The Greatest Books of All Time on Witches

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This list represents a comprehensive and trusted collection of the greatest books. Developed through a specialized algorithm, it brings together 394 'best of' book lists to form a definitive guide to the world's most acclaimed books. For those interested in how these books are chosen, additional details can be found on the rankings page.

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Witches

The "Witches" category of books typically includes stories that revolve around witches, their magical abilities, and their interactions with the world around them. These books often explore themes of power, morality, and the supernatural, and may feature witches as protagonists, antagonists, or supporting characters. From classic tales of witches in folklore to modern interpretations of witchcraft, this genre offers a diverse range of stories that appeal to readers of all ages and interests.

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  1. 1. Harry Potter And The Philosopher's Stone by J. K. Rowling

    The story follows a young boy, Harry Potter, who learns on his 11th birthday that he is the orphaned son of two powerful wizards and possesses unique magical powers of his own. He is summoned from his life as an unwanted child to become a student at Hogwarts, an English boarding school for wizards. There, he meets several friends who become his closest allies and help him discover the truth about his parents' mysterious deaths, the dark wizard who wants to kill him, and the magical stone that holds immense power.

    The 171st Greatest Book of All Time
  2. 2. Household Tales by Brothers Grimm

    Grimm's Fairy Tales

    "Household Tales" is a collection of German fairy tales that includes popular stories such as "Cinderella", "Little Red Riding Hood", "Hansel and Gretel", and "Snow White". These narratives, often featuring magical elements and moral lessons, have been influential in shaping Western popular culture. The tales range from the whimsical and humorous to the dark and cautionary, reflecting a wide array of human experiences and emotions.

    The 451st Greatest Book of All Time
  3. 3. Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince by J. K. Rowling

    In the sixth installment of the series, the protagonist returns for his sixth year at a magical school, where he excels in potions class with the help of an old textbook once belonging to the mysterious "Half-Blood Prince". As he delves deeper into his enemy's past through private lessons with the headmaster, he learns more about the Dark wizard's history and his own destiny. Amidst this, the school is no longer the safe haven it once was, and danger lurks within the castle walls. The year ends with a devastating loss, setting the stage for the final showdown.

    The 909th Greatest Book of All Time
  4. 4. Evenings On A Farm Near Dikanka by Nikolai Gogol

    Stories Published by the Beekeeper

    "Evenings On A Farm Near Dikanka" is a collection of short stories that take place in a small Ukrainian village. The stories are filled with folklore, supernatural elements, and humorous anecdotes, depicting the lives and adventures of the villagers. Through vivid descriptions and lively characters, the book offers a glimpse into rural life in 19th-century Ukraine, blending reality with fantasy in a captivating and entertaining manner.

    The 975th Greatest Book of All Time
  5. 5. The Golden Compass by Philip Pullman

    His Dark Materials, Book 1

    The book follows the journey of a young girl in a parallel universe where people's souls exist outside of their bodies as animal companions, called daemons. When her friend is kidnapped by a mysterious organization, she sets off on a quest to rescue him, armed with a truth-telling device known as the golden compass. Along the way, she encounters a variety of characters, including witches, armored bears, and aeronauts, and uncovers a sinister plot involving the children of her world.

    The 859th Greatest Book of All Time
  6. 6. The Witches by Roald Dahl

    This children's dark fantasy novel tells the story of a young British boy and his Norwegian grandmother as they battle against England's child-hating witches. After losing his parents, the boy lives with his grandmother who educates him about the evil witches that appear ordinary but have a deep hatred for children. The boy accidentally stumbles upon the witches' convention and gets turned into a mouse, but with his grandmother's help, he manages to foil their plan to turn all the children into mice.

    The 1819th Greatest Book of All Time
  7. 7. Italian Folktales by Italo Calvino

    This book is a comprehensive collection of 200 traditional Italian folktales, meticulously gathered from different regions of Italy. The stories range from humor to horror, from fairy tales to moral lessons, from whimsical to deeply symbolic, showcasing the rich cultural heritage of Italy. These tales, translated and retold, provide a fascinating insight into the folklore, traditions, and beliefs of Italian people.

    The 1882nd Greatest Book of All Time
  8. 8. The Complete Fairy Tales of Charles Perrault by Charles Perrault

    The Classic Stories That Inspired Generations

    This book is a comprehensive collection of classic fairy tales, featuring enchanting stories that have been passed down through generations. It includes beloved tales such as "Cinderella", "Sleeping Beauty", "Little Red Riding Hood", "Puss in Boots", and "Bluebeard", among others. Each story is rich in fantasy, moral lessons, and iconic characters, making it a timeless treasure for both children and adults.

    The 1084th Greatest Book of All Time
  9. 9. The Wee Free Men by Terry Pratchett

    A Story of Discworld

    In this humorous fantasy novel, a young witch named Tiffany Aching embarks on a quest to rescue her kidnapped brother, armed only with a frying pan and the assistance of the Nac Mac Feegle—a clan of rowdy, blue-skinned, six-inch-tall pictsies. As Tiffany ventures into the realm of Fairyland, she must rely on her wits, courage, and newfound magical abilities to navigate a world filled with dreams and nightmares, where nothing is as it seems. Along the way, she learns valuable lessons about responsibility, the power of knowledge, and the importance of standing up for oneself and others.

