The word witch may conjure images of cauldrons, cackles and broomsticks, or witch-hunting trials and persecutions of women, or even modern witchcraft, a contemporary religion based around a reverence for nature. So what do you think of when you hear the word witch?

For me a whole variety of images and thoughts sit in my minds eye. Witch is still used as an insult today, usually against women, should it be?

Witch-hunt, again is a term still in use, tens of thousands of people were executed for the crime of witchcraft, and the history of witch-hunting still fascinates us.

Whatever it means to you, we hopefully have a book in this list that will appeal at a time of year when witches dance to the fore. One of my favourite characters in fiction is Granny Weatherwax, she of Terry Pratchett’s Discworld fame, Granny is smart, complex, and totally fabulous!

This list featuring witches, has a non-fiction book about modern witchcraft, and a history of witch-hunting in 17th century Massachusetts, a number of wonderful novels are also included from historical, and fantasy fiction, through to young adult novels too.

In The Witch's Workshop, bewitchingly presented as a large format, fully-illustrated hardback, Melissa Jayne Madara sets out to help practitioners of witchcraft — here defined as “the art of green magic” — create the tools of their trade, so to speak. Boasting 60+ projects, all of them accompanied by context and detailed step-by-step instructions, it’s the perfect practical primer. A Star!

This list also features Juno Dawson's incredible Star Book, Her Majesty's Royal Coven, the first of a new series with a diverse cast of powerful women, this is a world of witches I want to exist in. For Gaia's sake, get me a spot in this sacred sisterhood.

Stacey Halls' debut The Familiars deserves a mention. It's a powerful yet stunningly beautiful read set at the times of the Pendle witchcraft trials.

If non-fiction is more your thing, you must grab a copy of The Ruin of All Witches by Malcolm Gaskill. A LoveReading Star Book, take a walk into the past in this compelling, readable and thought-provoking book that examines the history of a witch-hunt in 1651. 

Scroll below to see the full selection, and enjoy!