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 captivating books awaits, ready to satisfy your craving for fantastical storytelling. From magical school murder mysteries to cloud-dwelling academies, from low-stakes fantasy to a boarding school for magically rejected children, 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 the best movies like Harry Potter for a cinematic experience reminiscent of the films.

The Marvellers

If you yearn for the feeling of being a new student at a magical academy, The Marvellers is your perfect match. Dhonielle Clayton transports you back to childhood, introducing the enchanting Arcanum, a global magic school nestled high in the clouds. Ella, the school's first conjurer, is brimming with excitement, but the Arcanum holds secrets and mistrust behind its gilded doors. Clayton crafts a world you'll long to join, yet doesn't shy away from the harsh realities that impact even the most magical places. Ella is a dynamic protagonist, leaving you eager to read more and rejoin her magical journey.

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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 offers a fantastic counterpoint 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, thoughtful stories beautifully balance the fantastical with the everyday, featuring a hero with ADHD and dyslexia, navigating 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 delve into the new Percy Jackson series on Disney+ for more adventures.

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All five books in the blockbuster Percy Jackson & the Olympians series are available in a paperback 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 lacking a school setting, Christopher Paolini's Inheritance Cycle is a superb follow-up for Harry Potter fans. The story centers on young Eragon, who discovers a dragon egg and is thrust into a world of magic, danger, and dragons. Across four books, you witness Eragon and his dragon grow, confronting a powerful enemy determined to destroy all they hold dear. This excellent young adult fantasy bridges the gap between Harry Potter and The Lord of the Rings.

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See it at Amazon

Legends & Lattes

If Hogwarts' feasts and Hogsmeade visits were your favorites, Legends & Lattes is your next read. Travis Baldree's charming cozy fantasy has taken the internet by storm, and for good reason. This delightful 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 found family story fulfills fantasy needs without the anxiety of high stakes and violence. Instead, it offers witty banter, budding romance, and baking.

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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, secure in his identity, attempts to prove himself to his family through a spell, but instead of summoning his cousin, he 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.

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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 students' perspectives, creating a bold, subversive, and radical take on the magic school trope. Grimoire of the Grave Fates is the thoughtful fantasy we need more of.

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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 magic school tale is witty and adult, set in a realistic world with a subtle magical touch. The mystery and intricate character work will keep you captivated.

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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 the perfect summer or fall read. Set in a school for children banished from portal worlds, the series begins with a murder mystery and continues to surprise. Filled with complex characters, incredible worlds, and engaging storytelling, these are some of the best fantasy stories of the last decade.

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Hardcover version also available. See it at Amazon