The 8 Most Enchanting YA Books About Witches and Wizards
Book RaiderGet comfortable, grab a snuggly blanket and a steaming cup of your favorite brew – we're about to embark on a magical journey that will make your reality look mundane. Welcome to the world of Witches and Wizards, where ordinary people hold wands instead of pens, toss fireballs instead of softballs, and ride broomsticks instead of bicycles.
Have you ever wished, secretly, of course, for a nimble house-elf to do your chores or longed for a letter from Hogwarts instead of yet another bill in your mail? Well, you might be Muggle-born, but in the realm of Young Adult literature, you're just a page turn away from a world packed with enchantments, potions, and magical mayhem. Brace yourselves as we set out to explore the most captivating YA Books about Witches and Wizards. Alright then, let’s 'swish and flick' and get started, shall we?
House of Earth and Blood (Crescent City)
by Sarah J. Maas
Why House of Earth and Blood (Crescent City) is on this list: This book might as well come with a cauldron and a wand, as it only gets more magical as the plot thickens, featuring witches, wizards, and a few non-human realms thrown in for good measure
In the heart of Crescent City, we follow the story of self-declared party girl and half-human half-fae, Bryce Quinlan. Her life takes a dark turn when her friends are brutally murdered. Two years later, the truth behind their death is far from discovered – until a demon begins killing again. Bryce joins forces with a notorious fallen angel, Hunt Athalar, to unearth the truth and solve the murders. What follows is a tale of suspense, love, and redemption, served with a generous helping of fantasy and magic.
What readers like: Fans of Sarah J. Maas adore her ability to weave a story that grips you by the lapels and doesn't let go, even after the last page. The blend of intrigue, romance, adventure and a dash of sass has left readers spellbound. And did we mention the world-building so vivid, you might find yourself checking Google maps for Crescent City?
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Red Sister (Book of the Ancestor)
by Mark Lawrence
Why Red Sister (Book of the Ancestor) is on this list: If you're a fan of amazingly complex and richly developed magic systems, then Red Sister is the book for you. The wizards and witches are trained from birth in a church with a dark past and even darker secrets, making this story one that instantly hooks you.
In a world of ice and snow, our protagonist Nona is saved from execution only to be placed into a group of trainee witches and wizards who are trained to become deadly killers, the Red Sisters. With a slew of magical abilities and talents, each girl is more dangerous than the last. Throw in some hefty secrets, bitter rivalries, and looming prophecies, and you've got a recipe for a rollicking good read.
What readers like: Readers love the rich world-building and strong, well-developed characters in Red Sister. The plot that's filled with unpredictable twists and dark intrigue will keep you glued to its pages. And then there's Nona, the protagonist, who is brutally honest, morally complex, and altogether fascinating. Your heart will root for her, even as your head tells you that she's perhaps not the safest person to be around. Yeah, readers seem to love that sort of dangerous excitement in their books.
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Eliza and Her Monsters
by Francesca Zappia
Why Eliza and Her Monsters is on this list: While it may not be your traditional cauldron-stirring witch and wizard story, Eliza and Her Monsters weaves a spell that is uniquely its own. The protagonist tackles with her own sort of magic–the magic that lies within the realm of creative artistry and emotional depth.
Eliza Mirk is a shy, introverted teenager who spends most of her time in her room, drawing her favorite monsters. She's the anonymous creator of a popular webcomic called Monstrous Sea. But when her secret is revealed to a boy named Wallace, she has to navigate the clash between her online persona and who she is in the physical world, dealing with some real-world monsters of her own.
What readers like: Fans rave about this novel's bittersweet and truthful portrayal of mental health, as well as the delicate interleaving of real life and the digital universe. Readers find gem in Eliza, who represents the modern-day enchantresses: wielding the magic of creation, confronting fears, and learning about love, all while shuttling in the realm of pixels and sketches. It's a refreshing take on what makes a wizard, reminding us that magic can be found in the most unexpected places.
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Uprooted
by Naomi Novik
Why Uprooted is on this list: Uprooted is a fantastical blend of sorcery and suspense, centered on witches and wizards, making it a perfect fit for this list. It not only takes us deep into the mystical world of witchcraft but also provides a fresh spin on these characters that will keep you hooked.
