The most recommended books about magic (supernatural)

Who picked these books? Meet our 917 experts.

917 authors created a book list connected to magic-supernatural, and here are their favorite magic-supernatural books.
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Book cover of The Fairest of Them All

S. Knight Author Of The Girl with Many Names

From my list on retellings combining fairy tales and new perspectives.

Why am I passionate about this?

I developed an interest in classical literature while at university, folklore in particular. It’s fascinating how fairy tales originated in oral form before being written and rewritten all over the world for generations, and as such, many of them don’t have a single founding author. But each adaption generally maintains the basic plot points of the original tale, and it’s interesting to see how time, culture, and perspective affect a retelling. There’s always room for interpretation, especially when the traditional narratives often involve exhausted themes and stereotypes, and so with my latest novel, I didn’t hold back when it came to the creative possibilities of more than one fairy tale. 

S.'s book list on retellings combining fairy tales and new perspectives

S. Knight Why did S. love this book?

Rapunzel meets Snow White, and this encounter will reveal the true colours of all those involved. The Fairest of Them All acts as a continuation of one classic tale that eventually intrudes on another, making for a creative “what if” narrative while maintaining a strict fairy tale atmosphere. A more mature tone adds a layer of depth to this story, where characters are not limited to purely virtuous or villainous qualities, and happily ever afters are neither simple nor guaranteed. As a reader, you really feel for Rapunzel as she struggles to overcome hardship, betrayal, jealousy, and regret—she’s human after all—and the author doesn’t hold back when it comes to unexpected plot twists and dark themes.

By Carolyn Turgeon,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked The Fairest of Them All as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

What if Rapunzel was Snow White’s evil stepmother?

In this kingdom, only one fairy tale can end with happily ever after.

In an enchanted forest, the maiden Rapunzel’s beautiful voice captivates a young prince hunting nearby. Overcome, he climbs her long golden hair to her tower and they spend an afternoon of passion together, but by nightfall the prince must return to his kingdom, and his betrothed.

Now king, he weds his intended and the kingdom rejoices when a daughter named Snow White is born. Beyond the castle walls, Rapunzel waits in her crumbling tower, gathering news of her beloved…


Book cover of The Name of the Wind

Wayne Kramer Author Of Heroes of Time Legends: The Healer

From my list on unlikely heroes in magical worlds.

Why am I passionate about this?

I’ve loved creating and writing stories since childhood, and my ambitions started early. I started one of my largest and longest writing endeavors back in middle school—novelizing a popular video game called Chrono Trigger—and even into adulthood, it stretched into a serious effort. I used it to hone my writing craft for years, constantly bouncing feedback off others. Eventually, people started to tell me that the best parts of that story were the scenes I added to enhance it, and I finally decided that I wanted to pursue the creation of my own fantasy series. 

Wayne's book list on unlikely heroes in magical worlds

Wayne Kramer Why did Wayne love this book?

This is one of the finest works of modern epic fantasy available. Although the pace is not swift, Rothfuss styles the whole thing with beautiful, carefully crafted prose that makes this novel an enjoyable read. The main character, Kvothe, provides plenty of wit and grit. It’s worth reading despite being part of an infamously unfinished series.

I’ve tried to style some of my own prose and wit off of Rothfuss from time to time.

By Patrick Rothfuss,

Why should I read it?

19 authors picked The Name of the Wind as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

The lyrical fantasy masterpiece about stories, legends and how they change the world. The Name of the Wind is an absolute must-read for any fan of fantasy fiction.

'This is a magnificent book' Anne McCaffrey

'I was reminded of Ursula K. Le Guin, George R. R. Martin, and J. R. R. Tolkein, but never felt that Rothfuss was imitating anyone' THE TIMES

'I have stolen princesses back from sleeping barrow kings. I burned down the town of Trebon. I have spent the night with Felurian and left with both my sanity and my life. I was expelled from the University…


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Book cover of The Strange Case of Guaritori Diolco

The Strange Case of Guaritori Diolco By Bill Hiatt,

Guaritori awakens from a coma to find that he's lost twenty years--and his entire world.

Fiancée, family, and friends are all missing, perhaps dead. Technology has failed, and magic has risen, leaving society in ruins. Most survivors are at the mercy of anyone who has strong enough magic. Guaritori has…

Book cover of Dust & Grim

Sharon Skinner Author Of Lostuns Found

From my list on middle-grade adventures with magical elements.

Why am I passionate about this?

