Night of the Witch is the perfect blend of fantasy and historical fiction! I loved how the story highlighted how the Catholic Church was willing to burn anyone who spoke out against them and and as a way for men to rid themselves of unwanted wives and daughters. I really enjoyed the magic system and the defined differences between "good" and "bad" witches. I liked how the conflict went beyond just that between the church and their witch hysteria, and instead became a story of good magic (The Well) versus Wild Magic - it added so much more nuance to the plot.

The romance was so-so and the world building was slightly lacking, but the atmosphere was spot on. Overall, this was a fast-paced story with a perfectly flawed MC trying to come into her power. I enjoyed the dual POV - it was refreshing to have a male lead who already saw through the machinations of the church and his fellow hexenjägers. The story's villain had the best characterization by far - there is so much more to his ambition than originally let on. I'm excited to read more of this series!

Read if you enjoy:
-Historical fiction blended with fantasy
-Stories inspired by true events (Trier, Germany Witch Burnings)
-Dual POV
-Serpent and Dove (by Shelby Mahurin) and/or Wild is the Witch (by Rachel Griffin)
-Series starters with completed arcs, but teasers for more stories

I loved this book. I was very impressed with the qualities that Otto possessed instead of trying to entice readers with making him morally gray he is very good even when dealing with situations when one might excuse his behavior. Within the main plot their are many smaller things happening within the background parallel to the main. I find this type of writing very stimulating and helps me to stay entertained. I cant help but wonder what will happen after more and more witches decide to bond or use wild magic.

While the book does claim to be YA I think it is more on the New Adult side as it does have some sexual content as well as religious and dark witchcraft. Some of this content may be too much for a less mature reader.

In Night of the Witch, we meet Fritzi, a witch who narrowly escapes an attack on her coven--the last known coven of witches in Germany--by the hexenjägers: religious zealots hellbent on eradicating witches from the earth. Her beloved mother is burned at the stake, and the sight still haunts Fritzi, who is now on the run from the hexenjägers, trying to find her way to her ten-year-old cousin Liesel, who was taken by the hexenjägers. When she happens to hear a woman (and witch!) being attacked, Fritzi barges in to her aid and quite literally makes the woman disappear, much to her shock, and to the dismay Otto, the hexenjäger who'd been trying to arrest his own sister, Hilde. From there, we follow Fritz and Otto as they both learn that there is much more than meets the eye, that things are not always as they may seem, and that trust and security may sometimes be found in unlikely places.

I hate to say this, okay. I hate it. But this book did not live up to my expectations. I enjoyed reading it, don't get me wrong. But unfortunately, it was a bit too close to the Serpent and Dove trilogy without making enough changes for it to not feel like I was reading a Lou and Reid retelling. I truly enjoyed the world building, and getting a peek at what medieval life in Germany might have been like. I also loved the girl power in this woman doing whatever she has to to get the child that she loves fiercely back to safety. I also will always love stories that feature the Maiden, the Mother, and the Crone lore, which this had.

I didn't really enjoy the love story much at all; it felt far too rushed. I know that we all love a good slow burn, and this was the opposite of that: it was very nearly insta-love, which isn't my cup of tea. In that same vein, the pace of the book was all over the place. I was 75% into the story and still felt like it was in the rising action, setting up the story. Many of the "major" points in the plot felt rushed. On top of that, with the exception of one plot twist that I didn't see coming, the plot was very predictable. 

All of that being said, this book was beautifully written, and there were so many parallels to now that left me in awe. I "highlighted" (in my kindle) so many profound lines that I truly lost count. One thing Sara Raasch and Beth Revis absolutely know how to do is to make words into something totally gorgeous that really makes you stop and take them in. THAT is what kept me going, even at points where I felt like the plot was lacking. These women are truly talented, I just feel like this book could have been a bit more polished in the plot department.

Night of the Witch is the fist in the Witch and Hunter series (according to GoodReads) and I will likely pick up future books in the series, in the hopes that all of the pieces of this book that I loved remain, and the parts that I thought fell flat improve. I have faith that they will.

