The Revenge of Magic

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The Revenge of Magic

by James Riley

The Revenge of Magic drops you into a world where books of powerful magic, found alongside dragon bones, can only be wielded by children born after their discovery. When Fort Fitzgerald loses his father in a devastating attack, he's offered a spot at the mysterious Oppenheimer School – a place designed to teach kids like him to master these dangerous powers. But this isn't your typical magic academy. Fort quickly realizes that the school is a tangle of secrets and suspicious characters, and the attacks that took his father might be far from over. This book feels like a thrilling puzzle box, full of unexpected twists and a constant hum of suspense. It's a great pick if you're looking for a coming-of-age adventure that blends a unique magic system with a compelling mystery and a protagonist trying to find justice in a world far more complicated than he imagined.

10 Books similar to 'The Revenge of Magic'

If The Revenge of Magic's blend of a secret magic school, a compelling mystery, and a young protagonist grappling with immense power captivated you, then we have some excellent follow-ups. Whether you're drawn to the hidden worlds and unique abilities of Keeper of the Lost Cities and Amari and the Night Brothers, or the "chosen one" trope and complex magic systems found in The Iron Trial and The Lightning Thief, these books deliver similar thrills. They all share that exciting sense of discovery and the suspense of uncovering dangerous truths, much like Fort's journey at the Oppenheimer School.

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Story Thieves
Story Thieves

by James Riley

Written by the same author, this series shares the same fast-paced energy and meta-fictional elements. It follows characters who can jump into books, blending a unique magic system with high-stakes adventure and a witty narrative voice.

The Iron Trial
The Iron Trial

by Holly Black and Cassandra Clare

Fans of the magical school setting and the 'chosen one' subversion in The Revenge of Magic will appreciate Callum Hunt's journey. It features a complex magic system based on elements and a plot filled with secrets and unexpected twists.

Amari and the Night Brothers
Amari and the Night Brothers

by B.B. Alston

This book captures the same 'fish out of water' energy as Fort Fitzgerald enters a hidden world of supernatural bureaucracy. It balances a fun, whimsical atmosphere with serious stakes and a deep mystery regarding a missing sibling.

Keeper of the Lost Cities
Keeper of the Lost Cities

by Shannon Messenger

Like The Revenge of Magic, this series involves a protagonist discovering a hidden world and possessing unique abilities that are central to a larger conspiracy. It focuses heavily on friendship and the burden of destiny.

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The Unwanteds
The Unwanteds

by Lisa McMann

This story features a clash between a dystopian, magic-fearing society and a hidden world of creativity and spells. It mirrors the 'kids with powers' dynamic and the struggle against oppressive forces found in Riley's work.

Fablehaven
Fablehaven

by Brandon Mull

This series excels at building a secret world filled with dangerous magical creatures. It shares the same sense of wonder and escalating danger as characters realize the magical world is far more perilous than they initially thought.

Alcatraz vs. the Evil Librarians
Alcatraz vs. the Evil Librarians

by Brandon Sanderson

If you enjoyed the humorous tone and the subversion of fantasy tropes in James Riley's writing, Sanderson's middle-grade series is a perfect match. It features a quirky magic system and a fast-moving, witty narrative.

The Lightning Thief
The Lightning Thief

by Rick Riordan

A cornerstone of modern middle-grade fantasy, this book shares the 'prophecy' and 'quest' structures seen in The Revenge of Magic. It blends ancient mythology with a contemporary setting and a relatable, snarky protagonist.

Nevermoor: The Trials of Morrigan Crow

by Jessica Townsend

This book offers a rich, atmospheric world and a protagonist who feels like an outsider. The sense of mystery surrounding Morrigan's powers and the 'trials' she must face will resonate with fans of Fort's training and discovery.

The Ruins of Gorlan
The Ruins of Gorlan

by John Flanagan

While less focused on 'spells,' this book shares the theme of a young boy being recruited into a secret, specialized group to protect the kingdom. It features a similar focus on training, mentorship, and high-stakes missions.