I really enjoyed the concept behind the duet. I found book one very interesting, I loved the concept of the magic in the books.

I felt like book 2 fell flat for me, I think they had a lot of detail in book one, the explore the magic and characters and I feel like they didn’t do it to the same standard in book 2

Fantasy, witchcraft, romance, history all wrapped into one (two really) books. I admit this is not my favorite genre and I did not find myself fully vested in reading about Fritzi and Otto's fates. About halfway through reading it, I was curious and checked reviews of this book and most were favorable and really sang the praises of the story and the characters. I found myself reading, then re-reading because I was not fully captivated.

All that said, the writing is good. I know little of medieval German witch trials, but I do understand that is the basis for the story, with the addition of romanticized witchcraft thrown into the mix. It is not what I expected, yet it was a good story to read. Thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book.

The first book in this duology gripped me from the first page, and I was excited to continue the journey with Fritzi and Otto. This novel got off to a slow start and seemed to lack the intensity of the first. Around the 25% mark, the story picks up with some interesting developments I should have seen coming.

Fritzi and Otto are very enjoyable characters, and their devotion to each other is unquestionable. They face new challenges in this story, but their trust never wavered. I liked learning more about the magic system, being reunited with characters, and getting to know newer characters better (especially Cornelia and Brigitta). Fritzi's cousin Liesel is adorable and a total scene stealer.

The ending, although solid, felt a little rushed to me, but this book is about 100 pages shorter. Recommended for readers who enjoy found family, intriguing magical systems, and good versus evil stories.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

The Fate of Magic
by Sara Raasch & Beth Revis
Witch and Hunter #2
YA Fantasy
NetGalley eARC
Pub Date: Oct 1, 2024
Sourcebooks Fire
Ages: 16+

Fritzi and Otto are chosen: Fritzi is the champion, and Otto is her protector, but while the bonding ceremony went as planned and nobody died, something still wasn't right with their bond. But after a dream, and a few nightmares, they find that there is still a plot to destroy the Black Forest's magic.


In this second and final book of the series. Fritzi and Otto discover a plot, who and why, and travel to find the two stones before...spoiler.

I can't give away too much, but honestly, this felt too quick, as if the first book was originally the only and longer, but was spread out into two, thus making it feel as if not a lot of thought went into this story and its plotline.

It wasn't bad, just blah. The 1, 2, 3, instead of 1, a, b; 2, c, d; etc...

The number of borderline adult scenes leaves me wondering if that was just filler to make the book longer. They weren't graphic but those and the violence, and there's a few, make this suitable for readers sixteen and older.

It did wrap up the series, but of course, there's enough story/world for (I hope not) a spin-off.

2 Stars

The Fate of Magic is the second and final installment in authors Sara Raasch, and Beth Revis's Witch and Hunter duology. This is a series that features co-protagonists, Otto Ernst and Friederika Kirch. Fritzi is a champion for Holda. After escaping the clutches of Dieter Kirch, the sadistic leader of the witch hunters and her brother, Fritzi and Otto have taken refuge among the witches of the Black Forest. Fritzi is finally ready to assume her place on the council as the coven’s goddess-chosen champion.

Plagued by distrust and self-doubt, Fritzi throws herself into her duty to serve the goddesses until she uncovers a powerful secret that could mean the very undoing of magic itself. Dieter isn't dead yet. In fact, he is even scarier and dangerous than before. So dangerous, that he sets out to ensure he has access to destroy magic. Fritzi's journey is a rollercoaster of self-discovery, doubt, and raw determination. Her struggle to reconcile her newfound power with her past traumas is heart-wrenching and achingly relatable.

As she uncovers earth-shattering secrets about the nature of magic itself, we're right there with her, feeling the weight of responsibility crushing down and the spark of rebellion igniting in her soul. At the heart of it all stands the Origin Tree, a source of magic and mystery that looms large both literally and figuratively. Otto was a captain of the hexenjager, an institution whose purpose it is to capture witches for persecution and death by fire at the stake. He swears himself to Fritzi as her bonded protector, certain the peaceful unity of a witch and hunter will heal the wounds he helped make.

