The Bane Witch is an atmospheric blend of fantasy and thriller.

The concept of this story was what drew me in. A witch who can ingest poisonous plants and turn that into a venom for dangerous men.

I loved the idea of women fighting back against violence and shame.

A lot of fantasy books can start to feel similar but this one held its own, making for a memorable read.

*Thank you NetGalley for an advanced copy of this book.*

I loved the witchy vibes of the book. There was just a lot with the plot. I am sure others are going to love!

This is the spooky fall read I was looking for! I was lucky to receive an ARC of this book from SMP and NetGalley. This is not what I was expecting, not my usual read - but it exceeded my expectations. The Bane Witch has some thriller components - with a serial "unaliver" and a crazy ex husband and lots of ... "unaliving" in general. Very light on romance, it's not the focus of the book. There are some trigger warnings - DV, SA. This story is about Piers, a woman on the run after she fakes her own death to escape her abusive husband. As she escapes and goes towards the only family she has left - an estranged aunt Myrtle - things start to happen and past events start to make more sense. Myrtle then educates her on the existence of Bane Witches - "an ancient weapon magically designed to be a defender of women and children by taking the lives of predatory men, an instrument of justice and vengeance older than time, a poison eater". It's a little convoluted to explain without giving away a lot of plot - but the concept is pretty cool, nothing l've really seen before to this extent.
Dark, moody setting. The forest is the perfect backdrop to this spooky thriller. The writing is a little too embellished for my taste, but once I got used to it, it was fine. There are some plot holes I feel could have been addressed, but nothing essential to the story. Releases 2025.

Very strong book and interesting premise. I liked the character growth. Ending a little unrealistic with Reyes, and felt the police side story needed some work.

But really liked the concept and would eagerly read next work by author.

I could NOT put this book down! There’s so much to get you hooked: murder, mystery, magic, revenge, strong women, and the good old Adirondack Mountains. The characters were interesting, the descriptions were done so well you could picture it in your mind like you’re right there in the story. The author revealed just enough information so you never feel totally lost, but never too much that way you’re itching to keep reading even if it’s past your bedtime. I’ll be telling all my friends to add this to their TBR lists.

I am rounding up just a bit on this review, but I really enjoyed this book. The setting, characters, and building tension made for great reading.

Piers is a desperate woman who fears her violent and abusive husband is on the verge of killing her. She manages to escape by meticulously planning her "death," and escapes to the only place she can go: the home of the aunt she met once when she was very young. There Piers learns more about her past, her family, her strange compulsion to eat plants that she knows are highly toxic, and her destiny as what is known as a "bane witch."

The combination of suspense/thriller and magic/fantasy was extremely well-done. Neither aspect of the book felt overlooked, trite, or undeveloped. The reader is genuinely frightened for Piers and roots for her to escape her terrible situation. The reader also is totally drawn into this slightly mystical forest world, where plants and mushrooms can glisten with deadly yet irresistible mystery. The reader can become immersed in the cozy cabins, the lousy coffee, the sounds of wildlife, and the smells of nature. The pacing, including necessary yet well-placed flashbacks, added to organic unfolding of the plot, and I absolutely did not want to put the book down--yet I did not want the book to end.

Piers herself is a well-developed character, who slowly learns how to believe in herself, shed her past, and embrace her future. The secondary characters are fleshed out and interesting. I felt like I knew everyone from Aunt Myrtle to Azalea to the sweet dog. I do feel Regis needed a bit more depth, however. He was a good guy, but he either needed more, or he could have been left out.

