37 Spellbinding Best Books About Witches

Are you looking for wickedly witchy books? Discover the best books about witches for adults and teens.

From witches grounded in a deep Wiccan past to whimsical beasties with powers and coming-of-age stories, witches take on many roles in modern-day literature.

Books about witches tend to focus on women versus men who are usually associated with warlocks and wizards.

We are talking about evil women. Women who are different. Powerful women. Women with voices. Stunningly mesmerizing women. Magical women.

We find witches fascinating, and yet, society loves to hate and scapegoat them. Equally, we fear witches but we also fall madly in love with them.

Below, discover some of the best fiction and nonfiction books about witches to get you into the paranormal spirit.

With some of these spellbinding and wickedly witchy books, witches are upfront and center, Hocus Pocus-style. 

For the other more popular witch books, these powerful cacklers play minor but necessary background roles.

You will also discover Wicca and witchcraft books, Salem Witch Trial books, YA books about witches, and some of the best witch books to read for Halloween.

So, what are our favorite books with witches? Let’s get started!

Love the paranormal and scary books? Don’t miss these seriously spooky books.

P.S. Don’t forget that you can find many of these witch books discounted or free with:

1. We get the month’s hottest new and upcoming titles from Book of the Month.
2. Try Audible Plus.
3. Find books via Kindle Unlimited Membership Plans.
4. As a member of Amazon Prime, don’t miss Amazon First Reads — early access to Kindle books.

37 Best Books About Witches

The Inheritance of Orquídea Divina by Zoraida Córdova

If you enjoy Isabel Allende, you might equally love Zoraida Córdova’s writing. The Inheritance of Orquídea Divina is one of the most beautifully written books with witches. Orquídea’s magic will entrance you.

A blend of magical realism and fantasy, Orquídea Divina writes to her family informing them that she is dying.

Inviting them to collect their inheritance, the Montoyas know very little about their witchy family member, except that odd things happen to anything within her reach. Think Practical Magic.

For her entire life, Orquídea had remained hidden in her magically created and protected home in Four Rivers, running from something deadly.

With her death, that ‘something’ plans on seeking revenge upon her family members.

Orquídea’s descendants desire more answers, heading to Ecuador as each of Orquídea’s gifts manifest. We read about the past, present, and future.

The Inheritance of Orquídea Divina will transport you to Ecuador and share powerful Latinx experiences. This witchy book is an homage to ancestry and will leave you absolutely spellbound. Amazon | Goodreads

The Witch’s Daughter by Paula Brackston

If you love time travel books, The Witch’s Daughter promises historical romance with modern fantasy.

In 1628, Bess Hawksmith watches her mother hang from the Hanging Tree. A similar fate awaits Bess unless Gideon Masters and his Book of Shadows can save her.

Bess learns about her powers from Gideon, ultimately becoming immortal. However, centuries into the future, Gideon desires payment for saving her life.

Meanwhile, in modern-day England, Elizabeth takes on an apprentice. She teaches her the ways of the Hedge Witch.

Once again, readers watch as memories and powers awaken where both good and evil come from such magical gifts. Amazon | Goodreads

The Once Future Witches by Alix E. Harrow

If you are a member of our Facebook group, Uncorked Readers, you might have read Harrow’s The Ten Thousand Doors of January with us.

Harrow is one of those authors that you enjoy if slow burns and lengthy books are your jam.

For feminist witch books, follow three sisters who join the suffragists of New Salem. It’s 1893, and witchcraft is a mere memory until James Juniper, Agnes Amaranth, and Beatrice Belladonna bring it back in the name of equality.

Find themes of motherhood, revolution, and family. Uncover the power of words. Amazon | Goodreads

The Familiars by Stacey Halls

Head to 1612 Lancaster, England where women are falling under the public scrutiny of false accusations and undying suspicion.

A letter arrives warning Fleetwood Shuttleworth’s husband that she will not survive her pregnancy. While wandering the grounds, Fleetwood meets Alice Gray — who promises the safe delivery of her child.

Alice soon becomes victim to the witch trials, though, and both women must try to survive. Can they save each other?

