Stepping into a new magical world is an enchanting experience, but navigating a sprawling witch and wizard book series can be daunting. With complex timelines, interconnected novellas, and prequels released years after the original stories, knowing where to begin is crucial for any reader. Getting the reading order wrong can spoil major plot twists, undermine character development, and leave you lost in a labyrinth of lore.
This guide provides the definitive witch and wizard book series order for ten of the most beloved sagas, ensuring you experience each spell, secret, and showdown exactly as the author intended. Understanding the sequence is essential to appreciate how authors build their worlds and arcs. To truly appreciate the artistry behind these magical journeys, exploring various powerful narrative structures can deepen your reading experience by revealing the framework that makes these stories so compelling.
Whether you prefer chronological immersion or the magic of discovering a series in its publication order, we’ll equip you with the knowledge to start your next mystical adventure with confidence. We've laid out the complete reading paths, including main novels, companion books, and short stories, to provide a clear and comprehensive roadmap. For these ten magical worlds, your journey starts right here.
1. Harry Potter Series by J.K. Rowling
No list discussing the definitive witch and wizard book series order would be complete without the monumental series that redefined modern fantasy: J.K. Rowling's Harry Potter. This seven-book saga follows the life of a young wizard, Harry Potter, who discovers on his eleventh birthday that he is destined to attend Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. The story chronicles his education in magic, his deep friendships, and his escalating conflict with the dark wizard, Lord Voldemort. The series is celebrated for its intricate world-building, compelling character arcs, and a narrative that matures alongside its readers.
Recommended Reading Order
The Harry Potter series is best experienced by following its publication order, as each installment is a direct chronological sequel to the last. The plot is tightly woven, with mysteries and character developments from early books becoming crucial in later ones. Starting anywhere else would lead to significant spoilers and confusion.
- Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone (or Philosopher's Stone) (1997)
- Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (1998)
- Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (1999)
- Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (2000)
- Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix (2003)
- Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince (2005)
- Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows (2007)
Tips for New Readers and Book Clubs
Start at the Beginning: The narrative's complexity and tone evolve significantly. The Sorcerer's Stone introduces the magical world gently, making it the essential starting point for readers of any age.
Embrace the Expanded Universe Later: Materials like Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them and the stage play Harry Potter and the Cursed Child are best enjoyed after completing the core seven books to fully appreciate their context.
Track the Characters: The later books introduce a wide cast. A simple character list can be helpful for keeping track of affiliations and relationships during book club discussions.
With over 500 million copies sold and a blockbuster film franchise, its global impact is undeniable. For a deeper dive into the complete publication details and spin-off material, you can explore the definitive Harry Potter reading order and its universe.
2. A Discovery of Witches Trilogy by Deborah Harkness
For those who prefer their magic intertwined with history, romance, and academic rigor, Deborah Harkness's A Discovery of Witches trilogy is an essential entry in the witch and wizard book series order. This contemporary fantasy series introduces Diana Bishop, a reluctant witch and respected historian who, while researching at Oxford's Bodleian Library, discovers a long-lost enchanted manuscript. This fateful event propels her into a dangerous magical world, forcing her to embrace her heritage and form an unlikely alliance with a mysterious vampire geneticist, Matthew Clairmont. The series is lauded for its rich historical detail, mature romance, and intricate lore surrounding witches, vampires, and daemons.
Recommended Reading Order
The All Souls trilogy is a tightly woven, continuous narrative that must be read in its publication order. Each book ends with significant developments and cliffhangers that lead directly into the next, making it impossible to start midway without missing crucial plot points and character development.
- A Discovery of Witches (2011)
- Shadow of Night (2012)
- The Book of Life (2014)
Tips for New Readers and Book Clubs
Prepare for Density: Harkness, a history professor herself, infuses the books with extensive historical and scientific detail. Taking notes on the mythology and character lineages can greatly enhance the reading experience, especially for book club discussions.
Explore the Companion Books: After completing the main trilogy, readers can deepen their understanding of the world with Time's Convert, a sequel-companion novel, and The World of All Souls, an encyclopedic guide to the series' lore.
Allow for Digestion: These are not quick reads. The complex plot and detailed world-building are best enjoyed when you give yourself time to absorb the story between each book.
