We all loved to read or listen to stories about witches or fairy tales from our grandmother in childhood. Mostly 80-90 percent have already watched movies like Harry Potter.
I love to watch and read dark-toned fantasy tropes like The Witcher, The Prestige, or Harry Potter. If you’ve just finished A Discovery of Witches and are wondering what to read next, you’re not alone.
Many readers are drawn to the story because of its mix of history, magic, and the relationship between a witch and a vampire. It’s the kind of book that stays with you—one that makes you want more of that same feeling.
This list is for people who liked the quiet build-up, the academic setting, and the world where magic hides just below the surface.
Maybe it was the slow-burning connection between the characters or the way real history blended with fantasy that pulled you in. Either way, the books here follow a similar path.
You’ll find stories about witches, secret societies, old libraries, forbidden love, and long-buried powers. Some are set in the present, others in the past, but they all share the same kind of mood.
If you’re looking for books like A Discovery of Witches, this guide will help you find your next read—without overpromising or spoiling the experience. Just honest suggestions for fellow readers.
CONTENT WARNING: Some of the books mentioned include mature themes such as grief, emotional trauma, toxic relationships, and violence. While not graphic, these elements may not be suitable for younger readers. Most titles are intended for adult or older teen audiences.
10 Spellbinding Books Like A Discovery of Witches for Your Next Magical Read
1. The Witching Hour by Anne Rice
- Genre: Supernatural Horror, Gothic Fantasy
- Publication Date: October 1, 1990
- Pages: 1,038 (paperback) / 1,207 (hardcover)
- Goodreads Rating: 4.10/5 (over 122,000 ratings)
If you like long stories with a tempering of slow burn with more than a thousand pages, this book is the perfect choice for you.
The Witching Hour by author Anne Rice is an interesting book about a family of witches called the Mayfairs. The novel’s story starts with a man named Michael, who gets pulled into the strange world of the Mayfairs after experiencing a near-death.
The story moves between present-day New Orleans and the past, tracing the family’s history and their connection to a spirit called Lasher.
What makes this book stand out from others is how the author takes her time building the world and the family’s background with details.
There’s a lot about their wealth, power, and the strange things that have followed them for generations. The book reads more like a family saga than a fast-paced horror story, which might not be for everyone.
But if you like stories that feel layered and slow to reveal secrets to create suspense in the story, this one delivers.
It’s best for readers who enjoy detailed stories with supernatural themes and don’t mind a long read. The writing is steady and lets the mystery build piece by piece.
Why it Stand out–
- Captures the novel’s exploration of ancestral secrets and supernatural heritage.
- Evokes the atmospheric, gothic tone Rice is known for.
- Speaks to the burden of history passed down through generations.
Favorite line from the book- “We live in the shadows of memories.” —Anne Rice
2. The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern
- Genre: Fantasy, Magical Realism, Romance
- Publication Date: September 13, 2011
- Pages: 506 (hardcover), other editions ~387 pp
- Goodreads Rating: 4.00/5 (over 1 million ratings)
This is one of those books that doesn’t grab you right away with action—but if you stick with it, it starts to wrap around you.
The Night Circus is more about mood and magic than plot. It centers on a mysterious circus and two people caught in a competition they didn’t choose.
In my opinion, magic is always quite beautiful and an interesting thing. If you watch any movies or series like The Witcher or Agatha All Along with magic in them, you can understand what I am talking about.
What worked for me was the way the story unfolds slowly, almost like wandering through the tents yourself. The nonlinear timeline took a little adjusting, but once I settled in, I appreciated how it gave the story more depth.
If you’re someone who loved the slow-burn tension, historical hints, and layered world-building in A Discovery of Witches, this has a similar feel—though it’s less about romance and more about wonder.
It’s not for everyone, but if you like stories that build slowly and stay with you after the last page, it’s worth a read.
Why it Stand out–
- Captures the novel’s mesmerizing interplay of illusion and reality.
- Prompts readers to question perception and narration.
- Reflects the circus itself—a space shaped by imagination and storytelling.
Favorite line from the book- “People see what they wish to see. And in most cases, what they are told that they see.” —Erin Morgenstern
3. Shadow of Night by Deborah Harkness
- Genre: Historical Fantasy, Urban Fantasy
- Publication Date: July 10, 2012
- Pages: 594
- Goodreads Rating: 4.04/5
Shadow of Night is the second book in the All Souls Trilogy. It picks up right where A Discovery of Witches ends.
