Ahhh this book was like a dark practical magic! I was really enraptured from the very first page. I really liked the writing style. The authors creates a wonderfully dark tragic story that follows Piers on her way to self discover and empowerment. I think the magic of coming from a line of witches who use poison was very unique. The only thing stopping me from a full 5 stars is I wish I had trigger warnings before hand. That being said a fantastic read for spooky season.

Thank you for the gifted ebook.

I wanted to like this and I really just...didn't. Promising premise absolutely ruined by a childish main character and an author who seems to have no idea how to actually pay off the stakes she set up . I got the sense that the moral uncertainty about being a killer of terrible people was supposed to weigh on Piers but mostly she just runs back and forth between accepting her powers and yelling about them to her great aunt. She doesn't seem to take any of what she learns about being a witch into account when it comes to making any decisions, and if the lead doesn't care, why should I?
If an event was supposed to have an impact, show the impact.

If villains are supposed to be scary and difficult, MAKE them scary and difficult, not easy to kill in a paragraph.

If the coven and the other witches are so important, then offing one of the main witches should be a big fucking deal, not something that happens like 70% in and is brushed off like a minor inconvenience.
The first two thirds of this book was tense and suspenseful, and then the last third resolves in something akin to a wet fart. Can't recommend, and probably will not read another Ava Morgyn book unless she proves she knows how to deliver payoffs.

This book is described as Practical Magic meets Gone Girl. While I've read neither book, Practical Magic is one of my favorite movies so, I knew I wanted to read this. I'm so glad I was approved for the eARC.

The cover might allure you into believing this a cozy, witchy novel. Do not be fooled. The story is filled with dark, poisonous, things. We follow Piers as she fakes her own death to escape her abusive husband and journeys to seek shelter with the only family she met once as a child. Tucked away in a small town, surrounded by they woods, and with Aunt Myrtle's guidance, Piers discovers she descends from a long line of witches that ingest poisonous things to eliminate the world of deadly male predators. With the knowledge of her heritage and teachings from her aunt, Piers transforms from prey, to huntress.

I found the Bane Witch powers intriguing. I loved the concept of a family of women using their powers to protect other women. I read a lot of high fantasy and romantasy, so it did take me a minute to get my head out of my last fantasy world. But once I got thru Piers's flashes of childhood and traumatic backstory, I could not put this book down. It was a welcome change in genre for me.

Additionally, some readers may need to be aware that there were no trigger warnings listed, but based on the movie and what I know about the other book, I anticipated the D.V. and S.A. themes. There was also talks of su!c!d€, ch!d s.a. (off-page), and of course, unal!v!ng.

Piers Corbin is a Bane Witch: a witch with the power to consume deadly plants and get rid of evil men. If that doesn't hook you, I don't know what will! I’m absolutely in love with this concept. Recently divorced, Piers is working at her aunt’s café when she catches the eye of the local sheriff while trying to take down a serial killer.

Justice is something that often escapes us in the real world, and what I love about magic and fantasy, is that I can escape into a world where women have the power to seek their justice. I think that is the biggest appeal of The Bane Witch; however, I wouldn't necessarily categorize this as feminist. It's more like feminine justice/feminine rage, with women taking down men who deserve it. Piers left an abusive marriage, and this book is about her journey in reclaiming her power, not just as a woman, but as a witch with the ability to do something about men like her husband.

I loved this book. It's going to stick with me for a long time.

Thank you so much to Netgalley and the publisher for an arc copy of this book!!!

★★★★☆
The Bane Witch (Ava Morgyn - releasing 03.18.2025)
e-ARC Review

✧ Read with me ✧ Instagram ✧| @haileydianereads

A massive thank you to NetGalley, St. Martin’s Griffin, St. Martin’s Press & author Ava Morgyn for the e-ARC in exchange for my honest book review! 🥰🙌

“A very little poison can do a world of good.” 🍄 🌱

“Exposure - we operate in the shadows. It’s the only way. The world as we know it has long festered a hatred of women, let alone witches, a hatred for everything we are and stand for. There is nothing it despises more than a woman with power. We are everything they want to eliminate. And we exist by living and killing covertly.” 🌿 🩸

This book is perfect for readers who enjoy…
- Dark mystery/thrillers with magical elements
- Unique takes on witches
- Female rage
- Finding your power and purpose tropes
- Gone Girl meets Practical Magic

CONTENT WARNING: I do want to provide a content warning for readers. This book deals heavily with domestic violence and sexual assault.

