While some may believe that witch season only occurs once a year, I’m convinced that every season is an opportunity to delve into the mystical world of YA books about witches. As someone who’s always fascinated by these stories, I’ve curated a list of 25 excellent YA books featuring witches that cater to different tastes and preferences.
What sets these tales apart is their ability to balance realism with fantasy elements, making them accessible to readers who might be hesitant towards horror or supernatural genres. The following collection of witch-themed YA books spans the spectrum from realistic portrayals to more fantastical storylines, ensuring there’s something for every type of witchy reader. From Goodreads, the descriptions below provide a glimpse into each book’s unique charm.
As you explore this curated list, I invite you to discover new favorites and recommendations. If you’re looking for even more titles to enchant your reading journey, be sure to check out the 100 must-read books about witches. I’d also love to hear from you – please share your favorite YA books about witches in the comments! To help you plan your witchy reading adventure, I’ve marked series-related book titles with an asterisk (*), so you can easily fall into a multiple-book world of magic.
YA Books About Witches
*Akata Witch by Nnedi Okorafor
Sunny Nwazue’s life is a fascinating tapestry of contrasts. Born in New York City, she now calls Nigeria home, yet her West African features are accompanied by the rare condition of albinism. Her athletic prowess is impressive, but sunlight poses a challenge to her outdoor activities. In a world where conformity often reigns supreme, Sunny struggles to find her place. That is, until she discovers her true nature – a ‘free agent’ with latent magical abilities waiting to be unleashed.
As she delves deeper into this newfound power, she’s introduced to a quartet of magic students who, like her, are learning the intricacies of manipulating reality. Just as Sunny begins to find her footing among this group, they’re approached by the magical authorities with a mission: track down a cunning criminal who’s also mastered the art of magic.
The stakes are high, and Sunny must rely on her growing abilities and the support of her new friends to take down an opponent whose powers far surpass their own.
*Beautiful Creatures by Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl
In the sleepy Southern town of Gatlin, Lena Duchannes stands out as an enigmatic presence, grappling with the burden of a powerful curse that has plagued her family for generations. As she navigates the crumbling graveyards, overgrown gardens, and murky swamps, a secret is slowly unraveling beneath the surface. Meanwhile, Ethan Wate, counting down the days until he can escape Gatlin’s monotony, is tormented by vivid dreams of a mysterious girl he has never met.
When Lena settles into the town’s oldest plantation, Ethan becomes fixated on uncovering the link between them. In this place where surprises are scarce, one hidden truth could shatter everything.
*Blood Magic by Tessa Gratton
Silla Kennicott’s world was once simple, reduced to a series of cryptic rituals. Draw a circle, place a dead leaf at its center, sprinkle salt, recite ancient incantations, and finally, add a single drop of blood. It’s an unconventional practice that now defines her life, born from the ashes of her family’s tragic fate.
Her parents’ brutal deaths have left her with more questions than answers, and Silla will stop at nothing to unravel the truth – including dabbling in dark magic from a mysterious book that mysteriously arrived at her doorstep. The tome’s arcane spells come with a price: a willingness to spill blood. As she delves deeper into the book’s secrets, Silla’s life is further complicated by the arrival of Nick Pardee, her new neighbor who may have stumbled upon her clandestine rituals.
His presence sparks a mix of apprehension and curiosity, as Silla struggles to gauge his intentions. But as they grow closer, she begins to suspect that Nick has a history with Blood Magic, drawing him into a web of intrigue and attraction that’s impossible to ignore. As fate and chemistry conspire against them, Silla and Nick must confront the dark forces gathering at their doorstep, threatening to reclaim the book and its unfathomable power.
*The Bone Witch by Rin Chupeco
Let me be crystal clear: my intention was never to resurrect my brother from his eternal slumber – despite what he might insist otherwise. What I’ve come to understand through our tumultuous years is that the deceased can harbor secrets just as effectively as those who still draw breath. The veil of death, it seems, conceals truths as well as life.
When Tea unwittingly revives her brother from beyond the grave, she’s struck by a profound realization: she diverges significantly from her kin, the other witches in her family tree. Her latent gift for necromancy has bestowed upon her an unsettling reputation – that of a bone witch, feared and shunned by those who once called her their own.
