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WITCHES
Authors F - G
At a Glance
(contains themes of child abandonment and mild peril)
AUTHORS HEATHER FAWCETT
THE GRACE OF WILD THINGS
An inventive and fantastical reimagining of Anne of Green Gables—with magic and witches!—that explores found family, loss, and the power of a girl's imagination, from the acclaimed author of The Language of Ghosts and The School Between Winter and Fairyland. Perfect for readers who loved The Girl Who Drank the Moon and Serafina and the Black Cloak.
"A magical, witchy, and thoroughly successful homage to a classic." —Kirkus Reviews (starred review)
Grace has never been good at anything except magic—not that anyone believes her.
While other children are adopted from the orphanage, nobody wants Grace. So she decides to make a home for herself by running away and offering herself as an apprentice to the witch in the nearby woods. After all, who better to teach Grace to use her magic? Surely the witch can’t be that bad.
But the witch is that bad—she steals souls for spells and gobbles up hearts. So Grace offers a deal: If she can learn all 100½ spells in the witch’s grimoire, the witch will make Grace her apprentice. But if Grace fails, the witch can take her magic. The witch agrees, and soon an unexpected bond develops between them.
But the spells are much harder than Grace expected, and when a monster from the witch’s past threatens the home Grace has built, she may have to sacrifice more than her magic to save it.
Why this book may be a good choice for you and/or your family...
Heather Fawcett’s The Grace of Wild Things is a delightful choice for readers who enjoy whimsical, magical tales with strong emotional depth. The story follows Addie, a young woman with dreams of becoming a witch, as she navigates a world where magic is both revered and feared. The book combines enchanting fantasy elements with themes of friendship, courage, and self-discovery, making it a great pick for families. The narrative is rich with enchanting descriptions of nature and magic, which will captivate young readers and adults alike. Addie’s journey toward mastering her magic and uncovering hidden truths is both heartwarming and full of adventure, making it a great choice for readers looking for a fantasy story that feels both fresh and magical. In terms of content, The Grace of Wild Things is suitable for young teen readers, and it has minimal sexual content. There is a mild romantic subplot that adds emotional depth to the story, but the romance is light and not explicit. The book focuses more on Addie’s magical adventures and her relationship with her mentor, along with her personal growth, rather than on any romantic or sexual themes. While the novel does contain some perilous situations involving magical creatures and the challenges Addie faces in learning magic, the violence is not graphic, and the overall tone is uplifting. The book’s messages of kindness, perseverance, and self-empowerment make it an excellent choice for both younger and older readers, particularly those who love stories that explore the magic of nature and personal transformation.
(light romantic banter with flirtatious tension, mild magical violence and mystery around a murder, and moderate language)
AUTHORS MOLLY FITZ
WITCH FOR HIRE (BOOK 1)
My name is Tawny Bigford. I’m 35, single, and I love hot showers. Seriously, all I wanted was a hot shower to start my day off right, but when I went to confront my landlady about the broken plumbing, I wound up talking to her corpse instead.
Now everyone thinks I’m to blame for her murder—not the best way to make an impression on the new neighbors, let me tell you. But how can I prove I’m innocent when I know practically nothing about the woman I supposedly killed?
Especially not the fact that she was the official Beech Grove Town Witch. Her former boss—a snarky black cat named Mr. Fluffikins—says I have to fill her vacated role until the real killer can be caught and brought to justice.
So, whether I like it or not, I’ve just been recruited to the Paranormal Temp Agency. Now I need to solve my landlady’s murder, figure out how to wield my newly granted powers, and maybe even find a way to fit in around here.
Yup. All in a day’s work for this novice witch.
Murder. Magic. And a talking cat with attitude.
When Tawny Bigford becomes the new Town Witch by accident—and by assignment—she’s forced into a magical murder mystery she never asked for. But with a grumpy feline supervisor, a town full of secrets, and powers she barely understands, she’ll have to fake it until she figures it out… or risk becoming the next victim.
If you love paranormal cozies with snark, spells, and a dash of feline side-eye, you won’t want to miss the start of the Paranormal Temp Agency series.
