Top Books to Read After Harry Potter

It's time to pack your trunk and bid Hogwarts farewell. If you're not planning to revisit the Harry Potter series anytime soon, fear not—there's a plethora of enchanting books waiting to fill that magical void. From thrilling murder mysteries at magical schools to enchanting academies in the sky, to light-hearted fantasy tales and boarding schools for kids turned away from mythical realms, our list has something for everyone. So, grab your wand, find a cozy nook, and prepare to discover new favorites to enjoy in 2025.

Craving more Hogwarts magic? Join your friends in the wizarding world with some of the best Harry Potter board games. Or, for a similar cinematic experience, explore our selection of movies like Harry Potter.

The Marvellers

If you're yearning to experience the thrill of being a new student at a magical academy, The Marvellers is your perfect read. Dhonielle Clayton transports us to the enchanting Arcanum, a global magic school floating high in the clouds. Ella, the school's first conjurer, is brimming with excitement, but soon discovers that Arcanum harbors secrets and mistrust behind its golden doors. Clayton's world is so captivating you'll wish to be part of it, yet she doesn't shy away from the darker realities that can infiltrate even the most magical places. Ella's dynamic character will leave you eager for more adventures in her magical world.

The Marvellers
Hardcover and Kindle versions are available now, while the paperback is up for pre-order on August 29, 2023.
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Percy Jackson & the Olympians

Rick Riordan's epic fantasy series serves as both a counterpoint and a companion to the Harry Potter saga. In this world, the children of gods walk among us. The first book follows Percy Jackson, son of Poseidon, on a perilous quest to recover Zeus' stolen lightning bolt and clear his name. These inclusive and thoughtful stories masterfully blend the fantastical with the everyday, featuring a hero with ADHD and dyslexia navigating the challenges of growing up. Riordan initially penned these tales for his son, but the expansive, immersive world he created has captivated readers worldwide, making it easy to understand their widespread appeal.

For a comprehensive guide, check out our full list of 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, in paperback, collected in a boxed set fit for demigods, complete with a bonus poster! (Hardcover and audio CD also available).
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Eragon (The Inheritance Cycle)

While it doesn't feature a school or academy, Christopher Paolini's The Inheritance Cycle is a must-read for Harry Potter fans. The story centers on Eragon, a young teen who discovers a dragon egg and is thrust into a world brimming with magic, danger, and dragons. Spanning four books, the series follows Eragon and his dragon as they mature, confronting a seemingly invincible malevolent force that threatens everything they hold dear. It's a compelling young adult fantasy that strikes a balance between Harry Potter and the Lord of the Rings.

The Inheritance Cycle
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Legends & Lattes

If you cherished the feasts at Hogwarts and trips to Hogsmeade, Legends & Lattes will be your next delightful read. Travis Baldree's cozy fantasy has captured the hearts of readers online for good reason. This enchanting tale follows an Orc who abandons her warrior life to open a coffee shop. Filled with delectable treats, warm beverages, and endearing customers, this story of found family satisfies your fantasy cravings without the high stakes or violence often found in traditional fantasy. Instead, it's packed with witty banter, blossoming romance, and the joy of baking.

Legends & Lattes
Hardcover and Kindle versions are available now.
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Cemetery Boys

Aiden Thomas made waves with his debut novel, Cemetery Boys, a gripping tale of a trans boy, Yadriel, aspiring to become a Brujo. His spell goes awry, summoning 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. This sweet, spooky, and romantic novel offers a unique fantasy experience that will keep you turning pages until the end.

Cemetery Boys
Hardcover and Kindle versions are available now. $0 with Kindle Unlimited.
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Grimoire of the Grave Fates

This innovative anthology adds a fresh twist to the magical school genre. Grimoire of the Grave Fates is a collection of short stories that unfold the narrative of the Galileo Academy for the Extraordinary, rocked by a murder. Over 18 chapters, 18 different authors provide 18 students' perspectives, resulting in a bracing, subversive, and ultimately radical take on the magic school trope. This thoughtful fantasy is exactly what the genre needs more of.

Grimoire of the Grave Fates
Hardcover and Kindle versions are available now.
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Magic For Liars

Murders seem to be a recurring theme at magical schools, as seen in Magic For Liars. Private detective Ivy Gamble is drawn back into the supernatural world that rejected her when she's hired to solve a gruesome murder at The Osthorne Academy of Young Mages, where her estranged twin sister, Tabitha, teaches. This contemporary twist on the magic school trope is witty, mature, and set in a world that feels realistically grounded with subtle magical elements. 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.
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Be Sure

This beautiful collection features the first three stories from Seanan McGuire's Wayward Children series, perfect for a summer-to-fall read. McGuire's best-selling novellas have enchanted readers since the release of Every Heart a Doorway, and now they're available together for the first time. Set at a school for kids rejected from portal worlds reminiscent of Alice in Wonderland or Narnia, the series kicks off with a murder mystery and never ceases to surprise. With complex characters, incredible worlds, and McGuire's compelling storytelling, these are some of the most outstanding fantasy stories of recent years. Get ready to fall in love and have your heart broken as you explore what lies beyond the door...

Be Sure
Hardcover version available as well.
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