Best Magic School Fantasy Books

Top Magic School Fantasy Books

There are thousands of fantasy settings. Entirely different universes, alternate histories, and different realities. However, where magic is concerned, education is always vital, and that makes for some hugely satisfying developments.

The school environment allows for incredible, character-driven narratives, throwing a group of young people in one space and forcing them to get on. It breeds the same conflicts that children see every day and gives groups of friends the power to overcome them.

Despite this, there’s often something for older readers. Dark, outside influences often place great tensions on the confined environments, showing glimpses of the huge world outside. It’s a formula that attracts millions, and this list should be more than enough to convince you to join them.

Harry Potter

(Rowling, J. K.)

It would be impossible to make this list without placing Harry Potter at the top. In many ways, it’s the ultimate school fantasy, filled with magic and inspiring generations of children. It started as a simple tale of three kids against overwhelming evil and has since grown into something far greater, reaching the hands of billions. Rarely is children’s fantasy as rich and detailed as in this series, and it's rarer still to reach seven books with no hint of degradation. Harry Potter is filled with Rowling’s beautiful imagination, from the simple spellcasting system, to mythical creatures and Horcruxes. But what truly makes it special is the characters and the environment they’re in. Hogwarts stands for everything the reader would want in a magic school, with huge towers, moving staircases, and headless ghosts. It marks the progress of Harry, Ron, and Hermione as they age, discovering its dark secrets and memorable characters.

Kingkiller Chronicle

(Rothfuss, Patrick)

The Kingkiller Chronicles has multiple magic systems, and the first won’t excite at first glance. As in The Wizard of Earthsea, certain magicians can create powerful magic by learning the true name of something. The difference here is that it’s much, much harder. In the world of Temerant, Namers have to discover the true nature of objects on their own. Names aren’t just something that can be obtained, magicians have to understand something to its core, enough to create a name that describes every aspect of it. The complexity means it can only be discovered by the subconscious. When mastered, it can be incredibly powerful, allowing users to control the wind itself. It offers a sense of delight, wonder, and magnificent power, which can’t always be said for the series’ other systems. Sympathy is Rothfuss’ answer for the more scientific mind. It’s infinitely more complex than naming and doesn’t offer the same immediate benefits. Before they can do anything, users must establish a sympathetic link between two objects, mirroring what happens to each. To push a ball, you would have to attach it to another ball. To move them, you will have to exert more energy thanwhat is required to shift both of them. However, it’s much more than movement that can be controlled via Sympathy. All types of energy, such as heat, for example, arepossible. It can be tied to energy from the caster’s body, or to physical sources like a fire. The closer the link between two objects, the less energy it will require. The system is meticulously thought out, using real calculations on energy transfer and providing immense satisfaction once the reader is able to fully comprehend it. It’s joined by the more traditional arts of alchemy and metalworking, as well as fae magic, to ensure the series has a point of interest for everyone.

Books in Kingkiller Chronicle Series (2)

A Wizard Of Earthsea

(Guin, Ursula K. Le)

Today, Ursula K. Le Guin’s magic system may not sound exceptional. Like many, it uses the knowledge of true names to control elements, creatures, and even humans. Consider, however, that this book was published in 1968, yet remains the most interesting execution of the concept. In Earthsea, every magical action has a consequence. Learning it is as much a practice in ethics as it is names, as even the smallest spell can change the world. Stop rain in one part of the world, and another may be hit with terrible storms. As a result, mages must have a deep understanding of the world. Learning an item’s name isn’t enough; the caster must understand how it fits into the bigger picture. As a result, wizards usually specialize. There are healers, enchanters, summoners, and illusionists. Each much consider the balance of the world so as not to upset it unnecessarily. Through the protagonist, Ged, the reader learns what can happen if that warning isn’t heeded. His overconfidence unleashes a terrible shadow upon the world; one that he must learn to both accept, and then defeat.

Books in The Earthsea Cycle Series (5)

Similar Recommendations

The Lord of the Rings

Similar recommendations: J.R.R.Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings.

