Book Recs: LGBT Witches and Other Magic-Doers (II)

It’s been three years since Charlotte has done the original post, and we decided that’s long enough for me to update her recs a little bit. Actually, it is always interesting to see which books for any given topic she recommends vs. me. There’s a lot of overlap, but our tastes aren’t identical.

Anyway, if you’re craving some gay magic? Enjoy!

And hey, a lot of those titles are available on Scribd, so if you want to check out that service but don’t have an account yet, use my invite code to get 2 months for free! (This also gives me one free month.)

Related: LGBT Witches and Other Magic-Doers (part I) & Get Your Spook On

Wild and Wicked Things

Francesca May
Goodreads
Rep: lesbian mc, nonbinary lesbian mc, bi side character
TW: domestic violence, child abuse, magic requiring self harm, blood, body horror, violence, murder, guns

Why Should I Read It?

What if The Great Gatsby, but Gatsby was a lesbian blood witch? Truly the elevator pitch of this book is the only pitch it even needs, because come on! Who isn’t hooked already? Let me just add that the writing is absolutely gorgeous, and the lesbian (!) romance delicious & raw.

Mamo

Sas Milledge
Goodreads
Rep: sapphic mc, Filipino sapphic mc
TW: mention of past child abuse

Why Should I Read It?

I keep recommending this graphic novel, but then I am a little bit in love with it. It has it all: beautiful art, great concept, loveable characters. The magic here is folklore-based, which is very interesting to see, and the girls will surely steal your heart with their blooming love.

A Curse of Roses

Diana Pinguicha
Goodreads
Rep: mostly Portuguese cast & setting, lesbian mc, lesbian Muslim li, lesbian side characters
TW: religion-based self harm, homophobia, internalised homophobia, blood, murder, body horror

Why Should I Read It?

I had to find a way to rec A Curse of Roses! It’s very lucky that this post has “and other magic-doers” in the title, because here we have mostly curses. But also some magic rooted in spells and nature. It’s all gorgeous and I don’t understand how isn’t everyone obsessed with this book.

A Marvellous Light

Freya Marske
Goodreads
Rep: gay mcs

Why Should I Read It?

It’s a very romance heavy fantasy, which, I won’t lie, is pretty much my favourite kind. It is also a mystery, though, so frankly everyone should find something to enjoy here. Let’s just say that this is one of those rare occasions where you absolutely can judge the book by its cover.

Spell on Wheels

Kate Leth, Megan Levens & Marissa Louise
Goodreads
Rep: Vietnamese American sapphic mc

Why Should I Read It?

In a word: a roller-coaster of fun. Okay, that’s more than one word. Nevermind. But listen, you have magic in the 21st century, with phones and GPS, and online dating, and it is just so much fun! Think Supernatural, but with a group of girl friends instead of two brothers, and also without any weird misogyny and shit. Think Supernatural but better!

The Witch King

H.E. Edgmon
Goodreads
Rep: trans gay mc, Black achillean li, Native American bi ace side character, nonbinary lesbian side character, sapphic side character, side polyam relationship, side sapphic relationship
TW: transphobia, abuse (verbal and physical), blood, gore (chapter 14 & 15), panic attacks, fire, burning, mention of past sexual assault

Why Should I Read It?

There are so many things to talk about in this book, a lot of them kinda spoilery, but my main thought is: I wish all teens from toxic households could read this. It’s refreshing and so very validating. Also, aren’t we all kind of in love with Emyr?

The Midnight Girls

Alicia Jasińska
Goodreads
Rep: Polish-coded cast & setting, lesbian mc, bi female mc, lesbian character, gay character, bi male character
TW: child abuse, blood, body horror (brief), death, murder

Why Should I Read It?

You didn’t think I could possibly do a rec list all about magic, and not include the Polish sapphic book of my heart? It’s lush and comforting in world-building, it’s bloody and raw in the romance, and it’s enthralling in all the other aspects. Please, just read it already!

The Jasmine Throne

Tasha Suri
Goodreads
Rep: Indian inspired characters and setting, lesbian mcs
TW: homophobia, gore, violence, execution by burning, forced drug use, torture, death, body horror

Why Should I Read It?

One of the most obvious choices on this list, but I’m so valid for making it! This is adult fantasy at its finest! This is what all those wanna-be adult authors are trying to achieve! The worldbuilding is incredibly detailed without an ounce of info-dumping, and all the politics and values make sense. And the magic? Mind-blowing.

Sweet & Bitter Magic

Adrienne Tooley
Goodreads
Rep: bi mc, lesbian mc

Why Should I Read It?

I always describe this as a story of love, in more ways than the obvious (enemies to lovers!) romance. There’s the familial love, too, and different kinds of it even. And it’s love that makes the whole plot possible in the first place. This is the kind of book to read on a rainy day, when you just want to feel safe & content (& gay).

Avi Cantor Has Six Months to Live

Sacha Lamb
Goodreads
Rep: gay trans Jewish mc, gay trans li, sapphic trans mother, sapphic mother

Why Should I Read It?

This novella is one of my favourites of all time. It’s incredibly comforting, and truly just feels like a warm hug. It’s just the sweetest shit, my guys! Every single thing about it is simply lovely. I don’t know how to properly explain the way this found a place in my heart.

(You can read it for free here!)

What are your favourite books with witches (and other magic-doers)?
And if you liked this post, please consider supporting me on ko-fi.