Oct 23

Oct 23 20 Novels About Witches

Witches have long captivated our imaginations—from ancient folklore and whispered legends to the modern-day page-turners that reimagine their magic in every possible form. There’s something irresistibly fascinating about stories centered on witches: they blend mystery, history, and empowerment with a touch of rebellion. But not all novels about witches are the same. Some are rooted in history, others dive into fantasy realms filled with witches and vampires, and some cast their spells in the everyday world around us.

Whether you’re drawn to witch trials of centuries past or stories about modern witches finding their place in the world, this list brings together some of the best novels about witches—stories that enchant, provoke, and linger long after the last page.

Best Novels About Witches

Before diving into individual titles, let’s talk about why witches continue to hold such a powerful place in literature. Across genres—from historical fiction to romance, fantasy, and thrillers—witches represent mystery, knowledge, and resistance. They challenge norms, embody transformation, and remind us of the power that lies within.

This post includes everything from classics like Practical Magic and The Rules of Magic to modern favorites like A Discovery of Witches by Deborah Harkness, where the brilliant historian Diana Bishop discovers her own magical legacy. And if you love cozy contemporary witch stories, don’t miss The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches by Sangu Mandanna—a heartwarming take on found family and self-discovery.

Are Witches Real?

It depends on how you define them. Historically, the label “witch” has been used to describe women (and sometimes men) who practiced healing, midwifery, herbalism, or spiritual rituals that challenged the mainstream. The witch trials that swept through Europe and colonial America were fueled by fear, misunderstanding, and control.

Today, modern witchcraft—often associated with Wicca or other spiritual practices—embraces nature, ritual, and intention. Whether or not witches are “real” in the supernatural sense, their stories certainly are. Literature allows us to explore power, fear, and transformation through their eyes. And one thing is certain: people love reading about them.

Why People Like Reading Stories About Witches

Power and Independence

Witch stories often center on women who refuse to conform. From Diana Bishop in A Discovery of Witches to the Owens sisters in Practical Magic, witches embody autonomy. They remind us of the strength in self-knowledge and the courage it takes to live authentically—even when the world resists it.

Magic and Escape

There’s undeniable allure in escaping into a world where spells, charms, and magical libraries exist. Reading novels about witches lets us suspend disbelief and explore what might happen if magic truly brushed against our reality. It’s the same impulse that draws readers to the best psychological thrillers books—the thrill of the unknown, the “what if.”

History and Legacy

Many witch novels tie into real events, particularly witch trials, which give these stories depth and emotional weight. They explore injustice, superstition, and resilience, connecting the reader to women throughout history who were punished for their power—or simply for being misunderstood.

Found Family and Belonging

In many stories, witches finding their community mirrors readers’ search for belonging. Books like The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches and The Rules of Magic celebrate the families we create, not just the ones we’re born into.

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What Are the Best Witch Novels

A Discovery of Witches by Deborah Harkness

At the heart of Harkness’s All Souls Trilogy is Diana Bishop, a historian who accidentally discovers a bewitched manuscript in Oxford’s Bodleian Library—and awakens her own dormant powers. With a mix of witches and vampires, forbidden romance, and scholarly intrigue, this book offers something for everyone. Harkness blends history and fantasy seamlessly, creating a story that feels both magical and intellectually rich.

The Rules of Magic by Alice Hoffman

A prequel to Practical Magic, this novel follows the Owens siblings—Franny, Jet, and Vincent—as they discover their family’s magical legacy and learn to live with (and love) their quirks. Hoffman’s writing is lyrical and emotional, perfectly capturing the bittersweetness of love and loss. The story explores how magic can be both a gift and a curse, and it beautifully sets the stage for the events in Practical Magic.

Practical Magic by Alice Hoffman

This beloved classic remains one of the most best novels about witches ever written. Sisters Gillian and Sally Owens are raised by their eccentric aunts in a Massachusetts home where the air smells faintly of rosemary and magic. Hoffman’s prose enchants as she weaves a tale about love, resilience, and the bonds that defy time. It’s an essential read for anyone who believes in the extraordinary hiding within the ordinary.

The Once and Future Witches by Alix E. Harrow

Harrow imagines a 19th-century world where the women’s suffrage movement and witchcraft intertwine. When the Eastwood sisters reunite, they begin casting the spells that could change both history and their fates. It’s a fiercely feminist, gorgeously written book that explores sisterhood, power, and the cost of reclaiming one’s voice.

The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches by Sangu Mandanna

If you prefer your witch stories with warmth and whimsy, this contemporary novel is a must-read. Mika Moon, one of Britain’s few witches, lives by strict rules to hide her magic—but when she’s invited to teach young witches at Nowhere House, she finds belonging, love, and purpose. It’s cozy, tender, and full of charm—a perfect balance to the darker witch tales on this list.

The Witch’s Daughter by Paula Brackston

A sweeping historical novel that spans centuries, The Witch’s Daughter follows Elizabeth Hawksmith as she hides from her dark past and the sorcerer who made her immortal. Mixing history and fantasy, Brackston’s storytelling feels lush and immersive. Fans of Deborah Harkness will love its mix of danger, romance, and ancient magic.

