𝙎𝙩𝙖𝙧 𝙍𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙣𝙜: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
𝙎𝙥𝙞𝙘𝙚 𝙍𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙣𝙜: 🌶🌶🌶

I was instantly hooked, struggled to put it down, and finished this book in a couple of sittings!

I felt so much for the magicless outcast princess FMC, and loved how her journey progressed. I actually connected with her quite well, and got a little emotional at times.

Vane was probably my favourite part of this story — shadow-wielding, powerful, and respectful of her. Yaasss please!

Overall, this was a great book, and after that ending, I can't wait to find out what happens next.


𝑻𝒉𝒆𝒎𝒆𝒔 𝑰 𝒆𝒏𝒋𝒐𝒚𝒆𝒅 𝒎𝒐𝒔𝒕: outcast princess FMC, enemy MMC, the food, banter, magic, and plot twists.

This was an incredible story and I could not put it down! I really really cannot wait for more from Lee.

I'm a romantasy girlie and the tropes and blurb sounded interesting. The concept of five kingdoms each being blessed with their own unique magical abilities was interesting and was a great way to explain why the division was in place. That said, the world-building and history of how it all came to be felt rushed. Perhaps this was done on purpose for upcoming books to touch more on though.

I appreciate characters who are misunderstood survivors who find their way in the world and to the people that finally give them space to be themselves and grow even further. Saoirse (FMC) is the non-magical daughter of a magical King and Queen, outcast from her family and making it on her own in the world with the help of Maeve, a motherly side character that I absolutely adored. Vane (MMC) is a mysterious stranger who is supposed to be nothing more than a myth to scare child witches. The fact that he exists, turns Saoirse's world upside down and has her questioning everything she's ever been told. Their chemistry was written well and I enjoyed watching it unfold through the dual POV. I'm looking forward to seeing how this all plays out in the next book.

I loved the premise of this book, and instantly wanted to read it from its description.

Please check the trigger warnings before going into this book, as the FMC does happen to suffer abuse at the hands of her parents.

This is a world that is surrounded by different kinds of magic, but unfortunately for Saoirse she is born without magic.

Saoirse is strong, independent and resilient!
And when she met Vane, I knew he would be the one to complete her broken heart.

Now Vane ..... talk about dark and mysterious character! His people are long thought to be a myth, but he has had to come out of hiding because the land is dying, and the nightlife might have the key to fixing it.

I really enjoyed reading this book, and i can't wait to start the next one when it comes out to see what Saoirse and Vane have to endure to get their HEA.

**ARC Review**

After reading the blurb, I was very excited for this book. However, I did not enjoy it as much as I had anticipated, and I think it was because I was not the right fit for the book.

Character Rating
Saoirse and Vane are our FMC and MMC. They both feel a bit static throughout the story. I understand and empathize with the trauma that Saoirse experienced, but I would have liked to see her managing/coping better by the end of the book. I would have also liked to have seen more than her trauma/anxiety for characterization. Vane is a mysterious shadow daddy, but he stays that way the entire book. I wanted more background, more characterization, just more in general. Maybe that will all come in book two, for both of them.

Relationship Rating
While we do find out some things about Saoirse's parents, we don't get enough information to truly understand their motivations or why they are so terrible to her. We do meet her sister, who is one of my favorite characters, as well as the owner of the bakery. I would have liked more from the bakery owner as well. She seemed very interesting, and even makes a very curious statement to Saoirse right before the climax, but we don't get much from her.

Emotional Impact Rating
I did not like reading about the self-harm, so those scenes took me out of the story a bit. However, I recognize that is a personal issue, rather than one with the story. Aside from that, I found it hard to connect to the characters because I wanted more back story from Vane and more characterization from Saoirse.

Writing Style Rating
The writing was a bit repetitive at times, particularly when it felt like the main characters weren't experiencing much growth. I would have liked to see more world building, as well as more information about the creation story and magic system. We learn some things about them, but I would have liked more in this book. Hopefully more will come in the next book.

Spice Rating
There are some spicy scenes, and they do not detract from or take over the main plot. They do feel like they are on a rushed timeline, but that goes along with feeling like their relationship in general was a bit rushed.

Overall, I feel like this was a great idea, unique and interesting, but it did not feel like it was fully fleshed out. This may be due to the fact that it is the first book of a duology. I also think my opinion may be a result of not being the right reader for this book.

