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WITCHES
Authors O - R
At a Glance
(magical rituals, discussions of African spirituality, supernatural violence, and a villain who targets children)
AUTHOR NNEDI OKORAFOR
AKATA WITCH
Affectionately dubbed "the Nigerian Harry Potter," Akata Witch weaves together a heart-pounding tale of magic, mystery, and finding one's place in the world. Perfect for fans of Children of Blood and Bone!
Sunny Nwazue lives in Nigeria, but she was born in New York City. Her features are West African, but she's albino. She's a terrific athlete, but can't go out into the sun to play soccer. There seems to be no place where she fits in. And then she discovers something amazing—she is a "free agent" with latent magical power. And she has a lot of catching up to do.
Soon she's part of a quartet of magic students, studying the visible and invisible, learning to change reality. But as she’s finding her footing, Sunny and her friends are asked by the magical authorities to help track down a career criminal who knows magic, too. Will their training be enough to help them combat a threat whose powers greatly outnumber theirs?
World Fantasy Award-winning author Nnedi Okorafor blends magic and adventure to create a lush world. Her writing has been called “stunning” by The New York Times and her fans include Rick Riordan, John Green, Ursula K. Le Guin, and many more!
"Jam-packed with mythological wonders." —Rick Riordan, #1 New York Times bestselling author of the Percy Jackson and the Olympians series
Why this book may be a good choice for you and/or your family...
Nnedi Okorafor’s Akata Witch and its series are a fantastic choice for readers who enjoy rich, imaginative stories that blend fantasy with African culture. The series follows a young girl named Sunny, who discovers her magical abilities and embarks on a thrilling adventure in a world full of supernatural forces. The book is filled with creativity, from its well-developed magical system to its exploration of identity, friendship, and belonging. It's perfect for those who enjoy coming-of-age stories set against the backdrop of a richly realized world with a unique cultural perspective. Readers will be captivated by the intriguing characters, their growth, and the mysteries they must solve. In terms of content, Akata Witch is suitable for young adult readers, with a mix of adventure, magic, and mystery. There are no explicit sexual scenes in the book, making it appropriate for teen readers. The story contains some mild violence, as Sunny and her friends face various challenges, but it is not overly graphic or disturbing. The book emphasizes themes like personal growth, friendship, and the acceptance of one's identity, offering valuable lessons without being overly mature or heavy-handed in its content. The series is a great option for families seeking an engaging, thoughtful fantasy story with a focus on cultural diversity and personal empowerment.
(light-teen romance, strong language including profanity, and moderate violence with disturbing elements)
AUTHOR MARISHA PESSL
DARKLY
A KIRKUS REVIEWS BEST BOOK OF THE YEAR
Arcadia “Dia” Gannon has been obsessed with Louisiana Veda, the game designer whose obsessive creations and company, Darkly, have gained a cultlike following. Dia is shocked when she’s chosen for a highly-coveted internship, along with six other teenagers from around the world. Why her? Dia has never won anything in her life.
Darkly, once a game-making empire renowned for its ingenious and utterly terrifying toys and games, now lies dormant after Veda’s mysterious death. The remaining games are priced like rare works of art, with some fetching millions of dollars at auction.
As Dia and her fellow interns delve into the heart of Darkly, they discover hidden symbols, buried clues, and a web of intrigue. Who are these other teens, and what secrets do they keep? Why were any of them really chosen? The answers lie within the twisted labyrinth of Darkly—a chilling and addictive read by Marisha Pessl.
This summer will be the most twisted Darkly game of all.
“Complex and captivating.” —Erin A. Craig, #1 New York Times bestselling author of House of Salt and Sorrows
Why this book may be a good choice for you and/or your family...
