Book Recs: Witches (And Other Magic-Doers)

LGBT people are magic, so obviously I had to do a rec list of LGBT books with witches (and various other magic-doers). Shamefully, I haven’t read all that many (that I’m willing to rec. There is that One Series We Don’t Talk About as well, but it’ll be a cold day in hell when I rec that), so some of the ones on here are ones people I trust have loved, or ones that aren’t yet published.

But, because they’re about witches (and other magic-doers), and they’re LGBT, I can guarantee* that they’ll be amazing.

*Please don’t actually hold me to this, thanks.

The True Queen

Zen Cho
Goodreads
Rep: lesbian mcs, Malay mcs

Why Should I Read It?

If you want a perfectly slowburning plot and romance, featuring anticolonialism and dragons, this is the book for you. It’s a beautiful book and I will be reccing it from now until eternity. (Also, I reviewed it here.)

Wonders of the Invisible World

Christopher Barzak
Goodreads
Rep: gay mcs

Why Should I Read It?

Estranged best friends to lovers gives you some unique and perfect angst, and no more so than in Wonders of the Invisible World. It’s honestly such a brilliant book, and one I keep promising myself to reread (and then never actually managing to. Shame on me).

Engelsfors Trilogy

Sara B. Elfgren & Mats Strandberg
Goodreads
Rep: lesbian mc, bi mc

TWs: bullying, homophobia, suicide, implied paedophilia, attempted rape, torture, drug/alcohol abuse, animal deaths, self-harm

Why Should I Read It?

This whole series is pretty heavy, but if you can read it, then it’s got an amazing payoff for a THREE-BOOK-LONG F/F SLOWBURN. And each of those books is 500+ pages so you know it’s going to be the slowest slowburn ever and exquisitely wonderful.

These Witches Don’t Burn

Isabel Sterling
Goodreads
Rep: lesbian mc

Why Should I Read It?

It’s not yet published but this is one of mine and Anna’s most anticipated reads of the year. I mean, the main character is a lesbian witch. What more do you need to know?

Witch, Cat, and Cobb

J. K. Pendragon
Goodreads
Rep: lesbian mcs, trans mcs

Why Should I Read It?

Running away from an arranged marriage with a man to shack up with a trans woman witch and your talking cat? Can you get any better a start to a novella?

Labyrinth Lost

Zoraida Córdova
Goodreads
Rep: bi mc

Why Should I Read It?

This is one that I have to admit to not having (yet) read. But so many people whose taste in books I trust have loved this one, so that’s why it’s on here. Also it sounds epic.

The Binding

Bridget Collins
Goodreads
Rep: mlm mcs

Why Should I Read It?

Stretching what I mean by “magic-doer” a little here but I love this book too much not to. It’s a beautiful non-linear narrative, where you start basically in the middle of the story, and then work your way through the past and into the future. And the plot means it has the most excrutiatingly painful second chance romance (just how I like it).

Since this post was published, it has come to light that Bridget Collins is a TERF and, as such, we can no longer recommend this entry (although it will remain on the post for full clarity).

The Fire’s Stone

Tanya Huff
Goodreads
Rep: gay mc, bi mc

Why Should I Read It?

This one was recommended me years ago, and in true fashion, I still haven’t read it. But I trust the person who recced it, so it’s on here. Also it’s a good way of reminding myself to read it already.

The Fever King

Victoria Lee
Goodreads
Rep: bi Jewish mc, gay li

TWs: child abuse, statutory rape, torture in past, suicide mentions

Why Should I Read It?

You know when a book just completely wrecks you and you’re left not knowing what to do with yourself? This is one of those. (So beware.)

Spellbook of the Lost and Found

Moïra Fowley-Doyle
Goodreads
Rep: bi mcs

Why Should I Read It?

The bigger question here is why haven’t you already read this? It has not one, but two bi mcs and it’s a beautifully quietly magical read.

So, that’s all I have. I hope you found something to read on here! What are your favourite books with witches (and other magic-doers)?