The series has captivated a global audience, leading to an acclaimed television adaptation and international bestseller status. For a more detailed look at the entire All Souls universe, including companion novels and novellas, you can find a comprehensive guide to the A Discovery of Witches Trilogy order and its expanded world.
3. The Cruel Prince Series by Holly Black
Venturing into the darker, more treacherous side of magical realms, Holly Black's The Cruel Prince (part of The Folk of the Air series) offers a riveting tale of political intrigue and fae magic. The story centers on Jude Duarte, a mortal girl raised in the High Court of Faerie. Surrounded by powerful, immortal beings who despise mortals, Jude fights for a place in their world, navigating deadly court politics, shifting allegiances, and a dangerous attraction to the wicked Prince Cardan. This series is celebrated for its morally complex characters, intricate plot, and a lush, perilous world that captivates from the first page.
Recommended Reading Order
The main trilogy of The Folk of the Air is a tightly serialized narrative filled with cliffhangers and significant character development. Reading it in publication order is essential to follow Jude's journey and the ever-changing political landscape of Elfhame. The story builds directly upon the events of the previous book, making a chronological read the only logical path.
- The Cruel Prince (2018)
- The Wicked King (2019)
- The Queen of Nothing (2019)
- How the King of Elfhame Learned to Hate Stories (2020) - An illustrated companion novella from Cardan's perspective, best read after the main trilogy.
Tips for New Readers and Book Clubs
Check Content Warnings: The series delves into dark themes, including violence, emotional abuse, and complex power dynamics. It's a good idea for readers and book clubs to be aware of these elements before starting.
Track Political Alliances: The fae court is a web of schemes and betrayals. Keeping a simple list of characters and their loyalties can be a helpful discussion tool, as these allegiances are constantly in flux.
Consider the Audiobook: The audiobooks for this series, particularly for The Wicked King and The Queen of Nothing, are highly acclaimed for their immersive narration and excellent character portrayals.
Praised as a standout in the young adult fantasy genre, Holly Black's series provides a fantastic entry point into the darker side of fae lore, a must-read for anyone seeking a more political witch and wizard book series order. For more on Holly Black's works, you can visit her official website.
4. The Invisible Library Series by Genevieve Cogman
Venturing into a multiverse of magic, espionage, and literary theft, Genevieve Cogman's The Invisible Library offers a unique entry in the realm of witch and wizard book series order. The series follows Irene, a professional spy for a clandestine Library that exists outside of time and space. Her mission is to retrieve rare and dangerous books from various alternate realities, often pitting her against supernatural creatures, secret societies, and rogue agents. Blending high-stakes adventure with portal fantasy, the series is celebrated for its inventive world-building and the standalone appeal of its individual mysteries.
Recommended Reading Order
While many of the novels feature self-contained plots, The Invisible Library contains a significant overarching narrative that develops Irene's character and deepens the central conspiracy. Reading the books in their publication order is essential to fully grasp the evolving relationships and the escalating stakes that connect each mission.
- The Invisible Library (2014)
- The Masked City (2015)
- The Burning Page (2016)
- The Lost Plot (2017)
- The Mortal Word (2018)
- The Secret Chapter (2019)
- The Dark Archive (2020)
- The Untold Story (2021)
Tips for New Readers and Book Clubs
Don't Skip Ahead: Although each book presents a distinct adventure, character arcs and crucial plot points carry over. Skipping a book can leave you missing key context for later events.
Track the Worlds: The series jumps between alternate realities governed by different rules of magic and technology. Keeping a brief reference guide for the various worlds can enhance the reading experience.
Consider the Audiobooks: The audiobook versions are highly praised for their excellent narration and pacing, which can help bring the fast-paced action and diverse character voices to life.
Praised by fantasy enthusiasts and popular in libraries as a gateway series, its intricate plot is a compelling journey. For readers who enjoy a blend of magical librarianship and spy thrillers, following the published series order is the best way to uncover the secrets hidden within the Library's vast collection.