First, I just want to say that this book was out of my typical genre selection. I am guilty of judging a book by its cover and definitely was under the impression that this wasn’t going to be as dark and suspenseful as it turned out to be. However, I did enjoy the book (even if I was terrified at moments). For mystery/suspense/thriller fans, you will not be disappointed. Additionally, this is the first book I’ve read by Ava Morgyn and I think she has immense talent for creating a setting that you get caught up in, even a little lost, and characters that you are genuinely afraid to encounter.

RATING SYSTEM: I rate my books by 5 literary element groupings: plot and pacing, characters and development, setting and world building, dialogue and writing style. See below for a full review:

📖Plot and Pacing
Ava Morgyn delivers a fast-paced suspenseful dark fantasy that tells the story of a Bane Witches. The originality that Morgyn brings to this story is refreshing, but note, as I previously mentioned, it is rather dark. The story follows Piers Corbin who, from a young age, can’t ignore her cravings for pokeberries. Through a series of events, Piers finds herself desperate to attempt anything that might bring her a fresh start and provide justice for everything she has endured for the last few years. Bane Witches are hunters who use their very specific type of magic to rid the world of evil men. Readers can expect a harrowing novel that gives power to women who understand the role they play in providing safety for others and, at times, themselves. The pacing of this book is quick, yet detailed. Personally, I finished this book in a matter of days. I would’ve consumed it quicker had I not already made plans for the evenings. I did not want to put it down.

🧞‍♀️Characters and Development
Character development is really saved for Piers, herself. While we are introduced to a cast of characters from her past and present, the main focus on growth is concentrated on Piers. At the beginning readers see Pier’s despair, however her evolution into a woman with true power and the confidence to take charge of her life rather than simply hiding from her past comes much later in the plot. Throughout the chapters, readers are privy to her internal struggle and self-doubt, but she is never portrayed as helpless which I truly appreciate for many reasons. Her power may have been lying dormant, but Piers is only at the beginning of her true evolution.

🌇Setting and World Building
From Charleston to the Adirondacks, it is evident that Morgyn is not afraid of settings. This novel is set in a modern time as our main character charts her desperate path to autonomy, doing anything necessary to make it to her Great Aunt Myrtle’s home upstate. Morgyn is gifted at ensuring the reader is transported along this journey as a companion to Piers. The motor inn and cafe quickly provide a sanctuary for both to rest in as readers see what unfolds next. However, don’t let your guard down because there is much more happening in the trails and forests than the reader might expect.

🗣️Dialogue
At times, the dialogue in this book is terrifying and at other times it is more informative in nature. I think it is well executed and the dialogue for each character seems fitting for their interactions. I don’t want to give anything away with this story, so I will just say that the reader learns a lot about all of the characters through dialogue and internal monologues. Both are well crafted.

📝Writing Style
Wow. I really want to applaud Morgyn for her ability to not only structure sentences well and provide detailed descriptions of the events as they unfold, but also her ability to craft such a suspenseful narrative. With this book, I feel like readers don’t have to compromise splendid writing for psychological edge. Again, this is the first book I’ve read by her, but, in my opinion, it was well executed and gripping.

❉BONUS❉: Emotional Connection
I feel like the emotional connection that most readers will find with this book, and the one I had, is the pure female rage that exists at certain points throughout the novel. The visceral reaction readers may have to the in-depth descriptions of violence committed against women is genuinely heartbreaking. While the words are hard to read, they are necessary. Many victims of sexual and domestic assault never have their stories told and the lack of advocacy and legal protection should invoke rage in everyone. While it may be unsettling to sit with, it is the reality that many women deal with daily.

