Sandra Bullock is opening herself up to romance again three years after losing her longtime partner, Bryan Randall.

After spending years focused on healing and her family, the actress is said to be warming to the possibility of having someone new in her life.

However, Sandra Bullock is also taking things slowly, but those close to her say dating finally feels exciting again rather than something she would avoid.

Sandra Bullock’s Famous Friends Step In To Help Her Find Love Again

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Bullock has some well-known matchmakers ready to help as she takes her first steps back into dating. Nicole Kidman, Jennifer Aniston, George Clooney, and Keanu Reeves are all said to be keeping an eye out for someone who could be right for their longtime friend.

According to a source who spoke to Star Magazine, the celebrity friends have “all offered to help find someone that’s worthy of her. They’re on the case.”

Aniston may be particularly familiar with Bullock’s taste, as the two actresses both dated actor Tate Donovan in previous years.

Their matchmaking efforts will likely not require much work. “There are already some very eligible guys showing interest in Sandra,” the insider revealed. “It’s not like her friends are starting from scratch.”

Bullock has not been publicly linked to anyone since Randall died in August 2023 following his private battle with ALS. After eight years together, moving forward was understandably difficult. However, the source said she has reached a stage where meeting someone new sounds appealing again.

The Actress’s Daughter Encourages Her To Take Another Chance At Love, But She’s Not In ‘Any Sort Of Rush’

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Bullock’s friends are not the only people hoping she will give romance another chance. Her daughter, Laila, has also been encouraging her mother to put herself back out there.

During a September 3 appearance on Kylie Kelce’s “Not Gonna Lie” podcast, Bullock revealed that Laila already has some ideas about the type of man she should consider. Her daughter suggested that she try dating “a rapper” or even “a basketball player.”

The encouragement comes as Bullock gradually becomes more comfortable with the prospect of another relationship. Still, she is not treating finding a new partner as something that needs to happen immediately.

“She’s not in any sort of rush, though,” the source explained. Instead, Bullock is approaching dating with “curiosity and fun.”

Sandra Bullock Reveals She Began Grieving Randall Years Before His Death

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Although Bullock is now considering another chapter in her personal life, her grieving process began long before Randall died.

During an appearance on the “SmartLess” podcast, the actress spoke about how his ALS diagnosis changed their life together.

“I started grieving Bryan four years before he passed,” Bullock revealed, per People Magazine, explaining that Randall “was ill for half of our relationship.”

The actress described the diagnosis as a tremendous burden that the family had to navigate privately because Randall did not want his condition made public.

The Actress Revealed She Struggled Carrying Bryan Randall’s Request For Privacy

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Bullock honored Randall’s wishes, but carrying the secret was difficult. “I wasn’t allowed to speak about it. That was the request, and I tried — I honored it,” she told the podcast.

She eventually confided in a small group of trusted people, including Jennifer Aniston and Amanda Anka.

The emotional loss also began before Randall was physically gone. “My person left a lot earlier than the body left,” Bullock explained.

She admitted she did not fully process what she had experienced until after his death because she had been focused on managing his illness and helping their children through it.

After Randall’s passing, Bullock stepped away and devoted time to healing at home before feeling ready to move forward.

Sandra Bullock Is Also Ready To Make A Comeback To Hollywood

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Bullock’s willingness to embrace change is not limited to her personal life. After spending several years concentrating on her family, the Oscar winner is also making a significant return to Hollywood with the help of some familiar faces.

“Sandra is in the midst of mounting yet another comeback after years focused on her family,” a source told Star Magazine.

One of her biggest projects reunited her with Kidman for the long-awaited “Practical Magic” sequel, with the pair returning as the Owens sisters. Kidman has already spoken enthusiastically about working with Bullock again, saying, “We’re just having the best time together.”

Bullock is also set to reunite with her former “Speed” costar Reeves in a romantic thriller written by Noah Oppenheim.

She has additionally signed on for another movie that will bring her back together with “The Lost City” writer Dana Fox. Rather than navigating this return alone, Bullock is leaning more on colleagues and longtime friends as she chooses her next projects.

Carrot Top has reportedly been released from a Las Vegas hospital following an alleged suicide attempt.

The comedian’s rep, Jami Schlicher, confirmed to USA TODAY on Saturday, September 26, that Carrot Top (real name Scott Thompson) is now “home with his family and doing well” after spending more than a week in the hospital.

Schlicher did not provide the outlet with any additional information or details regarding the comedian’s wellbeing. Us also reached out to Schlicher for comment.

Carrot Top, 61, was reportedly hospitalized in Las Vegas on September 18, resulting in the cancellation of his upcoming comedy shows. (Carrot Top has headlined a residency at Las Vegas’ Luxor Casino since 2005.)

Related: Carrot Top Found Out About Misconduct Claims Before Suicide Attempt: Police


Scott “Carrot Top” Thompson learned about sexual misconduct allegations against him shortly before his suicide attempt, police documents have revealed. The Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department report, which was obtained by Us on Friday, September 25, detailed what occurred when police responded to a medical dispatch call about a suicidal male at Thompson’s Las Vegas […]

“Mr. Thompson is recovering in the hospital and is receiving the care and support he needs,” Schlicher said in a statement at the time, confirming the comedy star’s hospital stay. “His family and those closest to him are deeply grateful for the concern, prayers and respectfully ask for privacy.”