Why this book may or may not be a good choice for you and/or your family...
Witch for Hire by Molly Fitz could be a fun and engaging choice for families or readers who enjoy cozy paranormal mysteries with a touch of humor and lighthearted romance. The romantic content stays sweet and flirty without veering into anything explicit, making it accessible for those who prefer stories with romantic tension that remain clean. The magical elements are whimsical rather than dark, and the murder mystery plot is intriguing without being gruesome. For readers looking for a playful supernatural story with charm, sass, and a quirky cast of characters, this series offers a safe and enjoyable experience. That said, some families might be cautious due to the presence of mild magical violence, references to murder (handled with a cozy-mystery tone), and occasional moderate language. While the content is far from graphic, it may not align with preferences for completely light or non-magical stories. Parents who are selective about books involving witches, magic, or crime—regardless of how gently it’s portrayed—might want to preview the book first. Still, for most readers who are comfortable with fantasy elements and enjoy a mystery with wit and heart, this series strikes a great balance between entertainment and age-appropriate content.
(supernatural threats, knife violence, magic, slow-burn romance, mild swearing)
AUTHOR SEAN FLETCHER
ELEMENTAL OUTCAST (BOOK 1)
In this paranormal world, her death is just the beginning
Riley’s seventeenth birthday should have been fun, but when a knife-wielding psycho attacks her best friend, of course Riley tries to stop him.
Turns out, taking a knife through the heart isn’t all it’s cracked up to be.
Neither is death.
Instead of pearly gates, Riley wakes up alive and ensnared in a witch’s curse with twelve paranormals known as the Outcasts—including the inhumanly beautiful, totally-hates-her-guts vampire Jasper. And shifters, faeries, witches, and other creatures that shouldn’t exist? They’re real. And Riley just might be the most powerful paranormal amongst them.
Between attempting to control her unstable new magic, figuring out what the deal is with broody Jasper, and learning more about her role in the Outcast’s curse, it becomes clear she’s a target. A dangerous paranormal wants her dead. Only this time, dead means dead.
There’s only one thing to do: she’s got a destiny to fulfill.
Why this book may be a good choice for you and/or your family...
Paranormal Outcasts by Sean Fletcher could be a great choice for readers who love fast-paced fantasy filled with magic, shifters, and suspenseful adventures. The series highlights strong, relatable characters navigating danger, friendship, and slow-burn romance. The romantic content stays light and non-explicit, focusing more on emotional tension than physical detail. Violence appears through magical battles, knife fights, and dangerous confrontations, but it is not described in a graphic or gory way. Swearing is mild and infrequent, and there is no explicit sexual content, making the overall tone adventurous while still accessible to a wide range of readers. Families seeking an exciting, imaginative story with action and heart will likely find the series engaging. On the other hand, the series may not be the best fit for every family. Readers who prefer completely gentle stories without danger, romance, or hints of darker themes might find the perilous battles, frequent threats, and mild swearing off-putting. While the romance is clean and not explicit, it may still feel unnecessary to those avoiding romantic elements in their reading. The story also includes moments of tension and suspense that could be unsettling for readers who are sensitive to conflict or violence, even when it’s fantasy-based. Overall, the content falls in a mild-to-moderate range, so whether it’s a good fit depends on each reader’s and family’s comfort level with fantasy danger, light romance, and occasional coarse language.
(contains themes of incest, miscarriage, suicide, child death, and animal death, with minimal swearing and a mild romance)
AUTHORS HESTER FOX
THE WITCH OF WILLOW HALL
"Steeped in Gothic eeriness."--Nicola Cornick, USA Today bestselling author
In Salem, they burned. Now, they will rise.
New Oldbury, 1821
The house holds its breath, trying to outlast me…
Something has awakened in Willow Hall. Eighteen-year-old Lydia Montrose can feel it. But she has no idea what it is.
Rocked by rumor and scandal, Lydia, her parents, and her sisters, Catherine and Emeline, fled their sparkling life in Boston for the sleepy country estate. But bone-chilling noises in the night have Lydia convinced their idyllic new home wasn’t exactly vacant when they arrived.
