I loved this so much that when I finished it, I immediately googled when the next book will be out because I need to immediately read it and find out what happens next!

What drew me in was the cover and the description that sounded really interesting, and then it had me hooked from chapter 1.

Alexus, the witch collector, is Raina's enemy. But what happens when he goes to take her for collection day, only to save her from the chaos of an attack from the Eastlands instead? She realises that everything she thought she knew about her enemies - him and the king - is wrong and that there are instead real enemies she should be focusing on.

I like the slow burn romance of this. Raina is confused by Alexus as all he's shown is worry for her safety and kindness, but she has been plotting his murder for a long time and has only known hate towards him so when her body starts having different reactions to him, she tries to fight it.

Raina is an interesting character because she is mute, so often overlooked, and has self taught her magic, so she doesn't yet realise how strong she can be. Alexus is instrumental in teaching her just how powerful she can be and it's great to watch her become more confident in her abilities with his guidance.

And Alexus is also a really intriguing character with his dark background. I think a lot of the characters were well written - the Prince of the Eastlands, Nephele, Helena and the gods. Their stories have a lot of potential and could definitely be a spin off but I hope we focus mostly on Raina and Alexus for now.

What's important about Raina and Alexus's relationship as well is when she mentions that he accepts her for the person she is and doesn't see her as a person to be changed. He sees her determination and her fire and knows that it's part of who she is.

Can't wait for the next installment!

5⭐

Thank you to NetGalley, City Owl Press and the author for the review copy, provided in exchange for an honest opinion.

Phenomenal. Easiest review I have done in a while. The premise for this story is amazing. Charissa Weaks has
done an astonishing job with the world-building and drawing the reader into the action and romance.

This story follows Raina Bloodgood, who is a witch that lives in a small village that is visited yearly by the Witch Collecter. The Witch collector takes one person each year that possesses magical abilities to the Frost King. The more magic/power a person has the more 'witch marks' they show on their bodies. Years prior, the Witch Collector took her sister and Raina wants revenge. After an attack on her village, Raina is thrust into an adventure that changes her world in more ways than one.

I rate this book at an easy 5 stars. The storytelling flowed easily and even though it took me a week or so to finish, I caught myself multiple times staying up late just to find out what would happen next. Fair warning, there is a bit of a cliffhanger but no worries, there is going to be a sequel! I am low-key kind of sad that I read this the month that it was released and am now feeling akin to what I felt waiting for the next Harry Potter book or the next Sarah J. Maas book! I read this using my Kindle App but enjoyed it so much that I am buying it in paperback.

I rarely enter into the fantasy genre but I couldn't resist this delicious cover.
The first of a trilogy, this story thrusts us Straight into the "magik" world of our Protagonist Raina Bloodgood. Raina is a witch who is unable to speak so she speaks in sign which is represented by italics in the book, I loved this element and found it so unique.

"Raina Bloodgood has one desire: kill the Frost King and the Witch Collector who stole her sister. On Collecting Day, she means to exact murderous revenge, but a more sinister threat sets fire to her world. Rising from the ashes is the Collector, Alexus Thibault, the man she vowed to slay and the only person who can help save her sister. "

This book really does has everything I hoped for in a great fantasy novel... Angry God's, Evil Prince, magic, romance, war fantasy all wrapped up in an enchanting and engaging storyline which is told from dual points of view by Raina and Alexus which totally enabled me to empathize with both.

Huge thanks to @netgalley and @charissaweaksauthor
For the ARC of this novel

The Witch Collector is an enjoyable, quite action-packed fantasy. The book begins with Raina, the main character, determined to use the Witch Collector to gain access to the Frost King, whom she desires to kill (with that said, she also aims to kill the Witch Collector). However, due to a surprise attack by the Eastlanders, she finds herself allied with the Witch Collector. The story progresses from there. I enjoyed the mostly duel POVs; however, I would have really liked a few chapters from Colden's perspective. I'm hoping in the next book, we get to know Colden better. The Prince of the East is another character that I hope to learn more about in the next book. While presented as the villain, I'm a bit fascinated by him. Throughout the book, there is a lot of action and some romance. Overall, I would recommend The Witch Collector, and I will definitely read the sequel.

