What makes a witch series “for adults”
Witches turn up in every part of the bookshelf, from children’s stories to literary novels. Adult witch fiction tends to differ in a few ways: more complicated relationships, darker or more morally mixed themes, and a wider range of genres, including romance, historical fiction, gothic horror and urban fantasy. Some series are gentle and comforting, others are violent or sexually explicit, so check content notes if that matters to you.
All of the series below are fiction. Witches are a staple of the broader fantasy and magic shelf, and many of these books blend fantasy with other genres. For a map of those genres, see our guide to book genres.
Quick picks by mood
- Romantic and scholarly: the All Souls series by Deborah Harkness.
- Family saga with a lyrical touch: the Owens family books by Alice Hoffman.
- Fast, gritty urban fantasy: The Hollows by Kim Harrison.
- Gothic and sweeping: the Lives of the Mayfair Witches by Anne Rice.
- Light, romantic and contemporary: the Thistle Grove books by Lana Harper.
- Comic fantasy: the witches of Terry Pratchett’s Discworld.
Series to start with
All Souls series by Deborah Harkness
It begins with A Discovery of Witches, followed by Shadow of Night and The Book of Life, and the author has since added further novels set in the same world. The story follows a historian who is also a witch and becomes entangled with a vampire, drawing on libraries, alchemy and history. It suits readers who like paranormal romance with a bookish, research-driven plot.
The Owens family books by Alice Hoffman
Practical Magic introduces two sisters from a New England family reputed to carry a curse. Later books return to the family’s earlier generations and the next generation. The tone is closer to magical realism than to action fantasy, with relationships and family history at the center. If this style appeals, our books about magic list has other titles in the same vein.
The Hollows by Kim Harrison
The first book is Dead Witch Walking. This long-running urban fantasy series follows a witch working as a runner in a version of Cincinnati where supernatural beings live openly alongside humans. Expect action, banter, and a growing cast of allies and enemies. It suits readers who like a fast pace and a series with a lot of volumes.
Lives of the Mayfair Witches by Anne Rice
Starting with The Witching Hour, this series traces generations of a New Orleans family linked to a mysterious entity. It is gothic, lengthy and atmospheric, and the first book in particular is a substantial read. It also ties into other works by the same author, which some readers enjoy and others find confusing.
Thistle Grove by Lana Harper
Starting with Payback’s a Witch, this contemporary series is set in a town where rival magical families live. It leans toward romance and humor, and each book tends to focus on a different couple. It is a good pick for lighter, comforting reading.
The witches of Discworld by Terry Pratchett
Within the larger Discworld series, a handful of books follow a group of witches, beginning with Equal Rites and including Wyrd Sisters. They are comic fantasy that is also thoughtful about community, power and everyday work. You can read them without having read the rest of the series, though some readers like to follow publication order.
Standalones and family sagas worth adding
If you prefer to dip in without committing to a series, historical novels about lines of witches, such as those by Louisa Morgan, offer multi-generational stories about women using hidden abilities to survive changing times. Cozy witch novels and witchy romances are also plentiful, and a bookshop or library search for “witch fiction” will surface many more.
How to choose
- Tone. Cozy and romantic, dark and gothic, or funny?
- Length. Some series run to many volumes; others are trilogies.
- Finished or ongoing. Check whether a series is complete if you dislike waiting for sequels.
- Content. Check for violence and adult content before you commit.
- Pairing. Readers who like witches often enjoy other magical settings. Our guide to weird and uncommon book genres can suggest odd neighbors such as magical realism.
Questions readers ask
How many witch books are there? There is no reliable total, because the number depends on how you define “witch” and whether you include nonfiction, children’s and self-published titles. It is safe to say there are a great many.
Are there good books for beginner witches? That question can mean two things. If you mean fiction, the picks above are friendly starting points, especially the Thistle Grove books and Practical Magic. If you mean books about practicing witchcraft as a spiritual or hobby pursuit, those are nonfiction guides, and it is worth reading reviews and checking an author’s background before choosing. This article does not cover them.
What is the book that witches use? In fiction, witches often keep a grimoire, a book of spells and records. Real-world practitioners use many different books, and no single book is universally used.
What five books should everyone read? There is no agreed list. If you want a short starter set of witch fiction, one book from each mood above is a reasonable place to begin.
Related reading
If you enjoy these series, you may also like the books in our best books about magic list, or the older novels in classic novels for book clubs, which include gothic stories with a supernatural edge.