The Best Books to Read Next If You Loved the Harry Potter Series

It's time to pack your bags and leave Hogwarts behind! If rereading the seven books isn't on your immediate agenda, fear not! A wealth of captivating books await, ready to satisfy your craving for fantastical storytelling. From magical school murder mysteries to cloud-dwelling academies, low-stakes fantasy adventures, and even a boarding school for children rejected from mythical portals, this list has something for everyone. Grab your wand, find a cozy spot, and prepare to discover new favorite reads to rival the Harry Potter series in 2025.

Want more Hogwarts? Join your friends in the wizarding world with one of the best Harry Potter board games, or explore our list of the best movies like Harry Potter for a cinematic experience reminiscent of the films.

The Marvellers

If you yearn for the feeling of being a new student at a magical academy, The Marvellers is the perfect choice. Dhonielle Clayton transports you to 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 the Arcanum holds secrets and mistrust behind its gilded doors. Clayton crafts a world you'll long to join, yet doesn't shy away from the harsh realities that even magical spaces face. Ella is a dynamic protagonist, and you'll finish The Marvellers desperate for more, eager to rejoin her in her magical world.

Hardcover and Kindle versions are available now; paperback pre-orders begin August 29, 2023. See it at Amazon

Percy Jackson & the Olympians

Rick Riordan's epic fantasy series offers a fantastic counterpoint to the Boy Who Lived. Introducing a world where the children of gods live among us, the first book follows Percy Jackson, son of Poseidon, on a perilous quest to find a thief who stole Zeus' lightning bolts and clear his name. These inclusive, thoughtful stories expertly balance the fantastical with the everyday, featuring a hero with ADHD and dyslexia, and tackling the challenges of growing up. Riordan initially wrote these stories for his son, but the immersive world he created has captivated readers globally—and it's easy to see why.

Explore our complete guide to the Percy Jackson books in order, or delve into the new Percy Jackson series on Disney+ for more adventures.

All five books in the blockbuster Percy Jackson & the Olympians series, in a paperback 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 lacking a school setting, Christopher Paolini's Inheritance Cycle is a superb follow-up for Harry Potter fans. The story centers on young Eragon, who stumbles upon a dragon egg and is thrust into a world of magic, danger, and dragons. Across four books, you witness the growth of both Eragon and his dragon as they confront a seemingly all-powerful enemy determined to destroy everything they hold dear. It's a fantastic young adult fantasy that bridges the gap between Harry Potter and The Lord of the Rings.

See it at Amazon

Legends & Lattes

If your favorite Hogwarts memories involve sumptuous feasts and Hogsmeade visits, Legends & Lattes is your next read. Travis Baldree's charming cozy fantasy has taken the internet by storm, and for good reason. This delightful tale of an orc abandoning her warrior life to open a coffee shop is one of the most magical and fantastical stories in recent years. Filled with delicious baked goods, steaming hot drinks, and endearing customers, this found-family story satisfies your fantasy cravings without the anxiety of high stakes and violence. Instead, it offers fun banter, budding romance, and baking.

Hardcover and Kindle versions are available now. See it at Amazon

Cemetery Boys

Aiden Thomas's stunning debut about a trans boy who dreams of becoming a Brujo but accidentally summons the wrong ghost made a huge splash. Yadriel, secure in his identity, attempts to prove his family wrong with a spell, but instead of summoning his cousin, he summons the ghost of his school's notorious bad boy, Julian. Forced to help Julian find peace, Yadriel must balance this with his own life. Sweet, scary, and romantic, this unique fantasy novel will keep you captivated until the very end.

Hardcover and Kindle versions are available now. $0 with Kindle Unlimited. See it at Amazon

Grimoire of the Grave Fates

A truly innovative addition to the magical school genre, this collection of short stories unfolds the tale of the Galileo Academy for the Extraordinary, shattered by a murder. Eighteen 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 eighteen students' perspectives in a bold, subversive, and ultimately radical take on the magic school trope. Grimoire of the Grave Fates represents the kind of thoughtful fantasy we need more of.

Hardcover and Kindle versions are available now. See it at Amazon

Magic For Liars

Murder is rampant at magical schools, as proven in Magic For Liars, where a gruesome killing draws private investigator Ivy Gamble back to the supernatural world that rejected her. While her sister thrived at The Osthorne Academy of Young Mages, Ivy struggles until she's hired to solve a murder at the very academy where her estranged twin teaches. This contemporary twist on the classic magic school tale is witty, mature, and set in a realistically magical world. The mystery will keep you guessing, but the intricate character work and relationships will truly captivate you.

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 summer or fall read. McGuire's bestselling novellas have enchanted readers since the release of Every Heart a Doorway, and now they're collected for the first time. Set in a school for children expelled from portal worlds—think Alice in Wonderland or The Chronicles of Narnia—the series begins with a murder mystery and never ceases to surprise. Filled with compelling characters, incredible worlds, and McGuire's engaging storytelling, these are some of the best fantasy stories of the last decade. Prepare to fall in love and have your heart broken as you explore what lies beyond the door…

Hardcover version also available. See it at Amazon