😤The Flaws
Given that this novel is outside of my typical genre selection, I feel like I struggle more to find many critiques. Honestly, this book was well written and compelling. One flaw that I found, and is a typical complaint of mine, I wanted a bit more closure at the end of the book. Without providing any spoilers, the readers go on such an emotional journey that I really wanted an epilogue (maybe one is coming in the final published book). I’ve not seen any indication that this book will be the beginning of a series, but maybe an announcement is coming. The other flaw I kept going back to is a plot point, so I won’t discuss it in detail. I will just say that I feel like at times Piers’s powers or perception seem to fail her and it’s never explored as to why.

Overall, although I wasn’t the typical audience for this genre, I really enjoyed it. I may have been shielded by my covers with tense shoulders, but even with the suspense level higher than my comfort, I am so glad I read this book and pushed my genre boundaries.

Gratitude, always.
- H.

With a fresh take on magic and power, this book had me hooked from the start!

When Piers Corbin fakes her death to escape a dangerous marriage, she takes refuge with her great aunt, only to discover her affinity for poison isn’t just a quirk. She finds herself entangled in a serial killer hunting in the shadows.

The history and rituals of the Bane Witches were one of my favorite parts! It was done so well!

The suspense was gripping for both aspects of the story, her transformation and the presence of the killer!

This book was darker than I expected!!

Thank you St Martins Press and NetGalley for the ARC.

This was a perfect mix of suspenseful story telling on the cusp of being cozy and whimsical. The story is fast paced, keeps you guessing, and had a bad ass FMC.

I always enjoy witch stories, especially if they do things that I don't see as much in the witch fiction I consume, and THE BANE WITCH caught my eye because of the promise of poison magic and disposing of dangerous men with said magic. We have Piers, a woman fleeing an abusive marriage and returning to the community her family has lived within for generations (though she and her mother left when she was young after what Piers thought was a freak accident), and discovering she comes from a line of bane witches. I love the magical system of Bane Witches consuming poisonous substnaces and plants, and then sending the poison to men that they are drawn to due to their predatory natures. I liked the suspense as Piers tries to come into her own while being on the run AND while dealing with a serial killer (who may be her 'mark', as she can feel his presence as it grows stronger). I also liked the witch mythos and the darker elements of trauma and misogyny, and was definitely worried about Piers staying safe as things get more dangerous and out of control. I will say that things got a little off the rails by the end, and that sometimes Piers made choices that didn't seem like the kind she would make based on what we saw her do previously. But overall, I enjoyed this thriller with a touch of poison magic.

From the first page I was drawn into this world. Poison is the theme and it’s both a curse and a weapon. It’s life force and redemption.

A story of feminine rage and a powerful message of knowing your own worth.

This is my first Ava Morgan read and it won’t be my last, y’all!

{I was gifted a complimentary copy of this book. All reviews are my own.}

What a novel....plot line. The term 'bane,' while primarily signaling destruction, harm, or death, is sometimes open to interpretation. But not here. Ava Morgan introduces readers to family, estranged in many ways, who share an ability that allows them to eat poison.....death.....that generates the "power" to kill those men who have earned an early death. The story is dark, this is not a sleeping beauty tale where the men wake up reformed. It winds through the life of Piers Corbin, who never realized that her destiny would pull these men to her and use her talents to punish them. It was a very engrossing tale as the story builds Piers' future from a young age to the joining of her family's purpose.

Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC!
4.5 stars
A group of vigilante witches who kill evil men? YES. This book was marketed as a cross between practical magic and gone girl and that is such a perfect description. I loved this book. It’s dark and twisted and not for the faint of heart. I loved our FMC and her development throughout the book. Highly recommend!

The synopsis for The Bane Witch by Ava Morgyn does not do it justice by a long shot. This was a lot darker than I thought it would be, but I absolutely loved it – mostly. While the story is solid, and the characters feel real, like someone we can connect to, there are definitely parts where it stumbles. Readers absolutely need to be cognizant of content warnings for this book for intimate partner violence and sexual assault.