In this novel, the romance is relatively light and not central—you’ll find hints of attraction among the teens, but no explicit sex scenes are described. The main focus is on suspense, mystery, and the eerie atmosphere of a game gone wrong involving teen interns and a legendary game-maker. The tone and setting, with gothic elements and psychological tension, make it a strong choice for readers who enjoy darker thrills, puzzles, and complex storytelling, offering much more than just a teen romance. On the flip side, the book does contain some unsettling moments: there’s moderate violence, threats within the context of the game, and spooky scenarios that may feel intense for more sensitive readers. Although the reviews don’t single out heavy swearing or graphic sexual content, the creepy tone and sense of danger might worry some parents looking for purely light reads. If your family prefers gentler themes, this might not be the best pick; but for teens ready for a smart thriller, it could be a compelling choice.
(execution violence including that of children)
AUTHOR OLIVER POTZSCH
THE HANGMAN'S DAUGHTER (BOOK 1)
Germany, 1660: When a dying boy is pulled from the river with a mark crudely tattooed on his shoulder, hangman Jakob Kuisl is called upon to investigate whether witchcraft is at play in his small Bavarian town. Whispers and dark memories of witch trials and the women burned at the stake just seventy years earlier still haunt the streets of Schongau. When more children disappear and an orphan boy is found dead—marked by the same tattoo—the mounting hysteria threatens to erupt into chaos.
Before the unrest forces him to torture and execute the very woman who aided in the birth of his children, Jakob must unravel the truth. With the help of his clever daughter, Magdelena, and Simon, the university-educated son of the town’s physician, Jakob discovers that a devil is indeed loose in Schongau. But it may be too late to prevent bloodshed.
A brilliantly detailed, fast-paced historical thriller, The Hangman’s Daughter is the first novel from German television screenwriter Oliver Pötzsch, a descendent of the Kuisls, a famous Bavarian executioner clan.
Why this book may be a good choice for you and/or your family...
Oliver Potzsch’s The Hangman’s Daughter and the series offer a gripping historical mystery filled with intrigue, suspense, and richly woven characters. Set in 17th-century Germany, the book follows the story of a hangman’s daughter, Magdalena, who becomes entangled in a dark mystery involving a young boy’s death. The series mixes historical accuracy with thrilling drama, making it an ideal choice for readers who enjoy a blend of mystery, history, and crime-solving. The narrative is well-paced, with plenty of twists and turns that will keep readers engaged from start to finish. The characters are deeply developed, and the historical setting adds an authentic feel to the story. In terms of content, The Hangman’s Daughter contains some mild violence, including executions and the darker side of 17th-century life, which may be intense for younger readers but is appropriate for older teens and adults. There is no explicit sexual content in the book, though there are some subtle romantic undertones in the story, which remain respectful and not the focal point of the plot. The series focuses on crime, investigation, and solving moral dilemmas rather than explicit themes, making it a great choice for families looking for a historical mystery that engages with deeper issues like justice, loyalty, and courage. It is a fantastic pick for families who want an adventurous, historically informed read that still maintains a level of accessibility for teen readers.
(contains intense violence, torture, body horror, and a slow-burn enemies-to-lovers romance with mild sensual content)
AUTHORS SARA RAASCH & BETH REVIS
NIGHT OF THE WITCH (BOOK 1)
An instant New York Times bestseller!
Their love could never be forbidden. Book one in the Witch and Hunter duology, an epic enemies to lovers fantasy romance from New York Times bestselling authors Sara Raasch and Beth Revis.
Fritzi is a witch. The lone survivor of a brutal attack on her coven, she's determined to find her only remaining family member and bring the hexenjägers—zealot witch hunters—to justice for the lives they ended. To do this, she will need to take down their leader, the merciless and enigmatic Kommandant Dieter Kirch.
Otto is a hexenjäger—but that's just his cover. Years ago, the hexenjägers burned his innocent mother alive, and he has been plotting his revenge against the people who tore apart his family ever since. And now the time has come for them to pay for what they've done.
When Fritzi and Otto are unexpectedly thrown together, neither is sure they can trust the other. The reluctant truce fueled by their common enemy takes them from the city at the heart of the hexenjägers' power to the wild and mysterious Black Forest. As old truths come to light and new dangers are revealed, Fritzi and Otto uncover a horrifying magical plot at the center of the hexenjäger attacks that leads back to Kommandant Kirch . . . but their own growing feelings for each other may be the most powerful magic of all.
