Popular Witches You’ll Love (and Fear) All Year Long
I was a sci fi/fantasy kid growing up, so I didn’t stumble across witches-as-a-topic unless they were in Narnia or Discworld. But when someone gave me a copy of the first witch-specific book (the very first title on the list is the fourth book in the series!), I fell under the spell, too. Since then, I’ve read books about good witches, bad witches, very bad witches, sexy witches, non-corporeal witches, time-traveling witches, out-and-proud witches, secret witches, and witches that are not very good at magic at all. Take a peek at the list below, these are my top choices in this niche! Witches don’t need to stay in October; they can mess you up any time of year.
Air Magic – Katie O’Connor
Frank Perrum’s daughter is making him crazy, and there is literally no one left that will put up with her long enough to look after her. He’d be thrilled if Lazuli, a neighbor, would be willing to care for the girl, but there is a problem. Frank would love to take the gorgeous witch next door out on a date, but that would be inappropriate…right? Not to mention that fact that Lazuli and her family are being stalked by very scary people, and that is not a situation for his daughter! Regardless, Frank thinks that he doesn’t deserve Lazuli. He certainly can’t give her what she needs emotionally.
Not only is Lazuli Hawk the weakest member of her magical family, she’s also in the most danger. What’s to be done when your family is the victim of evil magicians, when you have to hide a very powerful, mysterious artifact, and you are super hot for the guy next door, who incidentally is your dead best friend’s husband?
About the author:
Katie’s career path has been long and twisted, with most of her life devoted to her family. She’s been a waitress, chambermaid, cashier, store manager, as well as a lab and X-ray technician. She is an avid quilter and crafter. She’s dabbled in writing since high school because something drives her to create stories. She swears it’s impossible for her NOT to write. Unsatisfied with one genre, Katie writes contemporary romance, erotic romance, fantasy/paranormal romance and erotica. Recently, she crafted her first cozy mystery with the intention of publishing a cozy mystery series.
Becoming Baba Yaga: Trickster, Feminist, and Witch of the Woods – Kris Spisak
Becoming Baba Yaga: Trickster, Feminist, and Witch of the Woods – Kris Spisak, Gennarose Nethercott
Baba Yaga has many forms. An ancient hag, a beautiful witch, a wish granter, and most definitely a complex folktale character.
This detailed look at Slavic folklore takes readers on a historical and cultural journey. Baba Yaga’s tendency to tricks take a back seat to her identities as herbalist and Earth goddess. Don’t miss this modern, complex examination of Baba Yaga as an archetype and a symbol to those looking to find their way through turbulent times. It’s time to look at her whole history, long and complicated (and surprisingly modern!) but a folk figure created to shed light in dark places. long-lasting influence continues to ripple through literature today!
About the author:
Clara Ann Simons is the author of the Watson Memorial Hospital and the Collins Memorial Hospital series, in addition to many stand-alone novels.
Hauntings and House Witchery – Colleen Delaney
Nine long years have passed since Verbena Bay and Luke Karnes shared their first kiss. A lot has happened since then.
Verbena is uber successful! She is a very powerful house witch, an alchemist, and she spends her days moving around town as a sought-after realtor. She is 100% in control…until she isn’t. A violent ghost is hunting her. A family of witches and warlocks is trying to hunt down Verbena and her sister. Her carefully controlled world unravels quickly.
Luke has spent nearly a decade trying to heal from the past. He always thought that his life would include Verbena, but other events destroyed his trust in her. Now he lives a quiet life on Star Island, and just when things feel on an even keel again, his foster brother shows up. With him is the voice (voice only!) of their long-dead guardian, and they need him to help fight to keep certain secrets buried.
Circumstances bring Verbena and Luke back together, and they have to cooperate in order to stop the ghosts, warlocks, and WORSE, but his trust in her can’t be restored overnight.
Maybe if they kiss again the feelings will sort themselves out. If they live that long!
About the author:
Colleen Delaney is an author, librarian, gardener, and occasional baker. She likes being outside in every season except winter, which she prefers to enjoy from a window. She currently lives in the northern Midwest with her husband and four time-consuming children.
Witches of Starbrook: Spellbound & Speechless – Elle Lavendelle
Spellbound & Speechless – Elle Lavendelle
Aspen got out of Starbrook the minute she graduated from high school. When a series of events drags her back to her hometown, she learns that the family tavern is under magical attack, and the only one who can do a damn thing about it is Mac. A security guard and werewolf. Two things.
If the situation was different, Aspen wouldn’t be able to resist Mac’s tattoos, his eyes, his hands…but he has problems of her own. He tries to avoid her, but there is some sort of bond between them that even danger can’t break!
About the author:
Elle Lavendelle is a long-time lover of fantasy and world-building.
There are sooooo many books for those of you seeking witchy reads. If you are looking for something less cozy, don’t miss A Discovery of Witches by Deborah Harkness, the author of The Black Bird Oracle. Even if you’ve already watched the excellent Netflix show, the books are a very different experience!
