The Best Books to Read Next If You Loved the Harry Potter Series
It's time to pack your trunk and bid farewell to Hogwarts! If rereading the seven books isn't on your immediate agenda, fear not! A wealth of fantastic books await, ready to satisfy your craving for enchanting storytelling. From magical school murder mysteries to spell-casting academies nestled in the clouds, and from low-stakes fantasy adventures to a boarding school for children rejected by mythical portals, this list offers 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.
Looking for more Hogwarts magic? Gather your friends for a game of Harry Potter, or explore our list of movies like Harry Potter for a cinematic experience.
The Marvellers
If you long for the feeling of being a new student at a magical academy, The Marvellers is the perfect choice. Dhonielle Clayton transports you to the captivating world of the Arcanum, a global magic school perched 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, while honestly portraying the harsh realities that even magical spaces face. Ella is a dynamic protagonist, and you'll be eager to continue her journey.
### The Marvellers
7 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 serves as a wonderful companion 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, on a perilous quest to find the thief who stole Zeus' lightning bolts and clear his name. These inclusive stories cleverly blend the fantastical with the everyday, featuring a hero with ADHD and dyslexia, and honestly depicting the challenges of growing up. Riordan's immersive world has captivated readers globally, and it's easy to see why.
Explore our complete guide to the Percy Jackson books, or watch the new Percy Jackson series on Disney+.
### Percy Jackson & the Olympians Paperback Boxed Set
4 All five books in the bestselling Percy Jackson and the Olympians series, in paperback, are collected in a 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. Eragon, a young teen, discovers a dragon egg and is thrust into a world of magic, danger, and dragons. Across four books, Eragon and his dragon grow, confronting a powerful enemy determined to destroy all they hold dear. This young adult fantasy bridges the gap between Harry Potter and The Lord of the Rings.
### The Inheritance Cycle
Legends & Lattes
If Hogwarts' feasts and Hogsmeade trips were your favorites, Legends & Lattes is your next read. Travis Baldree's cozy fantasy has charmed the internet with its tale of an orc abandoning her warrior life to open a coffee shop. Filled with delicious treats, steaming drinks, and charming customers, this heartwarming story emphasizes found family. Low stakes and minimal violence, the book focuses on fun banter, romance, and baking.
### Legends & Lattes
4 Hardcover and Kindle editions are available now. See it at Amazon
Cemetery Boys
Aiden Thomas' debut novel follows Yadriel, a trans boy who dreams of becoming a Brujo but accidentally summons the wrong ghost. When his family struggles to accept his gender, he attempts a spell, summoning the ghost of his school's notorious bad boy, Julian. Yadriel must help Julian move on before returning to his life. Sweet, scary, and romantic, this unique fantasy will keep you captivated.
### Cemetery Boys
1 Hardcover and Kindle editions are available now. $0 with Kindle Unlimited. See it at Amazon
Grimoire of the Grave Fates
This innovative magical school story features a collection of interconnected short stories about the Galileo Academy for the Extraordinary, shattered by a murder. Eighteen authors offer eighteen students' perspectives in a subversive and radical take on the magical school trope.
### Grimoire of the Grave Fates
4 Hardcover and Kindle editions are available now. See it at Amazon
Magic For Liars
Murder strikes again at a magical school in Magic For Liars. Private investigator Ivy Gamble returns to the supernatural world that rejected her to solve a gruesome killing at the academy where her estranged twin teaches. This contemporary twist is witty and adult, set in a realistic world with subtle magic. The mystery, along with the intricate characters and relationships, will keep you engaged.
### Magic For Liars
2 Hardcover and Kindle editions 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 fall read. Set in a school for children expelled from portal worlds, the series begins with a murder mystery and consistently surprises. Filled with complex characters, incredible worlds, and engaging storytelling, these are some of the best fantasy stories of recent years.
### Be Sure
1 Hardcover edition also available. See it at Amazon