The most recommended books about witches

Who picked these books? Meet our 183 experts.

183 authors created a book list connected to witches, and here are their favorite witch books.
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Book cover of Pale Demon

Olga Mecking Author Of Niksen: Embracing the Dutch Art of Doing Nothing

From Olga's 3 favorite reads in 2023.

Why am I passionate about this?

Author Writer Journalist Translator Mother Multilingual

Olga's 3 favorite reads in 2023

Olga Mecking Why did Olga love this book?

Urban fantasy is quickly becoming my favorite fantasy subgenre, and this is especially the case with Kim Harrison’s The Hollows.

Pale Demon is book 9 of the series, but I think it’s the best one so far. The series focuses on bounty hunter Rachel Morgan. Rachel thinks she’s a witch but in Pale Demon the truth of what Rachel truly is finally comes out, and wow, I really did not see that coming. This is certainly a turning point for Rachel and her friends, the living vampire Ivy and the pixy Jenks.

Sure, you’ll have to go through all of the previous books in the series, but I promise it’s going to be worth your while. I can’t wait to see what the next book has in store for Rachel.

By Kim Harrison,

Why should I read it?

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

What is this book about?

"I wouldn’t miss a Kim Harrison book for anything."—Charlaine Harris, author of the Sookie Stackhouse novels

New York Times bestselling urban fantasy superstar Kim Harrison is back with Pale Demon—her ninth electrifying adventure featuring contemporary witch Rachel Morgan. This time Rachel's leaving the Hollows, on a cross-country road trip with a pixy, an elf, and a vampire, as she races to clear her blackened name at a California witches' convention in order to avoid an eternity of torment at the claws of a soul-devouring demon. Pale Demon is Kim Harrison at her gothic best—combining mystery, action, intrigue, paranormal romance, and…


Book cover of The Nature of Witches

Lauren James Author Of Green Rising

From my list on uplifting climate fiction.

Why am I passionate about this?

Lauren James is the twice Carnegie-nominated British author of many Young Adult novels. She is also a Creative Writing lecturer, freelance editor, screenwriter, and the founder of the Climate Fiction Writers League. She was born in 1992 and has a Master's degree from the University of Nottingham, UK, where she studied Chemistry and Physics. Lauren is a passionate advocate of STEM further education, and many of her books feature female scientists in prominent roles. Her writing has been described as ‘gripping romantic sci-fi’ by the Wall Street Journal and ‘a strange, witty, compulsively unpredictable read which blows most of its new YA-suspense brethren out of the water’ by Entertainment Weekly. 

Lauren's book list on uplifting climate fiction

Lauren James Why did Lauren love this book?

In a world where witches control the climate and are losing control as the weather grows more erratic, a once-in-a-generation witch with the magic of all seasons is the only one who can save earth from destruction. But as her power grows, it targets and kills those closest to her, and when she falls in love with her training partner, she's forced to choose between her power, her love, and saving the earth.

By Rachel Griffin,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked The Nature of Witches as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it. This book is for kids age 14, 15, 16, and 17.

What is this book about?

An Instant New York Times Bestseller
In a world where witches control the climate and are losing control as the weather grows more erratic, a once-in-a-generation witch with the magic of all seasons is the only one who can save earth from destruction. But as her power grows, it targets and kills those closest to her, and when she falls in love with her training partner, she's forced to choose between her power, her love, and saving the earth.
* Featuring an exclusive, flower-stamped case, only available on the first print run!
For centuries, witches have maintained the climate, but…


Book cover of Blood Kissed

Toni Binns Author Of Choice of the Traveler

From my list on fantasy with found family you never want to let go.

Why am I passionate about this?

Found family is my favorite trope. You can change up the genre but give me a cast of loveable characters and you got me. It hits close to home, since when I left home to go to college, I created my own family. They are my Albany family, and we all still meet up at least twice a year no matter that we all live across the country. The bonds we created as we figured out who each of us was, are still strong to this day. I write stories that contain those same elements so everyone can experience the joys and tribulations of these bonds. 

Toni's book list on fantasy with found family you never want to let go

Toni Binns Why did Toni love this book?

I love the characters in this series.

Lizzie and Belle are best friends. The kind that you want in your life and you want to live next door to. Well, if you don’t mind witches, magic, and living in werewolf territory. The bond between the two of them is so tight they touch each other's minds.