The Familiars is based loosely on the real Pendle witch trials and raises the question about who and what were really being hunted. Amazon | Goodreads

Good Omens by Terry Pratchett and Neil Gaiman

Neil Gaiman is loved across the library world.  Along with Amazon Prime’s Good Omens, don’t miss out on one of the best paranormal and witchy books of all time.

Armageddon is on its way with the birth of Satan, some evilly confused nuns, and a baby switch.

Comedic yet thought-provoking, watch an angel and demon work together to find the Antichrist and ultimately save the realm that they fell in love with.

Meanwhile, Agnes Nutter — a prophetic witch burned at the stake — has passed down all of her worldly knowledge to a descendant, Anathema. 

Together, this unlikely crew attempts to save the world. Amazon | Goodreads |  Read More

The Color of Fear by Wendy Wanner

Written by indie author, Wendy Wanner, The Color of Fear is a Wiccan novel with a modern-day murder mystery.

Rachel’s life is full of tragic deaths, which as they build in number seems suspiciously intentional.

In a small town full of old money and waspy secrets, Rachel must uncover the clandestine lies that tie together all of these murders.

With strong, hell-bent women, affairs, suicides, murders, water phobias, and unplanned pregnancies, there is only one answer: witchcraft.

More than your average cozy mystery, The Color of Fear focuses on relationships and political corruption in a Jan Karon town meets witches kind of description.

There is more of a magical realism component than the magic itself. The Color Of Fear is one of many lesser-known books about witches on this reading list. Amazon | Goodreads

Practical Magic by Alice Hoffman

Many books about witches take place in Massachusetts, and not only because of Salem. New England is full of history and ghosts.

Practical Magic is a charming but equally intense book about the Owen sisters that will transport you to New England.

Gillian and Sally have never fit in throughout their entire lives. With eccentric aunts, spells, and black cats, the sisters try to escape their seemingly cursed lives, one through marriage and the other by running away.

One of the witch books on this list also made into a movie, watch the sisters reunite in an enchanting and heartwarming story about self-acceptance and family ties. Amazon | Goodreads

The Mercies by Kirin Millwood Hargrave

For enthralling historical fiction witch books, The Mercies will transport readers to Norway.

Beginning in 1617 Finnmark, Norway, Maren Magnusdatter’s brother and father die in a tragic storm. Along with the 38 other men killed, their families — all women — are left to fend for themselves.

When Absalom Cornet and his wife head to Vardø, which is now run by powerful and independent women, Absalom deems the island as evil. He did just burn women as witches back in Scotland.

Inspired by a true story about the Vardø storm and the 1621 witch trials, uncover a captivating witchy book about community. Amazon | Goodreads

The Witch’s Market by Mingmei Yip

Eileen Chen, a Chinese-American assistant professor in San Francisco, believes that witchcraft is a superstition. Her grandmother was a shamaness, which makes the subject slightly more personal and intriguing.

Headed to the Canary Islands, Eileen finds Tenerife full of magic, charm, and romance. Can she trust her feelings in such an enchanting environment?

If you are looking for historical fiction books about witches, The Witch’s Market will blend travel with witchcraft and themes about love and greed. Amazon | Goodreads

The Witch of Willow Hall by Hester Fox

The Witch of Willow Hall is one of those witchy books perfect for adults who love paranormal and gothic stories.

Sisters Catherine, Emeline, and Lydia are forced to flee their debutante city life over a family scandal.  Relocated outside of Boston, they find themselves on a haunted piece of land with a chilling history.

Willow Hall has seen quite its share of tragedies and is cursed by a mysterious woman. Ghosts and witches haunt the pond outside and pace the upstairs floors.

There are tragic deaths, scandalous love affairs, and jealous sisters.  Sadly, not all of the sisters will make it to the end of the story. Amazon | Goodreads | Read The Review

The Widow Of Pale Harbor by Hester Fox

If you are looking for gothic fiction books with witches and a literary twist, don’t miss The Widow Of Pale Harbor.

Sophronia Carver is a new widow accused of murder by a sleepy town that is not only jealous of her wealth but also of her beauty. We know this story too well. 

Of course, they also deem Sophy a witch using practical magic and spells to punish the residents of Pale Harbor.

