Member Reviews

I loved everything about this book and finished it in one sitting. It's a perfect witchy read, even during the moments that had my eyes tearing up.

I felt so heartbroken for Fritzi the more the book went on, but I was also rooting for her, for one thing to go her way. The ending and epilogue had me scrambling to get book 2

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Did not finish at 12%. Writing was easy to read but the story was not holding my attention. I can see why people will like it though.

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Night of the Witch starts with an intriguing premise, combining elements of dark fantasy, revenge, and forbidden love, but while it had moments that pulled me in, I found myself wishing for a bit more depth and consistency. The story follows Fritzi, a witch who lost her coven to ruthless hexenjägers, and Otto, who appears to be one of these hunters but is actually seeking revenge for his mother’s death at their hands. Both characters had potential, but at times, their development felt surface-level, leaving me wanting to understand them more fully.

The enemies-to-lovers romance between Fritzi and Otto had some great tension at first, but the spark fizzled for me as their chemistry felt forced in parts. Their shift from distrustful enemies to something more felt rushed rather than gradual, which made it harder to feel fully invested in their relationship. I loved the idea of their conflicted attraction but just needed more authentic buildup to make it truly convincing.

The story’s setting—dark forests, ominous towns, and the powerful hexenjäger headquarters—has a lot of potential, and I appreciated the atmospheric writing. But while there’s a strong sense of place, the world-building felt somewhat incomplete, and I was left with more questions than answers about the history of the hexenjägers and the magic system. Some parts of the plot were exciting and unpredictable, but other times, the pacing dragged, and I found myself skimming to get back to the action.

Night of the Witch isn’t without its merits; the themes of justice, betrayal, and redemption are compelling, and fans of dark, atmospheric fantasy might still enjoy the journey. However, I didn’t feel fully swept away. For readers who are big on character-driven stories, this one might leave you craving more, but if you’re just looking for an enjoyable fantasy-romance with high stakes, it’s still a decent pick.

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This was a nice witchy read for October!! Overall, I enjoyed the story. It wasn't the best book I've read, but it was entertaining and the world-building and lore had me hooked. The forbidden romance is always fun to read and I loved the characters!

Thanks netgalley and the publisher for the e-arc.

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This was very middle of the road for me. I liked the world and the characters but never felt fully immersed in the book. It was slow read.

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Gorgeously written and a fun time all around. Highly recommend for anyone in the mood for witches. Loved it!

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If there’s one thing I love it’s books about magic and witches and this book didn’t disappoint me in any way shape or form. I loved every second of it.

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This was such a fun read from beginning to end and I really can’t wait to get book two!!!! Otto is also just… perfect. Overall, a great read!

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Thank you to the author, publisher, and Net Galley for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
This was an edge of your seat, intense, witchy ride. I liked that it was loosely based on the witch trials in Europe (Germany). I liked the character development and the 2 character perspectives. Several things surprised me and kept me interested. I purchased this for our high school library but think that this is more of a "new" adult book-readers a little older than HS. There is some romance and unfortunately there's a scene that requires us to place it on our possibly sensitive content list. Definitely need to check trigger warnings for this book.

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Good premise based off witch trials in Germany and her revenge for her coven/family. Slow plot though with a fast moving romantic relationship. I'm all for romance, but the plot has to be there too.

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Wow… this book was everything I’d hoped it would be! I loved Fritzi - she was always concerned with doing the right thing, taking care of her family and others before herself. And Otto was a complete surprise!

The changing points of view with each chapter offered a unique perspective for each character. And this world, loosely based on historical fact, was so vibrant! I certainly hope this is only the beginning of Fritzi and Otto’s story!

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Two authors collaborating on a story has the chance to be DANGEROUS. But this turned out pretty well. It's a 3.5, rounded down for me. I'd love to see the characters develop even further in the next story, maybe speed the plot up.

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I really enjoyed the combination of the two authors collaborating on this novel. I think the overall story and characters a wonderful. I have read both of these ladies before when they write on their own. Each brings their own flavor to this novel which is what makes it so interesting.

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oh my gosh this book was sooo good! Not surprised that I see it all over Barnes N Noble now! Loved it!