5. Practical Magic Universe by Alice Hoffman
Alice Hoffman’s Practical Magic universe offers a multi-generational saga centered on the Owens family, a line of powerful witches burdened by a curse that dooms any man they love. This series masterfully blends magical realism with historical fiction, exploring themes of family, love, and resilience. Unlike linear narratives, Hoffman’s series expands across different time periods, with some books serving as prequels that enrich the lore established in the original novel. The stories are atmospheric and character-driven, making this a unique entry in any list of witch and wizard book series order.
Recommended Reading Order
While each book can be enjoyed as a standalone story, reading them in publication order provides the intended experience of uncovering family secrets as the author reveals them. This path allows readers to see the world expand backward in time after first meeting the modern-day Owens sisters. The chronological order, however, offers a linear journey through the family's history, from its 17th-century origins to the present.
Publication Order (Recommended for First-Time Readers):
- Practical Magic (1995)
- The Rules of Magic (2017)
- Magic Lessons (2020)
- The Book of Magic (2021)
Chronological Order (For a Historical Perspective):
- Magic Lessons (Set in the 1600s)
- The Rules of Magic (Set in the 1960s)
- Practical Magic (Set in the 1990s)
- The Book of Magic (A direct sequel to Practical Magic)
Tips for New Readers and Book Clubs
Start with Practical Magic: Beginning with the 1995 novel provides the foundational context for the family dynamics and the central curse. This makes the reveals in the prequels more impactful.
Create a Family Tree: The series spans several generations. A simple family tree can be an invaluable tool for book clubs to track the lineage and connections between characters across the centuries.
Embrace the Tone: Hoffman's style is more literary and focused on emotional depth than on high-action magical battles. Discussions can focus on character motivations and the intersection of magic with everyday life.
The series, famously adapted into the 1998 film Practical Magic starring Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman, continues to enchant readers with its lyrical prose and deeply human portrayal of witchcraft. You can learn more about Alice Hoffman and her expansive body of work on her official author website.
6. The Scholomance Trilogy by Naomi Novik
Diverging into the darker side of magical education, Naomi Novik's Scholomance trilogy offers a brutal and thrilling take on the magic school trope. The series is set within a deadly, sentient school hidden from the world, designed to protect young magic-users from monstrous creatures called maleficaria. The catch is that the school itself is infested with these monsters, making graduation a literal matter of survival. The story is narrated by the sharp-tongued and powerful sorceress, El (Galadriel), who must navigate complex alliances and her own dark affinity for mass destruction to make it out alive.
Recommended Reading Order
The Scholomance trilogy is a tightly serialized narrative where each book picks up immediately after the previous one ends. The plot is continuous, and the stakes escalate with each installment. Reading this witch and wizard book series order chronologically is the only way to experience the story's carefully constructed suspense and character development.
- A Deadly Education (2020)
- The Last Graduate (2021)
- The Golden Enclaves (2022)
Tips for New Readers and Book Clubs
Persist Through the Setup: The first book, A Deadly Education, involves significant world-building and introduces a complex magic system. Pushing through this initial setup is essential, as the payoff in the later books is substantial.
Note the Magic System: The rules of mana and the school's intricate social structure are unique. Keeping a few notes can help track the mechanics and alliances, which become crucial to the plot.
Consider the Audiobook: The audiobook narration by Anisha Dadia is highly praised for capturing El's sardonic and cynical voice perfectly, adding another layer to the character's personality.
This series is a fantastic choice for readers who love dark academia, intricate magical systems, and morally complex characters. To see how this trilogy fits within the broader magical fiction landscape, you can get a comprehensive look at The Scholomance Trilogy by Naomi Novik and other fantastic series.
7. The Witch Elm by Tana French
Shifting from high fantasy to psychological mystery, Tana French's The Witch Elm offers a unique entry in the witch and wizard book series order conversation. This standalone novel masterfully blends a contemporary crime story with subtle supernatural elements. The narrative follows Toby, a lucky, charming man whose life is upended after he is brutally beaten in a home invasion. While recovering at his family's ancestral home, he and his cousins discover a human skull inside the trunk of an old wych elm tree, forcing them to confront long-buried secrets.
