We can’t get enough of witches. After all where would paranormal romance and fantasy books be without a little magic? And witches are guaranteed to add that magical touch. That’s why we are excited to dive into some witchy lore today and recommend the best witch books (in our opinion!).
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Best witch books (in our opinion!)
Witches and magic users in books are a favourite because the roles and expectations can differ massively depending on the author. When you pick up a shifter, fae or vampire romance you already know their basic characteristics, even if the author does a unique spin on it; vampires will always need blood, shifters will always shift and fae will always be beautiful bastards. However, magic users can range from drug addicted witches chasing ghosts (the Downside Ghosts series by Stacia Kane) to Harry Potter and there is a huge ocean of difference between them packed full of more exciting and original ideas than you can shake a wand at.
We are going to splash our feet into some witch lore, keep in mind though that this subject is vast and fascinating, so it really will be a shallow overview. Then we have some recommendations of our personal favourite witch books.
What is a witch?
Witchcraft is a broad term and can conjure up a lot of images, from a Shakespearean crone cackling around a cauldron intent on evil to white robbed women healing the sick. There is such a scope of different ways being a witch can be defined. However, there are some commonalities:
- A close association with nature
- Femininity
What is most interesting, at least to us, is it’s association with being female. After all, if I asked you to picture a witch in your mind, it is likely to be a female figure. The feminine nature of witchcraft is something to keep in mind when thinking about its bloody history of persecution.
Who are some famous witches?
Throughout history, witches have appeared in folklore, legends, and historical records. Here are some famous figures often associated with witchcraft:
Marie Laveau – Known as the Voodoo Queen of New Orleans, Marie Laveau was a highly influential figure in the 19th century. Her reputation as a powerful voodoo priestess made her famous, and she blended Catholicism with African spiritual traditions in her practices.
You can read more about the history of Marie Laveau and our vooodoo paranormal book recommendations in our Under the Covers Community expansion list post.
Tituba – The enslaved woman from the Salem witch trials, whose confession to practicing witchcraft intensified the hysteria that led to numerous executions in 1692.
Joan of Arc – Although primarily a saint and military figure, Joan of Arc was accused of witchcraft by her enemies and executed in 1431, in part due to her visionary experiences and perceived mystical powers.
Mother Shipton – A legendary English witch and prophetess, often regarded as a seer who made predictions about the future in the 16th century. Her prophecies have been passed down for centuries.
Baba Yaga – A mythical witch from Slavic folklore, Baba Yaga is a famous figure in Eastern European stories, often depicted as both a fearsome witch and a wise woman living in a house on chicken legs.
Our Top 10 Witch Books
Witch books come in many shapes and forms, whether they are witchy rom coms, dark fantasy or spicy paranormal romance. But, we wanted to go across all those things and highlight our absolute favourite books and series where the main protagonist is a witch.
Dead Witch Walking by Kim Harrison
Read this if you want:
- A sassy, kick-butt witch protagonist
- A blend of action, mystery, and supernatural creatures
- Urban fantasy with strong friendships and a dash of romance
Get ready for a fast-paced ride with Rachel Morgan, a witch who’s not afraid to break a few rules. Filled with humor, action, and supernatural politics, this book is the perfect start to a series packed with magical chaos and complicated friendships. Rachel’s crew is a wild bunch, and you’ll love every second!
Grab this book on Amazon or read our Dead Witch Walking by Kim Harrison book review
Iron and Magic by Ilona Andrews
Read this if you want:
- A brooding antihero with a troubled past
- A fierce witch heroine who takes no prisoners
- Enemies-to-lovers with intense chemistry
Hugh d’Ambray, a battle-hardened antihero, is forced into an alliance with a mysterious witch, Elara. Their chemistry is electric, and the action never stops. It’s a gritty, intense enemies-to-lovers tale that will keep you on your toes from start to finish.
Grab this book on Amazon or read our Iron and Magic by Ilona Andrews book review
Iron and Magic is a spin off of the Kate Daniels series. If you want to start reading this world, check out our complete Kate Daniels by Ilona Andrews series guide.
