Ready to leave Hogwarts behind? Fear not, fellow fantasy enthusiasts! This list offers captivating alternatives to satisfy your craving for magical storytelling. From murder mysteries in magical academies to cloud-based spell-casting schools and low-stakes fantasy adventures, there's something here for everyone. Grab your wand, find a cozy spot, and prepare to discover your next favorite reads for 2025!
Looking for more Hogwarts magic? Explore the wizarding world with friends through a Harry Potter board game, or delve into films similar to the Harry Potter series.
The Marvellers
Experience the thrill of attending a magical academy anew with The Marvellers. Dhonielle Clayton transports readers to the enchanting Arcanum, a global magic school nestled high in the clouds. Follow Ella, the school's first conjurer, as she navigates secrets and mistrust behind the academy's glittering façade. Clayton masterfully blends captivating world-building with realistic challenges, creating a compelling narrative centered around a dynamic protagonist.
### The Marvellers
Hardcover and Kindle editions are available. Paperback pre-orders begin August 29, 2023.
Percy Jackson & the Olympians
Rick Riordan's epic fantasy series provides a fantastic counterpoint to the Harry Potter saga. Enter a world where the children of gods live among us, following Percy Jackson, son of Poseidon, on a perilous quest to clear his name and recover Zeus' stolen lightning bolts. These inclusive stories blend fantasy with relatable everyday experiences, featuring a hero with ADHD and dyslexia. Riordan's immersive world has captivated readers globally, and it's easy to see why.
Explore our complete guide to the Percy Jackson books or enjoy the new Disney+ series.
### Percy Jackson & the Olympians Paperback Boxed Set
A boxed set containing all five books in the series, plus a bonus poster. Hardcover and audio CD versions also available.
Eragon (The Inheritance Cycle)
While lacking a school setting, Christopher Paolini's Inheritance Cycle offers a compelling alternative for Harry Potter fans. Follow Eragon, a young teen who discovers a dragon egg and is thrust into a world of magic, danger, and dragons. This four-book series chronicles the growth of Eragon and his dragon as they confront a powerful enemy. It's a captivating young adult fantasy that bridges the gap between Harry Potter and The Lord of the Rings.
### The Inheritance Cycle
Legends & Lattes
If the Hogwarts feasts and Hogsmeade trips were your favorite parts, Legends & Lattes is the perfect choice. Travis Baldree's cozy fantasy has charmed readers with its heartwarming tale of an orc who trades her warrior life for a coffee shop. This delightful story, filled with delicious treats, warm drinks, and charming customers, offers a low-stakes, comforting fantasy experience devoid of high-fantasy violence. Instead, it's packed with witty banter, budding romance, and baking.
### Legends & Lattes
Hardcover and Kindle editions are available.
Cemetery Boys
Aiden Thomas' stunning debut novel follows Yadriel, a trans boy who accidentally summons the wrong ghost while attempting to prove his identity as a Brujo. This sweet, spooky, and romantic fantasy features compelling characters and a unique storyline that will keep you engaged until the very end.
### Cemetery Boys
Hardcover and Kindle editions are available.
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 eighteen students, each chapter penned by a different author. This subversive and thought-provoking fantasy offers a fresh and unique take on the genre.
### Grimoire of the Grave Fates
Hardcover and Kindle editions are available.
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 crime at the Osthorne Academy of Young Mages, where her estranged twin sister teaches. This contemporary twist on the magical school narrative is witty and adult, blending a compelling mystery with intricate character development.
### Magic For Liars
Hardcover and Kindle editions are available.
Be Sure
This collection of the first three novellas in Seanan McGuire's Wayward Children series is a perfect summer or autumn read. Set in a school for children who've been expelled from portal worlds, the series begins with a murder mystery and continues to surprise. Filled with intriguing characters and captivating worlds, these are some of the best fantasy stories of the last decade.
### Be Sure
Also available in hardcover.
