If you're ready to leave Hogwarts behind for a while, don't worry—there's a whole world of enchanting books waiting for you. Whether you're drawn to the intrigue of magical school murder mysteries, the wonder of spell-teaching academies in the clouds, the charm of low-stakes fantasy, or the resilience of a boarding school for kids rejected from mythical realms, you'll find your next magical read in our curated list. So, grab your wand, find a cozy spot, and prepare to discover new favorites reminiscent of the Harry Potter series to enjoy in 2025.
Still craving more Hogwarts magic? Immerse yourself and your friends in the wizarding world with one of the best Harry Potter board games. For a cinematic treat, explore our list of the best movies like Harry Potter, offering experiences similar to the beloved films.
If the thrill of being a new student at a magical academy excites you, 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. Follow Ella, the school's first conjurer, as she navigates the gilded doors of Arcanum, uncovering secrets and facing mistrust. Clayton's storytelling weaves a world so captivating you'll yearn to join it, while also confronting the harsh realities that even magical spaces can't escape. Ella's dynamic character will leave you eager for more adventures in her magical realm.

Hardcover and Kindle versions are available now, while the paperback is up for pre-order on August 29, 2023. See it at Amazon
Rick Riordan's Percy Jackson & the Olympians series is an excellent companion to the Harry Potter saga. Dive into a world where the children of gods walk among us, as Percy Jackson, son of Poseidon, embarks on a perilous quest to find Zeus' stolen lightning bolts and clear his name. These stories beautifully balance the fantastical with the everyday, featuring a hero with ADHD and dyslexia who faces the challenges of growing up. Originally written for Riordan's son, this series has captured hearts worldwide with its immersive, sprawling universe.

All five books in the blockbuster Percy Jackson and the Olympians series, in paperback, are collected in a boxed set perfect for demigods, complete with a bonus poster! (Hardcover and audio CD also available). See it at Amazon
While it doesn't feature a magical school, Christopher Paolini's The Inheritance Cycle is a must-read for Harry Potter fans. Follow young Eragon as he discovers a dragon egg and is thrust into a world of magic, danger, and dragons. With four books in the series, you'll witness the growth of both Eragon and his dragon as they confront a formidable enemy. This young adult fantasy bridges the gap between Harry Potter and the Lord of the Rings.

If the feasts at Hogwarts and trips to Hogsmeade were your favorite parts, Legends & Lattes by Travis Baldree is your next must-read. This cozy fantasy, which has taken the internet by storm, follows an Orc who trades her warrior life for a coffee shop. Indulge in tales of delicious baked goods, steaming hot drinks, and charming customers. This is a low-stakes, found-family story that delivers magic and fantasy without the tension of high-stakes battles, filled instead with delightful banter and budding romance.

Hardcover and Kindle versions are available now. See it at Amazon
Aiden Thomas's Cemetery Boys is a stunning debut about a trans boy named Yadriel who aspires to become a Brujo. When he accidentally summons the ghost of the school's notorious bad boy Julian instead of his cousin, Yadriel must help Julian resolve his fate before returning to his own life. This sweet, scary, and romantic fantasy is unlike any other, keeping you hooked until the very last page.

Hardcover and Kindle versions are available now. $0 with Kindle Unlimited. See it at Amazon
A groundbreaking addition to the magical school genre, Grimoire of the Grave Fates is a collection of short stories that weave together to tell the tale of the Galileo Academy for the Extraordinary, disrupted by a murder. Over 18 chapters, 18 authors offer 18 different student perspectives, creating a bracing, subversive, and radical take on the magic school trope. This thoughtful fantasy is exactly what the genre needs more of.

Hardcover and Kindle versions are available now. See it at Amazon
In Magic For Liars, murders plague magical schools as private detective Ivy Gamble is drawn back to the supernatural world she was rejected from. Her sister Tabitha thrives as a teacher at The Osthorne Academy of Young Mages, while Ivy struggles as a PI until she's hired to solve a murder at the academy. This contemporary twist on the magic school tale is witty, adult, and set in a realistic 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.

Hardcover and Kindle versions are available now. See it at Amazon
For a perfect transition from summer to fall, dive into Be Sure, a beautiful collection of the first three stories in Seanan McGuire's Wayward Children series. Set in a school for kids who have been expelled from portal worlds, the series kicks off with a murder mystery and keeps surprising readers. Filled with complex characters, incredible worlds, and McGuire's engaging storytelling, these novellas are among the best fantasy tales of the last decade. Get ready to fall in love and have your heart broken as you explore what lies beyond the door.

Hardcover version available as well. See it at Amazon