In recent times, witch-themed media has experienced a resurgence, driven by the appeal of stories featuring maligned outsiders wielding rule-breaking power. Against the backdrop of political turmoil, toxic online misogyny, and bigotry, it’s no surprise that women and other marginalized groups are drawn to tales of magical defiance.
The Marvel Cinematic Universe has seen the rise of characters like Scarlet Witch and Agatha Harkness, while Netflix’s Chilling Adventures of Sabrina has captivated audiences with its blend of mystery, horror, and magic. For young readers, a plethora of magical witch books is now available. As Halloween approaches and autumn nights grow darker, there’s no better time to settle in with a witchy tale that combines romance, fantasy, or horror.
Whether you’re in the mood for sweet or spicy stories featuring witches and their magical companions, or prefer tales of dark magic and terror, there’s something for everyone. The historical fiction genre has also seen a renaissance of sorts, with novels delving into the complexities of witch trials and the lives of women targeted by these moral panics. Here are some standout witch-themed books from recent years – grab a brew, settle in, and immerse yourself in the magic.
Witchy Romances
The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches by Sangu Mandanna
In the imaginative realm of cosy romance, Diana Wynne Jones’ style would likely yield a charming tale akin to The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches. Mandanna’s debut novel for adults follows Mika Moon, an enigmatic witch who exists incognito among non-magical humans, as she takes on a tutoring role for three girls harbouring nascent magical abilities.
As Mika forms connections with her pupils and the adults who nurture them – including the brooding yet dashing librarian, Jamie – she begins to envision a sense of belonging amidst this new community.
A Witch’s Guide to Fake Dating a Demon by Sarah Hawley
In this enchanting tale, a romantic comedy takes an unexpected turn with the addition of magical elements. ‘A Witch’s Guide to Fake Dating a Demon’ brings together Mariel, a talented baker-witch, and Ozroth, a powerful demon, whose lives become intertwined after Mariel’s well-intentioned but misguided attempt to conjure flour leads to chaos.
Initially forced into a fake dating arrangement to conceal their blunders, the unlikely duo finds themselves developing genuine emotions for each other in this heartwarming story.
Black Witch Magic by Mila Nicks
As the sparks of tension fly between them, bookish witch Selene finds herself entangled in a romantic showdown with paranormal investigator Aiden. Aiden’s relentless pursuit to uncover the truth behind Selene’s magical heritage is met with her equal determination to keep the past shrouded in mystery.
The initial animosity between them gradually gives way to attraction as they begin to unravel each other’s complexities, their mutual curiosity and fascination igniting a fiery passion that threatens to upend their carefully guarded secrets.
Payback’s a Witch by Lana Harper
Emmy Harlow’s return to her hometown for a pivotal magical ceremony was met with a mix of emotions – relief at being back among familiar surroundings, but also trepidation at the possibility of encountering her former lover, Gareth Blackmoore. Unfortunately, fate had other plans, and she soon found herself face-to-face with the man who had left her heart in tatters.
As if that wasn’t enough, Emmy quickly realized that she was far from being the only woman in town whose trust Blackmoore had shattered. Seeking solace and support from fellow witches Talia and Linden, Emmy embarked on a mission to take down her ex-boyfriend, only to find herself inexplicably drawn to Talia as their partnership blossomed into something more.
Witchful Thinking by Celestine Martin
For those seeking a unique blend of merfolk fiction and witch romance, Witchful Thinking is the perfect choice. The story follows Lucy, a witch who’s grown tired of her mundane life and, on a whim, casts a spell to inject some excitement into her existence. Unexpectedly, her magic leads her back to Alex, her high school boyfriend – only this time, there’s a twist: he’s now a merman who had long since left the world above water behind.
The chance encounter sets off a chain of events that will keep you hooked until the very end.
Witchy Fantasy
Blood Like Magic by Liselle Sambury
In a near-future world, Voya, the youngest of a family of powerful witches, embarks on a perilous journey to prove herself worthy of harnessing her full magical abilities. The challenge lies in the Calling, a mystical test that determines whether she’ll unlock her true powers or condemn her entire family to a life without magic forever. But just as Voya faces this daunting decision, she’s dealt a devastating blow: she must eradicate her first love from existence.
Torn between the heart-wrenching reality of sacrificing the one she loves and the crushing consequences of failure, Voya sets out to defy the impossible odds and find a way to save both herself and her family before time runs out.
Now She is Witch by Kirsty Logan
In a realm where fear of feminine power reigns supreme, two strong-willed women must navigate a treacherous landscape of mistrust and malevolence. Lux, a mysterious loner shunned by society due to her perceived affinity for the arcane, has been forced to eke out a solitary existence in the depths of the forest. Else, driven by a burning desire for vengeance, sets out on a perilous quest to track down Lux, hoping to harness the latter’s mystical abilities for her own nefarious purposes.
