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Kitaine Neris #1
The Vanish Witch
There are a few things that could land a witch in hot water. One is having stronger magic than most. Like a Vanish Witch who can make not only objects but people disappear. Another is being in possession of amulets that contain ghosts whose touch is death.
Kitaine Neris has both.
But she keeps the flirtatious ghost hidden, stays off the High Coven’s radar, and keeps up appearances with her local coven while secretly using her magic to Vanish the corrupt and violent from her city.
Until a hit goes horribly awry and Kit ends up Vanishing instead. She’s shocked when she ends up in a chaotic, parallel world, and realizes that everything Vanish Witches made disappear wound up there.
Including her boyfriend, Marrik, who Kit never meant to make disappear at all.
Kit and Marrik’s reunion is passionate, but they need to get back home. But that’s easier said than done when every bad soul Vanish Witches used their magic on are gunning for Kit, wanting their pound of flesh.
When a mysterious and powerful witch presents a way home, Kit and Marrik will do whatever it takes to fulfill the conditions that will free them before the enemy enacts a vanishing act on them that sticks.
Includes a bonus short story, Kiss and Vanish
Kitaine Neris has both.
But she keeps the flirtatious ghost hidden, stays off the High Coven’s radar, and keeps up appearances with her local coven while secretly using her magic to Vanish the corrupt and violent from her city.
Until a hit goes horribly awry and Kit ends up Vanishing instead. She’s shocked when she ends up in a chaotic, parallel world, and realizes that everything Vanish Witches made disappear wound up there.
Including her boyfriend, Marrik, who Kit never meant to make disappear at all.
Kit and Marrik’s reunion is passionate, but they need to get back home. But that’s easier said than done when every bad soul Vanish Witches used their magic on are gunning for Kit, wanting their pound of flesh.
When a mysterious and powerful witch presents a way home, Kit and Marrik will do whatever it takes to fulfill the conditions that will free them before the enemy enacts a vanishing act on them that sticks.
Includes a bonus short story, Kiss and Vanish
307 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 23, 2023
89 people are currently reading
1678 people want to read
About the author
A.J. Locke
13 books209 followersI'm your typical over-caffeinated writer with too many ideas and not enough time to do all of them. I write poetry and urban fantasy novels, and spend my days reading, writing and doing art all day. Not really, but a girl can dream. I'm an island girl at heart, originally from Trinidad & Tobago, but now make my home in NYC with my daughter.
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
August 8, 2023
I really enjoy A.J. Locke’s writing and in reading this book what hit me was I enjoy that it’s adult fantasy! Like AJ seamlessly makes her worlds mature and interesting. Heated fellowship and all the things in worlds that are interesting and so enjoyable to read and explore with her amazing cast of characters! Can’t wait to read more from this author!!
May 11, 2023
Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for an early copy of this book! Below is my honest review.
Summary:
Kitaine (Kit) is a Vanish witch, meaning she has the ability to Vanish bad people (make them disappear). A year ago from when the book begins, she was hunting down a man to Vanish him, when she accidentally Vanishes her boyfriend, Marrik, instead. Now, she's laying low to prevent attracting the eyes of the High Coven (a Coven of witches).
Someone named Narima comes to her with an offer she can't refuse: Vanish Linton Gladstone (Narima's husband and also someone on the High Coven) to prevent him from kidnapping and killing other magic users for their magic. Kit, having the Savior Complex, accepts, but when she attempts to Vanish Linton, something goes wrong and she ends up Vanishing herself instead.
Turns out, the Vanished people and items all end up in a place called Elsewhere. She and her ghost buddy, Remi (who is locked up in an amulet around her neck), navigate Elsewhere and its boundaries, bumping into people she Vanished and also her former lover, Marrik.
