This complete history of witchcraft from Ancient Greece to the present day charts the rise and development of witchcraft and the modern witchcraft religion of Wicca. This in-depth investigation discovers how the ideas we have about witchcraft took shape thousands of years ago in the myths and religions of the ancient world. It looks at why these ideas were expressed so violently during the era of the witch trials, and reveals how witchcraft has been transformed into one of the most radical and fastest growing religions of our age--a religion of equality and compassion that still has the power to unsettle even the bravest amongst us. With fresh insights and previously unpublished material drawn from the author's doctoral research into the mysticism, magic, and social meaning of Wicca, this is the first book to bring witchcraft fully out of the shadows.

'Every time you use magic, it uses you back. Sure, you could magic yourself a photographic memory for that big test, for that big interview, for that big stock market job. And all it cost you was a nice case of liver failure. Or the memory of your lover's name.' Magic is Allison Beckstom's blessing and curse. As a Hound, she uses her gifts to track down practitioners who abuse their power, and then stops them from inflicting harm on unsuspecting innocents. Unfortunately her spells have taken a toll on her, physically marking her and erasing her memories - including those of the man she loves. But lost memories aren't the only things preying on Allie's thoughts. Her late father, a prominent businessman - and sorcerer - has somehow channeled himself into her mind. With the help of the Authority, a secret organization of magic users, she hopes to gain better control over her own abilities - and find a way to deal with her father . . .

Ryson Acumen battles frustration and fatigue as another struggle unfolds before him. A growing conflict threatens to engulf Uton from the western shores to the eastern plains. Illusions abound after the magic from an erratic sorceress alters the corridors of life and death, and the delver faces internal doubts as well as horrific monsters. A treacherous creation first hunts the dark creatures of a nightmare realm, but the danger quickly falls back upon Uton. Forced to choose between divergent paths, Ryson must rely on others to defend the person he cares about the most. He can only hope his friends are able to defeat a new menace that revives old fears. While the delver ventures into the Lacobian Desert, cliff behemoths vow to protect his wife, Linda, just as the elf guard, Holli Brances, leads spell casters against an unknown and dangerous foe in the abandoned town of Pinesway. Even the powerful wizard, Enin, enters the clash in hopes of ending the conflict before too many lives are lost. It is ultimately up to Ryson Acumen to defeat his inner demons and to find the answers that will save Uton and all its inhabitants.

I had new cupcakes to bake, a new treasure to hunt, and a new dragon in town — literally. Who wouldn’t be ecstatic filling their days with chocolate, trinket collecting, and martial arts training? Yeah … me. Because no matter how much chocolate I ate, I couldn’t fill the dark pit in my soul. A darkness born from blood alchemy. A darkness that reeked of the black magic I now knew I was capable of creating. Maybe it was time to walk away. But what if there were important things left to do? What if I was the only one who could do what needed to be done? I wasn’t sure I could handle the responsibility, but as long as I had my chocolate stash and a good friend to back me up, I was willing to give it a try. Shadows, Maps, and Other Ancient Magic is the fourth book in the Dowser series, which is set in the same universe as the Oracle, Reconstructionist, Amplifier, Archivist, and Misfits of the Adept Universe series. While it is not necessary to read all the series, in order to avoid spoilers the ideal reading order of the Adept Universe begins with Cupcakes, Trinkets, and Other Deadly Magic (Dowser 1).

I'm Marquette Sanders, and I used to be one of the top agents for the Crown Magika. But an unexpected accident sidelines me and my world turns upside down. Now, I'm living in the shadow town of Terameth Lake, Washington, where magic and mayhem rule, and spirits from the past are as powerful as the volcano that looms over the town. I've moved in with Granny Ledbetter, my goddess-mother and the oldest witch in town. I'm working at her shop, Shadow Magic, which serves the witchblood community. When a tarot client turns up dead, drained of all her blood, she's just one in a string of killings. The police think a rogue vampire's turned serial killer, but I know better—rogue vampires are my specialty and they don't act like that. Dagda Bruin—the chief of police—enlists my help. Now we must find out who and what the actual killer is, before the body count skyrockets. This series is Paranormal Women's Fiction. It's NOT a cozy series. *grins* For those who love my quirky humor, scary-assed stories, and who don't mind that some of my characters swear like a trucker. Keywords: Paranormal, Witches, Faerie, Fae, Fairy, Weres, Shapeshifters, Romance, Paranormal Women’s Fiction, Badass heroine, kickass women, action and adventure, Ghost hunting, cats, ghosts, urban legends, shadow people, Shadow towns, wolf shifters, cat shifters, elemental magic, shapeshifter romance, mystery, strong women, kickass heroine, steamy, Pacific North West, woods, fae creatures, divorce, life change, new life, hometown, hauntings, dark creatures, amazing friendships, family secrets, spells, challenging foes, magical creatures, mythology