The writing does feel aimed toward YA readers without much crossover for adults, which is hard in our libraries, as it doesn't move much.

I personally have a tough time getting into stories about witches. It's never been my thing. I was really close on this one, making it to 10% mark quickly. We start off with a bang, and we move quickly through the setup of the story. I did find it gripping. Ultimately, I decided not to continue, because I just didn't find myself interested in the magic or mechanics of the world. But, it got close, and that alone deserves additional praise. Good writing. I'd be curious to pick up more from this author duo.

Thank you to NetGalley and Sourcebooks for the ARC.

Night of the Witch is the first in a new series by Sarah Raasch and Beth Revis. It follows the story of Fritzi, a witch who feels responsible for the destruction of her coven and Otto, a high ranking hexenjäger, a witch hunter who is secretly working to end the witch trials. Fritzi is determined to save her young cousin who was the only other survivor of the brutal coven attack and was captured by the evil Deiter Kirch, the head of the hexenjägers.
Obviously, since this is a young adult series, there is an instant attraction between Fritzi and Otto, but the story, itself, is fast paced with a lot of interesting glances into witchcraft and paganism from the viewpoint of the witches. There are twists and turns and the book actually comes with a warning about some of the topics that might not be appropriate for younger readers. Very much looking forward to the next installment.

I really wanted to love this book. However, I found that the characters could have had a bit more depth, and the story itself could have been deeper. That said, as a teen read, this is a great novel - it's entertaining and fast paced, with some interesting dilemmas faced by the characters. This is a novel I would recommend to students - particularly reluctant readers - but not one I would recommend to adult readers.

Not Your Average Witch and Witch Hunter Romance: Night of the Witch

Fantasies have been a little dull for me, as of late. I’ve been finding myself reaching for more and more contemporaries but Night of the Witch has brought me back to life! With a strong plot and characters that are actually characters instead of tropes, I was hooked immediately and I can guarantee, you will be too.

Plot, Prose and Pacing: Strong Storytelling and Solid Plot

It is so refreshing to indulge in such a stunningly well-written book, especially in a landscape where subpar young adult fantasies from big name authors are a dime a dozen. Reading fantasies has gotten very tedious for me as of late because it’s the same themes, same characters and same storytelling rehashed by different authors in order to cash in on trends and go viral on social media. I had expected Night of the Witch to be the same, rehashed drivel but it took me by surprise.

Told from two main points of view, Night of the Witch is a mix of history and fantasy with an incredibly strong plot that sucks you right into the action and wastes no time. It is set during the very real and horrific Trier Witch Trials. Fritzi is a true witch, in a time where women were tried and executed for just about any sort of grievance brought upon them. She and her cousin, Liesl, are the last surviving witches of their coven after a devastating witch hunt but in the midst of the chaos and mayhem, Liesl was captured. She is taken to the city to be burned in a mass trial. Determined to rescue her cousin from the evil witch hunters, Fritzi finds herself right in the lion’s den when she is caught by Otto.

Otto is a hexenjäger, an abhorrent witch hunter, with an agenda of his own. You see, although Otto is highly ranked and respected, he has a singular goal in mind: to dismantle and destroy the very institution that accused his mother of being a witch and killing her. So, when Fritzi accidentally disrupts his master plan, they find their goals aligning. Fritzi helps Otto take down the witch hunters while also rescuing Liesl. It is an unlikely partnership but as more secrets tumble out of the dark, Fritzi and Otto find that they are the only ones they can trust.

Night of the Witch is incredibly well-paced. The action sequences are fast-paced but there are also some mellow moments in between to balance out the plot and allow the characters and us readers, to breathe a little. I refused to put it down. The elements and tropes blended seamlessly and not one thing felt out of place. I also really loved that this is not your typical witch and witch hunter story. It wasn’t heavily charged with sexual innuendo or sex which I appreciated. I really loved that Otto has his own story and motivations that just happened to require Fritzi’s help. It didn’t seem to try too hard to appeal to a mass audience and was a very refreshing read.