Riddle-Master of Hed

I also recommend Phillip K. McKillip's wonderful Riddle-Master trilogy, which features similar prose and a similar, though at the same time, very different, story.

The Swan's War

You might also try Sean Russell's The Swans' War .

The Forgotten Beasts of Eld

This book is a classic with a complex heroine and plenty of subversions. The author is from the same mold as Le Guine.

Lyonesse Trilogy

The Lyonesse Trilogy by the great Jack Vance. Plays quite a few of the same notes as does The Earthsea Cycle: beautiful, poetic writing, well developed complex characters, a magical world steeped in welsh/Celtic mythology that you want to move into, and some deep themes explored.

Memory, Sorrow, and Thorn

Starts with The Dragonebone Chair. From boy to man and from man to hero, this is a remarkable tale that's brimming with detail. It's a story where the journey's end is not the ultimate destination, but the journey itself is.

The Curse of Chalion

The Curse of Chalion won the World Fantasy Award and the author has won Hugos and Nebula awards already for her other series. Beautiful writing, complex characters, deep themes. Something about this book brings to mind A Wizard of Earthsea, even if the plot and story are not at all the same.

Red Rising (not Magic, But Hunger Games Survival Meets School Setting With Some Fantasy Elements)

(Brown, Pierce)

Books in this sub-genre focus almost entirely on magic, but Red Rising stands in stark contrast to that. Part dystopia, part sci-fi fantasy, Red Risingfocuses on the story of a relatively ordinary citizen who seeks to overthrow an evil regime. Living in a futuristic Mars colony, Darrow is a ‘Helldiver’, digging underneath the surface to try and make the planet hospitable. However, picked up by a resistance group, he quickly learns that he hasn’t been told the whole truth, and there’s only one way to get his voice heard. Thanks to genetic manipulation, Darrow finds a place in the Institute, a school that produces all the top members of society. Balancing the anxieties of being discovered with harsh, Hunger Games-like training, Brown creates an incredible page-turner with great emotional depth. The world presented is a dark one, filled with psychopaths and leaders who rule like gods. It’s brutal in every way, making you question how it gets categorized as young adult. Even so, it’s rendered in stunning detail, tying in political philosophies and class systems while also unfolding a satisfying revenge story.

Books in Red Rising Trilogy Series (4)

Similar Recommendations

Sabriel

(Nix, Garth)

Garth Nix's Sabriel is marketed to the young adult audience but easily appeals to a wider readership. Fantastic world-building paints both the realm of Ancelstierre, and The Old Kingdom, where 'Free magic' reigns. Separated by the wall, its elementals, undead, and sorcerers are unknown to the general population. Sabriel lives in a boarding school in Ancelstierre, widely unaware of magic until a creature appears in her dorm room. In its arms is a message from her father and his bells, one of the few tools that can banish the dead. With a powerful sorceress rising across the wall, she must head back to her father in the Old Kingdom to begin her Abhorsen training. With a simple and incredible unique magic system, memorable characters, and a vibrant world, Sabriel is very hard to dislike. It's a simple coming of age story, a fight between good and evil, and great fun all the way through.

Books in Abhorsen Series (4)

Similar Recommendations

The Chronicles of Narnia

A classic series kids around the world have grown up reading is The Chronicles of Narnia. While Narnia is very clearly a Christian allegory, it can be enjoyed without reading too deep into the Christian subtext. The writing is decent and it's a great magical adventure for both kids and adults.

Keys to the Kingdom

You should also read Garth Nix's newest series, Keys to the Kingdom, is also a great read, both for the kiddies and adults, one of the better series for kids.

Bartimaeus

Don't forget to read Jonathan Stroud's very impressive The Bartimaeus Trilogy. It's an action-packed thrill ride about a magician's apprentice who manages to summon a powerful genie (Bartimaeus). Bartimaeus is less than pleased with this turn of events and tries to sabotage his young master at every opportunity. Hilariously funny, at times very dark, with great writing, a great cast of well-developed characters, and an interesting world, Bartimaeus is a must-read series (for both kids and adults).

