Top 5 Wednesday: Witches

Top 5 Witch Books

1.  Caster Chronicles by Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl.  I finished this series up at the end of 2016, but had read the first book years ago.  I really enjoyed this series, and liked that it was in Gatlin, South Carolina.  First, I have family in Charleston, and second there aren’t many witch novels set in the South. Small town southern charm mixed with witchcraft makes a great combination in my book.  I also appreciated that it was a young adult novel that wasn’t from the female perspective, thought we get Lena’s narration in Beautiful Redemption.  I also liked the concept of the conflict in the plot.

2. The Physick Book of Deliverance Dane by Katherine Howe.  I don’t remember everything about this plot, but that a woman, Connie Goodwin discovers a Book of Shadows that belonged to her ancestor.  She learns about her connection to the Salem Witch Trials.  I remember loving the writing style and feeling it was very atmospheric.

3.  Practical Magic by Alice Hoffman.  This is about the Owen sisters, Gillian and Sally.  Sally is the more gifted one, cautious, and doesn’t want to be a witch.  Gillian is the free spirited one that loves being witch but isn’t as powerful, and likes bad boys. Both woman lose their loves, because of the curse, and Gillian tries to use a spell to bring him back, but it causes problems.  Unfortunately, there’s a cop, Gary Hallet, investigating the disappearance, and Sally seems to be drawn to him.  This is closer to the Wiccan religion rather than the badass witches of fantasy.  Its creepy too.

4. Heir of Fire by Sarah J. Maas introduces the Ironteeth witches, who are cold hearted, and literally have Iron Teeth.  I like the “culture” of the witches that is established in this third book in the series.  Manon, the main witch is really cool and interesting.

5.  Wicked by Gregory MaGuire.  This is the original novel the musical is based off of.  The novel is much darker and goes into the politics of the world of Oz.  This is the story of the witches of Oz, Glinda the Good and Wicked witch of the West, Elaphba.  We also meet the Wicked Witch of East too, Nessarose.  We also meet those who become the Scarecrow, the Tin Man, and the Cowardly Lion.  I love when authors take children’s stories and turn them stories with adult themes.