instant to-read; the paranormal edition

I am not 100% certain what the paranormal genre is. My research has given me conflicting information, and a lot of it just screams ‘fantasy’ to me. But I’m going to try, making this list with what I feel constitutes as paranormal, and what makes me pick up a book that falls under that umbrella.

Genres these days overlap so much, so some of these might come up again in other lists. I think that sometimes makes for great stories, the overlap – it gives a lot of scope to work with – but it also depends on the writer and the plot.

I haven’t written one of these in a while and I feel out of touch, so, sorry in advance?

• Let’s start with my personal favourite, a good witch story. I blame my love for this one on Charmed, which I used to watch growing up. I haven’t watched the new series (yet!) but I really want to, because I’ve heard it’s a lot more inclusive. But witches, you guys. I love them so much. I love the way one witch story can differ from another because of the way magic is used and written. I love the stakes, and I especially love watching characters grow into their own in these sorts of situations. Claudia Gray’s Spellcaster series is one of my recent favourites, but I also remember enjoying Nancy Holder’s Wicked series, though I think I may not have read the last book because it came out years after I read the first four.
• Psychics are another fun thing to read about. And there are so many different form of psychics, and sometimes they have nothing to do with magic. Or psychics exist, but other forms of magic do not. It has so much scope. Psychics who can see the future, who can read your thoughts, who can sense your emotions or your intentions, who can communicate with the dead, or through dreams – I love it all. Fake psychics and the stakes that come with that (think Psych but bonus murder if he is caught?  Someone write me the book, please.) are also something this world needs more of.
• I can’t say I’ve read too much with shapeshifters, or shifters in some circles, but I like the idea of it. Not just werewolves – not bound to any change in the world around them in order to shift – but who have full control over their change. Most stories do have shifters turning into wolves, but also consider other large feline shifters. Or, if someone ever thinks about it, a shifter that can turn into a seemingly mythological creature. Maybe someday, right?

I unfortunately don’t have so many recommendations, because there seems to have been a move away from more paranormal fiction towards the more broad fantasy genre, with sweeping stakes and political intrigue. All of which is GREAT, I love it, seriously, but also it is making me realise I don’t mind coming back to some of this as well. I would love to read stuff I missed out on over the years.

What are some of your favourite things in the paranormal genre, and do you have any recommendations for me?