I love witches. I said it. The world might see it as a pejorative and yes the recent Jezebel article (it’s been taken down – but here’s the lowdown) didn’t help that. I’m not into the idea of cursing anyone, even in a tongue-in-cheek sort of way.
I also identify with setting intentions and meditation, which is a form of spell work. I love the holidays and the celebrations – beyond Halloween or Samhain. I’ve pulled away from traditional American holidays because I’m not a Christian and I’m not much on patriotism. This doesn’t leave much else to celebrate. Labor Day, Halloween and New Years, I guess. But since I’ve been reading about the Wheel of the Year and the associated celebrations, it’s been great to try new recipes and celebrate a time of year with friends. I’ve been working through this book by Fiona Cook and it is simply beautiful.
Hex Appeal (Kate Johnson)
Hex Appeal is our rom-com! Essie is our quirky witch who lives in a huge house with a ward on it so no can ever find it and they don’t know it exists to go looking for it. Life goals. This is especially useful when her new landlord can’t find the house to charge her rent. Josh, the landlord, is of course sexy and dreamy and all of the things. Hijinks ensue and all of the comedic troupes follow. It’s a fun and easy read. Little bit of spice and clever banter make for a fantastic ‘bubble gum’ read.
Hex Appeal is book one of a series that I’m excited to read more of. I’m a sucker for a good title too! Hex and the City and Hex and Hexability round out the ‘Best Hex Ever’ series and I am here for it.
Weyward (Emilia Hart)
Weyward is a historical fantasy that sucked me in right from the first chapter. It follows three women from different time periods. We have Kate in current times (2019) as she flees an abusive partner in the night. She’s inherited Weyward Cottage from a relative she hardly remembers. Then there is Violet in 1942, who yearns to know more about her mother, who passed when she was young and wants an education that seems only available for her brother. Lastly, there is Altha in 1619. Altha is tried for murder and a witch. She knows nature and uses it to bring comfort to those who understand what she is capable of.
Hart does a wonderful job of weaving the stories together and building their association to Weyward Cottage. It’s all parts female resistance and a touch of the rage we hold so well. I love the connection to ancestors and their way of life, familial or not. Didn’t think it was possible, but this book made me love all the bugs.
A Resistance of Witches (Morgan Ryan)
Another historical fantasy – set in World War II. Here we explore what if the Allied Powers had a coven of witches to help secure a victory over the Nazis? Great, what if the Nazis had a coven too? Add in a powerful grimoire that can kill everyone and everything and you’ve got yourself a story!
One of the overarching themes in these books is the chosen family. Here, even the coven (a literal chosen family) can demand more of you than you are willing to give. Leaving heartbreaking choices even harder when you find out where people’s allegiances lie. I felt this hard in Ryan’s book. I know we’re on a political book break but in our divisive world of actual fucking Nazis – this theme hit pretty fucking hard.
This is one I’ve thought about a lot since finishing it and I’m anxious to talk about it! Which if you know me IRL – this is your HINT!
The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches (Sangu Mandanna)
I wasn’t going to read this. I love witchy books, but I was going to skip this. I am currently, in addition to the serious reads for this site, am also reading books to get each of the achievements in the Goodreads Reading Challenge. There are your standard 15 achievements and then another 12 for each season. It’s like… a lot. This was on the challenge list and it was available at my library, so I got it.
I ended up loving this book so so much! When people call a book ‘cozy’, this is it.
Mika Moon is a witch who basically lives in hiding. Hiding in plain site because everyone knows that no one can know you’re a witch. Except Mika has a YouTube channel where she ‘pretends’ to be a witch because who’s gonna know?
She receives a message, asking for her particular skills at the remote ‘Nowhere House’ to teach young witches the ins and outs of magic. She shouldn’t go – but how else are we going to get this lovely book?
It’s heart warming and sweet. It does have this odd spicy scene in it that seemed really out of place. But ya girl loves her some spice, so I’m also not complaining.
Mandanna has another witchy book (A Witch’s Guide to Magical Innkeeping) that just came out that I’m very excited to read, it doesn’t appear to be a continuation of this story – but I imagine it’s in the same world.
Honorable (Magical) Mentions:
While not ‘witchy books’, both Legends & Lattes by Travis Baldree and Assistant to the Villain by Hannah Nicole Maehrer are magically delightful, wholesome and worth the read.
Stay RAD and Blessed Be.
Byeeee!
Real RAD Reads 
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