Abracadabra! Top 10 Books About Wizards, Witches and Magic Users!
Greetings, fellow bookish spellcasters and aspiring witches! Now, I don't want to point any wands, but there's something truly magical about magic users in fiction. Whether they're conjuring potions, defeating dark forces, or just causing general mischief, wizards have been stealing the show in the fantasy genre for centuries. From Gandalf's epic adventures to Harry Potter's misadventures in wizardry school, these magical beings have us spellbound. So, grab your broomsticks and spell-books because we're about to dive into the top 10 books where the main character is a wizard, and trust me, it's going to be a bewitching ride!
Top 10 Books About Wizards, Witches and Magic Users! What are your favorite books that feature magic?
Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling
The Dresden Files by Jim Butcher
The Mistborn Series by Brandon Sanderson
The Lies of Locke Lamora by Scott Lynch
The Kingkiller Chronicle by Patrick Rothfuss
The Lightbringer Series by Brent Weeks
The Wheel of Time by Robert Jordan
The Discworld Series by Terry Pratchett
The Black Company by Glen Cook
The Magicians by Lev Grossman
Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling
To start our magical journey through the lands of arcane mysteries and wonder, let’s hop on our broomsticks and dive into the magical world of Harry Potter! J.K. Rowling's series is like the ultimate magical rollercoaster, and here's why it deserves a spot on our "Top 10 Books About Witches, Wizards, and Magic Users" list:
Hogwarts: Where Dreams and Owls Take Flight. Imagine chilling in a closet under the stairs (as most of us tend to do, of course) on random afternoon and suddenly receiving a letter by owl post, telling you that you’ve been accepted to the Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. I’d be out of the door and at Platform 9¾ before you can spell “Expelliarmus”! Rowling's world-building is top-notch: from moving staircases to talking paintings, the magical tapestry she weaves is richer than a three-layered chocolate cake.
Characters You'll Want to Hug and High-Five. Harry, Ron, Hermione – this trio is the dream team of wizardry. They're the kind of friends who'd help you fight He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named, or sneak into the Bank of Gringotts to steal from the goblins (because that’s always a great idea…). Relatable and lovable, you'll feel like they're your own pals by the end of Book 1. And you’ll get to experience how they grow from children to teens to actual adults, often finding themselves navigating mortal dangers and the caprices of puberty (and more often then not, they’re one and the same).
Love, Friendship, and a Dash of Bertie Bott's Every Flavor Beans: While magic is the driving force behind the world of Harry Potter, there are forces much more powerful, as Dumbledore always tends to remind us. The series explores motifs like friendship, facing your fears, and most importantly, the undisputed power of love. You'll laugh, you'll cry, and you might even consider keeping a Time-Turner handy for those extra reading hours.
A Narrative That Zooms Faster than a Nimbus 2000: Rowling's storytelling is so engaging that you’ll feel like somebody hexed your eyes to be glued to the pages. Even though the books get progressively thicker as the story goes on, you'll breeze through these books faster than Harry catching the Golden Snitch. Just be prepared to accidentally skip a meal or two because once you start, you can't stop!
A Cultural Phenomenon as important as the Tri-Wizard Tournament: The Harry Potter series is more than books; it's a cultural powerhouse. With movies, theme parks, and merchandise galore, it's a wizarding world that's as real to fans as their own homes. You'll find yourself googling "How to apparate to Hogwarts" in no time (actually, let me save you the trouble - if you’ve ever read History of Hogwarts, you’ll know that’s impossible).
So, there you have it, folks. The Harry Potter series isn't just magical; it's a literary treasure that'll cast a spell on your heart, leaving you enchanted long after you've turned the final page. Accio reading glasses, because you're in for a wild, wand-tastic ride!
The Dresden Files by Jim Butcher
Alright, my magic enthusiasts and paranormal detectives, let’s leave the charming Scottish lochs around Hogwarts and take ourselves all the way to Chicago, where Harry Dresden, Wizard P.I., and Supernatural Gumshoe Extraordinaire has set up his office!