    The 5168th Greatest Book of All Time
  10. 10. Stardust by Neil Gaiman

    "Stardust" by Neil Gaiman is a fairy tale adventure set in the land of Faerie. The story follows the journey of a young man named Tristran Thorn, who sets out to capture a fallen star in order to win the heart of his true love. Along the way, he encounters a variety of magical creatures and characters, including witches, unicorns, and a ruthless prince. As Tristran navigates the dangers and wonders of Faerie, he learns valuable lessons about love, sacrifice, and the power of destiny.

    The 7769th Greatest Book of All Time
  11. 11. The Girl Who Drank The Moon by Kelly Barnhill

    In "The Girl Who Drank the Moon," a young girl named Luna is accidentally enmagicked as a baby when she is fed moonlight by Xan, a kind witch who rescues abandoned infants from a sacrificial ritual of a nearby oppressive city. Xan decides to raise Luna as her own, alongside a wise swamp monster and a Perfectly Tiny Dragon. As Luna grows, her magic becomes increasingly difficult to control. Meanwhile, the original community continues to unravel under the weight of its own dark secrets, leading to a collision of worlds as Luna approaches her thirteenth birthday, when her powers will reach their peak. The story intertwines themes of love, growth, and facing one's fears in a beautifully crafted fantasy world.

    The 7854th Greatest Book of All Time
  12. 12. Wyrd Sisters by Terry Pratchett

    In a fantastical realm where witches hold sway over the common folk's superstitions and destinies, three eccentric crones find themselves entangled in royal intrigue after a throne is usurped by a power-hungry duke. The trio, guided by their own peculiar brand of wisdom and the manipulative hands of fate, must navigate the treacherous waters of politics and prophecy to restore the rightful heir to the crown. With a cauldron bubbling with satire and wit, the story cleverly subverts the tropes of Shakespearean drama, fairy tales, and fantasy conventions, all while exploring themes of power, destiny, and the nature of storytelling itself.

    The 7980th Greatest Book of All Time
  13. 13. Witches Abroad by Terry Pratchett

    A Discworld Novel

    In this satirical fantasy novel, three witches embark on a journey to a distant land to prevent a fairy godmother from forcibly creating a "happy ending," regardless of the consequences. The witches, each with their own distinct personality and approach to magic, navigate through a world filled with twisted fairy tale tropes, encountering talking animals, voodoo, and the power of stories along the way. As they travel, they grapple with the nature of destiny and the importance of free will, ultimately aiming to subvert the godmother's manipulative narrative and allow the people to shape their own lives. The novel humorously explores themes of fate, storytelling, and the subversion of traditional fairy tale conventions.

    The 8548th Greatest Book of All Time
  14. 14. The Very Secret Society Of Irregular Witches by Sangu Mandanna

    The novel follows Mika Moon, a witch who has always lived a solitary life due to the secrecy surrounding her magical abilities. When she receives an unexpected invitation to teach three young witches at the mysterious Nowhere House, Mika finds herself drawn into a unique community that challenges her understanding of family and belonging. As she navigates the complexities of mentoring the girls and managing her own powers, Mika discovers the importance of connection and love, ultimately transforming her life and the lives of those around her.

    The 8595th Greatest Book of All Time
  15. 15. Practical Magic by Alice Hoffman

    The book follows the lives of the Owens sisters, Sally and Gillian, who come from a long line of witches. Raised by their eccentric aunts after their parents' death, the sisters grow up learning about love and magic. However, they face an age-old curse that any man who falls in love with an Owens woman will meet a tragic end, leading them on a journey of self-discovery, acceptance, and a struggle to overcome their family's dark past.

    The 9195th Greatest Book of All Time
  16. 16. Български народни приказки by Angel Karaliichev

    This collection brings together a captivating array of traditional Bulgarian folk tales, curated by a renowned author who has dedicated his work to preserving the rich oral heritage of Bulgaria. The stories within this compilation are a testament to the vibrant imagination, profound wisdom, and cultural values of the Bulgarian people. Through tales of magical creatures, brave heroes, and cunning villains, readers are transported to a world where the mystical and the mundane intertwine. Each story, steeped in folklore and adorned with moral lessons, reflects the spirit and traditions of Bulgarian life, offering both entertainment and insight into the country's historical and cultural landscape.

    The 9883rd Greatest Book of All Time
  17. 17. In the Night Garden by Catherynne M. Valente

    The Orphan's Tales

    "In the Night Garden" is a fantasy novel that follows the journey of a young girl named September, who is whisked away to the magical world of Fairyland. There, she meets a cast of eccentric characters, including a wyvern, a marid, and a changeling boy, as she embarks on a quest to retrieve a magical sword and save Fairyland from the evil Marquess. Along the way, September learns valuable lessons about friendship, bravery, and the power of storytelling. With its whimsical prose and imaginative world-building, "In the Night Garden" is a delightful read for both children and adults alike.