Schlicher gave an update on Carrot Top’s condition on September 20, telling Entertainment Weekly at the time that the comedian was still “hospitalized and under close medical care.”

“He is now awake, breathing on his own and continuing to improve, surrounded by his family and those closest to him,” the rep continued. “Humor has always been such an important part of who Scott is and how he connects with people, and that remains true today as he shares moments of humor with the medical staff caring for him. Many messages from fans have been shared with Scott, including stories from people about how his comedy helped them through difficult periods in their own lives.”

A report from the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department report, obtained by Us on Friday, September 25, detailed what occurred when police responded to a medical dispatch call about a male suffering from suicidal ideation at the comedian’s Las Vegas home on September 18 at 4:21pm.

According to the report, Daniel O’Leary — who described himself as Thompson’s tour manager — was at the scene when police responded to the call. According to the manager, O’Leary claimed that a news article broke at approximately 3:20pm, covering a lawsuit that was filed against the comedian in which he is accused of sexual misconduct. O’Leary described Carrot Top’s behavior over the article as upset, adding that the comedian was making comments expressing his concern that his shows were going to be cancelled as a result of the allegations.

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Related: Carrot Top’s Rep Gives Update on Comedian After Alleged Suicide Attempt

A representative for Scott “Carrot Top” Thompson is reportedly giving an update on the comedian’s condition as he remains hospitalized following an alleged suicide attempt. “Scott remains hospitalized and under close medical care,” Jami Schlicher, Carrot Top’s rep, told Entertainment Weekly in a Sunday, September 20, statement. “He is now awake, breathing on his own […]

The comedian allegedly told O’Leary that he hoped a female third party (who was redacted in the report) and her daughter “would be okay” without him. The comedian then hung up before texting O’Leary “done.” Per the report, O’Leary was not able to reach Carrot Top after this text message.

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O’Leary then called the female third party, informing her of the article and his troubling conversation with the comedian before asking her to check on him. She reportedly “arrived at the residence and observed the doors open to the home.” The woman eventually located the comedian “in the backyard, next to the pool, unconscious.” According to her statement, the woman then “immediately called for help.”

Us also reached out to the comedian’s rep for comment regarding the report.

If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Call or text 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org.

Ella Langley issued a very public response after a fan asked her out on a date — amid her quiet yet serious relationship with fellow country singer Tucker Wetmore.

“Ella, how many likes to take you on a date?” influencer @TikiBeen1 shouted at the “Choosin’ Texas” singer, 27, in a Friday, September 25, TikTok video from opposite sides of a fence.

Langley, who was standing with a crowd of people, succinctly replied to Tiki’s question.

“Not enough in the world,” she quipped.

Related: Tucker Wetmore and Ella Langley Have Been ‘Quietly Dating’ for Months

Tucker Wetmore finally found himself a “Brunette.” Wetmore and fellow country singer Ella Langley are seeing each other — and have been for a while, a source exclusively tells Us. “Tucker and Ella have been quietly dating for more than six months but less than a year,” the insider shares. While Wetmore, 26, grew up […]

Langley’s staunch denial comes shortly after Us confirmed her romance with Wetmore, 26.

“Tucker and Ella have been quietly dating for more than six months but less than a year,” a source exclusively told Us earlier this month. “They run in the same circles, so they met naturally through mutual connections.”

Per the insider, Wetmore and Langley’s connection began “casually” before gradually heating up.

“It started casually, so they kept it on the DL at first, but they’re more serious now,” the source added. “They’ve met some of each other’s family and friends. It’s going really well.”

The source further noted how Langley “has been grateful” for Wetmore’s “support and guidance” as her career has soared to new heights. Langley’s breakthrough single, “Choosin’ Texas,” recently broke the record for the longest-running No. 1 single on the Billboard Hot 100 charts.

“I’m genuinely trying to find the words to help explain what’s going on in my brain,” she said in a Tuesday, September 22, Instagram video of the song’s milestone. “What? I don’t know. Thank you so much, thank you for loving this song, for listening to it. I feel like I don’t even know what to say at this point. I’m running out of hyperboles to describe how I feel.”

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Langley continued, “Thank you so much, it’s changing my life [and] it’s changing the lives of the writers of this song. It’s changing the lives of my family and it is truly growing an atmosphere for something I’m going to be able to do the rest of my life.”

Still, Langley has found that the record didn’t “feel like a real thing” just yet.

“It feels fake, and someone’s gonna come in like, ‘Ha ha, we’re kidding,’” she joked. “I’m gonna go out and celebrate tonight, and I’m really excited to just experience a moment like this in my life. I don’t know how else to say it, just thank you so much. Wow, ‘Choosin’ T?’ That’s the one.”

One of HBO’s biggest and soapiest costume dramas is headed back to the channel in a little over a month. It’s been more than a year since the series last graced HBO and its streaming service, HBO Max, but this season promises to be bigger and grander than those that came before it. Plus, there’s another project coming from the show’s illustrious cast that may brighten your holiday season.

The Gilded Age stars Morgan Spector and Carrie Coon as George and Bertha Russell, a robber baron and his socialite wife, as they make their way up and down the social ladder of 1880s New York City. The new money Russells are contrasted with their neighbors, “old money” dowager sisters Agnes van Rhijn (Christine Baranski) and Ada Forte (Cynthia Nixon), who have taken in their orphaned niece, Marian Brook (Louisa Jacobson). The series is set to return to HBO for Season 4 on November 1.

