For the magic and school setting:
* A Deadly Education by Naomi Novik: A thrilling boarding school for magic, filled with dangerous creatures, political intrigue, and a heroine who must fight for her survival.
* The Magicians by Lev Grossman: A dark and witty take on the magical world, exploring the darker side of magic and the complexities of the human condition.
* The School for Good and Evil by Soman Chainani: A classic fairy tale reimagined, with a school where students train to become heroes or villains.
* The Raven Cycle by Maggie Stiefvater: A group of boys on a quest to find a magical Welsh king, filled with myth, mystery, and romance.
* The Grishaverse by Leigh Bardugo: A sweeping fantasy series set in a world where powerful magic users called Grisha are hunted and feared.
For the friendships and adventures:
* The Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis: A timeless classic about a group of children who enter a magical world through a wardrobe.
* The Percy Jackson & the Olympians series by Rick Riordan: A fun and action-packed series about a demigod who learns about his true heritage and fights to save the world.
* The Artemis Fowl series by Eoin Colfer: A cunning criminal mastermind named Artemis Fowl tries to steal from the fairies, leading to hilarious and thrilling adventures.
* The Neverending Story by Michael Ende: A magical and poignant story about a boy who enters a fantastical world through a book, facing danger and discovering the power of imagination.
* The Earthsea Cycle by Ursula K. Le Guin: A series of fantasy novels about a young wizard who must learn to control his powers and navigate the challenges of adulthood.
For the dark and complex themes:
* The Inheritance Cycle by Christopher Paolini: A epic fantasy series with dragons, powerful magic, and themes of war, freedom, and destiny.
* The Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien: A classic epic fantasy with unforgettable characters, a sprawling world, and themes of good versus evil.
* The Kingkiller Chronicle by Patrick Rothfuss: A captivating tale told by a legendary wizard who recounts his own adventures, filled with magic, music, and a touch of darkness.
* A Song of Ice and Fire by George R.R. Martin: A complex and gritty fantasy series with realistic characters, political intrigue, and morally ambiguous choices.
* Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell by Susanna Clarke: A historical fantasy about the reawakening of magic in England, blending folklore, mythology, and social commentary.
For the whimsical and humorous:
* The Princess Bride by William Goldman: A classic fairytale with swordfights, giants, and true love.
* Howl's Moving Castle by Diana Wynne Jones: A magical adventure with talking castles, witches, and a charming wizard.
* The Spiderwick Chronicles by Tony DiTerlizzi and Holly Black: A series about three siblings who discover a field guide to fairies and enter a world full of magic and wonder.
* The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams: A hilarious and thought-provoking science fiction comedy about a man who travels the galaxy with an alien guide.
* Discworld by Terry Pratchett: A humorous fantasy series set in a world populated by talking animals, eccentric wizards, and a quirky cast of characters.
Bonus:
* The Book Thief by Markus Zusak: A beautifully written story about a young girl in Nazi Germany who finds solace in books.
* The Paper Bag Princess by Robert Munsch: A funny and empowering story about a princess who saves the day.
Remember, this is just a starting point. There are many other books out there that you might enjoy, depending on your specific interests. You can also explore other genres, like science fiction, historical fiction, or even contemporary young adult novels, to find new favorites.