His path from persecutor to ally is fraught with guilt, hope, and a burning desire to make amends. Fritzi and Otto have accepted their roles of chosen champion and warrior. Through their bond they seek to serve good and share magic. But when they realize Dieter is still alive and his plans are only beginning, they set forth on a quest to stop him before his ambition destroys magic and possibly the world. The greatest fight lies not only before them but within them. But as the horrifying plot that threatens the Black Forest’s magic comes to light, Otto will have to face his past and what it means to bind himself to a magic he does not fully understand.

This series is filled with so many layers. This is a really surprisingly dark story: it is inspired by the historical witch trials in Germany, and it includes a fair amount of violence and torture, both physical and psychological. I have to give the authors credit when they created Dieter. He is just plain evil, and he doesn't care who he hurts, not even his own sister to manipulate others into falling into his control. There are some pretty interesting secondary characters, and the internal struggle of whether or not to trust the goddesses to do the right thing when all is said and done.

4 Stars

I barely remembered what happened in the first book, but I remembered loving it and being so excited for this book to come out. Luckily for me, this book does a great job on refreshing your membory and connecting into the first book seamlessly.

We jump right off into the action of this book, and have our two main characters falling deeper into their relationship, while also forging a bond (literal) that will allow them to provide magic to all, not just the witches. It was fast paced and didn't slog in many areas at all, which I really appreciated.

My only complaint is that from what I remembered of book one, I feel like this could have been one standalone, but am not too upset that I got a second book. It just felt like the plot had to be extended to justify the second book. Either way, I was happy to be back in this medieval world of witches and hunters set in the Black Forest of Germany.

"Every witch needs a warrior . . ."

The danger is far from over. The world may never be the same.

A witch and witch hunter now goddess-chosen champion and her bonded warrior must prevent a magical catastrophe in this spellbinding sequel that will keep you on the edge of your seat.

Fritzi's strength of character is admirable. What she'll do to create a better future for all that's not saturated with fear, hatred, and violence despite her feeling bone-deep weariness just trying to survive instead of living.

Otto embraced his new role as Fritiz's warrior. He really took to heart what it means to be bonded to another and worked with Fritzi to protect the source of all magic. I liked who he became in this novel.

Since magic is so infinite and complex, tradition, change, and choice become central themes in book two. I liked the conversations between characters from varying perspectives surrounding these points of tension.

Through the good, bad, and gruesome, "The Fate of Magic" was a satisfying conclusion full of new beginnings. I hope we get more stories by Raasch and Revis in the future because this duology was fantastic.

Thanks again Sourcebooks Fire and NetGalley for the e-ARC to read in exchange for an honest review!

As promised, December is full of back catalog titles that released earlier in the year but that I hadn’t gotten a chance to read yet. “The Fate of Magic” has been on my radar all year (so much so that I tried to snag an ARC at ALA, but apparently everyone else had the same idea, so alas for me!). The first book was a great read, full of magic, romance, and an interesting blend between witchy/fantasy elements and historical elements, especially religion in Germany during this time period. While the book ended with the revelation that the big bad hadn’t actually died, it also finished in a vary satisfying manner. That being the case, I went into this one with only one wish: don’t un-do any of the great work that had already been already completed!

And I’m pleased to report that this was an excellent sequel! It built on the concepts that were introduced in the first book and expanded on the world and plot in a way that added to the entire experience. I particularly enjoyed learning more about the three goddesses and their history with the way that magic has interacted with and been available to the human world. There were some interesting twists and turns added, and I loved getting a better understanding of these goddesses as actual characters, something I was definitely not expecting going in. I also appreciated that the book introduces what felt like a significant choice that needed to be resolved by the end of the story. There were no obvious or easy answers, and I liked the way the characters were forced to truly grapple with the trade offs either way.

I also really appreciated the way the romance played out. Other authors take note! It IS possible to continue a romantic plotline after the characters have gotten together without inserting stupid, unnecessary drama. If I never read another last scene in a romantasy book where the couple is immediately broken up by the discovery of some secret or another it will honestly be too soon. Fritzi and Otto are facing real challenges, but their relationship ain’t one of them!

