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 dive back into all seven books anytime soon, don't worry—there's a world of enchanting literature waiting for you. From magical school murder mysteries to spell-teaching academies in the clouds, to low-stakes fantasy tales and boarding schools for kids rejected from mythical portals, our curated list has something to captivate every reader. So, grab your magic wand, find a cozy spot, and prepare to discover new favorites that will enchant you just as much as 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 reminiscent of the Harry Potter films, explore our list of the best 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" by Dhonielle Clayton is the perfect read. This enchanting tale transports you to the Arcanum, a global magic school perched high in the clouds. As the first conjurer at the school, Ella is brimming with excitement, yet she soon discovers that behind the Arcanum's gilded doors lie secrets and mistrust. Clayton masterfully crafts a world you'll long to join, while never shying away from the grim realities that can affect even the most magical of places. With Ella as a dynamic protagonist, you'll finish "The Marvellers" eager to return to 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 an excellent counterpart or companion to the adventures of the Boy Who Lived. The series introduces readers to a world where the children of gods live among us. In the first book, Percy Jackson, the son of Poseidon, embarks on a perilous quest to retrieve Zeus' stolen lightning bolts and clear his name. These inclusive, thoughtful stories skillfully balance the fantastical with the everyday, featuring a hero with ADHD and dyslexia navigating the challenges of growing up. Originally penned for his son, Riordan's immersive world has captured the hearts of readers worldwide, and it's easy to understand why once you start reading.

Explore our comprehensive guide to the Percy Jackson books in order, or dive into the new Percy Jackson series on Disney+ for more of this captivating world.

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)

Though it doesn't feature a magical academy, "The Inheritance Cycle" by Christopher Paolini is a fantastic follow-up for Harry Potter fans. The series follows young Eragon, who discovers a dragon egg and is thrust into a world of magic, danger, and dragons. With four books, you'll witness the growth of Eragon and his dragon as they confront a formidable malevolent enemy threatening everything they hold dear. This young adult fantasy strikes a balance between the adventures 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 visits to Hogsmeade were your favorite parts of visiting Hogwarts, "Legends & Lattes" by Travis Baldree is your next must-read. This cozy fantasy has captivated readers with its heartwarming story of an orc who trades her warrior life for a coffee shop. Filled with delicious baked goods, steaming hot drinks, and charming customers, this tale of found family satisfies your fantasy cravings without the high stakes and violence often found in the genre. 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 made a significant impact with "Cemetery Boys," a stunning debut about a trans boy named 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 intended cousin. Faced with no other choice, Yadriel must help Julian come to terms with his fate and move on. This novel is sweet, scary, and romantic, offering a unique fantasy experience that will keep you hooked until the last page.

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 together narrate the tale of the Galileo Academy for the Extraordinary, which is shaken by a murder. Over 18 chapters, 18 authors, including Cam Montgomery, Darcie Little Badger, Hafsah Faizal, and others, explore the perspectives of 18 students, delivering a bracing, subversive, and ultimately radical take on the magic school trope. This thoughtful fantasy is precisely what the genre needs 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 evidenced by "Magic For Liars" by Sarah Gailey. When a gruesome killing occurs at The Osthorne Academy of Young Mages, private detective Ivy Gamble is drawn back into the supernatural world that once rejected her. While her twin sister, Tabitha, thrived and secured a teaching position at the academy, Ivy struggles to make ends meet as a PI. This contemporary twist on the classic magic school tale is witty, adult, and set in a realistically grounded 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. Since the release of "Every Heart a Doorway," McGuire's best-selling novellas have enchanted readers, and now they're available in this collected volume for the first time. Set at a school for children who've been expelled from portal worlds reminiscent of Alice in Wonderland or Narnia, the series kicks off with a murder mystery and continues to surprise at every turn. With its intriguing characters, unbelievable worlds, and McGuire's engaging storytelling, these novellas are among 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 as well. See it at Amazon