I think the only thing that bothered me is the inconsistency in tone, especially when Fritzi and Otto first meet. It starts off in a very generic style. Fritzi is fierce, sassy and almost sexy in a way. While Otto is your typical man who can’t be moved. But they soon lose all the sexy and fun banter without preamble. Just went from super sexy to very solemn and serious. Perhaps, it is a matter of having a two author collaboration.

Characters: Not Your Typical YA Dynamic

What I truly love about Night of the Witch’s characters is how well-rounded and developed they are. I found that they did not fall into any easy or cliche tropes. The portrayals of the characters, specifically Fritzi and Otto, were also very respectful of the setting and era.

Fritzi feels like your typical main character. She starts off in a place of guilt but replaces that with a strong determination to right the wrongs done both to her and her family. She is actually written as a Chosen One but you don’t get too much of those vibes (perhaps they may come in the second instalment) so there’s a lot of fun and excitement in going through the motions and emotions with her. There is a kind of naive youthfulness to her personality but there’s a strength within her.

Otto, on the other hand, is written in a voice that’s much older than his purported nineteen. I guess it would make sense in the grand scheme of things but felt a little too mature compared to the feisty Fritzi. Sometimes, it felt like a young girl talking to a much older man. But there is something so comforting and so refreshing to read in a male main character who is genuinely respectful, kind and unselfish. Otto sets the standard for book boyfriends in a steadfast and unassuming way.

Only thing is, I’m not a huge fan of their romance because it moved too fast. I wouldn’t say it was insta-love but it happened too quickly on the page. I wished Night of the Witch had allowed their feelings to naturally develop. It went from sexy flirting banter to romantic declarations and revelations. After all, they had more important things to do before falling in love and they could have betrayed each other at any moment. However, it was a respectful and effortless relationship.

While I loved both Otto and Fritzi, the star of the show is Fritzi’s ten year old cousin, Liesl. She is so charming, darling and endearing with all the sass I wish Fritzi had. She had me absolutely cracking up with how she mouths off to everyone around her and how incredibly fierce and resilient she is.

Worldbuilding: Room for Improvement

The worldbuilding in Night of the Witch is a little tough for me to touch upon, mostly because there’s quite a lack of it. It’s not to say that it is bad but there is a lot of room left to improve upon. However, the strong plot definitely makes up for it so you don’t notice it so much.

I love the concept of the witches and their powers. It’s not the freshest take on a magic system but it’s one I haven’t read of in a while. However, I still think there’s a lot more to be desired but I would say a lot of the reveals are tied into the main plot so, I hope we see a lot more of the magic developed in the sequel. While it is also supposed to be rooted in historical events, I would also have liked to see the authors’ versions of Trier and the setting expanded upon. I get vague impressions of the places that Otto and Fritzi travel to, especially once we get to the heart of the book, and the passing of time gets confusing in some places.

Conclusion:
To sum it all up, Night of the Witch is one of the best books I have read in 2023. And sadly, I have not read that many books this year. But it has completely blown me away, left me speechless and renewed my hope for well-written young adult fantasies. You will not find another Serpent and Dove here but you will find a rich world that mixes history, mythology and fantasy that you will not regret. It’s only unfortunate that the title is a little too generic that search engines fail to bring it up immediately.

I am overwhelmed with gratitude as I extend my deepest appreciation to the brilliant author for graciously providing me with an advanced reader copy of their remarkable book. From the very first page, I embarked on a transformative journey, captivated by the author's masterful storytelling and entranced by the world they brought to life.

The author's narrative prowess is nothing short of extraordinary, effortlessly weaving together a tapestry of emotions and intricacies that kept me spellbound throughout. Every twist and turn in the plot unfolded with impeccable timing, leaving me hungry for more, my anticipation mounting with each passing chapter. The characters, exquisitely rendered, sprang to life before my eyes, their hopes and struggles resonating deeply within my heart.