His Dark Materials

You might want to take a gander at Philip Pullman's His Dark Materials. It's uber famous and with good reason.

Leviathan

For a great steampunk fantasy for young adults/kids, read Scott Westerfield's Leviathan. I'm not usually into YA fantasy, but some of the concepts and the action present in the book had me hooked.

Accross the Nightingale Floor

You must read Across the Nightingale Floor by Lian Hearn. It's a fantasy tale set in a Japanese milieu. It's got all you want in an epic fantasy WITH the addition of samurai's, ninja's, and magic!

Harry Potter

And finally, Harry Potter. I won't bother explaining why.

The Magicians

(Grossman, Lev)

School fantasy is often aimed at children, and it's very successful at hitting that market. It's much harder to appeal exclusively to adults, and that's where The Magicians shines. Rather than the typical twelve-year-old protagonist, it tells the story of a high-school student not yet aware of his powers. Quentin Coldwater is obsessed with fantasy books, an outcast, and somewhat depressed. When given the opportunity to study magic, he jumps on it, but quickly learns it’s not as fun as it seems. In The Magicians, spells are hard. Learning magic is tedious and requires background knowledge of language and history. Quentin finds himself frustrated at his progress, no longer the prodigy he used to be. From there, the book only gets darker. The antagonist has no mercy, magic can kill simply through accidents, and drug use is rife. Lev Grossman stands in stark defiance of convention, refusing to sugar-coat magic and creates a tense and compelling story as a result.

Books in The Magicians Series (2)

Similar Recommendations

Jonathan Strange & Mr. Norrell

You might want to give Susan Clarke's Jonathan Strange & Mr. Norrell a read. Like Lev Grossman's The Magicians, it's a story about magic in a world that supposedly has no magic. Both novels veer from the usual fantasy conventions, weighing in as more than just "fantasy." I like to call these "literary fantasy." This novel, however, heralds back to the Victorian era and features a more conventional sort of story (that borrows heavily from the likes of a Jane Austen novel in language an description) and is NOT a postmodern take on the fantasy genre that The Magicians is.

The Night Circus

For another novel about Magicians in training, you might like The Night Circus. It's about two young magicians locked in deadly conflict trying to outperform the other who are both part of a magical circus. It's a rich and intoxicating read, most decidedly literary and one of the best fantasy books of 2011.

Harry Potter

Harry Potter. Yes, if you like The Magicians, read Harry Potter the titular character who is deconstructed by Grossman and reformed into a far more complex and troubled and fallible version as the character Quinton.

The Wizard of Earthsea

If we are going to follow that rabbit down the rabbit hole into the dark and murky literary past, seeking the origin of boy-goes-to-magic school to become a wizard, we might as well get to one of the sources. If Potter made it a pop culture thing, then Ursula Le Guine helped bring it alive like no other author. Yes, I'm talking about The Wizard of Earthsea. Before there was Harry Potter, there was Ged.

Ocean at the End of the Lane

Ocean at the End of the Lane by Neil Gaimen. One thing I love about The Magicians is it moves the simpler children's fiction into the adult realm with an adult perspective. It's Narnia for grown-ups.One book about that perfectly captures the child realm but transforms it for adults is Gaimen's Ocean at the End of the Lane. Thematically, Gaimen does the same thing as Grossman. While both works are completely different in scope and plot, they do take a child's perspective but remake it for an adult which changes it.

The Secret History

The Secret History by Donna Tart. Not specifically fantasy per say, but the writing and tone, and characterization are somewhat similar. A young group of students at a college discover another way to think about their life and the ramifications of this change everything about how they live.

Anathem

Anathem by Neal Stephenson. A science fiction story about a young boy who's a sort of monk and finds out the wider world is a complicated place.

Narnia & Alice in Wonderland

The Magicians alludes to a number of popular fantasy classics. Alice in Wonderland is one such work and The Chronicles of Narnia. In fact, if you dig down a bit, The Magican books are a postmodern version of Narnia with the friendly animals revealed to be monsters.