    The 10749th Greatest Book of All Time
  18. 18. Snow White Learns Witchcraft by Theodora Goss

    New Fairy Tales and Poems

    "Snow White Learns Witchcraft" is a collection of short stories and poems that reimagine the classic fairy tale character as a powerful witch. The stories explore Snow White's journey as she learns to harness her magical abilities and navigate the challenges of living in a world that fears and misunderstands witches. Along the way, she encounters other fairy tale characters, including Cinderella, Rapunzel, and the Seven Dwarfs, and learns valuable lessons about love, power, and the importance of self-discovery. The book is a captivating and empowering read that celebrates the strength and resilience of women.

    The 10749th Greatest Book of All Time
  19. 19. A Hat Full of Sky by Terry Pratchett

    A Story of Discworld

    "A Hat Full of Sky" is a young adult fantasy novel by Terry Pratchett. The story follows Tiffany Aching, a young witch who leaves her home in the Chalk to become an apprentice to Miss Level in the big city. Tiffany quickly learns that being a witch is not just about casting spells, but also about understanding people and the world around her. She must also confront a dangerous creature known as a hiver, which seeks to take over her mind and use her powers for its own purposes. With the help of her friends and fellow witches, Tiffany must learn to control her magic and defeat the hiver before it's too late.

    The 10749th Greatest Book of All Time
  20. 20. Castle Hangnail by Ursula Vernon

    "Castle Hangnail" follows the story of a young witch named Molly who is determined to become a proper wicked witch and take over the abandoned Castle Hangnail. However, when she arrives, she finds out that the castle's minions are not what she expected and the castle itself is in danger of being sold. Molly must use her wit and magic to prove to the castle's Board of Magic that she is fit to be the new master and save the castle from destruction. Along the way, she befriends the quirky minions and learns the true meaning of friendship, loyalty, and bravery.

    The 10749th Greatest Book of All Time
  21. 21. Frogkisser by Garth Nix

    A Magical Adventure

    "Frogkisser" by Garth Nix is a whimsical fairy tale about a young princess named Anya who is tasked with saving her kingdom from an evil sorcerer. Along the way, she must go on a quest to gather magical items and enlist the help of various creatures, including talking dogs and a transformed prince who has been turned into a frog. With humor and heart, Anya learns the true meaning of bravery, friendship, and what it means to be a hero.

    The 10749th Greatest Book of All Time
  22. 22. The Once And Future Witches by Alix E. Harrow

    In this enchanting narrative set at the cusp of the 19th and 20th centuries, the story weaves together the lives of three sisters who, estranged and battered by their past, find themselves drawn together in the suffragist movement of New Salem. Amidst the fervor for women's rights, they discover that the echoes of witchcraft from their childhood hold the key to unlocking not just personal empowerment but also societal change. As they delve deeper into the forgotten words and ways of witchcraft, they face a society vehemently opposed to both their gender and their magic. This tale masterfully blends the struggle for equality with the mystical, proposing that the fight for women's rights is intertwined with a deeper, magical battle for freedom and recognition.

    The 11105th Greatest Book of All Time
  23. 23. Edmund Dulac's Fairy-Book by Edmund Dulac

    Fairy Tales of the Allied Nations

    This book is a collection of traditional fairy tales from around the world, beautifully illustrated by a renowned artist. The stories include tales from the folklore of various cultures, including French, Russian, Japanese, and Arabian. Each story is accompanied by stunning, full-color illustrations that bring the tales to life and transport readers into the magical worlds of the stories. The book is not only a delight for children but also an artistic treasure for adults.

    The 11455th Greatest Book of All Time
  24. 24. Gobbolino The Witch's Cat by Ursula Williams

    The Adventures of a Mischievous Cat

    This enchanting tale follows the adventures of a little black cat with one white paw and blue eyes, born into a family of witch's cats but yearning for a different life. Unlike his siblings, he dreams of being a kitchen cat and living with kind humans. Throughout his journey, he faces numerous challenges and rejections due to his witch-born nature and magical abilities, which he desperately tries to hide. His quest for acceptance and a loving home takes him through various households and landscapes, teaching him valuable lessons about identity, acceptance, and the true meaning of home.

    The 11508th Greatest Book of All Time
  25. 25. A Discovery Of Witches by Deborah Harkness

    This novel unfolds the tale of Diana Bishop, a young scholar and descendant of witches, who stumbles upon a bewitched manuscript in Oxford's Bodleian Library. Her discovery pulls her back into the world of magic, propelling her into the heart of a dangerous mystery. Alongside Matthew Clairmont, a mysterious vampire and geneticist, Diana is thrust into a forbidden alliance and an enchanted journey through time. As they seek to understand the manuscript's secrets, they must navigate the perilous waters of forbidden love and the age-old enmities among witches, vampires, and daemons, unraveling a history that threatens the fragile peace that has long existed between creatures and humans.

    The 12352nd Greatest Book of All Time

Reading Statistics

Click the button below to see how many of these books you've read!

Download

If you're interested in downloading this list as a CSV file for use in a spreadsheet application, you can easily do so by clicking the button below. Please note that to ensure a manageable file size and faster download, the CSV will include details for only the first 500 books.

Download