"Set against the backdrop of the Medieval German Witch Trials, Raasch and Revis weave a fantasy and heart-pounding tale full of history, love, witchcraft, and war that will have you gripping your book, waiting for the next shocking twist." — #1 New York Times bestselling author Jennifer L. Armentrout
Why this book may be a good choice for you and/or your family...
Night of the Witch by Beth Revis and Sara Raasch can be a compelling and meaningful read for older teens and families who enjoy dark historical fantasy with a strong emotional core. The book is set during the European witch trials and blends real historical horrors with magical elements, making it a powerful gateway for conversations about justice, persecution, and resilience. The protagonists—Fritzi, a witch in hiding, and Otto, a reluctant witch hunter—form a slow-burn, enemies-to-lovers romance that stays within the bounds of what’s appropriate for mature teens. There are romantic moments and a bit of kissing, but nothing explicit or graphic, making it suitable for families comfortable with mild romantic content. That said, this novel isn't light reading. It contains intense violence, including scenes of torture and body horror, which reflect the brutal realities of the historical time period it’s inspired by. These darker elements are integral to the story’s themes but may be too intense for younger or more sensitive readers. Swearing also appears throughout the narrative, aligning with its grittier tone. Families considering this book should be aware of its emotional and thematic weight—but for the right reader, Night of the Witch offers a gripping, thought-provoking experience that pairs supernatural intrigue with heartfelt character development.
(violence, peril, and dark magical themes)
AUTHOR S. RAMSEY
TALES OF WITCHES AND WYVERNS
Meet Enid Davies - not your ordinary teen! She's more of a cursed witch's daughter and far from the hero type. But when her BFF Dylan is kidnapped by the evil Queen Malagant, things get real crazy, real fast!
Enid is plunged into a dangerous quest in the mystical world of Afallon, with the legendary Merlin as her guide and a couple of contentious companions - a cruel prince and a mysterious ally. Talk about a wild ride!
Could Dylan be the lost Dragon Prince, the stolen heir of Annwyn, the one to save the enchanted realm? Or is it all a monstrous misunderstanding?
Join Enid as she navigates heart-breaking betrayals to save her friend, and fights to protect both worlds from the clutches of darkness. It's a roller-coaster of an epic odyssey that is truly out of this world!
"Plucky and Perilous - A Fast-Paced Fantasy Romance Adventure." - Kirkus Reviews
Why this book may be a good choice for you and/or your family...
S. Ramsey’s Tales of Witches and Wyverns and the series offer a captivating blend of fantasy, adventure, and mythical creatures that will appeal to readers of all ages, especially fans of magic, dragons, and witches. The series immerses readers in a world full of magical beings, including witches and wyverns, where danger and wonder exist in equal measure. The plots are filled with exciting quests, strong-willed protagonists, and high stakes, making them perfect for young readers and families looking for engaging, fast-paced fantasy. The book’s accessible writing style and imaginative world-building make it easy for readers to connect with the characters and get lost in the rich universe. In terms of content, Tales of Witches and Wyverns keeps things family-friendly with no explicit sexual content. While the series does contain moments of action, such as magical battles and some perilous situations, the violence is generally not graphic, making it suitable for younger readers and teens. The primary focus of the story is on friendship, personal growth, and overcoming challenges, with strong moral lessons about bravery and self-discovery. Overall, this series would be a great pick for families seeking an exciting and magical adventure that avoids mature themes, offering an enjoyable and safe reading experience for teens and young adults.
(This is a clean, sweet YA romance with no steam)
AUTHOR LINA RAVENHILL
AFORETIME (BOOK 1)
There is something horrifying hiding in the woods . . .
Anna’s position as a new forest witch is a great honor, and a chance to show what she is capable of.
But, when she finds herself in Gora, an ancient, mysterious castle, she is not sure that she is right for the job.
