Ready to leave Hogwarts behind? Fear not, fellow fantasy enthusiasts! This list offers captivating alternatives to satisfy your craving for magical tales. From murder mysteries in enchanted academies to cloud-dwelling schools of spellcraft, and even low-stakes fantasy adventures, there's something here for everyone. Grab your wand, settle in, and discover your next literary obsession. Looking for more Hogwarts? Explore the wizarding world with the best Harry Potter board games or delve into movies similar to the Harry Potter films.
The Marvellers
Experience the thrill of attending a magical academy anew with The Marvellers. Dhonielle Clayton transports you to the Arcanum, a global magic school nestled high in the clouds. Follow Ella, the school's first conjurer, as she navigates secrets and mistrust behind the academy's glamorous facade. Clayton masterfully blends a captivating world with the harsh realities that even magical realms face. Ella's vibrant personality will leave you eager for more.
### The Marvellers
7 Hardcover and Kindle editions are available. Paperback pre-orders begin August 29, 2023. [Amazon Link]
Percy Jackson & the Olympians
Rick Riordan's epic series offers a compelling counterpoint to the Harry Potter saga. This series introduces a world where the 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 find the thief who stole Zeus' lightning bolts. These inclusive stories blend fantasy with everyday life, featuring a hero with ADHD and dyslexia, and tackling the challenges of growing up.
[Amazon Link] Explore our complete guide to the Percy Jackson books or watch the new Disney+ series.
### 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 is a perfect follow-up for Harry Potter fans. Follow Eragon, a young teen who discovers a dragon egg and is thrust into a world of magic, danger, and dragons. This four-book series chronicles Eragon and his dragon's growth as they confront a powerful enemy. A fantastic young adult fantasy bridging the gap between Harry Potter and Lord of the Rings.
### The Inheritance Cycle
1 [Amazon Link]
Legends & Lattes
If Hogwarts' feasts and Hogsmeade trips were your favorites, Legends & Lattes is your next read. Travis Baldree's cozy fantasy has captivated readers with its charming story of an orc who trades her warrior life for a coffee shop. Filled with delicious treats, warm drinks, and endearing customers, this heartwarming tale offers low-stakes fantasy, focusing on found family, budding romance, and the joy of baking.
### Legends & Lattes
4 Hardcover and Kindle editions are available. [Amazon Link]
Cemetery Boys
Aiden Thomas' stunning debut follows Yadriel, a trans boy who attempts to summon a ghost to prove his identity as a Brujo. Instead, he summons Julian, his school's notorious bad boy. This sweet, scary, and romantic fantasy is unlike any other.
### 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, each by a different author, tells the tale of the Galileo Academy for the Extraordinary, rocked by a murder. Eighteen authors offer eighteen unique perspectives, creating a subversive and thought-provoking take on the magical school trope.
### 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 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
2 Hardcover and Kindle editions are available. [Amazon Link]
Be Sure
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, the series begins with a murder mystery and continues to surprise. These are some of the best fantasy stories of the last decade.
### Be Sure
1 Hardcover edition also available. [Amazon Link]
(Note: Amazon Links are placeholders. Replace with actual Amazon links if desired.)
