I have nothing against the Wicked Witch of the West (or the East, for that matter). I love a good haunted witch’s cottage (from a distance, anyway). But I am thrilled at how many great fantasy books about witches these days deviate from the tired old trope of “all witches are evil crones” to portray magical folk in a more positive, or at least balanced, light.

I’m equally excited to see witchcraft gaining traction as a more widely embraced spiritual practice, instead of always being marginalized as something that’s “just a phase” angsty teens go through or a “crazy” superstition only weirdos are interested in. Of course, as a result, there are a million and three “how-to” witchy books out there, some more useful than others. 

This list, however, isn’t about that.

This list is for those of us who are interested in reading great fictional stories about witches—whether or not we identify as witches ourselves. Fantasy, after all, is how many people become interested in such things in the first place. So let’s take a look at some of the best fantasy books that are not only about witches, but are equally enjoyable for witches (as well as those of us who just like to read about them.)

Favorite Fantasy Books About Witches

These fantasy books about witches portray practitioners as actual human beings with multiple dimensions, rather than the flat stereotypes that plagued fairy stories of eras past.

‘Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West’ by Gregory Maguire

Like I said, I have nothing against the Wicked Witch. You’ve probably at least heard of this incredibly popular retelling, and for good reason: it’s pretty darn awesome. Awesome enough to even spawn its own Broadway musical—which, while very different from the book, was absolutely magical. But regardless of which versions of this story you have or haven’t enjoyed, this rich reimagining stands on its own as a classic. (I can’t speak for the sequels yet, though I hear they’re good too—but weirder.)

The epitome of adult retellings of childhood favorites—and books that skillfully recast villains as relatable, complex protagonists.

‘Practical Magic’ series by Alice Hoffman

I have been in love with Hoffman’s writing ever since reading Green Angel in my teens. Her character work is always impeccable, but is on particularly vivid display in Practical Magic and its sequels, which follows a family of witches generation by generation, tracing their history from modern times all the way back to the 17th century (and possibly beyond). As of this writing, the series is ongoing, but so far it continues to be spellbinding in all the best ways.

Perfect for fans of thought-provoking fantasy novels without war that focus primarily on people and relationships.

‘Circe’ by Madeline Miller

This one has been on my reading wishlist for quite some time, and has been lauded by many as one of the best retellings of The Odyssey to date. Miller’s feminist reimagining of Homer’s classic follows the life of the enchantress Circe, beginning long before the incident with the lotus-eaters and adding incredible depth and empathy to a character that—let’s be honest—deserved a lot more of the spotlight than she got in the original tale.

Introverted witches and fantasy lovers alike, assemble—this one’s for you.

‘Voodoo Dreams: A Novel of Marie Laveau’ by Jewell Parker Rhodes

Disclaimer: I haven’t read this one yet, but it is definitely going on my TBR list. Remember Angela Basset’s badass portrayal of Marie Laveau in American Horror Story: Coven? Imagine an entire book’s worth of that portrayal, only with added depth and complexity, and you’ve got a decent—if still a bit blurry—mental image of what this novel is like. Or so I’ve read.

Think Anne Rice meets historical fantasy, but with more diversity—and fewer vampires.

‘The Mayfair Witches’ series by Anne Rice

Speaking of Anne Rice… no list of witchy books would be complete without a shout-out to the Mayfair Witches series. Not for the faint of heart—content warnings abound, as they always do in Rice’s novels—but if you love a good marriage of lyrical writing and debaucherous intrigue, The Witching Hour and its sequels will not disappoint.

Ideal for fans of provocative storytelling and poetic prose, the Mayfair Witches are a favorite among seasoned Rice readers and newcomers alike.

‘The Circle’ trilogy by Nora Roberts

The Circle trilogy blends a magical past with the modern mundane in an epic adventure that brings together a circle of six chosen individuals to defeat an ancient vampire. (Why do vampires keep sneaking their way onto this list, anyway??) A departure from the slice-of-life romance Roberts is perhaps more typically known for, this series remains one of my favorite fantasy romances to date.

Recommended in particular for fans of Judaic and Celtic mythology—both the Morrigan and Lilith, among others, make appearances in these novels.

More Fantasy Novels About Witches to Add to Your TBR

I get it—you can never have too many books on your shelves (or your TBR list). Here are some more fantasy books about witches to check out, in no particular order. Some of these I have read, and some I have not, so read at your own risk…

• The Abhorsen series by Garth Nix (yes, technically necromancers are witches)
• The Witches of Eastwick by John Updike
• White is for Witching by Helen Oyeyemi
• Beautiful Creatures series by Margaret Stohl
• Uprooted by Naomi Novik
• A Secret History of Witches by Louisa Morgan

Personally, the book at the top of my TBR list at the moment just so happens to be The Book of Magic, which is the next novel to be released in the Practical Magic series. What witchy book are you looking forward to reading next?

Whatever it is, I hope it is truly a magical experience. 😉

Kim Berkley is a fantasy author and narrative designer. She is the creator of The Harbinger’s Head, an interactive novel inspired by Celtic mythology and containing—among other things—witchcraft. Click here to read the first chapter for free!