20 spellbinding fantasy books about witches you’ll love

Recently updated on June 22nd, 2024 at 10:33 am

Looking for fantasy books with witches? Here are 20 spellbinding books that’ll make you sprint to the nearest bookshop.

This post contains affiliate links. That said, I won’t ever recommend a book I haven’t read and loved myself.

It’s all just a bunch of hocus pocus!  While to some witches are figures to fear. I’ve always seen them as strong, empowered women. Witches fascinate many. And they can take on so many different forms.

 So whether you’re looking for teen witches, healers or fairytale witches – this post should have a book for you. Grab your broomstick and spell book – here are 18 books with witches.

This post is all about fantasy books about witches

What are the best fantasy books about witches?

1. The Wildseed Witch by Marti Dumas

I first saw this book,  when I was browsing in Afrori Books in Brighton.  I am OBSESSED. A ya fantasy coming of age story.

We follow Hasani. She plans on using her summer holidays to grow her YouTube following. But then, an emotional outburst sparks magical ability in her.

So Hasani goes to Les Belles Demoiselles. A finished school for talented young ladies with magical powers.

Wildseed Witch is a fun adventure story with a BIPOC cast. The images of witches were woven into worldbuilding around New Orleans. Giving this book a magical touch. It also touches on important topics such as being comfortable in your own skin.

2. These Witches Don’t burn by Isabel Sterling

A cozy fantasy romance with Sapphic witches. Set in Salem, it features a mystery, the found family trope and a romantic sub-plot.

We follow Hannah, a witch living in Salem. A dark blood ritual interrupts her end of school bonfire. And she investigates with her ex-girlfriend Veronica.

She also meets Morgan. But trying to date in the middle of a supernatural crisis is not easy and will test Hannah’s limits.

This is a fairly low-stakes, cozy read with witches. The sapphic characters are well-incorporated and just part of life. A comforting fantasy about witches.

3. Cinderella is dead by Kalynn Bayron

A Cinderella retelling with a sapphic romance. While the main character isn’t a witch, it features a witch living in a cottage in the forest.

The premise is that teen girls must appear at an annual ball where men select wives. But Sophia wants to marry her childhood best friend Erin. And isn’t a fan of the whole parade in front of suitors thing.

She flees and decides to take down the king once and for all.

The imagery in the woodland with the witch will make you want to live in the forest. Kalynn Bayron writes cottagecore imagery perfectly. Plus it’s a standalone fantasy – something difficult to find. Looking for a fantasy books about witches? You’ll love Cinderella is dead.

4. The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis

The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe is an absolute classic. And I couldn’t write a post on fantasy books about witches without mentioning it.

The Chronicles of Narnia follows four children who are evacuated to a country house. They find a magical kingdom called Narnia at the back of a wardrobe.

But Narnia has been enchanted by a White Witch. And it is frozen in an eternal winter.

This has one of the most famous fantasy witch characters – The White Witch. Perfect if you’re after an evil witch character.

Plus the enchanting world-building and charming characters make this a cozy read.

5. Throne of Glass – Heir of Fire by Sarah J Maas

Heir of Fire includes Manon who is an incredible, badass Witch. Sarah J. Maas dominates the fantasy book world but for a good reason. Her books are seriously binge-worthy.

That said, sometimes her books dump a lot of world-building at the start. This can make it hard for some people to get into them. Throne of Glass starts with a bang and hooks you in instantly.

Celaena Sardothien is imprisoned in a horrific prison called Endovier. She is an assassin. And one day she is summoned by the Prince to fight in a competition. The winner will become the king’s personal assassin.

If you’re looking for a long fantasy book series to get into – then this is the book series for you.

6. The Girl Who Drank the Moon by Kelly Barnhill

A magical story concept with whimsical world-building. It features a friendly witch as the main character and it’s full of beautiful forest, cottagecore imagery.

Every year the people of the Protectorate leave a baby as an offering to the witch who lives in the forest. They hope to keep her from terrorizing the town.

But the witch Xan is kind. She rescues the abandoned children. And delivers them to welcoming families on the other side of the forest.

Fyrian the dragon is absolutely adorable. He’s small and cute. The humour really made me smile.

Highly recommend if you want fantasy books with witches.

