Ready to leave Hogwarts behind? Fear not, fellow fantasy enthusiasts! This list offers captivating alternatives to the Harry Potter series, promising enchanting narratives and magical adventures. From murder mysteries in magical academies to whimsical coffee shops and unique boarding schools, there's something here for every reader. Grab your wand (metaphorically, of course), get comfortable, and prepare for a literary journey into new favorite worlds.
Need more Hogwarts? Explore the wizarding world with our top-rated Harry Potter board games or delve into cinematic magic with our best-of list of Harry Potter-esque movies.
The Marvellers
Longing for the thrill of attending 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 the setting is captivating, Clayton doesn't shy away from the darker realities that even magical worlds face, creating a richly layered and unforgettable experience.
### The Marvellers
Hardcover and Kindle editions are available. Paperback pre-orders begin August 29, 2023.
Percy Jackson & the Olympians
Rick Riordan's series offers a compelling counterpart to Harry Potter. This engaging series introduces a world where the children of Greek gods live among us, following Percy Jackson, son of Poseidon, as he embarks on a perilous quest. These inclusive stories blend fantasy with relatable everyday experiences, making them both captivating and thought-provoking.
### Percy Jackson & the Olympians Paperback Boxed Set
All five books in a collectible boxed set, also available in hardcover and audiobook.
Eragon (The Inheritance Cycle)
While lacking a school setting, Christopher Paolini's Inheritance Cycle provides a thrilling journey for Harry Potter fans. Follow Eragon, a young boy who discovers a dragon egg and is thrust into a world of magic, danger, and epic battles. This four-book series offers a captivating coming-of-age story with a blend of high fantasy and relatable characters.
### The Inheritance Cycle
Legends & Lattes
If the Hogwarts feasts and Hogsmeade trips were your favorite parts, Legends & Lattes is a must-read. Travis Baldree's cozy fantasy, a heartwarming tale of an orc opening a coffee shop, has charmed readers worldwide. This low-stakes fantasy is filled with delicious treats, charming characters, and a heartwarming found family narrative.
### Legends & Lattes
Available in hardcover and Kindle editions.
Cemetery Boys
Aiden Thomas' debut novel is a captivating story about Yadriel, a trans boy who accidentally summons the wrong ghost. This sweet, scary, and romantic fantasy offers a unique and unforgettable reading experience.
### Cemetery Boys
Available in hardcover and Kindle editions.
Grimoire of the Grave Fates
This innovative collection of short stories reimagines the magical school trope. A murder at the Galileo Academy for the Extraordinary unfolds through the perspectives of eighteen students, each chapter penned by a different author, offering a diverse and thought-provoking narrative.
### Grimoire of the Grave Fates
Available in hardcover and Kindle editions.
Magic For Liars
Murder strikes again at a magical school in Magic For Liars. This contemporary twist on the classic magic school tale follows private investigator Ivy Gamble as she returns to the supernatural world she once left behind to solve a murder.
### Magic For Liars
Available in hardcover and Kindle editions.
Be Sure
This collection of the first three novellas in Seanan McGuire's Wayward Children series is a perfect choice. Set in a school for children who've been expelled from portal worlds, this series is filled with intriguing characters, unbelievable worlds, and captivating storytelling.
### Be Sure
Also available in hardcover.