Books Like A Discovery of Witches

Historical Fantasy Books Like A Discovery of Witches

Weyward by Emilia Hart

Author: Emilia Hart

Year: 2023

Genre: Historical Fantasy

More info: Indie Next March 2023 Pick, Winner of two Goodreads Choice Awards (Best Debut and Best Historical Fiction)

Spice Rating:💋

Age Range: 16+

Plot

This is such a well-thought-out book and one of the best witch books I have read in a while. This adult fantasy book follows three Weyward women. In 2017, Kate is fleeing an abusive partner to her great-aunt’s cottage. In 1619, Altha is awaiting her own witch trial and in 1942 we meet Violet whose father keeps her trapped in her house because she cannot fit into what society expects of her.

Each of these women finds themselves and who they are as the story progresses and I found myself completely sucked in.

Why Jackie loves it

I loved this debut fantasy novel and I cannot wait to see what comes next from this author. It is also a perfect book to read if you love the Practical Magic Series or the All Souls Trilogy. If fantasy books are your favorite, you will love this book.

Find this book in: The Best Witch Books / Books Like A Discovery of Witches / Ultimate List of Best Adult Fantasy Novels / Urban Fantasy Books / Nonlinear Narrative Novels / Best Adult Fantasy Novels

Magic Lessons

Author: Alice Hoffman

Year: 2020

Genre: Magical Realism

More info: Practical Magic Series (Prequel to Practical Magic)

Spice Rating:💋

Age Range:16+

Plot

The Owens women have a centuries-old curse that started with Maria Owens in the 1600s. With her amazing ability to weave a story, Alice Hoffman has once again written a book that captured my heart on the first page. Maria is abandoned in a snowy field as an infant where Hannah Owens finds her. Hannah teaches her everything she knows about “The Nameless Arts”.

When Maria is hurt by the man she loves, she envokes the curse that will haunt the Owens women for generations to come. See how it all began. You can read this is book one or book three in the Practical Magic series

Why Jackie loves it

I started it the minute I got it but made myself wait until Halloween to finish the book because I wanted to enjoy the book to the fullest. I absolutely loved this prequel to the amazing Practical Magic. Part historical fiction and part love story, this witch book had everything that I wanted from a prequel. This historical fantasy book is a must for anyone who loves the Practical Magic Series.

Find this book in: Practical Magic Books in Order

The Lost Queen

Author: Signe Pike

Year: 2018

Genre: Historical Fantasy

More info: Book 1 of 3 in The Lost Queen

Age Range: 18+

Plot

If you love Outlander, The Mists of Avalon, or The Clan of the Cave Bear, then you will love this pick from royal reads. Set in Britain/ Scotland when Christianity is poised to become the religion of the country, a future queen who swore to the old ways is learning how to balance the needs of her people and her religion with the role she’s expected to play.

Meanwhile, her twin brother is training to be the man history knows as Merlin. The first in a new trilogy about Arthurian legend.

This book is a perfect pick for a list of books like A Discovery of Witches or a list of books like Outlander. If you love books set in Scotland, this book is a must-read.

Why Kirsten loves it

I love historical fiction books and I also love stories about King Arthur. This series is perfect for me especially because it also takes place in Scotland. This is a triple win in my books.

Why Jackie loves it

When I first got this book, I wasn’t sure that I was going to like it. I had a very difficult time reading it since I could not pronounce any of the names. As soon as I started listening to this book, I was immediately drawn into the story. If you love historical fiction or historical fantasy, I would highly suggest listening to this series.

Find this book in: Best Books About Scotland / Books Like A Discovery of Witches / The Best Witch Books / Books like Outlander / Mythology Books

The Night Circus

Author: Erin Morgenstern

Year: 2011

Genre: Historical Fantasy Romance

Spice Rating:💋

Age Range: 14+

Plot

The scene has been set for a magical competition between the pupils of two very powerful magicians. The stage: The Night Circus. The pupils, a man & a woman, are unsure of the rules, unsure of how to win, or when the competition will end.

As the competition continues, the opponents fall in love – a situation that only complicates their predicament. They are never quite sure of the rules or how to win.

