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.

The story is a MUCH darker practical magic. Be prepared for tiggers of s.a., faked suicide, poison long and “addiction” to poisonous plants. Unfortunately this one just isn’t for me. The story is pretty good but I can’t personally get past the s.a. Shaun’s our FMC. Thank you for the opportunity.

“A very little poison can do a world of good. It’s all about how you apply it.”

Summary: Piers Davenport is a poison eater. But the thing is, when she eats something poisonous, someone else ends up dying instead. Her whole life, she’s been drawn to toxic things, including her husband who has threatened to kill her -and attempted to- on more than one occasion. Piers decides to fake her own death to finally escape him. When she goes to live with her estranged aunt, she finds out that she comes from a long line of bane witches- woman who can store toxins inside their body and then unleash them on others. With a murderous husband searching for her (convinced she’s still alive), a serial killer being drawn in by her magic, and an attractive town sheriff suspicious of the poisoned bodies that all seem to connect back to her, Piers is about to find out that she escaped one monster…just to end up in the sights of another.

Review: This book was absolutely incredible. When it comes to witchy books, this might be one of my favorites that I’ve ever read. While it does compare a lot to the vibes of Practical Magic (aka one of my favorite movies of all time,) the premise and the magic system are both so unique, that you enjoy the Practical Magic vibes while still reading a story that is entirely its own. This book was very empowering, and I was connected to our main character from the very beginning. It was extremely interesting to read about how the magic worked for each member of her family, and it just really made me jealous that I can’t be a poison eating witch that lives in a forest and hunts down bad guys.

There is a bit of romance in this story, though I personally feel the main focus is more on the plot and background of the characters. If you are looking for a fall read with witches, a cute sheriff, a serial killer who is getting closer and closer, a bunch of bad men who end up dead at the hands of powerful women, and a unique and interesting storyline, this is the book for you.

This novel needs a fair amount of trigger warnings: domestic abuse, SA, choking, rape, unaliving (self and others), miscarriage, emesis (so so much of this because, poisonings), parent loss, and more I’m sure I’m forgetting.

If you can manage all of that, then you should absolutely read on.

Non-spoiler review: It’s dark - really dark. It’s also good - really good. I’d recommend this for anyone who roots for a good feminist coven revenge story and the downfall of predatory men.

Main tropes: good vs. evil, women vs. men, family vs. outsiders, forbidden romance, small town spookiness, forest, serial killer.


SPOILERS AHEAD************


SA and spousal abuse is normally a no-go for me and I’ll DNF a book rather than read that, but for this novel it’s a necessary element to understanding what the bane witches’ role is in this world.

Piers is a witch who doesn’t know she’s a witch. What’s more, she’s a bane witch and that means she can eat poisonous plants that other humans can’t. Her mother hid her true nature from her in an effort to protect her and allow her to live a life unburdened by her powers - and what those powers call her to do.

It all begins to come to the surface after Piers fakes her own death in order to escape her abusive husband. She travels to a small, rural New York village to find her aunt Myrtle who is the only family she has left. In no time, Piers begins to learn more about who - and what - she is.

I think a lot of us would find ourselves in a simlar quandry as Piers: resist the powers you possess because they go against your lifelong way of thinking, or accept what your are and what you’re here to do. The latter requires you to change how you view the world.

As a coven, I find this type of witch and magic to be really unique. I’ve not read anything else quite like it. The way they protect the whole at all costs is not unfamiliar, but their way of relating to each other is.

I love that there’s no sense of entitlement among the witches in terms of longevity. They’re fully aware of their vulnerability and go to great lengths to protect themselves, but are under no dilusion that they are just as succeptible to death as those they hunt. It makes them more realistic.

Really, my only gripe with this book is a certain aspect of the writing style. Most of the chapters start off with you not really knowing whose POV you’re hearing and I often had to go back and re-read the first paragraph or two once it became clear. About four chapters in I was getting kind of frustrated with it, but then something happened and it grew on me. It made sense with the story somehow. It became part of the ongoing puzzle.



Thanks to the publisher, St. Martin’s Griffin, for providing this e-ARC via NetGalley.