Wowwwwww this book was SO good!!!! First in a series and it had me completely sucked in! That is hard to do!!! The magic system was something so unique and refreshing. I’ve also never read a mute MC before, and she was beautifully written! Thank you to the author for this work of art! Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC of this book! I cannot wait to read the next one!

This story was an absolute delight! What more could I ask for in a book than witches and magic? I connected so well with the main character in this book and found myself growing close with the side characters as well. The author did such an amazing job in creating characters that you can't help but care about and root for. I will definitely be looking into more books by Charissa Weaks because this one blew my mind!

I was so excited to read an ARC of The Witch Collector from new to me author, Charissa Weeks!! The cover is beautiful, the fantasy theme is right up my alley and the story did not disappoint! This is book one in trilogy. And I am now anxiously awaiting books two and three!

The book follows Raina Bloodgood, a witch who can’t speak and uses her own sign language to communicate. Every year, a man called The Witch Collector (his real name is Alexus) rides into Raina’s village to take a witch and bring her back to their ruler, The Frost King. Every year, Raina isn’t chosen. Her sister was chosen several years ago and Raina hasn’t seen her since.

Raina has built up considerable anger for the Frost King, and misses her sister dearly. She thinks the Frost King is an evil selfish person, and concocts a plan to kill Alexus on Collection day and get the King next. The day arrives and things go horribly wrong. She and Alexus find themselves battling together against a truly sinister dark army that is destroying villages across the countryside. Raina has to pull from her strongest magic to save Alexus, a man she considers to be her enemy. She doesn’t trust him. She’s not sure about his truth or if what he says about The Frost King and her own sister can possibly be correct. It takes a long time to believe him. No insta love or immediate respect.

This was a thoroughly original story. The marketing is spot on- if you like Jennifer L. Armentrout and Sarah J. Maas- this is for you. Both MCs were terrific unique characters. Alexus has a complicated past. The romance is so real, it’s also a very slow, delicious and sexy burn. I enjoyed Raina so much! Without a voice, she was so expressive, and the concept of her having a special sign language that the people most important to her understood, was one of my favorite things. It’s written with dual POV, there is a cliffhanger, next book isn’t out until May. The side characters were also intriguing and I can see a spin-off series in my dreams. I’d love a peek into the Frost King and Raina’s sister’s story. If the author reads this, please make it so.

I initially picked up this book because of the excellent cover and because the premise sounded right up my alley! While there were some strong points throughout the story, it seems I'm in the minority in terms of overall enjoyment. I really wanted to love this, but it wasn't a favourite of mine unfortunately.

I found it very cool to read about a voiceless main character with many characters speaking in sign language. This was a first for me, and I think the representation is incredible! Very impressed. The actually writing style itself was also very good.

I found this book great in some places, where it really picked up speed. But I felt a bit bored at other times, which I think is why it took me so long to get through this. I found myself confused in a few places, unsure what information I was reading. And there was very little background given on the main character, Raina, so it was difficult to understand her extreme level of anger and hatred. The romance was pretty good - I liked Alexus and loved his side of the story and his growing feelings. I was less in love with Raina's side of things. But it worked out overall.

I really enjoyed the end of the book, when things really picked up. I got through it quite quickly and am excited to see what happens to all of these characters next.

Overall, I don't think this was a bad book by any means and I can see why so many love it, it just wasn't quite for me. That being said, it seems like the second book might be a little more up my alley so I will definitely be checking that out!

I thoroughly enjoyed this book! The author weaves together plots of powerful Gods, heartbreak, curses, and a mesmerising magic system which hinges on the power of ones voice, whilst Raina, the main character, herself is mute. At times I found the romance aspect to be a little too hasty, but that's just down to personal preference!

Collecting Day comes around every Harvest Moon - when the dark and sinister Witch Collecter takes someone to the Frost King, where they must remain forever. Already the concept is thrilling, and perfect for fans of A Deal With the Elf King and dark fairy-tales! Raina Bloodgood embarks on a quest to avenge her sister, one of the Collectors victims. However this dramatic and mesmerising tale is full of plot-twists! Raina's plan is thrown into chaos, and her choices have a greater magnitude than she could ever imagine. The Frost King becomes Raina's only hope, as they slowly discover haunting truths about each other.

