I absolutely loved, loved, LOVED this collection of stories. I’m not usually one for collections or non-straight forward story narratives but this truly was such a surprising treat!

Review copy provided by the publisher. Several authors published herein are friends or cordial professional acquaintances.

Jonathan Strahan knows how to put together an anthology. I mean, you might think, he ought to by now, he's done enough of them! But sometimes repetition solidifies bad habits rather than good, and that is not the case here. The focus is broad enough to allow for a wide range of stories but narrow enough that it's interesting as an anthology topic and can draw out worthwhile stories authors might not otherwise have sat down to write. The stories have an admirable range of subject, tone, style, setting, and cultural background. Basically this is a case study for how to do a well-constructed anthology.

I don't think there was a dud in this mix, but several standouts--each very different from the other--included P. Djeli Clark's "What I Remember of Oresha Moon Dragon Devshrata," "Catechism for Those Who Would Find Witches" by Kathleen Jennings, "So Spake the Mirrorwitch" by Premee Mohamed, Emily Y. Teng's "The Cost of Doing Business," and the beautiful finale to the book, "John Hollowback and the Witch," by Amal El-Mohtar. Here you will find good witches, bad witches, morally conflicted witches, witchhunters of every stripe, modern witches, postmodern witches, fairy tale witches, secondary world witches and witches from all around our globe. If you like fantasy short fiction, unless you actively dislike witches in every form and possibly even then, I think you'll find something to love in this.

This was a nice book of witchy stories. Though I do prefer their book on Dragons, this was a nice edition to their line.

Great for short story reading, lore research, and general witch interests.

A lovely anthology from various writers (known and unknown) about all things witchy and the layers contained in just that one word. It's a very personal book since the editor asked the writers to write stories of their witches and as you can see it's varied across the board, from culture, time and place. It's short stories essentially so pick up and put down at your leisure when you need to inhabit another world and bask in some magick

I have a weird relationship with short stories. I never used to like them, as a general rule. Then I stumbled upon a few collections edited by authors I really like, that included authors whose work I was familiar with or who were writing as a part of a series that I already read, and discovered that sometimes the short story format just really does work perfectly for a quick snack of a tale.

This book offered several such snacks for me, although on the whole I must say it was not one of my favorite collections. Surprisingly, the authors I was most anticipating reading - Garth Nix, P Djeli Clark, and Angela Slatter - were done of the stories I enjoyed the least. Still I found several to be excellent, which means new sorters to watch, and that's airways a good thing. Several of the most notable for me include Witchfires (E. Lily Yu), Just a Nudge (Maureen McHugh), The Cost of Doing Business (Emily T. Yeng) and John Hollowback and the Witch (Amal El-Mohtar). I'll definitely be on the lookout for more from each of those!

The Book of Witches, edited by Jonathan Strahan, is a bewitching collection of original stories and poems from some of the most talented fantasy and science fiction writers working today. Featuring tales from Linda Addison, Garth Nix, P. Djèlí Clark, and many others, this anthology showcases a diverse array of witches from different cultures, backgrounds, and walks of life.

From funny and light-hearted to dark and disturbing, the stories in this collection will keep readers spellbound. Each writer brings their unique voice to the genre, resulting in a rich tapestry of magic, mystery, and mayhem. Whether it's a witch who travels through time, a group of witches who band together to save the world, or a young girl who discovers her own powers, there's something for everyone in The Book of Witches.

In addition to the superb writing, the book also features stunning illustrations by Alyssa Winans, which bring the stories to life and add an extra layer of enchantment to the reading experience.

The Book of Witches is a must-read for fans of fantasy, science fiction, and fairy tales. It celebrates the enduring appeal of witches as a literary figure and showcases the incredible talent of the writers who have contributed to this outstanding collection. Highly recommended.

With a breathtaking array of original stories from around the world, P. Djèlí Clark, Amal El Mohtar, Garth Nix, Darcie Little Badger, Sheree Renée Thomas, and two dozen other fantasy and science fiction geniuses bring a new and exciting twist to one of the most beloved figures in fiction, witches, in never-before-seen works written exclusively for The Book of Witches, compiled by award-winning editor Jonathan Strahan and illustrated by award-nominated artist Alyssa Winans.

Witches! Whether you know them from Shakespeare or from Wicked, there is no staple more beloved in folklore, fairy tale, or fantasy than these magical beings. Witches are everywhere, and at the heart of stories that resonate with many people around the world. This dazzling, otherworldly collection gathers new stories of witches from all walks of life, ensuring a Halloween readers will never forget. Whether they be maiden, mother, crone, or other; funny, fierce, light and airy, or dark and disturbing; witches are a vital part of some of the greatest stories we have, and new ones start here!

A collection of witchy stories from various authors all taking their own spin on a witch. This was a fun collection of stories, perfect for anyone who enjoys a witchy read. This anthology is packed with stories and will definitely keep you entertained as you go through them. Some of my favorite stories from the books were written by Cassandra Khaw, Fonda Lee, Angela Slatter and Andrew Stewert!

*Thanks Netgalley and Random House Children's, Random House Books for Young Readers for sending me an arc in exchange for an honest review*

Reviewed for NetGalley:


An anthology of multiple stories and poems all centering around well, witches.

I don't typically like anthologies, but this was nicely done.

Thank you for letting me read this arc! This book was so charming! A collection of 29 short stories and poems about witches. Would recommend!

This was so good. I loved all the different stories and authors voices. Loved it!
I just reviewed The Book of Witches by Jonathan Strahan. #TheBookofWitches #NetGalley
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This collection is in need of serious editing. It's overlong and tries to do too much with what it has. At half the length, it would've been better. There are some gems in here but given how many of them there are it's hard to have them rise to the top. I think there's room for potential with some cuts but I would not recommend this based on how it's currently coming together.

I absolutely love all things witches. This book wasnt my favorite story I have ever read. I think I was expecting to read a novel but this is more of a series of stories and poems that have witches as a common factor. I feel like if you like to read poems and you love witches, this book is for you. It just wasnt for me.

I did not finish...I struggled to get into any of the stories. Those that did start strong, couldnt hold my attnetion. I found myself skimming through the first half of the book and then just gave up. There was only one in that first half that I felt was at least decent or mediocre. I don't read a ton of short stories (maybe this is why) but love stories about witches, so this was a big dissapointment for me. Hopefully it finds traction with other, better suited, readers.