The reason I had a hard time giving this book a full four stars, and did not give it five stars, despite everything I loved was because of 2 major things: some glaring plot holes and Detective Reyes. And--fair warning--if you read the rest of this paragraph, there were some spoilers! First, when we finally meet Aunt Myrtle, and then later when we meet the rest of the "family," certain edicts, guidelines, and mandates are explained and given to Piers, and the other bane witches are mad at Piers and ready to do away with her because she has not followed their rules. YET SHE HAD NO IDEA SHE WAS SUPPOSED TO FOLLOW THOSE RULES--SHE DIDN'T EVEN KNOW SHE WAS A WITCH! Why do they have to give her the last kiss because she broke regulations that she didn't even know existed? Give her some leeway! And if it was truly THAT serious of an issue to leave an unsuspecting bane witch out in "the wild," interacting with the public, why did they allow that to happen? Why didn't Myrtle or some other member of the family come and get Piers when she was young? The whole situation seemed like all the witches were upset because Piers grew up and did all of these things that she shouldn't have done, when they could have prevented the whole situation from the get-go by raising her "correctly" and explaining to her what exactly she was years and years ago. (Not to mention all the pain and suffering Piers could have avoided.) Because of this, the members of Piers' family came across as unfeeling, autocratic, and heartless. There were even times when it seemed they hated all men and were not open to the fact that not every male is obsessed with exerting power and causing pain. (I feel like this could have been explored more with Regis and Myrtle, and perhaps more members of the venery, but that was a thread that was left dangling.) Then all of the details about when to "feed," taking a mark, who will die and when they will die and how they will die...it got a bit confusing. I wasn't sure why some people can be touched and others can't, and sons will die is they stay with their mothers. It felt murky. And then we come to Reyes. At first I enjoyed the chapters from his POV, and how he was ready to investigate Piers' disappearance and how her husband might be involved. But once his older sister gave him some insight into how Piers might have been living and why she "disappeared," Reyes didn't stop and really think about how he could best get "justice" for the missing woman. And when he kept on with the investigation, found some significant clues, and TIPPED HENRY OFF, I was beside myself--literally screaming "What! Are! You! Doing?!!??!" in my head the whole time. He should have been smarter than that. I mean, seriously? And then when he finally found Piers and slammed into her in the woods...? Palm to forehead--she ALMOST had him! I got sick of him. By that point I had decided he served no purpose other than to mess everything up for Piers. Ugh. I realize that it was important for the reader to know what was going on in the investigation in Charleston, and maybe set things in motion for a final confrontation between Piers and Henry, but the way it was done just did not work. By the end he was really just superfluous. And at that point, with all of the leaving the doors unlocked, getting into the shower when a serial killer is after you, and just general unsafe behavior, the climactic ending felt a little "manufactured." So at the end, I was just a bit disappointed in the book. It was great up to that point, and it set me up to expect a spectacular ending. But there were too many things that didn't make sense or add up or feel organic to leave me completely satisfied.

Okay, the above paragraph aside, I did really like this book, and found it a wonderful way to start of spooky reading season. The way the author combined crime/thriller and domestic suspense with witchy magic was fresh and fun to read. I loved the setting, details, and descriptions, and would definitely read more by this author.

It's important to have books like this one, and I'll tell you why:

I've gone on record in other reviews stating that I suspect I've outgrown the normal 'urban fantasy' tropes. I find them trite and predictable. But THIS novel, it has all the ingredients: magic in the modern word, a shadowy supernatural underbelly beneath reality, a person discovering their powers in a very 'yer a wizard, Harry' way so that exposition and world-building can be conveniently dumped onto the main character as a proxy fish-out-of-water, romance/sexuality blooming in the midst of life-and-death stakes. But it's all done SO WELL!

Highly recommended for fans of bloody fantasy/crime novels, female empowerment, and sweet dogs named Bart.

This was a book I could not book done once I started it. It was such an interesting story, and felt very original. The world building and witch elements were unlike other fantasy books I've read before. The concept of a bane witch was just incredibly fascinating to me and made reading this book very enjoyable. I also enjoyed Morgyn's writing here. It really suited the genre; it was descriptive and can bring a reader into the world. Also, Morgyn did a great job with Piers' character development, showing her gain her confidence back and come into her own power.
There were great twists and turns in this book that kept me reading. I thought this was a really good mystery thriller. And it's always nice seeing women get revenge.
I can't wait to make my friends read this once it's out!

This book is such a wild ride! Piers transforms from a bad marriage to embracing her Bane Witch powers, and it’s totally gripping. With a charming sheriff and some serious danger around, the tension is off the charts. The author nails the mix of dark vibes and girl power—this book is a must-read for anyone who loves a thrilling story. Grab it and dive in; you won’t regret it!

I have been reading lots of witchy books lately, and loved this story of witches that feed on toxic plants and hunt men who deserve painful deaths. Something about revenge killing just strikes my fancy I guess. I really liked the setting, the clever escape, the characters, but I DO think the relationship between the main character and her love interest felt a little rushed. Understandable with the circumstances but those, too, forced a bit of a hurried ending. Still, very well done and worth the read!!

I enjoyed this book very much. Kept me thoroughly interested through one sitting. Look forward to much more by this author.

I truly truly enjoyed this book! 5 ⭐️s and here’s why!

The concept? Intriguing.
But the execution?? MIND BLOWING.

I was so immersed in this book, I did not want to put it down. Easy to follow, really enjoyed the “magic system” the author introduced. It’s truly unique and I, personally, haven’t read anything like it.

Also as a side note, f Henry.

That is all, 10000/10 recommend, can’t wait to read more by this author!!

**I received a digital ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for this opportunity!**

Rating 3:5 stars
***Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for the ARC ebook.

The plot premise is interesting, and everything is very well paced (especially her fake death to get away from her abusive husband). She's immune to poke berries and uses to escape to her estranged Great Aunt Myrtle's in the mountains. She later discovers that her Picca is a lie from her mother, she's actually a bane witch. Her family is a long line of witches that ingest poisons and uses it to kill evil men.
This book is actually very dark and graphic-- the assaults/rape mentioned frequently, the murders, the search for the serial killers and seeing his POV w/ her magic...very sinister. The book itself was good, but I don't think I was ready for how just abrupt Piers became about embracing her role as a bane witch.