Sophy becomes the target of death threats inspired by Edgar Allan Poe’s stories, which we know are terrifying.

Enter the hunky minister, Gabe, who is also trying to escape his past.  Gabe is determined to uncover Sophronia’s true identity.

While caught up in this gothic murder mystery, a romance ignites between the two.  Will Sophy survive to see it through? Amazon | Goodreads | Read The Review

A Discovery of Witches by Deborah Harkness

If you are looking for a bestselling and longer witchy books series for adults, you devour the All Souls Trilogy. A Discovery Witches is the first witch book in the bestselling All Souls Trilogy.

We have yet to read the entire series — the books are incredibly captivating but long — but the first book hooked us with its love story. We just love the TV series, too.

Witches are not supposed to trust vampires. However, when Diana Bishop, a descendant of witches, discovers a coveted and magically essential text, all of this is about to change.

With the trifecta perfection of an intriguing man — mysterious, deadly, and presumably gorgeous — Diana must learn and accept more about her own witchy dealings while helping the magical community.

Fantasy, romance, and mystery all tied into one will keep readers digging deeper into the hundreds of pages and wanting more. Amazon | Goodreads | Read More

Wicked by Gregory Maguire

Wicked is one of the best witch books for adults that offers satire, humor, and a story that we all know.

Most of us have seen or heard about the Tony-award-winning Broadway musical, Wicked, based loosely on this book.

Truly, welcome to our personal hell. Readers enter the world of Oz. Shiver.

This Wizard of Oz story is brilliantly told from a different perspective.  Wicked is more about the Wicked Witch of the West, Elphaba, and how she reaches an unfair and untimely demise.

With a rough upbringing, school bullying, and the spoiled and ever-popular Galinda (Glinda), we realize that maybe the Wicked Witch isn’t so evil after all.

Maybe she is just a social activist with strong political views. Amazon | Goodreads | Read More

Dead Until Dark by Charlaine Harris

The Sookie Stackhouse series is a bit of a stretch for books about witches, but we promise that you will find witches and a plethora of similarly fantastical beings scattered throughout the plot.

Even more, if you love vampire books or books set in the South, Sookie is for you.

We have read all 15 novels but we could not get through more than one season of True Blood. 

For those who are worried about the crazy sexual cults and violence from the TV series, we promise you that the books are much, much different.

Harris is the goddess of world-building, and she places her mind-reading protagonist at the heart of it all.

Sookie is not your average bartender, and trouble finds her everywhere.

Find inter-species romance, vampire wars, wicked witch covens, cuddly shapeshifters, best friend drama, and a society filled with hate and prejudice.

Dead Until Dark is the perfect lighter vampire and witch book.  Well-written, the entire series adds peanut butter to your fluff. 

Did we mention that you can find copies for 3 cents online? A worthy investment. Amazon | Goodreads | Read More

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The Witching Hour by Anne Rice

Anne Rice is famous for her paranormal books about witches and vampires. The first in the Lives Of Mayfair Witches series, The Witching Hour explores witchcraft and the occult.

Set in New Orleans, the story begins with a now muted woman rocking in her porch chair.

Rowan Mayfair brings back to life a dead man she discovers on the beach. Falling in love, they work to uncover each other’s histories heading to New Orleans, San Francisco, Amsterdam, Scotland, and Louis XIV’s château in France.

A family saga and story about heritage, Rice introduces readers to a powerful dynasty of witches. If Louis XIV’s château sounds intriguing, don’t miss even more books set in France. Amazon | Goodreads

Macbeth by William Shakespeare

If you are looking for witchy books for adults that are timeless classics, grab Macbeth.

Set in Scotland with a moral about the destructive greed and need for power, we watch the new King of Scotland fall.

Macbeth murders his predecessor to acquire the throne but is overcome with paranoia. Macbeth is on the brink of insanity. Murder begets murder.

Three witches prophesize Macbeth’s chilling undertakings and watch his chaotic path of destruction throughout the play. For literature lovers and those looking for witch books for Halloween, this one is for you.