If you've ever wondered what would happen if Gandalf tired of dealing with rangers and hobbits, and instead traded in his staff for a detective's badge, going on to solve supernatural crimes in the heart of Chicago, then Jim Butcher's "The Dresden Files" is the mystical, gritty answer you've been searching for. Hold onto your enchanted fedoras, because we're about to dive into a world where magic meets modern-day mystery, and it's spellbindingly awesome! Here's why The Dresden Files deserves a spot on our "Top 10 Books About Witches, Wizards, and Magic Users" list:
A Wizard in the Windy City: Gray robes and wizard hats are so last season! Equipped with a duster that’s more stylish than my entire wardrobe, Harry Dresden is moonlighting as a private gumshoe in a fictionalized version of the Windy city, where there is no shortage of deep-dish pizza joints and supernatural baddies.
Wizard Noir Meets Urban Fantasy Delight: The Dresden Files is truly a unique fantasy mash-up. Think of it as Raymond Chandler meeting J.K. Rowling. Butcher’s signature blend of wizardry, gritty detective work, and supernatural creatures galore works so exceptionally well that you’ll soon finds yourself consulting a crystal ball just to try and predict what happens next.
Chicago: The Windy City, Now with More Whirlwinds: The world-building in "The Dresden Files" is nothing short of fantastical. Butcher takes the well-known and loved Chicago, and sprinkles it with a dash of the supernatural, making Chicago as much a character as Harry himself. You'll want to visit and see if you can spot any hidden magic shops.
Harry Dresden: The Wizard Next Door (If Your Neighbor Was a Wizard): What I love most about Harry Dresden is that he’s rather an average Joe, all things considered. He’s definitely not an over-powered Maia, and he doesn’t have any legendary weapons of mystical powers to pull out at the last moment and save the day. He’s more akin to the type of chap you’d share a pint with, while casually discussing the best ways to deal with a vampire infestation.
A Fan Base as Loyal as a House Elf: Last, but not least, boasts a fan base, which is so devoted, they could put the Order of the Phoenix to shame. If you're looking to dive into a world that's both fantastical and familiar, with a wizard who's as comfortable with a wand as he is with a witty one-liner, then "The Dresden Files" is your ticket to a supernaturally delightful adventure.
So, grab your pentacle necklace, dust off your magical staff, and prepare for a whirlwind of magical shenanigans because "The Dresden Files" is like a spell that keeps on giving, and you'll be enchanted from the very first page!
The Mistborn Series by Brandon Sanderson
Alright, now we’re taking a stroll through one of my absolute favorite fantasy worlds ever! You will definitely not find wizards or witches, fighting with wands or staffs, in the world of Mistborn. Instead, you’ll find yourself facing a particular brand of magic users called Allomancers, who are pretty much Neo from the Matrix on steroids. They can jump to great heights, move at insane speeds, and even sort of predict the future. The only catch? They need to literally ingest different metals to make use of these powers.
So why does Mistborn deserve a spot on our list of “Top 10 books about wizards, witches and magic users”?
Magic, Intrigue, and Moral Gymnastics! The series is definitely not solely centered around magic. It’s about politics, power and the massive grey areas in-between. There are moral dilemmas that will make you question your entire value system, accompanied by action sequences that would put the Fast and Furious franchise to shame.
A World Built Like No Other - When asked how he came up with the idea for Mistborn, Brandon Sanderson pretty much said that the whole concept was developed based on two questions. What would happen if Ocean’s Eleven were put in a fantasy setting? And what would happen if the prophesized hero, destined to save the world, chose in fact to destroy it?
Characters You’ll Share Your Last Misting With: As I’ve said earlier, the whole concept is pretty much - what would happen if Ocean’s Eleven was thrust into a magical setting and instead of stealing from a powerful Casino owner, they still from the All-powerful, immortal ruler of the world? We have a rag-tag band of characters, ranging from a charismatic rouge-ish thief, to a sophisticated gentleman thief, to a guy who literally has the power to hit you with the power of a truck. They are talented, driven and most of all, they have a plan that can’t go wrong! Or so they think.
Sanderson’s Pen": Mightier than the Inquisitor’s Spike: Sanderson has solidified his place as one of the undisputed Greats of modern fantasy fiction. His prose is more precise than a Mistborn’s aim and as evocative as Vin soaring through the mists. The worldbuilding is world-class, the magic system is like nothing we’ve ever seen before, and you’ll develop such strong emotional connections to the characters that you’ll break out in sweats during every situation where they put themselves in danger.
