What Books Are Similar To 'The Spells We Cast'?

If you loved 'A Spell of Good Things' for its rich cultural tapestry and emotional depth, you might find 'Half of a Yellow Sun' by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie equally gripping. Both novels explore personal and political upheavals with vivid characters and settings that feel alive. Adichie’s work, like Ayòbámi Adébayo’s, balances the intimate with the epic, weaving family dramas into broader historical contexts. Another great pick is 'The Secret Lives of Baba Segi’s Wives' by Lola Shoneyin. It’s got that same mix of humor, heartbreak, and sharp social commentary, set against a backdrop of Nigerian family life. The way Shoneyin unravels her characters’ secrets feels just as satisfying as Adébayo’s layered storytelling. For something quieter but equally poignant, try 'Stay with Me' by Ayòbámi Adébayo herself—her debut novel shares the same lyrical prose and exploration of love and sacrifice.

Jenny Evans Welch's 'Spells for Lost Things' has this magical blend of contemporary YA and subtle fantasy that makes it stand out. If you loved the emotional depth and the way magic intertwines with real-life struggles, you might adore 'The Astonishing Color of After' by Emily X.R. Pan. It’s got that same bittersweet vibe, where grief and love are explored through a lens of mysticism—almost like magic is the language of healing. Another great pick is 'The Light Between Worlds' by Laura Weymouth, which deals with returning from a fantastical world and feeling lost in your own reality. Both books have that lyrical, heart-wrenching prose Welch is known for. For something with a lighter touch but similar themes, 'The Starless Sea' by Erin Morgenstern might hit the spot. It’s more whimsical but still carries that sense of longing and discovery. Or if you’re into the 'found family' aspect of 'Spells,' 'The House in the Cerulean Sea' by TJ Klune is a cozy, uplifting read with a sprinkle of magic. Honestly, half the fun is chasing that same emotional high Welch delivers—so many books try, but few nail it like she does.

I absolutely adore books that blend magic and romance, and 'The Modern Witchcraft Book of Love Spells' is such a gem! If you're looking for similar vibes, you might want to check out 'Love Spells for the Modern Witch' by Elhoim Leafar. It’s got that same contemporary feel but dives even deeper into practical rituals. Another favorite of mine is 'The Witch's Book of Love' by Cerridwen Greenleaf. It’s less about flashy spells and more about fostering genuine connections, which I find really refreshing. The author’s approach is so heartfelt—it feels like chatting with a wise friend who just happens to know a ton about love magic. I’ve dog-eared so many pages in my copy!

If you loved 'Back in a Spell' for its mix of cozy magic and romantic tension, you’ve got to check out 'The Ex Hex' by Erin Sterling. It’s got that same vibe of witches stumbling through love spells gone hilariously wrong, but with a small-town charm that feels like Halloween year-round. The protagonist’s awkward chemistry with her accidental love interest is pure gold, and the magic system is lighthearted but still rules-bound enough to feel satisfying. Another gem is 'Payback’s a Witch' by Lana Harper—it’s got revenge, romance, and a magical tournament that’s way more fun than it should be. The banter between characters is sharp, and the LGBTQ+ representation feels organic. For something slower but equally enchanting, 'The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches' by Sangu Mandanna wraps you in a blanket of found family and low-stakes magical mishaps.

If you loved 'The Nature of Witches' for its blend of elemental magic and emotional depth, you might find 'The Witch’s Kind' by Louisa Morgan equally captivating. It’s a slower, more atmospheric read, but the way it weaves family secrets with natural magic gives off a similar vibe. The protagonist’s connection to the earth and her struggle to balance power with vulnerability reminded me so much of Clara’s journey. Another gem is 'Wild is the Witch' by Rachel Griffin. It’s got that same lush, nature-infused witchcraft, but with a darker, more suspenseful twist. The protagonist’s ability to communicate with animals adds a unique layer, and the tension between her magic and the outside world feels like a spiritual cousin to 'The Nature of Witches'. I devoured it in one sitting—the prose is just as lyrical, and the stakes are just as personal.