Yet, amidst this turmoil, Tea finds solace and sage counsel with a venerable bone witch, who seizes the opportunity to guide her and her brother to a distant realm for tutelage. In her new homeland, Tea dedicates herself to mastering the arcane arts, striving to become an asha – one imbued with elemental magic. However, looming on the horizon are dark forces that threaten to upend her world.
As danger draws near, Tea must confront her formidable challenges and make a weighty decision – one that will shape the course of her destiny.
*Born Wicked by Jessica Spotswood
While many perceive Cate Cahill and her sisters as peculiar, it’s not just their beauty, reclusive nature, or exceptional education that sets them apart. The truth is far more unsettling: they’re witches, living under the constant threat of discovery by the Brotherhood’s priests. Should their secret be revealed, the consequences would be dire – imprisonment, a life at sea, or even a premature demise.
Cate’s world begins to unravel when she stumbles upon her mother’s diary, uncovering a truth that could seal her family’s fate. In a desperate bid to alter their destiny, Cate delves into banned books and forges alliances with rebellious new acquaintances, all while navigating tea parties, unexpected marriage proposals, and a forbidden romance with the utterly unsuitable Finn Belastra. However, if what her mother wrote is true, the Cahill sisters may not be safe – not even from each other.
*The Burning Sky by Sherry Thomas
As the skies darkened and fate conspired against them, Iolanthe Seabourne’s world was forever changed by a ruined elixir and a stroke of lightning. The Realm’s most celebrated elemental mage since ancient times, she had grown up under the weight of prophecy: to be the hero who would vanquish the Bane, the mighty tyrant and mage feared by all. But with the burden of destiny came the crushing responsibility of facing this behemoth alone.
Or so it seemed, for Iolanthe was only sixteen, untrained, and far from ready for such a monumental task. In a world where duty and prophecy reign supreme, Prince Titus stood as Iolanthe’s unlikely ally. Guided by his mother’s cryptic visions and driven by a burning need to avenge his family, he had sworn to shield her from harm even as they prepared to confront the Bane together.
Yet, in a stunning turn of events, Titus found himself ensnared by the very girl whose life was meant to be but a means to an end. Now, with the tyrant’s minions closing in and the fate of their world hanging precariously in the balance, Titus must make a heart-wrenching choice: uphold his sacred oath or risk everything to save her.
*The Chilling Adventures of Sabrina by Robert Aguirre-Sacasa
As Sabrina Spellman approaches her 16th birthday, a momentous decision looms ahead: should she follow the mystical path laid out before her or choose to stay grounded with her mortal love, Harvey? However, just as she’s weighing her options, a sinister figure from her family’s dark past reappears in Greendale – Madame Satan.
With her own malevolent intentions unfolding, Sabrina must navigate this treacherous landscape while also delving into the eerie world of Archie Comics’ Chilling Adventures of Sabrina. This chilling collection brings together the first six issues of the ongoing series, expertly crafted for mature teen readers.
Chime by Franny Billingsley
Briony had long worn the weight of guilt like a second skin, a burden placed upon her by her stepmother before her passing. The memories of hardships and struggles lingered, and Briony often sought solace in the swamp, where she would confide in the Old Ones – the mystical spirits that dwelled within the marshes. However, this was a secret known only to witches, and in Briony’s village, such individuals were condemned to death.
As a result, she lived in constant fear of discovery, even as she felt she deserved punishment for her perceived wrongdoings. It wasn’t until Eldric arrived, with his radiant golden eyes and fiery mane, that the tide began to shift. He treated Briony with an extraordinary kindness, as if she were a rare and precious gem. And yet, amidst this newfound sense of hope, secrets began to unravel – both those Briony was aware of and those that remained hidden, even from her own knowing.
*The Connelly Boys by Lily Velez
In the prestigious St. Andrew’s Prep, the Connelly brothers reign supreme as a dynasty of sorts. With their effortless charm, enviable wealth, and stunning good looks, they’ve captivated not only their peers but also the residents of Rosalyn Bay, Ireland, their sleepy coastal hometown. However, whispers persist that there’s more to these golden boys than meets the eye. Rumors swirl around curses, ancient secrets, and dark forces lurking beneath the surface.
