I really enjoyed the first half of this book because it read like a suspenseful thriller. The second half was not quite as strong for me but I still do enjoy it as a whole. A secret coven of witches with power to kill men who harm others - you can’t get any better than that.

Piers has been in an abusive relationship for the last 2 years and has decided the only way out is to fake her death and frame her husband for her murder. Her escape goes relatively well but things keep going wrong until she reaches her aunts place where she finds out she is descended from a long line of bane witches, women who can ingest poison and then kill violent men with it. As her world starts to make sense and she stops freaking out about what she is, she realizes that her powers have called a strangler to her location and she needs to hunt him down...
This was fascinating and dark, I do recommend checking trigger warnings before reading, but this is all about the feminist rage and revenge. I didn't expect to enjoy it this much but the story is really sticking with me.

Like the description said it definitely had the feeling of practical magical and in all the best ways. With an original plot that was fun and easy to follow I'll definitely be recommending to friend as I really loved this one.

I really liked the concept of this book; the feminine rage, the poison ring, the main character coming into her own and embracing her power.

The ending just felt a little lacklustre for me, after all the build up it felt a little flat and passed by so quickly.

Check your content warnings before reading! This book deals with a lot of heavy subjects, specifically SA, child SA, and domestic abuse among others.

i really enjoyed this one. it was dark, kind of creepy and haunting. the writing was beautiful and the storyline was giving practical magic but make it much, much darker. solid book!

The Bane Witch is a captivating fusion of Practical Magic and 'Gone Girl. In this mysterious and enchanting novel, we are introduced to a woman who possesses magical powers and exceptional tracking skills. This contemporary fantasy is deliciously dark and haunting, holding my attention until the final page. From the moment I began reading, I found myself unable to set this book aside.

4.5⭐️ Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Griffin for the free arc in exchange for an honest review.

As someone else pointed out in their review, and a point I wholeheartedly agree with, do not let this book’s cute, colorful, mushroom-riddled cover deceive you. Much like said colorful fungi, while the appearance is alluring, the actual contents are often toxic and poisonous. But I’m definitely not saying the contents of this story are toxic, but the book does tackle some very heavy and potentially triggering topics, so please check those out before diving in.

From the get go, I was drawn in by Ava Morgyn’s hauntingly descriptive prose. And while the premise of badass witches is nothing new, the magic system that Morgyn creates with the consumption of poisonous flora to kill their victims was fascinating. I was thoroughly impressed with Piers’ story/arc. I saw this was marketed as “Gone Girl” meets “Impractical Magic” and I couldn’t agree more. To watch her grow from victim to bane witch was intoxicating and had me devouring page after page. The romantic subplot was also done very well and had Piers taking her sexual power back, without overwhelming the entire story.

I loved the eerie setting and felt completely on edge in the latter third of the book leading up to the climax. But it’s here that the overall rating lost a half a star for me because said climax felt rushed towards the end and seemed to be over in the blink of an eye. However, I essentially read this book in one sitting and struggled to put it down. I will definitely be recommending this book, especially come witchy season!

Themes/Tropes
🍄Gone Girl x Witch assasins
🍄She “unalives” serial killers
🍄Unique magic system
🍄Feminine rage

Thank you @stmartinspress #partner for the gifted copy of this book!

Ooooh I loved this book so much and how about that cover?! 🍄🍄‍🟫 What a pleasant surprise this book was!

Piers Corbin is peculiar in her own way. She has a strong resistance to poisonous things…like berries and mushrooms and as she’s grown up she’s been surrounded by mysterious and strange deaths. It’s not until she’s on the run from her abusive husband that she discovers maybe there is more to her special fondness of these poisonous things. She searches and finds her long lost aunt who fills her in on her bloodline of being a Bane Witch. What’s that you ask? Well it’s women who eat the poisons to use them against men who deserve their own demise! Piers finally feels she’s gaining the strength to make a difference in the world however not before she realizes she’s captured the attention of a serial killer in her neck of the woods. Is she being hunted? Or is she the hunter?

This is the PERFECT book for October! So for all of you witchy book lovers out there add this one to your TBR! This book was so well written and was rich with depth, offering a unique and fresh perspective compared to other books I’ve read lately. I am not going to lie, when I finished this book I most certainly said a little prayer that somehow a long lost witchy relative would show up and my doorstep so we could go take down the bad guys together like Piers did! I couldn’t get enough of the idea of using the poisons to kill others. Ahhh this book was a fun one! I will mention to check out the trigger warnings in this one before you grab it. Domestic violence could be a trigger for some.