Diana and Matthew time-travel to 16th-century London. The setting is full of real historical figures and events, and the way it blends fact with fiction feels natural.
You’ll see Diana trying to understand her powers while Matthew faces parts of his past. Their relationship grows, but it’s not without tension. The book slows down in places, but it gives space for the world to feel real.
There’s a lot of focus on the culture, science, and daily life of the time, which adds depth. If you enjoyed the first book, this one offers a deeper look into who the characters are and where they come from.
It’s not a light read, but it’s a rewarding one if you enjoy history and character-driven fantasy. It sets up the final book well.
Why it Stand out–
- Speaks to the sacrifices inherent in immortal existence.
- Underscores a mature theme amid the historical fantasy landscape.
- Resonates with the novel’s balance of magic, romance, and history.
Favorite line from the book- “There is no such thing as a life without loss.” —Deborah Harkness
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4. A Secret History of Witches by Louisa Morgan
- Genre: Historical Fantasy, Multi-Generational
- Publication Date: September 5, 2017
- Pages: ~496
- Goodreads Rating: 3.83/5
The story opens with a family in exile after a quiet tragedy, and from there, it follows five generations of women each born with a gift that runs through their bloodline.
Some use it, some deny it, but none of them escape its pull. What makes this book stand out is how it traces that thread of magic through everyday life.
It moves from the French countryside to wartime England, not in a rush, but with intention. The focus is less on spells and more on the choices women make when they have to protect themselves or those they love.
It’s about mothers, daughters, silence, and survival. If you’re drawn to stories about inherited power and quiet strength books like A Discovery of Witches—you’ll likely connect with this.
It doesn’t try to impress with plot twists. Instead, it sits with each woman’s life and lets the weight of it speak. It’s the kind of story that grows on you, slowly but steadily.
Why it Stand out–
- Emphasizes female empowerment across centuries.
- Connects the title’s “secret history” to ancestral ties.
- Showcases lineage and legacy—key themes in the novel.
Favorite line from the book- “Magic lives in women’s hands.” —Louisa Morgan
5. The Lost Apothecary by Sarah Penner
- Genre: Historical Mystery, Historical Fiction
- Publication Date: March 2, 2021
- Pages: 301–320 (varies by edition)
- Goodreads Rating: 3.75/5
This one surprised me in a quiet way. It weaves two timelines, 18th-century London and the present day, and connects them through a small vial and a secret buried in history.
The past follows an apothecary who helps women by selling poisons to escape the men who harm them. The present centers on a woman at a crossroads, digging into that past and, in doing so, her own life.
It’s not fantasy-heavy, but it carries a similar weight and tone to A Discovery of Witches layers of mystery, personal discovery, and the kind of hidden knowledge passed down through time.
The pacing is steady, and the writing doesn’t rush. It trusts the reader to stay with it. What stuck with me was how it tells stories of women quietly resisting the roles they’re given.
If you like dual timelines like the prestige movie, if you watched the movie you know, bits of historical research, and stories about women finding power in small, unexpected ways, this one is worth sitting with.
Why it Stand out–
- Illustrates the novel’s dual timelines and cause-effect mysteries.
- Captures the lingering impact of one woman’s decision.
- Reinforces the haunting tone of the story.
Favorite line from the book- “A single act can echo through time.” —Sarah Penner
6. The Magicians by Lev Grossman
- Genre: Dark Fantasy / Contemporary Fantasy
- Publication Date: August 11, 2009
- Pages: 402
- Goodreads Rating: 3.73/5 (over 303,000 ratings)
If you like school of magic like Harry Potter with spicy read, then The Magicians by Lev Grossman is for you.
Yes, there’s a secret school for magic, and yes, the main character discovers he’s more powerful than he thought—but this book is more grounded, darker, and emotionally heavier than most fantasy.
Quentin, the main character, gets accepted into a hidden magic school in New York. But instead of magic solving his problems, it kind of makes them more complicated.
The book jumps deep into magic alongside depression, isolation, and the idea that getting what you want doesn’t always fix things.
It’s not a cozy read. The characters are messy, sometimes selfish, and sometimes lost. But the writing is sharp, and the world-building is layered.
If you liked A Discovery of Witches for the academic setting, hidden worlds, and complex magic systems—but don’t mind something with more bite—this one’s worth picking up. Just go in knowing it’s not about heroes but about people trying to figure things out.