As Anna learns more about Gora’s inhabitants, she begins to wonder if she can trust anyone at all – including Hadeon,
the dangerous and handsome master of the castle, who appears to have a dark secret.
When she dives deeper into the mysteries of Gora, she uncovers a carefully crafted web of lies and black magic.
To save her friends, Anna embarks on an adventure that will lead her down a path of betrayal, deception, and forbidden love.
Why this book may be a good choice for you and/or your family...
Lina Ravenhill’s Aforetime and the series offer a captivating blend of mystery, fantasy, and time-travel elements, making it an engaging choice for readers and families alike. The plot centers around a richly imagined world filled with magic, ancient secrets, and compelling characters. With a focus on exploration and discovery, it encourages readers to dive into a world where the past and present intertwine, creating a story that sparks imagination and fosters a sense of wonder. The protagonist’s journey through time, dealing with both personal and supernatural challenges, makes it an exciting read for those who enjoy adventure and a touch of the mystical. Regarding content, Aforetime is suitable for younger audiences, as it steers clear of explicit sexual material, focusing instead on character development, relationships, and the intrigue of time travel. While there are moments of tension, action, and emotional depth, the story maintains a family-friendly tone, making it ideal for both teens and adults. Themes of personal growth, loyalty, and overcoming obstacles are at the forefront, providing a positive and enriching reading experience. The absence of mature content ensures that Aforetime is a safe and enjoyable read for families looking for an engaging fantasy series without inappropriate material.
(gentle fantasy with mild peril, no explicit content, and clean themes)
AUTHOR ALEXES RAZEVICH
ICE-COLD DEATH (BOOK 1)
Murder and dark magic are just the beginning.
I should have known finding a dead teammate on the ice rink was just the beginning. As if the psychic vision of his murder wasn't bad enough—watching him die, feeling his pain—now I've got a frustratingly handsome wizard-slash-private investigator asking for my help solving the case. Me, Oona Goodlight, who's spent years trying to keep my empathic abilities under wraps while playing beer league hockey.
But there's something seriously wrong about our killer's aura—a weird doubling effect I've never seen before. And when I start sensing his presence around town and seeing figures that vanish into thin air, I realize I'm already caught in whatever twisted game he's playing. Now I have to use the psychic powers I've always hidden to track down a murderer who might not even be human, all while trying to figure out if I can trust Diego Adair, the mysterious wizard who seems to know more than he's telling.
One thing's for sure: if I don't solve this case fast, I might be the killer's next target. And in Hermosa Beach where magic and murder mix beneath the surface of ordinary life, nothing—and no one—is exactly what they seem.
If you enjoy the perfect combination of murder mystery and the paranormal blended with a dash of romance, you’ll love this series.
Why this book may be a good choice for you and/or your family...
Oona Goodlight by Alexes Razevich may be a great choice for readers and families who enjoy gentle, whimsical fantasy with a strong female lead and themes of kindness, courage, and personal discovery. The story leans into magical realism and creative worldbuilding rather than dark or edgy content, making it a safe and comforting pick for those who prefer clean reading material. There's little to no sexual content, and any romance present is light and non-graphic. Violence is mild, more in the realm of magical conflict than anything intense or disturbing, and there's no strong language to be concerned about. On the other hand, families or readers looking for fast-paced action, high-stakes drama, or complex romantic subplots might find the tone of Oona Goodlight too soft or slow. Its strength lies in charm and imagination rather than suspense or grit, so it may not suit those who prefer a more intense or emotionally charged reading experience. Still, for those who appreciate a story that feels like a modern fairy tale—with heart, magic, and a thoughtful message—it’s a lovely and content-appropriate addition to a family library.
(some language, sensual kissing, contains same-sex relationship with minor characters)
AUTHOR RAINBOW ROWELL
CARRY ON
Simon Snow is the worst Chosen One who's ever been chosen.
That's what his roommate, Baz, says. And Baz might be evil and a vampire and a complete git, but he's probably right.