The author's eloquent prose painted vibrant landscapes within my imagination, whisking me away to enchanting realms and bustling cityscapes. With vivid descriptions and a deft touch, they conjured images so vivid and tangible that I felt as though I was a part of the story, an observer in the midst of breathtaking beauty.

I commend the author for their courage in tackling profound themes and delving into the depths of the human experience. Their exploration of love, loss, resilience, and self-discovery struck a chord within me, evoking a range of emotions that lingered long after I closed the final pages. It is a testament to their skill and sensitivity in navigating complex emotions with grace and authenticity.

Receiving an advanced reader copy of this book has been an immense privilege. To witness the author's artistry firsthand and to be among the first to experience their literary creation fills me with a sense of honor. Their dedication to their craft is evident in every meticulously crafted sentence, every vividly painted scene.

To the esteemed author, I offer my heartfelt gratitude for sharing this exceptional work with me. It has left an indelible mark on my literary journey, a treasure that I will carry with me. I eagerly await the day when this book graces the hands of readers worldwide, for it is a gem that deserves to be discovered and celebrated.

In conclusion, I wholeheartedly recommend this book to fellow literature enthusiasts. It is a testament to the author's remarkable talent, their ability to transport readers to new realms, and their gift for illuminating the intricacies of the human soul. Thank you, dear author, for this profound and unforgettable experience. I eagerly await your future literary endeavors, knowing that they will be nothing short of extraordinary.

Not your typical witchy story and that’s what I love about it. I loved the characters and the story but I do feel that the world building could have been better. I do wish there was more information on the magic system a bit but overall a good read!

Serpent and Dove vibes set in Medieval Germany witch trials.

It’s Witch vs Witch Hunters when Fritzi’s coven is destroyed leaving only her and her ten-year-old cousin alive. Now Fritzi’s on the war path to rescue her cousin and make it to the Black Forest alive. Unfortunately, that means teaming up with a Captain in the hunter ranks.

But corrupted magic is out to get them both and won’t stop until the world is under its control.

What I liked:
- “Warrior. Poet. Got a name Boy?—3 musketeers.”Otto. I love him.
- I love how quick paced the plot moves. It really was a race to safety and survival.
-Revis and Raasch really are masters of twists and turns and they don’t disappoint here

What I Thought Could Use Work:
-I wanted to a tad more world building and knowledge of the magical system. However this is part of a series and I’m sure we will get more in the next book
-the romance happened extremely fast. Like *snap* but that’s me really picking to find something.

4/5 stars

My thanks to NetGalley and Sourcebooks Fire for this ARC in exchange for my honest review

Set in 1591 in Germany, this is the story of witch hunters gearing up for the largest witch burning ever. It is violent, with misleading leaders, and accused witches who are mostly not witches at all. The ones who are try to protect their towns, but the witch hunters are determined to rid the country of this unholy group of women. Little do they know that some of the higher=ups in the witch hunters are killing to gain power. It's a sad story and a time in history that should never have happened anywhere in the world. The brutality, the mistreatment of innocents, and the lying, cheating leaders are despicable. But heroes arise, as they always do, and the story becomes one of good vs evil. It was a dark book but a good read.

I really enjoyed this! I thought that the pacing of this was done really well to keep things moving at a breakneck speed. The dual POV was really compelling and coupled with some pretty great world-building, this story really came to life in an exciting way. I can't believe they did me like that with the cliffhanger, though, but now I am eagerly awaiting the next installment in this series. The only spot in this work I took issues with was that the very beginning, with the breakneck pace and the way the story develops, takes a teeny bit to really get into but once you do it flies by! I am so excited to get our physical copies in, just in time for the fall season!

This book sucked me in right away and kept me captivated until the very end. The world building is fantastic. And I was so fascinated by the magic. The dual POV was surprisingly easy to follow. And it had a solid plot for a new series. The cliffhanger has me wanting the next book immediately. Can't wait to read more about this world! Thank you to Netgalley for allowing me to read this eARC in exchange for an honest review.

