Ready to leave Hogwarts behind? Fear not, fellow bookworms! This list offers fantastic alternatives to satisfy your craving for magical storytelling. From murder mysteries in magical academies to enchanting cloud-based schools, and even low-stakes fantasy adventures, there's something here for everyone. Grab your wand, get cozy, and prepare to discover your next favorite reads for 2025.
Need more Hogwarts? Explore the wizarding world with friends through a Harry Potter board game, or revisit the cinematic magic with our list of films similar to the Harry Potter series.
The Marvellers
Longing for the thrill of starting at a magical academy? Dhonielle Clayton's The Marvellers delivers. This captivating tale introduces the Arcanum, a global magic school nestled high in the clouds. Follow Ella, the school's first conjurer, as she navigates the enchanting yet treacherous world hidden behind the Arcanum's gilded doors. Clayton masterfully blends captivating magic with relatable challenges, making The Marvellers an unforgettable read.
Percy Jackson & the Olympians
Rick Riordan's series provides a wonderful companion to the Harry Potter saga. This epic fantasy introduces a world where the children of gods live among us. Follow Percy Jackson, son of Poseidon, as he embarks on a perilous quest to clear his name and recover Zeus' stolen lightning bolts. These inclusive stories blend fantasy with everyday life, featuring a relatable hero with ADHD and dyslexia.
Eragon (The Inheritance Cycle)
While lacking a school setting, Christopher Paolini's Inheritance Cycle is a perfect follow-up for Harry Potter fans. This captivating story follows young Eragon, who discovers a dragon egg and is thrust into a world of magic, danger, and mythical creatures. Across four books, witness Eragon and his dragon grow as they confront a powerful enemy.
Legends & Lattes
If Hogwarts' feasts and Hogsmeade trips were your favorite parts, then Legends & Lattes is your next read. Travis Baldree's cozy fantasy, a heartwarming tale of an orc opening a coffee shop, is a delightful escape. Filled with delicious treats and charming customers, this low-stakes fantasy offers a comforting and enchanting experience.
Cemetery Boys
Aiden Thomas' debut novel is a stunning story about Yadriel, a trans boy who accidentally summons the wrong ghost. This sweet, scary, and romantic fantasy is unlike any other.
Grimoire of the Grave Fates
This innovative collection of short stories reimagines the magical school trope. A murder at the Galileo Academy for the Extraordinary unfolds through the perspectives of 18 students, each chapter penned by a different author.
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 her estranged twin sister's academy.
Be Sure
This collection of Seanan McGuire's Wayward Children novellas is a perfect summer/autumn read. This series follows children expelled from portal worlds, exploring a school for those who've traversed magical doorways.
