Witches have been pervasive in popular culture for a long time. From the Wicked Witch of the West to the Sanderson Sisters, humans are fascinated by the paranormal and the supernatural. No matter their form, people love making up stories about witchcraft.
Fall is the best time to start your deep dive into the fascinating world of witches. A lot of the books we read nowadays leave us spellbound, enchanted, and wanting more. Here’s a list of some of the best books about witches that will leave you wanting to conjure up a hot drink and settle down to read.
Feel The Magic With These Witch Books
A Discovery of Witches by Deborah Harkness
Spice Level:🌶️ (Extra Mild)
Content Warnings (may contain spoilers):
Death, gore, torture, kidnapping, supernatural violence, death of parents, witchcraft, blood, violence, panic attacks, murder, animal death, toxic relationship, grief, alcohol, stalking, body horror, confinement, abuse, sexism, gaslighting, misogyny, pregancy, racism (This list might not cover all content in this book. Please do your research before reading.)
Starting strong with one of my personal favorites, A Discovery of Witches. Harkness’s debut dark academia novel is a sophisticated contemporary read with a dash of historical realism.
Diana Bishop is both a witch and a scholar who has refused to acknowledge her magic ever since the death of her parents.
When she discovers a long-lost manuscript that seems to attract danger and awakens something in her, she is helped by a vampire named Matthew Clairmont. They become entangled in each other’s lives despite their best efforts, and romance blossoms.
Be aware, this book is a hefty one, at just over 700 pages which are full of magic and witchcraft! If you enjoy the series, there's a TV series adaptation allowing you to continue immersing yourself in the story and see your favorite characters get brought to life.
Circe by Madeline Miller
Spice Level: 🌶️ (Extra Mild)
Content Warnings (may contain spoilers):
Rape, sexual assault, pregnancy, violence, death, blood, murder, emotional abuse, misogyny, abandonment, grief, confinement, body horror, animal death, sexism, gore, war, infidelity, torture, injury, bullying, child abuse, physical abuse, toxic relationship, fire, death of parent/sibling/husband, child death, mention of incest, alcohol, domestic abuse, medical trauma, gaslighting, slavery, suicidal thoughts, classism, cannibalism, self-harm, forced institutionalization, arranged/forced marriage, non-consensual drugging, childbirth, bestiality (This list might not cover all content in this book. Please do your research before reading.)
One of the most notorious witches of all time, Circe is given a chance to tell her story from the very start in this book by Madeline Miller.
Circe, the daughter of the Sun God, Helios, and the nymph, Perse, is considered a minor goddess in Greek mythology.
After Zeus, who's threatened by her power, banishes her to an island, she finds herself encountering many of the most famous figures in Greek mythology.
Perfect for fans of Greek mythology and witchcraft, Circe is a worthy addition to your TBR list.
The Witches of New York by Ami McKay
Spice Level:🌶️ (Extra Mild)
Content Warnings (may contain spoilers):
Sexual assault, physical assault, sexism, racist language, kidnapping, abuse, religious abuse, ableism, suicide, murder, torture, homophobia, violence, confinement, body horror (This list might not cover all content in this book. Please do your research before reading.)
In this whimsical historical fantasy novel, you'll be able to experience the secrets that lie within the spells.
Set in 1880 New York, this story follows Manhattan’s high society ladies, Adelaide Thom and Eleanor St. Clair, who work together in a little shop named ‘Tea and Sympathy’ (isn't that the most adorable witch shop name ever?!).
When they meet Beatrice Dunn, they embark on a journey full of mystery to guard the secrets of magic and their clients.
The Witches of New York is a true witchy novel, filled with spells, potions, ghosts and magical creatures. This book is easily, and commonly, read in a day.
Spellbound by Allie Therin
Spice Level: 🌶️ (Extra Mild)
Content Warnings (may contain spoilers):
Racism, xenophobia, homophobia, violence, deceased parent, murder, torture using magic, deadnaming, alcohol, kidnapping, confinement, forced institutionalization, grief, physical abuse, sexual content, panic attacks/disorders, classism, death, familial abandonment, psychiatric hospitalisation, blood, injury, vomiting (off-page) (This list might not cover all content in this book. Please do your research before reading.)
When the supernatural protector Arthur Kenzie meets Rory Brodigan, a man who has sworn off his magic, it’s no surprise that attraction is thick in the air.
As the pair come together to save New York City, this grumpy x sunshine love story grows and grows as the novel progresses.
The magical world in this book is mostly rooted in the 20’s Prohibition Era, with paranormal elements dotted throughout, making it the perfect read for anyone who loves a steampunk feel but with a twist!
For being her debut novel, I was very impressed with the depth of Therin’s writing. With vivid storytelling, beautifully juxtaposed characters, and motivated villains, Therin ticks all the boxes that make this novel a beautiful story that has to be added to your TBR!
Her Majesty’s Royal Coven by Juno Dawson
Spice Level: 🌶️ (Extra Mild)
Content Warnings (may contain spoilers):
Transphobia, violence, death, murder, war, child abuse, deadnaming, kidnapping, racism, blood, grief, animal death, misogyny, sexual content, injury, homophobia, car accident, sexism, death of parent, forced institutionalization, confinement, alcohol, classism, infidelity, dysphoria, abandonment, emotional abuse, bullying, body horror, gore, animal cruelty (This list might not cover all content in this book. Please do your research before reading.)
Juno Dawson’s Her Majesty’s Royal Coven has launched a series that's still going and is enjoyed by readers all over the world.
This book is about four witches who were members of Her Majesty’s Royal Coven, a covert government branch of witches established by Queen Elizabeth I.
Dawson explores gender and other important topics in this series as the four witches are tied together by a bond of sisterhood, despite not being a part of the coven anymore.
Lady Macbeth by Ava Reid
Spice Level: 🌶️🌶️ (Mild)
Content Warnings (may contain spoilers):
Rape, domestic abuse, murder, blood, gore, sexual content, torture, violence, war, suicidal thoughts, self-harm, lobotomy (on-page), child death, ableism, misogyny, infidelity, animal sacrifice, dissociation, pregnancy, poison, alcohol, emesis, xenophobia, abortion (off page), injury, sexism, sexual assault, death, physical abuse, confinement, emotional abuse, adult/minor relationship, toxic relationship, sexual harassment, suicide attempt, animal death, body horror, mental illness, grief, suicide (This list might not cover all content in this book. Please do your research before reading.)
Lady Macbeth by Ava Reid is a retelling of the popular play Macbeth which gives Lady Macbeth the chance to tell her side of the story along with giving her magical power.
Lady Macbeth uses spellcraft, wit, and strategy to survive the court of her new husband and become one of the most feared villains of the Shakespearean canon.
By giving a voice to the once voiceless, Reid allows the reader insight into what it might be like as a woman in Scotland at the time of Macbeth.
With magic and plenty of intrigue, this book is a must read for any readers who love books about witches.
Whatever witchy books keep you spellbound, remember that witches come in all forms. Which of these books have you read or will you be adding to your TBR? Happy reading!
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