Welcome to Lit Wicks! This is where we pair an author’s backlist or book theme with candles to really immerse yourself in the reading experience. All of the candles featured in these post are from Etsy, which means there is often worldwide shipping and that you’re supporting independent crafters and sellers. The Etsy candle rabbit hole is one I have gone down many times.
This month, we’re diving into some urban fantasy books that we’ve enjoyed! If you’re looking for Ilona Andrews on this list, don’t worry! We have an entire post dedicated to Ilona Andrews books.
If you’re curious about what other authors have received the Lit Wicks treatment, check out our category page. And if you’d like to suggest an author’s backlist for a future Lit Wicks column, please email me!
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Wild Hunger is the first book in Chloe Neill’s spinoff Heirs of Chicagoland series. The main character is the “only vampire child born to vampire parents.”
If you’re new to Neill’s urban fantasy books, you could probably manage just fine without reading the previous series (Sarah did just that!).
I chose a candle that would tap into the vampire mythology, and give a sense of luxury and mystique. As a bonus, this candle is also on sale (for now).
Candle: Old Soul Artisan–Immortal 4oz. ($9.80)
The vetiver scent gives off some earthy and woodsy notes, but it’s cut by the freshness of blood orange. Also, $1 from each sale of this shop’s candles goes toward wolf conservation organizations.
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Trail of Lightning by Rebecca Roanhorse was such an atmospheric and badass read. Finding a candle for this one was rather difficult. The main character is a monster hunter, there’s a post-apocalyptic element, Navajo mythology, and a healer sidekick.
Because there are a lot of twists and turns and nosey gods, I thought the “trickster” candle would be a great option. Coyote plays a driving force in the events of the book and always pops up at the wrong times.
Candle: Fire Fox Alchemy–Trickster 4oz. ($23)
This candle is a little spicy with notes of cinnamon and clove. Each candle also comes with a World Tree charm, which is a lovely touch.
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Midnight Riot is the first book in the Rivers of London series, and we recently shared that the series might be getting an adaptation!
Sarah and her husband were reading/listening to this series together, which I think is all sorts of adorable and awesome. In Sarah’s review of the first book, she said, “If you’re looking for a blend of mystery and magic and like snarky deadpan narration, there’s a lot here you’ll enjoy, too.”
For a candle, I found a scent that seems modern but seems to have scents that are also…magical? I hope you’ll see what I mean.
Candle: 42 Pressed–London 7oz. ($20)
The addition of black pepper is something I don’t see often in candles, but using oak moss makes me envision an ancient forest with old magic. See? The candle also boasts an incredible 45 hours of burn time.
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Carrie loves this series and when I re-read her review of Heroine Complex, my attention was immediately grabbed by the words “demonic cupcakes.” Sure, there are superheroines and lots of geeky things to love. But come on! Demonic cupcakes, people!
Because the colors and covers of this series are so fun, I wanted to match that in a candle. Don’t get me wrong, I love a musky, woodsy scent, but there isn’t anything “musky” or “woodsy” about Sarah Kuhn’s series.
Candle: Green & Glow Studio–Stud Muffin 5oz. ($12)
First, the packaging is so cute. Second, the scent is called “stud muffin.” Third, it’s supposed to smell like a frosted vanilla cupcake. What’s not to love?! And, instead of soy, this candle is made with coconut wax.
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I’ve been so curious about this series since Sarah reviewed it. Some of the more graphic and violent aspects weren’t for her and that’s okay. I, however, have an easier time reading those things and I’m interested in seeing how my experience will differ from hers.
The Immortals is heavily influenced by Greek mythology, which makes my nerd heart happy. The heroine, Selene DiSilva, is the goddess Artemis. She’s here to kick ass and chew bubblegum, and she’s all out of gum.
Candle: Midnight Flame Co.–Artemis 6oz. ($11.77)
Though I’m unsure of what “the hunt” is supposed to smell like, this candle also has hints of woodlands and lychee. This shop has other candles inspired by myths and bookish favorites.
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Love urban fantasy? What sort of candle would you give to your favorite UF books?
I like how I get introduced to new books/authors and new candles/scents at the same time with these posts. Thanks Amanda!
For a moment there I thought there was a Peter Grant I hadn’t read, then I looked it up and it’s the first in the series. It’s called ‘Rivers of London’ in the UK, hence my confusion.
The London candle sounds wonderful, though my eyes were playing tricks on me and I saw laudanum instead of labdanum. Need some sleep.