Seventeen-year-old Scarlet Monroe, a newcomer to this mystical world, is initially skeptical of the gossip. That is, until she inadvertently unleashes a demon while trying to assist Jack Connelly, the eldest brother who has caught her attention like no one else. As Scarlet delves deeper into the mysteries surrounding the Connellys, she finds herself entwined in a perilous web of ancient magic, powerful spells, kidnapped souls, and ruthless foes.
But none of these dangers compares to the revelation that will change everything: the truth about who she is and what she must become to thwart an evil older than humanity itself – an evil that threatens to destroy all she holds dear.
*The Graces by Laure Eve
In whispers and stares, the Graces’ reputation preceded them: whispered rumors of a family blessed with mystical powers. As they glided through corridors like ethereal currents, their presence left an unsettling ripple effect. Every eye seemed fixed on their backs, their hair, as if mesmerized by some unseen force.
To the outside world, the Graces were social butterflies, effortlessly collecting friends and admirers.
But beneath this façade, they harbored a secret: a quiet anticipation for someone who would unlock a hidden potential within them. And I was that someone – or so they thought.
River, like everyone else in her town, was enthralled by the Graces’ mystique, captivated by their apparent mastery of magic. But were they truly what they seemed? Or did they harbor secrets darker and more sinister than anyone could imagine?
As I delved deeper into this enigmatic world, I found myself drawn into a web of intrigue that would test the very limits of my sanity.
*Hex Hall by Rachel Hawkins
Sophie Mercer’s life took a dramatic turn three years ago when she discovered her true identity as a witch. This revelation had led to a string of misadventures, with her non-magical mother doing her best to support Sophie while consulting her estranged father, a European warlock, only when necessary.
However, when Sophie’s prom-night spell went awry, attracting too much human attention, it was her dad who decided on her punishment: exile to Hex Hall, a reform school for wayward Prodigium – witches, faeries, and shapeshifters. The decision was met with a mix of emotions as Sophie faced the prospect of leaving behind everything familiar.
By the end of her first day at Hex Hall, Sophie had accumulated an impressive list of adversaries: three powerful foes who resembled supermodels, a futile crush on a gorgeous warlock, a creepy ghost tag-along, and a new roommate who happened to be the most reviled vampire student on campus. To make matters worse, Sophie soon discovered that a mysterious predator was targeting students, and her only friend was the prime suspect.
As a series of blood-curdling mysteries began to converge, Sophie prepared for the biggest threat of all: an ancient secret society determined to destroy all Prodigium, with her being a primary target.
*Half Bad by Sally Green
Sixteen-year-old Nathan exists in a state of perpetual captivity, his life defined by brutality, bondage, and brutal training. In a contemporary England where warring factions of witches coexist with humans, Nathan is an outcast, the illegitimate son of Marcus, the world’s most feared and violent witch. His only means of survival lies in escaping his captors, tracing down his father, and claiming the three gifts that will awaken his own magical abilities – before it’s too late.
The challenge, however, lies in finding someone to trust, a feat almost impossible given the lack of reliability among those he loves, including family and the girl who holds his heart.
The Hollow Girl by Hillary Monahan
In the clan of Welsh Romanies, Bethan lives a modest life as the apprentice to green healer Drina. Her existence is peaceful and predictable, with one exception: Silas, the son of the chieftain, has been secretly tormenting her. The tension comes to a head when Silas and his cohorts brutally assault Bethan and Martyn, a half-Roma friend. The attack leaves Bethan feeling drained and helpless. However, she requests Drina’s expertise in bringing Martyn back from the brink of death.
Drina warns that there is always a cost associated with such magic. To save Martyn, Bethan must gather an array of gruesome components: an ear, some hair, an eye, a nose, and fingers. When Silas and his friends fail to apologize for their heinous actions, Bethan knows exactly where to find the ingredients she needs.
*How To Hang a Witch by Adriana Mather
In the infamous setting of Salem, Massachusetts, where the infamous witch trials took place, Samantha Mather, descendant of Cotton Mather, has recently settled with her stepmother from New York City. However, their arrival is met with hostility by a group of girls calling themselves The Descendants, whose ancestors were also victims of those same trials.
