What Are Some Books Like 'The Witch'S Kiss'?

If you loved the feminist twists in 'Kissing the Witch', you'll probably adore 'The Bloody Chamber' by Angela Carter. Carter's collection is a masterclass in reimagining fairy tales with dark, sensual, and subversive flair. Both books peel back the sugary coating of classic stories to reveal something raw and real underneath. Another gem is 'Deerskin' by Robin McKinley, which tackles trauma and recovery within a fairy-tale framework. McKinley’s prose is hauntingly beautiful, much like Donoghue’s, and she isn’t afraid to explore the darker corners of these 'happily ever afters.' For something more contemporary, 'All the Ever Afters' by Danielle Teller offers a grounded, gritty take on Cinderella’s stepmother. It’s less magical but just as thought-provoking.

If you loved 'The Witch' for its eerie atmosphere and slow-burn horror vibes, you might wanna check out 'The Luminous Dead' by Caitlin Starling. It’s this claustrophobic sci-fi horror about a caver trapped underground with a mysterious handler—super psychological and dripping with dread. Another great pick is 'The Year of the Witching' by Alexis Henderson, which nails that folk horror feel with a rebellious protagonist uncovering dark secrets in a puritanical society. For something more classic, Shirley Jackson’s 'We Have Always Lived in the Castle' is a masterpiece of unsettling family dynamics and subtle witchcraft. And if you’re into historical witch trials with a twist, 'The Heretic’s Daughter' by Kathleen Kent is brutal but gripping. Honestly, any of these’ll give you that same spine-tingling mix of folklore and fear.

If you loved the dark romance and supernatural vibes of 'The Demon Kiss,' you might enjoy diving into 'Blood and Moonlight' by Erin Beaty. It’s got that same mix of forbidden love and eerie mythology, but with a twist—the protagonist’s connection to ancient lunar magic adds a fresh layer. Another standout is 'The Shadows Between Us' by Tricia Levenseller. While it leans more into political intrigue, the morally gray characters and simmering tension between the leads will scratch that same itch. For something with a slower burn but equally lush prose, 'For the Wolf' by Hannah Whitten wraps its romance in forest-bound curses and sacrificial duty, making it a great pick for fans of atmospheric stakes.

Reading 'The Ghost Witch' gave me that perfect mix of spine-chilling folklore and emotional depth, and if you’re hunting for something similar, I’d recommend diving into 'The Bear and the Nightingale' by Katherine Arden. It’s got that same atmospheric blend of myth and human struggles, set in a frostbitten Russian village where old gods clash with Christianity. The protagonist, Vasya, feels like she could’ve stepped right out of a ghost story—spunky, misunderstood, and deeply connected to the supernatural. Another gem is 'The Year of the Witching' by Alexis Henderson, which leans harder into horror but keeps that eerie, folkloric heart. Immanuelle’s journey through a puritanical society cursed by witches hits many of the same beats—oppressive communities, hidden magic, and a protagonist torn between duty and defiance. Both books nail that haunting, lyrical prose that makes 'The Ghost Witch' so unforgettable.

The witch's kiss in 'The Witch's Kiss' is such a fascinating symbol—it's not just about romance or power, but a deeper metaphor for transformation. In the story, the kiss acts as a catalyst, binding the protagonist to their fate or unlocking hidden magic. It reminds me of how folklore often uses physical acts to represent spiritual or emotional shifts, like in 'Sleeping Beauty' where a kiss breaks a curse. Here, though, it's darker—the witch isn't a savior but a force of chaos. The kiss might be her way of marking someone, transferring her essence, or even stealing theirs. It's deliciously ambiguous, leaving readers to debate whether it's a blessing or a trap. What really hooked me was how the author plays with expectations. Witches in media are often reduced to villains or seductresses, but this kiss feels more nuanced. It could be a moment of vulnerability for the witch, a rare human connection in a life of isolation. Or maybe it's purely transactional, a price paid for magic. The book never spells it out, which makes it linger in your mind long after reading. I love stories that trust their audience to sit with ambiguity.