However, that’s not the only Gilded Age project coming your way this fall. Playbill reports that the cast of the series has recorded a holiday album, Voices of the Gilded Age: The Christmas Album. While the series has yet to spring a musical episode on its viewers, it’s no great surprise that the cast of the series have great pipes, as many of them are Broadway veterans. It is produced by Grammy-winner Desmond Child, and will feature both traditional Christmas tunes and new compositions. It will be released by Concord Theatricals Recordings on November 6, five days after The Gilded Age‘s season premiere, and can be pre-ordered on digital, CD, or vinyl here.

Who Will Be Featured on ‘Voices of the Gilded Age: The Christmas Album’?

Coon and Spector will be on the album, reciting the classic poem “‘Twas the Night Before Christmas,” while Baranski will provide her rendition of “We Need a Little Christmas.” Also featured on the album are Denée Benton dueting with Jordan Donica; a trio performance from Audra McDonald, Donna Murphy, and Kelli O’Hara; plus Laura Benanti, Celia Keenan-Bolger, Brian Stokes Mitchell, Taylor Richardson, Taylor Trensch, and Adrienne Warren.

Voices of the Gilded Age: The Christmas Album will be released on digital, CD, and vinyl on November 6. Stay tuned to Collider for future updates.

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Release Date

January 24, 2022

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HBO Max

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Deborah Kampmeier, Salli Richardson-Whitfield

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• 
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  Morgan Spector

  George Russell

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Horror literature has had a powerful grip on the popular consciousness for literally centuries. From their origins as cheap popular fiction to the greatest heights of literary renown that they enjoy today, horror books have come a long way, giving us some truly terrifying nightmares in the process. But though horror is a massively successful genre that gives rise to countless new works every year, only a handful of horror books are truly perfect.

With flawless execution from the first page to the last, these perfect horror novels are unmatched masterpieces that have had a huge impact on popular culture, shaping the evolution of the genre as a whole. They may not all be equally famous, but they are all masterworks of fear and tension that you simply must read. Without further ado, here’s a look at our selection of horror books that are perfect from start to finish.

1

‘The Haunting of Hill House’ (1959)

Image via Penguin Classics

Written by Shirley Jackson, The Haunting of Hill House is a Gothic horror novel that’s easily one of the most influential haunted house stories of modern literature. The story follows a paranormal investigator who rents the titular mansion for the summer and invites guests who have a history with the supernatural. As eerie events begin to take place at the mansion, the visitors find themselves pushed to the limits of their sanity.

The Haunting of Hill House was highly acclaimed in its day, becoming a finalist for the National Book Award. Widely regarded as one of the finest horror books of all time, it’s a masterfully executed haunted house story that’s a landmark of 20th-century psychological Gothic horror. The story derives its terrors not just from external elements but from within its characters, walking the line between supernatural horror and psychological mystery. The novel cemented Jackson’s reputation as a horror master, and it has since been an inspiration for films, plays, radio shows, and Mike Flanagan’s acclaimed streaming series.

2

‘The Shining’ (1977)

Image via Vintage

Written by Stephen King, The Shining is an iconic horror novel that follows Jack Torrance, a struggling writer and recovering alcoholic, who gets a job as the off-season caretaker at an isolated hotel in the Colorado Rockies. He moves in with his wife, Wendy, and their son, Danny, hoping to reconnect with his family and get over his creative block. But what Jack and Wendy don’t know is that Danny has a rare psychic ability that allows him to see the horrifying evil infecting the hotel, which soon takes possession of Jack’s mind.

Easily one of the most famous horror novels of all time, The Shining is a critically acclaimed bestseller that went on to become a massive literary and cultural landmark. Partially inspired by King’s personal experiences, the novel explores abuse, addiction, and psychological collapse through the vehicle of an enigmatic horror that’s part haunted house, part Lovecraftian force. Widely acknowledged as one of King’s greatest horror masterpieces, The Shining established the prolific author’s reputation as a master of the genre and has inspired multiple adaptations, most famously the 1980 film by Stanley Kubrick.

3

‘Dracula’ (1897)

Image via Archibald Constable and Company

Bram Stoker’s Dracula is easily the most famous vampire story of all time, across all media. The novel, presented in an epistolary format, follows a number of characters whose paths cross with that of the titular Transylvanian Count, leading to horrific outcomes. It primarily follows English solicitor Jonathan Harker, who visits Count Dracula’s castle for business and first discovers his true nature. Later, when the Count arrives in England, he terrorizes Harker’s fiancée, Mina, drawing the attention of Dutch occultist Abraham Van Helsing.

A literary landmark that has haunted readers’ minds for centuries, Dracula has played a greater part than any other novel in creating the modern conception of a vampire, defining the trope for generations to come. The book has been studied both as a literary triumph and a key artifact of Victorian history that reveals much about the racial, religious, and social perceptions of the era. Scholarly interests aside, the novel is also highly entertaining, with a terrifying narrative that uses an effective balance of gore and psychological corruption, inspiring numerous adaptations.