I love books. All kinds of books. Growing up, I didn’t have many friends outside of books. It’s no wonder that as an adult reader/writer/editor/book coach, I still read widely and voraciously. I believe all stories are magical, but I’m especially drawn to books that contain emotionally engaging characters and fun magical elements. I’m also a huge fan of good KidLit and getting a chance to see and explore other cultures and worlds, both real and imagined. (I even co-host a podcast: Coaching KidLit.) So, I read a ton of magical stories and a lot of KidLit. That’s how I discovered the books on this recommended reading list. 

Sharon's book list on middle-grade adventures with magical elements

Sharon Skinner Why did Sharon love this book?

Not only does this book have a strong female lead, a scary, spooky adventure, and an unusual friendship where cousins who start off not liking one another have to work together, or else, but the idea that a funeral home guards another realm. I love it. And Chuck Wendig really nailed the voice of this story! It’s totally Chuck-like, but not the creepy Chuck we get in his adult horror books. This is 100% snarky, goofy, yeehaw, let’s-have-a-rollicking-good-time kid-at-heart Chuck. Also, this one made me laugh out loud in places, and I can always use a good laugh.

By Chuck Wendig,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Dust & Grim as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it. This book is for kids age 8, 9, 10, and 11.

What is this book about?

?Thirteen-year-old Molly doesn't know how she got the short end of the stick-being raised by her neglectful father-while Dustin, the older brother she's never met, got their mother and the keys to the family estate. But now the siblings are both orphaned, she's come home for her inheritance, and if Dustin won't welcome her into the family business, then she'll happily take her half in cash.

There's just one problem: the family business is a mortuary for monsters, and Molly's not sure she's ready to deal with mysterious doors, talking wolves, a rogue devourer of magic, and a secret cemetery.…


Book cover of Akithar's Greatest Trick

Sarah M. Awa Author Of Hunter's Moon

From Sarah's 3 favorite reads in 2023.

Why am I passionate about this?

Author Indie publisher Alleged vampire Neurodivergent Autoimmune warrior

Sarah's 3 favorite reads in 2023

Sarah M. Awa Why did Sarah love this book?

This book has a good chronic-illness rep and a well-written neurodivergent character! It’s an exciting heist/escape story that I saw advertised as being similar to another book I love (and it was!).

Aside from diverse characters and plenty of action and suspense, this book also has excellent world-building. I really want to read more about the world of Teshovar, where magic-users are hunted and their powers “silenced” by a mysterious evil ruler. There’s a nice twist at the end, too!

By Jason Dorough,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Akithar's Greatest Trick as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Demon, Scientist, Charlatan, or Sorcerer?

The Great Akithar is the most famous stage magician in a realm where real magic is outlawed. Over the past decade, Akithar and his troupe have built a reputation–and a home–in the dense coastal city of Klubridge. Every night, he thrills audiences with his controversial performances. Backstage, Akithar hides a secret more dangerous than any of his engineered illusions.

Far inland, an ancient and mysterious tyrant dispatches an elite band of mage hunters to crush magical insurrection. When their hunt brings them to Klubridge, they suspect that Akithar’s magic might be more than mere stage…


Book cover of Vesselless

Brittany Gossin Author Of Dream Walker

From my list on strong female main character.

Why am I passionate about this?

As an only child, until I was 10, books were a constant companion. I loved entering new worlds and making friends with the characters in them. I always admired the strong female characters who could accomplish anything if they put their mind to it, which is also a notion I share with my own children. With an active imagination, reading and creating stories was a way for me to escape boredom or anxiety, and it has flourished into a need to share the world with others. 

Brittany's book list on strong female main character

Brittany Gossin Why did Brittany love this book?

I love this book by Cortney L Winn because Nizzara is a strong, no-nonsense FMC. She wants to fight for her own freedom and, in that, falls for a half-ghost. Sounds weird, but trust me, Winn executed it flawlessly and Dae will be your next book boyfriend.

I loved the fast pacing and couldn’t put it down. There is also a new take on magic that I really loved, where Nizzara can speak to spirits. I highly recommend it!

By Cortney L. Winn,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Vesselless as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

She’s heiress to the throne. The throne her father stole from him.

Nizzara has always been able to perceive spirits better than the average caster. When she enters a deadly tournament to end her betrothal, she's determined to win without succumbing to the addictive spirit magic she channels or taking a life in the duel ring. Finding herself outmatched, Nizzara must face her fear of power and team up with Dagen—an enemy who is half-ghost and all charm—to survive the tournament.

