Morgan Ryan is the author of stories born from a lifelong love of magic, a fixation on historical minutiae that borders on the obsessive, and a tendency to fall down rabbit-holes. She was raised in a family of writers in upstate New York, and received her degree in theatre performance from Northeastern University. She now lives in Chicago with her husband. A Resistance of Witches is her first novel.

ONE OF USA TODAY'S MUST-READ SUMMER PICKS

"With fascinating worldbuilding set against a rich and thoroughly researched moment in history, this debut novel is nothing short of wildly entertaining; it's an excellent choice for anyone looking to dip their toes into historical fiction or fantasy, and its urgent pace will have readers in a white-knuckle grip from start to finish. An exciting, fast-paced blend of historical fiction, spy drama, fantasy, and romance." --Kirkus, starred revew

"Successfully pushes the boundaries in terms of the characters readers expect in a World War II historical fantasy....a winding journey of betrayal and untimely loss, with glimmers of hope in the form of love and found family. A Resistance of Witches is a parable of what would happen should a weapon of mass destruction land in hands with evil intentions, and a remider to fight for everything and everyone held dear." --BookPage

"A thrilling, fast-paced and delightful adventure into the heart of witchy, war-torn London and occupied France. Wonderfully immersive and unputdownable--I was transported to a rich, alternate world where magic, secrets, and dark mysteries colour impossibly high stakes. Yet the heart of this book lies in its tender human relationships, where love, longing, and death entangle."--Yangsze Choo, New York Times bestselling author of The Fox Wife and The Night Tiger

"Like a witch casting a spell, debut author Morgan Ryan spins a complex tapestry of history and fantasy as she sets in motion a twisty, thrilling story that expertly plunges the reader into the world of Britain's Royal Academy of Witches in the midst of World War II...An expertly woven story of fate, witchcraft, and war that will both thrill you and tug at your heartstrings, A Resistance of Witches is an enchanting and pulse-pounding debut." --Kristin Harmel, New York Times bestselling author of The Stolen Life of Colette Marceau

"This is a wonderful, sometimes terrifying, always exciting tale of courage and devotion and honor, and heart-rending sacrifices made for a great cause. Morgan Ryan has deftly explored the breadth of the power of the craft, for good and for ill. I feel sure every lover of witch literature will be enchanted." --Louisa Morgan, author of A Secret History of Witches

"Ryan debuts with this alt-Britain historical fantasy...an enjoyable read." --Library Journal

"Morgan Ryan's historical fantasy debut is World War II meets A Discovery of Witches...I raced through this one--A Resistance of Witches is a witchy war-time delight!" --Kate Quinn, New York Times bestselling author of The Briar Club

"Enchanting, immersive, and beautifully written. A Resistance of Witches is historical fantasy at its absolute best." --Alexis Henderson author of The Year of the Witching and An Academy for Liars

Publisher: Penguin Books

Pub date: 2026-07-14

Length: 416 pages