Thank you to City Owl Press and NetGalley for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review!

Dark and intense, Weaks pens a fantasy tale that will keep you yearning for the next page. The Witch Collector and Raina's paths are unwillingly entwined. When first she thought to plot his demise, now she finds he's the key to getting her sister back from the Frost King. An intensely and beautifully written tale of magic, companionship, and love.

Charissa Weaks is a new author to me, and after reading this book, I can confidently say I look forward to reading more from her.

Every year, on Collecting day, an intimidating, cloaked figure rides into Raina Bloodgood's small village to steal away an unlucky soul. The Witch Collector, working for the evil, powerful, immortal Frost King. He's there and gone, the person taken by him never to be seen again. Very reminiscent of a dark fairytale, huh?

But Raina is no damsel in distress. She has a plan to rescue her sister, who was spirited away eight years prior, from the clutches of the Frost King. And then take her revenge by destroying both the despicable King and his faithful Witch Collector.

But things don't always go according to plan. And she finds herself teeming up with the last person on Earth she thought she'd ever be able to trust, facing a much bigger, much more dangerous and deadly enemy. And that's basically where this book kicks off.

I'm not gonna lie, the first thing that drew me to this book was that gorgeous, magical cover. Then, the alluring description and promises of adventure, murder and romance cemented my interest in it.

There were many layers of story in this title. There was Raina's personal story, tied to that of her family and friends in the village, there was Alexus' story, messy and complicated, full of heartbreak and blood. Then there was the story of powerful Gods falling in love with humans. Jealousy, greed, vanity and curses. The story of the Frost King, and The Fire Queen, and the Shadow Prince of the East. And I gotta commend the author on how masterfully all these threads were woven together.

The writing was so good, and the plot so well executed. The magic system was also fascinating. Form the silver markings and etchings on the witches' skin, highlighted with different shades according to the specific type of magick wielded by each person, to the fact their powers were manifested by weaving the magick threads through song. So cool. And the fact that Raina was actually mute? In a world where power is realized through voice? A bold and interesting choice. Also, my first time ever reading a book with a voiceless MC. A totally novel experience!

The story was rife with violence, death and blood. A war brewing on the not so distant horizon. Our main characters' travels were filled with hardships and conflict. Born both out of the situations they had to face, but also their changing and growing attraction and feelings for each other. And I gotta say, even though I'm a lover of everything romance, the romantic aspect of this novel was the thing I found the least interesting about it.

I wish that side of the story had been tackled in a different way. Maybe a bit more snark, more banter. The instant lust felt too obvious and predictable. Their relationship too easy and comfortable too quick, especially considering Raina had thought of Alexus as her enemy for eight years, building a festering resentment and need for revenge towards him and the Frost King. She changed her tune too fast. It just didn't click for me.

Still, despite all that, I still loved the world-building, plot and overall writing style. A solid 3.5⭐. I look forward to seeing how this story will continue!

**I received an e-copy of this book through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to City Owl Press and Victory Editing**

A story of a mute witch with a plan to rescue her sister from the Frost King. Her plan involved taking the Witch Collector but it didn’t quite pan out that way. While on their journey, many dangers await them but also some sparks! I enjoyed this book a lot more than I thought I would! While I did feel like the beginning was a little rushed, and I had to play catch up as to what was going on and who was who, I felt the story was unique and had a hard time putting it down. I especially enjoyed the climax of the story and the set up for the next book. Apart from the beginning, it was well paced and I found myself needing answers to what happened next!
I think the book just needed a bit better explanations and descriptions of who all the side characters, Gods and kingdoms were and their roles in the beginning so that readers could better understand the world the main character lives in. I definitely recommend, not a long read and I can’t wait for the next book!

This is my first book by Charissa Weaks and I enjoyed it very much.