Oh, and if you need further convincing to try The Mistborn trilogy out, you’ll be surprised to hear that it was in fact the world’s longest CV. That’s right, when Robert Jordan passed away, before completing The Wheel of Time series (which will come up later on this list), his widow spend quite a bit of time trying to find the perfect author to finish her husband’s grand epic. After reading Mistborn, she immediately settled on Brandon Sanderson, and the rest is history - thanks to him, one of the grandest (and longest) fantasy epics of all time came to a well-deserved conclusion!
The Lies of Locke Lamora by Scott Lynch
Have you ever what would happen if a bunch of con-artists came together, set-up base in a fantastical city, and started cooking up heists with a blend of magic, skill and more snark than a Tyrion Lannister and Matt Cauthon combined? If so, then your name is probably Scott Lynch, in which case congratulations, because you’ve created one of the most addictive pieces of fiction ever written! So let’s grab our disguises and sneak into a world where Locke’s sheer audacity is enough of a reason to include him in our Top 10 books about wizards, witches and magic users list!
Locke Lamora: A Master of Deception (and Sarcasm): Where Kelsier might be a lovable rouge, who had some questionable choices but ultimately had his heart in the right place, Locke Lamora is, quite simply, a twat. But he is a lovable twat, I’ll give him that. Leading a band of rogues sharing the same capacity for moral ambiguity, he’ll charm you into parting with your dearest valuables, while making you laugh so hard that you might even forget you’re getting swindled. Just remember that his wit is as sharp as a dagger… laced with poison!
Fantasy, Crime Fiction, and Humor, Oh My! Much like The Mistborn Trilogy, this series isn’t a typical fantasy epic. Magic is tad more complicated than, for example, Harry Potter, and spells and cunning go hand-in-hand. Think of it as a blend of The Lord of the Rings and a Bill Burr comedy special, with a dash of Ocean’s Eleven to taste. The twists and turns will have you in knots trying to guess what comes next, and the witty remarks and jabs will have you giggling like a gnome of a sugar rush.
The Fan Base: More Devoted Than a Priest of the Crooked Warden: Last, but not least, the "Gentleman Bastard" series boasts a fan base so devoted, they'd probably try to swindle you out of your library card. If you're a fan of fantasy with a side of crime fiction, humor, and razor-sharp wit, then this series is your ticket to a world where even the most elaborate cons can't hold a candle to the charm of Locke Lamora.
So, ready your disguises, sharpen your wit, and prepare to be thoroughly entertained. "The Lies of Locke Lamora" is the con you won't see coming, and by the time you're done, you'll be begging for more schemes, more humor, and more Locke!
The Kingkiller Chronicle by Patrick Rothfuss
Hold onto your pointy hats, because "The Kingkiller Chronicle" is about to bewitch your socks off! Ever heard of a guy named Kvothe? No? Well, get ready to be serenaded by his epic tales of magic, misadventures, and ... did I mention he was also a legendary rockstar... I mean, lute player? Err... lute is the fantasy equivalent, right?
The Kingkiller Chronicle always reminds me of the set-up for a classic comedy joke: “a legendary musician, a cunning artist and an extraordinary adventurer walk into a bar…”. What could happen next? The possibilities are limitless. In this case, however, what happens next is that they all decide to tell their life stories. Think of Interview with a Vampire, but less Lestat and Louis, and more Mick Jagger with magic. So why does “The Kingkiller Chronicle” deserve a spot on our list of Top 10 books abouts wizards, witches and magic users?
A World That's More Immersive Than a Potion of Immortality: Rothfuss’s worldbuilding is so immersive that you’ll often need to go back to the map and check out where you are (especially in relation to the University). It will beckon your inner sense of adventure, inviting you to explore every nook and cranny of this vast realm, from the enchanted halls of the Archives, to the bustling streets of Tarbean.
Themes as Deep as a Dungeon's Abyss: "The Kingkiller Chronicle" is steeped with magic and adventure, yet those are not the only driving forces in the world. The series explores complicated concepts like love, loss, power, and the very essence of identity. It's like a philosopher's guide to the art of being a hero, with just a sprinkle of dragon-slaying for flavor.
