Many of these are the beginning of series, but all of them are about academics in fantasy settings. All cross genres are welcome.
created by kathytrithardt
last updated October, 2025
A Wizard of Earthsea. Frankenstein. Sabriel.
Added the one I have read and liked!
What else belongs here?
The Shape of Dragon's Breath by Moniquill Blackgoose would be a great fit!
YES! So good!
How about The Circle of Magic series by Tamora Pierce (Sandry's Book is the first) and The Scholomance by Naomi Novik (A Deadly Education is the first)?
Adding now!
Hmm, how about Ninth House by Leigh Bardugo? A School for Sorcery by E. Rose Sabin if you've heard of it?
Nevernight by Jay Kristoff would also fit the bill, if you don't mind having the author on the list
I'll add the first two!
Just thought of another one - Blood Over Bright Haven by M.L. Wang!
Already added! Great minds!
Does Frankenstein fit the list? It doesn't take place in a fantasy setting - the creature is the only fantastical element. I'm just wondering since the description says "academics in fantasy settings" đ¤ Does it qualify if the setting isn't fantasy because it features some other fantasy element?
Frankenstein is scifi, so it deserves a different list.
Yes, I agree! But it is on this list. That's why I was asking haha
Ah, well, I'm a dumbass. Not sure how it got there.
Pretty sure the first book of The Magicians by Lev Grossman works as well.
Ah, yes! You are correct (I read it aaaaages ago). Adding now!
Just missing Harry Potter on here!
Sorry, absolutely not putting any JKR books on any of my lists.
No worries, I totally understand where you're coming from!