"The Useless Witch" weaves a captivating dark fantasy where folklore comes breathtakingly alive. At its heart is Saoirse, a powerless witch and runaway heir who has carved out a humble life running a bakery, far from her disapproving family. Her world transforms when she encounters Vane, a mysterious Darkwing dragon shifter who proves that the cautionary tales told to Lightlace children aren't merely stories after all.
The magic system shines in its complexity and originality, while the world-building masterfully balances light and shadow. The author crafts a rich tapestry where darkness creeps across the land, and ancient powers stir to life. The narrative expertly blends elements of forbidden romance, dark magic, and dragon-shifter mythology into an irresistible whole.
Saoirse emerges as a compelling protagonist whose strength manifests not in magical power, but in resilience and determination. Despite her family's rejection (save for her ally Xan), she maintains her identity and grows into her own power. Her counterpart, the enigmatic Vane, brings an air of mystery to every scene, though readers might wish for deeper insights into his character. Still, his appearances as a shadow dragon are undeniably spectacular.
The romance develops against a backdrop of increasing danger and uncertainty – is Vane truly an ally, or is he using Saoirse for his own ends? This tension, combined with generous doses of spice and forbidden attraction, creates an addictive reading experience that many readers report devouring in one sitting.
A word of caution: the story ventures into dark territory at times, and potential readers should heed the trigger warnings. However, these darker elements serve the story rather than feeling gratuitous.
The first half of the book builds such an intricate web of magic, romance, and danger that readers will be eager to discover how the author could possibly raise the stakes further in the second half. By the time you reach the end, you'll be counting the days until the second book in this duology arrives.
This is a standout read for fans of dark fantasy romance, especially those who appreciate complex magic systems, dragon shifters, and stories about finding one's inner strength. It masterfully combines all the elements fantasy readers crave – forbidden love, ancient magic, dangerous secrets, and characters who captivate from their first appearance.

I really enjoyed reading The Useless Witch by Savannah Lee. I have heard such great reviews of this book so I was thrilled to be selected as an ARC reader.

The Useless Witch is the first book in a dark fantasy romance duet that surrounds Saoirse, a princess from a strong magical family who is born without powers. As a result, she grew up bringing abused and being told that she was “useless” without any powers. Her trauma significantly influenced her mental health, leading to an ongoing pattern of self-harm. One night, she encounters Vane, a dark and powerful “shadow daddy” with a heart of gold. Saoirse agrees to help Vane on his secret mission, and the two quickly grow close.

This was a fast-paced read that I devoured within a day. Vane is truly the star of this book. I felt like his character was so well developed and despite his arrogance at times, he was so lovable. I really liked his romantic connection with Saoirse - they had great banter but balanced each other so well. I also loved Saoirse’s relationship with Xan 🫶

As someone who works in the mental health field, I really appreciated the mental health and trauma representation in this book. The author did a great job at detailing the inner dialogue for someone who self-harms. I wished that Saoirse’s need to self-harm was addressed at later points in the book, since I felt like it was a big part of her healing journey. And as a dark romance lover, I did kind of wish that this need was addressed by Vane romantically (but maybe that will come out in the second book 😉

Thanks so much to the author, publisher and NetGalley for providing me with an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

The Useless Witch was mindblowing! Unique magic system, interesting world building and lot's of action!
A Princess witch without powers becomes a Baker and then everything changes.

This was a perfect mix of cozy and dark, action and romance, twists and betrayal and it also had: Witches, Dragons, Shadow-daddy, creative Kingdoms, Gods and a beautiful written FMC!

Defently reading the newt one !

Post on IG (One_fairy_tale_at_the_time) 22.oct 2024

I really liked the magic in this book and how it worked. The Darkwings were stories told to keep Lightlace children in line and I was so excited to see what Saoirse‘s story would become when she encountered Vane - a Darkwing who is very much not just a story.

I thoroughly enjoyed the world building, characters and story. The story is dark in places - definitely heed the trigger warnings - but it worked. I’m looking forward to the second book in the duology.

Thank you to NetGalley, Savannah Lee and Victory Editing for the E-ARC!

Actual Rating: 3.5/5

This book is a little hard for me to review/rate because there were some parts I really enjoyed, while at other times I felt the pacing of the book to be a little slow. Also, please check for trigger warnings before reading!

Saoirse was born a princess without powers. This makes her seem useless in the eyes of her parents and she suffers for it. Fleeing from the castle because of the abuse of her parents, Saoirse now works at a bakery in town. On her younger sister's Awakening, the day she's to receive her full powers, she begs Saoirse to attend. Reluctant to go back to the castle that felt like a prison to her, she goes. When there, she gets saved by a mysterious man, one who can wield shadows and change his form. From then on, Saoirse's life changes drastically, and she's forced to make some tough decisions.

I really enjoyed the beginning of this book, I was very invested in the story and the world. Unfortunately, the very quick start to this book kind of fell off and I found it to be very slow until about 60% in. After that though, I was hooked again as action after action happened. The last 40% of the book definitely got me excited for the eventual sequel!

