The moment October begins is the moment all the witchy books come out. I mean, is there even a better way to kick off spooky season? I think not.
In the past, I’ve mentioned that I’m not someone who enjoys scary books (or scary… anything, really). I tend to be drawn towards cozy or witchy fantasy and rom-coms around Halloween, rather than horror or creepy-crawly, spine-tingling stories. Each October, I try to read a combination of new-to-me titles and old favorites. In 2022, I put an emphasis on picking up as many witchy books as I possibly could!
Right now, my list of favorite witchy reads is still relatively small, but I have this inkling that it’s going to continue to grow each year. You’ll notice that Rachel Griffin is the absolute queen when it comes to this kind of book, taking the top 3 spots in my round-up. Her books are on another level of atmospheric, witchy goodness and I highly recommend all of them for the ultimate October reading experience!
Keep reading to see all 8 of the witchy books I recommend reading for Halloween and all throughout autumn!
related posts
The Best of Cozy Books for Fall // Your Ultimate Guide to Reading The Grishaverse Books // 15 Immersive Stand-Alone Fantasy Books
8 Witchy Books You Need in Your Life This Halloween
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The Nature of Witches
by Rachel Griffin
Why You Should Read It
“If spring is a whispered promise that everything can be made new, autumn is a brilliant sacrifice born of love. Because if the autumn did not love the spring, it would not fall to winter just so the spring would rise.”
If that quote is not enough to make you want to pick this one up, I’m not sure what will be. I read this book every autumn. It’s in my top 5 favorite novels of all time. It’s atmospheric and gorgeous and everything you could possibly want in your witchy books!
Buy the book: Amazon | Blackwell’s | Bookshop | Waterstones | Libro.fm | Barnes & Noble
Wild is the Witch
by Rachel Griffin
Why You Should Read It
This book will have you itching to visit the PNW. In fact, you’ll have halfway convinced yourself that you’re already there while reading it, because it’s so easy to just dive headfirst into this story. The actual magic is such a gorgeous part of this book. It doesn’t take place during autumn, but the rainy mountains will still give you all the right vibes to read it around Halloween.
Buy the book: Amazon | Blackwell’s | Bookshop | Waterstones | Libro.fm | Barnes & Noble
Bring Me Your Midnight
by Rachel Griffin
Why You Should Read It
This is, hands down, my favorite book of 2023. It almost (but not quite) topped my love of The Nature of Witches, which is definitely saying something if you know how much I adore that book. It’s hauntingly beautiful and you’ll definitely forget you’re even reading. Let the hours pass you by while you escape to the Witchery with Tana and Wolfe and experience a whirlwind of magic and romance that will blow you away.
Buy the book: Amazon | Blackwell’s | Bookshop | Waterstones | Libro.fm | Barnes & Noble
The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches
by Sangu Mandanna
Why You Should Read It
There’s a blurb on the front of this book that says it’s a “warm and witchy hug of a book” and I can’t think of a better description. This book is the epitome of cozy-cute witchiness and you will love every second of it. I read it in one sitting because I couldn’t put it down. It’s got found family, adorable romance, and is full of wholesome witchy goodness from beginning to end. Totally worth every ounce of hype.
Buy the book: Amazon | Blackwell’s | Bookshop | Waterstones | Libro.fm | Barnes & Noble
Payback’s a Witch
by Lana Harper
Why You Should Read It
I picked this up on a whim and wound up totally consumed by the fun story! Imagine Stars Hollow but for witches, a magical tournament, revenge plot, sapphic romance, and a fantastic secondary cast in addition to the awesome main characters. Plus, this is a series, so once you’ve read and loved this one (I’m calling it right now), you can binge the rest!
Buy the book: Amazon | Blackwell’s | Bookshop | Waterstones | Libro.fm | Barnes & Noble
Three Dark Crowns
by Kendare Blake
Why You Should Read It
This was one of the first witchy books I ever read, years and years ago now. It has stuck with me after all this time. It’s dark, it’s morally gray, it’s a little more on the spooky side in comparison to everything else I’ve recommended, and it’s totally addictive. In fact, now that I’m writing about it, I’m thinking it might be time for a reread!
Buy the book: Amazon | Blackwell’s | Bookshop | Waterstones | Libro.fm | Barnes & Noble
A Discovery of Witches
by Deborah Harkness
Why You Should Read It
This series has such polarizing opinions surrounding it, but I, for one, adore it. The first time I read it, I had a tough time getting through the depth of information and the intellectual writing style. However, immediately after I finished it, I couldn’t stop thinking about it. A month later and it was still stuck in my head. I discovered that I had enjoyed it more than I even realized. By the end of 2023, I will have read it three times and I can definitely consider it one of my favorites. It’s very academic, but also perfectly witchy and cozy and absolutely ideal to read around Halloween. And if you love it as much as I do, there’s a pretty great adaptation as well!
Buy the book: Amazon | Blackwell’s | Bookshop | Waterstones | Libro.fm | Barnes & Noble
The Wicked Deep
by Shea Ernshaw
Why You Should Read It
This book is almost even with Three Dark Crowns when it comes to its level of spookiness. It’s definitely got an eerie vibe to it and might not be for everyone, but I thoroughly enjoyed it. It’s mysterious and atmospheric and one of the best witchy books I’ve read, for sure!
Buy the book: Amazon | Blackwell’s | Bookshop | Waterstones | Barnes & Noble
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What are your favorite witchy books to read during the Halloween season?
pin for later
Currently reading and loved Irregular Witches. Read ADOW and it was a relaxing listen! And then hope to read Paybacks a Witch, the Wicked Deep, and The Nature of Witches as well!
What a great reading month you’re having already! Happy October! xx
I just finished reading The Modern Girl’s Guide to Magic. I’m pretty excited to read The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches as it’s part of my fall tbr😇
Ooh I haven’t heard of The Modern Girl’s Guide to Magic. I’ll have to check it out!
Three Dark Crowns as been on my TBR for a while now! I love the concept behind it. I’ve also heard lots of good things about Irregular Witches. Gotta love witchy vibes for the season!
xoxo,
Sydney
http://www.thelotuslist.com