Half the time, Simon can't even make his wand work, and the other half, he starts something on fire. His mentor's avoiding him, his girlfriend broke up with him, and there's a magic-eating monster running around, wearing Simon's face. Baz would be having a field day with all this, if he were here -- it's their last year at the Watford School of Magicks, and Simon's infuriating nemesis didn't even bother to show up.
Carry On - The Rise and Fall of Simon Snow is a ghost story, a love story and a mystery. It has just as much kissing and talking as you'd expect from a Rainbow Rowell story - but far, far more monsters.
Why this book may be a good choice for you and/or your family...
Rainbow Rowell’s Carry On and the series offer a delightful blend of fantasy, adventure, and coming-of-age themes, making it a great choice for both teens and adults. The story follows Simon Snow, a young wizard at a magical school, who finds himself caught in the middle of a mysterious conflict involving magic, his classmates, and the fate of his world. The book features themes of friendship, identity, and love, with a strong focus on Simon’s personal growth and his relationship with his friends and family. The unique take on magical school tropes, combined with Rowell’s signature witty writing, makes this a fun and emotionally engaging read for a wide range of readers. While Carry On does explore romantic relationships and emotions, the content is moderate and focuses more on the emotional depth of the characters rather than explicit or overly sexual themes. There is some mild romantic tension between Simon and his love interest, Baz, with a few passionate moments, but these are handled with a light touch, making the book suitable for older teens and adults. Overall, the series is a great choice for families looking for a fantasy that explores relationships in a thoughtful, age-appropriate way, with minimal focus on sexual content. It balances action, magic, and personal growth, creating a well-rounded and engaging experience for readers.
(moderate violence (WWII/Nazi-occult context), mild romantic subplot, some mild swearing)
AUTHOR MORGAN RYAN
A RESISTANCE OF WITCHES (BOOK 1)
As World War II rages around her, a witch abandoned by her coven must journey to find a book of unspeakable power before it lands in Nazi hands
Stubborn, plain-spoken and from an unimpressive family, Lydia Polk never expected to be accepted into the Royal Academy of Witches. Now, with Hitler’s army rampaging across Europe, the witches of Britain have joined the war effort, and Lydia is key to the cause: she must use her magic to track down magical relics before Hitler and his sycophants can. When a Nazi witch infiltrates the Academy with heart-breaking consequences, the coven is left shaken, exposed and divided. The elder British witches have no interest in further loss of coven life in service of a government that has forced them into hiding for decades, no matter the consequences to the world. But with the discovery of the Grimorium Bellum, an ancient book that leaves a trail of death and destruction wherever it goes, Lydia knows her mission has never been more urgent.
Alone and woefully outnumbered, Lydia makes her way to the heart of occupied France, where she finds allies in Rebecca Gagne—a fierce French resistance fighter chockful of secrets—and Henry Boudreaux—a handsome Haitian-American art historian with a little magic of his own. Together, they traverse the country, stalked by the natural and supernatural alike, in search of the grimoire. But, as Lydia soon discovers, finding the book is only half the battle—the Grimorium Bellum has a dark agenda all its own. Lydia must subdue it before the Witches of the Third Reich can use it—but she’ll have to survive the book herself, first.
“War II meets A Discovery of Witches…I raced through this one.” —Kate Quinn, New York Times bestselling author of The Briar Club
Why this book may be a good choice for you and/or your family...
A Resistance of Witches by Morgan Ryan offers a thrilling blend of historical fantasy and espionage, featuring a strong protagonist, themes of bravery and friendship, and a subtle romance that doesn’t dominate the story—it could be a good choice for readers who appreciate action, magic, WWII-era settings, and diverse characters (including a Haitian-American character and queer representation) with an engaging pace. On the flip side, the book includes significant violence, war-related trauma (including torture, murders, blood and death), some moderate swearing and racial slurs, and while the romance remains fairly mild there is intimate emotional content—not overly explicit—but the wartime horrors and darker magical elements may make it less suitable for younger or more sensitive readers without parental discussion.