Dive into six full-length urban fantasy novels by USA Today and national bestselling authors! Escape into tales of shifters and sorceresses, gamers and bakers, demons and artifact hunters, plus one very mischievous Norse god. Full of adventure, mystery, romance, and plenty of snark, these novels will immerse you in magical worlds while you turn pages far into the night. Huntress Born by Aimee Easterling - Werewolf and baker Ember leaves her pack to hunt for her missing half brother. But with danger growing on all sides, it's only a matter of time before she gets burned. By an author described as a "good choice for Patricia Briggs fans." Beyond the Veil by Pippa DaCosta - Half-demon and half-human, Muse tried to lead an ordinary life. But when an underworld assassin comes after her, she must embrace her powers—and make a formidable deal with the Prince of Greed. Justice Calling by Annie Bellet - Between hiding out from her evil ex-boyfriend who wants to steal her power and keeping her friends safe from dangerous magics, Jade Crow has all the problems. For fans of The Dresden Files and the Iron Druid, this is a nerdy urban fantasy full of snark and fireballs. Getting Wilde by Jenn Stark - Tarot-reading artifact hunter Sara Wilde can find anything, for a price. Then a wickedly sexy magician offers her the ultimate challenge: Sneak behind Vatican walls...and steal the Devil himself. Globe-trotting, fast-paced, high-stakes adventure perfect for fans of Darynda Jones, Faith Hunter, and Ilona Andrews! Wolves by C. Gockel - When Amy prays for help, Loki the Norse God of mischief and Chaos isn't the savior she has in mind. Loki can't resist Amy's summons, but he can insist that she help him outwit Odin, ruler of the Nine Realms. The start of an epic urban fantasy with myth, magic, and mayhem! Empowered: Agent by Dale Ivan Smith - The world says those possessing superpowers are either heroes or villains. But what if you're both? Former rogue empowered Mathilda Brandt must return to villainy in order to save her family and thousands of others from a psychotic criminal mastermind.

Bestselling author Cheyenne McCray's Shadow Magic is dark and dangerous. And deeply sensual... THE SINS OF THE PAST When Hannah Wentworth temporarily flees her life in San Francisco to join her sister D'Anu witches in Otherworld, she vows to help them conquer the evil bent on destroying the human realm. But the only one who can help her happens to be the king of the Dark Elves. The father to her nemesis, Rhiannon of the D'Anu. And the one man Hannah can never, ever trust...especially because of her dangerous attraction to him. ARE COMING TO LIGHT... Garran knows that the beautiful, headstrong Hannah is wary of him for having banished his people to a life underground. But now Garran can right that wrong by helping her and the other gray witches in their dangerous battle in San Francisco—even if doing so means sacrificing the passion he's found only in Hannah's arms... "Cheyenne McCray has created a fabulous new world. You won't be able to get enough!"—Lori Handeland, USA Today bestselling author

A princess fights a faceless enemy in a forest filled with magic in this tale of “high-style fantasy and adventure” from the author of Dealing with Dragons (The New York Times). Trouble is brewing in Alkyra. While the kingdom’s noblemen squabble, on their borders an ancient enemy, the Lithmern, raises an army. As the head of the Noble House of Brenn attempts to organize an alliance, the princess Alethia celebrates her twentieth birthday. She is a remarkable woman: quick-witted, beautiful, and handy with a throwing knife. But on the next night, she passes through a dark corridor on her way to the banquet hall, and never emerges from the shadows. The Lithmern have kidnapped the princess. When Alethia regains consciousness, an evil Lithmern with a face made of shadows is carrying her through the forest. These are magic woods, home to fabled creatures whose existence she has always doubted. To find her way home, Alethia will have to learn to trust in the old tales, whose legends of magic and daring hold the only hope of saving her kingdom.

Twenty years ago, I escaped my hometown of Moonfell, a paranormal hotspot in the suburbs of New York, hidden from human eyes. A place I swore I’d never return. But the gruesome murder of a teen werewolf has brought me back. And I’m here to solve it. As I delve deeper into the case, I realize this is no ordinary killing. Someone or something is targeting the supernatural community. Struggling to control my powers, I find myself entangled in the drama of my neighbors—from a group of mysterious witches to the sexy and dangerously seductive Blake as well as a seemingly ordinary feline that turns out to be something entirely unexpected. I must navigate the dangerous waters of Moonfell while keeping my own secrets hidden. See, I’m not your average witch. Hell, I’m not like any witch. My magic is different. It’s wild and unpredictable. And one day, it’s going to get me killed. But as the stakes get higher and the bodies pile up, I realize this is more than just a murder investigation. This is a battle for survival. Magic of Flame and Shadow is perfect for fans of urban fantasy, mystery, slow-burn romance, and action-packed adventures.

The supernaturals are growing restless… it’s been centuries since their exile from Faery. But now the hand of fate has intervened, and an ancient prophecy is coming to fruition! When Grey metes his justice out on those who betrayed them, Aurelia is caught off guard by the very man who altered the course of her life forever. The presence of the tracker can only mean one thing—Grey has betrayed her. Fleeing the Facility with one of the Riders of the Wild Hunt, Aurelia accidently stumbles upon the hidden portal to Faery. From there, things go from bad to worse. Pulled through against her will, she finds herself exactly where she doesn’t want to be. Soon, Aurelia discovers the truth of her memories and meets her real parents, the King and Queen of Faery; only to be thrown into a cell by the corrupt and traitorous Elders. Trapped with a strange ancient shifter, Aurelia can only hope that her mate and his friends come for her… before the cruel Elders find a way to torture the prophesized shadow magic out of her. With popular tropes such as fated mates and enemies-to-lovers this steamy paranormal romance will keep you turning pages and begging for more!