Witchlore

By: Emma Hinds

Age 14+

RRP £8.99

Coming October 2025

Buy from:

Amazon

LIMITED EDITION FIRST PRINTING FEATURING EXCLUSIVE SPRAYED EDGES, available while stocks last

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...

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!!!

Details

Extent:: 368 pages
Dimensions:: 198 x 130mm
Paperback ISBN:: 9781835409589
Publication Date:: October 2025
Work Reference:: 9914

Author

Emma Hinds is a queer writer living and working in Manchester who is passionate about writing queer fantasy that explores the depth of British magical folklore. She has a Masters degree in Theology and the Arts from the University of St Andrews and is the author of the well-known fan fiction series, The Heir to the House of Prince, which currently runs at over a million words and over a million hits. Her debut adult novel, The Knowing, is a gothic fantasy published by Bedford Square (January 2024). Witchlore is her first novel for YA readers.

Find out more about Emma Hinds

Press

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