Top Picks for Harry Potter Fans: Next Reads

It's the perfect time to pack your trunk and bid farewell to Hogwarts. If you're not planning to revisit all seven books anytime soon, don't worry—there's a wealth of other enchanting books waiting to satisfy your craving for magical storytelling. From thrilling murder mysteries at magical schools to spell-teaching academies in the clouds, to low-stakes fantasy adventures and tales of boarding schools for kids rejected from mythical realms, our curated list has something for every fan of the fantastical. 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? Immerse yourself in the wizarding world with friends through one of the best Harry Potter board games. Or, 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 masterfully crafts a world you'll long to join, while never shying away from the darker realities that can infiltrate even the most magical of places. With Ella as a dynamic protagonist, you'll finish The Marvellers eager for more and ready to dive back into 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 and companion 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, the son of Poseidon, on a perilous quest to find the thief who stole Zeus' 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 immersive, expansive world he's created has captivated readers worldwide, and it's easy to see why.

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 academy, Christopher Paolini's The Inheritance Cycle is an excellent follow-up for Harry Potter fans. The story follows a young teen named Eragon who discovers a dragon egg and is thrust into a world of magic, danger, and dragons. With four books in the series, readers witness the growth of the protagonist and his dragon as they confront a seemingly invincible malevolent enemy. This young adult fantasy strikes a balance between the worlds of Harry Potter and The Lord of the Rings.

The Inheritance Cycle

See it at Amazon

Legends & Lattes

If the sumptuous feasts and visits to Hogsmeade were your favorite parts of Hogwarts, Legends & Lattes is the perfect next read. Travis Baldree's cozy fantasy has taken the internet by storm, and for good reason. This enchanting tale follows an Orc who abandons her warrior life to open a coffee shop. Filled with delicious baked goods, steaming hot drinks, and charming customers, this story of found family fulfills your fantasy cravings without the high stakes and violence of traditional fantasy. Instead, the pages are filled with fun banter, budding romance, and 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 a trans boy, Yadriel, who dreams of becoming a Brujo. When a spell goes awry, he accidentally summons the ghost of his school's notorious bad boy, Julian, instead of his cousin. Left with no choice, Yadriel must help Julian come to terms with his fate and move on before returning to his normal life. This sweet, scary, and romantic fantasy novel is unlike any other and 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

One of the most innovative additions to the magical school genre, Grimoire of the Grave Fates is a collection of short stories that weave together to tell the tale of the Galileo Academy for the Extraordinary, which is rocked by a murder. Over 18 chapters, 18 authors—including Cam Montgomery, Darcie Little Badger, Hafsah Faizal, Jessica Lewis, Julian Winters, Karuna Riazi, Kat Cho, Kayla Whaley, Kwame Mbalia, L. L. McKinney, Marieke Nijkamp, Mason Deaver, Natasha Díaz, Preeti Chhibber, Randy Ribay, Tehlor Kay Mejia, Victoria Lee, and Yamile Saied Méndez—offer 18 students' perspectives for a bracing, subversive, and ultimately radical take on the magic school trope. Grimoire of the Grave Fates is the kind of thoughtful fantasy we need 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 staple at magical schools, as seen in Magic For Liars, where a gruesome killing draws private detective Ivy Gamble 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 a murder at her twin'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. McGuire's best-selling novellas have enchanted readers since the release of Every Heart a Doorway, and now they're collected for the first time. Set against the backdrop of a school for kids who have been expelled from portal worlds—think Alice in Wonderland or the Narnia books—the series kicks off with a murder mystery and never stops surprising. 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