Books similar to A Discovery of Witches by Deborah Harkness
If you’re captivated by the enchanting blend of witchcraft, romance, and academic intrigue found in Deborah Harkness’s A Discovery of Witches, you’re in for a treat. This spellbinding novel weaves together history, mystery, and the supernatural, creating a rich tapestry of magical storytelling. Below, we’ve curated a selection of similar tales that will transport you through magical libraries, dark academia, and spellbinding romances, each offering its own unique blend of wonder and intrigue.
Fantasy literature offers a vast array of stories that explore the mystical and the magical, often set in worlds where the impossible becomes possible. Whether you’re drawn to tales of witches, vampires, or other supernatural beings, there’s a book out there that will capture your imagination just as “A Discovery of Witches” did. These stories often delve into themes of power, destiny, and the eternal struggle between good and evil, providing a perfect escape from the mundane.
In this guide, we’ll introduce you to a selection of fantasy books that share the same enchanting qualities as “A Discovery of Witches.” From epic sagas to intimate character-driven stories, these novels offer a variety of magical experiences that will keep you turning the pages. Whether you’re a seasoned fantasy aficionado or new to the genre, these books are sure to satisfy your craving for the extraordinary.
1. The Witches of New York by Ami McKay
Synopsis: Set in 1880s New York, this novel follows Adelaide Thom and Eleanor St. Clair, two witches who run a tea shop that caters to the city’s elite. When Beatrice Dunn, a young woman with mysterious abilities, joins them, their lives intertwine amidst the backdrop of a city teeming with magic and hidden dangers.
Why Read It? McKay masterfully blends historical fiction with the supernatural, creating a rich tapestry of feminist themes and magical realism. The atmospheric setting and complex characters make it a compelling read for those intrigued by the intersection of witchcraft and society.
2. The Once and Future Witches by Alix E. Harrow
Synopsis: In an alternate 1893 America, the Eastwood sisters—James Juniper, Agnes Amaranth, and Beatrice Belladonna—reunite to revive the lost art of witchcraft and fight for women’s suffrage. As they delve into ancient spells and confront societal oppression, they uncover secrets that could change the course of history.
Why Read It? Harrow’s lyrical prose and imaginative storytelling offer a fresh take on witchcraft, intertwining it with themes of sisterhood and empowerment. The novel’s dark academia ambiance and richly developed world will resonate with fans of A Discovery of Witches.
3. Ninth House by Leigh Bardugo
Synopsis: Alex Stern, a survivor of a horrific multiple homicide, is offered a full scholarship to Yale University under mysterious circumstances. Tasked with monitoring the university’s secret societies, she uncovers a world of dark magic, power struggles, and forbidden knowledge lurking beneath the Ivy League’s prestigious facade.
Why Read It? Bardugo crafts a gripping narrative that delves into the sinister underbelly of academia. The novel’s exploration of occult practices within a university setting, combined with its complex protagonist, makes it a perfect choice for readers drawn to dark academia and supernatural intrigue.
4. The Atlas Six by Olivie Blake
Synopsis: Every decade, six of the world’s most talented magicians are selected to join the Alexandrian Society, caretakers of lost knowledge from ancient civilizations. As the chosen candidates compete for a place within this secretive organization, they must navigate alliances, betrayals, and the seductive lure of forbidden power.
Why Read It? Blake’s novel offers a cerebral and atmospheric exploration of ambition and morality within a dark academia setting. The intricate magic system and philosophical undertones provide a thought-provoking experience for readers who appreciate complex narratives.
5. The Bone Witch by Rin Chupeco
Synopsis: Tea discovers her necromantic abilities when she accidentally resurrects her brother from the dead. Ostracized by her community, she is taken under the wing of an experienced bone witch who trains her in the art of dark magic. As Tea’s power grows, she must navigate a world that fears and misunderstands her abilities.
Why Read It? Chupeco weaves a haunting tale of self-discovery and resilience, set against a richly imagined world of magic and politics. The novel’s exploration of the fine line between good and evil, along with its darkly enchanting atmosphere, will appeal to fans of A Discovery of Witches.
6. The Changeover by Margaret Mahy
Synopsis: Laura Chant, a teenager with latent supernatural abilities, senses a dark presence threatening her younger brother, Jacko. To save him, she seeks the help of Sorensen “Sorry” Carlisle, a mysterious and aloof boy rumored to be a witch. Together, they embark on a perilous journey to confront the malevolent force endangering Jacko.
