It's the perfect time to pack your trunk and bid farewell to Hogwarts. If you're not planning to dive back into the Harry Potter series anytime soon, don't worry—there's a whole world of enchanting books waiting to capture your imagination. From magical school murder mysteries to spell-teaching academies in the clouds, to low-stakes fantasy tales and stories about boarding schools for kids rejected from mythical portals, our list has something for every fan of fantastical storytelling. So, grab your magic wand, find a cozy spot, and prepare to discover new favorites to enjoy in 2025.
Craving more magical adventures? Join your friends in the wizarding world with one of the best Harry Potter board games. Or, for a cinematic experience reminiscent of the Harry Potter films, check out our list of the best movies like Harry Potter.
The Marvellers
If you're yearning for the thrill of being a new student at a magical academy, The Marvellers is the book for you. Dhonielle Clayton's enchanting tale transports readers to the Arcanum, a global magic school perched high in the clouds. As the school's first conjurer, Ella is brimming with excitement, but soon discovers that Arcanum harbors secrets and mistrust behind its gilded doors. Clayton weaves a world so captivating you'll want to join it, yet she doesn't shy away from the darker realities that even magical places face. With Ella as a dynamic protagonist, The Marvellers will leave you eager to return to her magical world.
The Marvellers
Hardcover and Kindle versions are available now, while the paperback is up for pre-order on Aug 29, 2023. See it at Amazon
Percy Jackson & the Olympians
Rick Riordan's epic fantasy series is the perfect companion to the Harry Potter saga. It introduces readers to a world where the offspring of gods walk among us. The first book follows Percy Jackson, son of Poseidon, on a perilous quest to retrieve Zeus' stolen lightning bolts and clear his name. These inclusive stories masterfully blend the fantastical with the everyday, featuring a hero with ADHD and dyslexia navigating the challenges of growing up. Originally written for Riordan's son, this series has captivated readers worldwide with its immersive, expansive world.
For more on this series, check out our full guide to the Percy Jackson books in order or watch the new Percy Jackson series on Disney+.
Percy Jackson & the Olympians Paperback Boxed Set
All five books in the 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 also available). See it at Amazon
Eragon (The Inheritance Cycle)
Though it doesn't feature a magical school, Christopher Paolini's The Inheritance Cycle is a fantastic follow-up for Harry Potter fans. The series follows Eragon, a young teen who discovers a dragon egg and is thrust into a world of magic, danger, and dragons. Spanning four books, readers witness the growth of both Eragon and his dragon as they confront a formidable enemy bent on destruction. This young adult fantasy strikes a perfect balance between the magic of Harry Potter and the epic scope of The Lord of the Rings.
The Inheritance Cycle
Legends & Lattes
If your favorite part of visiting Hogwarts was the sumptuous feasts and trips to Hogsmeade, Legends & Lattes is the perfect next read. Travis Baldree's cozy fantasy has taken the internet by storm, and for good reason. This charming tale follows an orc who trades her warrior ways for a coffee shop, creating a magical and fantastical narrative filled with delicious baked goods, steaming hot drinks, and endearing customers. This low-stakes, found family story satisfies your fantasy cravings without the high tension and violence of typical fantasy novels. Instead, it's packed with fun banter, budding romance, and baking.
Legends & Lattes
Hardcover and Kindle versions are available now. See it at Amazon
Cemetery Boys
Aiden Thomas's debut novel, Cemetery Boys, is a stunning story about a trans boy, Yadriel, who dreams of becoming a Brujo. When his spell goes awry, summoning the ghost of his school's notorious bad boy, Julian, instead of his cousin, Yadriel must help Julian come to terms with his fate before returning to his own life. This novel is sweet, scary, and romantic, offering a unique fantasy experience that keeps you hooked until the 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 entries in the magical school genre, Grimoire of the Grave Fates is a collection of short stories that together tell the tale of the Galileo Academy for the Extraordinary, rocked by a murder. Over 18 chapters, 18 authors — including 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, creating a bracing, subversive, and ultimately radical take on the magic school trope. This thoughtful fantasy is exactly what the genre needs 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. When a gruesome killing occurs, private detective Ivy Gamble is drawn 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 the murder at her sister's school. This contemporary twist on the classic magic school tale is witty, adult, and set in a recognizably realistic world with a subtle magical twist. The mystery keeps you guessing, but it's the intricate character work and relationships that truly captivate.
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 for transitioning from summer to fall. McGuire's best-selling novellas have enchanted readers since Every Heart a Doorway, and now they're collected for the first time. Set in a school for kids who have been expelled from portal worlds — reminiscent of Alice in Wonderland or the Narnia books — the series kicks off with a murder mystery and continues to surprise. Filled with 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. See it at Amazon