Kvothe: The Man, The Myth, The Minstrel: Kvothe is what every bard in Dungeons and Dragons campaigns aspires to be. He can out-strum a siren and out-riddle a Sphynx. He is cunning enough to outsmart a dragon or charm pretty much everyone he meets - within a couple of pages you’ll be wondering how many bees exist in this world with all the honey dripping from his silvered tongue. But Kvothe’s story is not a smooth ride - it has more curves than a magic carpet ride!
So, dust off your lute, sharpen your wit, and prepare for a journey that'll have you humming ballads and reciting poetry. "The Kingkiller Chronicle" is the epic tale that'll leave you wanting more, and by the end, you'll be wishing you could attend the University for even a fraction of Kvothe's adventures!
The Lightbringer Series by Brent Weeks
“Every light casts a shadow… Every shadow hides a secret... Every secret holds a truth… Every truth bears a legend…”
Imagine a world where light was more than just a source of illumination. Now add a protagonist as powerful as a supernova. Sprinkle some political intrigue on top of that, and you’ve got yourself “The Lightbringer Series”, a spellbinding adventure where even the brightest minds can’t predict what’s going to happen next. So let’s take a look why Brent Weeks’s masterpiece deserve a spot on our list of top 10 books about wizards, witches, and magic users!
Chromeria: A World So Bright You’ll Need SPF 1000: Week’s world-building is so dazzling, you might need to get some shades before reading. Chromeria is the kind of place where light is the source of everything, and we do mean everything! In some aspects, it’s a lot like a light-based version of Hogwarts, where you can have an intellectual debate about the various spectrums of light one minute, and battle a horde of magic-wielding enemies the next!
Gavin Guile: Prism Extraordinaire: The series focuses on Gavin Guile, a Prism (light-magic wielder), who can manipulate light with the deftness of a toddler with a kaleidoscope. He is one of those beautifully written main characters, who will always keep you on your toes. Just as you think you’ve figured him out, he’ll blindside you faster than a flash of Luxin, all while turning a sunbeam into a laser and making a disco party out of it.
Fast-Paced Action, Intrigue, and More Twists Than a Pretzel Factory: Weeks's writing is as fast-paced as a Quicksilver sprint, and his political intrigue is trickier than a wizard's wand duel. You'll be on the edge of your seat, flipping pages faster than a speed-reading wizard.
Themes as Deep as a Bottomless Potion: "The Lightbringer" series isn't just about magic and action; it delves into power, leadership, and the consequences of choices. It's like a crash course in ethics, with more sword fights and magic duels than your average philosophy class.
So, grab your Luxin vials, adjust your colorblindness, and prepare for a journey that'll have you seeing magic in a whole new light. "The Lightbringer" series is the radiant adventure that'll leave you craving more, and by the end, you'll be wishing you had a few Luxin drafts up your sleeve!
The Wheel of Time by Robert Jordan
I’ve had so many articles featuring The Wheel of Time on this website, that you might start thinking I’m being sponsored by the Robert Jordan estate. While that’s not the case (although, hint, hint…), you see this title mentioned across my lists so often simply because it is one of my all-time absolute favorite fantasy series. It is epic in every sense of the word, but let’s take a look at some of the reasons why it’s featured on this top 10 books about wizards, witches and magic users!
Rand al'Thor: Farm Boy Turned Chosen One (with a Fabulous Name): Imagine being a humble farmer who suddenly realizes he’s the savior of the world reborn and is destined to battle an evil so ancient and terryfying, even Voldemort would be afraid to say its name. All in all, an easy-sounding task, right? That is, if we disregard the fact that everyone in the world wants to either control, kill or enslave him. Oh, and the Evil One’s most powerful servant, which make the Nazgul look like the Brady Bunch, have taken his audacity of existing personally. And if that wasn’t enough, he’s slowly going mad from the very magic he’s supposed to use to save the world. It’s a task so easy, anyone could do it. Right?
