7 Best Portal Fantasy Books In 2025

Portal fantasy has captured the imaginations of readers for centuries. These are the stories where ordinary people step through a doorway, mirror, wardrobe, or some mystical gateway into another world filled with magic, adventure, and wonder. If you’ve ever wondered what it would be like to leave the mundane behind and step into an alternate reality, portal fantasy books offer that escape in vivid, unforgettable ways. Below is a list of 7 best portal fantasy books in 2025.

1. Magyk by Angie Sage

Angie Sage’s Magyk, the first book in the Septimus Heap series, follows a young boy with hidden magical powers who is thrust into a realm of wizards, dark forces, and fantastical adventures. The story excels in imaginative world-building, humor, and layered characters, appealing to middle-grade and young adult readers alike. Sage creates a universe rich with spells, creatures, and political intrigue, while exploring themes of identity, destiny, and friendship. Magyk demonstrates how portal fantasy can seamlessly combine magic, adventure, and humor, offering readers a story that is both thrilling and emotionally satisfying. It’s a modern classic that invites readers to lose themselves in a magical world.

2. The Neverending Story by Michael Ende

Michael Ende’s The Neverending Story presents a meta-portal fantasy where the protagonist, Bastian, enters the book itself to save the magical land of Fantastica. This narrative blurs the lines between reader and character, emphasizing imagination, creativity, and the transformative power of storytelling. Ende’s poetic language and layered narrative explore themes of identity, courage, and responsibility, inviting readers to reflect on their own choices and impact. Fantastica is a richly constructed world where every decision matters, creating a deeply immersive experience. The book encourages readers to see themselves as participants in their own life story, making it a timeless celebration of fantasy and imagination.

3. Inkheart by Cornelia Funke

Cornelia Funke’s Inkheart introduces readers to a world where books are portals to reality. Meggie discovers that her father can bring characters from books to life, leading to thrilling adventures and dangerous encounters. Funke’s narrative explores the power of storytelling, imagination, and the blurred line between fiction and reality. The book is rich with suspense, layered characters, and intricate plot twists, making it a captivating read for both young adults and older readers.

4. Sabriel by Garth Nix

Garth Nix’s Sabriel follows the young necromancer Sabriel as she steps from her mundane world into the Old Kingdom, a realm filled with magic, ancient rituals, and deadly undead forces. Nix’s world-building is meticulous, combining dark magic, intricate rules, and immersive landscapes that create a truly captivating portal fantasy experience. Sabriel’s courage, intelligence, and determination drive the narrative, emphasizing themes of responsibility, sacrifice, and self-discovery. The book balances tension, adventure, and character depth, making it appealing to both young adult and adult readers. Sabriel is a masterful example of a portal fantasy that blends suspense, imagination, and emotional resonance.

5. The Magicians by Lev Grossman

Lev Grossman’s The Magicians reinvents portal fantasy for adults, following Quentin Coldwater as he discovers Brakebills University and the fantastical world of Fillory. Unlike traditional whimsical fantasy, Grossman’s work is darker and more introspective, examining disillusionment, privilege, and the consequences of wielding magic. The narrative challenges readers to consider the complexities of adulthood, desire, and moral responsibility while providing thrilling magical adventures. Characters feel real and flawed, making their struggles resonate deeply. This book exemplifies how portal fantasy can transcend escapism, offering both entertainment and profound reflection on life’s challenges, the allure of power, and the price of pursuing one’s dreams.

6. Neverwhere by Neil Gaiman

Neil Gaiman’s Neverwhere transports readers to London Below, a hidden, magical city accessible only to those who fall through the cracks of society. Richard Mayhew’s accidental entry into this dangerous and surreal world leads to encounters with strange allies, terrifying foes, and moral choices. Gaiman’s prose balances dark humor, mythic storytelling, and inventive world-building, creating a layered urban fantasy that feels both fantastical and socially reflective. The narrative emphasizes courage, adaptability, and empathy, exploring what it means to exist on society’s margins. Neverwhere is a portal fantasy that pushes boundaries, revealing hidden realities beneath the ordinary and challenging readers to see the extraordinary in the mundane.

7. Coraline by Neil Gaiman

In Coraline, Neil Gaiman crafts a chilling yet enchanting portal fantasy where a young girl discovers a hidden door leading to an alternate, sinister version of her home. The “other world” mirrors her reality but hides dark secrets and dangerous intentions. Coraline’s journey is a test of bravery, intelligence, and resourcefulness, showing readers how courage and cleverness can overcome fear. Gaiman’s narrative combines suspense, dark whimsy, and psychological depth, making it suitable for both younger readers and adults. Coraline teaches resilience, problem-solving, and the importance of appreciating reality while exploring the unknown, proving that portal fantasy can challenge and inspire in equal measure.

Conclusion

Portal fantasy books open doors to worlds we can only dream of, allowing us to experience magic, adventure, and profound personal growth. By choosing a book that aligns with your interests, you can embark on journeys that entertain while shaping your understanding of courage, empathy, and imagination. Open the door, step through, and let the adventure begin.