The Salem witch trials cast a long shadow over the Montrose family as the cloying heat of summer in Massachusetts mingles with something sinister in the air. The sprawling history of Willow Hall is no stranger to secrets, and its dark past soon calls to Lydia, igniting ancient magic she never knew she possessed. But with menacing forces unwilling to rest, threatening to tear her family apart, Lydia must learn to harness her newly discovered power or risk losing everyone she holds dear.
Delve into the magical power of flowers in Hester Fox's captivating new novel, THE BOOK OF THORNS, where long-lost sisters reunite on opposite sides of the Napoleonic Wars and must uncover the secrets of their mother's disappearance and their mystical powers…
Look for these other gothic mysteries from Hester Fox:
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The Last Heir to Blackwood Library
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The Widow of Pale Harbor
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The Orphan of Cemetery Hill
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A Lullaby for Witches
Why this book may or may not be a good choice for you and/or your family...
The Witch of Willow Hall by Hester Fox could be a good choice for readers who enjoy historical fiction with elements of the supernatural. The novel combines an eerie atmosphere, a strong sense of place, and an intriguing family drama that incorporates witchcraft. For those interested in exploring themes of family secrets, personal redemption, and the consequences of past actions, the book offers a compelling narrative. The writing is atmospheric, immersing readers in the dark, gothic world of Willow Hall while exploring both supernatural and emotional layers. Fans of historical mysteries with a touch of the occult might find it especially enjoyable. However, this book may not be the best fit for younger or more sensitive readers, as it includes darker themes like incest, miscarriage, suicide, and the death of children. While the romance remains mild and appropriate for general audiences, the emotional heaviness and mature subject matter could be unsettling for those who prefer lighter stories. Because of these themes, The Witch of Willow Hall is generally better suited for older teens or readers who are comfortable with deeper, more serious topics.
(light and dark magic, violence)
AUTHOR MADELINE FREEMAN
CRYSTAL MAGIC (BOOK 1)
Nothing is safe around Kristyl Barnette. Windows break. Books rocket across the room. Lights flicker. Strange occurrences follow the sixteen-year-old everywhere. She’s an outcast at her school, but everything changes in the blink of an eye.
When tragedy forces her to move to the small town of Clearwater, Michigan, with her estranged aunt Jodi, Kristyl tries to leave her past behind. She makes friends and catches the attention of Owen Marsh, who accepts her without question and who may be able to understand her better than anyone.
But Owen isn’t the only one who notices her. The mysteriously alluring Fox Holloway draws Kristyl’s eye whenever he’s around. And Clearwater High’s chief mean-girl, Crystal Jamison, has her sights set on Kristyl and will stop at nothing to prove what Kristyl really is.
A witch.
Magic can be as dangerous as fire, and Aunt Jodi wants Kristyl to have nothing to do with it. But when a mysterious illness threatens her aunt’s life, Kristyl will do anything to cure her. Enlisting the help of witches could save Jodi, but is dealing in magic worth the consequences?
Why this book may be a good choice for you and/or your family...
Madeline Freeman's Crystal Magic is an excellent choice for readers who enjoy magical adventures with well-developed characters and a strong sense of personal growth. The story follows Kelsey, a young girl who discovers that she possesses crystal magic, an ancient and powerful ability. As she learns to control her newfound powers, Kelsey faces numerous challenges, including dealing with the responsibility that comes with her abilities. The novel combines fantasy, action, and self-discovery, which will engage young adult and teen readers. It’s an exciting, fast-paced story with relatable characters who struggle with identity, friendship, and making tough choices, making it both entertaining and thought-provoking. In terms of content, the book contains no explicit sexual content; there are mild romantic elements that are light and suitable for a younger audience. The focus of the novel is primarily on Kelsey’s magical abilities, her relationships with friends, and her journey toward self-acceptance. While there are some moments of peril and danger as Kelsey navigates the challenges of her magical world, the violence is not graphic, and the overall tone remains accessible and positive. Themes of bravery, personal responsibility, and friendship make it a wholesome and engaging read for families who enjoy fantasy stories with a magical twist.