P.S. Rumor has it that the word ‘Macbeth’ is cursed and surrounded by misfortune if spoken within the theater. You might want to just call it The Scottish Play. Amazon | Goodreads

The Crucible by Arthur Miller

Arthur Miller’s The Crucible is both the perfect YA witch book as well as one of the best fiction books about witches and the witchcraft hysteria in Salem. 

Set in 1692 during strict Massachusetts Puritan times, The Crucible exemplifies religion, fear, and change coming together.

Amongst love affairs, religious suppression, and racial prejudice, the townspeople scapegoat witchcraft for all of their own wrongdoings. 

Pointing fingers at witches left and right to save themselves, the town falls under public scrutiny.

Watch along with the witch trials in a poignant commentary about human collective nature and evil. Amazon | Goodreads | Read More

I, Tituba, Black Witch of Salem by Maryse Condé

If you are looking for translated books about witches, pick up I, Tituba, Black Witch of Salem. Translated from French by Richard Philcox, this Salem Witch Trials book tells the story of Tituba, a West African slave.

A book about racism and sexism, in 1692, Tituba is accused of witchcraft and thrown into jail in Salem, Massachusetts.

Condé attempts to bring Tituba’s story to life in a new light. Everyone has heard about Tituba in the nonfiction realm but in fictional books about the witch trials, Tituba is largely missing. Amazon | Goodreads

The Physick Book Of Deliverance Dane by Katherine Howe

A modern-day story traveling back to the Salem Witch Trials, The Physick Book Of Deliverance might speak to you.

Connie Goodwin is a Harvard graduate heading to Salem for the summer. When she finds an old key within a seventeenth-century Bible, Connie learns more about her past, including ties to the Salem Witch Trials. Amazon | Goodreads

The Heretic’s Daughter by Kathleen Kent

Another popular book about witches, Kent takes readers to Salem in 1752. Sarah Carrier Chapman survived the Salem Witch Trials while her mother was killed.

Sarah shares her story beginning when her family arrives in New England to an area that is struggling with religion, superstition, control, and fear.

In order to save her daughter from death, Martha Carrier creates a lie that she understands she won’t survive. At least she can save her daughter. Amazon | Goodreads

Initiated by Amanda Yates Garcia

For a memoir about Wicca and witches, Initiated shares Amanda’s experiences as a real-life witch. Amanda’s mother initiated her into witchcraft when she was 13 years old.

However, Amanda describes a much more graphic version of this initiation, including the effects of poverty and the underground world of sex work.

These experiences and observations helped Amanda come into her powers and magical being.

Initiated is a story about Amanda’s self-discovery and personal empowerment in a misogynist society.

She also takes a deeper dive into modern-day versions of the witch trials, discussing feminism as well as tying in mythology and women in history. Amazon | Goodreads

The Witches by Stacy Schiff

For nonfiction books about witches, The Witches examines hysteria, anxiety, and crowdsourcing — from an award-winning historian.

The Witches provides fresh insight into the Salem Witch Trials and Salem witchcraft phenomenon — lessons that carry through to today’s times.

Schiff is also a Pulitzer Prize winner, which especially makes me want to not miss this book about witches and public pressure. Amazon | Goodreads

A Storm of Witchcraft by Emerson W. Baker

In 1692, Salem witnessed the largest and most deadly witchcraft hysteria in America. Over 19 innocent people died as a result.

A Storm of Witchcraft, Baker shows how politics, war, and religion fed into scapegoating and hysteria. Group mentality and the perfect combination of events fueled the accusations.

If you are looking for nonfiction books about witches that best explain how this tragedy occurred, Baker’s title examines American history and the trials in a much larger context. Amazon | Goodreads

Blood Like Magic by Liselle Sambury

For one of the best dark fantasy YA witch books, Blood Like Magic follows the story of Voya Thomas. Voya must sacrifice her first love to save her family’s magic.

This killing is the only way that Voya can pass her Calling trials. There is one catch, though.

Voya has never been in love. This means that she’ll actually have to find the right guy before she offs him.

With the help of a genetic matchmaking program, Voya meets the frustrating Luc — making her task seem even more impossible. Amazon | Goodreads

The Bone Witch by Rin Chupeco

If you are craving YA books about witches, pick up The Bone Witch by Rin Chupeco.

