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 world of captivating reads awaits, offering fantastical storytelling to satisfy your craving for magic. From magical school murder mysteries to cloud-dwelling academies, low-stakes fantasy adventures, and even a boarding school for magically rejected children, this list has something for everyone. Grab your wand, find a cozy spot, and prepare to discover new favorite books to rival the Harry Potter series in 2025.

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

The Marvellers

If you long for the feeling of being a new student at a magical academy, The Marvellers is your perfect match. Dhonielle Clayton transports you to the enchanting Arcanum, a global magic school nestled high in the clouds. Follow Ella, the school's first conjurer, as she navigates the excitement and uncovers the secrets and mistrust hidden behind the academy's gilded facade. Clayton crafts a world you'll instantly want to join, yet doesn't shy away from the harsh realities that even magical spaces face. Ella is a dynamic protagonist, leaving you eager for more of her magical journey.

Hardcover and Kindle editions are available now, with the paperback available for pre-order on August 29, 2023. See it at Amazon

Percy Jackson & the Olympians

Rick Riordan's epic fantasy series offers a fantastic counterpart 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, as he embarks on a perilous quest to find the thief who stole Zeus' lightning bolts and clear his name. These inclusive and thoughtful stories masterfully blend the fantastical with the everyday, featuring a hero with ADHD and dyslexia navigating the challenges of growing up. Originally written for his son, Riordan's immersive world has captivated readers globally—and it's easy to see why.

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

All five books in the Percy Jackson & the Olympians series are available in this paperback boxed set, 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 perfect follow-up for Harry Potter fans. Follow young Eragon as he discovers a dragon egg and is thrust into a world of magic, danger, and dragons. Across four books, watch Eragon and his dragon grow, confronting a powerful enemy determined to destroy everything they hold dear. This excellent young adult fantasy bridges the gap between Harry Potter and The Lord of the Rings.

See it at Amazon

Legends & Lattes

If Hogwarts' feasts and Hogsmeade trips were your favorite parts, Legends & Lattes is your next read. Travis Baldree's charming cozy fantasy has taken the internet by storm. This delightful tale of an orc trading warrior life for a coffee shop is one of the most magical and heartwarming stories in recent years. Filled with delicious treats, steaming drinks, and endearing customers, this found family story satisfies your fantasy cravings without the anxiety of high stakes. Enjoy fun banter, budding romance, and plenty of baking!

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

Cemetery Boys

Aiden Thomas' stunning debut about a trans boy who accidentally summons the wrong ghost is a must-read. Yadriel, determined to prove himself as a Brujo despite his family's struggles to accept his gender, summons the ghost of his school's notorious bad boy, Julian. Yadriel must help Julian find peace before he can return to his own life. This sweet, spooky, and romantic fantasy is unlike any other.

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

Grimoire of the Grave Fates

This innovative take on the magical school genre features a collection of interconnected short stories about the Galileo Academy for the Extraordinary, rocked by a murder. Eighteen authors offer eighteen unique student perspectives in this bracing, subversive, and ultimately radical reimagining of the magic school trope.

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

Magic For Liars

Murder strikes again at a magical school in Magic For Liars, drawing private investigator Ivy Gamble back to the supernatural world that once rejected her. When hired to solve a murder at the Osthorne Academy of Young Mages, where her estranged twin sister teaches, Ivy must confront her past. This witty and adult contemporary twist on the classic magic school tale is set in a realistic world with a subtle magical touch.

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

Be Sure

This collection of the first three stories in Seanan McGuire's Wayward Children series is a perfect summer/fall read. Set in a school for children banished from portal worlds, this series begins with a murder mystery and keeps you guessing. Filled with compelling characters and incredible worlds, these are some of the best fantasy stories of the last decade.

Hardcover version also available. See it at Amazon