Piers Corbin always had an affinity for poisons, and when she fakes her own death to escape her volatile marriage, she discovers it's a legacy within her family. She is Bane Witch, eating deadly plants and using their magic to rid the world of evil men. Piers learns about her family legacy while working at her Aunt Myrtle’s cafe and flirting with the sheriff. She wants to limit his suspicions about the rising body count, but she instead gets the attention of a serial killer. It's time to use her power.

We begin with Piers preparing to fake her death and escape her abusive husband. She suffered under the abuse and decided to go to her aunt, who she last saw as a child. The way was dangerous, and soon Myrtle explains the family legacy. Magic has her eating poisonous plants, concentrating it within her body until she can release it into her mark, someone who preys on women and children. It's a legacy hidden from her until now, and she has to reconcile the need to protect innocent women and her desire for an ordinary life. Relatives she never knew will enforce the secrecy if they must.

Piers feels helpless in the beginning, especially when she doesn't know what happened and why. She reacts in disbelief when she finds out the truth, just as we would if we heard such a thing. Her introduction into her family secret is rapid and she has a short time limit to prove herself. At the same time, police look into her disappearance, which she deliberately did to make it look like she had been murdered by her abusive husband. All of it comes full circle until we see her not only accept this gift but try to hunt the serial killer that was in the news. While she isn't a professional by any means, she has grown from the fearful woman she was in the beginning of the novel. Hers is a painful and dangerous story, one that makes me wish bane witches were real.

Ubfortunately, this was a DNF for me. This book contains some pretty graphic themes of rape and domestic violence which I am not comfortable reading about

This book took me on a journey I didn’t expect. The Bane Witch is a perfect mix of eerie, small-town supernatural drama and deeper themes of female rage and reclaiming power. At times, there were moments that felt campy—one character in particular had that fun, over-the-top energy—but overall, the book leans into something darker and more emotionally intense.

It’s like Twin Peaks meets True Blood, but it also has the emotional depth of Virgin River, especially in the way it explores the tension between Piers, a woman trying to start over, and the local sheriff, who challenges both her past and her future.

Piers was such an interesting protagonist, and I loved following her story. But with so many threats closing in on her, it sometimes felt like a lot to juggle emotionally. Just when she overcame one challenge, another would immediately take its place. It kept the tension high but also made the book feel relentless at times.

That said, this book completely delivered on both the atmospheric, witchy vibes and the deeper emotional weight. The abuse and violence were hard to read at points, but they felt essential to the story rather than gratuitous.

Overall, this was an immersive, gripping read that stuck with me. A dark, compelling take on witchcraft and power. 4 stars.

The Bane Witch by Ava Morgan is a captivating, darkly enchanting paranormal romance that pulls readers into a world of magic, danger, and irresistible chemistry. Set against a backdrop of witches, ancient curses, and simmering tension, the book offers an enticing mix of romance, action, and supernatural intrigue.

The story follows a strong-willed and complex protagonist who is a witch with a powerful curse tied to her magical abilities. Morgan does an excellent job of establishing the stakes early on, weaving a narrative full of suspense and mystery that keeps you hooked from the first page. The world-building is rich and immersive, with a well-crafted magical system that feels both original and grounded in familiar tropes. The author skillfully balances the supernatural elements with the emotional arcs of the characters, creating a dynamic and engaging atmosphere.

The protagonist, who is both fierce and vulnerable, is incredibly relatable. Her internal struggles with her curse and her place in a world full of supernatural threats make her journey emotionally compelling. The romance in The Bane Witch is slow-burning and full of tension, with the chemistry between the leads palpable throughout the novel. There’s an undeniable attraction that builds gradually, making the moments of connection all the more intense and rewarding.

Morgan’s writing is evocative, drawing readers into the story with vivid descriptions and well-paced action. The book doesn’t shy away from darker themes, creating a gritty, immersive world where danger is always lurking. The emotional depth of the characters and their relationships adds weight to the narrative, making it more than just a typical paranormal romance.

One of the standout features of The Bane Witch is its ability to balance action and romance. While there are plenty of thrilling moments filled with danger and suspense, the emotional and romantic elements never feel overshadowed. The stakes are high, and the tension builds throughout the story, culminating in a satisfying and thrilling conclusion.

That said, some readers might find the plot a bit predictable at times, especially if they're familiar with the genre, but the well-executed character development and world-building more than make up for it.

