15 Books Featuring Magical Academies
There’s something undeniably captivating about magical academies—the swirling mists of enchantment, secret corridors brimming with mysteries, and classrooms where spells spark and destinies are forged. Whether it’s dangerous competitions, forbidden love, or the tantalizing thrill of discovering newfound powers, these enchanting settings never fail to capture our imaginations.
1. A Deadly Education by Naomi Novik
💫 Welcome to the Scholomance: A school where survival is the ultimate graduation prize.
El Higgins knows better than anyone that Scholomance isn’t your typical boarding school. With no teachers, deadly monsters lurking at every turn, and a brutal graduation trial, it’s survival of the magical fittest.
💭 Why it’s captivating: The morally gray, fiercely independent El and her reluctant alliance with the charming Orion Lake create a simmering tension that perfectly complements the darkly dangerous magic-filled world.
2. The Magicians by Lev Grossman
💫 Where magic is real—and sometimes a little too dangerous.
Quentin Coldwater is whisked away to Brakebills University, an elite institution for magical study. But instead of a wondrous fairy tale, Quentin discovers a world of secrets, dark magic, and the harsh realities of adulthood.
💭 Why it’s captivating: This book is a gritty, realistic take on magical education, filled with relatable struggles and an unsettling exploration of power and desire.
3. Carry On by Rainbow Rowell
💫 Magic, mystery, and a swoon-worthy enemies-to-lovers romance.
Simon Snow is the Chosen One, destined to save the magical world from a sinister threat. But first, he has to survive his final year at Watford School of Magicks—and deal with his frustrating, enigmatic roommate, Baz.
💭 Why it’s captivating: With Rainbow Rowell’s signature wit and heart, this story delivers an enchanting mix of adventure, magic, and slow-burn romance that will leave you spellbound.
4. Legendborn by Tracy Deonn
💫 A secret society, ancient magic, and a fierce heroine on a mission.
After her mother’s mysterious death, Bree Matthews discovers the world of the Legendborn at UNC-Chapel Hill—a group connected to King Arthur’s legacy. With a powerful magic of her own awakening, Bree must fight to uncover the truth.
💭 Why it’s captivating: The blend of Arthurian legend, Southern Black culture, and a fiercely determined protagonist make this a groundbreaking and addictive read.
5. The Black Witch by Laurie Forest
💫 A prophecy, prejudice, and a girl who doesn’t know her own power.
Elloren Gardner, granddaughter of a powerful Black Witch, joins Verpax University, where tensions between magical races simmer. As she navigates prejudice and danger, Elloren must discover her own destiny.
💭 Why it’s captivating: This coming-of-age story is filled with complex characters, high-stakes drama, and an epic magical journey.
6. The Atlas Six by Olivie Blake
💫 Six powerful magicians. One deadly initiation.
The Alexandrian Society offers limitless knowledge to a select few, but to join its ranks, six gifted initiates must prove their worth—or perish in the attempt.
💭 Why it’s captivating: Dark academia meets dangerous magic, with plenty of intrigue and morally complex characters to keep you on edge.
7. Magisterium: The Iron Trial by Holly Black & Cassandra Clare
💫 A school of magic filled with twists, betrayals, and dangerous secrets.
Callum Hunt has always been warned to avoid magic. But when he’s accepted into the Magisterium, he must confront a destiny filled with power and peril.
💭 Why it’s captivating: With a twist on the classic magical academy trope, this series offers a thrilling and unpredictable journey.
8. Sorcery of Thorns by Margaret Rogerson
💫 Magic, grimoires, and a brooding sorcerer.
Elisabeth Scrivener has trained her whole life to protect magical grimoires at the Great Library. But when a sabotage plot frames her as a criminal, she must join forces with the enigmatic sorcerer Nathaniel Thorn.
💭 Why it’s captivating: The enchanting setting, lush prose, and slow-burn romance make this a truly magical read.
9. House of Earth and Blood by Sarah J. Maas
💫 A city brimming with secrets and a college for angelic and magical students.
Bryce Quinlan’s carefree life is shattered by tragedy, but her quest for justice draws her into a world of angels, shifters, and forbidden power.
💭 Why it’s captivating: With epic stakes, a gripping murder mystery, and a swoon-worthy romance, this book delivers all the feels.
10. Vicious by V.E. Schwab
💫 When rivals turn dark and magic is a dangerous game.
Victor Vale and Eli Cardale are brilliant university students who discover how to develop extraordinary powers—but their experiments have deadly consequences.
💭 Why it’s captivating: This book offers a dark, thrilling twist on the magical academy trope with unforgettable characters and a chilling plot.
11. Serpent & Dove by Shelby Mahurin
💫 A witch and a witch hunter bound by fate.
Louise le Blanc has fled her coven and taken refuge in the city of Cesarine. But when fate forces her into a magical academy where tensions run high, danger is never far behind.
💭 Why it’s captivating: With a blend of forbidden love, sharp humor, and pulse-pounding danger, this series is a rollercoaster ride.
12. School for Good and Evil by Soman Chainani
💫 Where fairy tales come to life—and not always happily ever after.
Best friends Sophie and Agatha are whisked away to a school where they learn to be heroes and villains. But their destinies take unexpected turns.
💭 Why it’s captivating: This whimsical and unpredictable story flips fairy tale tropes on their heads while exploring the complexities of friendship and destiny.
13. Babel by R.F. Kuang
💫 A dark academia masterpiece with a magical twist.
Robin Swift is recruited to Oxford’s prestigious Royal Institute of Translation, where language is magic and power is dangerous.
💭 Why it’s captivating: The intricate exploration of language, colonization, and magic makes this a brilliant and thought-provoking read.
14. Shadow and Bone by Leigh Bardugo
💫 A magical military academy with secrets and shadows.
Alina Starkov is thrust into a world of darkness and danger when she discovers a powerful light-wielding ability. As she trains at the Grisha Academy, she faces betrayal, love, and war.
💭 Why it’s captivating: With a swoon-worthy love triangle and an epic fantasy world, this series is utterly addictive.
15. The Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss
💫 A legendary tale of magic, love, and survival.
Kvothe recounts his journey through a prestigious magical academy where he learns spellwork, swordplay, and the price of ambition.
💭 Why it’s captivating: Rothfuss’s lyrical writing and Kvothe’s captivating journey make this a masterpiece that lingers in your heart.
Which Magical Academy Holds Your Heart?
There’s just something irresistible about the world of magical schools—where spells fly, danger lurks, and love often finds a way to bloom. Did any of these books transport you to a spellbinding world? Or do you have a magical academy read that’s missing from this list? Let’s conjure up a bookish discussion in the comments! ✨📚
