24 Spellbinding Historical Fiction Books About Witches to Add to Your TBR

I don’t know if I’ve mentioned this before on the blog, but I’m usually in the mood for historical fiction whenever the year starts winding down. 

And now that we’re already deep into the second quarter, I’ve started getting that familiar craving again.

So, I decided to put together this list of some really spectacular historical fiction books about witches.

I’ve always loved anything witch-related and reading about witches has always felt super fun and fascinating to me. 

I actually have another post all about my favorite witchy romance books, but in this post, I’m sharing my personal favorite historical fiction books about witches.

Now, I might not know every single detail of witch history, but I think it’s pretty common knowledge that accusations of witchcraft were often just another tool the patriarchy used to control and punish women who didn’t fit their definition of acceptable. 

These accusations were thrown around carelessly, and unfortunately, many women lost their lives because of them. 

Thankfully, at least in most parts of the world, we’re now lightyears away from those dark, religiously oppressive times when a woman could be killed simply for existing differently. 

But it was definitely a painful chapter in history, especially for women.

So, if you’re interested in reading about the Witch Trials that scarred the 19th century – or if you’re just looking for a good historical fiction book to wind down with as we move closer to the end of the year – then you should absolutely check out these books.

The Mercies by Kiran Millwood Hargrave

Set in 1600s Norway, The Mercies tells the sad yet beautiful story of women accused of witchcraft after a deadly storm wipes out the island’s men.

I loved how this historical fiction book about witches showed the quiet strength of women left to survive alone, even when fear and suspicion grew. 

Maren and Ursa’s bond felt so real to me, and it leaned into how friendship can be a kind of magic too. 

The story shows how dangerous fear can be when mixed with power, and I couldn’t help but feel protective over these women. 

This is one of the best historical witch trial novels I’ve read, and it makes you think about how easily independence can be mistaken for witchcraft. 

If you enjoy atmospheric historical fiction about witches, I truly recommend this heartfelt, haunting novel.

The Witch of Willow Hall by Hester Fox

In The Witch of Willow Hall, Lydia moves to a creepy old house after a family scandal. What she doesn’t know is that she’s secretly a witch. 

This historical fiction book about witches has such a spooky, gentle vibe. I found myself loving how Lydia slowly discovers her powers while dealing with family drama and dark secrets. 

And what I enjoyed most is how the magic felt hidden, just waiting for the right moment to come alive. 

This witch historical romance felt perfect for cozy evenings, because it is mysterious without being too scary. 

I felt like cheering Lydia on as she learned to protect the people she loves. 

If you enjoy witch books set in old houses full of secrets, I think you’ll really like this one too. 

It’s a soft, witchy historical novel that quietly pulls you in.

Fear the Drowning Deep by Sarah Glenn Marsh

Bridey is scared of the sea, but when dark things start happening in her village, she teams up with a local witch and a mysterious boy to face whatever’s lurking underwater. 

I loved how this historical fiction book about witches mixed eerie sea legends with friendship and bravery. 

The setting on the Isle of Man made it feel super atmospheric, and Bridey’s journey to overcome her fear really touched me. 

If you enjoy young adult historical fantasy books about witches and old island tales, this one’s a great pick. 

I liked how the witch character wasn’t scary at all but wise and kind. 

Honestly, this story felt like a cozy shiver down my spine. It’s magical but also quietly sweet and emotional.

The Last Witch of Scotland by Philip Paris

The Last Witch of Scotland practically broke my heart, so you need to read it. Set in 1727, it tells the story of Aila, whose only crime is being different. 

This historical fiction novel about witches made me think about how cruel people can be when they don’t understand something. 

I loved how Aila’s bravery shone through her sadness, and I found myself rooting for her, even when life felt hopeless. 

I also loved how her friendship with travelling entertainers brought her small bits of happiness. 

Based on the real last witch execution in Britain, this book really made me feel grateful we’ve moved past those dark times.

If you enjoy historical books about witch trials in Scotland, this one is both sad and beautiful. I think it’s one of the most moving historical witchcraft novels I’ve ever read.

The Red Queen’s Daughter by Jacqueline Kolosov

In The Red Queen’s Daughter, Mary Seymour grows up knowing she’s different. 

