Ready to leave Hogwarts behind? Fear not, fellow fantasy enthusiasts! This list unveils captivating reads to satisfy your craving for magical storytelling, offering diverse tales far beyond the familiar halls of Hogwarts. From murder mysteries in magical academies to enchanting cloud-based schools, and even low-stakes fantasy adventures, there's something for everyone. Grab your wand, find a cozy spot, and prepare to discover new literary favorites for 2025.
For more Hogwarts-esque adventures, explore the best Harry Potter board games or delve into our selection of films similar to the Harry Potter series.
The Marvellers
Experience the thrill of attending a magical academy anew with The Marvellers. Dhonielle Clayton transports you to the Arcanum, a global magic school nestled high in the clouds. Follow Ella, the school's first conjurer, as she navigates the enchanting yet secretive world of Arcanum, uncovering hidden truths behind its gilded facade. Clayton masterfully blends captivating world-building with realistic challenges, creating a dynamic protagonist and an immersive narrative that will leave you yearning for more.
### The Marvellers
7Hardcover and Kindle editions are available. Paperback pre-orders begin August 29, 2023. Available on Amazon.
Percy Jackson & the Olympians
Rick Riordan's iconic series provides a compelling counterpart to the Harry Potter saga. Enter a world where demigods live amongst us, following Percy Jackson, son of Poseidon, on a perilous quest to clear his name after a theft of Zeus's lightning bolts. These inclusive stories seamlessly blend fantasy with everyday life, featuring a relatable hero grappling with ADHD and dyslexia. Riordan's immersive world has captivated readers globally, making it easy to understand its enduring appeal.
Explore our complete guide to the Percy Jackson books or enjoy the new Disney+ series for more adventures.
### Percy Jackson & the Olympians Paperback Boxed Set
4A boxed set containing all five books in the series, plus a bonus poster! (Hardcover and audio CD also available). Available on Amazon.
Eragon (The Inheritance Cycle)
While lacking a school setting, Christopher Paolini's Inheritance Cycle offers a captivating alternative for Harry Potter fans. Follow Eragon, a young teen who discovers a dragon egg and is thrust into a world of magic, danger, and dragons. This four-book series chronicles Eragon and his dragon's growth as they confront a formidable enemy. A compelling young adult fantasy bridging the gap between Harry Potter and Lord of the Rings.
### The Inheritance Cycle
1Available on Amazon.
Legends & Lattes
If Hogwarts' feasts and Hogsmeade trips were your highlight, Legends & Lattes is your next read. Travis Baldree's cozy fantasy has charmed readers with its heartwarming tale of an orc who trades warrior life for a coffee shop. This magical story is filled with delicious treats, charming customers, and a found family dynamic. Low stakes and heartwarming, it's a delightful escape.
### Legends & Lattes
4Hardcover and Kindle editions are available. Available on Amazon.
Cemetery Boys
Aiden Thomas's debut novel features a trans boy who accidentally summons the wrong ghost. Yadriel, determined to prove his family wrong about his gender, performs a spell that summons Julian, the school's notorious bad boy. This sweet, scary, and romantic fantasy is unlike any other.
### Cemetery Boys
1Hardcover and Kindle editions are available. Available with Kindle Unlimited. Available on Amazon.
Grimoire of the Grave Fates
This innovative magical school anthology features 18 short stories interwoven to tell the tale of a murder at the Galileo Academy for the Extraordinary. Eighteen authors offer unique perspectives, providing a subversive and thought-provoking take on the magical school trope.
### Grimoire of the Grave Fates
4Hardcover and Kindle editions are available. Available on 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 once rejected her to solve a gruesome killing at the Osthorne Academy of Young Mages, where her estranged twin sister teaches. This contemporary twist on the magical school tale is witty and engaging.
### Magic For Liars
2Hardcover and Kindle editions are available. Available on Amazon.
Be Sure
This collection of the first three Wayward Children novellas by Seanan McGuire is a perfect summer/fall read. Set in a school for children banished from portal worlds, this series begins with a murder mystery and continues to surprise.
### Be Sure
1Hardcover edition also available. Available on Amazon.