Fall reads about all things witches must be read!
- Michaela Riley
- Aug 26
- 5 min read
The sun, clearly exhausted from months of overachieving, finally took a well-deserved step back. Its golden rays, once sharp and insistent, softened into a hazy, buttery glow. Down below, the leaves, having gossiped all summer about the neighbor's petunias, finally decided to lull themselves into a kaleidoscopic sleep, their vibrant hues a final, flamboyant hurrah. Yes, dear friends, autumn hasn't just arrived; it's practically barged in, kicked off its sensible boots, and declared, "Right, let's get this show on the road!"
And what a show it is! The air, crisp enough to snap, whispers promises of chunky knits and the delightful scent of bonfires that are probably just someone burning toast. My internal clock, which usually just screams "more coffee," has switched to a more refined, yet equally demanding, "Procure pumpkin spice latte immediately, then locate the comfiest chair known to humankind. Failure to comply will result in existential dread and a sudden urge to rake leaves, which we both know is a terrible idea."
The directive is clear. With my steaming, suspiciously orange beverage clutched in one hand (because, yes, I am basic, and I regret nothing), I sink into the aforementioned chair. The world outside can battle over daylight savings and whether it's too early for Christmas decorations; I'm settling in for the main event: fall reads about all things witches.
"Why witches?" you might ask, with an eyebrow raised in mild amusement, perhaps while subtly adjusting your own chunky knit. Oh, honey, because autumn is when the veil thins, darling! Not just the veil between worlds, but also the one between "serious literary endeavor" and "unapologetic escapism involving cauldrons and sassy familiars." This isn't just about Halloween; it’s about reclaiming our inner crones, our spell-slinging sisters, our potion-peddling pals. Also, they tend to look fabulous in dark, flowy fabrics, which just screams "autumn aesthetic."
Forget your mundane chores for a few blissful hours; it's time to follow a coven of amateur sleuths solving a magical murder in a quaint New England town. Or perhaps you fancy a historical saga about a defiant witch in the Salem trials who definitely didn't get burned at the stake (because, artistic license, people!). Maybe a contemporary rom-com where the grumpy barista suddenly discovers he's inherited a spellbook and has an unfortunate penchant for turning customers into newts. The possibilities are as endless as the supply of oversized sweaters and questionable seasonal coffee flavors.
So, go on. Embrace the cliché. Grab that latte, fluff that cushion, and let the pages transport you. Because while the leaves outside are busy dreaming, our minds are about to awaken to a world where magic is real, and the only thing scarier than a demon is running out of pumpkin spice. Happy reading, you magnificent creatures of the night (and day)!
Forget sorting through crystal balls or consulting a grumpy raven, because we've brewed up your September indie author picks, and they are utterly enchanting. If you thought witches just flew on brooms and turned princes into frogs, darling, you're in for a treat. Or a hex. Probably a treat.
First up, making his debut and proving that magic is absolutely delicious, we have Theo R. C. Silfer! He's "Weaving words into worlds for you to get stuck in," and honestly, given his debut offering, we suspect those worlds might be made of sugar and spells. Get ready for The Witch and Her Coven of Mince Pies ❤️🔥. We hear the coven meetings are surprisingly well-catered, and their spells are notoriously hard to resist, especially after a second helping of pie. Bet they put a 'love me' charm in the filling.
Next, brace yourselves for some seriously complicated family dynamics with Michele Baumann's The Witch Hunter's Daughter. This "Supernatural Fiction" promises "Witchy, small-town vibes. Revenge, redemption, and strong family relationships." We're just picturing Thanksgiving dinner at her house – "Pass the gravy, Dad, and no, I'm not giving up my familiar just because he sheds on the carpet." It's either going to be a heartwarming tale or a full-blown magical brawl. Either way, sign us up!
Then, because why have one fantastical creature when you can have two, E. M. Rose brings us Twisted by Fate. Prepare for "Vampire hybrids, witches and magic realms." We imagine the dating scene in E. M. Rose's world is an absolute nightmare of potential bite marks and accidental transformations. "Sorry I'm late, my witchy ancestor tried to turn me into a newt for spilling my coffee, and then my vampire half got peckish." Sounds like a regular Tuesday from where we're sitting – only with more fangs and less paperwork.
Feeling brave? Or perhaps just a little curious about your future? Enchanted Divinations takes "Fiction short stories all based on a 5 tarot card pull!" Honestly, we're a little jealous. Imagine never having writer's block again, just pulling 'The Fool' and writing a story about a witch who forgets her broomstick. Or 'Death' leading to a quirky tale about a goblin's mid-life crisis. The possibilities are endless, and probably hilariously chaotic.
Speaking of chaos (the good, romantic kind!), C. J. Rose invites us to "Romantasy set in Scotland between a witch and demon." Oh, and there's "slow-burn, enemies to lovers and a sprinkle of mystery." The title? “That Damned Witch.” We bet the demon says that with a sigh, not a sneer, after she accidentally turns his favorite kilt plaid... or maybe after she beats him at a game of magical chess. Scotland, magic, and simmering tension? Yes, please! Just try not to invoke any ancient curses while you're reading.
Finally, prepare to have your witchy worldview utterly shattered by Michaela Riley's Labyrinth of Shadows; The Witch's Rebirth Part I. Michaela tells us to "forget everything I know about witches” and then introduces us to Merona, “who’s basically a walking prophecy wrapped in fire and raw power.” So, basically, every witch movie I've ever seen is a lie, and Merona is here to set the record straight – probably by conjuring a storm while making breakfast. We're thinking she doesn't do "subtle." Sounds like a witch who knows how to make an entrance... and probably a very dramatic exit.
So, there you have it, fellow magic-lovers! Six spellbinding reads from indie authors that are perfect for snuggling up with as the nights grow longer and the air gets crisp. Grab your latte, find your coziest blanket, and let these incredible witches (and their various supernatural friends, foes, and baked goods) transport you. Happy reading, and try not to accidentally hex your neighbors!
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