If you loved the dark, whimsical vibe of 'The Spell Book of a Wicked Witch,' you might enjoy diving into 'The Witch's Book of Shadows' by Phyllis Curott. It’s packed with practical magic but has that same edge of mischief and rebellion. The way it blends folklore with modern witchcraft feels fresh yet timeless—like you’re uncovering secrets meant only for the daring. Another gem is 'To Ride a Silver Broomstick' by Silver RavenWolf. While it’s more beginner-friendly, the tone is delightfully sassy, and the spells have that same 'wicked' flair. I especially love how RavenWolf doesn’t shy away from the darker aspects of craft, making it feel like a real grimoire rather than a sanitized guide. For something more narrative-driven, 'The Year of the Witching' by Alexis Henderson is a fantastic novel with lush, eerie prose and a protagonist who wrestles with morally ambiguous magic—perfect for fans of atmospheric, witchy tales.

If you loved 'The Witch's Tree' for its eerie, folklore-infused atmosphere, you might enjoy 'The Bear and the Nightingale' by Katherine Arden. It's a gorgeous blend of historical fiction and Slavic mythology, with a young girl who can see spirits fighting against the encroaching darkness. The writing is lush and immersive, and the winter setting feels almost like another character. Another great pick is 'Uprooted' by Naomi Novik. It has that same sense of ancient magic woven into the land, with a mysterious forest and a grumpy but powerful wizard. The protagonist’s journey from village girl to someone who understands the deeper truths of her world is so satisfying. For something darker, 'The Year of the Witching' by Alexis Henderson delivers witchcraft with a gothic, almost horror-like edge.

If you loved 'A Cursed Kiss' for its dark romance and fairy-tale vibes, you might want to dive into 'The Shadows Between Us' by Tricia Levenseller. It’s got that same delicious mix of forbidden love and morally grey characters, but with a twist—the protagonist is the one plotting the love interest’s downfall. The banter is sharp, and the stakes feel just as high. Another great pick is 'Uprooted' by Naomi Novik. It’s more rooted in Slavic folklore, but the lush prose and the tension between the main characters will scratch that itch. Plus, the magic system feels so tangible, like it could spill off the page. I remember finishing it and immediately wanting to live in that world, even with all its dangers.

If you enjoyed 'The Witching Year' for its blend of witchcraft and personal growth, you might love 'The Once and Future Witches' by Alix E. Harrow. It’s a feminist reimagining of witchy folklore with sisters at the heart of the story—full of spells, resilience, and historical vibes. Another gem is 'Circe' by Madeline Miller, which dives deep into mythology with a witchy protagonist who carves her own path. The prose is lyrical, almost like a spell itself. For something darker, 'Hex' by Thomas Olde Heuvelt mixes modern horror with ancient curses, perfect if you crave chills alongside your witchcraft.

The first thing that comes to mind when thinking about books similar to 'The Near Witch' is that eerie, atmospheric quality Victoria Schwab is so good at. If you loved the small-town folklore vibe and the creeping sense of mystery, you might enjoy 'The Raven Boys' by Maggie Stiefvater. It’s got that same blend of supernatural whispers and deeply rooted local legends, though it leans more into psychic phenomena and ancient magic. Another great pick is 'The Darkest Part of the Forest' by Holly Black—it’s got that eerie fairy-tale feel with a modern twist, and the sibling dynamics add a whole other layer of heart. For something with a darker, more historical edge, 'The Weight of Feathers' by Anna-Marie McLemore is gorgeous. It’s a quieter, more lyrical story, but the tension between two rival families and the magic threaded through their lives reminded me a lot of 'The Near Witch'. And if you’re into the idea of witches but want something with a bit more action, 'Serpent & Dove' by Shelby Mahurin is a fun romp with enemies-to-lovers and witch hunters galore. Honestly, half the joy is just hunting down books that give you that same shiver down your spine.