Books like Carry On
23 fantasy books to read after Carry On, by Rowell, Rainbow, the closest match first.
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1. Imager Portfolio
by Jr., L. E. Modesitt
- On the same lists
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....
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2. Harry Potter
by Rowling, J. K.
- On the same lists
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...
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3. Lightbringer Series
by Weeks, Brent
- On the same lists
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...
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The Nevernight Chronicle book 1 Start here
4. Nevernight
by Kristoff, Jay
- On the same lists
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...
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5. Seven Realms
by Chima, Cinda Williams
- On the same lists
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...
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Circle Of Magic book 1 Start here
6. Circle Of Magic
by Pierce, Tamora
- On the same lists
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...
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The Worst Witch book 1 Start here
7. The Worst Witch
by Murphy, Jill
- On the same lists
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...
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Royal Institute Of Magic book 1 Start here
8. Royal Institute Of Magic
by Kloss, Victor
- On the same lists
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,...
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9. Lexicon
by Barry, Max
- On the same lists
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,...
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The Witcher book 3
10. Blood Of Elves
by Sapkowski, Andrzej
- On the same lists
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...
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11. The Black Magician
by Canavan, Trudi
- On the same lists
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...
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Percy Jackson And The Olympians book 1 Start here
12. Percy Jackson
by Riordan, Rick
- On the same lists
The series begins with the revelation that Percy is actually the son of Poseidon. Adventure on the scale of Greek myth ensues.
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...
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13. Kingkiller Chronicle
by Rothfuss, Patrick
- On the same lists
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...
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14. The Rithamatist
by Sanderson, Brandon
- On the same lists
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...
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15. Red Rising (not Magic, But Hunger Games Survival Meets School Setting With Some Fantasy Elements)
by Brown, Pierce
- On the same lists
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...
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Book Of The Ancestor book 1 Start here
16. Red Sister
by Lawrence, Mark
- On the same lists
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...
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17. Sufficiently Advanced Magic
by Rowe, Andrew
- On the same lists
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...
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18. Chronicle Of The Unhewn Throne
by Staveley, Brian
- On the same lists
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...
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Abhorsen book 1 Start here
19. Sabriel
by Nix, Garth
- On the same lists
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...
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Codex Alera book 1 Start here
20. Furies Of Calderon
by Butcher, Jim
- On the same lists
What happens to soldiers after the war is fought? This book tells the story of five veterans and some secrets too.
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...
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Raven's Shadow book 1 Start here
21. Blood Song
by Ryan, Anthony
- On the same lists
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...
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The Magicians book 1 Start here
22. The Magicians
by Grossman, Lev
- On the same lists
A prequel novel about a high school senior who is admitted to a school for gifted children, for a magical education in upstate New York. A typical quest story that turns dark. Things are not black and white in this world and the characters are psychologically rich.
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...
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The Earthsea Cycle book 1 Start here
23. A Wizard Of Earthsea
by Guin, Ursula K. Le
- On the same lists
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...
Matches come from series and authors, from the lists the books share, and from the books readers open together. They are rebuilt every night. Back to Carry On.
The shortlist
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