Dime Store Magic by Kelley Armstrong
Read this if you want:
- Family drama and magical guardianship
- Strong female witch protagonist
- Urban fantasy with a hint of romance
Paige Winterbourne is just trying to live her life as a witch in the human world, but when a custody battle over a young sorceress turns deadly, it’s game on. Expect family dynamics, witchcraft, and just a touch of romance in this page-turner.
Grab this book on Amazon or read our Dime Store Magic by Kelley Armstrong book review
Unholy Ghosts by Stacia Kane
Read this if you want:
- A dark, gritty urban fantasy with flawed characters
- Ghosts, demons, and a haunted city
- A troubled heroine with an edge
In a world where ghosts haunt the living, Chess Putnam is a flawed but fierce witch, using her magic to keep the supernatural at bay. This gritty series offers a dark, edgy vibe with addictive world-building, filled with demons, drug addiction, and a troubled yet relatable heroine.
Grab this book on Amazon or read our Unholy Ghosts by Stacia Kane book review
The Year of the Witching by Alexis Henderson
Read this if you want:
- A dark, feminist witch tale with gothic vibes
- Forbidden magic and ominous forests
- A slow-burning, atmospheric read
This gothic, dark fantasy follows Immanuelle, a young woman grappling with forbidden magic and religious oppression in her puritanical society. Creepy woods, a cult-like church, and simmering feminist undertones make this tale as eerie as it is empowering.
Are you ready for the scares? Check out our list of horror book recommendations.
Dragon Unleashed by Grace Draven
Read this if you want:
- A swoon-worthy dragon shifter hero
- Slow-burn, emotional romance
- High fantasy world-building
A healer with a secret power meets a dragon shifter desperate to reclaim his true form. Their journey together is filled with danger, slow-burn romance, and a touch of magic. Dragon Unleashed delivers the perfect blend of fantasy, adventure, and heartwarming romance, perfect for fans of magical worlds.
Grab this book on Amazon or read our Dragon Unleashed by Grace Draven book review
About a Dragon by G.A. Aiken
Read this if you want:
- Laugh-out-loud banter
- A grumpy-sunshine romance
- Sexy dragon shifters
Hilariously chaotic, About a Dragon follows Briec the Mighty, a cocky dragon shifter, and Talaith, the sharp-tongued woman who keeps him on his toes. Packed with laugh-out-loud moments, sizzling chemistry, and heart, this book brings the fun to dragon romance in the most delightful way.
Grab this book on Amazon or read our About a Dragon by G.A. Aiken book review
Wolf Gone Wild by Juliette Cross
Read this if you want:
- A feisty witch and grumpy werewolf pairing
- Paranormal rom-com vibes
- A steamy, slow-burn romance
What happens when a werewolf can’t shift and the only person who can help him is a powerful witch? Wolf Gone Wild is a witty and steamy paranormal romance that blends magic, humor, and a dash of enemies-to-lovers, making it impossible to put down.
Grab this book on Amazon or read our Wolf Gone Wild by Juliette Cross book review
How to Tame a Beast in Seven Days by Kerrelyn Sparks
Read this if you want:
- A magical Beauty and the Beast vibe
- Marriage of convenience with sparks flying
- A broody, cursed hero with a heart of gold
Think Beauty and the Beast meets magical mayhem. A fierce, cursed warrior and a bold, witty heroine are thrown into an arranged marriage, and things get wild. It’s got humor, heart, and just the right amount of heat, perfect for anyone who loves a fairy-tale twist.
Grab this book on Amazon or read our How to Tame a Beast in Seven Days by Kerrelyn Sparks book review
Wicked Deeds on a Winter’s Night by Kresley Cole
Read this if you want:
- Enemies-to-lovers tension
- A sizzling witch-werewolf romance
- High-stakes adventure with paranormal creatures
Bowen is a werewolf chasing after a second chance at love with Mariketa, a powerful witch. Expect intense chemistry, thrilling action, and a lot of steam as they face enemies, magic, and their growing attraction in the supernatural chaos of Kresley Cole’s Immortals After Dark world.
Grab this book on Amazon or read our Wicked Deeds on a Winter’s Night by Kresley Cole book review
Now it’s your turn! What are your absolute favorite witch books whether they are romance, fantasy or urban fantasy or maybe even women across history that have been accused of witchcraft in books (I’m looking at your Claire from Outlander).
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