On one hand, I really liked the ideas behind this book. Khana's abilities to drain aji were very interesting, especially with the variations of ways it could be used. All too often, you'd only see the life draining side of things, but I liked the way it was also used for healing and such. I also enjoyed Khana as a character. She had a complicated past, and I appreciated the careful way the romance played out, with time and space given for her to work through the challenges of her experiences as she finds love.

That said, I did struggle with some aspects of the writing itself. The pacing was rather uneven, with the beginning and end moving quite quickly, while the plot seemed to bottom out throughout the middle portion. There was also some strange word choices and use of metaphor that had me scratching my head as to what the author was actually trying to say. I also really dislike modern language in my high fantasy. Authors don't need to use medieval speech patterns or anything, but the avoidance of modern lingo that almost always ages poorly can only be an improvement.

Overall, this was a perfectly fine romantasy story. I was surprised by how much I enjoyed portions of it. However, the weaknesses of the writing and pacing left me struggling to continue in other parts.

The premise of this book pulled me in and it didn't disappoint. I love the plot and admire the author's ability to explore sensitive topics in a respectful and meaningful way without using shock tactics. Overall, a great standalone fantasy story.

C.M. Alongi’s The Witch Who Trades with Death explores deep and relevant themes, including trauma, healing, xenophobia, and the contrast between toxic and healthy relationships. The novel also emphasizes the power of chosen family and friendship, adding emotional weight to the story. While these themes are handled with care, at times, they feel more like statements rather than elements naturally woven into the narrative.

The worldbuilding is inclusive and detailed, the character development is strong, with complex and multidimensional figures. However, some relationships and emotional arcs could have been deepened.

While the novel offers a satisfying resolution, I felt that certain aspects, could have been explored in more depth. It’s a well-crafted book with a solid foundation, but I didn’t find it as immersive or emotionally gripping as I had hoped.

***The trigger warnings for this one are important to read***

"WARNING: This book contains references to violence, war, racism, xenophobia, sexual assault and domestic violence."

This book took an incredibly sensitive topic, rape and healing from it, and handled it in the most tasteful and real way I have ever encountered in a novel. This book follows Khana and her flight from life as a concubine, through her growth and establishment of self, and into the arms of the found family she surrounds herself with and takes a stand to protect.

I absolutely adored the Poison Dart Frogs, and loved getting to dig into their unique backstories and see how their lived experiences shaped them. Their bonds with each other made my heart happy and having a group of oddballs and outcasts pull off the impossible makes for a great story. They also gave another avanue for gaining a better picture of the wider world and setting up the stakes for allowing Yamueto to continue his conquest.

My only real complaint was the pacing near the end of the book. It seemed to speed up in the last quarter and wrap up the main conflict far too quickly when compared to the other trials Khana faced early on. However, I am glad this was all resolved within this book and that it did what it set out to do while maintaining it's status as a standalone book. It was refreshing to experience a standalone fantasy that tied up its loose ends while still having a developed enough world where I wasn't left feeling like I was missing out.

Forced to play concubine for her powers, Khana flees when she kills using her magic one of his favourites.
I really struggled with this one. The synopsis was great but fell flat in the book. Whilst there is plenty of descriptive world building, for me there was not much plot substance. For my liking the balance between the plot and character development/world building was not there and as such I lost interest in the characters.

this was a good story when it came to the found family elements and the arc of a survivor slowly healing from what was done to her— but i found it to be a little… contrived? especially by the end and with the fantasy elements. however, i adored the depiction of death here and the depravity of immortality.

All the aspects of the perfect fantasy book!! A little spice, unique magic system, incredible character development, and an original plot! I hope this author writes more because I am an instant fan!!

Slightly spicy, 3rd person multiple point of view, paranormal romance. Well thought out and written plot and characters. Dealt with serious situations and topics without being too upsetting. I really appreciate that it was a standalone book with a satisfying ending.

Thank you to Angry Robot as always for this arc copy.

I DNF'ed this at 47% but I am giving it 3 stars because the NetGalley reviewing system won't accept no stars and I don't want to give it any less and give people the wrong impression about the book itself.

