Best YA Witch Books From the 2000s to the 2020s
Looking for the Best YA Witch Books from the 2000s to the 2020s? I am here to trace the history of YA Witch Books from the 2000s through the 2020s and look at the trends and the way 2020 witch books are embracing modern themes and concerns.
Ever since I was a kid, I’ve loved books about witches. Witch books are usually filled with great female characters. And you can find witch plots and witch characters in many different genres, from paranormal romance to historical fiction to — as you’ll see below — even sci-fi.
While I don’t think witches and witch stories ever go completely out of style, they seem to be heating up again as a trend right now.
Let’s look at the history of young adult witch books
When I was a young adult, we all read The Witch of Blackbird Pond and that was about the extent of it. Was that character even a witch?
with the HUGE explosion of YA paranormal books after Twilight, witches became a popular topic again!
YA Witch Books of the 2010s
In 2010, we had the very popular Hex Hall trilogy by Rachel Hawkins
2011 brought The Near Witch by Victoria Schwab and Blood Magic by Tessa Gratton
From 2012-2014, The Born Wicked trilogy was also popular.
The Born Wicked trilogy is amazing, I call it “Little Women with witches.” You can find my review of Born Wicked here!
You can read my review of book two, Star Cursed, here!
Sisters’ Fate is the last of a YA trilogy of books about a trio of witch sisters in an alt historical setting.
2014 and 2015 were BIG years for witch books.
The Half Bad series by Sally Green made a big splash in 2014. I reviewed the first book with my blogger friend Lauren of Love is Not a Triangle.
Trial by Fire by Josephine Angelini (2014) was a really interesting combination of parallel universes and a witch story — watch for my review soon.
But What Is Missing in these 2010 witch books?
Young adult books about witches have evolved and changed over the last decade, reflecting shifts in both young adult literature in general and wider societal trends.
What was always the case in YA Books About Witches
Sisterhood Narratives and Female Empowerment: Many YA witch books have emphasized the journey of self-discovery, empowerment, and finding one’s own path, often using magic as a metaphor for personal growth.
What is new in YA Witch Books in the 2020s:
Diverse Representation in YA Witch Books: There has been a significant increase in books featuring witches from different ethnic backgrounds, sexual orientations, and gender identities.
Intersectionality and Social Justice Issues in YA Witch Books: Many recent YA books address issues such as race, gender, and sexuality. These stories often delve into the challenges and prejudices faced by witches who belong to marginalized groups.
New Settings for YA Witch Books: Many contemporary YA witch books have moved away from Western European and/or historical settings to embrace modern ones.
Deeper Themes: Authors are tackling deeper themes, including social justice, mental health, and environmental concerns. Witches are often used as symbols for empowerment, resistance, and healing, allowing for thought-provoking narratives.
Technology: The integration of technology, social media, and online communities into the lives of young witches is a reflection of the digital age. These elements add new layers to the storytelling.
Psychological and Emotional Depth: There’s a growing emphasis on the emotional and psychological experiences of witches, addressing issues like trauma, anxiety,.
Today, YA books about witches have evolved to be more diverse, inclusive, and socially aware, with a focus on complex characters and contemporary themes.
My mega post on YA Witch books features newer titles that feature LGBTQ and non-white characters.
Plus, check out the titles on this post on The Best YA Witch, Ghost, and Vampire books of 2023!
How do you feel about witch books? Have you read any of the books above, or are you going to? And do you have any other witch books to recommend?
It's funny that you posted this today when just yesterday I was thinking about how many witch books I was reading lately (and paranormal in general, but I blame that on Vampire Academy/Bloodlines).
Did you read the Witch of Blackbird Pond when you were younger. That was one of my favorite school reads ever! (Though I seem to be hard pressed to recall the details of the book right now.)
Ahhhh — yes. Actually I had that in the post, and then I was like "oh, they don't want to hear about your favorite book in sixth grade." But I LOVED that book!!
I'm not a big fan of witches books, but I have read a few that I've really loved so far, like Hexed, House of Ivy & Sorrow and of course I cannot wait to read Sisters' Fate next week!! =D
Aw… well at least you will join me in Sisters' Fate!!