There are a few overt and underlying plots we follow. For the overt, Piers escaping her husband, and a serial killer targeting women in her aunt’s hometown. The serial killer plot line was, for me, the biggest letdown. I almost could’ve done without it. Yes, it gave a reason for Piers to be around Regis, but there was no payoff at the end. It didn’t feel like anything was really accomplished. The end of that plot felt inconsequential to everything else that happened in the story. I didn’t feel like it enhanced anything, it’s just something that happened in parallel to everything else. Piers escaping her husband, however, should have been the major plot our story followed. We’ve spent the entire story building up a connection to Piers, to understanding the horrors she lived through, but her story and connection to Henry falls to the wayside in favor of the serial killer plot.

There was solid world-building, though I thought it was interesting that they completely missed out on including Giulia Tofana into the lore considering how prevalent her aqua tofana was (or rumored to be.) Considering this is a standalone, as far as I know, spending so much time building this world, the lore behind it, the rules, felt a little like filler. The idea behind how their abilities work, and the impact it has on all relationships with men (fathers, sons, lovers, brothers) was really well explained. It showcased just how isolated the bane witches are, how much they sacrifice. On the flip side, I don’t think knowing about class types added anything. It could easily have been explained as each woman has a preference. The class types seemed to be a way to explain Piers having to go after the serial killer, but again, if that plot was nixed in favor of Henry, it wouldn’t have mattered. But, since we do have all of this background information, I would love to see follow-ups in this world, possibly following Piers and her marks or other members’ hunts.

The writing was beautiful, for the most part, but then included some weird similes/visuals that really did not fit with the vibe. It seemed to correspond almost with the pacing issues. The beginning had some really great quotes and writing. This is where the pacing was perfect. It didn’t rush through explanations, nor did it linger in situations. It simply flowed. Then, for the last quarter of the book, the writing and pacing seemed to slip. So much happened all at once that it passed in a blur. This where the multiple storylines really hindered the narrative. There was no time to breath and process one thing when two or three things came right behind.

The Bane Witch by Ava Morgyn, despite it’s hectic fumble at the end, was a really great read. I think if you are a fan of domestic thrillers and enjoy just a little fit of paranormal, you’ll enjoy this. I think I’d also recommend it for folks that enjoy women’s literature.

📖 Title: The Bane Witch- a standalone

✍🏾 Author: Ava Morgyn-Read The Witches of Bone Hill-4 ⭐

📅Publication date: 3-18-25 | Read 3-16-25

📃 Format: eBook 368 pgs.

Genre:
*Fantasy
*Mystery/Thriller
*Paranormal/ Romance

Tropes:
*witches
*magical realism
*family legacy
*vengeance/vigilantes

👆🏾POV: 1st person single, Piers

⚠️TW: fake suicide-mentioned, SA, toxic mother-h, serial killer, DV

🌎 Setting: Charleston to New York

Summary: Piers "kills" her former self to escape her diabolical husband. She finds her great aunt's place as a refuge that turns into education.

👩🏾 Heroine: Piers Corbin AKA Ms. Acacia Lee- 30, was an interior designer.

👨🏾 Hero: Sheriff Regis-meets Acacia while she's hitchhiking and is nice to her

🎭 Other Characters:

* Henry Davenport-Piers's husband
* Lily-Piers's mom (deceased)
* Myrtle-Piers's great aunt
* Angel-Piers's grandmother
* Laurel- Piers's Great Grandmother
* Officers Emil Reyes and Will-investigators for Piers's "death"


🤔 My Thoughts: The romance was secondary to Piers' gift. She grew up afraid of what she could do, not understanding its true purpose-to kill bad men and protect women and children. I didn't like when all the family bane witches got together to decide Piers's fate and trash her mother. If anything, they should have stuck together to help her knowing how terrible life could be for them. Sacrificing their children and putting themselves in danger was the bane witch legacy-a sad but necessary one.

Rating: 5/5 ✨
Spice level 2/5 🌶️

🙏🏾Thanks to NetGalley, St. Martin's Press| St. Martin's Griffin, and Ava Morgyn for this ARC! I voluntarily give my honest review, and all opinions are my own.

I can't even count how many times I've watched Practical Magic—it's definitely one of my all-time favorites! So, when I came across The Bane Witch by Ava Morgyn, which promised to blend the vibes of Practical Magic and Gone Girl, I couldn't wait to dive in. This small-town murder mystery is packed with a unique magic system, family secrets, feminine rage, and revenge, and I found myself racing through the pages as the suspense built. Just a heads up, though—this book does explore darker themes, so make sure to check the trigger warnings before getting started.

