The world of magical literature is vast and enchanting, but diving into a multi-book saga can be daunting. How do you ensure you're reading the essential witch and wizard books in order? From iconic magic schools to hidden realms, the correct reading sequence is crucial for experiencing the story as the author intended. Whether you prefer chronological immersion or following the publication journey, a clear path prevents spoilers and maximizes narrative impact. This guide is your definitive map to ten of the most compelling magical series, designed to help you navigate complex timelines and interconnected stories with ease.
We provide a clear, actionable breakdown for each series, detailing the official reading order and explaining the difference between publication and chronological sequences where it matters. Understanding this distinction is key; publication order often preserves initial mysteries and character introductions, while chronological order offers a linear, immersive experience into the world's history. This resource eliminates the guesswork, allowing you to focus on the magic itself.
This listicle will serve as your ultimate reference, whether you are a new reader discovering these worlds for the first time or a long-time fan looking to revisit them. We'll explore everything from James Patterson's dystopian magic to N.K. Jemisin's earth-shattering sagas, ensuring your next magical adventure starts on the right page and follows the most satisfying path.
1. Harry Potter Series by J.K. Rowling
The Harry Potter series is arguably the most iconic entry in the modern fantasy genre, defining the "magical school" trope for a generation. It follows the epic journey of a young wizard, Harry, as he discovers his magical heritage, navigates the halls of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, and confronts the dark forces that murdered his parents. The core narrative is a masterclass in long-form storytelling, with mysteries and character arcs that build progressively over seven books.
When tackling this titan of witch and wizard books in order, the best approach is straightforward. The main story was designed to be read sequentially as it was published, allowing the reader to grow alongside Harry and his friends.
Recommended Reading Order
For the most impactful experience, you should read the original seven novels in their publication order. This sequence preserves every twist, reveal, and character development exactly as J.K. Rowling intended. After completing the core story, you can explore the wider Wizarding World.
Start with the Core Series: Read books one through seven first. They form a complete and satisfying narrative from beginning to end.
Approach Supplementary Works as Appendices: Treat works like the Fantastic Beasts screenplays and the stage play Harry Potter and the Cursed Child as optional expansions. They provide additional context but are not essential to understanding Harry's primary journey.
Dive Deeper with Extended Canon: For dedicated fans, the Wizarding World is vast. To explore everything from short stories to official companion books, a detailed guide is invaluable. Get the complete reading sequence by reviewing a comprehensive list of the Harry Potter books in order, which breaks down the entire canon.
This structured approach ensures you experience the foundational story first before venturing into the ever-expanding magical universe that surrounds it.
2. The Invisible Library Series by Genevieve Cogman
Genevieve Cogman's The Invisible Library series offers a unique twist on the genre, blending high fantasy with spy thriller elements and steampunk aesthetics. The story follows Irene, a professional spy for a clandestine Library that exists outside of time and space. Her mission is to retrieve unique books from different alternate realities, a task that often pits her against supernatural creatures, rival factions, and powerful magic users. The series is celebrated for its intricate world-building, where magic, technology, and chaos clash in spectacular fashion.
When approaching this sprawling saga of witch and wizard books in order, following the publication sequence is essential. Each novel builds upon the last, progressively revealing the complex rules of the multiverse, the Library's hidden politics, and the deepening relationships between Irene, her enigmatic assistant Kai, and the detective Peregrine Vale.
Recommended Reading Order
For the most coherent and rewarding experience, you must read the series in the order it was released. This path allows the world-building to unfold naturally, ensuring that character motivations and major plot developments make sense. Deviating from this order can lead to confusion, as later books assume knowledge of events and character histories from previous installments.
Follow Publication Order Strictly: Start with The Invisible Library and proceed through each sequel chronologically. This is the only way to properly appreciate the evolving plot and character arcs.
Take Note of World-Specific Rules: Each alternate reality Irene visits has its own unique principles regarding magic, technology, and order. Paying attention to these details is crucial for understanding the challenges she faces.
