Ready to leave Hogwarts behind? Fear not, fellow fantasy enthusiasts! This list offers captivating alternatives to the Harry Potter series, promising enchanting tales and magical adventures. From murder mysteries in magical academies to cloud-dwelling schools of spellcraft, and even low-stakes fantasy and boarding schools for portal-rejected children – there's something for everyone. Grab your wand, find a cozy spot, and prepare to discover your next literary obsession!
Looking for more Hogwarts magic? Explore the wizarding world with friends through a Harry Potter board game, or delve into cinematic magic with our selection of Harry Potter-esque movies.
The Marvellers
Seeking the thrill of a magical academy newcomer? Dhonielle Clayton's The Marvellers delivers. Experience the wonder of the 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 crafts a captivating world while confronting the harsh realities that even magical realms face. Ella's dynamism will leave you craving more of her magical journey.
### The Marvellers
7Hardcover and Kindle editions are available. Paperback pre-orders begin August 29, 2023. Available on Amazon.
Percy Jackson & the Olympians
Rick Riordan's epic series provides a fantastic counterpart to the Boy Who Lived. This series introduces a world where children of gods live amongst us. The first book follows Percy Jackson, son of Poseidon, as he embarks on a perilous quest to uncover a lightning bolt thief and clear his name. These inclusive stories blend fantasy with everyday life, featuring a hero with ADHD and dyslexia, and tackling the challenges of growing up. Riordan's immersive world has captivated readers globally, and it's easy to see why.
Explore our comprehensive guide to the Percy Jackson books or enjoy the new Disney+ series for more adventures.
### Percy Jackson & the Olympians Paperback Boxed Set
4This boxed set includes all five books in paperback, plus a bonus poster! (Hardcover and audio CD also available). Available on Amazon.
Eragon (The Inheritance Cycle)
While lacking a school setting, Christopher Paolini's Inheritance Cycle is a perfect follow-up for Harry Potter fans. Eragon, a young teen, discovers a dragon egg, propelling him into a world of magic, peril, and dragons. Across four books, witness Eragon and his dragon's growth as they confront a powerful enemy threatening everything they hold dear. This young adult fantasy bridges the gap between Harry Potter and The Lord of the Rings.
### The Inheritance Cycle
1Available on Amazon.
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 the internet with its tale of an orc trading warrior life for a coffee shop. This enchanting story, brimming with baked goods, hot drinks, and charming customers, offers a heartwarming found-family narrative. Low stakes and minimal violence make this a relaxing fantasy escape filled with banter, romance, and baking.
### Legends & Lattes
4Hardcover and Kindle editions are available. Available on Amazon.
Cemetery Boys
Aiden Thomas's debut novel features a trans boy who dreams of becoming a Brujo but accidentally summons the wrong ghost. Yadriel, determined to prove his family wrong about his gender, performs a spell, summoning the ghost of his school's notorious bad boy, Julian. Forced to help Julian find peace, Yadriel navigates a sweet, scary, and romantic fantasy unlike any other.
### Cemetery Boys
1Hardcover and Kindle editions are available. Available with Kindle Unlimited. Available on Amazon.
Grimoire of the Grave Fates
This innovative magical school anthology features interconnected short stories about the Galileo Academy for the Extraordinary, rocked by a murder. Eighteen authors offer eighteen unique student perspectives, providing a subversive and radical take on the magical school trope.
### Grimoire of the Grave Fates
4Hardcover and Kindle editions are available. Available on Amazon.
Magic For Liars
Murder strikes again at a magical school in Magic For Liars. Private investigator Ivy Gamble returns to the supernatural world that rejected her to solve a gruesome killing at the Osthorne Academy of Young Mages, where her estranged twin sister teaches. This contemporary twist on the magical school tale is witty and adult, set in a realistic world with subtle magical elements.
### Magic For Liars
2Hardcover and Kindle editions are available. Available on Amazon.
Be Sure
This collection of the first three stories in Seanan McGuire's Wayward Children series is a perfect summer/autumn read. Set in a school for children banished from portal worlds, the series begins with a murder mystery and continues to surprise. Filled with complex characters, unbelievable worlds, and engaging storytelling, these are some of the best fantasy stories of the last decade.
### Be Sure
1Hardcover edition also available. Available on Amazon.