Blood Song

(Ryan, Anthony)

One of the best fantasy novels in recent times, Blood Song also happens to have many school-like elements. Left as a child at the gates of the Sixth Order, Vaelin Al Sorna joins a secular group of holy warriors and forfeits his right to the throne. Furious, he throws himself into his training, earning respect from his peers and struggling to overcome dangerous trials. This, combined with a flashback-like narration, has led to many comparisons with The Name of the Wind, and in some ways, it's apt. Like Rothfuss, Anthony Ryan weaves a story with beautiful prose, but he also avoids some of the book’s criticisms. Vaelin is never close to a Mary Sue character, able to do everything well and avoid real danger. He’s specialized and focused, and his trials at the order cement that. Many school fantasy books present a straightforward story, but Blood Song’sis far more complex. The book presents dozens of plot threads, but not in a messy, incomprehensible way. Ryan shows his gift as a storyteller by tying them neatly together as Vaelin comes of age in the rigid school atmosphere.

Books in Raven's Shadow Series (2)

Lightbringer Series

(Weeks, Brent)

Brent Week’s Lightbringer series has everything going for it. Complex and unique characters, a fantastic magic system, and hundreds of actions scenes. It’s epic in length and in execution, and part of it comes from the learning experiences of Kip. As a drafter, he can harness light into physical form, and is enrolled in the Chromeria by his father. From there spans one of the most captivating transformations in fantasy. Kip evolves physically, mentally, and magically, shedding his weight, making friends, and passing brutal trials along the way. At the same time, an epic war rages, and Kip becomes an essential part of it. A twisting plot follows his journey to become a warrior, accept his responsibilities, and protect his friends.

Books in Lightbringer Series (6)

Chronicle Of The Unhewn Throne

(Staveley, Brian)

The emperor is dead and the empire in turmoil. With these dark scenes, Stavely’s series opens, and things don’t let up from there. A son and heir, Valyn is training with a renowned mercenary force, but even then, he isn’t out of reach. In danger from assassins as well as his training, his life is difficult, but his point of view remains captivating. For Stavely, however, one school fantasy thread isn’t enough. While Valyn presents a gripping story about military growth, Kaden brings a philosophical aspect. Training with the Shin monks, there are questions of faith and discipline as his character develops. Meanwhile, a third sibling, Adare, is tasked with keeping the empire together. 21-years-old and caught in a complex political web, she presents a more mature viewpoint, but also a more bookish one. Despite this multitude of perspectives, the series gives life to every character. They’re complex and vulnerable, spurring emotion in interlinking but physically distant stories.

Books in Chronicle Of The Unhewn Throne Series (5)

Sufficiently Advanced Magic

(Rowe, Andrew)

With his ambitious title, Andrew Rowe promises a complex magic system, and he delivers on it. Despite its status as a LitRPG, the book moves outside of traditional magic systems and introduces one that’s very unique. Importantly, it also fits perfectly into the world and story. The protagonist, Corin Cadence, seeks his brother, who disappeared after attempting the Serpent Spire. The huge tower is home to hundreds of traps and puzzles, but those who reach the top will be gifted with attunements. Attunements take the form of a physical mark, which evolves as they are used and grow in power. Though many die attempting the spires, those who succeed are rewarded greatly. The boons offer a huge variety of different magic systems, with elementalists, enchanters, builders, summoners, healers, emotions alterers, and more. Despite that mixture, each attunement has its own progression and place in society. Those who can turn invisible often train to become spies, while other divisions are pitted against them. On top of that, the place where a person is marked also affects their magic. Hand-marked cast from their fingers, lung-marked perform spoken magic, while mind-marked cast through their thoughts at the risk of insanity. This means that learning the rules of magic is essential, and readers are encouraged to follow along. Rowe’s slow pace and magic school setting make that easy, spinning sub-plots and friendships to augment his fantastically detailed world.