I can't believe I haven't read any witch books since there are so many. I really want to try Hexed! Have you read it?
I read a little of Hexed and decided it was not for me — cheerleader witches in high school. But a lot of my blogger friends have enjoyed it!
I didn't know some of those books are about witches! I used to love those stories when I was younger, I guess I'll be reading them soon, again!
Lis @ The reader lines.
I hope there will be more witch books to come 🙂
I love witch books, they are so much fun! Hex Hall was a good series.
It was — I was going to do a whole recap of YA witch books and then ran out of time. But that was on my list!
I LOVE witch books. I recently finished Trial by Fire and am looking forward to reading the next book. Hexed was a miss for me. Salt and Storm looks interesting and is on my TBR list. I've heard great things about the other books and really need to read them!
Hexed was not quite for me either, but loved Trial by Fire and am really looking forward to Salt and Storm!
LOVED Sisters' Fate so much! I am always up for a witch story….
Kate @ Ex Libris
Eep — can't wait to start it…
I'm so going to read Half Bad soon. Also Trial by Fire sounds so good. I haven't heard of some of these but I'm going to check it out. Great post, Jen 🙂
Half Bad is really different and I enjoyed it!
Great post Jen! I really enjoyed Hexed, but it was a bit Junior for me. I'm really looking forward to picking up Salt and Storm 🙂
Happy Reading
Patrick @ The Bookshelves
I felt exactly the same way…
So far I have read Hexed and Trial by Fire and I have to say both of those books were amazingly good! I am so excited for the sequels! I am on such a huge witch binge! I just won an ARC of sisters' fate and I can't wait to devour it!
When I was getting the book covers for this post I saw that you won an ARC from the author's blog. Congratulations 🙂 🙂
Thanks! Yeah I was so excited to win one! I devoured that book in a day it was so good!
Oh, I'm glad Trial by Fire is a good one! I mentioned it everywhere on the WoW posts, lol. Also, I love witches too. They're so awesome and kickass. ^^ I've read Half Bad-liked it- and I'm currently reading Hexed-not sure about that one.
I really enjoy witch stories when they're done well, and I'm pleased that we've been getting more of them lately. I liked TRIAL BY FIRE so, so much, and I'm glad to see you did, too! I'm a few chapters into SALT AND STORM–that has a very different feel, but so far I'm enjoying that one, too.
Wendy @ The Midnight Garden
Salt and Storm looks great. Love the cover. Half Bad was an enjoyable read. Great post.
I am SO into witch books. AND I'm so freaking excited for Sister's Fate. I can't wait to get my hands on my pre-ordered copy!
Plus, I'm starting Trial by Fire soon! Which is extra exciting because I love Josephine Angelini! And Salt & Storm is so tempting to read early. I may not be able to resist much longer! <3
I LOVE Witch books! I am so excited to read all the ones you listed above (except for Witch Finder. Unfortunately, I've seen many bad reviews.) 😀 I recently reread the Hex Hall trilogy… and that is semi about witches!!! Loved the post 🙂
I noticed the same trend lately, Jen, and I have to say I'm loving it! ^_^ I love a good witch book! I recently read house of Ivy & sorrow and liked it a lot. But I'm most excited for Trial by Fire. I also got Salt & Storm and hope it's good. I didn't enjoy Half Bad, but I think this upcoming trend is one to watch.
Dee @ Dee's Reads
Witches are becoming increasingly popular! They're in Heir of Fire as well!!
I have particularly been seeing this around. Witches are making a comeback.
I'm going to be honest, it's taking me a while to find a witch book that I like. I'm currently in the middle of Half Bad but….I just can't get in to it. o.O Thanks for the list, I've been really curious about the Cahill sisters though.
Amber Elise @ Du Livre
Loving the witch trend! I just finished Salt & Storm and it was brutal but lovely. I'll be reading Trial by Fire soon…I liked her other series so I'm hoping for good things. I still haven't started that Jessica Spotswood series, even though I have the first book already. Maybe in time for Halloween. 🙂