As their paths converge, these two kindred spirits unite under the banner of resistance, leveraging their collective magical prowess and cunning guile to push back against the patriarchal forces that have systematically marginalized them.
Her Majesty’s Royal Coven by Juno Dawson
Juno Dawson’s adult debut, Her Majesty’s Royal Coven, masterfully blends 1990s nostalgia with modern sensibilities. This captivating novel takes place after a magical conflict that had devastating consequences for the world of witches and warlocks. The story revolves around four women who were once inseparable friends, but their bond is put to the test as they find themselves on opposite sides of a growing threat.
A prophesied child’s existence sparks concerns about the potential re-ignition of war, leaving readers eager to see how these complex characters navigate this treacherous landscape.
Legendborn by Tracy Deonn
In the modern retelling of Arthurian legend, ‘Legendborn’ whisks readers away from the realm of medieval chivalry to the vibrant campus of UNC- Chapel Hill, where protagonist Bree Matthews navigates early college life amidst grief and uncertainty following a recent loss. As she delves deeper into her studies, Bree discovers a hidden world of Arthurian descendants and Root magic practitioners, each with their own secrets and motivations.
Amidst this mystique, she uncovers the looming threat of an impending magic war, poised to reshape reality as she knows it.
These Witches Don’t Burn by Isabel Sterling
Hannah’s life as an Elemental witch in Salem is marked by the presence of her coven, which includes her former girlfriend. As summer approaches, Hannah hopes to put their tumultuous past behind her and perhaps catch the eye of the town’s newest resident. However, these plans are derailed when a ruthless witch-hunter appears on the scene, threatening everything she holds dear.
The Water Witch by Jessica Thorne
In this romantic fantasy with a dark undertone, The Water Witch delves into the psyche of archaeologist Ariadne Walker as she uncovers the secrets of an ancient mystery in northern France. Still reeling from the tragic loss of her fiancé Simon, who met his untimely demise beneath the waves, Ariadne’s investigation becomes an all-consuming quest for truth and redemption.
As she delves deeper into the legend of the water witch, a woman said to exact a deadly revenge on those who wronged her, Ariadne’s own demons begin to surface, threatening to engulf her in a tide of sorrow and regret.
Witches by Brenda Lozano
Within the narrative of ‘Witches’, two distinct yet interconnected stories are woven together. The tale centers around two women: Feliciana, a skilled Indigenous healer, and Zoe, an intrepid journalist. As Zoe delves deeper into her investigation of Paloma, Feliciana’s cousin who has fallen victim to murder, she becomes increasingly entwined in Feliciana’s story. This includes the healer’s background in both traditional medicine and magic.
However, as Zoe learns more about Feliciana’s world, she also begins to uncover hidden truths about herself.
The Babysitters Coven by Kate Williams
For fans of empowered teen witches, The Babysitters Coven is a thrilling ride. Esme and her group of friends, which includes new addition Cassandra, generate income by babysitting, but their routine after-school gig takes an unexpected turn into the realm of magic.
As they delve deeper into this newly discovered world of witchcraft, Esme and her companions must not only safeguard themselves but also the children in their care, making for a wild adventure that’s equal parts excitement and responsibility.
Labyrinth Lost by Zoraida Córdova
In the inaugural installment of the captivating Brooklyn Brujas series, Labyrinth Lost weaves a spellbinding tale around Alex, one of three bewitching sisters. Torn between eradicating her magical abilities and embracing her inherited powers, Alex’s quest takes an unexpected turn when a botched ritual wipes out her entire family from existence.
As she navigates the treacherous realm of Los Lagos, Alex must form an uneasy alliance with a resourceful young brujo named Nova to rescue her loved ones, embarking on a perilous journey that will test her courage and wits.
The Witchery by S. Isabelle
In the heart-wrenching town of Haelsford, Florida, where darkness looms large, Logan, a fledgling witch, finds solace in Mesmortes Coven Academy. As she navigates this new realm alongside three other teen witches, each wielding remarkable powers, they form an unlikely alliance to vanquish the terrorizing Wolves that prey on Haelsford’s innocent residents.
With combined might, they strive to shatter the curse that has beset their town, but the challenge proves daunting, leaving them wondering if even their collective strength can overcome the evil that threatens to consume everything.
Witchy Horror
The Lighthouse Witches by C. J. Cooke
The eerie atmosphere in this witchy horror novel is a masterclass in building tension. The crumbling lighthouse, shrouded in mystery and terror, serves as a potent symbol for the dark secrets lurking beneath the surface. But it’s not just the supernatural threats that pose a challenge to Luna, who returns to her childhood home after a mysterious girl claiming to be her long-lost sister reappears.