Books in Arcane Ascension Series (0)

The Rithamatist

(Sanderson, Brandon)

The Rithmatist’s magic system has been likened to a real-time strategy game, if it incorporated chalk, and it was a life or death situation. Rithmastists use their magic to give life to glyphs, imbuing creatures with energy to fight against swarms of chalklings. Before they fight, however, they must decide on theirdefense. This takes the form of a circle, with Lines of Forbiddance crossing it, to which users can attach other glyphs. More lines make for aharder defense to break, but they’re called lines of Forbiddance for a reason. Once one is drawn, you can’t cross it, leading to a strategic choice between offense and defense depending on the situation. From there, Rithmatists can draw creatures to attack their opponents. They can rush out many of them, hoping to quickly overwhelm an opponent’sdefense, or go for a more conservative, logical approach. This leads to epic duels between multiple players and means the speed and accuracy at which the magician can draw is vital. As a result, Rithmatists must begifted in drawing and logic as well as forward thinking. Very few have what it takes, and the protagonist, Joel, is particularly gifted. Through him Sanderson, manages to weave one of his most complex and multi-talented systems yet, while still spinning an absorbing YA story.

Books in The Rithmatist Series (0)

The Black Magician

(Canavan, Trudi)

A modern reinvention of the classic ‘rags-to-riches’ story, Trudi Canavan’s series is easily digestible and has engaging world-building and magic systems. In the city of Imardin, magicians gather each year to drive away the poor. Incensed by their mistreatment, Sonea throws a rock, somehow piercing their magical barrier and knocking one of the wizards unconscious. Thinking a rogue magician is on the loose, the Guild hunts her, afraid that her inability to control her powers will endanger her Unconventionally, she’s adopted into the school of magic, bullied for her social class, but grows powerful all the same. Painfully portraying the struggles of an outcast, Canavan builds a character-driven story with plenty of progression. Sonea learns both magically and emotionally, all the while battling dark forces and keeping terrible secrets. As a result, the tension in the series elevates as it continues, pulling you into the next chapter effortlessly.

Books in Black Magician Series (3)

Imager Portfolio

(Jr., L. E. Modesitt)

Imager Portfolio may not be L.E. Modesitt Jr’s most original fantasy, but it undoubtedly fits the sub-genre. Set in the nation of Solidar, it follows Rhennthyl, a wool master’s son. A dedicated master artisan, his path is changed when he realizes his latent magical powers. As an Imager, Rhen can turn his imagination into reality. Unfortunately, that comes with some quirks, and one is accidental spellcasting. As a result, Rhen isn’t the usual confident hero. His whole career has been thrown away, but he remains modest and likable. Despite his circumstances, the reader doesn’t have to listen to pages of complaints. The coming of age story is easily enjoyable, yet still has hints of a deeper philosophy. It’s all augmented by Modessitt’s renowned world-building, which includes well-developed religions, a colorful world, and an incredibly interesting society.

Books in Imager Portfolio Series (11)

Nevernight

(Kristoff, Jay)

Nevernight just missed our assassin fantasy list, but thankfully it fits this sub-genre too. Jay Kristoff tells, in thick prose, the story of outcast to assassin. Mia is aa traitor who, after her father’s failed rebellion, finds herself scared and in hiding. All the while, her gift for talking to the shadows grows, eventually leading her to the Red Church, an organization that trains killers. Naturally, that training is every bit as deadly as its profession, including poisons, manipulation, and dangerous competition. However, there’s also threats from Mia’s past. The ones who opposed her father are still after her, and a string of murders in the Church provide further tension. Kristoff’s work may not reach the heights of the similar Red Sister, but it definitely presents a more mature picture. The book is bloody and brutal, the anti-hero protagonist nuanced. It makes the small slivers of humanity shine through even more, and an emotional experience as Mia works her way up.