Why Jackie loves it

Every word captivated me from beginning to end and I couldn’t put it down. The story was magical- both literally and figuratively and the descriptions are so vivid. This is one of my all-time favorite books. I have read this book a few times and each time, I get something different from the story.

Why Kirsten loves it

This is magic in a way that I never imagined it before. The story has twists and surprises that left me wondering how I didn’t see what was right there all along.

Find this book in: Best Romance Novels of all Time / The Best Carnival and Circus Books / Books Like the Hunger Games / Books Like the Night Circus / Cozy Books / Best Adult Fantasy Novels

Time Travel Books Like A Discovery of Witches

Outlander

Author: Diana Gabaldon

Year: 1991

Genre: Historical Fantasy

More info: Outlander Series Book 1 of 9

Spice Rating:💋💋💋

Age Range: 18+

Plot

This epic story begins in 1945 when Claire Randall and her husband take a second honeymoon to the Scottish Highlands to celebrate being reunited after the war. When Claire touches one of the standing stones, she is transported to 1743.

This is when the real story begins. In order to stay safe as an English woman in Scotland, Clare must depend on Jamie Frasier for protection. Soon Clare finds herself living in a world she has only read about in history books and torn between two men that she loves. In addition to being a brilliant fiction that is rich in historical details, it is an epic love story as well. For me, this is magical realism at its finest.

Trigger Warnings

Rape, sexual assault, sexual violence

Why Kirsten loves it

How do I love Outlander? I cannot count the ways. There is a reason this is one of my favorite books of all time. I am a huge reader of historical fiction and this one checks all the boxes for me. The characters are rich, the plot is complex without being overly complicated and the epic love story make it almost perfect in my eyes.

Why Jackie loves it

Even though I am not a huge historical fiction connoisseur, I could not put this book down. Even at 640 pages, I did not want it to end and immediately picked up the next book in the series. I love the touch of magical realism that transported Clare back in time 200 years and Gabaldon’s story telling made the characters jump off the page.

Find this book in: Best Romance Novels of All Time / Ultimate List of Historical Fiction/ Books Like A Discovery of Witches / Adult Fantasy Romance Books / Magical Realism Books / Best Adult Fantasy Novels

The Rose Garden by Susanna Kearsley

Author: Susanna Kearsley

Year: 2011

Genre: Magical Realism

Age Range: 16+

Plot

After Eva’s sister dies, she heads back to Cornwall England to find peace and rest. What she discovers is more than she expects when she finds herself inexplicably back in time. She finds herself falling in love with Daniel Butler, a man who lived in the eighteenth century.

As her heart begins to feel again, can she find a way to heal her broken heart and find love? Can she live between two times? This is a wonderful time travel romance book that you will want to read again and again.

Why Kirsten loves it

I read this book set in Cornwall in only a few days because I loved it so much. This is another book that I read this month that is the perfect pick for books like Outlander.

Why Jackie loves it

This historical romance book was such a quick read for me because I loved the plot and characters. I felt invested in Eva’s story and wanted her to get a happy ending.

Find this book in: Books Like Outlander / Books Like A Discovery of Witches / Time Travel Romance Books / The Best Historical Romance Novels

The Time Traveler’s Wife

Author: Audrey Niffenegger

Year: 2003

Genre: Time Travel Fiction

More info: 2009 Movie starring Eric Bana and Rachel McAdams

Spice Rating:💋

Age Range:16+

Plot

Clare and Henry have an unusual love story. They’ve known each other since Clare was six and Henry was thirty-six but were married when Clare was twenty-three and Henry was thirty-one. Henry is an adventurous librarian who inadvertently travels through time.

He never knows where he will turn up and when he will disappear. He knows that he will travel suddenly and without warning. Will Clare and Henry be able to determine what causes the time jumps or is Henry destined to spend the rest of his life wondering and worrying?

Trigger Warnings

Sudden Death

Why Kirsten loves it

I adore how this story explores very real challenges that any couple faces. With the added time travel element, it becomes an unforgettable pick from our list of romance books.