Now, this is a case of excellent concept but bad execution for me. There is so much going for this book, from the important themes and tactful reps of trauma, to the cool concept of trading with literal Death.
That said I simply couldn't not keep reading because I just kept pushing myself to like it and could not get into it. It may be a me thing based on other reviews I've seen and that's fine, but unfortunately I could not connect to the characters in any significant way to want to keep going. A lot of tropes are in use and while good, they did telegraph so much of the story and the individual arcs. It's not a list of clichès per se, but unfortunately too much a case of a archetypes put all toghether without bringing something fresh to the table.
Also practically halfway through and the reader keeps getting new names and characters to keep track of with every new chapter to the point where I lost said track and stopped being able to care about the ones I was supposed to because I wasn't sure who they were anymore. And I'm no fantasy newb, I have read and keep reading my fair share of *dense* fantasy.
I think the author has a good thing going here, they certainly show an imaginative enough narrative and solid worldbuilding, but they got carried away perhaps, trying to fit everything in their first book.
Maybe one day I'll finish reading this, if nothing else to satisfy some curiosities I have left.

Until next time,
Eleni A.E.

This was a great standalone fantasy that really felt unique. The found family, magic system, and how this book handles some tough topics had me completely pulled in.

This standalone novel follows Khana on her bid to freedom, away from her abusive Emperor and all while asking for Death's help along the way...

First of all, that cover is gorgeous. I was utterly over the moon when I received this in the post, and having seen what the hardback looks like, I think it looks fabulous!

This is a very different kind of story and something that I haven't come across before.

We met Khana, and I immediately loved her and her strength. She is forced to be the Emperor's concubine along with many other witches. There is a massive twisted family backstory there that shocked me when I read about it.

She flees to a mountain town, and even there, she is met with suspicion.

The Emperor is absolutely vile!

His sole purpose in his life is to conquer kingdoms and to impregnate his concubine to continue his line. He lacks compassion, kindness, and anything good after giving so much to Death over the years in deals.

He repulsed me.

The story is a mixture of strength, hope, and pure determination as Khana struggles to break free, make new friends, and ultimately prove herself to her non-so-friendly neighbours!

C.M. Alongi's writing style is brilliant. It is a fantasy novel, so there are plenty of new names and places to get your head around, though given how the story takes, but you really do remember these quite easily.

The story itself is quite dad for Khana, and I found myself being Khana's cheerleader as she tries to may her own way in life.

I really enjoyed this book and can't wait to see what else C.M. Alongi has in store for us in future!

Forced to make a deal with Death, Khana fights to survive as she hides from the emperor who has traumatized her for years. She's finally in a place where she feels she's contributing to the fight against the immortal empire, and she's learning to protect herself in the process. She's made friends and is healing as much as she can while fearing for her life.

I love the healing that happens with Khana. She finally has people to lean on and to give her advice, and share thoughts and plans with. She can save them, despite the fact that most want her dead. Her entire unit seems to be in a similar position, and they end up being a wonderful found family in the midst of war and chaos.

Thank you so much netgalley and angry robot books for the arc!! I enjoyed reading it. The relationship between Khana and Sava offers a glimmer of hope and tenderness. Their slow-burn romance is one of the most rewarding aspects of the book, built on mutual healing as Sava works through his grief and Khana confronts her trauma. Their connection is not only romantic but also deeply emotional, as they find solace in each other’s company. Equally important is Khana’s relationship with Haz, a character who brings humor and lightness to the otherwise grim world. Haz’ sass and warmth offer the emotional balance Khana so desperately needs, and their found family dynamic is heartwarming and vital to the overall message of the story.

Overall, is an extraordinary tale of magic, survival, and human connection. It challenges readers to confront hard truths about trauma, racism, and the consequences of abusing power, while also celebrating the transformative power of love, healing, and community.

This book is a slow... everything. There is so much details in this book to build up the story of why she is who she is and what makes her do what she does that it really takes a while to build this world. Then there is also the romance build up, which takes forever due to how she was treated.