4

‘The Silence of the Lambs’ (1988)

Image via St. Martin’s Press

Thomas Harris’s 1988 sequel to his first Hannibal Lecter novel, Red Dragon, The Silence of the Lambs is a horror-crime thriller that continues the story of Harris’s iconic cannibal/psychiatrist. The sequel sees Lecter match his wits against FBI trainee Clarice Starling, who’s hoping to use his insights to catch a new serial killer known as “Buffalo Bill.” The investigation is further complicated by the actions of Lecter’s self-styled nemesis Dr. Frederick Chilton, who runs the asylum where Lecter is imprisoned.

Easily the most famous installment of Harris’s Hannibal Lecter series, The Silence of the Lambs was an acclaimed bestseller in its day, even though it also attracted controversy for its alleged transphobic themes. Whether the controversy is valid or not is highly debatable, but it doesn’t change the fact that the novel is a thoroughly gripping masterpiece with impeccable psychological thrills. The book achieved even greater heights of popularity after the film adaptation by Jonathan Demme was released in 1991, which holds the distinction of being the only horror film to win the Oscar for Best Picture and the third and last movie to sweep all the “Big Five” Oscars.

5

‘House of Leaves’ (2000)

Image via Pantheon Books

The debut novel of author Mark Z. Danielewski, House of Leaves is an experimental book that uses a mix of epistolary fiction and metafiction to create a truly unique reading experience that defies usual conventions of book design. The plot, such as it is, follows the narrator, Johnny Truant, as he attempts to transcribe a monograph, which in turn describes a fictional documentary film about a family who discovers a labyrinthine house that’s bigger on the inside. The novel also includes academic-style exhibits, appendices, an index, and numerous footnotes, all of which are fictional and part of the overall narrative experience.

The strange and experimental nature of the book makes House of Leaves rather hard to pin down in terms of genre, though it’s most commonly described as a horror and/or romance story. Published in 2000, the book has received critical acclaim and has had massive sales, with a recent resurgence of interest in horror circles online. It’s arguably the most influential horror novel of the 21st century and a book that’s sure to be remembered as a classic in the decades to come.

6

‘Mexican Gothic’ (2020)

Image via Del Rey

Written by Mexican Canadian author Silvia Moreno-Garcia, Mexican Gothic is a gothic horror novel that follows a young woman in 1950s Mexico. When her cousin Catalina claims that her English husband, Virgil Doyle, is trying to kill her, wealthy socialite Noemí Taboada visits her to investigate. But when she arrives at the Doyles’ mountain home, Noemí discovers a far darker conspiracy than she could ever have imagined, as well as an unexpected romance that could prove her doom.

Published in 2020, Mexican Gothic earned widespread acclaim and landed on multiple bestseller lists. A haunting Gothic mystery with elements of sci-fi horror, post-colonial criticism, and dark romance, it’s an engaging and layered story that’s perfect for fans of writers like Daphne du Maurier and Shirley Jackson. The novel also received numerous accolades, including the Locus Award for Best Horror Novel and the British Fantasy Award for Best Horror Novel, and was shortlisted for a Bram Stoker Award, a Nebula Award, and a Shirley Jackson Award.

7

‘Frankenstein’ (1818)

Image via Castlesync

The legendary debut novel of Mary Shelley, Frankenstein; or, The Modern Prometheus, better known as just Frankenstein, is a landmark book that’s considered the first true science fiction horror novel. The book follows the story of Dr. Victor Frankenstein, an obsessive young scientist whose unconventional experiments lead to the creation of new life from the body parts of the dead. This creation, however, horrifies its creator, leading to tragic and shocking consequences.

Part Gothic, part Romantic, and utterly original, Frankenstein is widely regarded as a cornerstone of horror literature and a book that has had a profound impact on the popular consciousness. Its story may be intimately familiar to most readers today, but it’s still a thoroughly fascinating read, exploring the cost of unbridled ambition in a timeless narrative that feels eternally relevant. Since its publication, Frankenstein; or, The Modern Prometheus has had a transformative impact on the horror genre, inspiring many adaptations, parodies, and homages across media.

8

‘The Exorcist’ (1971)

You certainly know the movie, even if you didn’t realize it was based on a book! William Peter Blatty’s The Exorcist is a 1971 horror novel allegedly inspired by a real-life incident. The book follows the story of 12-year-old Regan, the daughter of a famous actress, who gets possessed by a demon. Two Roman Catholic priests attempt to exorcise the evil power, but it takes a terrible toll on their minds, bodies, and souls. Blatty later earned an Academy Award for his screenplay, adapting the novel as the supernatural horror thriller film directed by William Friedkin.

The Exorcist’s publication was quite a moment in the pop culture of the time, earning critical acclaim and utterly terrifying the reading public. It received greater attention with the release of the film, another horror landmark, which then inspired multiple sequels, but the original novel is arguably where the story is at its most potent. Combining deep psychological realism and grounded subjects like theological controversies and human grief with paranormal terror, the novel is an absolute masterpiece of demonic horror.

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Release Date

December 26, 1973

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Runtime

122 minutes

Writers

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William Peter Blatty

Producers

Noel Marshall

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2019’s The Rise of Skywalker may not have been the conclusion of the Skywalker Saga, after all. The nine-film Star Wars epic now looks like it’s going up to twelve, as Lucasfilm and parent company Disney prepare a new trilogy of movies. And while the company’s future plans have largely been cloaked in shadow, it now looks like they’re one step closer to yelling “Action!”