Readers will like this if you like mystery/thrillers. I do think maybe trigger warnings should be included because:
a) (why is the cover so...cute? This book is DARK, and doesn't match the content)
b) lot of heavy topics/graphic things that may be just good to know going into it.

Is this dark? Absolutely! Does it touch on a lot of subjects that could trigger people? For sure. But I loved this book. Maybe because it speaks to my dark, witchy soul. I truly enjoyed that it didn't shy away from the darkness, but instead faced it and its emotional consequences. If you love the idea of serial killers and abusive men meeting a magical family of women who were born to destroy them this book is for you. And I guess I'm that kind of person.

Firstly, we'd like to thank NetGalley and the publisher for generously providing this advanced reader copy in exchange for our honest thoughts.

Synopsis:

Piers Corbin has had weird cravings for poisonous plants since childhood. She’s never fully understood her odd compulsion, though she has been told it's a medical condition. Piers is now an adult and is trapped in an abusive marriage. The only way she feels she’ll be able to escape is by faking her own death and fleeing to her great aunts. Upon arrival to her great aunt Myrtle’s, Piers begins to discover new things about herself & her heritage. Fearing her abusive husband may try to find her and a serial killer who enjoys strangling women on the loose, Piers must learn how to hone her newfound craft and try to save not only herself, but other potential victims as well.

My thoughts:

Highly recommend! I enjoyed the originality of the plot and the author’s unique and creative spin on witches and their craft. From serial killers to romance to witchcraft, this book ate and left no crumbs (pun intended).

The first 2 pages could decide whether you take the plunge or put it down for another day. Interesting, macabre, and imaginative
Sometimes the writer wandered in articulate prose and lost the flow- like 3 "inch frosting on a delicious delicate cake
The main character gets disoriented by her naivete (and crime spree) and then struggles with finding her footing in this dire psycho journey-hopefully her story will get deeper -but it still made for a GREAT read -Looking forward to her next defining saga

Ava Morgyn’s "The Bane Witch" is a captivating and darkly enchanting tale that explores themes of empowerment, legacy, and the complexities of toxic relationships. The story follows Piers Corbin, a woman whose life has been marked by a deep connection to poison—both literal and metaphorical. From a childhood accident involving pokeweed berries to her troubling marriage, Piers's journey is anything but ordinary.

Morgyn’s writing is immersive, weaving a rich tapestry of suspense, magic, and a touch of horror. The concept of the Bane Witches—women who consume poisonous plants to harness their power—adds an intriguing layer to the narrative. Piers's discovery of her birthright and her determination to embrace her family’s legacy is a compelling arc that draws readers in, making us root for her every step of the way.

The setting in the mountains, along with Piers’s relationship with her estranged Aunt Myrtle, adds a cozy yet eerie atmosphere to the story. The café where Piers works becomes a charming backdrop for her transformation, providing moments of lightness amidst the darker themes. Morgyn expertly balances the whimsical with the sinister, creating an engaging tension that keeps you on the edge of your seat.

Piers’s flirtation with the local sheriff is both charming and fraught with tension, serving as a clever distraction from the more sinister elements at play. The romance is well-developed, adding depth to Piers’s character as she navigates her feelings while confronting the very real danger of a serial killer in the area. This duality of love and threat makes for an exhilarating read.

As the plot unfolds, Piers grapples with her identity and the consequences of her actions, leading to moments of introspection that resonate deeply. Morgyn skillfully examines the idea of using poison—not just as a weapon, but as a means of reclaiming power and agency over one’s life.

In conclusion, "The Bane Witch" is a darkly beautiful and thrilling read that will keep you spellbound from beginning to end. Ava Morgyn has crafted a tale that is both haunting and empowering, filled with unforgettable characters and a gripping plot. If you’re looking for a unique blend of magic, mystery, and a touch of romance, this book is a must-read. Prepare to be captivated by Piers's journey as she embraces her dark legacy and finds her place in a world that is as dangerous as it is enchanting!

Thank you to net galley and publishing company for the opportunity to read this in advance.

This book deals with heavy dark themes. Please check your triggers

The magic system and characters kept me turning page after page. I liked how the magic was different for each family member. This was a very good read for me

This was dark and intriguing and I really enjoyed it— the last quarter had my heart pounding! I am a sucker for a later in life finding out you have magical powers story so this was right up my alley.

Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for the arc.

The idea of being a witch and the way in which magic was used in the book was new and interesting, and had a fun twist on being the vessel for ones magic. The book delt with dark concepts and employed them to drive the motivations of the characters and I felt that overall it was executed well. However there was something about the writing style coupled with the slow pace of the book that made it difficult for me to really enjoy. At times it felt like there was a disconnect with the themes at hand and the writing. The darker concepts felt a little disjointed when paired with more light-hearted nature of the writing.<spoiler> As well there was not only themes of DV but a scene where it was discribed however there was no warning of that previous, and while personally that did not bother me I can see that being am issue for other readers.</spoiler>

I want to thank netgalley and the publishers at St. Martin's publishing for providing me the opportunity to read and review this book.