The most recommended books about witches

Jennifer Ivy Walker is a relative newcomer to publishing Historical Romance, but she knows how to embroider a legend. There is a wealth of detail in her writing that pulls the reader into the story. This tale is a retelling of the story of Tristan and Isolde, in which we meet figures such as Lancelot du Lac, King Arthur and his Guinevere, and get glimpses of Camelot. Elves and goddesses mingle with mortals in the forests of ancient Britain and France. This retelling has a French accent that lifts it above the ordinary and the well-known. It belongs here because it gives me faith that the ancient tradition of weaving magic into stories, both by pen and tongue, will carry on.

Another middle grade fantasy, Eva Evergreen: Semi-Magical Witch, follows a young girl trying to prove herself even with a lack of magical ability.

Though away from her parents, Eva’s not alone. Her trusty companion throughout her journey to help the residents of Auteri and earn her title never leaves her side. And, what’s more, is her animal companion is one I hadn’t seen before reading this book—it's a flamefox.

The flamefox, better known as Ember, loves food but loves her person, Eva, more—something that will resonate with people who love pets (and people who just love, well, love)!  

In short: Characters. This was a quick read, I had a tough time putting it down.

I loved Alysha, the strong, independent protagonist, who is smart and funny, and makes her own decisions. She doesn’t defer to anyone, even the controlling Aunties. I loved that this is a family where the women run the show, and unapologetically have the power.

Allie is faced with dragons, an assassin, a leprechaun, and a grandmother who may or may not be dead. She doesn’t whinge about what to do: she knows what has to be done, and she does it. I loved the characters, and Yay, there’s a sequel!

I do want to know the significance of the yo-yos… Also, there is a lot of pie in this book. I love pie.

Wyrd Sisters is one of the funniest books I’ve ever read.

It is unapologetically satirical and seizes upon a well-fleshed-out genre and turns it upon its head, making every last detail into a caricature that somehow creates more interesting, realistic characters than fantasy ever could.

His witches aren’t really mystical but don’t mistake that for lacking power. They’re more like indomitable grandmothers you don’t dare cross.

This book has everything from ghosts to prophecies to bastard sons and lost heirs of the kingdom. Nothing turns out the way you’d expect.

Terry Pratchett’s genius includes an anthropomorphized thunderstorm waiting in the wings after appearing briefly in the opening scenes, only to surprise you with a grand performance in the final act, just when you’d thought it was a very random start to a topsy-turvy story. I’ve never laughed so much!

This book is not a fairy tale, per se, but it shares many of the elements of fairy tales. Set in 19th century Europe, the novel is filled with starving orphans, a child transformed into a doll, a wicked puppet master, an evil witch, and a magic necklace. This book combines two of my favorite genres, historical fiction and fantasy, and includes mystery and magic at every turn. I could read this book again and again!

No novelization of “The Goblin Market,” a poem by Christina Rosetti, has convinced me of the market’s allure like Not Good for Maidens. Lou, the novel’s main character, reflected my feelings in the beginning of the story, expressing confusion as to why anyone would enter the market knowing its horrors.

But as the past timeline of the novel developed, in which Lou’s Aunt May visited the market and began an unexpected sapphic romance, and as Lou had her own experiences related to the market in the present timeline, it was easier to understand why someone would be tempted. 

In their respective timelines, Lou and May search for themselves, desperate to forge identities unbound by family and duty. The market, in a way, grants them unique paths toward freedom, and I found that to be a compelling take on a classic I was never enchanted by before. Bovalino’s prose, illuminating… show more.

Different stylistically than the other books on the list, The Witch of Eye is a collection of lyric essays about those accused of witchcraft. In its pages, we meet Lisbet Nypan of Norway, who cured patients using a “ritual of salt” only to be put on trial in the late 1600s, and the German midwife Walpurga Hausmannin, who allegedly coupled with the devil in the clothes of the neighborhood corn farmer. The sentences are dense and hypnotic, transporting readers into fields and courtrooms. One essay begins by describing the language of magic: “You begin a spell with an invocation like Hear me or I beseech you or Oh friend or Listen.” Let yourself be drawn in.

Although this book does feature some heavy themes (CW for mentions of rape), it’s a powerful story about dealing with trauma – and moving on from it, to the life one wants to live. Draven’s characters simply breathe. They feel fleshed-out and real, with all the contradictions of real people. Although the book is part of a series, the story feels complete on its own; the worldbuilding is lush and interesting. I love books that feature travel because being on the road is a great way for characters to connect with each other, as they must rely on one another for safety and survival. Phoenix Unbound features two very different characters who come together in a way that feels real – and beautiful.

Another witchy title sure to not scare. My kids loved the rhyming spells and their funny outcomes- I loved the parade at the end. I worked for the Thanksgiving Day Parade for years and can totally relate to how rain can make or break your event. (Not to mention that one year it DID snow.)

This dark fantasy, about a powerful teenage witch who must travel to the eerie land of Los Lagos to rescue her family, is fast-paced and profoundly moving.

The magic, which is inspired by Mexican Brujería, is a beautiful tribute to a rich cultural history. There is a queer love triangle for any romance lover, but it doesn’t overshadow the exciting adventure and self-discovery at the heart of the story.