The uncanny resemblance between this new arrival and Luna’s own sister, who vanished 20 years prior, is just the starting point for a journey into the dark heart of Luna’s family history. As she delves deeper into the past, the shadowy legacy of the witch trials casts a pall over everything, threatening not only Luna but also those around her.
Every Gift a Curse by Caroline O’Donoghue
As the All Our Hidden Gifts trilogy reaches its climax, the darkness deepens, with the full force of the Housekeeper card’s power unleashed and the sinister true intentions of the Children of Brigid finally laid bare.
Against this backdrop of escalating terror, Maeve, a young witch, and her companions must navigate treacherous terrain to appease a malevolent entity and bring to light an abusive, homophobic cult that threatens not only their world but also Maeve’s very essence as she teeters on the brink of losing herself.
Bad Witch Burning by Jessica Lewis
Katrell’s extraordinary abilities don’t stop at conjuring magic – she can also converse with the spirits of the departed. As a necromancer, she relies on this unique gift to sustain her family’s well-being, but her newfound reputation unwittingly attracts a diverse array of individuals whose notice is best left unacknowledged. Now, Katrell must confront the harsh reality of her own mortality and evade a predicament that would be an eternity worse than demise.
The Low, Low Woods by Carmen Maria Machado
In this chilling horror comic, the author of ‘In the Dream House’ weaves a dark tale of self-discovery and terror. The story follows El and Vee, two teenage girls who have lost all recollection of their past. Seeking answers, they venture into the woods, only to stumble upon a world filled with witches, cryptids, and other monstrous creatures.
As they delve deeper into the mystery, they uncover the sinister forces at play in their small town, forcing them to confront the truth about themselves and their surroundings.
Historical Witches
The Once and Future Witches by Alix E. Harrow
In a reimagined late 19th century, three sisters are at the forefront of the women’s suffrage movement, fueled by their determination to secure voting rights. As they navigate this struggle, they begin to tap into the mystical heritage of New Salem, uncovering secrets that grant them access to a wide range of potent abilities.
The Mercies by Kiran Millwood Hargrave
Drawing inspiration from actual historical events, The Mercies delves into the extraordinary tale of Vardo’s female inhabitants. Following the devastating storm of 1617 that claimed the lives of most men on the island, a unique social dynamic emerges with women taking the reins. Three years later, the arrival of a witch hunter and his wife from Scotland sets in motion a witch hunt that ravages the community, prompting the resilient women to mount an even greater struggle for survival.
The Witch’s Tree by Elena Collins
In a striking parallel narrative, The Witch’s Tree weaves together the stories of two women, Selena and Grace, across three centuries. Both characters find themselves connected by an ancient cottage, yet separated by time. Selena, navigating the challenges of her own broken heart in the present day, finds solace in the struggles of 16th-century Grace as she faces the looming threat of witch trials.
As both women grapple with their respective problems, they form an unexpected bond that transcends centuries and provides a unique perspective on overcoming adversity.
The Witches of Vardo by Anya Bergman
In the darkest corners of European history, a period of unrelenting terror unfolded in the late 1600s, particularly in Scandinavia where fear-mongering reached new heights. Amidst this chaos, The Witches of Vardo takes center stage, shedding light on the tragic tale of women imprisoned at the imposing fortress of Vardo, their lives hanging precariously in the balance as they await their trials.
But amidst the despair, these resilient souls plot a daring bid to not only endure but reclaim their lost power and agency.
I, Tituba, Black Witch of Salem by Maryse Condé
While I, Tituba may not have been published recently, it remains an essential read for anyone fascinated by the Salem Witch Trials. At its core is the enigmatic Tituba, a historical figure whose story has captivated readers for centuries. What’s more remarkable about Tituba is that she was the first person accused of witchcraft during this tumultuous period – and remarkably, she survived the trials.
The novel takes an imaginative approach to recounting her life after these pivotal events, offering a captivating and thought-provoking exploration of her experiences.
The Manningtree Witches by A.K. Blakemore
Matthew Hopkins, a notorious figure in European witch trials, casts a long shadow over the events that unfold in The Manningtree Witches. This chilling tale draws inspiration from history to bring forth a gripping narrative about what transpires when this infamous witch finder arrives in town. As paranoia grips the residents of Manningtree, they turn against each other, and the women of the town are suddenly caught in the crosshairs.
Bindle Punk Bruja by Desideria Mesa
In the midst of the Roaring Twenties, Bindle Punk Bruja brings together flappers, jazz clubs, and mobsters, but adds a dash of fantasy by incorporating witches into its narrative. The story follows Luna, a bruja who is determined to safeguard her community, which exists on the fringes of a society that values material wealth. As she prepares to defend her people against the likes of the Ku Klux Klan and Al Capone, Luna must muster all her courage and cunning to stand up for what’s right.
If you’re looking for more witchy tales, consider checking out our list of eight spellbinding books or delve into a magical mystery with nine of the best witch mystery novels.