Thoughts about this book:
✔️ Diverse representation (LBGTQ+ and POC characters)
✔️ Interesting magic system that isn't overtly complicated but has nuances (and have opportunities to be explored in the next book, if there is one--I'm assuming there will be)
✔️ Never hear of a witch who can Vanish people and things
❌ Story felt formulaic (I predicted a lot of what was going to happen)
❌ Love triangle that could have been done better (but to be fair, I have a high standard for a good love triangle)
Overall, it was a fun and easy read! This one sort of ended on a cliffhanger, so the next book should be very interesting.
Would I recommend this book? Sure!
Summary:
Kitaine (Kit) is a Vanish witch, meaning she has the ability to Vanish bad people (make them disappear). A year ago from when the book begins, she was hunting down a man to Vanish him, when she accidentally Vanishes her boyfriend, Marrik, instead. Now, she's laying low to prevent attracting the eyes of the High Coven (a Coven of witches).
Someone named Narima comes to her with an offer she can't refuse: Vanish Linton Gladstone (Narima's husband and also someone on the High Coven) to prevent him from kidnapping and killing other magic users for their magic. Kit, having the Savior Complex, accepts, but when she attempts to Vanish Linton, something goes wrong and she ends up Vanishing herself instead.
Turns out, the Vanished people and items all end up in a place called Elsewhere. She and her ghost buddy, Remi (who is locked up in an amulet around her neck), navigate Elsewhere and its boundaries, bumping into people she Vanished and also her former lover, Marrik.
Thoughts about this book:
✔️ Diverse representation (LBGTQ+ and POC characters)
✔️ Interesting magic system that isn't overtly complicated but has nuances (and have opportunities to be explored in the next book, if there is one--I'm assuming there will be)
✔️ Never hear of a witch who can Vanish people and things
❌ Story felt formulaic (I predicted a lot of what was going to happen)
❌ Love triangle that could have been done better (but to be fair, I have a high standard for a good love triangle)
Overall, it was a fun and easy read! This one sort of ended on a cliffhanger, so the next book should be very interesting.
Would I recommend this book? Sure!
June 25, 2023
{I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley and was not paid for a review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.}
🌶️.5 / 5
I enjoyed this book quite a bit! There were some parts that seemed a little slower than others, but I loved the overall plot.
I found Remi, the ghost, to be a more enjoyable character than Kit, the main character. I’m hoping the author writes more in this series, as there are so many unanswered questions, so Kit can grow a bit more. I’m also interested to see what happens to her world after the events of this book.
Overall, if you enjoy urban fantasy, witches, secrets, and plotting against a corrupt government, you’ll love this book.
🌶️.5 / 5
I enjoyed this book quite a bit! There were some parts that seemed a little slower than others, but I loved the overall plot.
I found Remi, the ghost, to be a more enjoyable character than Kit, the main character. I’m hoping the author writes more in this series, as there are so many unanswered questions, so Kit can grow a bit more. I’m also interested to see what happens to her world after the events of this book.
Overall, if you enjoy urban fantasy, witches, secrets, and plotting against a corrupt government, you’ll love this book.
March 2, 2025
Fascinating World Wasted on a Dull Execution
I wanted to love this book. (I’m really beginning to hate whenever I start a review like this because it just reiterates that once again, an authors execution killed a book for me).
The premise was intriguing, the world-building promised something grand, and the lore had the potential to be rich and immersive. Unfortunately, all that promise was buried under a mountain of HEAVY exposition, a relentless flood of names and faces I IMMEDIATELY forgot (WHILE READING), and a narrative pacing that was less of a journey and more of a drudging slog.
From the very beginning, the book overloaded me with information, throwing out history, politics, magic systems, and character introductions all at once instead of letting things unfold naturally. I get it. Witched back then were powerful. Witches could do this and that. The powers have been whittled down to almost nothing in this century. Please stop telling me that everytime you introduce a new witch with new powers. It was as if author feared readers wouldn’t be able to piece things together over time and instead chose to dump everything on us in the first few chapters. This kind of killed my reading experience, making it exhausting rather than engaging me. I wasn’t absorbing the world; I was drowning in it.