Dagen, the last King of Zarr, was killed by Nizzara’s father ten years ago. Now a half-ghost—able to phase…


Book cover of Dragonslayer

Mikayla Deely Author Of The Rise of Surge: Of Fire and Fate

From my list on ferocious and fantastic dragons.

Why am I passionate about this?

I’ve read books about dragons ever since I can remember. If I couldn’t read it, my dad read it to me. Outside of books, I’d seek out movies or shows with the magical beasts in them. I was a bit obsessed, really. From cruel-hearted and devious to kind-natured and intelligent, I was writing and reading about it all. My favorite, however, is dragons that are as smart as they are deadly. This reflects a lot in the books I chose, as they all contain some pretty ferocious dragons!

Mikayla's book list on ferocious and fantastic dragons

Mikayla Deely Why did Mikayla love this book?

Where do I even start with this book? It has such a strong opening and hooked me immediately from the first page. We follow the story of Guillot, a once noble knight of the Silver Circle, now a lazy man who drinks his days away. He is summoned by the king to slay the last living dragon in the realm. What strikes me about this book is that you feel sympathy for the dragon, Alpheratz, as he wakes up to find out he is the last one left. With exciting magic, tense fights, and one powerful dragon, this is a book I cannot stop recommending!

By Duncan M. Hamilton,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Dragonslayer as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

"Successfully mixes swords, sorcery, and skullduggery with complex characters. Dumas fans will especially appreciate the faux-French setting. This is pure adventure fun with plenty for epic fantasy readers to enjoy.”—Publishers Weekly

With the dragons believed dead, the kingdom had no more need for dragonslayers.

Drunk, disgraced, and all but forgotten, Guillot has long since left his days of heroism behind him.

As forgotten places are disturbed in the quest for power, and things long dormant awaken, the kingdom finds itself in need of a dragonslayer once again, and Guillot is the only one left...

"Charming [and] entertaining. Recommended for fans…


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Book cover of Terracolina: A Place to Belong

Terracolina By Carla Kessler, Richard Kessler (illustrator),

Where do you turn when the only adult who gets you, your grandpa, is gone, and the world seems to be in self-destruct mode?

On his 12th birthday, Thomas runs away to the forest he used to visit with Grandpa. It is dying. Will saving it from a deadly parasite…

Book cover of The Summer Tree

Ann Claycomb Author Of Silenced

From my list on fantasy to achieve dazzling feats of storytelling.

Why am I passionate about this?

When you grow up believing in magic, you inevitably face a moment when the world invites you to stop. Books are the reason to keep believing. Fantasy novels specifically give their readers magic to dive into and savor. What makes these fantasy novels so important to me is that they don’t just tell stories about magic, they tell their stories with such verve, such daring, such commitment to achieving the impossible, that they make magic. Reading these books, you will hold your breath, unable to believe that what feels like it’s about to happen could possibly happen when you turn the page... but don’t worry.  It will.

Ann's book list on fantasy to achieve dazzling feats of storytelling

Ann Claycomb Why did Ann love this book?

Guy Gavriel Kay is widely known and admired for his sweeping, epic fantasy novels, all set in fantastical version of real historical countries—but before he turned to that genre, he wrote the Fionavar Trilogy. 

Think Lord of the Rings with critical differences: the characters all have a wry sense of humor and an appreciation of irony and many of those characters are women, strong, intelligent, fierce, complex women. Kay also goes for broke as a storyteller here; you can almost hear him wondering, “Can I pull this off?” And he does it every single time.

By Guy Gavriel Kay,

Why should I read it?

2 authors picked The Summer Tree as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

The first volume in Guy Gavriel Kay's stunning fantasy masterwork, now reissued with the beautiful original cover art by Martin Springett.

Five men and women find themselves flung into the magical land of Fionavar, First of all Worlds. They have been called there by the mage Loren Silvercloak, and quickly find themselves drawn into the complex tapestry of events. For Kim, Paul, Kevin, Jennifer and Dave all have their own part to play in the coming battle against the forces of evil led by the fallen god Rakoth Maugrim and his dark hordes.

Guy Gavriel Kay's classic epic fantasy plays…


Book cover of Greenwild: The World Behind the Door

Patricia Cleveland-Peck Author Of You Can't Let an Elephant Pull Santa's Sleigh

From Patricia's 3 favorite reads in 2023.

Why am I passionate about this?

