Magic and schools have always been a winning combination in literature, and the genre of magic school novels has only grown in popularity in recent years. From Harry Potter to The Magicians, readers have been captivated by the trials and tribulations of young magic users navigating their way through school. In this article, we will explore the top 10 magic novels with a school theme that have enchanted readers around the world.
Harry Potter Series by J.K. Rowling
No list of magic school novels would be complete without mentioning the Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling. This seven-book series follows the journey of Harry Potter, a young orphan who discovers he is a wizard and attends Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Along with his friends Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger, Harry battles the dark wizard Voldemort and his followers, while also learning magic and growing up. The Harry Potter series has captivated readers of all ages since the first book was published in 1997. The books have been translated into over 80 languages and have sold over 500 million copies worldwide. The series has also been adapted into eight blockbuster movies, theme parks, and merchandise that has taken the world by storm.
The Magicians by Lev Grossman
The Magicians is a trilogy of novels by Lev Grossman that follows the story of Quentin Coldwater, a high school student who discovers a secret college of magic called Brakebills. The series explores themes of identity, power, and growing up, and has been described as a darker, more adult version of Harry Potter. The books have been adapted into a successful television series on Syfy, which premiered in 2015 and ran for five seasons. The Magicians have been praised for their complex characters, imaginative world-building, and exploration of the darker aspects of magic.
The Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss
The Name of the Wind is the first book in the Kingkiller Chronicle series by Patrick Rothfuss. The novel follows the story of Kvothe, a legendary wizard and musician who is now living in obscurity as an innkeeper. Kvothe recounts his past to a chronicler, telling the story of how he became a powerful wizard and attended the University, a school of magic. The Name of the Wind has been praised for its beautiful prose, complex characters, and intricate world-building. The book has won numerous awards and has been translated into over 30 languages. The second book in the series, The Wise Man’s Fear, was published in 2011, and fans are eagerly awaiting the release of the third book.
The Magisterium Series by Holly Black and Cassandra Clare
The Magisterium series is a five-book series co-authored by Holly Black and Cassandra Clare. The books follow the story of Callum Hunt, a young boy who is raised to believe that magic is evil, only to discover that he has a gift for it. Callum attends the Magisterium, a school of magic, where he learns to control his powers and fight against the evil forces that threaten the magical world. The Magisterium series has been praised for its imaginative world-building, diverse characters, and engaging plot. The books have been translated into multiple languages and have been adapted into audiobooks and graphic novels.
A Deadly Education by Naomi Novik
A Deadly Education is the first book in the Scholomance series by Naomi Novik. The novel follows the story of Galadriel, a powerful wizard attending the Scholomance, a school for magic users that is deadly in more ways than one. Galadriel must navigate the treacherous halls of the Scholomance, fend off monsters and other students, and try to survive to graduation. A Deadly Education has been praised for its unique take on the magic school genre, with a darker and more sinister atmosphere. The book has been praised for its complex and diverse characters, as well as its world-building that explores the dangers of magical education. A sequel, The Last Graduate, was released in 2021, continuing Galadriel’s story.
The Black Magician Trilogy by Trudi Canavan
The Black Magician Trilogy is a series of books by Trudi Canavan that follows the story of Sonea, a young girl who discovers she has magical abilities and attends the Magician’s Guild. The series explores themes of power, politics, and prejudice, as Sonea struggles to fit in with her fellow magicians and fight against the corrupt leadership of the Guild. The Black Magician Trilogy has been praised for its intricate world-building, well-developed characters, and engaging plot. The series has been translated into over 20 languages and has won several awards, including the Aurealis Award for Best Fantasy Novel.
The School for Good and Evil by Soman Chainani
The School for Good and Evil is the first book in a series by Soman Chainani that follows the story of Sophie and Agatha, two best friends who attend the School for Good and Evil. Sophie dreams of becoming a fairytale princess, while Agatha wants nothing more than to return home to her quiet life in the woods. The two girls must navigate the trials and challenges of the school, which turns their notions of good and evil upside down. The School for Good and Evil has been praised for its imaginative world-building, unique twist on classic fairytales, and engaging characters. The series has been translated into over 30 languages and has been adapted into a film by Netflix.
The Worst Witch by Jill Murphy
The Worst Witch is a children’s book by Jill Murphy that follows the story of Mildred Hubble, a young girl who attends Miss Cackle’s Academy for Witches. Mildred is clumsy and forgetful, and often gets into trouble, earning her the nickname “the worst witch.” The book follows her adventures as she tries to fit in and prove herself to her classmates. The Worst Witch has been a beloved children’s book since its publication in 1974. The book has been adapted into a television series and a stage play and has been translated into over 20 languages.
The Iron Trial by Holly Black and Cassandra Clare
The Iron Trial is the first book in the Magisterium series by Holly Black and Cassandra Clare. The book follows the story of Callum Hunt, a young boy who is raised to believe that magic is evil, only to discover that he has a gift for it. Callum attends the Magisterium, a school of magic, where he learns to control his powers and fight against the evil forces that threaten the magical world. The Iron Trial has been praised for its engaging characters, imaginative world-building, and exciting plot. The book has been translated into multiple languages and has been adapted into audiobooks and graphic novels.
Carry On by Rainbow Rowell
Carry On is a novel by Rainbow Rowell that follows the story of Simon Snow, a young wizard attending Watford School of Magicks. Simon is the “Chosen One,” prophesied to defeat the evil Humdrum and save the magical world. The book explores themes of love, power, and identity, as Simon and his friends navigate their final year at school and try to save the world. Carry On has been praised for its diverse characters, engaging plot, and witty dialogue. The book has been translated into multiple languages and has been adapted into a sequel, Wayward Son.
In conclusion, the magic school genre has captured the imaginations of readers of all ages for decades. From classic children’s books like The Worst Witch to more recent young adult novels like A Deadly Education, these books transport readers to fantastical worlds filled with magic, adventure, and wonder. The top 10 magic novels with a school theme on this list showcase the incredible variety of stories that can be told within this genre. Whether you’re looking for a lighthearted children’s book or a darker young adult novel, there’s something here for everyone.