7. Mooncakes by Wendy Xu and Suzanne Walker

Searching for cozy fantasy books about witches? You’ll love this cute. light-hearted romance. A YA Romance about a witch and a non-binary werewolf.

We follow teen witch Nova. She works at her Nana’s magical bookshop. And she helps them loan out spell books. But she also investigates supernatural occurrences in her local town.

One day, she is tasked to investigate reports of a white wolf in a nearby forest. She then discovers her childhood best friend,  Tam, fighting a demon werewolf.  Together they investigate the demon and rekindle their feelings towards each other.

The witch in this book is hearing impaired. And the representation is perfect. Plus the romance is adorable.

8. The Worst Witch by Jill Murphy

 The Worst Witch is perfect if you’re looking for books about trainee witches. It’s a light hearted adventure story about good witches.

We follow Mildred Hubble. She is a trainee witch at Miss Cackle’s Academy. But she’s making an awful mess of it.

She’s always getting her spells wrong. And can’t ride a broomstick. Will she ever make a real witch?

Mildred Hubble is a relatable character. She’s not a perfect student – she’s badly organised and sometimes struggles at school. But she’s a relatable character for a middle grade audience. Awkwardd, clumsy and often an outcast through no fault of her own.

If you’re looking for light hearted fantasy books about witches then this is perfect. You could easily binge read it in a day.

9. The Dark Tide by Alicia Jasinska

An underrated fantasy with a sapphic romance, witches and a curse on a town.

We follow Lina. She lives on a small island where the dark tide could cause it to sink. So, every year the Witch Queen lures a boy back to her palace and sacrifices her on the full moon. And so keeps the island city from sinking.

Lina is convinced her brother is going to be taken. She asks Thomas Lin to help. Thomas is the only person to survive the sacrifice. But they draw the Queen’s attention. And instead, Thomas is taken.

Lina offers herself instead of Thomas. But the queen is nothing like Eva expected. And they must choose between saving the island or themselves.

10. One for my Enemy by Olivie Blake

One for my Enemy is an urban fantasy book. This Romeo and Juliet retelling features witches in a city setting.

Set in New York, two rival witch families fight to maintain control of their criminal ventures.

On one side of the conflict are the Antonova sisters, each one beautiful, cunning, and ruthless.

On the other side, the influential Fedorov brothers serve their father, the crime boss known as Koschei the Deathless.

One for my Enemy is perfect for fans of dark academia worldbuilding or morally grey characters.

11. A Lesson in Vengeance by Victoria Lee

A Lesson in Vengeance in a queer thriller with witches. It features fantasy elements but reads as a dark academia mystery.

We follow Felicity Morrrow and is set at Dalloway School. Dalloway School is in the Catskill mountains and is a centuries-old campus.

And it was her home until the tragic death of her girlfriend.

But after a year away, she’s returned to graduate. And she even has her old room back in Godwin House. An exclusive dormitory rumoured to be haunted by the spirits of five Dalloway students rumoured to be witches.  The Dalloway Five all died mysteriously on Godwin Grounds.

12. Bitterthorn by Kat Dunn

A standalone fantasy romance about a curse and a witch. The gothic worldbuilding makes this romantasy stand out. A crumbling castle, a forest and an eerie mystery.

Bitterthorn is set in Blumwald, a town overshadowed by an ancient curse. In a sinister castle in the depths of the wild wood lives a witch. Once a generation, she claims a companion. Never to be seen again.

We follow Mina, daughter of the Duke. Grieving and lonely, she has lost all hope for any future. So when the Witch demands her next companion, Mina volunteers.

This is a haunting fantasy with stunning worldbuilding. The mystery and fast pace make this an easy binge-read.

13. Serpent and Dove by Shelby Mahurin

An enemies to lovers romance with a witch and a witch-hunter. This is perfect for fans of Sarah J Maas, Rebecca Yarros or Carissa Broadbent.

We follow Louise, a witch living in Cesarine where witches are hunted and burned. Reid, a witch hunter, has always lived by the same principle – thou shalt not suffer a witch to live.

But Lou pulls a stunt and forces them into an impossible scenario – holy matrimony.

I love a marriage of convenience. It allows for playful banter and plenty of character development. The morally grey characters are flawed and nuanced. Making this an addictive binge read.