Recommended Reading Order
As a standalone novel, The Witch Elm can be read at any time without prior knowledge of Tana French's other works. However, it exists within the same universe as her Dublin Murder Squad series. While characters do not cross over directly in a significant way, reading her other novels provides a richer understanding of her atmospheric style and the interconnected world she has built.
- The Witch Elm (2018)
Tips for New Readers and Book Clubs
Adjust Expectations: This is not a traditional fantasy adventure. The magic is subtle and internal, focusing on memory, perception, and the uncanny rather than overt spellcasting.
Analyze the Narrator: Toby is a classic unreliable narrator. A key part of the experience is questioning his version of events and his self-perception, which rewards re-reading to catch new details.
Connect to the Universe: For those who enjoy her style, consider reading The Witch Elm alongside French's other Dublin-based novels to appreciate the thematic and atmospheric connections she weaves throughout her literary universe.
Praised by literary and mystery enthusiasts, The Witch Elm stands out for its deep character study and suspenseful, slow-burn plot. It demonstrates how witch and wizard themes can be powerfully explored through the lens of psychological realism.
8. The Starless Sea by Erin Morgenstern
While not a traditional series, Erin Morgenstern's The Starless Sea offers a unique, singular experience that earns its place on any list exploring the witch and wizard book series order. This contemporary fantasy epic follows Zachary Ezra Rawlins, a graduate student who discovers a mysterious book that leads him to a magical, labyrinthine library hidden deep beneath the Earth. This secret world of stories is a place of wonder, guarded by acolytes and filled with pirates, key collectors, and lovelorn individuals. The novel is a masterpiece of nested storytelling, with tales-within-tales that interweave to create a rich and immersive magical universe.
Recommended Reading Order
The Starless Sea is a standalone novel, meaning there is only one book to read. However, its intricate narrative, with multiple storylines converging, rewards a focused and sequential reading experience from start to finish. Jumping around would unravel the carefully constructed mystery at its core.
- The Starless Sea (2019)
Tips for New Readers and Book Clubs
Savor the Prose: This is not a book to be rushed. Morgenstern's writing is lyrical and atmospheric, so take your time to fully immerse yourself in the world-building and the beauty of the language.
Consider a Guide: The book features a large cast and multiple fables. Keeping a simple bookmark or a note with a character and location guide can help track the interconnected narratives during book club discussions.
Experience the Audiobook: The audiobook, narrated by a full cast, is highly acclaimed and offers an incredibly immersive experience, bringing the various stories and characters to life.
Explore Morgenstern's Style: While not connected by plot, reading Morgenstern's debut, The Night Circus, can provide context for her enchanting and non-linear storytelling style.
This novel is a love letter to stories and books themselves, perfect for readers who appreciate literary fantasy and metafiction. Its complex structure and magical realism provide a deeply satisfying journey for those willing to get lost in its pages.
9. Howl's Moving Castle Series by Diana Wynne Jones
For those who delight in whimsical charm and unpredictable magic, Diana Wynne Jones's Howl's Moving Castle series is an essential entry in the canon of witch and wizard book series order. This enchanting trilogy begins with Sophie Hatter, a young woman who is cursed by a witch and transformed into an old crone. Her quest to break the spell leads her to the enigmatic and flamboyant Wizard Howl and his magical, perpetually moving castle. The series is celebrated for its clever subversion of fairy tale tropes, witty humor, and heartwarming character relationships.
Recommended Reading Order
While the three books are set in the same world and share key characters, they feature different protagonists. The stories are loosely connected, allowing for some flexibility. However, reading them in publication order provides the best experience, as later books reference characters and events from the first.
- Howl's Moving Castle (1986)
- Castle in the Air (1990)
- House of Many Ways (2008)
Tips for New Readers and Book Clubs
Start with the Original: Howl's Moving Castle is the foundational story that introduces the core characters and the unique magical system. It's a must-read first, and its popularity was amplified by the beloved 2004 Studio Ghibli film adaptation.
Note the Shifting Perspectives: Each book follows a different main character, offering a new viewpoint on the magical world of Ingary. Be prepared for this shift from Sophie in the first book to Abdullah in the second and Charmain in the third.