Embrace the Genre Blend: This series is a cornerstone of modern urban fantasy. To discover more books that mix magic with contemporary or historical settings, explore a curated list of the best urban fantasy book series, which breaks down the genre's top reads.
This structured approach ensures you fully grasp the intricate web of alternate worlds, magical systems, and political intrigue that makes The Invisible Library a standout series.
3. The Cruel Prince Series by Holly Black
Holly Black's The Cruel Prince plunges readers into the treacherous and enchanting world of the Fae, where magic is wild, and political power is the ultimate prize. The series follows Jude Duarte, a mortal girl raised in the High Court of Faerie, as she navigates intricate alliances and deadly rivalries. Unlike traditional witch and wizard books, the magic here is innate to the Fae, rooted in nature, bargains, and blood, creating a unique and dangerous system of power.
To fully appreciate the complex political maneuvering and slow-burn character developments in this series, reading the books in publication order is essential. The narrative relies heavily on shocking twists and betrayals that build upon each other, making a sequential read the only way to experience the story's full impact.
Recommended Reading Order
For the most rewarding experience, the core trilogy should be read first, followed by supplementary novellas that enrich the world and characters. This approach preserves the carefully crafted suspense and emotional weight of Jude's journey.
Read the Core Trilogy First: Begin with The Cruel Prince, followed by The Wicked King and The Queen of Nothing. This trilogy forms a complete, high-stakes narrative arc.
Use Companion Books to Deepen Understanding: Works like the novella The Lost Sisters and the illustrated collection How the King of Elfhame Learned to Hate Stories are best read after the main series. They provide alternative perspectives and backstory without spoiling major plot points.
Focus on Political Intrigue: Pay close attention to the shifting alliances and motivations. The magic of Faerie is deeply intertwined with its political system, which mirrors historical power struggles and adds incredible depth to the story. For a deeper look into a great YA book series, you can find a comprehensive guide on the Folk of the Air books in order that explores the entire world.
This structured reading plan ensures you catch every subtle clue and political play, making the dramatic conclusion all the more satisfying.
4. The Secrets of the Immortal Nicholas Flamel Series by Michael Scott
Michael Scott’s series offers a unique blend of modern fantasy with deep-rooted mythology and real historical figures. The story follows teenage twins, Sophie and Josh Newman, whose lives are upended when they encounter the legendary alchemist Nicholas Flamel. What follows is a globe-trotting race against time, weaving together alchemy, elemental magic, and gods from countless pantheons in a high-stakes battle for the fate of the world.
When approaching this intricate series of witch and wizard books in order, a linear reading is non-negotiable. Each of the six books covers a very short, action-packed timeframe, with events from one novel leading directly and immediately into the next. The overarching plot is a single, continuous narrative that requires a strict chronological reading to be fully understood and appreciated.
Recommended Reading Order
For the most coherent and rewarding experience, read the six core novels in their publication order. This sequence allows you to unravel the complex web of mythology, prophecy, and character development exactly as the author intended. There are also two companion ebooks that enrich the world but should be read after the main story.
Follow the Publication Sequence: Start with The Alchemyst and proceed through the six main books. The story is a tight, continuous timeline, so reading them out of order would cause significant confusion and spoil major plot points.
Enhance with Companion Stories: After completing the main saga, read the two short ebooks: The Death of Joan of Arc and Billy the Kid and the Vampires of Vegas. These provide fascinating backstory on key supporting characters but are best enjoyed once you understand their roles in the primary narrative.
Appreciate the Historical Depth: For a deeper connection to the material, consider researching the real-life historical figures and mythological beings as they appear. Understanding their origins adds another layer of enjoyment to the intricate world Scott has built.
This straightforward approach ensures you follow every twist and turn of the twins' epic journey while fully absorbing the rich tapestry of history and magic woven throughout the series.