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Unfortunately this book just didn't quite do it for me. While the worldbuilding was interesting and the characters were well developed, the pacing was on the slower side and I think a lot of it was a bit predictable. There's definitely potential, but just fell a bit flat in my opinion.

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Thank you to Net Galley and Sourcebooks Fire for the ARC. Unfortunately the romance was not to my taste.

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"Night of the Witch" blends historical fantasy with elements of witchcraft and romance, set in a world inspired by 16th-century Europe. The story follows Fritzi, a young witch who survived a brutal witch hunt that wiped out her coven, and Otto, a witch hunter who begins to question his beliefs. As Fritzi and Otto's paths collide, they are forced to navigate their conflicting loyalties and feelings for each other while uncovering dark secrets that threaten to plunge the world into chaos.
Strengths:
• Strong World-Building: The authors create a vivid, atmospheric setting that effectively immerses readers in a historical period where fear and superstition reign.
• Complex Characters: Fritzi and Otto are well-developed, with their inner conflicts and growth adding depth to the story. Their evolving relationship is both tense and compelling.
• Themes of Power and Rebellion: The novel explores themes of power, fear, and resistance, offering thought-provoking commentary on the dangers of blind belief and the resilience of those who fight against oppression.
Weaknesses:
• Pacing Issues: At times, the plot drags, particularly in the middle sections where the tension could have been tighter. Some scenes feel repetitive, slowing down the overall momentum.
• Predictability: While the story has its twists, some plot developments can be anticipated, making the narrative feel less surprising.
• Romantic Focus: The romance, while central to the plot, sometimes overshadows the broader story. Readers looking for a more intricate exploration of witchcraft and political intrigue might find this aspect underwhelming.
Overall Impression: "Night of the Witch" offers a solid blend of historical fantasy and romance, with a richly crafted world and characters that stand out. However, it doesn't fully escape some genre clichés and pacing issues, making it an enjoyable yet somewhat predictable read. Fans of witchcraft and star-crossed romance will likely appreciate this novel, though it might not leave a lasting impact on those seeking more innovative storytelling.

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Heerlijk boek wat je op de toppen van je tenen houdt en het houdt je bezig van begin tot einde! Ik kan niet wachten op andere boeken van deze schrijfster.

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I loved the romance! they understood each and could be themselves together. The chemistry between them was amazing! I also loved the slow-burn and the sexual tension between the main characters. There were several scenes that made me blush and smile so much. The writing is beautiful and descriptive. I honestly felt like I was living in the world with the characters. I felt so many emotions while reading this book, I cried, I laughed and I smiled. This book will stay in my heart for a long time.

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Night of the Witch is a fantasy inspired by the real-life witch trials that took place in medieval Germany. Fritzi is a witch determined to save other witches from the crusade of Kommandant Dieter Kirch, leader of the hexenjagers who destroyed her coven in a relentless attack. While attempting to save a witch under attack she becomes captured by Otto, a hexenjager who - unbeknownst to Fritzi - is out for revenge against the Kommandant for the murder of innocent civilians, including his mother. When the two realize they are after the same end, working together finds our main characters both stepping into worlds that they had no idea existed, and finding each other along the way.

The description of this book drew me in so quickly - I love everything about witches and witch hunters and was intrigued by the setting. While reading the plot pacing felt very slow, especially with the juxtaposition of the speed of attraction between our main characters. Instead of feeling compelled to figure out what was happening next, I had to remind myself to finish the story. The authors also included many German words to help create the atmosphere of medieval Germany - since I bounced between the audiobook and digital versions, I found it very distracting in the audio and was eh about it in the written format. I wish we saw more of the magic system at play because I felt that was very interesting - who doesn't love magic that tempts you with powers unknown? The last 25% of the book picked up plot-wise and it left on a cliffhanger setting up the next story.

Read if you like:
- Witches and witch hunters
- Magic with rules and temptation
- Enemies to Lovers
- Dual POV

Skip if you don't like:
- Insta-love
- Slow-paced plots
- Many foreign language inclusions
- Graphic depictions of animal cruelty (there is one scene that caught me off guard, read the trigger warnings folks)

Thank you to Netgalley and Sourcebooks Fire for providing me with an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review!

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