Practical Magic Books in Order
If you are wondering how to read the practical magic books in order, I will give you the pros and cons of reading the books in publication order vs chronological order
The Practical Magic Books have been making waves since the first book was published in 1995 but since 2017 when the second book in the series came out, these books have sparked a great debate.
Should I read the Practical Magic books in the order they were published or should I read the Practical Magic Books in chronological order? After all, Alice Hoffman published 14 books between the two books in the series. You can check out my list of Alice Hoffman Books
If you are like me, you may have read the book Practical Magic long before it ever became part of a series. If that is the case, you probably need to read the books in order of publication because you have already read the first book. If you have not read the books, I will give some pros and cons to reading the books both ways. Whichever order you choose to read the books, we are sure you will find the Owens family spellbinding.
Practical Magic Books in Publication Order
- Practical Magic (1995)
- Rules of Magic (2017)
- Magic Lesson (2020)
- The Book of Magic (2021)
Pros
- You can read the books in the order Alice Hoffman imaged them. Practical Magic is the FIRST book rather than the THIRD
- You can learn the full story of the beloved Owens women slowly- perfect for anyone who loves a surprise
- Rules of Magic and The Book of Magic are the second and last books in both publication and reading order
Con
- You will have to wait to get the full backstory of the characters. Magic Lessons is the FIRST book chronologically but the THIRD book to be published
Chronological /Story Order of the Practical Magic Books
- Magic Lessons (2020)
- The Rules of Magic (2017)
- Practical Magic (1995)
- The Book of Magic (2021)
Pros
- You will learn the story of the Owens women and their how curse started before learning about the generations to follow. Magic Lessons will be the FIRST book rather than the THIRD
- The Owens curse is an integral part of the series which may make the subsequent books and the characters more meaningful
- Rules of Magic and The Book of Magic are the second and last books in both publication and reading order
Con
- You will not have the joy of reading the book in the order Hoffman imagined the characters
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Reviews of the Practical Magic Books in Order (publication order)
Practical Magic
Author: Alice Hoffman
Year: 1995
Genre: Fantasy/ Magical realism
More info: Practical Magic Series
Spice Rating:đź’‹
Age Range:15+
Plot
For years, the Owens women have known that their bad luck is because of a curse. This book is the first book written in the Practical Magic series. I adore this tale of magic, family, and sisterhood. At this point, this is one of the best magical realism books and it is truly iconic.
Gillian and Sally are sisters who have been raised by their two aunts after their parents die. They both want to leave their small Massachusetts town. But, when Gillian gets into trouble, she runs to Sally for help.
The trouble comes back to haunt them and when a police chief comes to town looking for answers, the sisters try hard to cover up their family secrets. The powerful bond between the Owens sisters brings this story to life and is a constant throughout all the books in the series. This is the first published book in the Practical Magic series and the one I recommend you read first.
Why Jackie loves it
This is truly an iconic witch book and is one of the cases where the movie has become iconic as well. I love the story but also the unbreakable bond between Sally and Gilly. This story is about truly finding yourself
Why Kirsten loves it
I love Practical Magic as part of a series and as a stand-alone novel. The bonds of sisterhood are so strong that the magic and the story leave me with that feeling you get after an amazing book. This is also my go-to Halloween movie along with Hocus Pocus.
Find this book in: Practical Magic Books in Order / Alice Hoffman Books / Books About Sisters / Witch Books / Books By Jewish Authors / Best Adult Fantasy
The Rules of Magic
Author: Alice HoffmanÂ
Year: 2017
Genre: Magical Realism
More info: October 2017 Reese Witherspoon Book Club Pick
Spice Rating:đź’‹
Age Range:16+
Plot
In this book from the Practical Magic series, we get to see Jet and Granny as kids growing up trying to escape the family curse- never fall in love. This Reese Pick was a sure-fire win from the beginning. I read the Practical Magic books in order of publication
Why Jackie loves it
I love Alice Hoffman and I have read every book in this series. This one did not disappoint. I love that this book takes place one generation before Practical Magic.
Find this book in: Reese Witherspoon Book Club Pick / Practical Magic Books in Order
Magic Lessons
Author: Alice Hoffman
Year: 2020
Genre: Magical Realism
More info: Practical Magic Series (Prequel to Practical Magic)
Spice Rating:đź’‹
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. Â 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 Book of Magic
Author: Alice Hoffman
Year: 2021
Genre: Magical Realism
More info: Practical Magic Series
Spice Rating:đź’‹
Age Range:16+
Plot
The Owens family has been cursed for over three hundred years. When Jet Owens hears the deathwatch beetle chirping, she knows she will die and is determined to break the curse once and for all before the seven days are up.
As the curse begins to take its toll on one more victim, the Owens family comes together to confront their past, uncover the truth, and end the curse for them all. If you have been reading the Practical Magic Series
Why Jackie loves it
This is the last book in the Practical Magic Series and it might be my favorite one yet. I loved this conclusion to the series. It left me feeling good with no unanswered questions and true to Hoffman’s style, is a page-turner until the final word. Alice Hoffman’s books never disappoint!
Find this book in: Alice Hoffman Books in Order / Practical Magic Books in Order
Frequently Asked Questions
In what Order Should I Read the Practical Magic Series?
There are two ways to red the Practical Magic Series. You can read the Practical Magic books in order of publication or you can read the series in chronological order. We gave pros and cons to reading the books both ways. Either way, you will not go wrong!
Is Rules of Magic a prequel to Practical Magic by Alice Hoffman?
Is Rules of Magic a prequel to Practical Magic by Alice Hoffman?
Is Practical Magic by Alice Hoffman a series?
YES! Practical Magic by Alice Hoffman is the first book published in a four book series.
Expert Tip
If you are brand-new to the Practical Magic Series, I suggest that you read the books in chronological order:
- Magic Lessons (2020)
- The Rules of Magic (2017)
- Practical Magic (1995)
- The Book of Magic (2021)
However, if, like me, you read Practical Magic long before the other books were published, I would read the books in publication order. It gives a very unique perspective on the family curse.
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Epilogue
Did you read the practical mafic series and if so, did you read the books in publication order or chronological order?
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