I really enjoyed the magic system involving the consumption of poisonous plants; it felt fresh and engaging without being complicated. Each witch had her own choice of poison, which added a delightful layer of variety to their abilities. Plus, the lore about how the bane witches originated was a fantastic touch that enriched the whole experience.

Most of the story follows the FMC, with some switches to another character, which gave me the feeling of being in two different "worlds." The author did a great job creating these distinct environments. That said, the shifts in perspective would sometimes catch me off guard and momentarily pull me from the narrative, so I thought it was worth mentioning for those sensitive to POV changes.

The characters really stood out to me, feeling so genuine throughout the novel. While that made some parts more heartbreaking and frustrating, it also amplified the happy moments, making them even more special. My personal favorites were Myrtle and Ed—their dynamics with the main character really resonated with me.

Ava Morgyn knocked it out of the park with the villain; he’s definitely going to stick with me for a while. His despicable acts and the emotional turmoil they sparked in both the main character and myself were haunting. I have to hand it to the author for crafting such an effective antagonist that made me so freaking uncomfortable.

There were some moments where I felt the writing was a bit over the top, which made me wish we had more room to savor the big revelations at the end. Everything did come together, but after all the buildup, I found myself wanting a bit more time to see it all unfold.

Overall, I really enjoyed The Bane Witch! It definitely delivered on those Practical Magic and Gone Girl vibes, and I’m definitely interested in reading more from this series.

Thanks to Netgalley & Ava Morgyn for the gifted ARC.

RELEASE DATE: 03/18/2025

The Bane Witch by Ava Morgyn drew me in with its stunning cover and title alone. I didn’t even need to know what it was about, I just knew I wanted to read it. And after reading the synopsis, I was all in. This book delivers feminine rage and justice at its finest.

Our FMC Piers Corbin has always been drawn to poison, from the deadly berries she ate as a child to the men who have shaped her life. This includes a husband whose dark nature has become dangerous. When she fakes her own death to escape him and flees to her estranged great aunt in the mountains, she discovers that her fascination isn’t just a quirk but a legacy. As a Bane Witch, she comes from a long line of women who consume poison and use their magic to eliminate evil men. While working at her aunt’s café and charming the local sheriff to deflect suspicion, Piers embraces her deadly inheritance.

The descriptions of nature and the setting of her aunt’s cottage at Crow Lake feel like stepping into a dark fairytale. I especially loved the chapter titles, which added to the book’s eerie and immersive tone. This book gives the same atmospheric energy as Weyward by Emilia Hart, Those Fatal Flowers by Shannon Ives, The Witches of El Paso by Luis Jaramillo, The Vanishing Bookstore by Helen Phifer, and The Peculiar Garden of Harriet Hunt by Chelsea Iversen.

I was completely gripped from start to finish. A story steeped in coming-of-age struggles, dark natural settings, witchy vibes, and feminine vigilante justice is everything I could want.

Thank you NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for this eARC!

Ava Morgyn’s The Bane Witch is a dark and mesmerizing tale of survival, power, and vengeance. Piers Corbin, a woman with an innate attraction to poison, escapes her abusive marriage by faking her own death and seeking refuge with her estranged great-aunt. There, she uncovers a shocking truth—she is a Bane Witch, part of a lineage of women who consume deadly plants to rid the world of men who deserve their fate. Morgyn’s lush prose and atmospheric storytelling pull readers into a world where danger lurks in both the natural and supernatural realms.

The novel masterfully balances its gothic elements with modern feminist themes, making Piers a compelling protagonist. Her transformation from a woman on the run to a force of reckoning is both satisfying and chilling. The small-town setting, with its eerie undertones, adds to the suspense, especially as Piers' actions attract the attention of a serial killer who may be more dangerous than she anticipated. Her interactions with the local sheriff add an interesting dynamic, as their flirtation serves as both a distraction and a potential complication in her deadly mission.