14. The House Witch by Delemhach

A low stakes, slice of life fantasy. The House Witch is ideal if you want cozy fantasy books with witches. The vibes and worldbuilding are unmatched.

The House Witch is set in a medieval world where witches can command a different form of elemental magic – fire, air, water or earth.  We follow Finlay who is a mutant – he’s a House Witch. And he becomes Royal Cook in a castle. And his magic means he can cook the most incredible meals. 

The beautiful food imagery makes this feel so cozy. And I love how the magic is developed. Plus, it features an adorable kitten companion.

Highly recommend if you want cozy books with witches.

15. The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches by Sangu Mandanna

An uplifting cozy fantasy book with witches.

We follow Mika Moon, an isolated witch. Mika hides her magic so she doesn’t draw attention. As an orphan, she’s used to being alone.  And she follows the rules.

With one exception Mika posts videos on her online account pretending to be a witch. She thinks no one will take her seriously.

But someone does.

An unexpected messages begs her to travel to the remote Nowhere House to teach three young witches to control their magic.

 16. A Discovery of Witches by Deborah Harkness

Searching for books for spooky season? A Discover of Witches is the perfect book to read in October. Witches, vampires and a mystery wrapped up with dark academia worldbuilding.

We follow Diana Bishop, a young scholar. In the stacks of Oxford’s Bodleian Library, she calls up a bewitched alchemical manuscript

Descended from an old and distinguished line of witches, Diana wants nothing to do with sorcery.  After a furtive glance and a few notes, she banishes the book to the stacks. 

But her discovery sets a fantastical underworld stirring, and a horde of daemons, witches, and vampires soon descends upon the library.

17. The Ex Hex by Erin Sterling

The Ex Hex is an adorable romance and the perfect autumnal read.

Nine years ago, Vivienne Jones nursed her broken heart like any young witch would: vodka, weepy music, bubble baths…and a curse on the horrible boyfriend.

Sure, Vivi knows she shouldn’t use her magic this way.  But she isn’t worried it will cause him anything more than a bad hair day or two.That is until Rhys Penhallow, returns to Graves Glen, Georgia.

What should be a quick trip to recharge the town’s ley lines and make an appearance at the annual fall festival turns disastrously wrong. Vivi realizes her silly little Ex Hex may not have been so harmless.

18. The Mermaid, The Witch and The Sea by Maggie Tokuda-Hall

The worldbuilding in this book is different to any other book on this list. It features a pirates and fables woven into the story.

In this dual POV, we follow Flora and Evelyn. Flora takes on the identity of Florian to earn the respect of the crew. For a former starving orphan, the brutal life of a pirate is about survival.

But as pirates prepare to sell passengers into slavery, Flora is drawn to Lady Evelyn Hasegawa. She’s en-route to a dreaded arranged marriage.

Flora doesn’t expect to be taken under Evelyn’s wing, and Evelyn doesn’t expect to find such a deep bond with the pirate Florian.

The witch in this book is a more minor character. But this is till worth reading. It pairs romance with sea wild worldbuilding and magic.

19. Witchful Thinking by Celestine Martin

Searching for a cozy fantasy romance with witches? You’ll love Witchful Thinking. This low stakes romance takes place in an adorable small town. A lovely slice of life book.

We follow Lucinda Caraway. She lives in Freya Grove, a mystic seaside town where magic is the norm. She spends her days teaching but can’t stop wishing for more. One night, that wish turns into a spell and suddenly she can’t say no.

The quirky small town makes this such a comforting read. Paired with playful banter, this is an adorable romance. It has just the right amount of spice and magic.

Highly recommend if you want fantasy books with witches.

20. The Witches of Moonshyne Manor by Bianca Marais

Searching for older witches? The Witches of Moonshyne Manor features witches in their eighters and a magical heist. This is also a comforting read.

We follow five octogenarian witches. An angry mob threatens to demolish Moonshyne Manor. Queenie confesses they’ve fallen far behind on their mortgage payments. The witches are determined to save their home and themselves.

I am a huge fan of a magical heist. But, the cantankerous octogenerian witches make this stand out. The writing is hilarious. Plus reading books with older protagonists is refreshing. Life isn’t over after menopause.

Fans of fantasy books with witches will love this funny heist.

This post was all about fantasy books about witches

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