Why Jackie loves it

The way Clare and Henry fight for their love shows a deep connection between the two that is unmatched.

Find this book in: Best Time Travel Books / Time Travel Romance Books / Books Like A Discovery of Witches / Best Romance Novels of All Time / Nonlinear Narrative Novels / Books About Librarians

Fantasy Romance Books Like A Discovery of Witches

House of Earth and Blood

Author: Sarah J. Maas

Year: 2020

Genre: Fantasy Romance

More info: Book #1 of the Crescent City Series

Spice Rating:💋💋

Age Range: 18+

Plot

House of Earth and Blood is the first in a new series by Sarah J. Maas, of ACOTAR fame. It’s an urban fantasy – and tells the story of Bryce Quinlan and her bodyguard, Hunt Athalar. Strange things are happening in Lunathion and together, Bryce and Hunt are trying to uncover the source of murders happening around Crescent City. If only because then they will be permitted to get away from one another.

But Bryce’s hunt for answers is deeper, she knows that what’s going on now is connected to her best friend, Danika’s murder two years prior. This wild ride was filled with skyscrapers, cellphones, and video surveillance, but also fairies, werewolves, angels, demons, and witches with history and power.⁣

Why Kirsten loves it

My initial turn-off of too many names/places/tribes/species types was quickly overcome by the insane world-building and a story that kept me up until 3 a.m. I fell in love with Bryce and Hunt’s romance, the epic world of the Crescent City series, and the many breadcrumbs and clues SJM scattered throughout this story.

Why Jackie loves it

I loved this world-building fantasy. Unlike so many of the other EPIC series, this one is set in an urban setting which makes it unique to any other series I have read. The characters are fantastic in their imperfect, but relatable ways.

Find this book in: Guide to All of Sarah J. Maas’s Books / Urban Fantasy Books / Books Like ACOTAR / Adult Fantasy Romance Books / Best Adult Fantasy Novels

Dead Until Dark

Author: Charlaine Harris

Year: 2008

Genre: Adult Fantasy

More info: Sookie Stackhouse 1 of 13

Spice Rating:💋💋💋💋

Age Range: 18+

Plot

I watched this show before I knew that it was an adult fantasy book series and then I obviously had to read these vampire books as well. Sookie Stackhouse is a waitress at a bar in her small town in Louisiana. She is quiet and keeps to herself except for the fact that she can read people’s minds.

When Bill Compton comes into the bar one night, Sookie cannot hear anything he is thinking and she is quickly infatuated. The feeling is mutual. But when murders start taking place and the two suspects are Bill, and Sookie’s womanizing brother, Sookie starts to question her life choices. There is nothing PG about this steamy urban fantasy romance series.

Trigger Warnings

blood, violence

Why Jackie loves it

There is something very addicting about this vampire romance series. The books are dark and creepy full of unique and hilarious characters. I could not help but love.

Find this book in: Urban Fantasy Books / Books Like A Discovery of Witches / Vampire Books / Ultimate List of Adult Fantasy Books / Adult Fantasy Novels

Demon’s Guide to Wooing a Witch

Author: Sarah Hawley

Year: 2024

Genre: Fantasy Romance

More info: Glimmer Falls Book 2 of 3

Spice Rating:💋💋💋💋💋

Age Range: 18+

Plot

This is the second book in a supernatural romance series but you do not need to have read the first one to enjoy this paranormal romance book. As fantasy romances go, this one is very steamy with some interesting takes on the sex drive of a demon. Let’s just say that this one is not for the faint of heart.

Calladia knows exactly who she is and who she is not- the debutante that her mother the mayor would like to show off. When she saves someone from a demon attack, she is mortified to find out that it is Astoroth, a member of the demon high counsel who tried to kill her best friend.

Now, he has no memories and she is stuck with him until they can find a cure for his memory loss. #gifted

Why Jackie loves it

Calladia is completely bad a** and I love her for it. Astoroth is hilarious in his pomposity and their interactions, while steamy, are also laugh-out-loud funny. I also loved the character development. This was a fun one-sitting read.

Find this book in: Adult Fantasy Romance Books / Books Like Fourth Wing