Top Picks for Harry Potter Fans: Next Reads

It's the perfect time to pack up your trunk and leave Hogwarts behind. If you're not planning to revisit all seven books anytime soon, don't worry—there's a world of captivating fantasy literature waiting for you. Whether you're drawn to magical school murder mysteries, spell-teaching academies in the clouds, low-stakes fantasy, or boarding schools for kids who've been turned away from mythical portals, our curated 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 rival the Harry Potter series in 2025.

Craving more Hogwarts magic? Engage with friends in the wizarding world through one of the best Harry Potter board games. For a cinematic experience akin to the Harry Potter films, explore 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 your perfect read. Dhonielle Clayton transports readers to the enchanting world of 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 crafts a world so inviting you'll want to join it, yet she doesn't shy away from the darker realities that can infiltrate even the most magical of places. Ella's dynamic character will leave you eager for more, 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 Boy Who Lived. It introduces readers to a world where the children 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, thoughtful stories masterfully balance the fantastical with the everyday, featuring a hero with ADHD and dyslexia navigating the challenges of growing up. Originally written for Riordan's son, the series has captivated readers worldwide with its immersive, expansive world.

For a complete reading experience, check out our full guide to the Percy Jackson books in order, or dive into the new Percy Jackson series on Disney+.

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, Christopher Paolini's The Inheritance Cycle 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, danger, 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 magic of Harry Potter and the epic scope of The Lord of the Rings.

The Inheritance Cycle

See it at Amazon

Legends & Lattes

If the feasts at Hogwarts and trips to Hogsmeade were your favorite parts, 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. Filled with delicious baked goods, steaming hot drinks, and charming customers, this story offers a magical and fantastical experience with low stakes and no high fantasy violence. 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 this stunning debut about Yadriel, a trans boy aspiring to become a Brujo. When a spell goes awry, he accidentally summons the ghost of Julian, his school's notorious bad boy, instead of his cousin. Forced to help Julian come to terms with his fate, Yadriel's journey is sweet, scary, and romantic—a unique fantasy novel that will keep you turning pages until the very end.

Cemetery Boys

Hardcover and Kindle versions are available now. $0 with Kindle Unlimited. See it at Amazon

Grimoire of the Grave Fates

This innovative anthology adds a fresh twist to the magical school genre. Grimoire of the Grave Fates tells the story of the Galileo Academy for the Extraordinary, rocked by a murder. Over 18 chapters, 18 authors weave together 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. 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 will keep you guessing, but it's the intricate character work 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 from summer to fall. Since the release of Every Heart a Doorway, McGuire's best-selling novellas have enchanted readers. Set in a school for kids who've been expelled from portal worlds—think Alice in Wonderland or The Chronicles of Narnia—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