Why Read It? Mahy’s novel masterfully combines elements of romance, supernatural intrigue, and coming-of-age themes. The dynamic between Laura and Sorry, set against a backdrop of magical realism, offers a compelling narrative that resonates with the themes explored in A Discovery of Witches.
7. The Infernal Devices Trilogy by Cassandra Clare
Synopsis: Set in Victorian London, this trilogy follows Tessa Gray as she discovers her unique ability to shape-shift. Drawn into the secretive world of Shadowhunters—warriors dedicated to protecting humanity from supernatural threats—Tessa becomes entangled in a complex web of love, betrayal, and dark magic.
Why Read It? Clare’s blend of historical fiction, romance, and supernatural elements creates an immersive experience. The intricate world-building and character dynamics, coupled with the dark academia ambiance, make this series a fitting choice for readers seeking narratives akin to A Discovery of Witches.
8. The Mortal Instruments Series by Cassandra Clare
Synopsis: In modern-day New York City, Clary Fray discovers she is a Shadowhunter, a human-angel hybrid destined to hunt demons. As she delves deeper into this hidden world, she uncovers family secrets, forms complex relationships, and confronts dark forces threatening humanity.
Why Read It? This series offers a contemporary urban fantasy filled with romance, mystery, and supernatural intrigue. Clare’s detailed exploration of a hidden magical society within an academic setting provides a narrative rich in dark academia themes, appealing to fans of A Discovery of Witches.
9. Hex Hall by Rachel Hawkins
Synopsis: Sophie Mercer, a teenage witch, is sent to Hecate Hall, a reform school for delinquent Prodigium—witches, shapeshifters, and fairies. As she navigates the challenges of high school cliques, forbidden romances, and dark secrets, Sophie uncovers a sinister plot that threatens the entire magical community.
Why Read It? Hawkins combines humor, romance, and mystery within a boarding school setting, creating a light yet engaging narrative. The novel’s exploration of magical education and hidden dangers mirrors the academic intrigue found in A Discovery of Witches, making it a delightful addition to your reading list.
10. The Name of the Rose by Umberto Eco
Synopsis: Set in a 14th-century Italian monastery, this historical mystery follows Brother William of Baskerville as he investigates a series of mysterious deaths. Amidst the labyrinthine library of the monastery, William uncovers a dangerous secret linked to forbidden books, heresy, and the power of knowledge.
Why Read It?
While not a paranormal tale, The Name of the Rose captures the gothic, scholarly atmosphere beloved by dark academia fans. Its deep philosophical underpinnings, mysterious library setting, and intricate plot make it a more cerebral but rewarding read for those who loved the intellectualism of A Discovery of Witches.
11. The Secret History by Donna Tartt
Synopsis:
This modern classic follows a group of elite students at a New England college who fall under the spell of their charismatic professor. As their academic explorations grow darker and more obsessive, they commit a murder that forever changes their lives.
Why Read It?
Though lacking in supernatural elements, The Secret History is the quintessential dark academia novel. Its themes of obsession, intellectual elitism, and moral decay make it essential reading for fans craving the academic depth and moody aesthetic found in Harkness’s world.
12. The Midnight Library by Matt Haig
Synopsis:
Between life and death lies the Midnight Library, where every book represents a different life Nora Seed could have lived. Given a chance to explore these alternate realities, Nora searches for a life that brings her peace and fulfillment.
Why Read It?
This novel blends speculative fiction with emotional introspection. The concept of a mystical library holding infinite lives pairs beautifully with the library-centric allure of A Discovery of Witches, while offering a softer, more reflective journey through parallel possibilities.
13. The Library of the Unwritten by A.J. Hackwith
Synopsis:
In Hell, there’s a library for unwritten books. When a rogue character escapes from one of the unfinished manuscripts, librarian Claire and her demon assistant must track him down across realms—before the fragile balance between Heaven and Hell collapses.
Why Read It?
With strong library lore, witty banter, and an imaginative take on literary magic, Hackwith’s novel scratches the itch for magical libraries and witty supernatural storytelling. It’s perfect for readers who wanted more of the Bodleian’s magical undercurrents in Harkness’s series.
14. The Raven Cycle Series by Maggie Stiefvater
Synopsis:
Blue Sargent, the daughter of a psychic, becomes entangled with a group of private school boys on a quest to find a sleeping Welsh king. As romance, prophecy, and danger swirl around them, Blue discovers her own magical heritage and the power of found family.
Why Read It?
This lyrical series is full of arcane rituals, mystical forests, academic obsession, and cursed love. Its emotionally rich storytelling and intellectual magic make it a spiritual cousin to A Discovery of Witches with its blend of modern mysticism and ancient myth.
