"Books about magic schools" is a broad topic, so I've tried my best to include a variety of titles in this post. I've also included my own notes in italics for each book / series for a personal touch. Let's dive in!
Schools of Magic
From a timeless children's series to spicy fantasy novels, I've found here three different worlds of magic that fit neatly into the genres of juvenile fiction, young adult, and adult. My hope is that, regardless of your tastes, you'll find something you enjoy!
Harry Potter (JK Rowling)
Age: Juvenile
Would a list of magic schools be complete without a mention of Hogwarts? This fantasy series features the beloved world of Harry Potter that has captured the hearts of millions around the world.
From lonely orphan to brave young wizard, the books chronicle Harry's journey as he attends Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry and fights to defeat the greatest threat the Wizarding World has ever faced. Adventure awaits him at every turn as he discovers a world of spells, potions, and hidden dangers, and learns more about the wizard he was always destined to be.
Note: My favorite characters from the original movies and books are, of course, Fred and George Weasley. But my favorite character of all time is Newt Scamander, from the Fantastic Beasts movies.
The Scholomance Trilogy (Naomi Novik)
Age: Young Adult
Spice Level: Mild
If you love dark academia and magic, this one's for you.
Described as "actual Harry Potter for adults", Novik says she wrote this trilogy as a response to all the elements Harry Potter was missing. It's a darker take on the Wizarding World, but deserves praise in its own right. A Deadly Education is the first book and most well-known, but neither The Last Graduate (book 2) nor The Golden Enclaves (book 3) disappoint.
Protagonist El Higgins is a candid but stimulating narrator who takes us on a journey through her years in the Scholomance, a magical boarding school. No teachers are stationed there, only students, and the school has unique methods to ensure everyone studies and learns as they should. The Scholomance is dangerous and crawling with maleficaria, creatures that prey on young wizards. But the world outside the school is worse — even more maleficaria await those with magic, and thus students have no choice but to try their best to survive in a deadly environment.
Note: El does talk a lot, so brace yourself for her sharp wit and snarky commentary. She is a powerful magician, though, and I've always loved reading about powerful characters.
Zodiac Academy Series (Caroline Peckham)
Age: New Adult
Spice Level: Intense
Trigger Warnings: a lot
Dive into a world like no other in Zodiac Academy, a college of magic designed for Fae with unique powers of fire, water, air, and earth. The series follows twin sisters Tory and Darcy Vega. Recently discovered as heirs to the entire Fae kingdom, they must fight tooth and nail to claim their birthright and navigate a world they never knew before. But even simply existing won't be easy. Four powerful Celestial Heirs stand in their way, determined to do anything they can to thwart the sisters before they come into their full power.
Personally, I find the writing style in Zodiac Academy in need of more polish. However, the plot lines are intense, intriguing, and keep you guessing with unexpected twists and turns, making it impossible to resist diving back in for more.
Be warned that the books contain a lot of bullying, harassment, non-consensual encounters, smut, and other adult themes. It can be hard to read at times, but the good moments were worth it for me.
Note: Seth and Caleb need to get together . . . ASAP. Please, for the love of everything under the sky and sea, they need to be happy together.
Close-But-Not-Quite: Fantasy Books With Academies & Magic
While not strictly books about magical schools, these books also resonated with me while I considered what to include in this post. They're schools set in worlds of magic, though the focus of the schools tend to be less on magic and more on other things.
Tales From the Shadowhunter Academy (Cassandra Clare)
Age: Young Adult
From the Shadowhunter universe, my favorite fantasy world of all time, comes a (mostly lighthearted) book of tales tracing former vampire Simon Lewis' time at Shadowhunter Academy.
The conclusion of The Mortal Instruments series (which I highly recommend reading before this book) left Simon stripped of his memories and yearning for people and events he doesn't even remember. If he can become a full-fledged Shadowhunter though, and survive the dice toss of Ascension, his memories will return to him again.
Shadowhunter Academy is filled with prejudices and discrimination, but also students and instructors who love fiercely and care deeply for the wellbeing of those they love. From combat and demon hunting to runes and law, it's a taste of Shadowhunter that will surely leave you wanting more.
Note: The chapter where Simon and George find baby Max, who ends up being adopted by Magnus and Alec, is my absolute favorite in this book.
Fourth Wing (Rebecca Yarros)
Age: New Adult
Spice Level: Quite a bit
Rebecca Yarros's gripping new adult fantasy novel, Fourth Wing, follows Violet Sorrengail's life as it takes a drastic turn. Raised for a quiet life among books and history, Violet is instead thrust into the brutal everyone-for-themselves world of Basgiath War College's dragon riders. Not only is she smaller and less physically capable than most, her family lineage also makes her a target for ruthless competitors — like wingleader Xaden Riorson, who has sworn to kill her from day one. With whispers of war growing louder, Violet must overcome prejudice, fear, and her own limitations to claim her place as a true dragon rider.
Note: I think one strange reason why I loved this book so much was because of Violet's size. Her being small strikes a chord with me, since it's something we share in common. I cannot wait for the remaining three books in the series!
My TBR List
I'll be adding reviews once I get my hands on these books and finish reading them!
- Hex Hall series by Rachel Hawkins
- Shadowspell Academy series by K.F. Breene & Shannon Mayer
Conclusion
From perilous halls to twisted enemies and mysterious allies, magical schools offer endless stories of adventure and determination. Are there any stories of magical schools you love that I missed? Let me know in the comments below — I'm always looking for new recommendations!
Happy reading,
Sable 🖤