Welcome to Witch Central: The Cozy Magic of Debora Geary
If you are tired of dark, gritty urban fantasy where the world is always on the brink of destruction, Debora Geary’s Modern Witch universe is the perfect antidote. Starting in 2011, Geary created a warm, slice-of-life fantasy world where 21st-century witches use online chatrooms to connect, and solve their problems not with epic swordfights or destructive spells, but with community, empathy, and plenty of fresh-baked cookies. Spanning 17 books across three interconnected series, this cozy universe remains a beloved treasure for readers seeking lighthearted romance, positive vibes, and a found-family aesthetic.
What to Know Before You Start: The Availability Dilemma
Before diving into your reading journey, there is a major real-world caveat to know. In 2014, Debora Geary announced that she would stop writing the series and withdraw her self-published books from all major digital and print retailers. Because the books were self-published, she had the right to pull them down, making them officially out of print. This means you won’t find them on Kindle, Audible, or standard bookstores. However, dedicated fans still seek out used physical copies, check local libraries, or coordinate through online fan communities on platforms like Reddit and Goodreads to share copies of these cozy classics.
The Best Starting Point: How to Read the Modern Witch Universe
Because the main Modern Witch series, the WitchLight Trilogy, and the Witch Central series share characters and timelines, reading them in a hybrid publication order is highly recommended. While you can technically read the spin-offs on their own, the character growth and communal arcs cross over extensively. Starting with A Modern Witch introduces you to the core group of Berkeley witches, setting the stage for everything that follows.
The Main Series: A Modern Witch Novels and Morsels
The main series consists of seven novels and three short stories (often called "morsels" by the author). They follow modern witches discovering their powers, learning to control their magic, and building a supportive network.
- A Modern Witch (2011): The book that started it all. Lauren, a busy Chicago real estate agent, is summoned to a magical online chat room and realizes she has a destiny far beyond selling houses.
- A Hidden Witch (2011): Features Elorie Shaw in Nova Scotia, a woman who learns she is a witch despite not growing up in a magical family.
- A Reckless Witch (2011): Introduces Sierra, a young witch with erratic, wild magic who needs the community's help to find her balance.
- A Witch Central Wedding (2012): A cozy novella (often listed as #3.5) centering on a community wedding that brings together characters from all corners of the universe.
- A Nomadic Witch (2012): Follows the journey of characters traveling and discovering how magic manifests in different cultures.
- To Have and To Code (2012): A prequel novella (#0.5) that details the history of how Nell and Daniel first met fifteen years before the events of the first book. While chronologically first, it is best read after you've established an emotional connection with the characters.
- A Different Witch (2012): Explores the unique challenges of another witch joining the growing community.
- A Celtic Witch (2013): Focuses on Cassidy Farrell, a talented Celtic fiddler whose musical gift is deeply tied to her magic.
- Swordfights & Lullabies (2013): A novella (#6.5) wrapping up storylines for Marcus, Morgan, and Cassidy as they finish a tour.
- A Lost Witch (2013): The final novel in the main branch, bringing many of the central characters' stories to a satisfying resolution.
The WitchLight Trilogy: Healing Lost Souls
This trilogy is a direct spin-off focusing on Jenvieve (Jennie) Adams and her work helping "stray" witches—those who have lost their way, mismanaged their powers, or suffered trauma. It is best read alongside the middle books of the main series.
- Witches on Parole (2011): Introduces Jennie's work guiding witches who need a second chance at finding their path.
- Witches Under Way (2012): The journey of rehabilitation continues as new mentors and students join the fold.
- Witches in Flight (2012): Jennie's charges learn to spread their wings and integrate back into the magical community.
The Witch Central Series: The Grand Finale
The Witch Central books tie the entire universe together, focusing on romance and community-building in the central hub where all the characters intersect. The final book, A Dangerous Witch, serves as the ultimate conclusion to the entire 17-book saga.
- An Imperfect Witch (2013): Explores the quirks and vulnerabilities of the community members as they find love.
- An Unlikely Witch (2013): Features another heartwarming romance and deepens the magical lore.
- Feathers (2014): A short story/novella (#2.5) focusing on the softer, slice-of-life moments in Witch Central.
- A Dangerous Witch (2014): The grand finale of the universe, resolving the final loose ends of the community.
Chronological Order vs. Publication Order
If you want to read strictly by how the timeline unfolds, you can place the prequel To Have and To Code at the very beginning. However, most fans agree that reading in publication order is superior, as it allows the world to unfold naturally. Below are the two main reading paths mapped out.
Recommended Publication & Hybrid Order
To experience the characters as the author introduced them, follow this combined publication sequence:
- A Modern Witch (2011)
- A Hidden Witch (2011)
- A Reckless Witch (2011)
- Witches on Parole (2011) (WitchLight #1)
- A Witch Central Wedding (2012) (Morsel #3.5)
- A Nomadic Witch (2012)
- To Have and To Code (2012) (Prequel #0.5)
- A Different Witch (2012)
- Witches Under Way (2012) (WitchLight #2)
- Witches in Flight (2012) (WitchLight #3)
- A Celtic Witch (2013)
- Swordfights & Lullabies (2013) (Morsel #6.5)
- A Lost Witch (2013)
- An Imperfect Witch (2013) (Witch Central #1)
- An Unlikely Witch (2013) (Witch Central #2)
- Feathers (2014) (Witch Central #2.5)
- A Dangerous Witch (2014) (Witch Central #3)
Strict Chronological Order
If you prefer to follow the exact sequence of historical events, use this order:
- To Have and To Code (Takes place 15 years before the main story)
- A Modern Witch
- A Hidden Witch
- A Reckless Witch
- Witches on Parole (WitchLight #1)
- A Witch Central Wedding
- A Nomadic Witch
- A Different Witch
- Witches Under Way (WitchLight #2)
- Witches in Flight (WitchLight #3)
- A Celtic Witch
- Swordfights & Lullabies
- A Lost Witch
- An Imperfect Witch
- An Unlikely Witch
- Feathers
- A Dangerous Witch