(creepy witches and scary scenes)
AUTHOR NEIL GAIMAN
CORALINE
This edition of New York Times bestselling and Newbery Medal-winning author Neil Gaiman’s modern classic, Coraline—also an Academy Award-nominated film—is enriched with a foreword from the author, a reader's guide, and more.
"Coraline discovered the door a little while after they moved into the house...."
When Coraline steps through a door to find another house strangely similar to her own (only better), things seem marvelous.
But there's another mother there, and another father, and they want her to stay and be their little girl. They want to change her and never let her go.
Coraline will have to fight with all her wit and courage if she is to save herself and return to her ordinary life.
Neil Gaiman's Coraline is a can't-miss classic that enthralls readers age 8 to 12 but also adults who enjoy a perfect smart spooky read.
Why this book may be a good choice for you and/or your family...
Neil Gaiman's Coraline is a captivating and eerie tale that will captivate readers of all ages, especially those who enjoy dark fantasy with a touch of adventure. The novel follows Coraline, a curious and brave young girl who discovers a parallel world behind a door in her new home. While at first, this world seems enchanting, it soon becomes clear that it is not as welcoming as it first appeared. The book explores themes of bravery, self-reliance, and the importance of appreciating what you have. Gaiman masterfully creates a world that is both magical and unsettling, making Coraline a gripping read for readers who like a balance of spookiness and wonder. In terms of content, Coraline is suitable for older children, though younger readers may find the eerie atmosphere a bit intense. The book does not contain sexual content, and the violence is minimal but may be unsettling for sensitive readers, as the story involves themes of abduction and dark magic. However, these elements are handled in a way that is more eerie than graphic, which allows the story to maintain its suspense without overwhelming younger readers. Overall, Coraline is a great choice for families who are looking for a fantastical tale that encourages courage and resilience, while also offering a few spine-tingling moments for an extra thrill.
(mild swearing, kisssing and some violence)
AUTHOR KAMI GARCIA & MARGARET STOHL
BEAUTIFUL CREATURES (CASTER CHRONICLES BOOK 1)
Lena Duchannes is unlike anyone the small Southern town of Gatlin has ever seen, and she's struggling to conceal her power, and a curse that has haunted her family for generations. But even within the overgrown gardens, murky swamps and crumbling graveyards of the forgotten South, a secret cannot stay hidden forever.
Ethan Wate, who has been counting the months until he can escape from Gatlin, is haunted by dreams of a beautiful girl he has never met. When Lena moves into the town's oldest and most infamous plantation, Ethan is inexplicably drawn to her and determined to uncover the connection between them.
In a town with no surprises, one secret could change everything.
Why this book may be a good choice for you and/or your family...
Beautiful Creatures by Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl is an engaging supernatural romance that will appeal to readers who enjoy a mix of mystery, romance, and southern gothic elements. The story follows Ethan Wate, a young man in the small town of Gatlin, who meets the mysterious Lena Duchannes, a girl with dark secrets and extraordinary abilities. Together, they uncover the hidden world of magic, curses, and family legacies, all while navigating the challenges of their blossoming relationship. The book is part of the Caster Chronicles series, which continues to explore the intense and dangerous world of magic and its consequences. With themes of love, fate, and personal choice, the series will captivate readers who enjoy character-driven stories filled with intrigue. In terms of content, Beautiful Creatures contains mild romantic and supernatural elements that make it suitable for older teens and young adults. There are some romantic moments between Ethan and Lena, including a few kisses, but the sexual content is minimal and non-explicit, making it appropriate for teen readers. There are also moments of violence and danger, especially involving the magical elements of the story, which may be intense for younger readers. However, the book's focus on themes of love, destiny, and personal growth makes it a compelling choice for readers seeking a deep and thought-provoking story, while the supernatural elements add just the right amount of excitement without overwhelming the narrative.
(includes moderate romance with sensual scenes [no explicit sex], some swearing, and mild violence)
AUTHOR RACHEL GRIFFIN
THE NATURE OF WITCHES (BOOK 1)
An Instant New York Times Bestseller
In a world where witches control the climate and are losing control, only one witch can save earth from destruction. But as her power grows, it hurts those closest to her, and when she falls in love with her training partner she's forced to choose between her power, her love, and saving the earth.