5. The Magicians Trilogy by Lev Grossman
Lev Grossman's The Magicians trilogy is often described as "Harry Potter for adults," but it stands on its own as a brilliant and melancholic deconstruction of the fantasy genre. The series follows Quentin Coldwater, a disillusioned young man who discovers that Fillory, the magical land from his favorite childhood books, is real. He is admitted to Brakebills University for Magical Pedagogy, a secret and exclusive college for magicians, where he finds that magic is not the easy escape he had always imagined.
This trilogy is a single, continuous narrative that explores themes of depression, ambition, and the harsh realities that often accompany fulfilled dreams. To appreciate Grossman's intricate world-building and complex character development, reading these witch and wizard books in order of publication is not just recommended; it is essential. Each book builds directly upon the events and consequences of the last, forming a cohesive and deeply affecting saga.
Recommended Reading Order
The story of Quentin Coldwater and his peers is a carefully constructed arc spanning three novels. Deviating from the publication order would spoil major plot points and undermine the emotional journey of the characters. The narrative is entirely self-contained within these three books.
The Magicians (2009)
The Magician King (2011)
The Magician's Land (2014)
There are no prequels, short stories, or supplementary materials that need to be woven in. The beauty of this series lies in its focused, three-act structure. For the best experience, approach the trilogy as one long novel divided into three parts. Pay close attention to the evolution of the magical system and be prepared for a protagonist who is deeply flawed; Quentin's growth is central to the entire narrative.
6. The Practical Magic Universe by Alice Hoffman (Reading Order Guide)
Alice Hoffman’s Practical Magic universe offers a multi-generational saga centered on the Owens family, a lineage of witches burdened by a curse that dooms any man they love. Known for its lyrical, atmospheric prose, the series blends magical realism with grounded stories of love, family, and self-acceptance. Unlike epic fantasy quests, these books are intimate character studies, exploring how magic shapes the lives of everyday women in small-town Massachusetts.
Navigating these witch and wizard books in order presents a unique choice between publication and chronological timelines. While the prequels were written decades after the original novel, they enrich the backstory significantly. The ideal path depends on whether you prefer discovering the past as you go or experiencing the family history as it unfolds.
Recommended Reading Order
For a reading experience that preserves the original novel's magic while benefiting from the rich context of the prequels, a modified publication order is highly recommended. This approach allows you to fall in love with the world first through Practical Magic before diving into its history.
Start with the Original: Begin with Practical Magic (1995). This book serves as the perfect entry point, establishing the core characters, the family curse, and the enchanting tone of the series.
Follow with the Prequels: After the original, read the prequels in their chronological order: Magic Lessons (2020), followed by The Rules of Magic (2017). This sequence reveals the origins of the Owens family curse and provides deep emotional context for the characters you’ve already met.
Conclude with the Sequel: Finish the saga with The Book of Magic (2021), which serves as a direct sequel to Practical Magic and brings the entire family’s story full circle. This order ensures every emotional beat and historical reveal has the maximum impact.
7. The Broken Earth Trilogy by N.K. Jemisin
The Broken Earth Trilogy is a monumental work of speculative fiction that redefines what witch and wizard books can be. N.K. Jemisin introduces readers to the Stillness, a continent ravaged by cataclysmic seismic events called Seasons. The series follows Essun, a woman with the power to control seismic energy, as she navigates this broken world in search of her kidnapped daughter. This trilogy is celebrated for its intricate world-building, second-person narrative, and profound exploration of oppression, motherhood, and survival.
To fully appreciate the complex narrative and its masterful reveals, reading The Broken Earth Trilogy in its publication order is essential. The story is constructed with non-linear timelines and shifting perspectives that converge in a powerful, cohesive conclusion. Straying from the intended sequence would dismantle the carefully built suspense and emotional weight of the story.
Recommended Reading Order
For an unparalleled reading experience, you must read the trilogy in the order it was published. This path allows the intricate plot threads and stunning character developments to unfold precisely as Jemisin designed them. The series is self-contained, so no prior reading is necessary before you begin.
