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 fantastic books awaits, ready to satisfy your craving for magical storytelling. From magical school murder mysteries to cloud-dwelling academies and low-stakes fantasy tales, even a boarding school for children rejected by 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? Enjoy the wizarding world with friends through one of the best Harry Potter board games, or explore our list of movies like Harry Potter for a cinematic experience similar to the films.

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. Ella, the school's first conjurer, is thrilled, but the Arcanum holds secrets and mistrust behind its gilded doors. Clayton crafts a world you'll yearn to join, yet doesn't shy away from the harsh realities that impact even the most magical places. Ella is a captivating protagonist, leaving you eager for more and desperate to return to her magical world.

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

Percy Jackson & the Olympians

Rick Riordan's epic fantasy series is a fantastic counterpart to the Boy Who Lived. Introducing a world where 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 blend fantasy and everyday life, featuring a hero with ADHD and dyslexia who navigates 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 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 captivating read for Harry Potter fans. The story follows young Eragon, who stumbles upon a dragon egg and is thrust into a world of magic, danger, and dragons. Across four books, the protagonist and his dragon grow, confronting a powerful enemy threatening everything they hold dear. This excellent young adult fantasy bridges the gap between Harry Potter and Lord of the Rings.

See it at Amazon

Legends & Lattes

If Hogwarts' feasts and Hogsmeade visits were your favorites, Legends & Lattes is your next read. Travis Baldree's cozy fantasy has taken the internet by storm, and rightfully so. This enchanting tale of an orc abandoning her warrior life to open a coffee shop is one of the most magical stories in recent years. Filled with delicious treats, steaming drinks, and charming customers, this heartwarming story fulfills fantasy desires without the anxiety of high-stakes conflicts. Instead, it offers fun banter, budding romance, and delightful 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, confident in his identity, attempts to prove his family wrong with a spell, but instead summons the ghost of his school's notorious bad boy, Julian. Yadriel must help Julian find peace before returning to his life. This sweet, scary, 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 magical school story is a collection of interconnected short stories about the Galileo Academy for the Extraordinary, torn apart by a murder. Eighteen authors offer eighteen perspectives on eighteen students, creating a bold, subversive, and radical take on the magic school trope. Grimoire of the Grave Fates is the kind of thoughtful fantasy we need more of.

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

Magic For Liars

Murder abounds 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 hired to solve a murder at the very academy where her twin teaches. This contemporary twist on the classic magic school tale is witty and adult, set in a realistic world with a subtle magical element. The mystery and intricate character relationships will keep you enthralled.

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 or autumn read. Set in a school for children expelled from portal worlds, the series begins with a murder mystery and continues to surprise. Filled with complex 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