Follow along as they fight to stay hidden and safe while hunting a vampire that stalks their home. Each book brings us closer to the mystery of the two of them and I can’t wait to see where it ends.

By Keri Arthur,

Why should I read it?

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

What is this book about?

In a world where magic and science sit side by side, and powerful witches are considered necessary aides for all governments, Lizzie Grace is something of an outlier. Though born into one the most powerful blue blood witch families, she wants nothing to do with either her past or her magic.But when she and Belle, her human familiar and best friend, open a small cafe in the Faelan werewolf reservation, she quickly finds herself enmeshed in the hunt for a vampire intent on wreaking bloody havoc. It’s a hunt that soon becomes personal, and one that is going to take…


Book cover of The Witch: A History of Fear, from Ancient Times to the Present

Julian Goodare Author Of The European Witch-Hunt

From my list on the history of European witchcraft and witch-hunting.

Why am I passionate about this?

I’m a historian who wants to know: Why did people burn other people at the stake for what we think was an impossible crime? It seems so unjust; indeed it was unjust. I mention Amnesty International in my book; as well as being a professional historian, I’ve been writing letters for Amnesty for many years, trying to rectify injustice. Yet witch-hunting made sense to the perpetrators; they weren’t simply ‘wicked’ or ‘crazed’ or ‘ignorant’. We need to understand them on many levels, from the most erudite demonology, all the way down to psychological processes by which we identify enemies. The five books I’ve chosen move gradually downwards, in order, from the highest to the deepest level.

Julian's book list on the history of European witchcraft and witch-hunting

Julian Goodare Why did Julian love this book?

As well as the village witch, we have what might be called the ‘folkloric witch’, and other folkloric traditions.

When interrogators asked witchcraft suspects about the Devil, the answers sometimes surprised them. They uncovered beliefs about nature spirits, practices of magical healing and divination, and visionary experience of otherworlds.

Some of this material fed into ideas about the witches’ sabbat, but these beliefs, practices, and visions were not necessarily about ‘witchcraft’ at all. Ronald Hutton’s ambitious book surveys these beliefs, practices, and visions.

He ranges far back into the ancient history of Europe – and adjacent regions, exploring traditions of ceremonial magic from ancient Egypt. If the idea of the witch is frightening, it is partly because of the folklore brought together in this book.

By Ronald Hutton,

Why should I read it?

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

What is this book about?

Why have societies all across the world feared witchcraft? This book delves deeply into its context, beliefs, and origins in Europe's history

"Traces the idea of witches far beyond the Salem witch trials to beliefs and attitudes about witches around the world throughout history."-Los Angeles Times

The witch came to prominence-and often a painful death-in early modern Europe, yet her origins are much more geographically diverse and historically deep. In this landmark book, Ronald Hutton traces witchcraft from the ancient world to the early-modern stake.

This book sets the notorious European witch trials in the widest and deepest possible perspective…


Book cover of A Spoonful of Frogs: A Halloween Book for Kids

Janet Sumner Johnson Author Of The Winterton Deception 1: Final Word

From Janet's 3 favorite reads in 2023.

Why am I passionate about this?

Author Book-lover Cookie-eater Clue solver Traveler

Janet's 3 favorite reads in 2023

Janet Sumner Johnson Why did Janet love this book?

A Spoonful of Frogs is a fun and silly picture book about a witch on a cooking show who is teaching her audience how to make Frog soup.

It starts out pretty tamely, but the events soon escalate as she tries to add the key ingredient: the frogs. The story is hilarious! It was so unexpected and had me laughing out loud. The text is simple, but brilliant. The illustrations are gorgeous and add the perfect old-time cooking show vibe. Both kids and adults will be grinning through the whole book. Just pure fun!

By Casey Lyall, Vera Brosgol (illustrator),

Why should I read it?

1 author picked A Spoonful of Frogs as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it. This book is for kids age 4, 5, 6, and 7.

What is this book about?

Frogs are the most important ingredient in a witch's favorite treat-but they are also the hardest to get into the cauldron! From acclaimed author Casey Lyall and Caldecott Honor artist Vera Brosgol, A Spoonful of Frogs is a humorous and wholly original picture book-and a winning recipe for readers who loved Dragons Love Tacos and Room on the Broom.

