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 alternatives await. From murder mysteries in magical academies to cloud-dwelling spell-casting schools and low-stakes fantasy adventures, this list offers something for everyone. Grab your wand, find a cozy spot, and prepare to discover your next literary obsession.
Need more Hogwarts? Explore the wizarding world with friends through the best Harry Potter board games, or delve into cinematic magic with our selection of films similar to the Harry Potter movies.
The Marvellers
Seeking the thrill of entering a magical academy? Dhonielle Clayton's The Marvellers delivers. Experience the wonder of Arcanum, a global magic school nestled high in the clouds, through the eyes of Ella, its first conjurer. While excitement abounds, secrets and mistrust lurk beneath the surface. Clayton masterfully blends enchantment with the harsh realities that even magical worlds face, creating a dynamic and unforgettable story.
### The Marvellers
Hardcover and Kindle editions are available now; paperback pre-orders begin August 29, 2023. [Amazon Link]
Percy Jackson & the Olympians
Rick Riordan's epic series provides a fantastic counterpart to the Boy Who Lived. Enter a world where the children of gods walk among us, following Percy Jackson, son of Poseidon, on a perilous quest to clear his name and recover Zeus' stolen lightning bolts. These inclusive tales seamlessly blend fantasy with everyday life, featuring a hero with ADHD and dyslexia navigating the complexities of growing up. Riordan's immersive world has captivated readers globally, and it's easy to see why.
Explore our complete guide to the Percy Jackson books or enjoy the new Disney+ series.
### Percy Jackson & the Olympians Paperback Boxed Set
All five books in a boxed set, complete with a bonus poster! (Hardcover and audio CD also available). [Amazon Link]
Eragon (The Inheritance Cycle)
While lacking a school setting, Christopher Paolini's Inheritance Cycle is a perfect follow-up for Harry Potter fans. Follow young Eragon as he discovers a dragon egg and is thrust into a world of magic, peril, and dragons. Across four books, witness Eragon and his dragon's growth as they confront a powerful enemy. This young adult fantasy bridges the gap between Harry Potter and The Lord of the Rings.
### The Inheritance Cycle
[Amazon Link]
Legends & Lattes
If Hogwarts' feasts and Hogsmede trips were your favorite parts, Legends & Lattes is your next read. Travis Baldree's cozy fantasy has charmed readers with its heartwarming tale of an orc trading warrior life for a coffee shop. Filled with delicious treats, warm drinks, and charming patrons, this found-family story offers low-stakes fantasy and heartwarming moments.
### Legends & Lattes
Hardcover and Kindle editions are available now. [Amazon Link]
Cemetery Boys
Aiden Thomas' stunning debut follows Yadriel, a trans boy aspiring to be a Brujo, who accidentally summons the wrong ghost. Forced to help Julian, the school's notorious bad boy, find peace, Yadriel navigates family struggles and an unexpected romance. This sweet, scary, and romantic fantasy is unlike any other.
### Cemetery Boys
Hardcover and Kindle editions are available now. Free with Kindle Unlimited. [Amazon Link]
Grimoire of the Grave Fates
This innovative collection of short stories centers on the Galileo Academy for the Extraordinary, rocked by a murder. Eighteen authors contribute to eighteen chapters, each offering a unique student perspective on this subversive and radical take on the magic school trope.
### Grimoire of the Grave Fates
Hardcover and Kindle editions are available now. [Amazon Link]
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 the Osthorne Academy of Young Mages, where her estranged twin sister teaches. This witty and adult mystery features intricate characters and relationships.
### Magic For Liars
Hardcover and Kindle editions are available now. [Amazon Link]
Be Sure (Wayward Children)
This collection of the first three novellas in Seanan McGuire's Wayward Children series is a perfect summer or autumn read. Set in a school for children banished from portal worlds, this murder mystery is filled with complex characters, unbelievable worlds, and captivating storytelling.
### Be Sure
Hardcover edition also available. [Amazon Link]
