Books

Sunshine Duo Books for Fans of Wednesday and Enid


master mentalism tricks

This content contains affiliate links. When you buy through these links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

The grumpy / sunshine trope is nothing new, but watching Wednesday and Enid becoming the best and unlikeliest of friends in the new Netflix show reminded me of just how much I love that dynamic whether in friendships or romances. There’s just something about a hardened, stoic character being soft for that one overly optimistic person in their life, and that soft character showing their hard edges in return, that makes me go all warm and fuzzy inside. And fortunately there is no shortage of grumpy / sunshine duo books that feature exactly that.

Most of us can only aspire to be as self-assured and independent as Wednesday, who said, “Sometimes I act like I don’t care if people like me. Deep down, I secretly enjoy it.” Iconic. But even Wednesday eventually learns that having friends–and family–to support you can only make you stronger. And whether that’s taking an arrow for Xavier or trusting Enid to take on the Hyde, Wednesday proves that caring doesn’t have to take away from your stoic, goth aesthetic. These ten grumpy / sunshine duo books may not be Wednesday and Enid, but maybe they’ll at least tide you over until (fingers crossed) season two.

The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches Book CoverThe Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches Book Cover

The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches by Sangu Mandanna

As one of only a few witches in Britain, Mika Moon has always known she has to keep her powers a secret. So when she’s asked to come tutor three young witches in how to control their powers, at first she’s suspicious. But the strange group of caretakers at Nowhere House seem genuine, and soon Mika finds herself falling for this tight-knit found family. Even the closed off librarian, Jamie, only wants what’s best for the children in his care. Mika and Jamie are as different as night and day, sunshine and storms, but somehow they work well together. And being so different only makes them an even better team.

A Marvellous Light Book CoverA Marvellous Light Book Cover

A Marvellous Light by Freya Marske

A laid back Baronet with an optimistic outlook on life and a stuffy magician are thrown together in this incredible historical fantasy novel set in a magical version of Edwardian England. Robin Blythe never would’ve known magic existed if not for an administrative error that assigned him as the newest liaison to the magical community. Within the course of a day, he discovers magic is real, is cursed by a band of errant magicians, and meets the worlds most disagreeable coworker, Edwin Courcey. But in order to remove Robin’s curse and save the magical world from a dark conspiracy, Robin and Edwin will have to work together. Closely together. And soon Robin begins to notice that beneath Edwin’s hardened exterior is a good man who just wants to be loved.

Good Omens Book CoverGood Omens Book Cover

Good Omens by Terry Pratchett and Neil Gaiman

Grumpy / sunshine pairings don’t always have to be romantic partners either! (Though more power–and fanfic–to you if you ship Wednesday / Enid or Aziraphale / Crowley.) Like Wednesday and Enid, Azirahpale and Crowley are unlikely friends. I mean, an angel and a demon? Getting along? But that’s part of what makes this wacky end times novel work so well: it’s never quite what you expect.

Swords & Spaceships Newsletter

Sign up to Swords & Spaceships to receive news and recommendations from the world of science fiction and fantasy.

Thank you for signing up! Keep an eye on your inbox.

By signing up you agree to our terms of use Wicked Book CoverWicked Book Cover

Wicked by Gregory Maguire

Enid and Wednesday reminded me so much of my original fave sunshine / grumpy duo: Glinda and Elphaba. They have so much in common, even down to the aesthetic. Yes, my love of them came from the musical, not the book, and the two are quite different. But nonetheless, Glinda and Elphaba are an iconic sunshine / grumpy duo for the ages. Elphaba rocks that same sort of goth, color-averse style as Wednesday, and of course Glinda (or Galinda if you prefer) is a preppy as they come. This book is definitely not for kids or probably even teens. Like I said, not the musical. Very much not the musical.

The House In the Cerulean Sea Book CoverThe House In the Cerulean Sea Book Cover

The House in the Cerulean Sea by TJ Klune

A by the book case worker for Department in Charge Of Magical Youth is assigned to one of his most difficult cases yet: determining whether a small orphanage raising six dangerous children is likely to bring about the end of days. Linus has never really considered what happens to the facilities he evaluates after he sends in his reports, but after meeting the charming caretaker of the Marsyas Island Orphanage, Arthur Parnassus, he’s forced to see his job from another angle. And maybe, just maybe, Arthur’s strange little home might have a place for Linus, too.

Witchlings Book CoverWitchlings Book Cover

Witchlings by Claribel A. Ortega

Ortega’s witchy middle grade series mixes up the grumpy / sunshine trope by featuring a mean girl with bubblegum pink hair and her anxious opposite. Seven, the headstrong leader of this trio, invokes an ancient ritual in order to save the three from becoming “spares” whose powers will never manifest as a coven. Unfortunately that means working alongside the spoiled rich girl who has been bullying her for years. But is Valley really just a mean girl? And is Thorn, the third member of their group, nothing more than a nervous nelly? Maybe it will take coming together and looking past the surface for the three of them to realize friendship can come in the unlikeliest of forms.