If you loved the whimsical chaos and magical mishaps in 'Love Spells and Other Disasters,' you might fall head over heels for 'The Ex Hex' by Erin Sterling. It’s got that same blend of romance and spellcasting gone wrong, but with a cozier, small-town vibe. The protagonist’s accidental curse spirals into hilarious consequences, much like the antics in 'Love Spells.' Another gem is 'Payback’s a Witch' by Lana Harper, where a witchy revenge plot takes center stage. The dynamic between the characters feels just as lively, and the magic system has that same playful unpredictability. For something lighter but equally charming, 'Witch Please' by Ann Aguirre delivers a sweet, queer rom-com with magical bakeries and endearing chaos. It’s like the literary equivalent of a warm latte with extra sprinkles.

If you're into books like 'Spells and Psychic Powers' that blend magic and mental abilities, you might enjoy 'The Name of the Wind' by Patrick Rothfuss. It's got this rich, lyrical prose that makes the magic system feel almost tangible. The protagonist, Kvothe, has this knack for both arcane arts and sharp wit, which reminds me of the balance between spells and psychic skills in your pick. Plus, the way Rothfuss layers folklore into the narrative adds depth, like peeling an onion—every chapter reveals something new. Another gem is 'The Bone Season' by Samantha Shannon. It’s set in a dystopian London where clairvoyants are hunted, and the protagonist’s psychic abilities are central to the plot. The world-building is meticulous, and the tension between different factions keeps you hooked. It’s not just about flashy powers; there’s a lot of political intrigue and personal struggle, which makes the psychic elements feel grounded and urgent.

If you loved 'The Witch's Kiss' for its blend of modern-day magic and fairy-tale vibes, you might want to check out 'The Cruel Prince' by Holly Black. It’s got that same mix of enchantment and danger, but with a darker, more political twist. The protagonist, Jude, gets tangled up in the brutal world of the fae, and the tension is just chef’s kiss. Another great pick is 'Serpent & Dove' by Shelby Mahurin. It’s a witchy romance with forbidden love and high stakes—think witch hunters and secret magic. The chemistry between the leads is electric, and the world-building feels lush and immersive. For something a bit lighter but still packed with charm, 'The Girl Who Drank the Moon' by Kelly Barnhill is a whimsical, heartwarming fantasy that’ll leave you smiling.

Books that focus on developmental spelling and word study like 'Words Their Way' are rare gems, but a few stand out to me. 'The Spelling Teacher’s Book of Lists' by Jo Phenix is one I stumbled upon during my grad school days—it’s packed with structured lists and activities tailored to different levels, much like 'Words Their Way' but with a stronger focus on classroom practicality. Another favorite is 'Spelling K-8' by Diane Snowball, which blends theory with hands-on strategies. What I love about these is how they break down spelling into digestible chunks, making it less about rote memorization and more about understanding patterns. For a more research-backed approach, Rebecca Sitton’s 'Sourcebook' series digs into frequency-based word lists and prioritizes high-use words. It’s less about sorting and more about contextual mastery, which might appeal to educators who want a hybrid method. Personally, I’ve borrowed ideas from all these books to create custom word study units for my students—they’re like a toolkit for building spelling confidence.

'The Book of Witches' totally cast its spell on me! If you loved its blend of folklore and feminist undertones, you’d adore 'The Once and Future Witches' by Alix E. Harrow. It’s got that same vibe of sisterhood and historical magic, but with a twist—it’s set in an alternate 19th-century America where witches are fighting for suffrage. The prose is lyrical, almost like a incantation itself. Another gem is 'Circe' by Madeline Miller. While it’s more myth than folklore, Circe’s journey from underestimated nymph to powerful witch resonates hard. The way Miller humanizes her struggles—loneliness, defiance, transformation—feels like a natural next step after 'The Book of Witches'. Plus, the Mediterranean setting adds a sun-drenched contrast to the usual shadowy witch tropes.