The lure of witchcraft in books has long captured the imaginations of teenage readers. Spanning everything from whimsical spellcasting to deeply personal journeys of self-discovery, fantasy adventures and coming-of-age mysticism, these books offer a captivating blend of fantasy and mystery. Books that features witches, warlocks and wizards are magical reads (just look at Harry Potter and friends). Witch fantasy novels see the mundane meet the mystical. With broomstick-riding heroines and teens discovering hidden powers, YA fantasy often uses witchcraft to explore themes of identity, belonging and moral choices – often serving as a metaphor for empowerment, belonging and growing up. Witches Protection Program is a fun and whimsical tale, offering a modern twist on witches and secret government agencies with plenty of mayhem in a fast-paced urban fantasy. It merges adrenaline-fuelled action with the timeless struggle between light and dark magic, making it a perfect fit for fans of high-octane fantasies. Witches Protection Program is a spellbinding adventure.
Witches Protection Program, written by Michael Okon, opens by introducing a clandestine government agency established 232 years ago, the Witches Protection Program. The WPP is an organisation established to safeguard benevolent witches (the Davinas who only use their witchcraft for good and selfless reasons) from their malevolent counterparts (the Willas who use their witchcraft for the opposite reasons). When the bumbling and disgraced state police officer Wes Rockville accidentally botches a routine prisoner transfer, rather than losing his job he is reassigned to the Witches Protection Program, a top-secret covert unit that he has never heard of – and he doesn’t believe that witches exist among us!
After joining the WPP, Wes embarks on his first mission, one that sends him undercover into a global cosmetics conglomerate. A new face cream is about to be launched, one that is secretly infused with witch DNA and it threatens to plunge the world into tyranny under the rule of the ruthless Willa, Bernadette Pendragon. Wes must protect Morgan Pendragon, the Davina heiress determined to stop her aunt’s sinister scheme, all while overcoming his own scepticism and family demons.
Overall, Witches Protection Program is an excellent read that delivers non-stop thrills, sharp humour as well as a hero and heroine you can’t help but cheer for. It’s a perfect summer escape for YA readers who crave modern magic and secret-service intrigue. It transports readers into a secret world, a secret world that is hidden in plain sight, one where spells are cast behind boardroom doors, ancient rivalries bubble beneath modern façades, and even disgraced police officers might hold the key to saving the day. This YA novel is a tongue-in-cheek take on magical realism that strikes a fun balance between urban fantasy and fast-paced mystery.
The Witches Protection Program is exciting and engaging entertainment. Packed with thrills, excitement, surprises and twists, it is lots of fun to read. An excellent story to escape the rigours of day-to-day life and be immersed in a world where witchcraft does exist, and who knows, maybe it does!
With engaging characters that are delightfully flawed and vibrant they bring they story to life. Wes is a lovable underdog wrestling with his confidence and the expectations of his overachieving family. Morgan is compassionate and powerful, yet reluctant to use her magic. Then there are the supporting characters that supply plenty of humour and comedic chaos, such as Junie “Baby Fat” Meadows – a grumpy witch with a taste for mean stew and magical vanity mirrors. And we can’t forget Bernadette, the main villain, she is chilling in her goal to enslave men and establish women-led magical world dominance. And if that is not enough, there’s even a touch of romantic chemistry sizzling quietly in the background between Wes and Morgan that adds an emotional layer without overpowering the plot.
For teenage page turners, this book hits the sweet spot: it’s action-packed, easy to follow and loaded with imaginative world-building that feels both accessible and fresh. There’s no need for complicated magical systems or tedious descriptions, the absurdity unfold through sharp dialogue, clever scenes and a story that builds momentum with every page. Whether you’re 13 or 19, the blend of mystery, adventure and humour makes for an irresistible read.
A perfect plot-driven novel with quirky twists and larger-than-life characters. And the idea of witchcraft operating through corporate espionage and shadowy agencies? Totally intriguing.
Witches Protection Program is pure escapism in the best way. With thrilling chases, magical showdowns and delightfully odd witches, this book invites YA readers into a world where supernatural elements blend seamlessly with modern-day drama.
Highly recommended for young readers who like their fiction with charm, comedy and a touch of chaos.
Rating: 5/5
RRP: £14.99 (paperback) / £2.99 (Kindle)
For more information, visit www.michaelokon.com. Available to buy from Amazon here.