Overall, The Bane Witch is a spellbinding read that will appeal to fans of paranormal romance with a darker edge. Ava Morgan has created a world brimming with magic, mystery, and heart-pounding tension. The book delivers an engaging, emotional, and thoroughly enjoyable experience, making it a must-read for anyone who enjoys a strong heroine, steamy romance, and supernatural suspense.

This book was really hard to read at times. It has some difficult topics. It is a little slow to start although a lot is happening but you can get invested quickly.

When I first saw this cover I thought it was a cozy witchy book. THIS IS NOT THAT. It is dark and has many trigger warnings. Be sure to check them out.
The Bane Witch is a hypnotic blend of dark magic, feminine rage, and pulse-pounding suspense.
Piers Corbin is no ordinary witch—she’s a poison eater, a Bane Witch, trained in the deadly art of ridding the world of evil men. After she fakes her own death to escape her abusive husband, she stays with her Aunt Myrtle where she learns the ways of being a Bane Witch. And when a serial killer sets his sights on her, it becomes an electrifying game of predator and prey.
With every poisonous kiss, The Bane Witch leaves you hungry for more.

I was unsure how to rate this one. I really enjoyed the first half of this, but felt the second half ended up falling kinda flat. I felt the pacing was a bit odd and that ended up being quite distracting. Overall, I think this one was a bit of a miss for me personally, but i did enjoy the beginning!

This kept me intrigued and guessing until the last page. Empowering, heartbreaking and tense, The Bane Witch is a fantastic read.

Wow- I could not stop reading this book! An incredibly dark fantasy that follows bane witches, a specialized group of women who can ingest poisonous plants to kill deserving men. This book had me on the edge of my seat. It has magic, murder, and female empowerment. Thank you NetGalley for this ARC!

CW: sexual assault, abusive relationships

From the title I had an entirely other idea of what this novel might be, but it delivered in a very different and fantastic way. Piers, the main character, fakes her own death and from there we descend into a complex twisty thriller full of revenge and feminine rage with a matriarchal hereditary line of ‘bane witches’..

Pitched as Practical Magic meets Gone Girl - I would offer it could be also Weyward meets Mayfair Witches. I loved the looming danger in the darkness, the kiss of an impossible romance, the clock ticking on the pursuit, and the overarching politics of the organization of witches. Bane Witch has a slower pace, close to the main character Piers but not a ponderous one. From the initial jump out of her bad situation, the layers of the story reveal more complexity as she gets closer to her self-awareness and discovery of who she really is and what that means.

The sprinkle of poison really adds a great dimension to the book, giving these witches a specific heritage and making the book rise above with uniqueness. Not to give too much away, when the abilities of the witches are revealed, it’s not so much an ah-ha as a heck-ya, let’s go. I’m equal parts cheering and concerned for Piers, and as much as I’m concerned I’m also afraid of her. The blend is such bliss. 

The writing too, is lovely, with lush descriptions and close thoughts. The botanical elements take it to the next level. There is an obvious deft hand creating the immersive world.

If you’re looking for an innovative thriller with a healthy dose of unique magic and witch-lore this is your book.

Fans of Mayfair Witches, Discovery of Witches, and Weyward should not miss. 

Thanks to @Netgalley and @StMartinsPress for an advanced reading copy.

THE BANE WITCH is a dark, angry, violent take on the green witch story and I loved all of those things about it. Female rage is a powerful thing and especially in this time, this space, we need to embrace it not only in reality but also in fantasy if we are going to stay strong and keep ourselves, and one another, safe.
Piers is a survivor in every sense of the word and while we may not all share her experiences we share the result: social and emotional trauma wrought upon women by men and the hopelessness that comes with knowing we may never see justice. In the world of the novel, however, there is justice and it is brought by a group of special women on behalf of other women and that’s both a very powerful symbol and a powerful motivator; those of us stuck here in the US in 2025 may not be able to convert toxins into a weapon but we can have one another’s backs, speak up for those in danger, and say something when we see something.
There were a few times throughout where I felt a little slammed over the head by the exposition and a couple of places where there was room for trimming but this an ARC so that very well may have happened prior to the book going to print. I would have also liked to see a couple of trans women included in the family but not every book can fight all the battles and internet. Overall an excellent read, Do recommend.

This should have trigger warnings. I liked the premise, I just feel I was completely struck by the detailed amount of abuse in this book.