A World So Vast, Even Gandalf Would Need a GPS: I have read many, many fantasy series in my lifetime. And while there are some that have absolutely fantastic world-building, I have yet to meet one that has the sheer vastness and complexity of Jordan’s world. There are nations to represent every ethnicity imaginable, with intricate descriptions of their cultures, architecture, dresses, and even war rites. Much like Tolkien created the languages, and then wrote the Lord of the Rings so they have a story around them, I feel like Jordan created The Wheel of Time just so that the beautifully detailed settings he envisioned could be put to use.
More Characters Than a Shakespearean Play (and Just as Dramatic): With a cast larger than a Tolkien family reunion, "The Wheel of Time" boasts a diverse array of characters. Each one has more depth than a wizard's spellbook, and their individual character arcs will have you emotionally invested faster than you can say "Aes Sedai."
Action, Politics, and Romance Galore (Because Why Not?): If you're in the mood for action, political intrigue, and a dash of romance, "The Wheel of Time" has you covered. It's like a fantasy cocktail with a twist of fate, shaken, not stirred.
So, grab your copy, your ter'angreals, your Aes Sedai rings, and whatever else you can get your hands on, because this adventure will take you across untold number of lands (and a whooping 15 books) in an epic saga that'll leave you yearning for more, and by the end, you'll be wondering if you, too, are secretly destined for greatness!
The Discworld Series by Terry Pratchett
No list about the top 10 books about wizards, witches and magic users will ever be complete without the mention of Terry Pratchett’s Discworld series. It is the ultimate love letter to magic in it’s many forms, explored through the prism of Prachett’s unique blend of Monty Python-esque humor and masterful storytelling. If you’re tired of reading about epic quests and grand adventures, and want something a bit light-hearted that would definitely put a smile on your face, then the Discworld series is what you’ve been looking for. But let’s dive a little deeper.
Magic That's More Mirth Than Merlin: Magic doesn’t simply exist in the Discworld. It is the cornerstone of everything, allowing the world to live by its own ludicrous rules (after all, it is a flat disc carried on the backs of 4 elephants, which themselves stand on the back of a giant turtle). From bumbling wizards to hilariously misguided spells, the magic here is so unpredictable that you never know exactly what will happen in the next 10 pages.
Witches Galore: Filled with illustrious characters like Granny Weatherwax, Nanny Ogg, and Tiffany Aching, Discworld is dense with all sorts of witches. These ladies put the "wicked" in "wickedly funny." Their magic is as unconventional, to say the least, and their methods are questionable at best, but their skill in potion-brewing is only matched by their flawless delivery of sassy one-liners, which will have you cackling your guts out.
Wizards who need “Wizarding for Dummies”: On Discworld, wizards like to think of themselves as mystics who delve in forbidden secrets and control powers mere mortals can only dream of. In reality though, most of them are as likely to blow themselves up as they are to actually do what they intend. And that’s in the best of cases. Indeed, the Discworld is home to talented mages, mediocre mages, mages that shouldn’t be allowed within a mile of the University. And then, there is Rincewind, the most hilariously inept wizard to ever grace the pages of any book. He’s the kind of wizard who makes Neville Longbottom wielding a broken wand look like Dumbledore in his prime. Yep, Rincewind should not be allowed anywhere near magic. If only magic left him alone…
Terry Pratchett's Wit: A Greater Power Than Any Spell: What truly makes the "Discworld" series magical is Terry Pratchett's unparalleled wit and humor. His writing is as sharp as a wizard’s hat and as clever as a well-crafted spell. With every turn of the page, you'll discover puns, satirical jabs, and clever commentary on everything from politics to pop culture.
So, grab your pointy hat, your broomstick, and a healthy dose of world-class sarcasm, and embark on a journey to a world where magic is the punchline, and the laughter is more enchanting than any spell. "Discworld" is the fantastical, funny, and utterly captivating series that'll leave you spellbound.
The Black Company by Glen Cook
My dear witches, wizards, mystics, wand-wielders, and lovers of the arcane arts, we are almost at the end of our list in the search for the Top 10 Books about wizards, witches and magic users. As we rapidly draw to the conclusion of this article, a question comes to mind - we’ve explored quite a few series that focuses on the “good” types of magic. But what about the dark arts? Do they not also deserve a spot amongst their magical peers? Enter, “The Black Company”, by Glen Cook, where magic and mayhem go hand-in-hand (and sometimes, hand-in-claw).