Then there were the characters. The MCs were the only ones who felt somewhat distinct (though even that is debatable. Was Jiani the second main character, or was it Merrick? Honestly, I couldn’t tell), but the rest of the cast was a blur of interchangeable names and forgettable personalities. Instead of growing attached to them, I kept flipping back pages, trying to remember who was who, only to eventually give up and accept that they were just set dressing.
And then there was the ghost. The supposed ancestor who had an unsettling, borderline romantic attachment to the protagonist. I don’t know if the author intended it to be eerie or meaningful, but it just felt weird. Why was there a vaguely romantic tension between someone and their descendant? Was this meant to be deep? Was it supposed to add an extra layer of mystery? Whatever the goal was, it completely missed the mark and left me more uncomfortable than intrigued.
It’s frustrating because the potential was there. The world had depth, the conflicts could have been compelling, and the premise could have led to an exciting, well-paced adventure. Instead, it felt like reading a history textbook where the characters were footnotes rather than actual people. Maybe if the pacing had been better, the exposition more naturally integrated, and the characters given room to breathe and develop, this could have been an incredible read. But as it stands, it was a slog, one I kept pushing through, hoping it would get better. (And didn’t put me in a reading slump. It’s still too early in the year and I have so many books on TBR pile. I can’t afford a slump right now, ok?!!!)
Would I recommend it? Not really. If you love intricate world-building for the sake of it and don’t mind wading through dense exposition and a forgettable supporting cast, maybe this will work for you. But if you want an engaging story where the characters actually feel alive and the plot unfolds at a natural pace, look elsewhere.
As I say this, there is a book 2. I don’t think I’ll pick it up, but I absolutely loved the book cover. Small wins. Yay.
I wanted to love this book. (I’m really beginning to hate whenever I start a review like this because it just reiterates that once again, an authors execution killed a book for me).
The premise was intriguing, the world-building promised something grand, and the lore had the potential to be rich and immersive. Unfortunately, all that promise was buried under a mountain of HEAVY exposition, a relentless flood of names and faces I IMMEDIATELY forgot (WHILE READING), and a narrative pacing that was less of a journey and more of a drudging slog.
From the very beginning, the book overloaded me with information, throwing out history, politics, magic systems, and character introductions all at once instead of letting things unfold naturally. I get it. Witched back then were powerful. Witches could do this and that. The powers have been whittled down to almost nothing in this century. Please stop telling me that everytime you introduce a new witch with new powers. It was as if author feared readers wouldn’t be able to piece things together over time and instead chose to dump everything on us in the first few chapters. This kind of killed my reading experience, making it exhausting rather than engaging me. I wasn’t absorbing the world; I was drowning in it.
Then there were the characters. The MCs were the only ones who felt somewhat distinct (though even that is debatable. Was Jiani the second main character, or was it Merrick? Honestly, I couldn’t tell), but the rest of the cast was a blur of interchangeable names and forgettable personalities. Instead of growing attached to them, I kept flipping back pages, trying to remember who was who, only to eventually give up and accept that they were just set dressing.
And then there was the ghost. The supposed ancestor who had an unsettling, borderline romantic attachment to the protagonist. I don’t know if the author intended it to be eerie or meaningful, but it just felt weird. Why was there a vaguely romantic tension between someone and their descendant? Was this meant to be deep? Was it supposed to add an extra layer of mystery? Whatever the goal was, it completely missed the mark and left me more uncomfortable than intrigued.
It’s frustrating because the potential was there. The world had depth, the conflicts could have been compelling, and the premise could have led to an exciting, well-paced adventure. Instead, it felt like reading a history textbook where the characters were footnotes rather than actual people. Maybe if the pacing had been better, the exposition more naturally integrated, and the characters given room to breathe and develop, this could have been an incredible read. But as it stands, it was a slog, one I kept pushing through, hoping it would get better. (And didn’t put me in a reading slump. It’s still too early in the year and I have so many books on TBR pile. I can’t afford a slump right now, ok?!!!)