Books in The Nevernight Chronicle Series (1)

Red Sister

(Lawrence, Mark)

Often, novels focus on the evolution of characters from total nobodies into well-respected and lauded magicians. They shed their peasant heritage and earn a place among the elite. With Red Sister, Mark Lawrence refuses that trope. Like many characters, Nona has had a tough life. She’s been passed around slave-owners, been beaten, and cast out. But rather than turning it around, she channels it. Adopted into the Sweet Mercy Covenant, she is taught not to do good, but instead to kill. You would expect this to breed distrust and violence between students, and it does, for a time. But Lawrence shows his hand as a master storyteller, weaving rivalries into friendships and characters into complex beings. Nona is the shining example of this, fiery yet unsure, a killer, yet intensely loyal. When her past begins to catch up, those friends come into play, and they do so with substance. Lawrence doesn't just throw in the stereotypes used by some writers; he imagines each one as complexly as the protagonist, and this gives the world an uncanny real-ness. Telling an uphill battle to assassin-hood against the rich and powerful, Red Sister conveys a story few will want to miss.

Books in Book Of The Ancestor Series (1)

Furies Of Calderon

(Butcher, Jim)

Most of theitems on this list made it thanks to their unique ideas. Instead, Codex Alera takes a system familiar to millions of children. While many authors claim inspiration from Tolkien or Jordan, Butcher takes his from Pokémon. It’s not something you’d expect in a serious, epic fantasy series, but this gives it an incredible amount of flavor. Butcher is a master world-builder, and he doesn’t simply throw Pikachu or Charizard into a fantasy world of his making. The Pokémon, in this case, are known as Furies. Furies are elemental spirits home to the realm of Alera. The greatest among them act as gods for the populace, while some bond to humans and forge a magical connection. Fury crafters can use that bond to control wind, water, fire, air, and wood, but they also have other perks. Watercrafters, for example, can read emotions, shapeshift, heal, or remain beautiful indefinitely. Metalcrafters are better suited to swordplay, able to sense nearby metal, strengthen and forge metal, as well as gaining speed and accuracy. Of course, there are some that can become masters of multiple disciplines, allowing them to reach tremendous power. The protagonist, however, isn’t one of them. In fact, he’s one of the few without a craft. Through this tool, Butcher gives a glimpse of the world from the perspective of a non-magic user. He shows the strength of both magic and wits, and paints incredible action scenes alongside them.

Books in Codex Alera Series (5)

Similar Recommendations

These recommendations are taking up the 'Roman themes' in fantasy. That is, fantasy set in a Roman-esque setting or fantasy about roman legions or influenced by Roman history/culture.

Oath of Empires

Oath of Empires. Fantasy set in an alternative Roman Empire with the whole East vs West mentality. Lots of magic, lots of powerful heroes, lots of action, lots of sword and sorcery battles, and quite dark overall. I'd say the closest thing to Codex Alera you'll find.

The Videssos cycle

You might also want to check out The Videssos cycle by Harry Turtledove which is about a Roman legion who find themselves magically transported into another world in the middle of a pitched Roman battle. While this is not really about magic, there's lots of politics and battle strategy involved with a few vs. overwhelming odds theme -- so it shares that similarity with the battle tactics Butcher details in his Codex Books.

Ghost King

Ghost King by David Gemmell. Features a whole barbarian invading a roman-like empire theme here.

The Gates of Rome

The Gates of Rome. Conn Iggulden's alternative historical fiction featuring some of the famous roman characters we've all studied in history class. You might like it if you are hungering for some Roman historical fiction.

Latro in the Mist

Latro in the Mist by Gene Wolfe. Expect something remarkably well written, excellent plotting, but not as much action. For those who enjoy a well written tale set in a roman-like landscape.

Sailing to Sarantium

Saling to Sarantium (and the sequel Lord of Emperors) written by Guy Gaverial Kay. Expect awesome plots, detailed world building, complex characters, but less so on action. The action often takes place on the political stage and between characters, but not via battles. No magic. Still, read it.

Percy Jackson

(Riordan, Rick)

Most of our readers will have heard of this title already, so I'll keep the explanations short. Percy Jackson and the Olympians is exactly what its title suggests. A boy of twelve, Percy finds himself seeing things that shouldn't be possible – demons and strange creatures in the place of humans. He quickly discovers that he's the half son of Poseidon and is sent to Camp Half-Blood to train. From there weaves an epic five-book tale, stretching across the United States and into different worlds. Percy enters the underworld, stands beside titans, and defeats monsters, but the common thread is his training. Camp Half-Blood presents the perfect ground for quirky characters, each presenting aspects of their Greek god parents. The students are pitted against each other in mock challenges and harsh contests, all the while training in sword and magic.