It does immediately start up with some action, but then slows down again to paint the whole picture. I actually enjoyed Khana's character and how much she grew in this book. By the end she is no longer the scarred witch who was unsure of her powers.

I do think that the difficult names each of them had is where I really had to slow down and make sure I was reading it right (for example, Haz and his father have similar full names). That and how slow the book was did make it harder to focus, or even want to continue reading. You knew it was building to something great, but it just took too long to get there.

Just finished this one - and I loved it! Khana is a badass, with amazing character development. Her story shows that we can't go through life alone, that the people who truly love us have our back, and that healing from trauma is possible. Highly recommend reading this one.

A massive thanks to Angry Robot publishing and NetGalley for the advance copy!

If you love fierce heroines, lush world-building, and magic that comes at a price, this book will keep you hooked.

This has it all! Witches, rebellion, morally grey magic, and a heroine who refuses to break, then The Witch Who Trades with Death by C.M. Alongi will cast its spell on you.

This fantasy novel is equal parts dark fairytale, action-packed adventure, and emotional gut punch, following a woman who’s spent her life under the rule of a monstrous emperor and is finally ready to fight back.

The Story: A Witch on the Run, A Deal with Death
Khana has spent the last four years as a captive witch in Emperor Yacatl’s court, used and abused for his pleasure and power. But when she discovers his terrible secret, that his immortality is tied to bargains with Death itself, she seizes the opportunity to make her own deal and escape his grasp.

Fleeing to a remote mountain town, Khana hopes for peace but finds only hostility. The villagers despise witches, even as she heals their wounded and sick. And with the emperor still hunting her, she must decide: keep running, or stand and fight?

But every bargain with Death comes with a price, and with each deal, a piece of her soul disappears. How much of herself is she willing to sacrifice before she becomes just as monstrous as the emperor she seeks to destroy?

Why I Loved It

- A Gripping, Dark Fantasy World – C.M. Alongi crafts a rich, immersive setting full of eerie magic, dangerous secrets, and high stakes. The empire is brutal, the mountain town is unwelcoming, and the magic system, where witches trade pieces of their soul for power, is deliciously haunting.
- A Fierce and Flawed Heroine – Khana is not your typical chosen one. She’s a survivor, scarred by trauma but burning with defiance. Her magic is both a gift and a curse, and watching her navigate these struggles makes her incredibly compelling.
- A Morally Complex Magic System – Making deals with Death? Trading pieces of your soul for power? Yes, please!This book explores the consequences of power, the fine line between hero and villain, and what it truly means to fight for freedom.
- An Emotional, High-Stakes Journey – Beneath the action and magic, The Witch Who Trades with Death is a story about healing from trauma, reclaiming agency, and choosing who you want to become, even when the world is against you.


Highly recommend to all my romantasy lover besities out there.

this book focuses a lot on past trauma, as khana goes through a healing journey form her traumatic past into her free future. she learns and grows. the love interest (no spoilers, i won’t name them) was such a lovely individual who openly accepted everything she said and wanted. he gave her the space she needed while also providing the love she required. watching them grow together was really wholesome.

for the cast of characters, i really loved them all. i found it super easy to connect and relate to everyone. both the fmc and mmc were fast favourites. i also really liked the found family aspect of this book - i like how it reflected the start where khana had no one to love and support her and by the end, she had loads.

the witch who trades in death has the backdrop of war, and even some war scenes but reads as a cosy fantasy for the middle chunk of the book. i was expecting more intense action and gore from this book (as per the content warnings at the beginning) but found it lacklustre in this department. the first few chapters and the last couple were faster paced but the rest was fairly slow in pacing.

the world building was really fun and interesting- i enjoyed that khana was a witch who (as per the title) trades with death. i also liked how the emperor was immortal due to the work of witches and magic. it added depth and intrigue. the writing style was really captivating and kept my attention.