Why it Stand out–
- Challenges the fantasy trope of “wish fulfillment”
- Captures the novel’s realistic, often dark tone
- Summarizes the main character’s inner conflict and growth
Favorite line from the book- “If there’s a single lesson that life teaches us, it’s that wishing doesn’t make it so.” —Lev Grossman
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7. The Physick Book of Deliverance Dane by Katherine Howe
- Genre: Historical Fantasy, Historical Mystery
- Publication Date: June 9, 2009
- Pages: 384
- Goodreads Rating: ~3.70/5
If you’re looking for books like A Discovery of Witches, The Physick Book of Deliverance Dane is a solid pick. It follows Connie, a Harvard grad student, who’s working on her thesis when she stumbles on a key to a hidden family past—one tied to the Salem witch trials.
As she goes deeper in the story, strange things started to happen, and she’s forced to face the truths that connect both history and magic.
The book shifts between the modern-day and the 17th century, slowly revealing how the past still echoes in the present. Like Harkness’ novel, this one mixes academic research, old books, and a touch of the supernatural.
Connie, like Diana Bishop, is drawn into a world she didn’t expect, through ancestry, knowledge, and hidden power.
It’s not heavy on action, but the quiet unraveling of secrets keeps you turning pages. If you liked the history-meets-magic vibe in A Discovery of Witches, this book is worth your time.
Why it Stand out–
- Reveals the intergenerational mystery at the story’s core.
- Blends personal and historical intrigue.
- Foreshadows the uncovering of Puritan-era witchcraft.
Favorite line from the book- “Secrets lie in the heart of every family.” —Katherine Howe
8. All the Stars and Teeth by Adalyn Grace
- Genre: YA Fantasy, Pirate Fantasy
- Publication Date: February 4, 2020
- Pages: ~380 (Kindle) / 416 (print)
- Goodreads Rating: 3.67/5
Out of all the books I’ve read in this space, this one feels newer; it came out in 2020 and brings a fast-paced, YA energy to the mix.
All the Stars and Teeth throws you into a kingdom where each island has its own kind of magic, and identity is tied to power.
Amora, the princess and heir, is trained in soul magic, but one mistake changes everything. Stories show what it means to carry a legacy that feels pressure when the legacy is dark.
What follows is a journey by sea with pirates, and the journey takes her across dangerous waters into places filled with forgotten magic and old rivalries.
For readers who enjoy FMC strong female leads, hidden powers, and a pinch of rebellion, this one delivers. A book similar to A Discovery of Witches that shows personal struggle with magical responsibility.
While the tone and pace are more suited to young adult fantasy, the world-building and character growth make it a solid pick for fans looking to explore magic in a new way.
Why it Stand out–
- Sets the tone for the high-seas danger and pirate adventure.
- Speaks to internal conflicts as well as external threats.
- Foreshadows a journey of self-discovery and empowerment.
Favorite line from the book- “Fear the monsters you know, not the ones you don’t.” —Adalyn Grace
9. The Historian by Elizabeth Kostova
- Genre: Gothic Historical Thriller
- Publication Date: June 14, 2005
- Pages: 704
- Goodreads Rating: 3.80/5 (over 270,000 ratings
It is a slow burn, and the thoughtful story travels across Europe and through time, showing how the past connects to the present.
It follows a young woman who finds a set of old letters in her father’s library. These lead her into a search for the truth about Vlad the Impaler, also known as Dracula.
The Historian by Elizabeth Kostova is a thoughtful novel that mixes history with mystery. This book isn’t just about vampires. It’s also about books, libraries, archives, and how we chase after knowledge. You follow researchers and scholars instead of action heroes, which gives the story a quiet, steady pace.
It’s more about uncovering history than fighting monsters. If you want books like A Discovery of Witches for its research-driven story and sense of history, you’ll likely enjoy The Historian.
It asks you to be patient and curious. It’s the kind of book that rewards careful reading. Not fast or flashy, but steady and layered, like a deep dive into the past.
Why it Stand out–
- Highlights the novel’s central theme of enduring legends, especially Dracula.
- Conveys the power of storytelling to defy mortality.
- Sets a scholarly yet thrilling tone right from the start.
Favorite line from the book-“There are stories death cannot kill.” —Elizabeth Kostova
10. Serpent & Dove by Shelby Mahurin
- Genre: YA Fantasy, Romance
- Publication Date: September 3, 2019
- Pages: 528
- Goodreads Rating: 4.00/5 (over 290,000 ratings)
I already talked about this book in books like Six of Crow Post, a balance of tension, risk, and emotional shifts that tells the story of Lou, a witch hiding from her past, and Reid, a witch hunter sworn to destroy her kind.