Not only is it nice to see perspective kept in check (again, I hate it when characters obsess over personal problems, often that can be solved with a simple conversation, in the middle of world crises), but it was also nice to actually get to see an established couple work together for an entire book! Honestly, I’m struggling to think of another book/series like this, where the couple is just straight-forwardly together through an entire book and just, you know, goes through the plot without interpersonal drama. Instead, the conflict in their relationship was based around learning how to work together, how to best use the new magical bond between them, and how to balance their own approaches to dealing with problems. You don’t need unnecessary drama and constant bouts of distrust and indecision to keep a romantic plotline interesting!

As far as the plotting and pacing, I think the overall story was good. However, there were moments throughout the book that felt like leaps, with the author simply needing to get the characters from point A. to point B. without much room for exploring how this would really work. There was one moment in particular in the middle of the book where the characters jump through so many logical hoops to get to the right choice that it was honestly a bit baffling. I wish there had been a more graceful way to tie in clues to some of these mysteries, rather than the characters seeming to just pull the solution straight from a bag.

Overall, however, I really enjoyed this book! It was a refreshing read in many ways, especially how the duology approached its romantic plotline. Both Fritzi and Otto were incredible characters on their own, which made the balance between their perspectives work perfectly, and the further deepening of the magical system was very intriguing. There were, perhaps, a few odd moments with some of the plotting points, but nothing that was truly immersion breaking. If you enjoyed the first book, I’d definitely recommend this one! And if you’re a fan of YA fantasy, I think this duology on the whole is an excellent return to form for a genre that often feels a bit tired and thin.

Rating 8: With expanded world-building and increasingly high stakes, this book wraps up an excellent fantasy duology!

Link will go live on Dec. 18 on The Library Ladies

I thought this was very good and I will have to add this to the shop shelves. Thank you for the chance for us to review.

A great end to a fantastic duology. I've said it once, twice, and a million times- duologies are the perfect series length. The first book had my perfectly invested and the second held my attention and then some. I really enjoyed reading from this author duo. The world they created together was so thoroughly fleshed out and the story was unforgettable.

3.4 / 5.0

The Fate of Magic by Raasch and Revis is the conclusion of the WITCH AND HUNTER series. This was good. It wrapped the story well and is a suitable second book. The writing is consistent and the reader is not thrown off by the break in between book by pacing or off-page development. It was not an unputdownable book, but worth having physical copies for rereading.

Thank you to NetGalley for access to this ARC and the publisher for a physical copy of the first book.

3.5/5

“How can I not believe we can change the world if Fritzi is by my side?”

“There is fear in love, because love is so deeply powerful, and anything powerful can hurt. It’s like a flame, casting light even as it burns. And our love is worth burning for.”

“Tradition has always been change.”

* We’re just jumping straight back in!
* Noooo
* I love that they still call each other hexe and jäger but now it’s a flirty nickname
* This is just one bad thing after another
* Awww but I do love them
* Oh my gosh nooo
* Ooh okay, okay!

This was a great follow up to book one and I enjoyed it a lot! I love Fritzi and Otto and loved them in this book as well. It did feel like their relationship was on the back burner, however with Dieter being evil and trying to end the world can we really blame them?

I enjoyed the magic and all the characters and the resolution. It did feel a little rushed at the end, but everything was wrapped up satisfactorily.

Content: end of chapter 6, not super descriptive but definitely there, beginning of chapter 17 also not very descriptive blood, death, and torture

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ebook. A positive review wasn’t required and all opinions are my own.

The sequel in the duology, the story follows a witch who must stop her evil brother who will do anything to steal magic for himself while healing from the traumatic events of her past and finding romance. Fritzi is finally back with her coven, back with her family, and has Otto by her side. After fighting against her evil brother, everything should be great, with Otto and Fritzi being bonded and working towards a new life together... the only problem is that her brother Dieter is very much alive still and has been possessing her body. Otto and Fritzi must find a way to free her and get rid of Dieter before he steals her body for good. Magic, romance, and healing, this series has been such a fantastic read and I loved reading it. The second book slows down the action compared to the first one but I loved the emphasis on the romance and friendship in this one. I loved seeing Fritzi heal from her demons and grow into her love. It's a wonderful series and one I would absolutely recommend for fans of witch romances!

