The Practical Magic series

The Practical Magic series is one that many of us have loved for years, and rightfully so as more books were added in recent years extending the storyline. Many who enjoy the film and novel don’t realize that three other books have been added to the series to accompany the original book, released in 1995. The recent additions to the Practical Magic series add a great amount of depth to the characters we know and love, allowing us to really get to know them and bringing the story of this generation of Owen’s witches to a close. To begin your adventure with this magical series, first decide which order to read the books in!

What Order Should I Read the Practical Magic Books?

You can read the Practical Magic books in chronological order (starting with Maria Owens and ending with Kylie and Antonia as young adults) or in the order in which they were released. Chronological order follows as Magic Lessons, The Rules of Magic, Practical Magic, and The Book of Magic. While release order follows as Practical Magic (1995), The Rules of Magic (2017), Magic Lessons (2020), and The Book of Magic (2021).

As many of us either saw the film or read the original novel, Practical Magic, there is something truly lovely about knowing this modern generation of witches and then tracing their lineage back. Release order allows you to first have some investment in the generation of witches that the series focuses on and then learn about their family history, the aunt’s circumstances, and the story behind Sally and Gillian’s parents and grandparents. While chronological order flows seamlessly from the original Owens’ to the modern practitioners, providing a solid foundation and understanding of their family curse and generational patterns, I find release order to be the most enjoyable.

What are the Practical Magic Books About?

Starting at the very beginning, the Practical Magic books follow the experiences of descendants of a witch named Maria Owens. Maria, who was betrayed in love, cast a spell against all in her bloodline who fall in love after her. While her intentions were meant to protect them, we find that later generations of Owens deal with great suffering and loss due to their curse. The curse causes them to make great and heart-wrenching sacrifices, they often lose themselves attempting to reverse their curse, or else reject their magic and love altogether.

The witches we are most familiar with, Jet and Franny, and Sally and Gillian, share some striking resemblances that continue through the bloodline. Often there are two sisters born, one with red hair and one with black, one very rational while the other is more free-spirited, and always they tend to suffer tragic loss whether that be loss of a lover, of parents, or a loss of self. While Maria’s curse causes them great pain, we also see the strength and resolve the curse brings out of them. They are each forced to face deep truths about their patterns and emotions to heal, to face their true power, the power they give to others, and the power that comes from being different.

There is no remedy for love but to love more.

-Henry David Thoreau

Final Word

This beloved book and film series is rumored to have a 2^nd movie in the making, so be sure to brush up on your Owen’s knowledge or wait to be pleasantly surprised with what the new film may have in store! Here we will discuss some of the differences we find between the new film and recent books, but in the meantime check out our post covering some of the subtle and not-so-subtle differences between the Practical Magic book and the Practical Magic movie (Spoilers Ahead >). You can also check out individual posts discussing each book at length or an overview of all four books here, enjoy!