By accident, Tea brings her brother back to life, making her a bone witch.  Bone witches are traditionally feared and avoided. 

With the help of her brother, Tea must find her place in the world while overcoming dark challenges. Amazon | Goodreads

The Wicked Deep by Shea Ernshaw

Supernatural witchy books for teenagers are all the rage. The Wicked Deep does not disappoint with witches, soul possession, and a little romance.

Every season, the Swan Sisters haunt the town of Sparrow to avenge their drowning as accused witches. The legend has it that during Swan Season, the girls possess three female bodies. 

Enchantingly attractive, they seduce three boys out to sea. We are sure that you can guess that these boys are not returning, ever.

A spectator sport for tourists, this year is no different as Penny and Bo both attempt to stay alive and uninhabited. Unfortunately, you cannot trust anyone.

Ernshaw adds a few twists and turns into this fantasy thriller. If you love ghostly witch books, Hocus Pocus, or Salem, MA, this title is for you. 

The Wicked Deep is one of our favorite YA fiction books about witches. Amazon | Goodreads

Carry On by Rainbow Rowell

While all of these YA books about witches are female-centric, we wanted to include a witch-wizard novel too. Carry On is the fanfiction spinoff for Rainbow Rowell’s Fangirl.

An LGBTQ+ YA book with witches, vampires, ghosts, wizards, and romance, if you like Harry Potter, Carry On might suit you.

Simon Snow is an orphan. Starting his 8th year at magic school, Simon sucks at magic. Unfortunately, he is the ‘Chosen One’ meant to defeat the evil Humdrum in the UK.

Simon and his roommate and nemesis, Baz – which is also a romantic relationship carried over from Fangirl – try to defeat the Humdrum and kill the Mage. P.S. Baz is an ‘evil’ vampire. Amazon | Goodreads

Find even more YA vampire books.

Beautiful Creatures by Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl

If you are looking for fantastical YA books about witches, don’t miss the Caster Chronicle series. Lena possesses magical powers and a curse that she has been hiding until now. 

On her 16th Birthday, Lena must choose between Light and Dark.  This decision comes with deadly consequences in Garcia’s bestselling witchy YA book, Beautiful Creatures, the first in the series.

Magically connected, Ethan finds himself dreaming about Lena before she moves to his town of Gatlin, South Carolina.

Follow along with Lena’s tough choices that come into conflict with morals, family, and ultimately falling in love. Amazon | Goodreads

Grim Lovelies by Megan Shepherd

If you love sweet YA witch books, you’ll adore Grim Lovelies. Imagine a Cinderella story gone dark.

Add in some Harry Potter elements such as a witch war and characters treated like servants when in reality, they are the most powerful beings alive.

Transformed from animals into humans, Anouck and her friends work for a cruel mistress.  They have grand plans for their futures.

When Mada Vittora is murdered, though, they still are not free. If no other powerful witch will cast their human spell, back to beasties they go.

Shepherd builds a world rich with royalty, power, and corruption. The first in a witchy book series for teenagers, the ending is anything but clean and settled.

Megan Shepherd lives just outside of our Asheville home and is a famous WNC author. Amazon | Goodreads | Book Review

Hex Hall by Rachel Hawkins

Sophy Mercer is a witch struggling to fit into the normal human world.  Muggles, right?!  

When all heck breaks loose, her father sends her to Hex Hall, a reform school for the paranormal.

As if struggling through mean girls and high school isn’t enough, she must learn about her powers while staying safe against an evil predator. Amazon | Goodreads

Akata Witch by Nnedi Okorafor

For more books about witches that will transport you abroad, head to Nigeria in Akata Witch.

Sunny Nwazue learns that her albinism is hiding her magical powers. She didn’t always quite fit in, especially having to stay out of the sun.

As Sunny learns more and more about her magic, she and her friends must track down a dangerous criminal.

Akata Witch is also recommended for Harry Potter and Children of Blood and Bone fans. You can also find Nnedi Okorafor’s books on our Ghanaian books reading list. Amazon | Goodreads | Read More

A Great and Terrible Beauty by Libba Bray

Part of the Emma Doyle Trilogy, meet Gemma Doyle, a young girl with abilities to see into the future.