15. The Historian by Elizabeth Kostova
Synopsis:
When a young woman discovers a cache of letters hinting that Vlad the Impaler—Dracula himself—may still be alive, she embarks on a scholarly quest across Europe. As she uncovers chilling secrets, she’s drawn into a centuries-old conspiracy filled with vampires, libraries, and hidden knowledge.
Why Read It?
This is a lush, literary vampire mystery with extensive academic detail, ideal for those who loved the slow-burn plot and historical deep dives in A Discovery of Witches. Kostova’s work is dense and atmospheric, echoing Harkness’s love for history and scholarship.
Conclusion: Magical Reads Like A Discovery of Witches That Will Bewitch You
If you’re craving books like A Discovery of Witches, you’ll find that the best recommendations blend dark academia, witchy lore, magical realism, and sweeping romance. From hidden libraries and secret societies to necromantic sisters and scholarly vampires, each of these books carries a bit of that Harkness charm—smart, mysterious, and undeniably magical.
Whether you want something steeped in history, wrapped in paranormal intrigue, or brimming with dark academic vibes, these books offer new doorways into the worlds of forbidden knowledge and passionate love.
Which Book Should You Read First?
If you’re unsure where to begin, here’s a quick guide:
📖 For a gothic historical setting with feminist witchcraft: The Once and Future Witches
💋 For romantic tension in a supernatural university setting: Ninth House
📚 For bookish magic and actual magical libraries: The Library of the Unwritten
🖤 For deep academia and morally gray characters: The Atlas Six
🧙♀️ For classic witchy vibes and Victorian intrigue: The Witches of New York
⚰️ For dark romance and mysterious resurrection magic: The Bone Witch
FAQs – Books Like A Discovery of Witches
Is there a sequel to A Discovery of Witches?
Yes! It’s part of the All Souls Trilogy, followed by Shadow of Night and The Book of Life.
Are there any similar books with a strong academic setting?
Absolutely. Try The Atlas Six, Ninth House, or The Secret History for academic intensity with a magical twist.
Are there more romance-heavy witch books?
For stronger romantic arcs, Hex Hall, The Raven Cycle, and The Infernal Devices offer plenty of chemistry amid the chaos.
Fun Facts
1. “A Discovery of Witches” intricately weaves real historical figures into its narrative, blending fact with fiction. One such character is the alchemist Elias Ashmole, whose collection of manuscripts plays a crucial role in the story. The book that protagonist Diana Bishop discovers, Ashmole 782, is a fictional creation, but it is inspired by the real Ashmole’s collection, which is housed at the Bodleian Library in Oxford. This melding of history and fantasy adds depth to the narrative, as Diana muses, “The past and the present are woven together as tightly as the threads on a loom.”
2. The novel explores the complex relationship between science and magic, often blurring the lines between the two. Diana, a historian of alchemy, reflects on this intersection: “Magic is just science we don’t understand yet.” This perspective is mirrored in the book’s portrayal of alchemy, which historically was a precursor to modern chemistry. The narrative suggests that magic and science may be two sides of the same coin, challenging the reader to reconsider the boundaries of knowledge.
3. The book delves into the theme of forbidden love, reminiscent of classic literary romances. The relationship between Diana, a witch, and Matthew Clairmont, a vampire, echoes the star-crossed lovers trope found in works like “Romeo and Juliet.” Their love defies the societal norms of their respective communities, as Matthew declares, “We are bound together by something stronger than blood.” This theme of love transcending boundaries is central to the novel’s emotional core.
4. “A Discovery of Witches” is rich with references to classical literature and mythology, enhancing its narrative complexity. Diana’s scholarly background allows for the integration of these elements, as seen when she quotes from Homer: “Sing to me of the man, Muse, the man of twists and turns.” These allusions serve to deepen the reader’s understanding of the characters’ motivations and the story’s thematic layers, drawing parallels between ancient myths and the novel’s modern magical world.
5. The novel’s setting in Oxford is not only a backdrop but also a character in its own right, steeped in history and mystery. The Bodleian Library, where Diana first encounters Ashmole 782, is described with reverence: “The library was a cathedral of books, a place where the past whispered to the present.” This setting underscores the novel’s exploration of knowledge and discovery, as well as the timeless allure of academia. The choice of Oxford as a setting reinforces the novel’s themes of intellectual pursuit and the quest for understanding.
💬 What are your favorite witchy or dark academia reads? Let us know in the comments or browse our related articles for more spellbinding suggestions!