The new trilogy will be penned by Simon Kinberg, who was first attached to the project in 2024. Kinberg has penned a number of X-Men movies, co-created the animated series Star Wars: Rebels, and also served as a creative consultant on the first movie of the Star Wars sequel trilogy, The Force Awakens. Very little has been revealed about the upcoming films, but they will apparently continue the story that concluded in Rise of Skywalker. It is expected that Rey Skywalker (Daisy Ridley), the heroine of the previous trilogy, will appear in the new films; whether any of her cohorts will return as well remains to be seen.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, Jon Watts is now attached to direct the first film of the proposed trilogy. Watts, who made his directorial debut with the horror feature Clown, is no stranger to blockbuster filmmaking: he helmed three Spider-Man movies for Sony and Disney, all of which dominated the box office. He’s also no stranger to Star Wars: he wrote, produced, and directed the Disney+ series Skeleton Crew, which premiered in 2024. His most recent directorial effort was the Brad Pitt–George Clooney comedy thriller Wolfs.

What’s Next For ‘Star Wars’ on the Big Screen?

Next year, with Star Wars celebrating fifty years since its 1977 debut, the silver screen will be full of stars. February 19, 2027, will see the original Star Wars movie, A New Hope, return to the big screen for the first time in thirty years; it will be presented in an all-new restoration of the film’s original theatrical cut. And later in the year, Star Wars: Starfighter, an all-new Star Wars film directed by Shawn Levy and starring Ryan Gosling, will premiere on May 28, 2027. Both films will be released not just in standard theaters, but in super-sized IMAX screens, as well.

A new Star Wars trilogy is in development. Stay tuned to Collider for future updates.

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Release Date

December 16, 2019

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Runtime

142 minutes

Writers

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Chris Terrio, J.J. Abrams, Derek Connolly, Colin Trevorrow

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Kathleen Kennedy, Michelle Rejwan, J.J. Abrams

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The reason J.K. Rowling‘s Harry Potter franchise is still so culturally significant is that readers never really wanted to leave its world. Hogwarts is still this magical, comfortable place that feels like it actually exists. The lessons, rivalries, traditions, hidden rooms, and so many other small details made the world feel lived-in instead of just simply invented for the plot.

That is an incredibly difficult feeling for another fantasy series to recreate, but a handful of modern books have managed to capture the same level of wonder in completely different ways. These modern fantasy books and series may not be Harry Potter, but they understand exactly why readers fell in love with it in the first place.

The ‘Nevermoor’ Series (2017–2025)

Image via Orion Children’s Books

Jessica Townsend‘s Nevermoor series is bound to give readers that same cozy feeling that Harry Potter is known for. The fantasy books follow Morrigan Crow, a girl born on an unlucky day and blamed for practically every misfortune that happens around her. What’s worse is that she is expected to die on her eleventh birthday. However, the eccentric Jupiter North appears, rescues her at the last possible moment, and takes her to Nevermoor — a hidden city filled with impossible hotels, strange creatures, secret societies, and magic that seems to operate by its own rules. Morrigan soon gets the chance to compete for a place in the prestigious Wundrous Society, although passing its trials means proving she possesses a talent nobody seems able to identify.

That setup naturally invites comparisons to Harry Potter, but Nevermore creates its own magical world that feels entirely distinct. The later books are especially important in proving that, as Morrigan begins to fully explore the dangerous abilities she has spent most of her life being taught to fear. Every book pushes the mythology further, and that progression is what makes the Nevermore series feel much bigger than its initially familiar premise. There’s no denying that Townsend captured the very same sentiment that Rowling did with Harry Potter, but Nevermore eventually developed enough imagination, mystery, and personality to carve out a space of its own in the genre.

The ‘Legacy of Orïsha’ Trilogy (2018–2024)

Image via Macmillan

Children of Blood and Bone by Tomi Adeyemi opens the Legacy of Orïsha trilogy in a world where magic has already been taken away. The story begins with Zélie Adebola, who remembers when the maji of Orïsha could command everything from fire and water to life and death, but King Saran’s violent campaign against them wiped out an entire generation, including Zélie’s mother. Years later, a chance encounter with runaway princess Amari allows Zélie to restore that magic. This sends the two across Orïsha while Crown Prince Inan hunts them down. The first book works especially well because Adeyemi directly ties this world’s magic to ancestry, identity, and power. Zélie’s fight is about reclaiming something that was violently taken from her family and her people, which roots all the fantasy and spectacle in something that feels real.

The series continues with Children of Virtue and Vengeance and Children of Anguish and Anarchy, which expand the conflict and explore what happens after magic returns to Orïsha. Across all three books, Adeyemi keeps building on the same world instead of simply repeating the first novel’s formula. The author creates a world with its own rich history, social divisions, and rules that keep getting more complicated as the characters grow. Adeyemi always leaves another corner of the world to uncover, while West African mythology and Yoruba-inspired culture give the series a distinct identity.

