The Witches of Cambridge

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The Witches of Cambridge

by van Praag, Menna

Set against the intellectual backdrop of Harvard University, this story centers on Amandine, a professor who believes she has successfully compartmentalized her life as an academic and her life as a witch. The narrative hinges on the delicate tension between the mundane pursuit of tenure and the ancient, inherited responsibilities of her bloodline. As a mysterious threat emerges, the story pulls back the veil on a hidden community of women whose magic is woven directly into the history of the university. The reading experience is deeply atmospheric, favoring a slow-burn mystery that feels like a quiet walk through a historic campus at dusk. It is an ideal pick for readers who enjoy stories where magic is a subtle, grounded presence rather than a flashy spectacle, and who appreciate an exploration of sisterhood and the weight of ancestral secrets.

10 Books similar to 'The Witches of Cambridge'

If the academic corridors and hidden magical lineages of Cambridge resonated with you, these titles were curated to extend that specific feeling of discovery. We focused on books that treat magic as a part of the landscape, whether through the lens of scholarly research or the warmth of found families. From the cozy, enchanted gardens of Sarah Addison Allen to the high-stakes occult societies of Leigh Bardugo, these stories prioritize the intersection of personal growth and supernatural heritage. Each selection highlights the same delicate balance between living a modern life and honoring long-held family secrets.

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The Physick Book of Deliverance Dane
The Physick Book of Deliverance Dane

by Katherine Howe

Like 'The Witches of Cambridge', this novel blends academic history with a hidden world of magic, following a woman who uncovers a secret legacy of witchcraft. It offers a similarly rich, atmospheric setting that bridges the past and the present.

Practical Magic
Practical Magic

by Alice Hoffman

This classic tale of sisters bound by magic and love is the spiritual predecessor to van Praag's work. It features the same blend of whimsical charm, deep sisterly bonds, and the struggle to balance ordinary life with extraordinary gifts.

The Lost Apothecary
The Lost Apothecary

by Sarah Penner

Fans of the academic and historical layering in van Praag's writing will appreciate this story, which connects a modern-day woman to a secret apothecary shop from the 18th century. It explores themes of female empowerment and hidden legacies with a suspenseful, dual-timeline structure.

Garden Spells
Garden Spells

by Sarah Addison Allen

This book captures the same cozy, magical realism vibe found in Cambridge, focusing on a family with unique, inherited magical abilities. It is perfect for readers who enjoy stories about finding one's place in the world while navigating romance and family history.

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The Ninth House
The Ninth House

by Leigh Bardugo

While darker and grittier than van Praag's work, this novel is set within the elite academic world of Yale and features a secret society of occult practitioners. It will appeal to readers who enjoyed the 'magic hidden in plain sight' aspect of the Cambridge setting.

The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches
The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches

by Sangu Mandanna

This novel radiates the same warmth and focus on found family that defines 'The Witches of Cambridge'. It follows a lonely witch who finds her true home while teaching others to embrace their magic, offering a delightful and romantic journey.

The Discovery of Witches
The Discovery of Witches

by Deborah Harkness

Set within the hallowed halls of Oxford University, this book shares the academic atmosphere and intellectual depth of van Praag's setting. It centers on a historian who accidentally discovers a magical manuscript, bridging the gap between scholarly life and the supernatural.

The House in the Cerulean Sea
The House in the Cerulean Sea

by TJ Klune

For readers who loved the whimsical and character-driven nature of 'The Witches of Cambridge', this story offers a beautiful exploration of belonging and magic. It features a similar focus on unconventional individuals finding their strength through community.

Circe
Circe

by Madeline Miller

This lyrical reimagining of a mythological figure focuses on a woman learning to master her craft in isolation, much like the protagonists in van Praag's work. It is a deeply introspective and empowering character study that fans of magical fiction will adore.

The Raven Boys
The Raven Boys

by Maggie Stiefvater

Set in a small town with a rich, hidden magical history, this series features an ensemble cast of friends bound by destiny. It mirrors the 'Witches of Cambridge' in its blend of modern-day setting with ancient, atmospheric magic and deep interpersonal connections.