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 whimsical coffee shops and unique boarding schools, there's something for every reader. Grab your wand (metaphorically, of course!), settle in, and discover your next literary obsession.
Looking for more Hogwarts-esque adventures? Consider these fantastic Harry Potter board games or explore our selection of films similar to the Harry Potter movies.
The Marvellers
Experience the thrill of attending a magical academy in Dhonielle Clayton's The Marvellers. Follow Ella, the Arcanum's first conjurer, as she navigates the secrets and challenges of this cloud-based school. Clayton masterfully blends enchanting world-building with realistic struggles, creating a captivating story with a dynamic protagonist.
### 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 series offers a compelling companion to the Harry Potter saga. This inclusive series introduces a world where demigods live among us, following Percy Jackson's quest to clear his name after a theft involving Zeus' lightning bolts. Riordan's thoughtful storytelling balances fantasy with relatable challenges, making it a global favorite.
### Percy Jackson & the Olympians Paperback Boxed Set
4 All five books in a collectible boxed set, also available in hardcover and audio CD. [Amazon Link]
Eragon (The Inheritance Cycle)
While lacking a school setting, Christopher Paolini's Inheritance Cycle delivers a captivating young adult fantasy experience. Follow Eragon's journey as he discovers a dragon egg and enters a world of magic, danger, and epic battles. This four-book series offers a compelling blend of high fantasy and coming-of-age storytelling.
### The Inheritance Cycle
1 [Amazon Link]
Legends & Lattes
For readers who cherish Hogwarts' feasts and Hogsmeade, Travis Baldree's Legends & Lattes is a must-read. This cozy fantasy follows an orc who trades her warrior life for a coffee shop, creating a heartwarming tale filled with delicious treats, charming customers, and burgeoning romance. Low-stakes fantasy at its finest!
### Legends & Lattes
4 Hardcover and Kindle versions are available. [Amazon Link]
Cemetery Boys
Aiden Thomas' debut novel, Cemetery Boys, is a stunning story about a trans boy who accidentally summons the wrong ghost. Yadriel's journey to help Julian, the ghost of a notorious bad boy, is a sweet, scary, and romantic fantasy unlike any other.
### Cemetery Boys
1 Hardcover and Kindle versions are available. Free with Kindle Unlimited. [Amazon Link]
Grimoire of the Grave Fates
This innovative collection of short stories offers a fresh take on the magical school trope. The Galileo Academy for the Extraordinary is rocked by a murder, and 18 authors offer unique perspectives on the mystery, resulting in a bracing and subversive narrative.
### 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 she was once rejected from to solve a gruesome killing at her estranged sister's academy. This witty and adult mystery features intricate characters and relationships.
### Magic For Liars
2 Hardcover and Kindle versions 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 fall read. Set in a school for children who've traveled through portals to other worlds, this series blends mystery, intriguing characters, and captivating storytelling.
### Be Sure
1 Also available in hardcover. [Amazon Link]