The ‘Supernatural Investigations’ Series (2021–2026)

Image via Balzer + Bray / HarperCollins

B.B. Alston‘s Supernatural Investigations series begins with Amari and the Night Brothers, where thirteen-year-old Amari Peters tries to understand the disappearance of her older brother, Quinton. Her search leads her to a hidden briefcase, and eventually the Bureau of Supernatural Affairs, an organization responsible for everything from magicians and mermaids to creatures most people do not even know exist. Amari joins its summer training program hoping to find answers about Quinton, but she immediately stands out for all the wrong reasons when her supernatural ability is revealed to be something the Bureau considers dangerous. The series keeps expanding in the most interesting directions from there. Amari and the Great Game places the protagonist in the middle of a much larger conflict over the future of magicians, while Amari and the Despicable Wonders turns that tension into open war.

The fourth book, Amari and the Metalwork Menace, pushes the story forward again with a new threat that begins turning people into machines. Supernatural Investigations never gets boring because the Bureau is full of strange departments, hidden rules, rival students, magical creatures, and corners of the supernatural world that Amari is discovering at the same time as the reader. That keeps the world from ever feeling simple, especially since Amari is navigating all this while also being judged for the way she is. Alston’s work is at its best when Amari’s status as a magician turns the Bureau from a place of wonder into something she has to constantly challenge, especially as she realizes its rules were never built with people like her in mind.

The ‘School for Good and Evil’ Series (2013–2023)

Image via HarperCollins

Soman Chainani‘s The School for Good and Evil follows best friends Sophie and Agatha, who are taken from their village to a mysterious school where children are trained to become the heroes and villains of future fairy tales. Sophie has spent her whole life believing she belongs in the School for Good, while Agatha seems like an obvious fit for Evil. Naturally, they are placed in the opposite schools. That becomes the foundation for the entire story, as both girls try to prove they have been put in the wrong place while slowly realizing that the labels of “good” and “evil” are much less reliable than they expected. The school itself is packed with strange classes, magical trials, rival students, and fairy-tale traditions that make it easy to understand why readers get so invested in the world.

What gives the series real staying power, though, is how far it pushes that original idea. Chainani keeps changing the rules of the world. The story expands way beyond the school and into the territories its students are eventually meant to enter. At the same time, Sophie and Agatha’s friendship becomes increasingly complicated as both discover that being good or evil has much more to do with choices than appearances. That gives the books a sharper edge than the whimsical setup initially suggests. The School for Good and Evil has the same kind of addictive appeal as Harry Potter because readers get to immerse themselves in a fascinating magical institution, but the real hook is watching all its rules slowly fall apart.

The ‘Keeper of the Lost Cities’ Series (2012–2024)

Image via Aladdin

Keeper of the Lost Cities by Shannon Messenger begins with twelve-year-old Sophie Foster, a human girl who has spent most of her life hiding the fact that she can read minds. Everything changes when she meets Fitz Vacker, another Telepath who reveals that Sophie is actually an elf and belongs in the Lost Cities, a hidden civilization she never knew existed. Sophie then leaves her human family behind, enrolls at Foxfire, and finally finds people with abilities like hers. However, fitting in does not suddenly become easy because Sophie’s powers are unusually strong, and a mysterious organization known as the Black Swan seems to know far more about who she is than she does.

The intrigue around that is what drives the story. Sophie soon discovers that her existence is connected to plans that began long before she arrived in the Lost Cities, while another organization, the Neverseen, suddenly becomes a dangerous threat. Her search for answers pulls Fitz, Biana, Dex, Keefe, and the rest of her friends into kidnappings, secret hideouts, political conflicts, and discoveries that expose uncomfortable truths about the supposedly perfect elven world. This progression of events is addictive since one mystery almost always leads to another. However, Messenger keeps that mystery running alongside the friendships and rivalries readers become attached to, so her enormous world never feels overwhelming.

The ‘Grishaverse’ Series (2012–2021)

Image via Henry Holt and Co.

Leigh Bardugo‘s Grishaverse has taken over BookTok, and it’s easy to understand why the books blew up almost overnight. The story begins in Shadow and Bone and follows orphan Alina Starkov, who is serving in Ravka’s army when she discovers that she is a Sun Summoner, the one Grisha who might actually be capable of destroying the Fold. This brings her into the world of Ravka’s magical elite and directly under the influence of the Darkling. Across Siege and Storm and Ruin and Rising, that discovery grows into a much larger fight over Ravka itself, as Alina learns that becoming the person everyone expects to save the country comes with its own dangers.

What makes the Grishaverse especially impressive, though, is what happens after that story ends. Six of Crows moves two years forward and leaves Ravka behind for Ketterdam, where criminal prodigy Kaz Brekker assembles Inej, Jesper, Nina, Matthias, and Wylan for an almost impossible heist. The magic is still there, but suddenly Bardugo is using the same world to tell a crime thriller story complete with rival gangs and elaborate schemes. Then the King of Scars duology returns to Ravka through Nikolai Lantsov, Zoya Nazyalensky, and Nina Zenik and connects consequences of both earlier series while pushing the Grisha conflict into politics, war, and questions about what Ravka can become after everything it has survived. Bardugo delivers a masterclass in interconnected storytelling that makes one magical community feel enormous and layered. No single character, city, or even genre is big enough to contain the Grishaverse, and that is what makes it such a treat to read.

