Top Books to Read After Harry Potter Series

It's the perfect time to pack your trunk and bid farewell to Hogwarts. If you're not planning to revisit the Harry Potter series anytime soon, don't worry—there are countless other enchanting books waiting to captivate you with their magical narratives. From thrilling murder mysteries at magical schools to spell-teaching academies in the clouds, and from low-stakes fantasy adventures to tales of boarding schools for children rejected by mythical portals, our list has something for everyone. So, grab your magic wand, find a cozy spot, and prepare to discover new favorites to read in 2025.

Craving more of the wizarding world? Join your friends in the magic with one of the best Harry Potter board games. Alternatively, explore our curated list of movies similar to Harry Potter for a cinematic journey reminiscent of the beloved films.

The Marvellers

If you're yearning for the thrill of being a new student at a magical academy, "The Marvellers" is the book for you. Dhonielle Clayton masterfully transports readers to the enchanting world of the Arcanum, a global magic school soaring high in the clouds. Follow Ella, the school's first conjurer, as she navigates the gilded halls filled with secrets and mistrust. Clayton's storytelling weaves a world so inviting you'll wish to join it, while never shying away from the harsh realities that can infiltrate even the most magical of places. Ella's dynamic character will leave you eager for more adventures in her magical realm.

The Marvellers

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

Percy Jackson & the Olympians

Rick Riordan's epic fantasy series offers a compelling counterpoint to Harry Potter, introducing readers to a world where the children 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 inclusive, thoughtful stories masterfully balance the fantastical with the everyday, featuring a hero with ADHD and dyslexia navigating the challenges of growing up. Originally written for Riordan's son, the series has become a global phenomenon, drawing readers into its immersive, sprawling world.

For a complete reading experience, check out our guide to 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 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)

While it doesn't feature an academy or school, "The Inheritance Cycle" by Christopher Paolini is a fantastic follow-up for Harry Potter fans. The saga follows young Eragon, who discovers a dragon egg and is thrust into a world of magic, peril, and dragons. Spanning four books, readers witness Eragon and his dragon grow up as they confront a seemingly invincible enemy bent on destruction. This young adult fantasy strikes a balance between the magic of Harry Potter and the epic scope of 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 Hogwarts, "Legends & Lattes" is your next must-read. Travis Baldree's cozy fantasy has captivated readers with its heartwarming story of an Orc who trades her warrior life for a coffee shop. Filled with delectable treats, steaming beverages, and charming patrons, this tale offers a magical and fantastical experience with low stakes and no high fantasy violence. Instead, you'll find delightful banter, blossoming romance, and the joy of baking.

Legends & Lattes

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

Cemetery Boys

Aiden Thomas's stunning debut, "Cemetery Boys," follows Yadriel, a trans boy determined to become a Brujo. His plan goes awry when he accidentally summons the ghost of his school's notorious bad boy, Julian, instead of his cousin. Yadriel must help Julian resolve his unfinished business before returning to his own life. This sweet, spooky, and romantic novel offers a unique fantasy experience that will keep you hooked until the last page.

Cemetery Boys

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

Grimoire of the Grave Fates

"Grimoire of the Grave Fates" is a groundbreaking addition to the magical school genre, presenting a collection of interconnected short stories set at the Galileo Academy for the Extraordinary, which is rocked by a murder. Over 18 chapters, 18 authors weave a narrative from the perspectives of 18 students, offering 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. See it at Amazon

Magic For Liars

In "Magic For Liars," murders plague magical schools as private detective Ivy Gamble is drawn back into the supernatural world that once rejected her. While her twin sister, Tabitha, thrives as a teacher at The Osthorne Academy of Young Mages, Ivy struggles as a PI. When hired to solve a murder at her sister's school, Ivy uncovers a contemporary twist on the classic magic school tale. This witty, adult novel is set in a realistically magical world, with a gripping mystery and intricate character relationships that will keep you engrossed.

Magic For Liars

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

Be Sure

This beautiful collection, "Be Sure," brings together the first three stories in Seanan McGuire's Wayward Children series, perfect for a summer to fall read. Set in a school for children rejected by portal worlds reminiscent of Alice in Wonderland or Narnia, the series kicks off with a murder mystery and never ceases to surprise. With its complex characters, unbelievable worlds, and McGuire's engaging storytelling, these novellas are some of the finest fantasy stories of the last decade. Get ready to fall in love and have your heart broken as you explore what lies beyond the door.

Be Sure

Hardcover version available. See it at Amazon