As for the characters, I really enjoyed Saoirse and Vane individually. Saoirse has been through a lot in her life, but she's still such a fighter. She loved and cared for her sister deeply, and would do anything to protect her. As for Vane, he's still a bit of a mystery, but I like that! I can't wait to explore more of his background in the sequel! There was a bit of insta-love that took place, which wasn't my favourite, but it took a backseat later on in the book and then became more realistic and enjoyable.

Overall, I definitely recommend this book if you're looking for a very character driven fantasy!

I loved this book. The story, the characters. It was one of my favourite reads so far this year!
The story had it all and i am frothing for the rest.
We have forbidden love, a witch with no power, a dragon shifter, dark magic and then throw in some spice, all the good things you want.

I devoured this book, i couldn't put it down. Everything tied together with a nice big bow.

ARC Review of The Useless Witch by Savannah Lee
* * * * *
The first act is already filled with light and shadow, dragon shifters, evil and a growing romance. What could possibly happen in the second half?

Saoirse is a runaway heir. She was without her powers, and a stain on her family - at least in her parents eyes. She's happy in her little humble bakery, but it seems fate has other plans for her. A dark an mysterious man appears in her life, and even saves it, revealing his true form.
He is in search of something.
Darkness is spreading through the land.
This could be the only way to save them all.
Vane says he needs her help, but is he using her?

A great read and eager to find out what happens in the second book.
Saoirse is a wonderful main female lead, showing her strengths even when she appears at her most meek. She has endured a lot from her family, save Xan, and fled to save herself.
Vane is a quiet character. Would like to know more about him, thought, not complaining about the shadow dragon highlight. Yes please!

In a world with magic Saoirse is the disappointing daughter of the king. She is exiled from the castle and lives a hard life but pushes through. She runs a successful bakery, has a mentor and friend in Maeve, the owner of the bakery. Life is hard but her determination is utterly inspiring. After a nasty encounter she meets a stranger who saves her from a terrible guy (a33hat!!). Vane is not supposed to exist, his people are pure legend and so he must be hidden!!
He's also on a pretty important mission to save the world.... OF COURSE Saoirse helps him on his quest.... and I love her for it!!

Vane is amazing, dark but with a great heart. Shadow daddy for the win. Love his voice. And his protectiveness love his consideration and total badass viewpoint

Saoirse is strong, don't get me wrong, she is chronically sad. I love the mental health rep in this story (check triggers, for the love of the fantasy gods BUT don't let it put you off!!) Savannah has represented Saoirse's struggle beautifully. Saoirse has an amazing heart and determination to live her life despite darkness (her words) in her. Her father’s a d1ck. Her mother’s a b1tch. There's no two ways about it, they need to disappear and stay there!! However, I love Xan, Saoirse's sister.

The tension and banter is top notch. The will they won’t they kept me on edge of my seat!! There are the BEST scenes of steaminess. Such amazing heat and if I had pearls. I'd be clutching them!! Some to mention.... The baths!! The one bedroom!! The working together, this was the best - they have the most awesome togetherness!! We also get TRAINING!! Savannah has outdone herself with this one, it is romantasy at. it's. best!! I cannot wait for the next one!!

This was completely amazing. I could not put it down and it immediately sucked me into this dark world of fantasy and adventure.

The Useless Witch by Savannah Lee is an exhilarating and darkly enchanting fantasy that brings readers into a world of shadowy magic, family betrayal, and forbidden attraction. Through the eyes of the protagonist, we follow a compelling tale of a young witch who doesn’t fit into her Lightlace family’s expectations, grappling with an identity shaped more by darkness than light.

The story begins by introducing us to the chilling legend of the Darkwings—monsters with red eyes who hunt and kill magical beings. Our heroine, born under a solar eclipse, feels like an outcast because of her inability to wield the traditional Lightlace magic that her family reveres. She’s seen as defective, and this sets up a classic trope of the misunderstood, underestimated protagonist that immediately draws sympathy. Savannah Lee writes the tension between the protagonist and her family with raw emotional weight, adding layers to what could have been a simple rejection arc.

The turning point of the novel is when she encounters Vane—a mysterious, dangerous Darkwing whose connection to shadows seems destined to entangle with hers. Vane is a powerful figure, the embodiment of all the terrors she’s been raised to fear, yet he is also magnetic and enigmatic. The chemistry between these two characters is electric, mixing an element of forbidden romance with high-stakes danger. What sets this apart from other fantasy romances is the way Lee explores the idea of light and darkness—not as opposing forces, but as different aspects of the same power.

One of the strongest elements of the novel is its world-building. The Lightlace witches, the lore of the Darkwings, and the rules governing magic are all vividly described, with enough depth to create a fully immersive experience. Lee strikes a delicate balance between giving readers the right amount of information to understand the world and maintaining an air of mystery around Vane and the dark magic that he represents.