While the novel’s premise is unique and enthralling, the pacing occasionally falters, particularly in the middle where Piers' self-discovery overshadows the tension of the main conflict. Still, The Bane Witch is a gripping read that blends horror, fantasy, and vengeance into a captivating narrative. With its rich world-building and morally complex characters, this book is perfect for those who enjoy dark fantasy with a bite.

The Bane Witch was a fascinating, dark read. What’s not to love about a story where women ingest deadly plants in order to eliminate truly awful men from the world. I also want to mention the cover right away as it’s absolutely captivating. I picked up this book based on the cover alone without reading any of the blurb. I appreciated how Morgyn approached her world building and how well developed the magic system was in this book. I also loved how complex the characters were. One thing that really stood out was how the FMC believed she was suffering from pica with not knowing her familial history and how well thought out that was. I also felt that Morgyn did an excellent job weaving different plot lines into one cohesive story. This was the fantasy/mystery/thriller mash up I didn’t know I needed.

This started off a little slow, then picked up and caught my interest, then slowed down and lost it again, and never quite recovered. But good for her, I think.

Piers escapes an abusive marriage by faking her death and taking shelter with her estranged aunt. But after a mysterious and violent death she unwittingly causes, Piers learns about her family’s legacy as bane witches who are able to absorb poison from deadly/harmful plants and use them to kill evil men. When a serial killer threatens the area, Piers has to learn how to use her abilities to stop him and confront her past.

Tbh I was a little iffy about this starting out because the fantasy aspects were pretty light starting out and still were by the end, and I think I was imagining a different kind of story from the cover. It’s definitely women’s fiction mixed with thriller with a pinch of magic. And with the ending, it’s not really a mystery since there’s not really a way for the reader to figure things out:

I wasn’t super swept by the beginning as it was a bit slow and info-dumpy (with lots of trigger warnings I was not expecting, including domestic violence, SA, death, and mentions of a lot more including child SA, which I’m not sure were that necessary considering how they were used a bit superficially). When the concept of bane witches were introduced it finally caught my attention and I thought they were so interesting along with their powers and purpose. But then the middle was slow, and eventually Piers made quite a bit of nonsensical decisions that it felt like she was getting pulled along by the plot rather than being a fully-formed character. I felt like she was more compelling at the beginning and I understand the arc she’s going through of rejecting then accepting her legacy, but the in-between was muddled and didn’t make a lot of sense to me. She’s also supposed to be in her thirties but sometimes she felt a bit immature. And the climax felt like it happened suddenly and then ended just as abruptly, like there was build up, but not that creation of tension leading right up to it.

The writing wasn’t bad though there were some weird similes I didn’t get (breasts were compared to apples twice, which is… interesting. Trying not to side-eye that).

Most of the men in this book were awful so I didn’t feel bad about what happened to them, but if you’re looking for thoughtful/nuanced commentary on violence committed against women by men, I don’t think you’ll really find that here. Everything was pretty cut and dried here. A bit white-feminism coded, but I won’t hold it against this book because it feels like it wasn’t trying to dig deep into this topic, but I would’ve liked more, considering how heavy some of the topics were.

This was fine. If you liked Weyward or feminine rage books with some magic, then you might like this. I wouldn’t recommend picking this up based solely on the cover.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the eARC!

I loved the dark and unique take on witches and the intriguing magic system! The combination of fantasy and mystery thriller made it an engaging read. On top of that, it's always a joy to read about female empowerment and female rage.

The characters were great and I enjoyed following Piers' journey of self-growth and self-discovery. The pacing did slow down in the middle of the book which I struggled a bit but overall, this would be the perfect read during fall and spooky season. It does tackle on some heavy topics, so please check the trigger warnings beforehand!

Thank you so much to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for the ARC!

yooooo Ava Morgyn got me again with these cutesy covers!

This is a dark and twisted story of vigilante witches who poison evil men. Honestly, this was so much fun and very creepy. Maybe I'm messed up for thinking it was fun? But I was so along for the ride and loved all the bane witches. The magic system was very well thought out and the suspense and pacing was great. This is a story that immediately pulls you in and doesn't let you go until it's over.