Top Picks for Harry Potter Fans: Next Reads

It's the perfect time to pack your trunk and bid farewell to Hogwarts. If you're not planning to dive back into all seven books anytime soon, don't worry—there's a whole world of enchanting literature waiting to captivate you. From thrilling magical school murder mysteries to spell-teaching academies soaring in the clouds, to light-hearted fantasy tales and boarding schools for kids who've been turned away from mythical realms, our curated list has something for every fan of fantastical storytelling. So, grab your magic wand, find a cozy nook, and prepare to discover new favorites to rival the Harry Potter series in 2025.

Yearning for more Hogwarts magic? Immerse yourself in the wizarding world with friends through one of the best Harry Potter board games. Or, for a cinematic treat, explore our list of the best movies like Harry Potter, offering experiences akin to the beloved films.

The Marvellers

If you're eager to experience the thrill of being a new student at a magical academy, "The Marvellers" by Dhonielle Clayton is your perfect read. This book will transport you back to the wonder of childhood as you step into the enchanting world of the Arcanum, a global magic school perched high in the clouds. As the first conjurer at the school, Ella is brimming with excitement, but soon discovers that Arcanum harbors secrets and mistrust behind its gilded doors. Clayton masterfully crafts a world you'll yearn to join, while not shying away from the darker realities that can infiltrate even the most magical of places. With Ella as a dynamic protagonist, you'll finish "The Marvellers" eager for more and longing to return to her magical world.

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 serves as a fantastic counterpart 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, the son of Poseidon, on a perilous quest to retrieve Zeus' stolen 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 penned for his son, Riordan's immersive world has captured the hearts of readers worldwide, and it's easy to see why once you start reading.

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 also available). See it at Amazon

Eragon (The Inheritance Cycle)

While it doesn't feature a magical school, "The Inheritance Cycle" by Christopher Paolini is a must-read for Harry Potter fans. The series follows Eragon, a young teen who discovers a dragon egg and is thrust into a world of magic, peril, and dragons. Spanning four books, readers witness 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 scope of The Lord of the Rings.

The Inheritance Cycle

See it at Amazon

Legends & Lattes

If the sumptuous feasts and visits to Hogsmeade were your favorite parts of Hogwarts, "Legends & Lattes" by Travis Baldree is your next must-read. This cozy fantasy has taken the internet by storm, and for good reason. It tells the heartwarming tale of an Orc who trades her warrior life for a coffee shop venture. Filled with delectable baked goods, steaming hot drinks, and charming patrons, this story offers a magical and fantastical experience without the high stakes or violence of traditional fantasy. Instead, it's packed with fun banter, budding romance, and the joy of baking.

Legends & Lattes

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

Cemetery Boys

Aiden Thomas made a significant impact with his debut novel "Cemetery Boys," a stunning tale about a trans boy named Yadriel who aspires to become a Brujo. When a spell goes awry, he accidentally summons the ghost of Julian, the school's notorious bad boy, instead of his cousin. Forced to help Julian come to terms with his fate, Yadriel embarks on a journey that's sweet, scary, and romantic. This unique fantasy novel will keep you hooked until the very 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 additions to the magical school genre, "Grimoire of the Grave Fates" is a collection of short stories that weave together to narrate 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, and others, explore the perspectives of 18 students, delivering 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 recurring theme at magical schools, as seen in "Magic For Liars" by Sarah Gailey. 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 narrative is witty, adult, and set in a world that feels real with a subtle magical overlay. The mystery will keep you guessing, but it's the intricate character development and relationships that will truly captivate you.

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 the release of "Every Heart a Doorway," and now they're collected for the first time. Set in a school for children who've 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. With its intriguing 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 as well. See it at Amazon