I Am Not Starfire Comic Book CoverI Am Not Starfire Comic Book Cover

I Am Not Starfire by Mariko Tamaki and Yoshi Yoshitani

The grumpy / sunshine pairing in this graphic novel are mother and daughter– which is actually pretty appropriate for Wednesday, too, when you think about it. Famed superhero Starfire has a daughter, and her daughter is tired of being compared to her perfect mom. Starfire is bright, colorful, kind, and optimistic. And Mandy is…not. She’s a goth teen who just wants to make her own place in the world without her mother’s legacy hanging over her. But that’s hard to do when your mother is a famous superhero.

Gideon the Ninth Book CoverGideon the Ninth Book Cover

Gideon the Ninth by Tamsyn Muir

A sassy swordswoman and a perfectionist necromancer clash before becoming inseparable in this dark space fantasy. The aesthetic of this entire book is very Wednesday, but it also features a fun grumpy / sunshine pairing in the form of Gideon and Harrow. Gideon may have to wear the skull paint of the Ninth House, but she pairs the look with sunglasses and a swagger that mark her as decidedly irreverent. Harrow on the other hand, is a loyal daughter of the Ninth House and takes her necromancy seriously. They go from enemies to begrudging allies to friends to… well, I’ll just let you read it for yourself.

Monstress Vol 1 Comic Book CoverMonstress Vol 1 Comic Book Cover

Monstress by Marjorie M. Liu and Sana Takeda

It’s no wonder that the main character in this stunning graphic novel universe is grumpy. Not only has Maika Halfwolf been kidnapped, tortured, and experimented on by the enemy in an ongoing war between the humans and Arcanics, she’s also possessed by an old god with a voracious appetite for human flesh. But her young fox friend, Kipa, who becomes something like a younger sister to her throughout the course of the series, is full of eternal hope and optimism that at turns seems to annoy and comfort Maika. Kipa is a perfect foil and brings out the best in Maika even in the worst of times. Liu and Takeda definitely know what they’re doing with these two, playing on all our heartstrings.

Emily Wilde's Encyclopaedia of FaeriesEmily Wilde's Encyclopaedia of Faeries

Emily Wilde’s Encyclopaedia of Faeries by Heather Fawcett (January 10, 2022)

Emily Wilde is the foremost expert in the study faeries and prefers the company of books to people. Emily is not good at people. So when Emily arrives at village of Hrafnsvik to research her new compendium of faerie lore, she has no intention of befriending the townsfolk or interacting with her rival colleague, the insufferably charming Wendell Bambleby, who happens to arrive at the same time. But as she digs deeper into a mysterious and elusive group of faeries, she must confront another mystery: who exactly is Wendell Bambleby and what does he want? It’s a question that will force her to confront her own desires and, for once, listen to her heart.

Here’s some more recommended reading for Wednesday fans:

Read The Full Article Here


trick photography
Celebrity Secrets To Eco-Friendly Living: From Organic Gardens To Natural
Prince William, Prince Harry Honor Late Mom at Diana Legacy
23 “Hunger Games: The Ballad Of Songbirds And Snakes” Behind-The-Scenes
19 “Percy Jackson And The Olympians” Behind-The-Scenes Facts Straight From
Good Vibes Only: The Wesley Alley Way in Filmmaking
Barbie Passes The Super Mario Bros
Original Blue Ranger Rejoins Cast of ‘Power Rangers’
Netflix Offers Special Reward For Final DVD-By-Mail Customers
Brian Tee Returning to ‘Chicago Med’ in Season 9 —
‘The Walking Dead’: 5 Things We Learned About the Civic
‘Yellowstone’ Star Luke Grimes Opens Up About Show Ending
Bridgerton Season 3 Sneak Peek: Kanthony and Francesca Arrive
Luke Harrison Releases New Holiday Single “Last Christmas” Originally Recorded By British Pop Duo WHAM
Rocky Kramer’s Rock & Roll Tuesdays Presents “Night of the Dead” On Tuesday November 7th, 2023, 7 PM PT on Twitch
Listen to 3 New Songs Jimmy Buffett Recorded Shortly Before
Buffy the Vampire Slayer cast to reunite for new Audible
5 Ways to Write in Your Books
Book Riot’s Deals of the Day for March 26, 2024
Jimmy Fallon’s Book Club is Doing a March Madness-Style Bracket
In Inspiring New Tale, Making Friends Can Be Done in
What to Pack For the Catskills: Cozy Sweaters, High-Waisted Leggings,
I’m a Beauty Editor—6 Smart Product Swaps I’m Making for
Florence Pugh Frees the Nipple at Valentino Couture Show
Rita Ora Shows Off Her Hip Tattoo in a Tiny
These Ladies Have Hauntingly Insured Legs.
TALON FALLS: SCREAM PARK (UNCUT) Full Exclusive Horror Movie Premiere
Beneath Us All Red Carpet Premiere hits Los Angeles 9/14
Horror Shorts Video #viralnews #shortsyoutube #shorts #ytshortsindia