Raina is a young woman who loathes the Witch Collector who comes to fetch a young witch from their village every year to serve the Frost King. Eight years ago he took her sister Nephele and she thinks it is time to use the special dagger she received after her father's death and take out the Witch Collector. However, the day the Witch Collector arrives - late - is also the day their enemies strike and Raina finds herself traveling with her enemy to try and save the Frost King.

Overall, I liked the writing and the premise. But the execution lacked for me. The Witch Collector (Alexus) and Raina travel through an ice cold forest for so long... it became a bit boring. I had wished for more action or plot enhancement there. During their trip a romance blooms and we do get more backstory. I thought there were so many baddies I had difficulty keeping up and the powers Raina displays are a bit too convenient sometimes.

What was unique was the fact Raina doesn't speak and uses sign language. But it seems to have no special significance at all in the story, maybe later? Alexis is supposed to be the imposing Witch Collector and of course he is more than meets the eye. But the fact Raina kept rescuing him because he was so easy to kill/stab/punched... okay..

We end the story on a bit of a cliffhanger because this is a trilogy. But you could stop here and be satisfied.

This book had me hooked by the second chapter and kept getting better and better as i kept reading. It has the PERFECT slow burn romance, somewhat enemies to lovers? but more of a one-sided “i hate you but i dont really know you” type of thing. I thought the world building was very well explained and easy to follow, which is huge for me as a reader. You are definitely hooked into the story of Raina and Alexus, but you are also so invested in the big picture and everything that happens to them along their journey. Raina is also born without the ability to speak, so she signs for communication and i really enjoyed that representation in this book as well. All i know is that i am definitely going to recommend this book to friends and i cannot wait for the next book!!!

When I read books from a new or unknown to me author, it always feels like kind of a gamble. I've read a few recently that were such a disappointment. That was not the case, however, with The Witch Collector. I consider The Witch Collector to have been a huge triumph! I loved this book and I cannot wait to get my hands on the rest of the series.

I think deaf, especially mute, characters are very and far between and extremely underrepresented throughout the publishing world. The fact that Raina cannot speak (and has never been able to speak) and communicates through signing is huge. I absolutely adored Raina's character. The author in no way made there be anything "less than" about Raina because she was unable to communicate in the traditional sense. Raina is fierce and brave. She's protective and loving. She's hot-tempered and rash (personally my two favorite things about her). Raina has immense magical power and it is not hindered by her signing or lack of voice. It is extremely important that she was represented this way and I think the author did a really good job with it.

The enemies-to-lovers trope is always my favorite. Normally I would have considered the switch from enemies-to-lovers to have happened a little too quickly in this book, but considering the harrowing situations Raina and Alexus find themselves in basically right away and the fact that Raina was operating on a very incomplete picture of who Alexus was, I think this quick progression works. Their chemistry paired with an outstanding array of side characters, lots of magic, and one truly nefarious villain, made The Witch Collector hard to put down and a joy to read.

There was a reason why I had decided to wait for the entire series to be readily available before I begin reading it. Patience has never been my forte and after having struggled with waiting for Harry Potter books, I had made my decision and stuck to it, but lately, with Net Galley and the alluring cover images, my decision has gone for a toss and here I am in turmoil having begun another trilogy for which I cannot wait another single day for the next book.

Charissa Weaks’s The Witch Collector is a world beyond imagination. Having a protagonist unable to speak but whose magic is waiting to burst is sure to leave you enthralled. There are many characters in the fantasy tale each with their own background story that is waiting to be explored. But The Prince of the East is one of those antagonists that is gonna stay with you for a long time. His mere presence and the entire spectrum of evil shadows oozing out of him gave me goosebumps.

I was totally smitten by Alexus, his morally greyish shade adding an extra appeal to his gentle and caring love towards Raina. But Raina is a protagonist that I absolutely loved, the sign language that counter her muteness, her courage in dealing with the truths that open up in front of her eyes, the loyalty towards her sister and showing mettle every time a crisis looms forth and finding ways to escape the dangers without any help, each segment of the story was entirely captivating. The enemies to lovers romance is always a favorite trope of mine and this story had that in abundance. The mystery elements especially the past that unfolds about Alexus keep the reader glued to the pages.