Would I recommend it? Not really. If you love intricate world-building for the sake of it and don’t mind wading through dense exposition and a forgettable supporting cast, maybe this will work for you. But if you want an engaging story where the characters actually feel alive and the plot unfolds at a natural pace, look elsewhere.
As I say this, there is a book 2. I don’t think I’ll pick it up, but I absolutely loved the book cover. Small wins. Yay.
June 5, 2023
"I awakened my magic, feeling it spread through my body like water spilling down a dry riverbed."
Kitaine Neris is a Vanish Witch, capable of using her power to send things away. Out of existence. All well within the High Coven's regulations on witches with predictable power levels. The only problem is that Kit can do more than Vanish things. She can Vanish people, too. Her secret is dangerous, especially when other powerful witches are taken into custody, and becomes even harder to keep when Kit accidentally Vanishes someone she never meant to lose.
This book has such a unique concept and I couldn't wait to jump in. Kit's world is rich, and the characters we get to meet are diverse and interesting. I enjoyed how naturally characters were introduced, and absolutely loved reading inclusion that felt effortless. I was also intrigued by the fact that characters actually communicated with one another, moving the plot right along.
Two things that I struggled with: First, problems arose and were solved so fast. While I don't think any of us want to read a book with endless tension and no action, there was almost no tension here because even if something didn't get solved, the situation was over so quickly that we don't spend any real time in what we are supposed to care about. I almost feel like Kit's big night at the bordello (iykyk) could have been a cliffhanger into a second book. We could have explored so much more with the High Coven, with Paluna, with Marrick's aunt, with the Memoria sisters.
Second, I had trouble really nailing down Kit's voice. The way she spoke varied so much with who she was with - speaking in the same modern style as her friends and sibling at the bordello, then speaking in the same sort of formal mysterious voice as Onyx. "I was shook" to "I cannot fathom what I'm seeing." Kit is a powerful, intelligent witch, so obviously she's allowed to be complex and layered, but I personally couldn't settle on which personality is hers.
All in all, I"m going to give The Vanish Witch 3.5 stars. I enjoyed the idea a great deal, and finished it, but really wanted to spend more time in these very big events. I received a digital copy of The Vanish Witch through NetGalley and appreciate the opportunity to share feedback.
Kitaine Neris is a Vanish Witch, capable of using her power to send things away. Out of existence. All well within the High Coven's regulations on witches with predictable power levels. The only problem is that Kit can do more than Vanish things. She can Vanish people, too. Her secret is dangerous, especially when other powerful witches are taken into custody, and becomes even harder to keep when Kit accidentally Vanishes someone she never meant to lose.
This book has such a unique concept and I couldn't wait to jump in. Kit's world is rich, and the characters we get to meet are diverse and interesting. I enjoyed how naturally characters were introduced, and absolutely loved reading inclusion that felt effortless. I was also intrigued by the fact that characters actually communicated with one another, moving the plot right along.
Two things that I struggled with: First, problems arose and were solved so fast. While I don't think any of us want to read a book with endless tension and no action, there was almost no tension here because even if something didn't get solved, the situation was over so quickly that we don't spend any real time in what we are supposed to care about. I almost feel like Kit's big night at the bordello (iykyk) could have been a cliffhanger into a second book. We could have explored so much more with the High Coven, with Paluna, with Marrick's aunt, with the Memoria sisters.
Second, I had trouble really nailing down Kit's voice. The way she spoke varied so much with who she was with - speaking in the same modern style as her friends and sibling at the bordello, then speaking in the same sort of formal mysterious voice as Onyx. "I was shook" to "I cannot fathom what I'm seeing." Kit is a powerful, intelligent witch, so obviously she's allowed to be complex and layered, but I personally couldn't settle on which personality is hers.
All in all, I"m going to give The Vanish Witch 3.5 stars. I enjoyed the idea a great deal, and finished it, but really wanted to spend more time in these very big events. I received a digital copy of The Vanish Witch through NetGalley and appreciate the opportunity to share feedback.
