5 Books With Witches Who Fill Your Cauldron With Feminist Energy

In genres featuring strong female leads, perhaps none other is as exciting — and historically loaded — as witches. While the Salem Witch Trials might be the most familiar historical event dealing with this power and subsequent hysteria, there have been many other witch trials throughout history. These historical events have often inspired novels based on true events, nonfiction retellings, and have launched world-building of the most imaginative kind. 

The figure of the witch has always been explosive. In history, witch trials almost exclusively targeted women, where only 10-30% of the accused were men. Additionally, as far back as the 17th century, women who had jobs were much more likely to be accused of practicing witchcraft. Women whose careers put them in contact with decay, from caring for the infected or rot from food preparation, faced greater odds of being denounced as witches. However, in literature, the figure of the witch confounds these social hazards. Often misunderstood, the literary witch faces social exclusion, but in this space, she created autonomy. As a proto-feminist figure, the literary witch embodies disruptive control and frequently wields power that sometimes comes from unknown places. Witches are beguiling figures, which is why we're so invested in them as literary characters. In our quest for cozy reading, we're looking to these feminist figures to inspire that witchy power. After all, no genre is complete without a feminist bent to push back against the patriarchy, and witches do that so well! 

"The Once and Future Witches" by Alix E. Harrow was published in October 2020, and has been a fan favorite since. Set in 1893, the novel introduces readers to a world where witches are a thing of folklore. The Eastwood sisters of New Salem become suffragists, and in their quest for a woman's right to vote, they begin pursuing old traditions of witchcraft. Interweaving the historical suffragist movement with the fictional world of witches, Harrow tells a compelling tale of women who seek independence and autonomy.

The novel was a hit on GoodReads, garnering over 12,000 reviews. Referencing Harrow's previous book, one reviewer raved about the feminist threads throughout. "Alix E. Harrow replicates the wondrous magic of 'The Ten Thousand Doors of January' which I adored, in this character-driven feminist adventure story in this fierce and beautiful homage to the power of women in all their forms, including the three female archetypes represented by the Eastwood sisters, the mother, the maiden, and the crone," they wrote. Another reviewer begged film producers to make a movie based on "The Once and Future Witches," because it's that good. In the wonderful literary blog "She's Becoming Bookish," blogger Carlie gave Harrow's novel five black cats, so you know it's a quality, cozy read.

Kate Johnson's "Hex Appeal" is a hilariously adorable, witchy romcom. Published in October 2022, Johnson's novel has been making readers swoon for a while now, in the perfect, cozy village of Good Winter. Leading lady Essie Winterscale lives in a coven of witches but yearns for an ordinary life. Cleverly playing on immortality, a new landlord, Josh, visits Beldam House because the gals haven't paid rent since the 1700s. As one might imagine with such an entertaining premise, all kinds of intrigue begin between Josh and Essie, creating the perfect romcom for the fall.

Readers on GoodReads were smitten by Johnson's use of magic and charm, as well as the fantastic setting of Beldam House, with its many witches, all of whom have big personalities. If you're in the mood for a laugh and a love story, "Hex Appeal" is a safe bet. "I had [an] amazing time and laughed out so loud at some chapters! Quirky hero and heroine: amazing supporting characters, enemies to lovers story with magical and witchery powers!" one reviewer wrote. "Fast-paced fun witchy book perfect for the fall season," another review began. "There's a little spice, magic, time travel, and some fun twists and turns [along] the way to keep the reader fully engaged." In our constant quest for fun and spicy romance novels, the witch genre is a great way to soak up some literary love, and "Hex Appeal" delivers. 

Following her beloved novel "A Secret History of Witches," Louisa Morgan jumps back in history with "The Great Witch of Brittany," to tell the story of Ursule, the great-grandmother of the lead from her first novel. Set in Brittany in 1762, Ursule Orchière knows that she comes from witch descendants, but doesn't know that the magic is alive and growing in her. Brittany is full of witch-hunters, and Ursule and her mother have to navigate that treacherous world together. At the core of this novel, the theme of maternal love runs the strongest. It's all about women protecting each other and growing together. 

Readers on GoodReads loved the familial tone and the powerful, female leads. "This is a beautiful family saga that is a tribute to the strength of all women," one reviewer wrote. Another happy reader wrote: "I enjoyed every page in this book and was so sad when it ended. I have always enjoyed tales of strong women, white witchery, time travels, etc, perhaps because I can believe that there is much we cannot know for certain about our life's journey." While readers stressed that "The Great Witch of Brittany" was a standalone novel, readers will be happy to know that Morgan's fantastic world doesn't end with this book, and can jump to her other riveting novels. 

"The Lost Apothecary" by Sarah Penner brings with it big feminist energy. Set in London in 1791, healer and apothecary, Nella, helps women who need to be free of the men who hurt them. Penner then jumps to modern London, where historian Caroline Parcewell finds an empty vial near the Thames, and starts doing research on unsolved murders from two centuries prior. The wonderfully woven story brings past and present together, with eternal themes of solidarity and grit. 

With nearly 40,000 reviews on GoodReads, readers couldn't get enough of Penner's hit novel. Audiences were invested in the plight of the female leads in this tale. "Take a step into the time when life was difficult for women, where men ruled the day, where choices were limited for those who were trapped in situations that they couldn't escape," one reviewer wrote in an invitation to future readers. Another reviewer promised an engrossing experience: "Hands down my favorite book I've read so far this year. It had everything I love! Mystery, suspense, magic, romance, paranormal, history ... I felt so many emotions while reading this." Since readers repeatedly reported that they couldn't put it down, "The Lost Apothecary" will be a sure way to bump up your reading if you're struggling to hit your book target. 

"The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches" by Sangu Mandanna is a feel-good witchy story about found family and romance. Protagonist Mika Moon has to hide her magical powers, and posts videos online where she jokes about being a witch. Inexplicably, she gets invited to Nowhere House, a special place where witches can learn how to hide their power. The only problem is that librarian Jamie starts to fall in love with Mika, and the two find love amid turmoil and magic. 

On GoodReads, readers repeatedly called it a warm, cozy, witchy tale, so it's a great option for snuggling up with an entertaining book. Readers praised the author for creating such a compelling, wholesome read. "Sangu Mandanna brings warmth, diversity, and humor to a magical realism novel with romance, danger, and suspense," one reviewer wrote. "This is a great little book about friendship, love, coming of age, and finding the people who will love you for who you really are!!" another reviewer added, proving that this novel really has it all.