, but soon discovers that Arcanum holds secrets and mistrust behind its gilded doors. Clayton masterfully crafts a world that beckons you to join, yet doesn't shy away from the grim realities that even magical places can harbor. With Ella as a dynamic protagonist, you'll finish The Marvellers eager for more and longing to return to 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 and companion to the Boy Who Lived. Introducing a world where the children of gods walk among us, the first book follows Percy Jackson, the son of Poseidon, on his perilous quest to find the thief who stole Zeus' lightning bolts and clear his name. These inclusive, thoughtful stories beautifully balance the fantastical with the everyday, featuring a hero with ADHD and Dyslexia navigating the challenges of growing up. Initially penned for his son, Riordan's immersive, expansive world has captivated readers worldwide, and it's easy to see why once you dive in.
Explore our complete guide to reading the Percy Jackson books in order, or catch 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 versions are also available). See it at Amazon
Eragon (The Inheritance Cycle)
Although it doesn't feature an academy or school, Christopher Paolini's The Inheritance Cycle is an excellent follow-up for Harry Potter fans. The story centers on Eragon, a young teen who discovers a dragon egg and is thrust into a world filled with magic, danger, and dragons. Spanning four books, the series chronicles the growth of Eragon and his dragon as they confront a seemingly invincible malevolent force that threatens everything they hold dear. This young adult fantasy strikes a balance between the magic of Harry Potter and the epic scope of the Lord of the Rings.
The Inheritance Cycle
Legends & Lattes
If the sumptuous feasts and visits to Hogsmeade were your favorite parts of Hogwarts, then Legends & Lattes by Travis Baldree is your next must-read. This cozy fantasy has captured the hearts of readers across the internet, and for good reason. It follows an Orc who trades her warrior life for a coffee shop, weaving one of the most magical and heartwarming stories in recent years. Packed with delicious baked goods, steaming hot drinks, and charming customers, this tale of found family offers fantasy without the anxiety of high stakes or violence. Instead, it's filled with fun banter, budding romance, and baking.
Legends & Lattes
Hardcover and Kindle versions are available now. See it at Amazon
Cemetery Boys
Aiden Thomas made a significant impact with his stunning debut, Cemetery Boys, about a trans boy named Yadriel who dreams of becoming a Brujo. When he accidentally summons the wrong ghost—his school's notorious bad boy Julian—instead of his cousin, Yadriel finds himself on a mission to help Julian come to terms with his fate and move on. This sweet, scary, and romantic novel is a unique fantasy 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 to narrate the tale of the Galileo Academy for the Extraordinary, disrupted by a murder. Across 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—offer 18 students' perspectives, delivering a bracing, subversive, and ultimately radical take on the magic school trope. Grimoire of the Grave Fates 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 common occurrence at magical schools, as seen in Magic For Liars, where a gruesome killing draws private detective Ivy Gamble 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 a murder at her twin's school. This contemporary twist on the classic magic school narrative is witty, adult, and set in a recognizably realistic world with a subtle magical twist. 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
This beautiful collection of the first three stories in Seanan McGuire's Wayward Children series is 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 kids who have been expelled from portal worlds—think Alice in Wonderland or the Narnia books—the series kicks off with a murder mystery and never stops surprising. Filled with intriguing, complex characters, unbelievable worlds, and McGuire's engaging 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