Compare Book and Film: A fantastic book club activity is to read Howl's Moving Castle and then watch the Studio Ghibli film. Discussing the significant differences in plot and characterization can lead to a rich conversation about adaptation.
The series is a masterclass in imaginative storytelling, blending humor, romance, and adventure perfectly. For more details on this magical world, you can learn more about the Howl's Moving Castle Series by Diana Wynne Jones and its delightful companions.
10. The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue by V.E. Schwab
While not a series in the traditional sense, V.E. Schwab's The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue earns its place on lists of witch and wizard book series order for its powerful depiction of a magical, centuries-spanning bargain. This standalone gothic fantasy tells the story of a young French woman in 1714 who makes a Faustian deal to live forever. The price is that she is cursed to be forgotten by everyone she meets. The novel follows Addie across 300 years of history, art, and loneliness, until one day, in a hidden New York City bookstore, she meets a young man who remembers her.
Recommended Reading Order
As a standalone novel, there is only one book to read. However, the narrative is constructed with two interconnected timelines that weave together to build suspense and reveal the full scope of Addie's long life and the nature of her curse. The story’s emotional impact relies entirely on experiencing these revelations as the author intended.
- The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue (2020)
Tips for New Readers and Book Clubs
Go in Blind: The novel's greatest strengths are its poignant twists and slow-burn reveals. For maximum impact, avoid spoilers and let Addie’s story unfold naturally.
Pay Attention to Timestamps: The dual timeline structure is key. Keep track of the chapter dates, as the narrative jumps between Addie's past experiences across centuries and her present-day life in New York.
Explore Schwab's Universe: If you enjoy the blend of magic, history, and character-driven stakes, this book is an excellent gateway to Schwab's other popular series, like the Shades of Magic or Villains series.
Discuss the Themes: This is a rich book for discussion, exploring themes of memory, art, identity, and what it truly means to leave a mark on the world.
An international bestseller with numerous literary awards, The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue is a haunting and unforgettable tale. For those interested in stories of dark bargains and enduring magic, its standalone nature makes it a perfect, self-contained reading experience.
Top 10 Witch & Wizard Series Reading Order
| Title | Narrative complexity | Time / commitment | Expected outcome | Ideal use case | Key advantages |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Harry Potter Series by J.K. Rowling | High — linear, heavily serialized with escalating plots | Very high — seven full-length books | Complete coming-of-age arc and comprehensive world-building payoff | Readers seeking long, cohesive fantasy saga suitable for teens → adults | Iconic, accessible, extensive guides and adaptations |
| A Discovery of Witches Trilogy by Deborah Harkness | High — dense mythology, historical layers, time-travel elements | Moderate — three dense adult novels | Deep lore, romantic arc, and historical payoff | Adult readers who enjoy researched historical fantasy with romance | Rich historical detail, complex world-building, TV adaptation |
| The Cruel Prince Series by Holly Black | Medium-high — political intrigue, morally gray characters | Moderate — trilogy with fast pacing | Tense, character-driven escalation and emotional intensity | Fans of dark fae politics, fast plots, and morally ambiguous protagonists | Fast-paced, compelling protagonist, gripping court intrigue |
| The Invisible Library Series by Genevieve Cogman | Medium — episodic adventures with an overarching plot | Medium — multiple volumes but many are standalone-friendly | Entertaining world-hopping escapades with gradual series payoff | Readers wanting flexible, bookish fantasy with mystery elements | Standalone-appeal, inventive alternate-world settings |
| Practical Magic Universe by Alice Hoffman | Low-medium — multi-generational magical realism, character-focused | Low-medium — mostly standalone novels across a shared universe | Emotional, character-driven exploration of family and legacy | Readers of literary magical realism and emotional sagas | Accessible standalones, lyrical prose, film familiarity |
| The Scholomance Trilogy by Naomi Novik | High — dark academia, complex magic system, serialized stakes | Moderate — trilogy with concentrated intensity | Intense survival narrative with moral complexity and payoff | Dark academia fans and readers who like dangerous school settings | Unique premise, consistent internal magic rules, strong development |
| The Witch Elm by Tana French | Medium — psychological, unreliable narrator, subtle magic | Low — single novel (standalone) | Character-driven mystery with introspective, dark tone | Literary-mystery readers preferring subtle supernatural elements | Sophisticated prose, standalone commitment, psychological depth |