Books in Percy Jackson And The Olympians Series (6)

Seven Realms

(Chima, Cinda Williams)

Cinda Williams Chima has hit the bestseller list numerous times, and for good reason. She’s one of the best young adult fantasy authors around, and Seven Realms is among her highest-rated series. Part of that is down to the satisfying growth of the dual protagonists, and that’s intertwined with their education. Though the series has a slow start in that regard, things begin to kick off in the second book, with each heading to a different place of learning. Han, a former street lord, heads to Mystwerk house, a magic school that draws comparisons to Hogwarts. There he must make dangerous bargains to learn dark sorcery, all the while fighting off bullies. Raina, an exiled queen, runs to a military academy, giving a contrasting experience of swordplay and politics. Usually, there’s one perspective that’s more enjoyable than the other, but Chima characterizes both her characters equally well. Their paths meet somewhat, but not as quickly as most. Their friendship and eventually romance is a slow burn, which can be frustrating for the reader, but is also essential. Seven Realms doesn’t have the feeling of a cheap, forced love story, but one where two people’s paths happen to cross. Due to the time spent with each, neither character feels like their purpose is solely to provide romance, and the series can appeal to a much wider audience as a result.

Circle Of Magic

(Pierce, Tamora)

Tamora Pierce is one of the most respected women in fantasy, but attention tends to focus on her Song of the Lioness series. With Circle of Magic, she ventures into young adult territory, but not in the usual sense. Instead, Pierce goes back to a time where YA books simply had young protagonists. She doesn’t tie in love triangles, immaturity, or really much romance at all. Despite the name Sandry’s Book, we’re introduced to four main characters in the first novel, with a surprising level of diversity. All four find their way to the Winding Circle community, but each is a misfit and must learn to hone their talent. For Sandry, that means magic. Daja, meanwhile, is gifted at metalcraft, while Tris has a strange connection with the weather and Briar with plants. This focus on different narratives gives the series one of the farthest reaches in the sub-genre. Each presents equal progression, all inside of Pierce’s incredible world-building and magic systems. At the same time, there is the combined story. A tale of growing friendship between four outcasts, and their fight to save the realm of Eleman.

Books in Circle Of Magic Series (3)

Oracle Of Delphi

(Jones, Diantha)

Like Percy Jackson, Diantha Jones’ Oracle of Delphi brings Greek myth to the modern world, but this time it's in a less dramatic fashion. Teenager Chloe Clever sees and hears things that aren’t there, leading to worries about mental illness. In reality, she’s an Oracle, able to see into the future and control its outcome. With stunning description, Jones walks us through her path as the world is turned upside-down. A tangled web of plots evolves into a page-turning conflict as Chloe learns to make sense of her visions and control her power. To do so, she joins a school with other demi-gods and a dangerous adventure spans from there. With mythology adaptations, there’s always a fine line between respecting the source material and bringing something new to the table. Luckily, Jones is a master at it. She’s clearly done her research, and is able to portray gods and events accurately while offering small tweaks. Tied into all of this is a love story which avoids cliché love triangles. Jones respects her readers with a great pairing, and that care shines throughout the series.

Books in Oracle Of Delphi Series (3)

The Worst Witch

(Murphy, Jill)

With the roaring success of Harry Potter, it’s easy to forget more classic novels that fit the bill. The Worst Witch has been part of children’s upbringings for generations, spurring TV spinoffs and more. Firstly, though, it’s worth noting that this is a children’s book. It’s not one that makes an attempt to appeal to a wider audience or introduce wordy prose. Jill Murphy’s writing style is simplistic and linear, and that’s part of what makes it so good. The Worst Witchis the perfect book for reluctant readers, and particularly those who are often in trouble. Mildred is a witch in her first year at Cackle’s Academy, but she’s not like all the others. She’s clumsy, has a white cat, and can’t ride a broom to save her life. Through the course of the book, all that changes. It’s a sweet, predictable story about a child that finds her confidence and place in the world, with plenty of lessons to be learned. It’s soft, entertaining story will undoubtedly live on for many more years.