Through a twist of fate, they’re forced into marriage without knowing each other’s secrets. As they learn to live side by side, the tension grows between duty, belief, and what’s real.
Book that. Set in a world shaped by ancient magic, power struggles, and deep-seated fear, this book jumps into themes of identity, choice, and love that defy convention. The slow shift from enemies to something more mirrors the kind of relationship tension found in books like A Discovery of Witches.
The writing keeps things moving, with action, character conflict, and a growing sense of danger. If you’re drawn to stories where magic is feared, love is forbidden, and nothing is fully good or evil, this is a strong choice.
It’s bold and personal and carries the weight of two people trying to rewrite the roles they were born into.
Why it Stand out–
- Speaks to the tension between romance and survival in a magical conflict.
- Highlights the beauty and risk of attachment.
- Reflects the balance the protagonists must strike in a divided world.
Favorite line from the book– “Love is dangerous for those who are alone.” —Shelby Mahurin
11. Witches of New York by Ami McKay
- Genre: Historical Fantasy, Magical Realism
- Publication Date: July 11, 2017
- Pages: 529–560
- Goodreads Rating: 3.82/5
This book takes you to 1880s New York, where three women run a tea shop that quietly offers more than just tea. Behind the polite conversations and lace curtains, there’s charm work, spirit readings, and witchcraft hidden in plain sight.
The story follows Adelaide and Eleanor, experienced in the craft, and Beatrice, a young woman just discovering her gift.
It blends real historical details with the mystical in a way that feels grounded, not overdone. You get glimpses of the women’s daily lives, their fears, and the ways they push against the limits of their time.
The danger they face doesn’t come from monsters or any other creatures, but from men who fear what they don’t understand.
Books like A Discovery of Witches, this story mix history, magic, and strong female characters carving out space in a world that’s often against them.
If you enjoy quiet spells, found family, and a bit of mystery in a richly drawn scenario, Witches of New York might be your kind of read. It is a pretty good story.
Why it Stand out–
- Captures the resilience of women and outsider spirits.
- Evokes the novel’s historical setting and hidden world.
- Highlights how magic endures in unexpected places.
Favorite line from the book- “Amongst the lost, magic survives.” —Ami McKay
A Discovery of Witches Explained-
If you have not read it yet, it is one of the good witch storybooks, and it has a series also. A Discovery of Witches is about a woman named Diana Bishop, a historian who finds an old book in Oxford’s library.
She doesn’t realize at first, but the book is magical and has been hidden for a long time. Once she touches it, creatures like witches, vampires, and demons start paying attention to her.
Diana is also a witch, though she has tried to avoid using magic most of her life. Things change when she meets Matthew, a vampire who is also a scientist.
Together, they try to understand why the book is important and why so many others want it. The story mixes science, history, and magic.
It’s slow in the beginning but builds a strong world. If you like stories with old libraries, hidden secrets, and quiet tension, it’s worth picking up.
A Discovery of Witches Books in Order
If you are thinking of reading this book by Deborah Harkness, here’s the ultimate reading guide to the All Souls Trilogy, plus the companion novel that expands the story even further.
Recommended Reading Order:
- A Discovery of Witches
- Shadow of Night
- The Book of Life
- Time’s Convert (after the trilogy, as it contains spoilers)
Conclusion-
Finishing A Discovery of Witches leaves a bit of a gap—it’s not just the magic or romance, but the feeling of being pulled into something interesting, secret, and a little dangerous. If you’re like me, you want your next read to have that same quiet build-up, that tension between past and present, power and restraint.
The books in this list don’t copy it; they each offer something different—but they carry the same thread: complex characters, hidden histories, and magic that isn’t just about spells but about identity and choice. Some lean historical, some emotional, and some darker. It really depends on what you’re in the mood for.
You probably won’t find the replacement—but you’ll find something that keeps you turning pages late at night. And that’s what we’re all really looking for.
Hi, I’m Nik — a passionate reader with a soft spot for romance and a deep love for fantasy. I started this journey to connect with fellow book lovers and help readers discover magical worlds, epic adventures, and hidden gems that deserve more attention. Whether it’s a slow-burn romance, a best-friends-to-lovers story, or an epic fantasy with rich lore, I’m here to guide you to your next favorite read. My content is all about sharing honest book reviews (I am not a pro), thoughtful reading guides, and diving deep into the fantasy and romance genres. If you’re looking for real opinions, underrated book recommendations, or just a place to celebrate the joy of reading, you’re in the right place. Let’s explore powerful love stories and unforgettable worlds—one book at a time.