Wow, well… I have to say that this one was definitely interesting! The title and description intrigued me, it just didn’t really wow me.

Thank you to Netgalley for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Finally!!!! A book about witches were the romance is not witch falling in love with a witch hunter, but actually two people with the common enemy. Oppressor/oppressed romance always gives me the ick, so I'm very glad to see the subversion of the trope within this novel.
The things I really liked about this books are the immersion of the world, and how the author really lets us get to know the magic system and understand the climate we're being introduced to. I thought the way the magic was portrayed was unique and fresh. It was a fast paced and easy read, which is fairly typical for YA fantasy. Knowing that it was written for a younger audience I tried not to be too harsh on things like how the young main characters are portrayed but there were a few times within the book that felt more immature than simply intended for young readers. The romance also felt a bit rushed, however it was a side plot I just do wish we got a little more build up and tension between the characters. I wanted to have a bit more fun with the dramatic irony in knowing that both characters are fighting on the same side.
Overall it was a fun YA fantasy I would recommend to readers looking for something magical and fast paced.

this was like the better version of serpent and dove. if that was your cup of tea, i recommend checking this one out for its strong storytelling and sinister plotline simmering below the surface

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an early copy of this book. Below is my honest review.

Summary:
In this book, we follow Fritzi and Otto. Fritzi is a witch who has nature magic (think trees, plants, etc.) and is the only one in her coven left alive after a brutal massacre. Otto is a witch hunter (also known as a hexenjäger), but that's just his cover. Secretly, he and his sister are trying to free witches that have been captured.

One day, Otto and his sister start to put their final plan in place to free all the witches by first faking his sister's arrest (pretending she's a witch). Fritzi comes upon this fake arrest and intervenes, not knowing that this was all part of the plan. She ends up sending Otto's sister to an unknown place. Fritzi and Otto then team up to continue with his plan.

In the background, there's something more sinister going on with magic and the goddesses that the witches pray to.

Thoughts about this book:
✔️ Easy to understand world and magic
✔️ Has historical context to the story but still feels like its own plot
✔️ Has plot twists that I didn't see coming
✔️ Likeable characters
❌ Romance felt a little rushed (but I love slow burns, so I'm biased)
❌ Did not like Dieter's voice (made it sound like he was way older than Fritzi)

Overall, it was a fun and easy read! I have always enjoyed Beth Revis's and Sara Raasch's books, and this one was no different.

Would I recommend this book? Yes.

Thank you for this ARC. Really enjoyed this story. Not read the either another stuff but I will be now! What a great story! Cannot wait to see what comes next!