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

It's the perfect time to pack your trunk and bid farewell to Hogwarts. If you're not planning to revisit the magical world of Harry Potter anytime soon, fear not—there's a plethora of other enchanting books that will satisfy your craving for fantastical narratives. From thrilling magical school murder mysteries to spell-teaching academies in the clouds, to cozy low-stakes fantasy adventures and boarding schools for kids rejected from mythical portals, our curated list has something for every fan of magical storytelling. So, grab your wand, find a cozy spot, and prepare to discover new favorites akin to the Harry Potter series to enjoy in 2025.

Yearning for more Hogwarts adventures? Immerse yourself in the wizarding world with friends through one of the best Harry Potter board games. Alternatively, explore our selection of the top movies similar to Harry Potter for a cinematic journey reminiscent of 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 next read. This enchanting tale transports you to the Arcanum, a prestigious global magic school perched high in the clouds. Follow Ella, the school's first conjurer, as she navigates the excitement and challenges of her new environment. However, not all is as it seems at Arcanum, with secrets lurking behind its gilded doors. Clayton's vivid world-building and dynamic protagonist, Ella, will leave you eager for more adventures in this magical realm.

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, "Percy Jackson & the Olympians," serves as an excellent counterpart or companion to the Harry Potter series. Dive into a world where the offspring of gods coexist with mortals. The first book follows Percy Jackson, the son of Poseidon, as he embarks on a perilous quest to retrieve Zeus' stolen lightning bolt and clear his name. Riordan's stories beautifully intertwine the fantastical with everyday life, featuring a relatable hero with ADHD and dyslexia, navigating the complexities of growing up. Originally written for his son, this series has captivated readers worldwide with its immersive and expansive world.

You can explore our comprehensive guide to the Percy Jackson books in order, or catch the new Percy Jackson series on Disney+ for even 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 a magical academy, "The Inheritance Cycle" by Christopher Paolini is a captivating follow-up for Harry Potter fans. The series follows Eragon, a young teen who discovers a dragon egg and is thrust into a world filled with 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. This young adult fantasy strikes a balance between the charm of Harry Potter and the epic scale of The Lord of the Rings.

The Inheritance Cycle

See it at Amazon

Legends & Lattes

If you cherished the sumptuous feasts and visits to Hogsmeade in the Harry Potter series, "Legends & Lattes" by Travis Baldree is the perfect cozy fantasy for you. This heartwarming tale follows an orc who trades her warrior life for running a coffee shop, enchanting readers with its delicious baked goods, steaming beverages, and charming clientele. This low-stakes fantasy offers a refreshing break from high-tension narratives, filled instead with delightful banter, blossoming romance, and the joys of baking.

Legends & Lattes

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

Cemetery Boys

Aiden Thomas made a significant impact with their debut novel, "Cemetery Boys," a captivating story about a transgender boy named Yadriel who aspires to become a Brujo. When a spell goes awry, Yadriel accidentally summons the ghost of Julian, the school's notorious bad boy, instead of his intended cousin. As Yadriel helps Julian come to terms with his fate, this sweet, spooky, and romantic tale unfolds, offering a unique fantasy experience that will keep you turning pages until the end.

Cemetery Boys

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

Grimoire of the Grave Fates

"Grimoire of the Grave Fates" offers a fresh and innovative take on the magical school genre. This anthology weaves together 18 short stories by different authors, each focusing on a different student at the Galileo Academy for the Extraordinary, which is rocked by a murder. Over 18 chapters, these narratives form a cohesive and thrilling tale, offering a bracing, subversive, and radical perspective on the magic school trope. This is the kind of thoughtful fantasy that is sorely needed in the genre.

Grimoire of the Grave Fates

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

Magic For Liars

In "Magic For Liars" by Sarah Gailey, magical schools are once again the backdrop for intrigue and murder. When a gruesome killing occurs at The Osthorne Academy of Young Mages, private detective Ivy Gamble, who was once rejected by the magical world, is drawn back into it to solve the case. Her sister, Tabitha, thrives at the academy as a teacher, while Ivy struggles to make ends meet as a PI. This contemporary twist on the magical school narrative is witty, adult, and grounded in a realistically portrayed world with a subtle magical overlay. The mystery keeps you guessing, but it's the deep character development and relationships that truly captivate.

Magic For Liars

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

Be Sure

"Be Sure" is a beautiful collection of the first three stories in Seanan McGuire's "Wayward Children" series, perfect for a transition from summer to fall reading. These best-selling novellas have enchanted readers since the release of "Every Heart a Doorway." Set in a school for children who have been expelled from portal worlds reminiscent of Alice in Wonderland or the Narnia series, the stories begin with a murder mystery and continue to surprise. Featuring complex characters, extraordinary worlds, and McGuire's engaging narrative style, these tales are among the most compelling fantasy stories of recent years.

Be Sure

Hardcover version available. See it at Amazon