A witch's favorite treat is frog soup. Luckily, it's healthy and easy to make. To give it that extra kick and a pop of color, the key ingredient is a spoonful of frogs. But how do you keep the frogs on…


Book cover of The Silver Secret

Claris Lam Author Of Winner Takes All

From Claris' 3 favorite reads in 2023.

Why am I passionate about this?

Author Reader Musician Freelance writer Lifelong learner Gamer

Claris' 3 favorite reads in 2023

Claris Lam Why did Claris love this book?

I found the three sisters in this book were endearing to read. They were always so supportive with each other.

I also enjoyed reading how willing they were to go out to rescue their parents and look for the Everchanging Lights immediately once they find out what happened with the villain, Veronika. The sisters are given some subtle traits to make them feel like distinct people, even if they are related, which I also enjoyed reading.

This book's worldbuilding reminded me of Frozen slightly due to the setting, but with significant changes. There is love interest and the villain is a relative of the sisters. However, it's still a fun, fresh world to dive into.

I enjoyed reading the concept of the Everchanging Lights being the means to defeat Veronika, as well as how you they must find each Light. How each light is found is expanded on in the…

By Astrid Foss, Monique Dong (illustrator),

Why should I read it?

1 author picked The Silver Secret as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it. This book is for kids age 7, 8, 9, and 10.

What is this book about?

The first in the Snow Sisters series. Three brave sisters must race to discover their magical powers and save their home and their parents from the evil Shadow Witch! Luckily, they have a brave polar bear cub and a cast of cute snowy animals to help them...

The evil Shadow Witch wants to steal the Everchanging Lights right out of the sky! The Snow Sisters will need all their magic to stop her turning their world dark forever...

In their first adventure, the girls sneak away from their castle for a night-time quest through the frozen forest. Can they find…


Book cover of The Witches of Karres

Jerry Oltion Author Of Paradise Passed

From my list on classic science fiction that bear re-re-reading.

Why am I passionate about this?

I've been reading science fiction since I was old enough to hold a book upright, and writing it for almost as long. I grew up on the classics and still go back to them. I re-read books to study how their authors managed their craft, hoping to learn something useful in my own writing, but I also re-read books for the sheer pleasure of revisiting a favorite adventure. When I read something for the second (or the seventh) time, I know I'm going to enjoy it, and can savor the language as well as the story. It's like ordering a favorite meal in a restaurant: You know what you're getting, and can relax and enjoy it.

Jerry's book list on classic science fiction that bear re-re-reading

Jerry Oltion Why did Jerry love this book?

I can still quote the opening of this novel verbatim: "It was around the hub of the evening on the planet of Porlumma that Captain Pausert, commercial traveler from the republic of Nikkeldepain, met the first of the witches of Karres. It was just plain fate, so far as he could see." Thus opens the most delightful romp in all of science fiction. When Pausert rescues three enslaved young girls, he sets in motion a comedy of errors, conspiracy, piracy, and intrigue that expands to involve the entire galaxy. Just who are these mysterious witches of Karres, and how can Captain Pausert return them safely to their home when everyone who's anyone is out to get them...and him?

Book cover of Blood & Honey

Jennifer Ivy Walker Author Of The Wild Rose and the Sea Raven

From my list on paranormal romances with shapeshifting warriors.

Why am I passionate about this?

I have always loved fairy tales, myths, and fantasy, having developed a vivid imagination during childhood because we lived far from friends. When I began studying French, I discovered a love for medieval legends such as Tristan et Yseult.  During trips to France, I explored troglodyte caves of the Loire Valley and prehistoric grottos, such as La Grotte de Lascaux. The more I researched legends and myths, the more my fantasy world of paranormal romance and shapeshifting warriors evolved.

Jennifer's book list on paranormal romances with shapeshifting warriors

Jennifer Ivy Walker Why did Jennifer love this book?

A passionate, paranormal romance between a witch and the chasseur who hunts her, Blood & Honey is filled with shapeshifting warriors, werewolves, and mermaids. As a French teacher, I loved the fantasy setting reminiscent of medieval France, the places like La Forêt des Yeux, and the two opposing families of witches—les Dames Blanches and les Dames Rouges—the French names of the colors depicting the distinction in the magic practiced.

By Shelby Mahurin,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Blood & Honey as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it. This book is for kids age 14, 15, 16, and 17.