The Witch Haven by Sasha Peyton Smith

Set in 1911 New York, this YA novel introduces Frances Hallowell, a young seamstress who accidentally kills a man and discovers she’s a witch. She’s whisked away to Haxahaven, a school for witches, where she uncovers dark secrets and the truth about her powers. Historical fantasy at its finest, filled with twists, rich atmosphere, and emotional depth.

The Witching Hour by Anne Rice

No list of novels about witches would be complete without Anne Rice’s sprawling gothic masterpiece. This saga of the Mayfair witches blends generations of magic, lust, and madness with the dark grandeur only Rice can deliver. It’s a moody, sensual, unforgettable read that redefined witch fiction for a generation.

Garden Spells by Sarah Addison Allen

In this Southern contemporary novel, the Waverley women each possess a unique form of magic tied to their enchanted garden. With hints of romance and magical realism, it’s a gentle, heartwarming exploration of family, love, and the quiet ways magic seeps into everyday life. Perfect for fans of Practical Magic and readers who love their witch stories with a side of comfort.

Witches of Dubious Origin by Jenn McKinlay

When librarian Zoe Ziakas receives a mysterious black book with an unbreakable latch, she discovers she’s the last descendant of a family of witches. As she unravels the secrets of her family grimoire, she faces undead Vikings, ghost pirates, and a mischievous raven—all while teaming up with the infuriatingly handsome Jasper Griffin. Charming, adventurous, and full of humor, this book is a delightful blend of cozy fantasy and magical mystery.

An Amateur Witch’s Guide to Murder by K. Valentin

Mateo Borrero’s life is a mess—he’s broke, cursed, and harboring a demon inside him. When a naive, wealthy client hires him to lift a deadly curse, Mateo fakes it until real magic (and real danger) start to unfold. Queer, chaotic, and full of snark, this debut blends laugh-out-loud moments with heartfelt emotion—a Legends and Lattes meets T. J. Klune kind of read.

Road Trip with a Vampire by Jenna Levine

Reformed bad witch Zelda Watson wants nothing to do with vampires… until one with amnesia knocks on her door. Together, they hit the road to uncover his past in a story filled with humor, heart, and sizzling chemistry. With a sharp mix of witches and vampires, this book is pure rom-com magic.

A Spell for Midwinter's Heart by Morgan Lockhart

Rowan Midwinter swore off magic after a spell went wrong years ago. But when her hometown’s winter festival—and its future—are at stake, she must team up with her childhood rival to save it. Think snow, small-town charm, second chances, and sparks that light up more than just the Yule lights.

Uncharmed by Lucy Jane Wood

Andromeda “Annie” Wildwood has perfected the art of being the “perfect” witch—until she’s assigned to mentor a rebellious teen witch and ends up sharing a cabin with a gruff, handsome warlock. As their unexpected trio bonds, Annie learns that real magic comes from imperfection and authenticity. A cozy fantasy brimming with heart and humor.

Song of the Hell Witch by Taylor Hartley

A dark, romantic fantasy set in a world where monstrous women reclaim their power. Duchess Prudence Merriweather hides her deadly magic while struggling to survive in a patriarchal society—until her childhood love, Puck, reenters her life. Together, they embark on a perilous journey to save his daughter and find the mythical safe haven of Stormlash. A rich, feminist fantasy perfect for fans of Hannah Whitten and Carissa Broadbent.

Head Witch in Charge by Avery Flynn

When Leona Amber Sherwood—the responsible heir of a powerful witching family—is forced to road-trip with her estranged husband to return a stolen spell book, chaos and chemistry ensue. With trolls, nymphs, and plenty of snark, this rom-com is equal parts steamy and hilarious.

The Late-Night Witches by Auralee Wallace

Cassie Beckett’s chaotic life gets even more complicated when vampires invade her sleepy Prince Edward Island town. Between managing her kids, her wild sister, and her newfound magical legacy, Cassie has to save her family—and the world—before Halloween night. Warm, funny, and a little spooky, this one’s perfect for fans of In the Company of Witches.

House of Monstrous Women by Daphne Fama

Set in the Philippines during the 1986 People Power Revolution, this gothic horror follows Josephine as she visits a childhood friend whose house hides terrifying secrets. With its lush prose and creeping dread, this haunting tale examines power, gender, and the monstrous in all of us.

A Witch's Guide to Magical Innkeeping by Sangu Mandanna

A whimsical follow-up to The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches, this standalone novel introduces Sera Swan—a once-powerful witch now running a magical inn with her resurrected aunt and a talking fox. When a brooding magical historian shows up, she just might get her second chance at love and magic.

The Storyteller from Balincia by S.W. Kent

In the lush world of Balincia, twin witches rule from floating isles, maintaining a delicate balance of chaos and order—until a young storyteller named Birk discovers a magical book that could change everything. This inclusive, epic fantasy blends adventure, found family, and a richly imagined world where witches finding their purpose means saving their realm.

Whether you’re drawn to stories of witches finding their power, tales that weave together witches and vampires, or historical sagas that revisit the witch trials of the past, there’s something magical about this genre that never fades.

From Deborah Harkness’s Discovery of Witches to Alice Hoffman’s Practical Magic and Rules of Magic, these novels remind us that witchcraft in literature isn’t just about spells—it’s about transformation, identity, and the strength to rewrite your own story.

Which of these best novels about witches will you add to your TBR?

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