| The Starless Sea by Erin Morgenstern | High — nested, non-linear metafictional narrative | High — long standalone with dense storytelling | Immersive, atmospheric experience that prioritizes mood over plot | Readers who enjoy lyrical, experimental fantasy and long reads | Lush prose, inventive structure, strong atmosphere |
| Howl's Moving Castle Series by Diana Wynne Jones | Medium — whimsical, varied perspectives; shared universe | Medium — a few related books (publication order recommended) | Charming adventures blending humor, romance, and magic | Readers wanting whimsical, multi-age fantasy with varied focuses | Humorous tone, memorable characters, accessible entry point and film tie-in |
| The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue by V.E. Schwab | Medium-high — dual timelines, gothic, emotionally driven | Low — standalone novel | Poignant, long-span character study with romantic and gothic tones | Readers seeking literary standalone fantasy with emotional depth | Standalone with strong premise, emotional resonance, broad appeal |
Your Next Magical Chapter Awaits
Armed with a comprehensive guide to the correct witch and wizard book series order, you are now perfectly equipped to navigate some of the most enchanting literary worlds ever created. From the rigid academic magic of Hogwarts to the chaotic, untamed power in the Folk of the Air series, each universe presents a unique tapestry of lore, character development, and intricate plotting that is best experienced as the author intended. Following the proper sequence is not just about avoiding spoilers; it's about witnessing the deliberate unfolding of a story, allowing character arcs to mature naturally and world-building to expand layer by layer.
This guide has provided the blueprint for a seamless reading journey, whether you choose to follow the publication timeline or a chronological path. We’ve untangled the complex web of main novels, prequels, novellas, and companion stories, ensuring you won’t miss a single crucial detail or emotional beat. The value of this structured approach cannot be overstated, as it transforms a simple reading experience into a deeply immersive adventure.
Key Takeaways for Your Magical Reading Journey
To maximize your enjoyment, remember these core principles as you select your next series:
Publication Order is Often Best: For a first-time reader, sticking to the publication order is almost always the recommended path. This allows you to experience the story's reveals and the author's evolving style exactly as the initial audience did. This is particularly true for series like Harry Potter, where mysteries are built and solved over several books.
Chronological Order Offers a Fresh Perspective: For rereads or for readers who prefer a linear historical narrative, a chronological reading can offer profound new insights. Reading Alice Hoffman's Practical Magic universe in chronological order, for instance, provides a rich, generational saga that deepens the emotional weight of the Owens family legacy.
Don't Skip the Extras: Novellas, short stories, and companion books are not mere afterthoughts. Works like The Lost Sisters in Holly Black's series or the various companion texts for Harry Potter provide vital context, flesh out side characters, and enrich the main narrative in ways you might not expect. They are the secret ingredients that make a good world feel truly alive.
Charting Your Course Through New Realms
Now that you have the map, the next step is to choose your destination. Are you in the mood for the dark academia and survivalist magic of Naomi Novik's The Scholomance? Or perhaps the lyrical, standalone wonder of Erin Morgenstern's The Starless Sea calls to you? Each series listed offers a distinct flavor of magic and a unique narrative structure.
Consider what you seek in a story. If you crave intricate world-building and a sprawling cast, Genevieve Cogman's The Invisible Library is an excellent choice. If you prefer a character-driven, poignant tale of immortality and art, V.E. Schwab's The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue will surely captivate you. The beauty of this genre is its incredible diversity, offering a magical experience for every type of reader.
Your journey doesn't end here. The literary world is brimming with countless other series filled with witches, wizards, and wonders waiting to be discovered. By applying the principles of structured reading, you ensure that every new series you begin will be as fulfilling and coherent as possible. You have the tools to be a master navigator of any fictional universe. So, pick your portal, open the first page, and prepare to be spellbound.
Never get lost in a series again. For a comprehensive and continuously updated database covering the complete witch and wizard book series order for these authors and thousands more, visit the experts at Books In Order. Find your next magical read and the perfect sequence to enjoy it at Books In Order.
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