This sounded like the perfect fall read....but it was not for me. It was darker than I am used to and I could have used a few trigger warnings for some scenes.

I did like the idea of poison witches. Totally new concept on magic and how to deal with bad people.

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for the ARC of The Bane Witch!

After escaping her abusive husband Piers Corbin heads to the only family she has left, a great-aunt she has only met once. After a harrowing journey to get to Aunt Myrtle, Piers learns there is more about herself than she ever dared to imagine and she is stronger than she ever dared to dream.

This book is so unique and engaging! Oftentimes I hate the comparisons to other books that publishing companies come up with to market their books but "Gone Girl meets Practical Magic" is very fitting to describe this book. Piers's struggle to survive is harrowing to read but also so engrossing. I couldn't put this one down. The characters are well-developed and the setting is perfectly scary with the wild forest and a killer on the loose.

I HIGHLY recommend this book but please review the trigger warnings.

This was my first mystery thriller and without a doubt I will be reading more, because this was so entertaining! This story was full of twists and suspense, an absolute page turner - I was on the edge of my seat the whole time. The magic system was so interesting and unlike anything I’ve read to date. The origin of these witches and the traditions they’ve held through the years is fascinating.

The FMC and her journey is gripping, everything she has been through and to come out on the other side as she does. A powerful new woman with a purpose. I really enjoyed seeing all the connections she forges along the way and the evolution of how she forges them as she familiarizes herself with this new way of life. All the connections felt so well flushed out and I felt like their personalities were all so evident.

I liked getting the alternate POV of the ongoing investigation but felt like a little something was maybe missing once it all came together. As I sit here analyzing back, I feel like there were implications made by providing this POV that didn’t necessarily come to fruition. While I am not entirely sure what I even think that could have been, I was expecting something. Nonetheless it gave vital insight to the other side of Piers’ story and why she has done what she’s done.

Morgyn’s writing is incredibly descriptive, allowing me to truly envision everything on the page but done so well that it didn’t feel like fluff or filler to me. It was a perfect balance.

I will say it was more graphic than I was expecting, and it made the story incredibly captivating/suspenseful but trigger warnings should absolutely be included. Gone Girl gives you some idea of what to expect, but a clear list would be beneficial as well!

Looking for a cozy, witchy read with a side of mystery and revenge?

I’m almost sad I finished this book as quickly as I did! The scheming and evolution of Piers is what really had me hooked. I found the source, process, and consequences of Bane Witch magic to be a refreshing take, and I’d be lying if I said I didn’t enjoy the idea of a feminist vigilante!

👇 My spoiler-free synopsis below👇

Piers Corbin has everything in place to leave her life behind, all she has to do is jump - literally. By following her meticulously concocted plan to fake her own death, she is finally able to escape the torment that has become her marriage. As she flees to find her aunt and seeks out safety in the mountains, she experiences some unwanted encounters that unexpectedly result in the poisoning of few men along the way. While her aunt helps her get settled, it quickly becomes apparent that Piers, like the rest of the women in her family, is a Bane Witch. Coming from a long line of Poison Eaters, Piers learns that her strange desire to consume poisonous berries and plants has been within her nature all along. By consuming these toxins, their blood and inherent magic draws out the true monsters hidden among men so they can be eliminated. But the path of bodies piling up behind this new witch begins to lead law enforcement straight to her doorstep and brings unwanted attention from some Bane Witches that were already hesitant to let her live. With time running out and threats circling in, Piers must feed her inner witch to prove her strength and do everything within her power to keep her bloodline’s secret safe.

The Bane Witch is not for the faint of heart. This is not your cozy witch fall vibes. This is female rage and retaliation. This is witchy with a deadly edge. I enjoyed this magic system and the badass women. As a woman with friends and family who have been in abusive relationships, I could only hope they were secretly Bane Witches!

Piers Corbin has not had an easy life , with a mother who abandoned her and an abusive husband who will definitely kill her, so she decides to fake her death as the only way to escape. Fleeing north to an aunt she only met briefly when she was five, Piers finds a new home with her and the answers to so many questions she’s had all her life.