Our heroine is Agnieszka, a young woman living in a quiet village. With the 'Dragon', a powerful wizard as her neighbor, she realizes she too possesses magical abilities, one that's deeply connected to her home's ancient, dark woods. The story unfolds as Agnieszka starts delving deeper into her power and truth about the woods, keeping you on edge till the end
What readers like: Readers are drawn to the riveting plot, rich in folklore and magical elements. Naomi Novik's unique portrayal of witches, wizards, and dark powers has been greatly appreciated. Moreover, they adore the book's underlying themes of courage, friendship, and the complexity of good and evil. But it's not all scary – there's a sprinkle of humor that keeps the narrative from becoming too heavy. So, if you're a fan of offbeat witch and wizard tales, this one's for you.
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A Darker Shade of Magic
by V.E. Schwab
Why A Darker Shade of Magic is on this list: Okay, this is a no-brainer. Our title is: witches and wizards, right? This book is jammed – I mean, jammed - with magical people, places, and peculiarities. It's like a fantastical sandwich with a hearty spread of enchantment. Bon appétit!
Meet Kell - a rare magician with an even rarer ability to travel between parallel London's. Oh, did I not mention that? There are four London's: Red, White, Grey, and uh, Black, a forbidden one. Kell officially serves the Red London monarchy, but unofficially, he's a smuggler, trading on the sly across the worlds. Things go pear-shaped when he ends up on the run with Delilah Bard, a cutpurse with lofty aspirations. Together they need to stay alive, and prevent mystical chaos from consuming all the London's.
What readers like: Readers absolutely dig Schwab's jaw-dropping world-building, her thrilling plot twists that will turn your brain to spaghetti, and her characters who, despite being magical, are so human it hurts. Combine that with Schwab's sharp, evocative writing, and it's like she's cast a spell on every page. Plus, who can resist a good, chaotic heist?
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Six of Crows
by Leigh Bardugo
Why Six of Crows is on this list: Okay, okay we know what you're thinking. 'Six of Crows, isn't that a heist novel?' It is indeed! But it's twist is that it's filled with magic, sorcery, and delightful witchy charm. Hey, thieves can be wizards too, you know! It perfectly fits our list of enchanting YA books about witches and wizards.
Set in the seedy underbelly of a fantasy world inspired by the icy touch of Russia and its history, this book is spellbinding (pun intended). Kaz Brekker, a cunning criminal prodigy, is hired for the impossible job of breaking into the Ice Court, the most securely defended fortress. He assembles a ragtag group of rogues, including a grumpy wizard and a witch who doesn't quite fit into the magical norm. Together, they will either become the biggest legends in history or be forgotten ghosts.
What readers like: Readers have seriously fallen for this book's magic-woven story. They love the shocking twists, charmingly flawed characters, and how the magic isn't all sunshine and rainbows. The relationships between characters are a pretty big hit too. And let's not even talk about the witty dialogue and brilliant world-building which absolutely roped them in. This isn't just a book about wizards and witches - it's about how they can become fantastic heroes...or staggering criminals. You'll just have to read it and see for yourself.
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Hex Hall
by Rachel Hawkins
Why Hex Hall is on this list: Because it's a spellbinding weaving of magic, mayhem, and teenage drama - all elements that make a YA book about witches and wizards tremendous fun to read.
Hex Hall follows the life of Sophie Mercer after she's shipped off to reform school for witches called Hecate Hall - or Hex Hall, as the not-so-happy inmates call it. Having only recently discovered her powers, Sophie has trouble controlling them, and that seems to be the least of her problems. Throw in a trio of uber-mean girls who happen to be witches, a ghostly roommate, and a teacher who is possibly evil, and you have yourself a witchy roller-coaster ride.
What readers like: Readers are enchanted by Sophie's wit and relatable struggles, alongside a fantastic magical world that never takes itself too seriously. They enjoy the slowly unraveled mysteries, endearing friendships and spellbinding twists. Let's not forget to mention the sprinkles of romance that keep the readers turning pages into the late hours of the night.
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The Light Between Worlds
by Laura E Weymouth
Why The Light Between Worlds is on this list: This intriguing book beautifully meshes the YA genre with the whimsical world of witches and wizards. It's not your typical hogwarts story; it takes a different enchanting angle on magic.
The Light Between Worlds tells the entrancing adventure of two sisters, Evelyn and Philippa, who are mysteriously transported to the magical Kingdom of the Woodlands during a World War II bombing in London. They eventually return to their world, but Evelyn can't shake off her deep connection with the Woodlands, and she goes on an exhilarating journey of self-discovery that unfolds through sibling love, loss, and magic.
What readers like: Readers appreciate the captivating and heartfelt characters that Weymouth creates. They love the unique blend of historical reality with the enchantment of a hidden magical realm. It's a splendid choice if you enjoy character-driven stories that interweave the struggles of growing up with the thrills of magic and otherworldly adventures.
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