12 Books With Forbidden Magic Themes
There’s something irresistible about forbidden magic — the danger, the defiance, and the tantalizing thrill of bending rules to unlock unimaginable power. These books dive deep into worlds where ancient spells are off-limits, mystical orders enforce strict laws, and characters risk everything for knowledge, love, or freedom.
1. Serpent & Dove by Shelby Mahurin
🧙♀️ Witches and forbidden love in a world ruled by fear.
Louise le Blanc is a witch living in hiding, and Reid Diggory is a witch hunter sworn to destroy her kind. Fate forces them into an unlikely marriage—but when Lou’s forbidden magic is revealed, the stakes couldn’t be higher.
💭 Why you’ll be hooked: The sizzling chemistry, high-stakes secrets, and morally complex world make this a spellbinding read.
2. The Bone Season by Samantha Shannon
🔮 A dystopian world where clairvoyance is outlawed.
Paige Mahoney is a dreamwalker with forbidden abilities in a society where magic is ruthlessly controlled. When she’s captured and taken to a prison city, she must harness her forbidden gifts to survive.
💭 Why you’ll be hooked: The intricate world-building and Paige’s fierce determination create a magical experience unlike any other.
3. Shadow and Bone by Leigh Bardugo
✨ A forbidden power that could change the fate of a nation.
Alina Starkov is an ordinary soldier—until she discovers a rare and forbidden power that makes her the target of dark forces. As she struggles to control her newfound magic, love and loyalty hang in the balance.
💭 Why you’ll be hooked: The dark allure of the Grisha world and the tension between Alina’s desires and her destiny make this an unforgettable journey.
4. A Discovery of Witches by Deborah Harkness
📜 Ancient magic, forbidden love, and a centuries-old conspiracy.
Diana Bishop, a reluctant witch, discovers a long-lost manuscript that unlocks forbidden magical secrets. Her life becomes entangled with Matthew Clairmont, a brooding vampire with secrets of his own.
💭 Why you’ll be hooked: The intellectual charm of magical academia combined with steamy romance creates a story that feels both sophisticated and seductive.
5. The Priory of the Orange Tree by Samantha Shannon
🔥 Forbidden magic and ancient prophecies collide.
Ead Duryan is a mage sworn to protect her queen, but her forbidden magic must remain hidden in a court where tradition reigns supreme. When dark forces threaten their world, secrets and magic become their only hope.
💭 Why you’ll be hooked: The fierce women, complex politics, and lush world-building make this an epic fantasy worth savoring.
6. Vicious by V.E. Schwab
⚡ Morally grey characters wielding forbidden powers.
Victor and Eli are college friends who discover the dark science of extraordinary abilities. What begins as an academic experiment spirals into a deadly game of revenge fueled by forbidden powers.
💭 Why you’ll be hooked: The sharp writing and complex characters will keep you questioning the fine line between hero and villain.
7. Children of Blood and Bone by Tomi Adeyemi
🌊 A world where magic is forbidden—and a rebellion ignites.
Zélie Adebola has the power to bring back magic in a land where it has been brutally suppressed. But wielding forbidden magic puts her at odds with a dangerous regime.
💭 Why you’ll be hooked: The pulse-pounding action and richly imagined world make this a story of resilience and hope.
8. The Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss
🎻 A story of forbidden knowledge and legendary magic.
Kvothe is a gifted young musician with a thirst for forbidden knowledge. As he navigates the treacherous world of the University, he learns that some magic is best left untouched.
💭 Why you’ll be hooked: The lyrical prose and Kvothe’s journey from innocence to legend make this a masterpiece of storytelling.
9. An Ember in the Ashes by Sabaa Tahir
🔥 Dark magic threatens an empire.
Laia becomes a spy for a rebel group in exchange for her brother’s freedom. Meanwhile, Elias, a reluctant soldier, harbors secrets that could destroy the empire. As forbidden magic surfaces, their paths collide.
💭 Why you’ll be hooked: The heart-stopping twists and forbidden magic will leave you breathless.
10. Sorcery of Thorns by Margaret Rogerson
📚 Forbidden grimoires and a magical library.
Elisabeth has trained her whole life to protect powerful grimoires from dark sorcery. But when she’s accused of a crime she didn’t commit, she must join forces with a sorcerer who embodies everything she was taught to despise.
💭 Why you’ll be hooked: The enchanting world of grimoires and Elisabeth’s fierce spirit make this a captivating read.
11. The Forbidden Wish by Jessica Khoury
🧞♀️ A forbidden romance between a genie and her master.
Zahra is a powerful jinni bound by ancient laws. When she falls for the mortal Aladdin, their forbidden love threatens to unravel everything she’s fought for.
💭 Why you’ll be hooked: The lush, enchanting world and daring love story make this a fresh twist on a classic tale.
12. Wicked Saints by Emily A. Duncan
🩸 Forbidden magic and a holy war.
Nadya, a cleric with forbidden magic, must join forces with a blood mage and a rebel prince to stop a war. But their dangerous alliance blurs the line between good and evil.
💭 Why you’ll be hooked: The dark atmosphere and morally complex characters create a gripping and intense tale.
Your Turn!
Are you ready to dive into these magical tales of forbidden power? Which of these books has cast a spell on you? Share your favorites—and any magical must-reads I missed—in the comments below. ✨📚