Charissa Weaks creates stunning imagery, the word building so beautiful that traveling thru the magick enclosed woods felt like eons with the biting icy cold. In fact, the parts in the Winter road and Winterhold enclose the reader in a bubble of enchantment. The story doesn’t end in a cliffhanger, the crux of the plot is cleared up but a major plot development about Alexus is kept in the dark, and therein lies my problem about waiting to grab the next one in the series.

Many thanks to Net Galley, Victory NetGalley Co-Op and the author for a chance to read and review this book. All opinions are expressed voluntarily.

This review is published in my blog https://rainnbooks.com/, Goodreads, Amazon India, Book Bub, Medium.com, Facebook, and Twitter.

What a great start to a new trilogy! Thorough world-building with strong lead characters, an evil villain, and action right from the start. I was intrigued from the beginning by Raina, a young woman without a voice in a world where magic is worked through song. While I thought it might prove awkward in the narrative, the author did a great job of incorporating Raina’s sign language so that I soon forgot it was unusual.

The popular enemies-to-lovers trope works to create wonderful tension as Raina fights her growing attraction to Alexus while having to reconsider the truths she has held to about her world for so long. Can’t wait for the next one!

The Witch Collector (Witch Walker Book 1) Kindle Edition

by Charissa Weaks  (Author)

Thank you to Charissa Weaks, the publisher and NetGalley for the complimentary reviewer's copy. I am choosing to leave a fair and honest review.
I'm not sure if this is a romance with an epic quest or an epic fantasy quest with romance. Either way, the book is beautiful, filled with tension between Raina and Alexy as they try to get to Winterhold.
Of course, there are more layers, well written and well plotted ones that push the story forward without losing the well-crafted leads.
The pacing is exceptional. There peaks and valleys, allowing the reader to breathe between fight scenes and love moments. This makes the book unputdownable. I had to know what was going to happen in the next scene.
Most of the first half of the book takes place between Raina and Alexus, during their epic quest from a battle field that was once Raina's home to Winterhold. This only makes the peaks and valleys of the plot to be even better.
The narration duties is passed between Raina and Alexus for the first 1/2of the book. When they eventually reach the other witches and warriors, some of the other characters pick up the job for a bit, but the focus soon slips back to Raina, a brilliant new
The story is also something of a fairy tale with magick and witches. It is the kind of fairy tale that Gerald Gardner and Margaret Adler would love. There is even a scene that invokes Adler's Drawing Down the Moon. There is just a breath of modern Pagan magick in the story and the magickal system. The witch marks that are part of the system are an intriguing idea.
Raina is one of the most interesting characters I've met this year. She is mute. Magick in her world requires singing. But her lack of voice is not a disability. She uses a sign language to sing. This adds depth to her character and all those that come in contact with. The story addresses how disabilities can actually become almost a superpower.
Alexus is a deliciously complex male lead. He doesn't quite fit into any existing molds. He is not a brooding hero, nor is he the angry or broken hero. He is at times an ass, at others the most romantic character I've met.
I enjoyed this book fully. Neither able to put it down or wanting the book to end, I was thrilled with each and every 'just one more chapter' that kept me awake.
5 stars out of 5
https://www.amazon.com/Witch-Collector-Walker-Book-ebook/dp/B09H6894GR

"Well, fuck all. We're balls deep in trouble now." -Colden 

I loved this book from the very first chapter, I mean who couldn't love, enemies to lovers, villans and gods, humour, magick and curses with a little but of smut thrown in.

It is perfectly set up for book 2 though I kind of wished it ended on a cliff hanger that left me wanting more, like how Raina felt being in Nephele's refuge. 🥵
I'm still hanging for book 2.

Special thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and the author for a free, electronic ARC of this novel received in exchange for an honest review

Raina has an impossible goal, kill the witch collector and king who stole her sister for service. Little does she know that soon she will be swept into a war and depending on the witch collector she claims to hate. I really liked how Raina used magic through sign language. The magic of the world was intriguing. The romance felt rushed, but some will enjoy that straight dive in.