The ‘Scholomance’ Trilogy (2020–2022)

Image via Del Rey

Naomi Novik’s Scholomance trilogy begins with A Deadly Education. The story follows Galadriel “El” Higgins, a student trapped inside a magical school where graduating is less about passing exams and more about surviving long enough to reach the exit. The Scholomance has no teachers, almost no adult supervision, and is constantly invaded by monsters known as maleficaria that feed on young wizards. El is especially dangerous because her natural talent leans toward destructive magic, which means everyone assumes she is destined to become some kind of dark sorceress. The one person who keeps complicating that reputation is Orion Lake, a ridiculously powerful student who has made a habit of saving everyone around him.

The setup is great, but the trilogy gets so much more interesting than its deadly magic school premise when Novik starts revealing why the system works this way in the first place. Wealthy magical families live in protected enclaves and have access to resources that ordinary students can only dream of, while everyone else survives by making alliances, trading favors, and hoping they are useful enough to someone stronger. The story gradually reveals how inequality inside the Scholomance was only a smaller version of how the wider magical world operates. The Scholomance trilogy takes the familiar excitement of a magical school and asks what that world would actually look like if safety, education, and power were distributed according to wealth, much like they are in the real world. That makes the trilogy darker than Harry Potter, but it still captures the same addictive feeling of getting lost in a hidden magical society where every new rule reveals something more unsettling.

The ‘Percy Jackson & the Olympians’ Series (2005–2024)

Image via Hyperion Books

Rick Riordan‘s Percy Jackson & the Olympians begins with The Lightning Thief, where twelve-year-old Percy Jackson discovers that the Greek gods are real, and Poseidon is his father. Percy is then taken to Camp Half-Blood, a refuge for demigods where he finally meets other kids dealing with the same monsters, powers, and complicated divine parents. Soon enough, he is sent across the United States with Annabeth Chase and Grover Underwood to recover Zeus’ stolen master bolt and prevent a war between the gods. That first quest opens the door to a much larger story.

Each book introduces another piece of Greek mythology while gradually building toward the return of Kronos, with Luke Castellan’s betrayal becoming one of the series’ most important threads. Percy and his friends fight everything from the Minotaur and Medusa to Titans, monsters, and gods, but Riordan ensures that the mythology remains accessible. He takes stories that are thousands of years old and drops them into modern America, where Mount Olympus sits above Manhattan, the entrance to the Underworld is in Los Angeles, and ancient monsters keep finding new ways to blend into everyday life. This balance between ancient mythology and modern humor is what turned Percy Jackson into such a lasting pop-culture phenomenon.

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Percy Jackson & the Olympians

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Release Date

December 19, 2023

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Disney+

Showrunner

Jonathan E. Steinberg, Dan Shotz

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  Walker Scobell

  Percy Jackson

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  Leah Sava Jeffries

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  Annabeth Chase

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Brody Jenner and wife Tia Blanco’s family has grown with the arrival of the couple’s second baby.

“We welcomed our precious Dolly Jane Jenner on International World Peace Day 9/21/26,” Jenner, 43, wrote via Instagram on Saturday, September 26, announcing his infant daughter’s birth. “Mama & baby are in perfect health after an intense but quick unmedicated labor.”

Addressing his wife, Jenner added, “Tia, I’m so proud of you. Watching you become a mom all over again reminded me just how amazing you are. Our family is everything to me, and seeing it grow from 3 to 4 is a feeling I’ll never forget.”

Jenner and Blanco are already parents of daughter Honey, who was born in July 2023. The pair went on to tie the knot in July 2025 after three years of dating.

In March, Jenner and Blanco announced that she was pregnant and expecting their second baby.

Related: Celebrity Babies of 2026: Stars Who Welcomed Kids

Many stars grew their families in 2026. Ushering in the year, Becca Kufrin, Justin Theroux, MLB player Freddie Freeman, TikTok star Allison Kuch and NFL star Baker Mayfield all welcomed little ones into their respective families in April, followed by Cameron Diaz and Benji Madden in May. Moving into June, Dancing With the Stars alum […]

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“Our little Honey is going to be a big sister this September ♥️,” they captioned their joint Instagram post at the time.

The accompanying photo showed Jenner, Blanco and Honey standing on a beach as he held up sonogram images and locked lips with his wife and their daughter kissed her mom’s pregnant belly.

Brody’s famous family sent well-wishes in the comments section at the time. His former stepsisters Kim Kardashian and Khloé Kardashian replied, “❤️,” and, “Awwwww I am so so happy for you guys!!!!!! 🥹🥹🤍🤍🤍,” respectively. His sister Kylie Jenner responded, “🥰🤍🤍🤍,” while brother Brandon Jenner chimed in, “Wooohooooo!!!! 🎉❤️.”

Brody’s mom, Linda Thompson, wrote, “I can hardly wait to hold another little baby Jenner in my arms! I’m so happy for you, Tia and Honey!! Such a blessing and I’m so grateful! I love my family and measurably … 💜.”

Later that month, Blanco offered an update on her health amid her second pregnancy.

Related: Brody Jenner and Tia Blanco‘s Relationship Timeline

Brody Jenner and Tia Blanco went from fiancés to first-time parents within the span of a month. After months of dating speculation, the couple made their relationship Instagram official in May 2022. Less than one year later, the pair announced they were expecting a baby together. “To start off this new year, we’d like to […]

“Fourteen weeks and finally in the second trimester!” she shared via Instagram in March. “First trimester was no joke and way harder this time around 🤮😴🥴 but feeling grateful and so excited to be growing another life ✨.”