As the protagonist becomes more drawn into the shadows and into Vane’s dangerous world, we see her wrestling with questions of power, identity, and family loyalty. The novel taps into themes of self-acceptance and transformation, and there’s a fascinating complexity in watching her embrace her own darkness while still fighting for her agency. Savannah Lee masterfully keeps the pace fast, ensuring the plot never loses its edge, with enough twists and revelations to keep readers hooked.

However, one area where The Useless Witch could have expanded is in the development of secondary characters. While the tension between the protagonist and Vane is compelling, other figures in the story—such as her family and other witches—feel somewhat underdeveloped, making the protagonist’s personal stakes less impactful.

Overall, The Useless Witch is a gripping, atmospheric read, perfect for fans of dark fantasy and those who enjoy stories of powerful yet flawed heroines. Savannah Lee spins a tale that’s part magical adventure, part self-discovery, with a haunting romance that will leave readers eager for the next installment.

Useless witch was anything but useless. So beautifully written and so good about forbidden love, pnr, drama and a kick butt heroine. Can't wait for the next installment.

An enjoyable read for the witchy season. Savannah Lee has created an amazing world in The Useless Witch. I enjoyed the character development in this book and can’t wait for it to continue.
“You are so much more than the box you try to fit yourself in. Don’t let this place define you.”
Saoirse’s past was tragic and well written and the arc she went on throughout this book was a so heart warming to read. Watching a character go from a sense of powerlessness to something so much more is aways a great read. Shadow Daddy Vane is an incredible MMC with good morale’s and I enjoyed watching his feelings change and grow towards Saoirse.
“Darkness should fear you,”
I enjoyed the unique magic system that was introduced in this book and with it the diverse court/hierarchy systems. Can’t wait to see how this is expanded on into the next books. The plot was fast place and well thought out.

Tropes:
Witches
Shadow daddy
Dragon shifters
Mental health rep
One bed
Who did this to you? / Touch Her & Die
Forbidden love

This book theme hooked me from the moment I read the synopsis. It brought me into the world of Lightbringer’s and Darkwing’s, and made me feel like I wanted to be a part of that world and their magic. The issues between the kingdoms touching very dear to my heart and making me want to solve their problems myself. Now, although the story was intriguing, I did find it quite hard to pick the story back up every time I had to do something. The pacing was slow in its progress and although I understand that this is book 1 of hopefully a large series, I found that developmentally in the story the two characters needed more angst and tension to bring them together. When they connected, it felt good and real, but on normal dialogue, they seemed like strangers passing in the night. I wish that there was more background on the world itself as it would have brought a lot of understanding to the constant adage of characters popping into scenes. All in all a beautiful world and concept of magic I would love to be a part of. But the world building is a craving I did not get in this book and character relationships need more tension.

This book had me hooked right from the start. I really liked the main characters. The FMC wasn’t the typical “badass” heroine, but she felt more real—dealing with anxiety and not fitting in, which made her relatable. I liked seeing her grow as the story went on.

The magic system had me a little confused at times, but I have a feeling there’s more to uncover in the next book.
The romance between Vane and the FMC was great—lots of tension, and I’m a sucker for a good forbidden romance. The ending left me with a lot of questions, and I’m definitely looking forward to the next one.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an eARC of this book!

This is hands down one of my top reads in 2024! There are shadows, dragons, witches, bakers, and amazing anxiety/ mental health representation. Saoirse is a witch who has had a rough life facing abuse from her parents for not having powers. She is trying to make a life for herself as the city baker. She is excellent at creating deliciousness, and her bakery is where she meets the tall, dark, and shadowy Zane. Zane is a type of witch that isn’t supposed to exist. Honestly, he’s a bad*ss that can turn into a dragon and destroy your enemies from the inside out. *swoon* He saves her from a vile man who won’t take no for an answer. Zane suffers a life threatening injury and Saoirse and her sister save him. Zane shares that he’s there to find a magical artifact that can save his lands from rot. Saoirse and her sister, Xan the future queen, agree to help him. Zane and Saoirse slowly form a friendship after being forced to share the small bedroom above the bakery and work together daily. They get hired to work at the castle which helps with their mission but unfortunately, this means Saoirse has to go back to the home of her abusers. At least this time she has a shadow daddy who will take down anyone who touches her and a sister who has finally come into her powers. I love Saoirse and Zane! They compliment each other so well and you can tell how much they care for one another. Zane helps her find her worth and doesn’t pressure her in any way for a relationship which is such a green flag! I wish I had a Zane in my life! I am super upset that this ended on the cliffhanger it did! I was pumped to see Umbra and it’s citizens. All I’m saying is the next one better be out soon! I need to know how the rot ends and if Zane and Saoirse get a happily ever after!! I personally don’t think it’s too much to ask. ;)