Follow the Publication Sequence: Start with The Fifth Season, followed by The Obelisk Gate, and conclude with The Stone Sky. This is the only way to experience the narrative’s intentional structure and powerful reveals.
Pay Close Attention to Timelines: The story is told from multiple viewpoints across different time periods. Reading in order helps you piece together the puzzle of the Stillness and its history without premature spoilers.
Note the Content: Be aware that the series deals with intense themes, including systemic oppression, violence, and trauma. Understanding this beforehand can help prepare you for the emotional depth of the journey.
This structured reading ensures you absorb every layer of Jemisin's storytelling, making the final convergence of plotlines a deeply rewarding and unforgettable literary event.
8. Sorcery of Thorns by Margaret Rogerson
Margaret Rogerson’s Sorcery of Thorns offers a refreshing and enchanting standalone experience within the fantasy genre. It centers on Elisabeth, a foundling raised in a Great Library where sorcerers' grimoires are dangerous, living beings. When an act of sabotage frames her for a crime, she must ally with a sorcerer, Nathaniel Thorn, and his demonic servant to clear her name and confront a conspiracy that threatens the world's magical libraries.
Unlike sprawling sagas, this entry provides a complete, self-contained story perfect for readers seeking a compelling magical adventure without a long-term commitment. Its gothic atmosphere, unique magic system based on sentient books, and strong character development make it a standout among witch and wizard books.
Recommended Reading Order
The reading order for Sorcery of Thorns is simple, as it was conceived as a standalone novel. However, a companion prequel novella adds enriching backstory for those who want to spend more time in its world.
Start with the Main Novel: Begin with Sorcery of Thorns. It is the primary story and provides a complete narrative arc. The world-building and character introductions are designed to be experienced here first.
Read the Prequel for Deeper Context: After finishing the main novel, you can read the prequel novella, Mysteries of Thorn Manor. This story is set after the events of the main book and explores the characters' relationships further, but it is entirely optional. Reading it afterward prevents any spoilers for the main plot.
Savor the Atmosphere: This book is celebrated for its evocative prose and detailed world. Pay close attention to the magical library rules and the lore surrounding the grimoires, as these elements are crucial to the plot's progression and its ultimate resolution.
9. The Poppy War Trilogy by R.F. Kuang
Shifting from Western-centric wizardry to a grimdark fantasy rooted in Asian history, The Poppy War trilogy is a brutal and unflinching examination of power, war, and shamanism. It follows Rin, a war orphan from a poor province who aces a grueling exam to enter an elite military academy. There, she discovers she possesses a rare and dangerous connection to the gods, a power that could win the war for her empire but at a terrible personal cost. The series is a stark departure from whimsical magic, presenting shamanism as a destructive and terrifying force.
When approaching this trilogy of witch and wizard books in order, the path is direct and sequential. The story is a single, continuous narrative that charts Rin's harrowing transformation from a determined student into a weapon of mass destruction. Each book builds directly upon the last, making the publication order the only viable way to experience the story's full impact.
Recommended Reading Order
For the most cohesive and emotionally devastating experience, you must read the trilogy in its intended publication sequence. This approach ensures you witness Rin’s journey and the escalating stakes of the war exactly as R.F. Kuang designed them, preserving the weight of every moral compromise.
Read the Trilogy Consecutively: Start with The Poppy War, continue to The Dragon Republic, and finish with The Burning God. This is a complete, self-contained story with a definitive beginning, middle, and end.
Embrace the Moral Complexity: Unlike many protagonists in the genre, Rin is not a traditional hero. Her character arc is challenging and often unsympathetic, so it is crucial to follow her development from the start to understand her motivations.
Be Aware of Content Warnings: This series contains graphic depictions of warfare, genocide, self-harm, and other mature themes. It is a dark fantasy intended for an adult audience, and its intensity grows with each book.
Following this straightforward order allows the narrative’s crushing weight and complex themes to unfold with maximum emotional resonance, providing a powerful and unforgettable reading experience.