Shortly after Honey’s birth, Brody opened up about how his experience of having Caitlyn Jenner as a parent influenced his approach to fatherhood.

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“I think that what I’m most excited about [being a dad] is doing things differently than my father did. Growing up I didn’t have the greatest relationship with then-Bruce,” Brody said in an August 2023 YouTube video. “[Caitlyn] wasn’t really around for me growing up. So I think that just doing the exact opposite, being the absolute best father I could possibly be and getting ready for the journey and just so very excited.”

Brody added that he wanted to “be there for all these incredible moments” in his daughter’s life, noting that he and Blanco were “thrilled” to become parents and insisting his now-wife would be the “best mom.”

“To be totally honest here, I didn’t really know if I could really have kids. I just had no idea,” he revealed. “Going into this relationship, Tia was the absolute perfect person. She is my better half. She is the most incredible woman I’ve ever met in my entire life, and I think the universe does things the way it’s supposed to.”

Vanessa Hudgens has found a simple way to handle the demands of motherhood and her busy career.

The actress doesn’t believe in perfectly balancing every part of her life, choosing an “all or nothing” approach instead. The “High School Musical” alum focuses on being present for her children.

Vanessa Hudgens and her husband, Cole Tucker, welcomed their first child in July 2024. The couple also welcomed their second baby in November 2025.

Vanessa Hudgens Does Not Believe In Work-Life Balance

Hudgens has stopped trying to find the perfect balance between her personal and professional life. The actress believes trying to give everything equal attention can make things harder. “There is no such thing as balance. I don’t believe in balance,” Hudgens said.

She explained that she is proud of being able to stay in the present instead of constantly thinking about what comes next. Speaking with US Weekly at a Caliwater poolside gathering, Hudgens explained that her approach is “all or nothing.”

The 37-year-old said being fully present means she can only focus on one thing at a time. Trying to get ahead of herself, she added, can leave her feeling extremely overwhelmed.

Hudgens is currently juggling motherhood with her work as an actress and entrepreneur. She is also the co-founder of Caliwater, alongside Oliver Trevena, and has been involved with other businesses. Rather than trying to manage everything at once, she gives each responsibility her full attention.

The Actress Is Focused On Being A Present Mother 

Motherhood has given Hudgens another reason to be intentional about where she puts her attention. She and her husband Tucker are now raising two children under the age of two. Their first child was born in July 2024, followed by their second baby in November 2025.

Tucker previously spoke about having children who were seven weeks and one-and-a-half years old. He also described some of the activities their older child had already started exploring. The family’s busy home life comes alongside Hudgens’ continued work outside the house.

The mother of two has made it clear that being present for her children matters more than simply trying to accomplish everything. She said she feels fortunate to be able to do everything she does, but does not want that success to come at the expense of motherhood. “I just want my kids to always know that mom was there for them,” Hudgens explained. 

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Vanessa Hudgens Called Life Before Motherhood ‘Simpler Times’

The “High School Musical” alum has also been honest about how dramatically her life has changed since becoming a mother of two. Shortly after welcoming her second child, she looked back on a time when her days offered more freedom and spontaneity. She shared a throwback photo with her followers.

The picture showed Hudgens in a neon pink bathing suit while posing on a table. “Newborn life lol so here’s a photo of me in simpler times where I danced on tables,” she wrote.

She followed up by reflecting on her journey from that moment to becoming a mother of two. The Blast reported that Hudgens did not attend any holiday parties or even leave her home during the holiday season.

Her throwback post received more than 500,000 likes and thousands of supportive comments. Rita Ora, Keke Palmer and Jenna Dewan were among those who reacted to her post. One commenter reminded her that she could miss an earlier chapter and still have a fuller life with children. 

The Mother Of Two Could Press Pause On Her Acting Career

A December 2025 report claimed Hudgens was considering an open-ended pause on her acting career. The possibility came after she welcomed her second child with Tucker.

According to the report, an insider claimed Hudgens did not want her children to be raised by hired help. The source said her focus was now on building her family rather than Hollywood.

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Her last major film appearance was in “Bad Boys: Ride or Die” in 2024. Yahoo Entertainment shared that the potential career pause remained “open-ended” at that point. The report also described Hudgens as handling sleepless nights, doctors’ visits, and the everyday responsibilities of running a household.

Her professional team was reportedly concerned about what stepping back could mean for her career. Hudgens has continued to have business interests outside acting. Her work with Caliwater gives her another professional outlet as she focuses more heavily on her family. 

Vanessa Hudgens Has Already Had Her Own ‘Second Act’

Hudgens has experienced a major career transformation before, long before motherhood became her biggest priority. Her worldwide success through “High School Musical” brought enormous attention at a young age. She later explored a different side of herself through independent, darker films.

“I got to kind of have my second act and go off and do these dark, independent films,” Hudgens told ABC News. She said that period allowed her to change the mold and perception audiences had created around her. That transition became an important part of how she understood her own career.

Good Morning America highlighted Hudgens’ experience while covering her role in “Second Act.” She described working with Jennifer Lopez and Leah Remini as “hysterical” because of their real-life friendship.

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Hudgens also said she had grown to see Lopez as both a friend and someone she could look up to. The actress connected strongly with the movie’s message about changing direction. She encouraged people to look inward and consider whether they were genuinely happy with their lives.