Books in The Worst Witch Series (5)

Royal Institute Of Magic

(Kloss, Victor)

If you enjoyed Harry Potter, you’ll enjoy this series just as much, but that’s not to say they’re the same. Royal Institute of Magic does have a school, mythical creatures, and a sense of wonder, but it also goes further in places. Victor Kloss’ world-building is exceptional, reaching and sometimes even surpassing the imagination of Rowling as he tells the story of a boy trying to find his parents and the quest to unravel a family secret. Despite this, the plot is by no means simple. Aside from protagonist Ben Greenwood, there’s an exceptional supporting cast, including Charlie, his female sidekick. As the two set off on a journey of discovery, a much deeper backstory surfaces, one that tells of an oppressive evil. Stretching across five books, the series has a truly epic feel, regaling Ben’s progress through the institute and the dark elf invasion.

Books in Royal Institute Of Magic Series (4)

Carry On

(Rowell, Rainbow)

The books on this list take themselves quite seriously, trying to reach the success of Harry Potter or other greats. Sometimes, you’re fed up with the common themes that run through them, and that’s where Carry On comes in. The book describes itself as a ‘Chosen One’ story, but that’s just code for a Potter parody. Simon Snow is the Neville Longbottom of Rainbow Rowell’s world, and he just so happens to be the chosen one. He stumbles through his education with his vampire roommate Baz, barely able to cast a spell. Despite the hilarious parallels, Rowell takes her character’s seriously, and it shows. The duo is equal parts useless and likable, and at this point it’s worth noting something. This isn’t your average YA love story. This time, single-sex relationships shine, and they get significant screen time. For some, that will be turn-off. For others, it will be a refreshing change, and a highly entertaining one at that.

Blood Of Elves

(Sapkowski, Andrzej)

The Witcher series isn’t the first that comes to mind in this genre, especially if your knowledge is limited to the games. However, this particular title features far more training than you might expect. For the unfamiliar, this series tells of a world overrun by mythical creatures and the supernatural. Alongside invaders, they terrorize villages and are the cause of endless problems. Witchers are one of the only solutions --monster hunters mutated through rituals to have speed, strength, and their own flavor of magic. Ciri, a daughter of the emperor, is part of that group, though not naturally. She’s been taken under the wing of famed Geralt of Rivia, who acts as a surrogate father. A daughter of the Elder Blood, she learns to wield not only sword and potions, but the powerful magic that runs through her. This time, though, tutors aren’t just faceless learning machines. The atmosphere of Kaer Morhen is a close one. Like all good school fantasy, Blood of Elves is focused on character as well as education. Ciri forms emotional bonds with her tutors, a relationship with the sorceress Yennefer developing from hatred to daughterhood. Though his world-building is incredible, Andrej Sapkowski’s true talent is making you care about his characters. By slowly building intimacy, he creates a sense of tension as the danger ramps up. As a result, Ciri’s education is vital to the survival of her friends, and holds an urgency that’s not often seen.

Books in The Witcher Series (8)

Lexicon

(Barry, Max)

Most magic systems focus on fireballs or telekinesis, but Lexicon is far more inventive. Instead of spells, select people can control the world with words. Emily Ruff, a street conwoman, knows how to influence people well, and that makes her a perfect selection. Unfortunately, ‘poets’ also have the same weakness. It’s necessary to hide their true identity for life if they want to be safe from manipulation. As a result, Lexicon has thriller elements as well as school, fantasy, and sci-fi. It’s an element that leads to surprising parallels. Barry uses his novel as a tool to highlight the subliminal influence of advertising, privacy violations, and control. He plays it out in a non-linear fashion, unfolding different parts of the story into a cohesive whole and augmenting it with dry wit.