Magic darker than the darkest night: Magic isn’t always sparkly wands and benevolent wizards, who will rescue you from a dire situation in the final hour. Sometimes, it’s dark, dirty and, ocassionally, downright disturbing. This is the type of magic that will hit you harder than a curse in the world of the Black Company. Beware, side effects include (but not limited to): constantly looking over your shoulder, double-checking dark corners of your house, and waking up in the middle of the night, wondering if you didn’t accidentally summon something that will want to eat your soul for breakfast.
Mercenaries with More Grit Than Glam: What happens if you give a band of morally ambiguous mercenaries access to a world with magic darker than a necromancer’s soul? Nothing good, that’s what. Meet The Black Company, a ragtag band of characters who are about as far away from knights in shining armor as Frodo is from making the first draft of the NBA.
Wizards with worse moral compasses than Voldemort: You’ll not be finding any wise old sages, who distribute valuable advice like candy on Halloween here. Putting your trust in a wizard from the world of the Black Company is about as safe as giving a goblin your wallet for safekeeping. They will scheme, plot and attempt to end you, all while sporting an unwavering smile on their faces.
A world so grim, Mordor looks like a day-spa: Glen Cook’s worldbuilding is simply put, amazing. It is also not for the faint-hearted. Darkness reigns in this world and fickle things like “hope” are about as rare as a dragon steak. Darkness seeps into everything, from magic, to politics, to people and their motivations. Everyone is a cutthroat, whether magical or not, and the only ones you can trust to always act as expected are the monsters, who, if I forgot to mention earlier, are about as pleasant as doing a starting contest with a basilisk.
"The Black Company" is a dark, gritty, and utterly captivating series, which will show you that sometimes, it’s more fun to root for the bad guys.
The Magicians by Lev Grossman
That’s it, my dear enchanters and aspiring sorcerers! We’ve reached the very end of our list. It’s been a magical journey so far (pun intended), but as with Germans say: “everything has an end, only the sausage has two”. I was genuinly debating with myself which book or series to include as the last choice for this list of top 10 books about wizards, witches and magic users. There are genuinly so many great works of fiction out there that I knew it would be impossible to fit them all into one article. But I had hoped that making this last selection will be easier. As I was about to reach a crisis in not being able to make a decision, the answer finally came to me. So let me present to you, without further ado, “The Magicians”, by Lev Grossman - where magic meets midlife crisis, and booze flows freely.
Magic That's as Unpredictable as Your Wi-Fi Connection: In most fantasy setting, we’ve grown used to expect magic having a rather solid set of rules. Generally, magic users realize what they can and cannot do, if they wish to wield the mythical forces of their universe. In the world of “The Magicians”, however, magic was probably invented by Rincewind from the Discworld series. It’s almost like those tins of Danish cookies, whose contents you can never be sure of - are there sweets, needle supplies, or your grandma’s casserole leftovers? You never know. Cast a spell at your own peril - you might get fireworks, you might actually do what you intended… or you might accidentally turn your roommate into a sloth.
Wizards who belong in therapy and not in potion classes: Enter, Quentin Coldwater, a highschooler dealing with enough emotional baggage to stagger an elephant, who also finds out that he’s a magician. As if dealing with everything isn’t enough, Coldwater, and his friends Alice, Eliot and Janet, are also thrust into Brakebills, a magical college that is probably what Hogwarts could have been if it were set in the States: key parties, magical mayham, and questionable decisions fueled by rampaging hormones.
A World That's a Fantastic Blend of Fantasy and Reality: Grossman’s worldbuilding is a breath of fresh air. At times, it almost makes you forget that the story does not take place in the real world. That is, until you suddenly find yourself in Fillory, a Narnia-esque land, that serves as an actual escape from the mundane problems of everyday life.
"The Magicians" is a series that'll have you laughing, pondering your existence, and wondering why wizards don't have therapists on speed dial.
That’s it, my dear enchanters and witches! What did you think of this list of the Top 10 books About Wizards, Witches and Magic Users! Of course, there are many more titles that deserve a place in the Magic Hall of Fame. Let me know if I missed any of your favorite titles - I’d love to do a part 2!