Hey adventurer!
It’s October 29th, and Halloween is coming. So, what’s a better time to make a blog post about witchy books to read than now?
Something I realized after reading “Alchemised” is that I love reading historical fiction, which can be quite dark. Well, I mean, human history is rather dark and grim, but I didn’t really consider myself as someone who likes reading dark stuff before “Alchemised”. I also love reading whimsical fantasy that features pirates flying houses and witches falling in love with the pirates. This post focuses on 4 books: 2 historical fiction books that talk about witch hunts and are quite dark, and 2 light-hearted and fun adventures.
Goodreads shelf
1. The Witches of Vardø by Anya Bergman
It is a beautifully written book with a fascinating story of survival and womanhood. In times when just about anyone could accuse you of being a witch simply for dancing, you had to be very cautious and learn to adapt to stay alive. I encourage you to read trigger warnings, since witch hunts were brutal, including witch trials and tortures that women had to go through. I have to admit, it was really hard to read at times. The story starts slow and picks up after about 50% mark. And when it picks up, it picks up.
The story is set in Norway in 1662. We follow 3 different points of view: Ingeborg, Maren, and Anna Rhodius. Ingeborg’s mother is being accused of witchcraft and is sent to the fortress at Vardø to stand trial. Ingeborg goes on a journey to save her. Maren is the daughter of a witch who decides to help Ingeborg. Anna Rhodius is the mistress of the king of Denmark, who was sent to Vardø in disgrace.
2. The King’s Witches by Kate Foster
Another fantastic historical fiction book set in Denmark, Norway, and Scotland. This story was an impactful read for me, exploring power dynamics in relationships, honor, duty, and survival. Once again, just about anyone could accuse you of being a witch, whether the reasons were personal or political. Please read the trigger warnings.
This story is set in 1589. We follow 3 different points of view: Princess Anne of Denmark, Kirsten Sorenson, and Jura. Princess Anne of Denmark is betrothed to King James VI of Scotland. Before they can get married, she must live with him for 1 year as a trial period, to prove that she can be a good queen. Kirsten Sorenson is Anne’s maid. And for whatever reason, she wants the marriage to be a success. Jura is a maid in Scotland, and she does healing in her spare time. But these are not the times when healing or using any charms was seen in a good light.
3. The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches by Sangu Mandanna
Such a beautiful and uplifting read. I won’t lie, when I started to read this book, I thought it might be intended for younger audiences. The book proved me wrong within the first 5 pages. I absolutely loved the humor and warmth with which this story enveloped me. I also absolutely loved the relationship development between all the characters.
Modern day. We follow Mika Moon, who is a witch. Normal people don’t know that witches exist, so Mika keeps her identity hidden. She simply has a social media account where she pretends to do witchy stuff. However, through that account, she is found and asked to help teach 3 young witches the ways of magic in a remote cottage. Sounds pretty scary, right? Mika lost her job and has nothing to lose, so she goes there. And the story unfolds.
4. The League of Gentlewomen Witches by India Holton
This book has been such a chaotic, crazy, and whimsical adventure. If you like Jane Austen, this book will probably hit the spot. This is the second book in Dangerous Damsels series, but I don’t think reading the first book is necessary. Although I think the first one was just as fun, and you would understand the world better.
We are in an alternative universe in Victorian England. Pirates who fly houses instead of sailing the seas, and have a huge squabble with witches, who obviously do not exist. Charlotte is absolutely not at all a witch. Alex is a pirate and certainly not a Mr. Darcy. An amulet is stolen, Charlotte and Alex as well as the rest of the pirates and witches go on a hunt for the artifact. What will happen on that adventure? I was swooning.
I hope you enjoyed this list and found something new for yourself : )