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, low-stakes fantasy adventures, and even a boarding school for children rejected from 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.

Want more Hogwarts? Enhance your wizarding world experience with one of the best Harry Potter board games, or explore our list of the best movies like Harry Potter for a cinematic adventure.

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 to the enchanting Arcanum, a global magic school nestled high in the clouds. Follow Ella, the school's first conjurer, as she navigates the excitement and hidden secrets behind the gilded doors. Clayton crafts a world you'll long to inhabit, while honestly portraying the realities that impact even the most magical places. Ella is a dynamic protagonist, and you'll eagerly await further adventures in her magical world.

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 clear his name after a theft of Zeus' lightning bolts. These inclusive stories skillfully blend the fantastical with the everyday, featuring a hero with ADHD and dyslexia who grapples with the challenges of growing up. Originally written for his son, Riordan's immersive world 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.

All five books in the blockbuster Percy Jackson and the Olympians series, in a collectible paperback 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 superb follow-up for Harry Potter fans. Follow young Eragon as he discovers a dragon egg and is thrust into a world of magic, danger, and dragons. Across four books, witness Eragon and his dragon grow as they confront a powerful enemy threatening everything they hold dear. This young adult fantasy sits comfortably between Harry Potter and The Lord of the Rings.

See it at Amazon.

Legends & Lattes

If Hogwarts' feasts and Hogsmeade trips were your favorite parts, Legends & Lattes is your next read. Travis Baldree's cozy fantasy has taken the internet by storm, and rightfully so. This charming tale of an orc trading warrior life for a coffee shop is a magical and fantastical delight. Filled with delicious treats, steaming drinks, and endearing customers, this found family story fulfills fantasy needs without the anxiety of high stakes or violence. Instead, it's brimming with witty banter, budding romance, and baking.

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

Cemetery Boys

Aiden Thomas' stunning debut about a trans boy who accidentally summons the wrong ghost is a must-read. Yadriel, determined to prove his family wrong about his gender identity, performs a spell but summons the ghost of his school's notorious bad boy, Julian. Together, they must help Julian move on before Yadriel can return to his life. Sweet, scary, and romantic, this unique fantasy will keep you hooked until the very end.

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, rocked by a murder. Eighteen authors offer eighteen unique student perspectives in a subversive and radical take on the magical school trope. Grimoire of the Grave Fates is the thoughtful fantasy we need more of.

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

Magic For Liars

Murder plagues magical schools, as seen in Magic For Liars, where a gruesome killing brings private investigator Ivy Gamble back to the supernatural world that rejected her. This contemporary twist on the classic tale is witty and adult, set in a realistic world with a subtle magical element. The mystery, intricate characters, and relationships will keep you enthralled.

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 perfect for summer or fall reading. 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.

Hardcover version also available. See it at Amazon.