10. The Name of the Wind / Kingkiller Chronicle by Patrick Rothfuss
Patrick Rothfuss's The Kingkiller Chronicle is a modern fantasy epic celebrated for its lyrical prose and intricate world-building. The series is presented as an autobiography, where the legendary wizard Kvothe recounts his life story to a scribe. It details his journey from a gifted young performer in a troupe of traveling players to a destitute orphan on city streets, and eventually to a notorious student at the esteemed University, where he unravels the secrets of "sympathy" and "naming."
This series stands out among witch and wizard books in order for its first-person frame narrative and its focus on storytelling itself. The order is crucial, as the present-day interludes where Kvothe tells his tale are just as important as the events of his past. The magic system is complex and intellectual, rewarding readers who pay close attention.
Recommended Reading Order
The reading order for The Kingkiller Chronicle is straightforward, following the publication sequence of the main novels. However, readers should be aware that the trilogy is currently incomplete. The novellas can be read after the main books to add depth to the world.
Start with the Core Novels: Read the two main books in publication order. They establish Kvothe's arc and the central mysteries of his life.
Embrace the Journey: This series is known for its deliberate pacing and beautiful language. It is best savored slowly rather than rushed through for plot points.
Explore the Novellas Last: Works like The Slow Regard of Silent Things and The Lightning Tree provide fascinating character studies and expand the world. They are best appreciated after you are familiar with the main story and its characters.
A Note on Completion: It is important for new readers to know that the third and final book, The Doors of Stone, has been long-awaited with no confirmed release date. The journey is incredible, but the destination is not yet in sight. For a deeper look into why it's considered a must-read fantasy series despite being unfinished, further reading can provide context.
Reading Order Comparison: 10 Witch & Wizard Series
| Series | Reading complexity | Time & resource commitment | Expected outcomes | Ideal use cases | Key advantages |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Witch & Wizard (Patterson & Charbonnet) | Low–Moderate — fast-paced YA plotting | 5 short books; quick to finish | Action-driven dystopian magic; clear arc | Younger readers or new fantasy readers | Linear progression, accessible, easy to binge |
| The Invisible Library (Genevieve Cogman) | Moderate–High — multiverse and lore to track | 5+ books; careful reading and note-taking helpful | Blend of fantasy, mystery, espionage; evolving stakes | Fans of multiverse puzzles and spy plots | Unique worldbuilding; strong genre mix |
| The Cruel Prince (Holly Black) | Moderate — political intrigue, moral nuances | Trilogy; immersive but manageable length | Dark faerie politics; character-driven drama | YA readers who want moral complexity and court intrigue | Acclaimed prose, vivid faerie world, strong protagonist |
| Secrets of the Immortal Nicholas Flamel (Michael Scott) | Moderate — mythology and alchemical rules | Long multi-volume series (6+); long-term commitment | Historical-mythic adventure with extensive lore | Readers who enjoy historical figures + magic systems | Rich historical integration; detailed alchemy system |
| The Magicians Trilogy (Lev Grossman) | High — deconstructive, psychological depth | Trilogy; denser prose and slower pacing | Mature, subversive take on magical education | Adults seeking literary, introspective fantasy | Sophisticated writing; fresh magicked-university angle |
| Practical Magic Universe (Alice Hoffman) | Low–Moderate — lyrical, character-focused | Several interconnected novels; many standalones | Multi-generational, emotionally driven witch sagas | Readers who prefer literary, atmospheric magic | Standalone-friendly, high literary quality, accessible |
| The Broken Earth Trilogy (N.K. Jemisin) | Very High — inventive system, non-linear narrative | Trilogy; intensive close reading required | Intense, award-winning epic about oppression and survival | Readers wanting innovative, thematically deep fantasy | Hugo-winning, original structure, deep worldbuilding |
| Sorcery of Thorns (Margaret Rogerson) | Low — clear rules, standalone structure | Standalone novel (+ prequel optional); short commitment | Gothic, character-led fantasy with romance elements | Readers wanting a self-contained, atmospheric read | Self-contained, immersive prose, strong character chemistry |
| The Poppy War (R.F. Kuang) | High — war, moral complexity, brutal scenes | Trilogy; long and emotionally demanding | Grimdark military fantasy exploring power and trauma | Readers prepared for graphic content and historical analogues | Authentic myth integration, high-stakes narrative |
| The Name of the Wind / Kingkiller Chronicle (Patrick Rothfuss) | High — lyrical, intricate magic; frame narrative | Two long volumes read now; third book unreleased | Rich, character-focused magical-education tale (incomplete arc) | Readers who savor prose and detailed magic systems | Exceptional prose and worldbuilding; acclaimed narration |
Your Next Magical Journey Awaits
Navigating the sprawling sagas of magic and mayhem is more than just reading; it's about fully immersing yourself in a meticulously crafted universe. As we've journeyed through ten distinct magical worlds, from the urban fantasy of The Witch & Wizard Series to the complex lore of The Kingkiller Chronicle, one truth remains constant: the order in which you read matters deeply. Understanding the correct sequence is the key that unlocks the full narrative power and emotional depth intended by the author.
