It's time to pack your trunk and bid Hogwarts farewell. If re-reading the Harry Potter series isn't on your immediate agenda, fear not! There's a plethora of enchanting reads waiting to capture your imagination in 2025. From magical school murder mysteries to cloud-based spell-teaching academies, and even low-stakes fantasy worlds or boarding schools for kids who've been turned away from mythical realms, our list has something for every fan of fantastical storytelling. So, grab your magic wand, find a cozy spot, and prepare to discover new favorites that will rival your love for the Harry Potter series.

Craving more Hogwarts magic? Engage with friends in the wizarding world through one of the best Harry Potter board games. For a similar cinematic experience, explore our curated list of movies like Harry Potter.

The Marvellers

If you're yearning to feel like a new student at a magical academy, The Marvellers by Dhonielle Clayton is your perfect read. Step into the enchanting world of the Arcanum, a global magic school perched high in the clouds. As the first conjurer at Arcanum, Ella is brimming with excitement, but soon discovers that the school harbors secrets and mistrust behind its gilded doors. Clayton's storytelling weaves a world you'll long to join, while never shying away from the darker realities that even magical spaces can face. With Ella as a dynamic protagonist, you'll finish The Marvellers eager for more adventures in her magical world.

The Marvellers

Hardcover and Kindle versions are available now, while paperback is up for pre-order on Aug 29, 2023. See it at Amazon

Percy Jackson & the Olympians

Rick Riordan's Percy Jackson & the Olympians series stands as a compelling counterpart to Harry Potter. It introduces readers to a universe where the offspring of gods walk among us. The first book follows Percy Jackson, son of Poseidon, on a perilous quest to retrieve Zeus' stolen lightning bolt and clear his name. These stories beautifully balance fantasy with real-life issues, featuring a hero with ADHD and Dyslexia, navigating the complexities of growing up. Originally written for his son, Riordan's expansive and immersive world has captivated readers worldwide. Dive deeper with our complete guide to the Percy Jackson books in order, or tune into the new Percy Jackson series on Disney+.

Percy Jackson & the Olympians Paperback Boxed Set

All five books in the Percy Jackson and the Olympians series, in paperback, are collected in a demigod-worthy boxed set, complete with a bonus poster! (Hardcover and audio CD also available). See it at Amazon

Eragon (The Inheritance Cycle)

While The Inheritance Cycle by Christopher Paolini doesn't feature a magical academy, it's a fantastic follow-up for Harry Potter fans. The series begins with Eragon discovering a dragon egg, catapulting him into a world filled with magic, danger, and dragons. Spanning four books, readers witness Eragon and his dragon mature as they confront a powerful enemy bent on destruction. This young adult fantasy strikes a balance between the charm of Harry Potter and the epic scope of The Lord of the Rings.

The Inheritance Cycle

See it at Amazon

Legends & Lattes

If the sumptuous feasts and Hogsmeade visits were your favorite parts of Hogwarts, Legends & Lattes by Travis Baldree will enchant you. This cozy fantasy has captivated readers with its heartwarming tale of an orc who trades her warrior life for a coffee shop venture. Filled with delectable baked goods, steamy beverages, and charming patrons, this story offers a magical and fantastical experience with low stakes and no high fantasy violence. Instead, you'll find fun banter, budding romance, and the joy of baking.

Legends & Lattes

Hardcover and Kindle versions are available now. See it at Amazon

Cemetery Boys

Aiden Thomas's debut novel Cemetery Boys is a stunning read about Yadriel, a trans boy aspiring to become a Brujo. When his attempt to summon his cousin's ghost goes awry and he summons the ghost of Julian, the school's notorious bad boy, Yadriel must help Julian come to terms with his fate before returning to his own life. This novel is a sweet, spooky, and romantic fantasy that 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

Grimoire of the Grave Fates offers an innovative take on the magical school genre, weaving together 18 short stories to narrate the turmoil at the Galileo Academy for the Extraordinary following a murder. Over 18 chapters, 18 authors — including Cam Montgomery, Darcie Little Badger, Hafsah Faizal, and more — explore the perspectives of 18 students, delivering a bracing, subversive, and radical reimagining of the magic school trope. This anthology is a must-read for those craving thoughtful and diverse fantasy narratives.

Grimoire of the Grave Fates

Hardcover and Kindle versions are available now. See it at Amazon

Magic For Liars

In Magic For Liars by Sarah Gailey, magical schools face yet another murder. Private detective Ivy Gamble, estranged from her successful sister Tabitha, who teaches at The Osthorne Academy of Young Mages, is drawn back into the supernatural world to solve a gruesome killing. This contemporary twist on the magical school narrative is witty, adult, and set in a world that feels eerily real with a subtle magical undercurrent. The mystery keeps you guessing, but it's the rich character development and relationships that truly captivate.

Magic For Liars

Hardcover and Kindle versions are available now. See it at Amazon

Be Sure

Seanan McGuire's Wayward Children series, collected in Be Sure, is perfect for a summer-to-fall reading journey. These bestselling novellas, beginning with Every Heart a Doorway, have enchanted readers with their tales set in a school for children rejected from magical worlds. Starting with a murder mystery, the series offers constant surprises with its complex characters and otherworldly settings. Dive into some of the most compelling fantasy stories of the last decade and prepare for a heart-wrenching exploration of what lies beyond the door.

Be Sure

Hardcover version available as well. See it at Amazon