To make matters more complicated, Sam soon finds herself face to face with the ghost of an angry former resident, who demands she stop interfering with his belongings. As Sam delves deeper into the mystery, she discovers that she’s at the center of a centuries-old curse affecting anyone connected to the witch trials. With The Descendants refusing to cooperate, Sam must find a way to work together with them to break the deadly cycle that has haunted Salem since its dark past.
Will history repeat itself in this cursed town, or will Sam be able to change the course of events?
Jinx by Meg Cabot
Jean Honeychurch, alias Jinx, has a perpetual problem with misfortune following her. The name itself is bland (not Jean Marie or Jeanette, just plain old Jean), and things don’t get much better when you factor in her all-too-appropriate nickname. Despite moving to New York City to escape the chaos she created back home, Jinx finds that bad luck seems to be her constant companion.
Her aunt and uncle warmly welcome her into their Manhattan townhouse, but her beautiful cousin Tory is less than thrilled about Jinx’s arrival. Little does Jinx know, Tory is harboring a treacherous secret that could put them all in harm’s way. As Jinx begins to uncover the truth, she realizes that it’s not just bad luck she’s been fleeing from – and that the curse she’s lived with since birth might be her only lifeline.
*Labyrinth Lost by Zoraida Córdova
In a twist of fate that would make even the gods themselves take notice, Alex’s life was forever altered. Despite being the most powerful witch of her generation – a bruja with abilities beyond imagination – she has an unusual confession: she despises magic. It’s a peculiar quirk for someone so gifted, but one that drives her to make a drastic decision at her Deathday celebration. In a ritual aimed at eradicating her powers, Alex inadvertently sets off a chain reaction that leaves her reeling.
Her entire family vanishes into thin air, leaving her alone and adrift with Nova, a brujo whose motives are shrouded in mystery. As she grapples with the consequences of her actions, Alex begins to realize that Nova may be her only hope at rescuing her loved ones – if she can learn to trust him.
The Near Witch by Victoria Schwab
In the sleepy town of Near, The Near Witch is just an old tale meant to scare children into behaving. But as Lexi grows older, she’s learned to dismiss these superstitions: if the wind whispers secrets at night, it’s best not to listen; the wind is lonely and always seeking companionship. And in Near, there are no strangers – or so they claim.
However, when a boy who seems to vanish like smoke appears outside her home on the moor one fateful night, Lexi realizes that at least one of these long-held truths has been shattered.
The next evening, children in Near begin vanishing from their beds, and the enigmatic boy is immediately suspected. Yet, he persists in helping Lexi search for them, his determination sparking a glimmer of trust within her.
As the hunt for the missing youngsters intensifies, so too does Lexi’s curiosity about the mysterious stranger, the whispers that seem to emanate from the walls at night, and the dark history that may be hiding beneath the surface.
*Salt and Storm by Kendall Kulper
You don’t know what you must give up to become a witch, but Avery Roe is about to find out. Trapped on Prince Island, Avery longs to claim her birthright as the island’s witch and create the charms that have protected sailors for generations. Instead, she’s confined to a life of propriety by her mother, forced to suppress her magical nature. But when Avery has a chilling premonition, she realizes with certainty: she will be murdered.
Determined to alter her fate, Avery finds an unlikely ally in Tane, a tattooed harpoon boy with his own mystical abilities. As time ticks away and Avery’s magic remains elusive, she uncovers the devastating truth: becoming a witch demands unimaginable sacrifices. With the knife-edge of choice and destiny looming large, Avery must navigate the treacherous tides of first love, family secrets, and her own dark past to survive the rising storm that threatens to engulf her.
Sea Witch by Sarah Henning
In the depths of Havnestad’s small fishing town, a trio of friends – one feared, one royal, and one already gone – set the stage for a tale that would unfold. At its core is Evie, an outcast since the tragic loss of her best friend Anna, who drowned under mysterious circumstances. Now, whispers circulate about Evie’s supposed powers, casting her as a freak, a curse, a witch.
Amidst this turmoil, a striking resemblance between Evie and a girl appearing offshore sparks a glimmer of hope: what if Anna actually survived? As the two girls capture the attention – and hearts – of two charming princes, Evie believes she’s on the cusp of her own happily ever after. But her new friend harbors secrets that threaten to upend their newfound connection.
