3.75★

First of all, I want to say thank you to NetGalley for the e-copy of this book. I don’t think I would have found it otherwise.
I’m very surprised at how much I actually enjoyed this book. It was quite good! And really fun to read.

Thoughts:

- I liked the writing. It was simple and fast-paced, and I enjoyed reading it.

- One thing I didn’t like was the author's usage of "male" and "female" instead of saying "man" and "woman" all the time. It wasn't a big deal, just something I didn't like as much.

- At the beginning of each chapter, we got a bit of a throwback in time, which helped a lot to bring some backstory of the characters. I loved that.

- The fight scenes were so well-written.

- I adored the characters! I loved Aramina as a tall, strong woman who can take care of herself, and Rixon with all his grumpiness. They were a very cute pairing.

- The romance was lovely. Slow and steamy, very enjoyable.

- Overall, I’d say the book is heavier on the romance side than the fantasy, but I didn’t mind it at all. It had enough world-building to keep me entertained. Obviously, I wouldn’t mind getting more of the background, but for the book’s length and it being the first in the series, I feel like it was good enough.

- The story, in general, was quite simple. Witches with their wielder fighting demons, but for some reason, it was entertaining to read!

- I’d definitely recommend anyone picking up this book and giving it a try. It’s a quick read. I will definitely continue the series - or at least give the second book a try. I’m curious how the story will go on.


Read if you like:

- Witches and magic
- One bed, one bath, one horse trope
- Grumpy MMC
- Who hurt you
- Steamy romance
- Spice

The story focuses on Mina, a witch, and Rixon, her wielder, aka a strong fighter paired with her. Together they defeat demons which are increasing in number but we don't know why. The story is told part in past tense which gives us an idea why there is so much tension between the two who are now bonded for life.

I wanted more but I'll forgive it with this being a novella and an intro to the series. I really wanted a little more backstory (especially for Rixon) and world building but hopefully those things are addressed in the next book.

All in all it seems like a good intro to the series. Moderate spice. No cliffhanger ending, but it just drops off abruptly.

Buckle up for a spellbinding journey into a world where magic and destiny intertwine in Wielder’s Prize, the enchanting first installment of the Lady Witch series. In this tale of witches, bonded pairs, and simmering romance, Aramina and Rixon are tasked with a mission to protect a citadel on the border. As their strengths entwine, so do their fates, but beneath the surface of this supernatural partnership lies a brewing storm of tension, secrecy and desires.

Aramina is a closed book and did annoy me at times. Rixon is a mysterious brooding warrior with a dark past. These characters create the kind of tension that had me giggling. The characters are well described in the novella and decently flushed out as well.

Since this is a short read, the author didn’t spend too much time on world building and left that up to our own imagination. Every chapter starts with a flashback but I liked the opportunity to learn more about Aramina.

This novella is perfect for those looking to get into fantasy but are dreading 100 pages of world building. It’s a cute romantasy and I’m looking forward to reading more from the series.

Thank you to the author and netgalley for providing me a copy of the ebook in exchange for my honest review.

Rating: 3.5 ⭐️

Summary:
Aramina, a newly graduated witch from the Citadel, in a world slowly becoming overcome by demons. She sets out accompanied by Rixon, her bonder wielder who has a dubious past, on her first mission across Raeria to help a far away settlement. As they journey across the land demons might not be the only thing they have to look out for.

What stood out to me in this book:
The world, the journey, the little bit of spice (only oral) and the pace

Thoughts:
I really enjoyed reading this book. The world captured me immediately: witches and wielders (basically their guards) fighting against demons who for some unknown reason seem to be trying to take over the country. And I loved the pace of the story it happens over a little more than one week (+ some flashbacks) for the length of the book was the perfect time frame. However, I wish more had happened I felt like not much other than world building and romance happened. I feel like having 5-10 more chapters in which the plot of the series is explained would have made this book better. Also I sometimes found that Aramina sounded childish. This being said I am very excited to read the next book!

This book really took me by surprise. I absolutely LOVED it. Witches, magic, demons, bonded wielders, love, and battle; it has it all. The character development just flowed so well and I was hooked from page one. The tension between Rixon and Mina had me squealing, blushing, throwing the Kindle down, picking it back up, and screaming. Not to mention the spice level was off the charts!

I feel like this book is criminally underrated and needs more attention! Read this book!!

3.5 ⭐️ rounded up
1.5 🌶

This is a romantic fantasy tale that leans heavy on the romance and light on the fantasy, perfect for anyone who needs a gradual introduction to a fantasy series. Aramina, a newly graduated Lady Witch, is off on a journey to her first major assignment across the country. Joining her is her Wielder, Rixon - a broody, quiet warrior that speaks more frequently with his actions rather than his words. This unlikely pair is newly bonded - making their way across the countryside from the Citadel to their new assignment to help fight back against the ever-growing demon threat.

I loved the romance aspect of this - Aramina and Rixon are a reluctant pair and tension between the two is genuine. I really enjoyed that every chapter is preluded with a flashback from Aramina's past. She is definitely a bit emotionally distant until she is willing to face her past and share that with Rixon. The Wielder is no stranger to sadness and pain as he also shares emotional scars from his past. The two are an unlikely duo, but are a true team in battle against the demons.

Slow burn romance, steamy scenes, demons and danger lurking in every corner and a wonderfully strong duo of main characters. Wielder's Prize has it all for an entertaining read!

The only major downfall is the general worldbuilding. The characters are detailed very descriptively, however, but the major world-building is left up to the reader's imagination. This may be due to the fact that this is only the first in the Lady Witch trilogy - very excited to see the rest in the series.

Thank you Netgalley and BooksGoSocial for this eARC to review!

Thank you Netgalley and BooksGoSocial for this eCopy to review

Wow what a book, I could not put it down. The magic system was easy to understand, the world building was excellent with engaging descriptions but is was Rixon's and Mina's relationship that leapt of the page.

Mina becomes the top witch in her cohort and choses Rixon as her Wielder (demon slayer and bodyguard) despite him entering the trials for a second time as his first witch died. It was fun seeing the flash backs and how their relationship changes over time. Mina thinks Rixon hates her but she couldn't be further from the truth.

A very steamy romance, absolutely cannot wait for the rest of the series

I've read many books of witches. But this one was entirely different. I really loved rixon and Mina and they both are a really good pair. Wanting eachother from the start. It's was a short story but it was really pleasant. Also rixon is the perfect example of the grumpy guy who only smiles and talks to her.i really liked them both together. Definitely give this a try!!