Her mother was Katherine Parr, Henry VIII’s last queen, but Mary is destined for a stranger path – as a white witch. I loved this combo of Tudor history and magic.

This historical fiction book about witches at Queen Elizabeth’s court felt both elegant and mysterious, with whispers of magic hidden behind royal walls. 

I found myself fascinated by Mary’s quiet strength and her struggle between duty and her own heart. There’s even a love story that kept me hooked.

If you enjoy witchcraft novels set in Tudor England, this one feels like stepping back in time, with a magical bent. 

It’s one of those gentle, magical historical stories that make you dream of castles, secrets, and women learning their hidden powers.

Circe by Madeline Miller

Circe’s story is honestly magical from start to finish. 

Born a goddess but feeling small in her family, she finds strength in witchcraft and chooses her own path. 

And, what I enjoyed most about this historical fantasy novel about witches is how Circe’s journey felt so human. 

She’s lonely, brave, and sometimes unsure, but always powerful in her own quiet way. Her life on the island, mixing spells and taming beasts, felt both peaceful and sad, and I wanted to sit beside her and listen. 

This is one of the best witch books set in mythology I’ve read, and it gently reminds us that being different is its own kind of magic. 

If you love stories about forgotten women and magical powers hidden in old tales, Circe will truly steal your heart.

The Minister’s Daughter by Julie Hearn

In The Minister’s Daughter, two very different girls – Nell, a wild herbal healer, and Grace, the minister’s perfect daughter – end up tangled in witchcraft accusations. 

This historical fiction novel about witches made me think a lot about how people hide their true selves. 

Nell felt like such a strong, misunderstood character, and I kept hoping she’d be safe. 

I really loved how the book showed that not everyone accused of being a witch actually is one, and that sometimes the real danger comes from lies, not magic. 

If you enjoy witch trial books with herbal lore and village superstition, this one is both mysterious and touching. 

I found myself loving the old English countryside setting, too. It’s one of those quiet but powerful historical witch books that stays with you.

The Witches of Vardø by Anya Bergman

Set in 1662 Norway, The Witches of Vardø tells the story of women wrongly accused of witchcraft just for being themselves. 

I loved how this historical fiction book about witches focused on their strength rather than their suffering. 

Ingeborg’s journey to save her mother made me cry at times, but it also gave me hope. I loved Maren’s fierce, free spirit – she reminded me how bravery often comes in quiet moments.

This witchcraft novel based on real events felt like reading a sad song, but one with a powerful ending.

If you enjoy stories about real witches in history who refused to give up, you’ll love this one. 

It’s one of the most beautiful and empowering historical novels about witch trials I’ve read, and I couldn’t stop thinking about it.

A Most Improper Magick by Stephanie Burgis

A Most Improper Magick is such a fun and sweet historical witch novel.

Kat Stephenson might be young, but she’s clever, brave, and full of heart. I loved how she chopped off her hair and tried to save her family herself.

This historical fiction book about witches set in Regency England felt like a magical adventure, full of humor and friendship. 

I found myself smiling a lot as Kat dashed through danger and mystery, all while trying to help her sisters find love. 

If you enjoy light-hearted witch books with historical adventures, I think you’ll adore Kat’s story as much as I did. 

It’s perfect for when you want something cozy and charming.

A Secret History of Witches by Louisa Morgan

In A Secret History of Witches, magic is a family secret passed from mother to daughter across five generations. 

I loved how this historical fiction book about witches spanned centuries, and showed how magic and strength stay alive even in hard times. 

From Brittany to London, these women protect their family and their powers, while facing danger at every turn. 

This felt like a story of quiet bravery, where love and loyalty are the greatest spells of all. 

I especially loved how magic here wasn’t flashy – it felt real and personal, tied to family traditions. 

If you enjoy historical novels about witches told through family sagas, this book is warm, gentle, and empowering. 

It made me think about my own family and how strength can be something softly passed down. Truly one of my favorites.

Do you think you’re going to read any of these historical fiction books about witches? Let me know in the comments below.

And if you have another witchy book – whether it’s contemporary or historical – that you think everyone absolutely needs to read, drop it in the comments too. I’d love to add it to my list.