Reading witch and wizard books in order is not simply about avoiding spoilers. It’s about witnessing the subtle evolution of a character, like Kvothe's journey from a gifted child to a feared legend, or understanding the generational curses that haunt the Owens women in Alice Hoffman's Practical Magic universe. When you follow the intended path, whether chronological or by publication date, you experience the world-building as it was meant to unfold, revealing secrets and connections at the perfect moment.
Key Takeaways for Your Literary Quest
To ensure your next adventure is as seamless as it is spellbinding, keep these core principles in mind:
Publication vs. Chronological Order: The choice often comes down to personal preference, but it’s an important one. Publication order allows you to experience the story as the author originally revealed it, sharing in the initial discovery with the first wave of readers. Chronological order, on the other hand, provides a linear, historical perspective that can deepen your understanding of the world's lore and character backstories, as seen with series like The Practical Magic Universe.
Prequels and Companion Books: These additions are not mere footnotes; they are essential threads in the larger narrative tapestry. Reading a prequel like The Golden Enclaves after completing The Scholomance trilogy provides critical context that re-frames the entire story. Always check if a series includes novellas, short stories, or companion guides to get the complete picture.
The Power of a Series Guide: A reliable guide is your most powerful magical artifact. It prevents you from accidentally starting with a sequel or missing a crucial novella that ties two major plot points together. For complex series with multiple entry points, a trusted reading order is indispensable for a coherent experience.
From Page to Tabletop: Expanding Your Magical Horizons
The magic doesn't have to end when you turn the final page. The intricate world-building, complex magic systems, and epic conflicts found in series like The Poppy War or The Broken Earth often inspire a desire for more interactive fantasy experiences. Many readers find a natural extension of this passion in collaborative storytelling and world exploration.
If your love for magic and fantasy extends beyond books, consider exploring the rich, imaginative worlds of tabletop role-playing games. Games like Dungeons & Dragons allow you to create your own characters, cast your own spells, and embark on unique quests with friends. This creative outlet offers a myriad of Dungeons & Dragons themed gifts for players looking to enhance their gameplay with everything from custom dice to detailed miniatures. It's a fantastic way to keep the spirit of adventure alive long after your favorite series concludes.
Ultimately, the goal of following the correct reading order for witch and wizard books is to preserve the magic of discovery. Each book in a series is a stepping stone, and skipping one can mean losing your footing in an otherwise enchanting world. Whether you are diving into Holly Black's treacherous Faerie lands for the first time or revisiting the hallowed halls of Brakebills University, a clear path ensures your journey is everything the author dreamed it would be.
Ready to find the perfect reading order for your next magical series? The Books In Order website provides comprehensive and easy-to-follow guides for thousands of authors and series, ensuring you always know which book to pick up next. Visit Books In Order to map out your next literary adventure and dive into a new world with confidence.
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