A Resistance Of Witches by Morgan Ryan: 2026 Shortlist close-up

Publisher: Penguin Books / Viking

Genre: Historical Fantasy

Publication Date: May 2026

Overview

Set against the dark and desperate backdrop of 1940s Europe, A Resistance of Witches is a sweeping, immersive historical fantasy that blends WWII espionage with dark magic. When Prime Minister Winston Churchill is offered an unexpected alliance by the Royal Academy of Witches, young witch Lydia Polk is tasked with finding an ancient artifact—the Grimorium Bellum—before it falls into Nazi hands.

Combining rich historical research with atmospheric worldbuilding, Morgan Ryan delivers a thrilling debut about sacrifice, female empowerment, and the covert magic hidden in the shadows of war.

Synopsis

“Prime Minister Churchill, the Witches of Britain are at your service…”

As World War II rages across Europe, Britain faces its darkest hour. Emerging from centuries of secrecy, the Royal Academy of Witches offers its clandestine aid to the British war effort.

Lydia Polk, second-in-command to her coven, is dispatched on a high-stakes mission across war-torn London and occupied France to locate a spellbook of unspeakable power. But tracking down the Grimorium Bellum is only half the battle—the ancient book possesses a dark agenda of its own, and not all witches agree on which side of history they should stand.

Why It Made The Shortlist

• Masterful Historical Fantasy Blend: Ryan seamlessly weaves WWII history with a deeply believable magical infrastructure, balancing the harsh realities of wartime Britain and France with spellbinding stakes.
• Compelling Lead & Ensemble: Lydia Polk leads a cast of fiercely capable women and memorable allies navigating duty, love, and immense personal sacrifice.
• Pacing & Atmosphere: A fast-paced, white-knuckle ride that captures both the urgent danger of Allied espionage and the mysterious allure of occult secrets.

Praise & Reviews

“Enchanting, immersive, and beautifully written. Morgan Ryan’s historical fantasy debut is World War II meets A Discovery of Witches.”

— Alexis Henderson, author of An Academy for Liars

“An expertly woven story of fate, witchcraft, and war that will both thrill you and tug at your heartstrings.”

— Kristin Harmel, author of The Book of Lost Names

About the Author

Morgan Ryan was raised in a family of writers in upstate New York and holds a degree in theatre performance from Northeastern University. She currently lives in Chicago with her husband. A Resistance of Witches is her debut novel.