Author Passionate writer Passionate reader Optimistic Patient Lucky

Patricia's 3 favorite reads in 2023

Patricia Cleveland-Peck Why did Patricia love this book?

Daisy is searching for her mother, an eco-journalist who has gone missing in the Amazon. When I am wearing my other hat, I am a travel journalist who specialises in plants and gardens I could not fail to be intrigued by this situation.

Daisy finds a portal in Kew Gardens and enters a universe called Greenwild, where a group called The Botanists are preserving magical flora. Full of exciting adventures that children find entertaining, I loved this book because it nevertheless subtly indicates that plants are a very real source of magic. 

By Pari Thomson,

Why should I read it?

2 authors picked Greenwild as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it. This book is for kids age 8, 9, 10, and 11.

What is this book about?

Open the door to a spellbinding world where the wilderness is alive and a deep magic rises from the earth itself. Greenwild: The World Behind the Door is the first book in Pari Thomson's extraordinary fantasy series with an environmental twist.

'Greenwild is a thrilling adventure that takes seed in your imagination and runs wild!' - M. G. Leonard, author of Beetle Boy

Daisy Thistledown has escaped from boarding school and has a mystery to solve. Her search for her missing mother will lead her across London and through a hidden doorway to another world, filled with plants and bursting…


Book cover of Girls Made of Snow and Glass

Markelle Grabo Author Of Call Forth a Fox

From my list on queer retellings that expertly subvert expectations.

Why am I passionate about this?

I’ve always loved retellings of all kinds, but my favorites subvert expectations, and I believe queer retellings provide the richest opportunities for subversion. In my own writing, I try to balance honoring the source material while also providing new perspectives, and nothing helps me achieve that more than reading widely. Retellings were also the subject of my master's critical thesis for Hamline University’s writing for children and young adults program.

Markelle's book list on queer retellings that expertly subvert expectations

Markelle Grabo Why did Markelle love this book?

To me, what’s most striking about this book, a queer retelling of “Snow White,” is that in addition to the POV of the Snow White character, Lynet, there’s also narration from Mina, the Evil Queen insert. Only in this retelling Mina isn’t a superficial villain.

In fact, she’s no villain at all. I find her to be a complex heroine, and her relationship with Lynet is equally rich and complicated. I was compelled by Lynet and Mina’s struggles under the weight of feminine and royal expectations. Despite their conflicts, they are more alike than they are different, and their journey to realizing this was so satisfying.

The sapphic romance between Lynet and a surgeon provides a lovely subplot that adds to, rather than distracts from, the main storyline. One of my all-time favorite sapphic retellings.

By Melissa Bashardoust,

Why should I read it?

4 authors picked Girls Made of Snow and Glass as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

At sixteen, Mina's mother is dead, her magician father is vicious, and her silent heart has never beat with love for anyone-has never beat at all, in fact, but she'd always thought that fact normal. She never guessed that her father cut out her heart and replaced it with one of glass. When she moves to Whitespring Castle and sees its king for the first time, Mina forms a plan: win the king's heart with her beauty, become queen, and finally know love. The only catch is that she'll have to become a stepmother.

Fifteen-year-old Lynet looks just like her…


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Book cover of The Last Ranger: Ranger of the Titan Wilds

The Last Ranger By J.D.L. Rosell,

Betrayed. Hunted. Left for dead. 

But not even death itself can keep the last ranger from vengeance...

Embark on a new epic fantasy tale full of magic, revenge, and rampaging titans in the latest series written by bestselling author J.D.L. Rosell.

Book cover of The Way of Kings

Steven A. Guglich Author Of Piercing the Veil

From Steven's 3 favorite reads in 2024.

Why am I passionate about this?

Author

Steven's 3 favorite reads in 2024

Steven A. Guglich Why did Steven love this book?

By Brandon Sanderson,

Why should I read it?

15 authors picked The Way of Kings as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

From #1 New York Times bestselling author Brandon Sanderson, The Way of Kings, Book One of the Stormlight Archive begins an incredible new saga of epic proportion.

Roshar is a world of stone and storms. Uncanny tempests of incredible power sweep across the rocky terrain so frequently that they have shaped ecology and civilization alike. Animals hide in shells, trees pull in branches, and grass retracts into the soilless ground. Cities are built only where the topography offers shelter.

It has been centuries since the fall of the ten consecrated orders known as the Knights Radiant, but their Shardblades and…


Book cover of The Fairest of Them All
Book cover of The Name of the Wind
Book cover of Dust & Grim

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