The girl’s very existence hinges on Evie’s ability to help her; in turn, Evie will stop at nothing to save her friend’s humanity – and her prince’s heart – by tapping into the power of her magic, the ocean, and her love, only to discover too late the true cost of her bargain.
Toil and Trouble edited by Jessica Spotswood and Tess Sharpe (8/28/18)
The notion of good vs bad witches has long been a fascination in popular culture. From Glinda’s benevolent magic to Ursula’s dark sorcery, the concept has captivated audiences for centuries. But what if we looked beyond the surface-level dichotomy and explored the complexities of witchcraft through the eyes of women? History tells us that those accused of witchcraft were often outsiders: educated, independent, unmarried, unwilling to conform to societal norms.
And it’s these very qualities – boldness, power, and rebellion – that have always defined the essence of witchcraft.
In this anthology, a range of diverse authors come together to weave modern tales of witchery that are both unique and thought-provoking. A bruja’s love spell takes an unexpected turn, while a witch’s healing hands begin to take life instead of giving it as she struggles with her attraction to another witch.
In a dystopian future, women are captured by a cabal crying witchcraft, and one true witch must fight to free them all. Meanwhile, three orphaned sisters prophesize for a murderous king in a desolate past.
Toil & Trouble delves deep into the diverse mythology of witchcraft from various cultures and feminist perspectives, creating modern and original tales that challenge the status quo.
In doing so, it highlights the collective strength of women working together – magically or mundanely – which has long been a source of fear for societies around the world.
*Triple Moon by Melissa de la Cruz
*Truthwitch by Susan Dennard
As the continent teeters on the brink of war, the destinies of two young witches are inextricably linked. Safiya and Iseult, both prone to finding themselves in precarious situations, have unwittingly become embroiled in a complex web of intrigue. Their lives are forever changed when they cross paths with a powerful Guildmaster and his deadly Bloodwitch companion, prompting them to flee their home in search of safety.
For Safiya, the stakes are particularly high – as a Truthwitch, her rare ability to discern truth from lies makes her a highly sought-after prize, and she must take extreme care to keep her powers hidden lest they be exploited in the ongoing struggle between empires. Meanwhile, Iseult’s true abilities remain shrouded in mystery, even to herself.
In a stroke of good fortune, Safi crosses paths with Prince Merik at Court, forming an unlikely alliance that may not prove enough to deter the relentless Bloodwitch now hot on their heels. As war looms large and treaties begin to fray, the friends will be forced to confront formidable foes – emperors, mercenaries, and even those who would use their powers for personal gain. The question is: can they survive long enough to reclaim their freedom?
Undead Girl Gang by Lily Anderson
In the sleepy town of Cross Creek, where excitement is scarce, best friends Mila Flores and Riley have always found ways to spice up their lives. Their shared passion for amateur witchcraft has been a constant source of thrill and adventure. But when Riley and two Fairmont Academy mean girls, June and Dayton, meet an untimely demise under mysterious circumstances, the fabric of their world is shaken.
Amidst whispers of a suicide pact, Mila refuses to accept the truth, convinced that there’s more to the story. With determination and a dash of magic, she embarks on a quest to uncover the reality behind the tragedy. Drawing upon ancient grimoire and a tube of lip gloss as her guides, Mila performs an unprecedented feat: she brings the girls back to life. However, the resurrected trio struggles to recall their own murders, but they do have unfinished business to attend to.
As the clock ticks down to the spell’s expiration date – just seven days away – Mila must corral the disoriented undead teens and unravel the mystery before it’s too late.
When The Moon Was Ours by Anna-Marie McLemore
In the peculiar world of Miel and Sam, two individuals who have etched out a bond that is as enigmatic as it is unbreakable. Miel’s physical appearance defies explanation – roses bloom from her wrist, a peculiarity that has led to whispers about her mysterious past. The origin story goes that she emerged from a water tower at the tender age of five. Sam, on the other hand, has carved out an identity for himself through his lunar-inspired artwork, which adorns the trees in their town.