Release Date: October 1,2024

Publication/Blog: Ash and Books (ash-and-books.tumblr.com)

*Thanks Netgalley and SOURCEBOOKS Fire | Sourcebooks Fire for sending me an arc in exchange for an honest review*

Thanks to NetGalley and Sourcebooks Fire for an advanced copy of this book!

I was excited for this next installment of the series after reading Night of the Witch earlier this year. This was a good end to the duology! I genuinely liked the first book better than this one, but I still had fun with this. I love the relationship between Fritzi and Otto, and the magic system was interesting. Overall, it was a good conclusion to the series.

Thank you to NetGalley and SOURCEBOOKS for the opportunity to read this ARC. I love all things Sara Raasch and was super excited for this opportunity. I loved the characters and the magic system. A great ending to this duology!

This duology seems to be criminally underrated. I enjoyed it so, so much!

The Fate Of Magic picks up shortly after Night of the Witch ended, and Fritzi, Otto and the well witches have been lured into a bit of a sense of false security. They quickly learn that the danger has not, in fact, passed; actually, it seems that things are worse than ever.

This is a really surprisingly dark story: it is inspired by the historical witch trials in Germany, and it includes a fair amount of violence and torture, both physical and psychological. I personally think it’s all very well handled, but I note it because it’s somewhat more than what I normally expect from a YA story. Overall this reads as a very, very adult YA duology (and I ADORE that about it).

It also moves FAST, maybe not QUITE as fast as the first book felt for me, but incredibly easy to blow through and difficult to put down. I love the characters: I love Fritzi’s fierceness alongside her hurt and her fear. I love Liesel’s unflinching spirit and whimsy, despite everything she has been through. I love Otto and his unwavering loyalty and strength. This world really expanded and delved further into history, and it was all very atmospheric and fascinating. The ending is really satisfying and leads the characters and the reader to new lessons and discoveries. There is just so, so much to love.

I’m not rating this quite as high because I found myself wanting the very ending fleshed out and even slowed down a bit. It wasn’t a huge drawback, I still enjoyed really every page of this, I just found that the final conflict came about fast and I still have some logistical questions about how our villain ended up positioned where they were.

Ultimately, if you love historical fantasy, witches x witch hunters, upper-ya themes, truly terrifying villains, intricate worlds that feel fantastical but also quite grounded, and themes that explore organized religion, colonization, and oppression, this duology should also be on your radar! Thank you so much to Sourcebooks Fire & Netgalley for this eArc!

I will happily read anything by Beth Revis and Sara Raasch, and their latest collaboration delivers a fantastic conclusion to an enchanting duology set in medieval Germany. After Fritzi escapes from Dieter, she and Otto join the witches of the Black Forest, where Fritzi is ready to embrace her role as the goddess Holda’s champion. However, self-doubt lingers as they uncover a new danger with Dieter at its center.

This installment masterfully balances action and character development. As a duology, I often worry that stories feel rushed, but this one hit all the right notes, with plenty of excitement to keep the narrative moving. The stakes are significantly higher, and while I sometimes wished for a breather for the characters, the nonstop action only heightened the tension. Fritzi’s growth and Otto’s unwavering devotion to her are beautifully portrayed, making their enemies-to-lovers romance all the more compelling.

I particularly appreciated the well-developed secondary characters—Hilde, Liesel, Cornelia, and Alois—all contribute to the group effort against Dieter, enriching the story further. The exploration of ancient Roman Germany adds an extra layer of depth, showcasing the extensive research that both authors put into the narrative.

Ultimately, this duology is a must-read for fans of magic, romance, and adventure. If you’re looking for a series filled with captivating characters and thrilling plot twists, definitely consider picking this one up!

As with the first the world building in this story picks right back up and is lovely. The characters are really what do it for me in this duo. Otto is a dream and never stops loving and standing by Fritzi's side no matter what. Fritzi kinda fell a part in this one but I think after all that she went through and was battling internally it was well deserved and in the end she came out the other side. I still love the magic system and was happy to see it expanded upon. I was also excited to see and understand more about the goddesses. The ending moved a little fast for me but I think it was half all the action and half I just didn't want the story to be over.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I loved the magic in this book and loved the characters. This was just a wonderful read.

A thrilling sequel that fills me with hope there will be more. It felt good to reunite with these characters and dive back into this world. If you liked the first book, you'll love this one even more.