Witchlore
Published on 9. October 2025
Book
Paperback/Softback
368 pages
978-1-83540-958-9 (ISBN)
Description
LIMITED EDITION FIRST PRINTING FEATURING EXCLUSIVE SPRAYED EDGES, available while stocks last
"This queer urban YA fantasy will appeal to fans of Holly Black." The Guardian
A spellbinding fantasy where the romance is as real as the magic - discover your next YA obsession with this love story to raise the dead, for fans of Wicked, Juno Dawson and Lex Croucher.
At Demdike College of Witchcraft, Orlando is an outcast. Not just for being the only shapeshifter in a college of witches. Not just for being a really bad shapeshifter, with no control over their magic or when their body switches between male and female forms. But because their girlfriend Elizabeth died - and it was Lando's fault.
And then charming new boy Bastian arrives with a proposition: he knows a spell that can raise Elizabeth from the dead. It's dangerous, but Lando will try anything. But as Lando's attraction to Bastian grows, questions start to arise. Who is Bastian? What does he really want? And who will survive the resurrection spell?
"Wise, brilliantly written, and full of humour and heart - I loved it." Sophie Keetch, author of Morgan Is My Name
Readers are obsessed with WITCHLORE!
* With echoes of Holly Black's edge and the wit of Lex Croucher, Witchlore delivers a queer love story wrapped in gothic charm and high-stakes sorcery.
* One of my favourite books that I've read this year.... It gave me such emotional whiplash.
* A stunning YA debut and a must-read.
* I constantly thought about this book when I wasn't reading it and it gripped me all the way through... I sobbed at some parts!
* Well wasn't this just wonderful!! ...AAAAAAAAAA WHERE CAN I FIND A LOVE LIKE THIS?!!!
* This book had me in a chokehold very early on... I adored it.
* A very enjoyable and cute (!) YA urban romantasy! Recommended for those who enjoyed Juno Dawson's Her Majesty's Royal Coven.
* The diversity and queer representation was so amazing!!!
"This queer urban YA fantasy will appeal to fans of Holly Black." The Guardian
A spellbinding fantasy where the romance is as real as the magic - discover your next YA obsession with this love story to raise the dead, for fans of Wicked, Juno Dawson and Lex Croucher.
At Demdike College of Witchcraft, Orlando is an outcast. Not just for being the only shapeshifter in a college of witches. Not just for being a really bad shapeshifter, with no control over their magic or when their body switches between male and female forms. But because their girlfriend Elizabeth died - and it was Lando's fault.
And then charming new boy Bastian arrives with a proposition: he knows a spell that can raise Elizabeth from the dead. It's dangerous, but Lando will try anything. But as Lando's attraction to Bastian grows, questions start to arise. Who is Bastian? What does he really want? And who will survive the resurrection spell?
"Wise, brilliantly written, and full of humour and heart - I loved it." Sophie Keetch, author of Morgan Is My Name
Readers are obsessed with WITCHLORE!
* With echoes of Holly Black's edge and the wit of Lex Croucher, Witchlore delivers a queer love story wrapped in gothic charm and high-stakes sorcery.
* One of my favourite books that I've read this year.... It gave me such emotional whiplash.
* A stunning YA debut and a must-read.
* I constantly thought about this book when I wasn't reading it and it gripped me all the way through... I sobbed at some parts!
* Well wasn't this just wonderful!! ...AAAAAAAAAA WHERE CAN I FIND A LOVE LIKE THIS?!!!
* This book had me in a chokehold very early on... I adored it.
* A very enjoyable and cute (!) YA urban romantasy! Recommended for those who enjoyed Juno Dawson's Her Majesty's Royal Coven.
* The diversity and queer representation was so amazing!!!
Reviews / Votes
Witty, mordant and original, this queer urban YA fantasy will appeal to fans of Holly Black. * The Guardian * Drolly funny and with a wildly inventive magic system, this is an addictive read. * The Bookseller * Genuine and surprising. Hinds has created a witchy, magical fantasy that explores grief, self-love, gender expression, and societal expectations with nuance and care. * F.T. Lukens, New York Times bestselling author of Spell Bound * Wise, brilliantly written, and full of humour and heart - I loved it. * Sophie Keetch, author of Morgan Is My Name * Hinds has crafted a perfect blend of contemporary and folklore. A tender and gripping exploration of grief, non-binary empowerment, and love in many forms. Beautiful. * Ashley Thorpe. author of The Boy to Beat the Gods * This book weaves together themes of grief, gender identity, and self-acceptance; mixing magic, romance and British folklore with a powerful stare at the effects of societal pressure. A fascinating read for 14+ year olds. * The School Reading List * Are you looking for a story so well written, so immersive, that it will feel asthough a spell has been cast and there is absolutely no way you can put it
down? This is the book for you. A romance, a fantasy, filled with humour,
some of it dark, it is a compulsive read. * Armadillo Magazine *
More details
Language
English
Place of publication
London
United Kingdom
Target group
Children/juvenile
Interest Age: From 14 to 99 years
Dimensions
Height: 197 mm
Width: 129 mm
Thickness: 24 mm
Weight
302 gr
ISBN-13
978-1-83540-958-9 (9781835409589)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Person
Emma is a queer playwright living in Manchester with a focus on telling untold feminist narratives. Her latest play, PURE, was featured in Turn On festival at Hope Mill Theatre Manchester and she was the recipient of the Artist Development grant. She has written an essay published in Tarantino and Theology with Gray Matter Books, and her book Ineffable Love: Christian Themes in Good Omens was published by Darton Longman & Todd.