10 Great Fantasy Books With School Settings (That Aren’t Harry Potter)

While Harry Potter is a hugely popular fantasy series set in a school, many other excellent books use this setting too—and they’re all worth checking out. Schools work really well for fantasy stories because they’re a natural way to explain how the world works. They also allow characters to learn and grow, and create exciting conflicts. Because most readers are familiar with schools, it’s easy to get immersed in these stories.

Fantasy novels featuring schools aren’t always about young students. Some explore more mature themes and offer a grimmer look at academic life. Whether it’s a traditional university for magic users or a fiercely competitive institution, these schools add a lot to the story, making these books particularly appealing to those who enjoy a school setting.

10) The Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss

While not entirely set at a school, much of The Name of the Wind focuses on the main character’s time at a place called the University, where he learns magic. The story blends these magical lessons with everyday struggles like paying for school and dealing with relationships, creating a realistic and refreshing fantasy world. Beyond its compelling setting, the book is also praised for its well-developed characters and beautiful writing, making it a great read, particularly for those who enjoy stories about magic schools. However, be aware that the final book in the series, The Doors of Stone, has not yet been released.

9) The Poppy War by R.F. Kuang

If you’re looking for a fantasy novel that’s a bit darker and more complex, with a school setting, check out The Poppy War by R.F. Kuang. The first half of the book takes place at Sinegard, a military academy, and follows Rin, a young woman from a poor background who surprisingly gains admission. She faces many challenges as she adjusts to the school and discovers she has shamanistic powers. Unlike some fantasy schools, Sinegard isn’t a welcoming place, and the book as a whole deals with very difficult and brutal themes, especially in the second half. It’s a tough read, so be prepared, but it’s also a powerful story that explores important issues.

8) Red Sister by Mark Lawrence

Mark Lawrence’s Red Sister is a compelling dark fantasy novel set in a school for girls training to become deadly warriors within a holy order. It’s the first book in the Book of the Ancestor series and follows Nona as she’s given a chance at life – but one dedicated to serving the Ancestor Church – at the Convent of Sweet Mercy. Lawrence creates a richly detailed world that enhances both the magic system and the strong bonds between characters. Filled with action, mystery, and challenging moral questions, Red Sister is a great read, especially for fans of Lawrence’s Daughter of Crows.

7) Nevernight by Jay Kristoff

While Red Sister isn’t alone in the fantasy genre when it comes to stories set at assassin schools, Jay Kristoff’s Nevernight remains a compelling read. Released in 2016 to significant acclaim, the series follows Mia Corvere’s quest for revenge after her family is destroyed. This leads her to the Red Church, where she trains as an assassin, all while facing deadly challenges. It’s a thrilling story of survival and vengeance, featuring a complex heroine and fascinating magic. In fact, the series consistently improves with each installment.

6) A Deadly Education by Naomi Novik

Unlike many fantasy novels about assassins learning their trade, Naomi Novik’s A Deadly Education features a school that’s dangerous for a different reason: it’s overrun with monsters determined to kill the students. Most students don’t survive until graduation, and uniquely, there are no teachers to help them. While the dangerous school setting is the biggest appeal of the book, its atmosphere and the relationships between characters are also strong points. The fast pace and constant tension make it a quick read, and it’s part of a compelling trilogy.

5) Ninth House by Leigh Bardugo

Leigh Bardugo’s Ninth House is set at a university inspired by Yale, but it’s the hidden world of secret societies and the occult that truly drives the story. The main character, Alex, can see ghosts – known as “Grays” – and this ability earns her a place at the school after a difficult event. Ninth House quickly pulls Alex into a murder investigation that reveals a much larger conspiracy. The book is known for its dark and immersive atmosphere, its exploration of challenging themes like trauma, and its unique magic system. With the next installment, Dead Beat, coming out soon, now is a great time to start reading this series.

4) Legendborn by Tracy Deonn

Tracy Deonn’s Legendborn is a young adult novel that, like Ninth House, centers around a school hiding a magical secret. While appearing to be a typical university campus, UNC-Chapel Hill is actually filled with magic, demons, and a secret society inspired by the legends of King Arthur. When Bree starts an early-college program there, she’s quickly pulled into this hidden world and uncovers surprising truths about her school, her family history, and herself. The book is a captivating adventure with compelling characters, magical elements, and interesting relationships that will keep readers engaged from beginning to end.

3) The Magicians by Lev Grossman

As a fantasy fan, I have to say The Magicians really impressed me. It takes the familiar magical school setup – think Harry Potter – and brilliantly turns it on its head. It doesn’t offer easy answers or magically solve its characters’ problems; they still grapple with the same issues they brought with them to Brakebills. And that’s just one way Lev Grossman shakes things up. The novel definitely nods to classics like Narnia, but it explores those familiar stories from a fresh, often darker, perspective. If you’re someone who loves fantasy and enjoys thinking about why these stories work, this is a must-read. Plus, if you get hooked on the books, there’s a Syfy series you can dive into as well!

2) The Atlas Six by Olivie Blake

Like The Magicians, The Atlas Six offers a darker take on the magical school story, but it’s still captivating and enjoyable. The book follows six young magicians as they compete for a rare spot in the exclusive Alexandrian Society, an opportunity that only comes around every ten years. Only five will be chosen, and during the intense selection process, they’ll be challenged, tested, and forced to navigate shifting alliances and bitter rivalries. Interestingly, none of the characters are particularly likable, which actually adds to the book’s appeal. With plenty of drama, action, and a fresh take on magic, The Atlas Six is a truly immersive read.

1) Fourth Wing

You’ve probably heard of Fourth Wing if you spend any time online. This popular fantasy novel by Rebecca Yarros combines the feel of a military academy with dragons, magic, and intense training. It’s similar to Hogwarts, but with deeper and more dangerous secrets hidden within the school and the military itself. The story follows Violet Sorrengail as she navigates these mysteries, fights to survive, and bonds with a dragon. If you’re looking for a lighthearted and exciting fantasy school story, Fourth Wing is a great choice.

What’s your favorite fantasy book that takes place at a school? Share your thoughts in the comments and join the discussion on the ComicBook Forum!

https://comicbook.com/tv-shows/list/5-fantasy-book-series-with-10-installments-that-are-worth-reading-from-start-to-finish/embed/#

2026-04-21 04:42