What is this book about?

The stakes are higher. The witches are deadlier. And the romance is red-hot. The eagerly anticipated sequel to the New York Times and Indiebound bestseller Serpent & Dove is perfect for fans of Sarah J. Maas and is an instant New York Times bestseller!

Lou, Reid, Coco, and Ansel are on the run from coven, kingdom, and church-fugitives with nowhere to hide.

To survive, they need allies. Strong ones. But as Lou becomes increasingly desperate to save those she loves, she turns to a darker side of magic that may cost Reid the one thing he can't bear to lose.…


Book cover of The Wicked Deep

Amanda Quain Author Of Ghosted: A Northanger Abbey Novel

From my list on cozying up with beside a fireplace with a cup of tea.

Why am I passionate about this?

I love being cozy more than just about anything – that’s why I keep writing books set in boarding schools in the fall! My books are best served with a cup of tea and a purring kitten to get you through the sad bits – which, as we all know, just make romantic endings even more satisfying.

Amanda's book list on cozying up with beside a fireplace with a cup of tea

Amanda Quain Why did Amanda love this book?

This book is the equivalent of eating a batch of fresh chocolate chip cookies inside a drafty and most definitely haunted lighthouse on the Oregon coast as the waves crash against the shore and you pull your blanket a little tighter around you.

No one does atmosphere like Shea Earnshaw (No one, I said it) and this story of drowned girls off the Oregon coast will send a chill up your spine even as you’re reaching for your next cup of tea.

By Shea Ernshaw,

Why should I read it?

3 authors picked The Wicked Deep as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it. This book is for kids age 13, 14, 15, and 16.

What is this book about?

Hocus Pocus and Practical Magic meets the Salem Witch trials in this haunting story about three sisters on a quest for revenge - and how love may be the only thing powerful enough to stop them.

Welcome to the cursed town of Sparrow...

Two centuries ago, in the small, isolated town, three sisters were sentenced to death for witchery. Stones were tied to their ankles and they were drowned in the deep waters surrounding the town. Now, for a brief time each summer, the sisters return from the depths, stealing the bodies of three weak-hearted girls so that they may…


Book cover of Half Bad

Emily Rooke Author Of The Dying Light

From my list on LGBTQ+ found family guaranteed to break your heart.

Why am I passionate about this?

As a survivor of child sexual abuse, I endured many years with my voice stolen. Growing up, books offered a sanctuary from a world of cruelty and violence. Yet I never saw myself in fiction—not only as a young person battling to survive, but as a vulnerable teen questioning their sexuality. Now, I’m determined to support fellow survivors. 100% of the proceeds of my books are donated to charities supporting sexual abuse survivors, particularly victims of child trafficking. Living with CPTSD means I have a particular interest in trauma narratives, and an intense desire to do justice to abuse survivors in fiction. No one should feel alone or unseen.

Emily's book list on LGBTQ+ found family guaranteed to break your heart

Emily Rooke Why did Emily love this book?

Caged and shackled, Nathan endures endless torments at the hands of his captor. His crime? Being born a ‘Half Code’ – half White witch, half Black witch – and son of their hidden world’s most infamous villain. Adapted on Netflix as The Bastard Son and the Devil Himself, Half Bad thrives on the intense, gritty voice of its protagonist. Captured by Nathan’s plight, his pain and rage seared my heart as, chapter by chapter, I longed for his escape and for him to find the peace and freedom he so deserved. Be warned, this is a book that will get under your skin. Just thinking about Nathan’s struggle for survival is enough to make my stomach churn, which I think speaks volumes about the power of this brutal story.  

By Sally Green,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Half Bad as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it. This book is for kids age 12, 13, 14, and 15.

What is this book about?

The inspiration for the Netflix series The Bastard Son & The Devil Himself

“An enthralling fantasy in the Harry Potter tradition.”—Time magazine

“A bewitching new thriller.”—The Wall Street Journal

In a modern-day England where two warring factions of witches live alongside humans, one sixteen-year-old boy is trapped between the two sides. Nathan's father is the world’s most powerful and cruel witch, and his mother is dead. Both groups of witches see Nathan as their greatest threat—or their greatest weapon. Trapped in a cage, beaten and handcuffed, he must escape before his seventeenth birthday, at which point he will receive three…