This book was absolutely fantastic! I struggled a bit adjusting to the speed of the book and was a bit confused for the first 20ish percent, but after that stage, I couldn't put the book down. I loved the characters and the epilogue was *chef's kiss*

This dual POV book was devastating and intriguing from the first chapter. It has strong worldbuilding that wasn’t an info dump, an interesting magic system, likeable main characters, and sufficiently evil villains. I appreciated that the backstory was eventually explained. Overall a really great first book in series.

Thanks to NetGalley and Sourcebooks Fire for an arc of this book.

Overall, I thought this was a lot of fun. It felt like a more mature Serpent & Dove to me with a richer world, more likable characters, and more refined prose. I appreciate the amount of research that went into the story from geography to culture to history surrounding the German witch trials. Fascinating stuff I knew nothing about!

I will say the romance fell a little flat for me. I was 100% in for about the first half. I thought it was going to be a nice slow-burn with the characters having to overcome their assumptions about one another and gradually coming to terms with budding feelings. But it was more like a switch was flipped. Nothing, nothing, nothing, then all of a sudden they were head over heels for each other and I'm not sure what caused the sudden shift.

The plot also felt a little rushed. I wish the first half of the book had been book 1, and the second half of the book had been the next in the series. I think the main plot point of the first half deserved to be fleshed out more (especially considering all the research that went into crafting it!), but as it is there was a lot of telling, not showing, so it felt glossed over.

It's also worth mentioning that Johann is precious and I wanted more of him!

Such an enticing and fast paced read, witches and witch hunters colliding, the world as people know it, wether they be witch or not, spiralling into something new. The mixture of German words gave a fresh look towards the setting and gave it a fairytale vibe that was wonderful. Fritzi is a green witch, she follows her covens rules without question and believes their ways are fair and true. Until her coven is destroyed and her cousin is kidnapped by the witch hunters, she will stop at nothing to find and rescue her but even rescuing a witch from the witch hunters is never as it seems. Otto, is a witch Hunter, well like of, he’s a damn good fake and tries to help rescue the people he’s supposed to hunt. When Fritzi comes across Otto and his sister faking an arrest for the ultimate rescue plan, fritzi unknowingly saves his sister and changes all their lives forever. This isn’t a enemies to lovers story, it’s so much better.

For the first time, I picked up a book without knowing anything about it. I didn't read the synopsis, but wow. this had me hooked!
The first thing that I noticed right away was the writing. its utterly divine. And the content is so magical. it's totally giving off massive Salem vibes.
Overall, this surprised and excited me at every turn and I had such a wonderful reading experience! 10/10 would recommend!

Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for giving me an ARC copy of this book to read and review. All of these thoughts and comments are my own.

This was such a fun witchy read. I really loved the plot and the characters. I thought they were well rounded and fun. I always love reading witch type books because I love the magic systems that everyone creates and uses. I think the magic in this book was cool. Everyone didn’t have the same type and so there were different groups of magic.

I really loved Fritzi and Otto. Their romance wasn’t slow burning, it was quick but I loved it none the less. There wasn’t really any spice in this book and honestly I didn’t see a need for it, so that was a nice change for most of the books I read. I think the only complaint I really have is that the ending was a bit underwhelming. I think I just wanted more of a fight. The cliffhanger was good though. I’m excited to see where this author takes this series.

I think if you love fantasy and witches then you should definitely check this book out. You’ll enjoy it.

4 stars!

This book was fine. The characters were fine, the plot was fine and the romance was fine. There was nothing bad about this book but there wasn't much good either. It was fine.

Everything on paper worked but I just didn't connect emotionally to any of the characters and I ended up not caring much for the plot.

It felt like a lot of YA books i have read before, so I think if you like a lot of YA titles then you will like this one. It was entertaining and easy to read but ultimately quite forgettable.