Shipped off to an eerie boarding school with a deadly history, Gemma no longer has a mother. A mysterious boy in the woods keeps following her, too.

Set in England in the 1890s, A Great and Terrible Beauty is one of the less discreet YA books about witches, also incorporating magical realism.

Bray successfully pairs typical boarding school drama with a more historic time period. Powerful and spritely girls with unchartered and naïve magic are a terrifying combination.

Historical fiction meets fantastical witches in this YA Victorian mystery. Prepare for otherworldly dimensions and powers that need reigning in. Amazon | Goodreads |  Read More

Vassa in the Night by Sarah Porter

One of the creepiest and most murderous YA witch books on this list, Vassa in the Night is the retelling of the similarly bizarre Russian folktale Vassilia the Beautiful.

The victim of an evil stepfamily, Vassa carries a little wooden doll, Erg, to protect her. On the quest for light bulbs, Vassa meets a sadistic witch with an affinity for murder.

Babs loves to decapitate teenage shoplifters and stakes them outside her enchanted store. Not everyone is a criminal, but Babs doesn’t care.

Will Vassa survive her temporary imprisonment with Babs? Can she save her friends as well as her entire Brooklyn suburb?

An urban fantasy woven with folktale and suspense, we promise that Vassa in the Night might be one of the weirdest and darkest YA books about witches yet. Amazon | Goodreads |  Read More

Conversion by Katherine Howe

We just eat up YA books about witches set at private schools. These preppy settings always seem to beckon magic and general hysteria.

At St. Joan’s Academy, the popular and high achieving girls start to literally lose it. Is the mental health decline due to pressure and stress or is something more happening?

There are seizures, accusations, and inexplicable hair loss. Only after connecting scenarios with The Crucible does Colleen begin to think that the Salem witch trials of the past are creeping their way into the present.

Suspenseful and chilling with a touch of witchy historical fiction, Howe creates a modern-day YA witch trials novel that is gripping and funny. Amazon | Goodreads |  Read More

The Witches by Roald Dahl

The Witches is technically one of the most fabulously grotesque witch books for elementary-aged children.

Fair warning that Dahl is a little intense for younger kids.  Of course, The Witches is a book about witches.

An unnamed boy’s parents die in a car crash forcing him to live with his Norwegian grandmother. 

Witches are taking over the world. As a former witch hunter, grandma tells the boy how to spot the evil necromancers back at home.

It’s not really a spoiler that the boy comes face to face with the witches and well…transforms…  Find out these witches’ plans as well as the outcome. Amazon | Goodreads |  Read More

The Lion, The Witch, And The Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis

If you are looking for witch books set during WW2, try The Chronicles of Naria. Readers find a magical land ruled by the Evil White Witch. 

During wartime evacuations in a new home, Lucy enters the magical world of Narnia located within a magical wardrobe.   She encounters talking animals and mythical creatures.

Throughout the series, Lucy and her siblings must save the kingdom from the witch.  The Lion, The Witch, And The Wardrobe is one of the most well-known children’s fantasy witch books. Amazon | Goodreads

The Witch Of Blackbird Pond by Elizabeth George Speare

Growing up, we remember reading The Witch of Blackbird Pond by Elizabeth George Speare. Although the Salem Witch Trials didn’t occur until 1692, the book alludes to them.

The Witch of Blackbird Pond takes place in nearby Connecticut in 1687.

A Newbery Medal winner and perfect for younger guys wishing to fit in, meet Kit Tyler. Acclimating to a new home is hard when you’ve recently moved, and Kit’s experience is no different.

Having left Barbados and in need of a friend, Kit meets Hannah Tupper. When the colonists accuse Hannah of being a witch, their friendship and lives are in danger. Amazon | Goodreads

Find even more of your favorite wickedly witchy books here:

1. We get the month’s hottest new and upcoming titles from Book of the Month.
2. Try Audible Plus.
3. Find books via Kindle Unlimited Membership Plans.
4. As a member of Amazon Prime, don’t miss Amazon First Reads — early access to Kindle books.

Save The Best Witch Books For Later

What are your favorite wickedly witchy books?

Which of these witch books have you read? What would you add, and which ones did you love or DNF? Let us know in the comments.

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