The Best Books to Read Next If You Loved the Harry Potter Series

Beyond Hogwarts: Enchanting Reads for 2025 and Beyond

Ready to bid farewell to Hogwarts? Fear not, fellow fantasy enthusiasts! While the magic of the seven Harry Potter books lingers, a plethora of captivating tales await, promising fantastical adventures and spellbinding narratives. From magical academies nestled in the clouds to low-stakes fantasy and boarding schools for magically-rejected children, this list offers something for every reader. So grab your wand (metaphorically, of course), find a cozy spot, and prepare to discover your next literary obsession.

Looking for more Hogwarts-esque adventures? Explore the wizarding world with friends through a Harry Potter board game, or delve into cinematic magic with films similar to the Harry Potter series.

The Marvellers

Seeking the thrill of entering a magical academy? Dhonielle Clayton's The Marvellers transports you to the Arcanum, a global magic school soaring high above the clouds. Follow Ella, the school's first conjurer, as she navigates the enchanting yet secretive world of Arcanum, uncovering hidden truths behind its gilded façade. Clayton masterfully blends wonder with the harsh realities that even magical realms face, creating a dynamic and unforgettable story.

The Marvellers is available in hardcover and Kindle editions, with a paperback pre-order available.

Percy Jackson & the Olympians

Rick Riordan's epic series offers a compelling counterpoint to the Harry Potter saga. This series introduces a world where the children of gods walk among us. The first book follows Percy Jackson, son of Poseidon, as he embarks on a perilous quest to clear his name and find the thief who stole Zeus' lightning bolts. These inclusive stories blend fantasy with everyday life, featuring a relatable hero with ADHD and dyslexia, navigating the challenges of growing up.

The Percy Jackson & the Olympians paperback boxed set includes all five books and a bonus poster. Hardcover and audio CD versions are also available.

Eragon (The Inheritance Cycle)

While lacking a school setting, Christopher Paolini's Inheritance Cycle is a perfect follow-up for Harry Potter fans. This epic fantasy follows Eragon, a young teen who discovers a dragon egg and is thrust into a world of magic, danger, and dragons. Across four books, witness Eragon and his dragon's growth as they confront a powerful enemy determined to destroy everything they hold dear.

Legends & Lattes

If the Hogwarts feasts and Hogsmede trips were your favorite parts, Legends & Lattes is your next read. Travis Baldree's cozy fantasy has captivated readers with its heartwarming tale of an orc who trades warrior life for a coffee shop. This charming story offers delicious baked goods, steaming drinks, and delightful customers, creating a comforting and magical experience.

Legends & Lattes is available in hardcover and Kindle editions.

Cemetery Boys

Aiden Thomas's debut novel, Cemetery Boys, is a stunning story about a trans boy who accidentally summons the wrong ghost. Yadriel, determined to prove his identity to his family, performs a spell but instead summons Julian, his school's notorious bad boy. This sweet, scary, and romantic fantasy is unlike any other.

Cemetery Boys is available in hardcover and Kindle editions.

Grimoire of the Grave Fates

This innovative collection of short stories reimagines the magical school trope. The Galileo Academy for the Extraordinary is rocked by a murder, and 18 authors offer unique perspectives on the mystery. Grimoire of the Grave Fates is a thought-provoking and subversive take on the genre.

Grimoire of the Grave Fates is available in hardcover and Kindle editions.

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. This contemporary twist on the classic tale is witty and captivating.

Magic For Liars is available in hardcover and Kindle editions.

Be Sure

This collection of Seanan McGuire's Wayward Children novellas is a perfect summer or fall read. Set in a school for children expelled from portal worlds, the series begins with a murder mystery and is filled with intriguing characters and captivating worlds.

Be Sure is available in hardcover and Kindle editions.