His life before moving to town with his mother remains shrouded in secrecy, leaving much to the imagination. Despite their own eccentricities, Miel and Sam steer clear of the Bonner sisters – four stunning young women shrouded in rumors of witchcraft. However, it seems that their reputation precedes them, as they now have their sights set on Miel’s roses, convinced that their intoxicating aroma can induce a sense of love in anyone who catches its scent.
With an unyielding determination to obtain these prized blooms, the Bonner sisters are willing to exploit every secret Miel has worked tirelessly to protect.
The Wicked Deep by Shea Ernshaw
In the foreboding town of Sparrow, a dark legacy lingers, rooted in a centuries-old tragedy. The townspeople whisper about the three sisters who were accused of witchcraft and drowned in the nearby waters with stones tied to their ankles.
Wicked Girls by Stephanie Hemphill
Ann Putnam Jr., a force to be reckoned with, sets in motion a chain reaction that forever alters the fate of Salem. Her father’s suggestion that a spate of illnesses plaguing the village is the result of witchcraft sparks a series of events that will have far-reaching consequences. Meanwhile, Mercy Lewis, Ann’s captivating servant, evokes admiration and envy from those around her, her troubled past driving her to seek refuge in an uncertain future.
As for Margaret Walcott, Ann’s cousin, she finds herself torn between her loyalty to friends and her desire for a life with her betrothed. With accusations mounting against the men and women of the community, the girls will have to confront a crucial question: Is it already too late to reveal the truth?
*Wintersmith by Terry Pratchett
Tiffany Aching, a trainee witch, has taken on a new challenge under the guidance of Miss Treason, a formidable and intimidating force in the witching world. But when Tiffany disrupts the natural order by jumping into the Dark Dance, a mystical crossover from summer to winter, she finds herself face to face with the enigmatic Wintersmith.
As snowflakes bearing her likeness begin to fall across the land, Tiffany must navigate the unpredictable consequences of her actions, relying on the counsel of her trusted mentor Granny Weatherwax and the unorthodox yet fiercely loyal Nac Mac Feegle, a clan of pictsies willing to risk everything for their ‘big wee hag’.
*W.I.T.C.H. by Elisabetta Gnone
W. I. T. C. H. is a captivating comic book series that follows the adventures of five ordinary teenage girls who discover they have extraordinary abilities. These young heroines are tasked with safeguarding the world from the dark forces of the Metaworld. Each girl wields unique powers tied to the fundamental elements – air, water, fire and earth – allowing them to harness nature’s fury in their quest to protect humanity. In this inaugural issue, readers are introduced to each of the W. I. T. C. H.
girls as they first tap into their mystical abilities, setting the stage for a thrilling journey ahead.
Witchtown by Cory Putman Oakes
At the gates of Witchtown, a mysterious and famous haven for witches only, sixteen-year-old Macie O’Sullivan and her cunning mother Aubra arrive with a singular objective: to pilfer its riches. However, as they delve deeper into the haven’s enigmatic history, they begin to unravel threads that reveal there’s more to Witchtown than its whimsical facade suggests.
As Macie ventures further on her own, she discovers that secrets hold far greater value than any material treasure, and that in this peculiar realm, secrets possess a power all their own.
*Witchstruck by Victoria Lamb
In 1554 England, where suspicion and fear of witchcraft ran rampant, Meg Lytton knew she walked a treacherous line. As a servant at Woodstock Palace to Princess Elizabeth, the rightful heir to the English throne, Meg had learned to keep her extraordinary abilities hidden from prying eyes. The Tudor princess’s banishment only heightened the danger; one misstep could mean not just Meg’s downfall, but also Elizabeth’s.
Meg was acutely aware of the weight of her secret, and the many pairs of eyes watching over the princess and her companions with a mixture of curiosity and malevolence.
As if life wasn’t complicated enough, Meg found herself torn between her duty to protect Elizabeth and her own desires – feelings that threatened to consume her. The enigmatic young Spanish priest Alejandro de Castillo, in particular, seemed to hold a strange power over her.
But with witchfinder Marcus Dent pressing his unwanted suit, and Meg’s own family conspiring against the queen, she couldn’t afford to trust anyone.
When the world turned against her, Meg was forced to confront the very real possibility of being burned at the stake for her perceived crimes. In a desperate bid to survive, she would have to make a choice that went against everything she believed in – a decision that could change the course of her life forever.