The Best Books to Read Next If You Loved the Harry Potter Series
Ready to leave Hogwarts behind? Fear not, fellow fantasy enthusiasts! This list offers captivating alternatives to the Harry Potter series, brimming with magical adventures and compelling narratives. From murder mysteries in magical academies to enchanting coffee shops and unique boarding schools, there's a fantastical read for everyone. Grab your wand (metaphorically, of course!), settle in, and discover your next literary obsession.
Want more Hogwarts? Explore the wizarding world with the best Harry Potter board games or delve into cinematic magic with our list of movies like Harry Potter.
The Marvellers
Seeking the thrill of a new magical academy? Dhonielle Clayton's The Marvellers transports you to the Arcanum, a breathtaking global magic school nestled high in the clouds. Follow Ella, the school's first conjurer, as she navigates secrets and mistrust within this enchanting yet complex world. Clayton masterfully blends wonder with realistic challenges, creating a captivating story and a dynamic protagonist you won't soon forget.
### The Marvellers
7 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 Harry Potter saga. This inclusive series introduces a world where children of gods live among us. The first book follows Percy Jackson, son of Poseidon, as he embarks on a perilous quest to clear his name and recover Zeus' stolen lightning bolts. Riordan's thoughtful storytelling balances fantasy with relatable everyday experiences, featuring a hero with ADHD and dyslexia.
You can find our complete guide to the Percy Jackson books or explore the new Disney+ series for more adventures.
### Percy Jackson & the Olympians Paperback Boxed Set
4 All five books in a collectible boxed set, including 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 offers a captivating alternative for Harry Potter fans. Follow Eragon, a young teen who discovers a dragon egg and is thrust into a world of magic, danger, and mythical creatures. This four-book series chronicles Eragon and his dragon's growth as they confront a powerful enemy. It's a compelling young adult fantasy that bridges the gap between Harry Potter and Lord of the Rings.
### The Inheritance Cycle
1 [Amazon Link]
Legends & Lattes
If Hogwarts' feasts and Hogsmeade charmed you, Legends & Lattes by Travis Baldree is your next read. This cozy fantasy, a viral sensation, follows an orc who trades her warrior life for a coffee shop. Filled with delicious treats, charming customers, and heartwarming relationships, this low-stakes fantasy offers a delightful escape.
### Legends & Lattes
4 Hardcover and Kindle editions are available. [Amazon Link]
Cemetery Boys
Aiden Thomas's debut novel, Cemetery Boys, is a captivating story about a trans boy who accidentally summons the wrong ghost. Yadriel, determined to prove his identity to his family, inadvertently summons the ghost of his school's notorious bad boy. This sweet, scary, and romantic fantasy is a unique and unforgettable read.
### Cemetery Boys
1 Hardcover and Kindle editions are available. Free with Kindle Unlimited. [Amazon Link]
Grimoire of the Grave Fates
This innovative collection of short stories reimagines the magical school trope. The Galileo Academy for the Extraordinary is rocked by a murder, and 18 authors offer 18 unique perspectives on the mystery. Grimoire of the Grave Fates is a thought-provoking and subversive take on the genre.
### Grimoire of the Grave Fates
4 Hardcover and Kindle editions are available. [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 her estranged twin sister's academy. This witty and adult mystery offers a contemporary twist on the classic magical school tale.
### Magic For Liars
2 Hardcover and Kindle editions are available. [Amazon Link]
Be Sure
This collection of Seanan McGuire's Wayward Children novellas is perfect for summer or fall reading. Set in a school for children who've journeyed through portals to other worlds, this series begins with a murder mystery and delivers surprising twists and turns.
### Be Sure
1 Hardcover edition also available. [Amazon Link]
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