⭐⭐⭐⭐✨ 4.5 Stars | 🌶️ 1 Spice (Mild, with emotional depth rather than heavy romance focus)

From the very first pages, this book captivated me with its intricate world, compelling characters, and emotional depth. As a standalone fantasy, it manages to create a fully immersive experience while telling a complete and satisfying story. Khana, our protagonist, is a witch with ability to heal and trade with death itself. However, these trades come at a steep price—one she is not always willing to pay. Her past is filled with pain and trauma, but this book is ultimately about resilience, survival, and self-discovery. The narrative spans months and weeks, allowing for natural character growth and a story that unfolds with depth and nuance.

Worldbuilding & Pacing
The world is rich and immersive, with multiple cultures, histories, and conflicts that make it feel truly alive. The pacing is well-balanced, with the first half focusing on Khana’s healing journey and her growing bonds with those around her. The second half, however, takes a sharp turn into intense, high-stakes action that kept me on the edge of my seat. The short chapters made the reading experience even more engaging, keeping the momentum steady while allowing for deep emotional beats.

Characters & Found Family
One of the strongest aspects of the book is its character work. Khana is a deeply layered protagonist, and the people she meets along her journey are just as multi-dimensional. After escaping the clutches of the immortal emperor—her abuser—she finds refuge in a new nation and enlists in a military unit made up of outcasts and refugees. The camaraderie and personal struggles of this group are beautifully portrayed, and watching them grow together into a found family was one of the most rewarding aspects of the story. Each character has their own past and motivations, making them feel real and significant beyond their connection to Khana.

Themes of Trauma & Healing
This book does not shy away from difficult topics, particularly trauma and recovery. Khana has survived severe sexual abuse at the hands of the emperor she fled from, and while these events are not depicted on-page, their impact is felt throughout the story. The book approaches healing with great care, showing that there is no single path to recovery and that it is a deeply personal process. It also explores different forms of trauma, making the narrative even more layered and impactful. Despite the heavy themes, there is a sense of hope woven throughout, reminding readers that healing, though difficult, is possible.

Romance & Representation
While there is a romantic subplot between Khana and the MMC, it never overshadows the primary story. Their relationship develops naturally and serves as a testament to Khana’s growth, rather than being a central focus. The book also presents a refreshingly unique take on gender and sexuality, depicting a society where patriarchy is less dominant while still addressing issues of race and power dynamics. This nuanced worldbuilding adds depth to the overall narrative, making it stand out among other fantasy novels.

Audiobook Experience
I also had the opportunity to listen to parts of this book via audiobook, and I highly recommend it. The narrator’s performance, including the use of accents, added so much depth to the characters and made the experience even more immersive. If you enjoy audiobooks, this one is definitely worth considering.

Final Thoughts
The Witch Who Trades with Death took me by surprise in the best way possible. It is dark yet hopeful, painful yet empowering. The combination of intricate worldbuilding, deep character work, and an explosive finale made for an unforgettable reading experience. This is a must-read for anyone who loves standalone fantasy with emotional depth, found family dynamics, and unique magic systems.

Thank you to Netgalley and Angry Robot for an ARC in exchange for my honest review.

The review has also been posted to Amazon and Waterstones.

I really, really, wanted to love this one, but whilst there were bits I loved, like the found family and the magic system, there was too much I just didn't like.

I feel like it started off so well, but then it just took a nosedive with no other option but to crash out, which was a massive shame. There's no real high stakes as everything seems wrapped up so neatly and easily solvable by our MC, and the pace is definitely on the slow side. The world building at times isn't enough, and it went from big explanations that felt rich and surreal, to barely any explanation at all.

For me it had potential, but not enough to truly keep me interested in what was happening.


Do check the trigger warnings before reading! There's definitely things in this that could trigger people.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book, the unique magic system was intriguing and unique to those I have read about before. The villain, an immortal emperor truly was evil and in hand made the FMC very likeable.

There were elements of war, conflict, romance and found family within this book. Providing heartwarming interactions and dialogue to a plot intertwined with difficult choices for the FMC.

The romance with the MMC had a good amount of depth for a book of this length. With focus on how they had to approach things differently to cope with the trauma the FMC had from the emperor. Something that I don’t think is usually focused on.

Overall, I recommend this book to everyone that loves fantasy and found family.

Thank you to net galley and Angry robot for the eARC in exchange for an honest review.