For centuries, witches have maintained the climate, but now their control is faltering as the atmosphere becomes more erratic; the storms, more destructive. All hope lies with Clara, a once-in-a-generation Everwitch whose magic is tied to every season.
In Autumn, Clara wants nothing to do with her power. It's wild and volatile, and the price of her magic—losing the ones she loves—is too high, despite the need to control the increasingly dangerous weather.
In Winter, the world is on the precipice of disaster. Fires burn, storms rage, and Clara accepts that she's the only one who can make a difference.
In Spring, she falls for Sang, the witch training her. As her magic grows, so do her feelings, until she's terrified Sang will be the next one she loses.
In Summer, Clara must choose between her power and her happiness, her duty and the people she loves...before she loses Sang, her magic, and thrusts the world into chaos.
Why this book may be a good choice for you and/or your family...
The Nature of Witches by Rachel Griffin blends fantasy, romance, and environmental themes in a way that can appeal to readers who enjoy magical realism and emotional coming-of-age stories. The romance is central to the plot, with several sensual moments that focus on emotional intimacy and physical affection, though it stops short of being explicit. Its themes of personal growth, love, and responsibility may resonate with readers who appreciate heartfelt storytelling and a strong female lead. Many families who are comfortable with light romantic content and fantasy elements might see this as an engaging and thought-provoking read. However, some parents may object to the sensual romantic scenes, occasional swearing, and the heavy focus on witchcraft and magical powers. The romantic tension, though not explicit, may feel mature for some readers, and the magical elements could be concerning to families who prefer to avoid stories centered around witchcraft. These factors may make the book less suitable for those who value clean or faith-aligned reading choices.
(contains moderate profanity, mild romantic content without explicit scenes, and some non-graphic peril and injuries)
AUTHORS RACHEL GRIFFIN
WILD IS THE WITCH
From the New York Times bestselling author of The Nature of Witches comes an immersive, enemies-to-lovers contemporary fantasy standalone.
After a night of magic turns deadly, Iris Gray vows to never let another person learn she's a witch. It doesn't matter that the Witches' Council found her innocent or that her magic was once viewed as a marvel—that night on the lake changed everything. Now settled in Washington, Iris hides who she really is and vents her frustrations by writing curses she never intends to cast. And while she loves working at the wildlife refuge she runs with her mother, she loathes Pike Alder, the witch-hating aspiring ornithologist who interns with them.
When Pike makes a particularly hurtful comment, Iris concocts a cruel curse for him. But just as she's about to dispel it, an owl swoops down and steals the curse before flying far away from the refuge. The owl is a powerful amplifier, and if it dies, Iris's dark spell will be unleashed not only on Pike but on everyone in the region.
Forced to work together, Iris and Pike trek through the wilderness in search of the bird that could cost Pike his life. But Pike doesn't know the truth, and as more dangers arise in the woods, Iris must decide how far she's willing to go to keep her secrets safe.
Why this book may or may not be a good choice for you and/or your family...
Wild Is the Witch by Rachel Griffin could be a great choice for readers and families looking for a beautifully written, atmospheric story with strong themes of redemption, forgiveness, and the natural world. The romance is tender and slow-building, with emotional depth rather than physical intensity, making it appealing to those who enjoy heartfelt connections without overly graphic detail. The setting—a lush, witch-infused version of the Pacific Northwest—adds a touch of magic and mystery, perfect for readers who enjoy a bit of fantasy grounded in the real world. For families who value stories with ethical dilemmas, personal growth, and a focus on kindness and accountability, this book has a lot to offer. However, for families who are more cautious about content, there are a few elements to consider. The book includes some profanity, including several uses of strong language that might be off-putting for readers or parents seeking cleaner reads. The romantic relationship, while not explicit, includes some mildly suggestive moments and the characters share a bed at one point, though nothing graphic occurs. There's also some non-graphic peril and emotional tension that may feel intense for more sensitive readers. Overall, while the content remains relatively mild by young adult standards, it’s worth considering a reader’s personal comfort level and a family’s values when deciding if it’s the right fit.