June 24, 2023
First, I was sold on the impending heartache the premise promised me from the start. Then I was sold on the ghost trope. I don't care which way you spin it—unrequited ghost love, a miraculous revival with a happily ever after, a sacrifice made by the living that leads to a happily ever afterlife (though never by suicide, we don't romanticize that)—it's all made of gold to me. Complete sucker. So, obviously Remi was my favorite character. All I want now is an amulet ghost of my very own. But I'm rambling now.
It was a quick and engaging read and I really enjoyed it for the most part. Honestly though, if anything threw me, it was the spicy scenes. The reunion scene made sense to me, but the others felt like a rift in the storytelling. I just don't think in the middle of a magical war where I'm supposed to be the catalyst of escape that I'd be in the mood to get it on like that. But okay, they're still caught up in the miracle of being together again, so sure. I still think the scenes following the first could have been more fade-to-black in order to keep the storytelling a little more fluid. But that may just be a me thing.
I really appreciated Jiano's perspective at the end there, too. The end of Kit's story felt a little abrupt, and Ji's side offered some tying of loose ends that made it feel more satisfying. Overall, this was a solid story with an ending that made me throw my phone in a good way and hope with all my heart that a sequel is on the way.
3.5 stars rounded up to 4.
It was a quick and engaging read and I really enjoyed it for the most part. Honestly though, if anything threw me, it was the spicy scenes. The reunion scene made sense to me, but the others felt like a rift in the storytelling. I just don't think in the middle of a magical war where I'm supposed to be the catalyst of escape that I'd be in the mood to get it on like that. But okay, they're still caught up in the miracle of being together again, so sure. I still think the scenes following the first could have been more fade-to-black in order to keep the storytelling a little more fluid. But that may just be a me thing.
I really appreciated Jiano's perspective at the end there, too. The end of Kit's story felt a little abrupt, and Ji's side offered some tying of loose ends that made it feel more satisfying. Overall, this was a solid story with an ending that made me throw my phone in a good way and hope with all my heart that a sequel is on the way.
3.5 stars rounded up to 4.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 17, 2023
Excitement and suspense
I loved this urban fantasy with a side of romantic suspense. The story was well written and included witty dialogue, three dimensional characters, and an engaging storyline. Kitaine is a vanish witch who has more power than most witches of her kind though her power is still limited. She occasionally vanishes a person who she believes has been doing unspeakable things. A year ago she accidentally vanished her boyfriend, Marrick, and has been suffering with the guilt and grief. When an attempted vanishing goes wrong, she vanishes herself. Now she must try to figure out how to get herself and Marrick back from Elsewhere while also avoiding those who are angry because she vanished them to Elsewhere. The story includes all the goodness that you’d expect from this genre - fighting, dangerous situations, evil actors, henchmen, loyal friends and family, painful pasts, mystical coincidences, snark, mystery, secrets, betrayal, revelations, plot twists, sort of a love triangle, steam, and laughs. I especially loved that Kitaine’s character, despite her unique powers and how she is viewed, is still kind, optimistic, self-deprecating, modest, reluctant, and at times resentful which makes her a very likeable and relatable hero. While the main storyline of the book is resolved, the book left us with some unanswered questions so hopefully there will be another book set in this world.
I loved this urban fantasy with a side of romantic suspense. The story was well written and included witty dialogue, three dimensional characters, and an engaging storyline. Kitaine is a vanish witch who has more power than most witches of her kind though her power is still limited. She occasionally vanishes a person who she believes has been doing unspeakable things. A year ago she accidentally vanished her boyfriend, Marrick, and has been suffering with the guilt and grief. When an attempted vanishing goes wrong, she vanishes herself. Now she must try to figure out how to get herself and Marrick back from Elsewhere while also avoiding those who are angry because she vanished them to Elsewhere. The story includes all the goodness that you’d expect from this genre - fighting, dangerous situations, evil actors, henchmen, loyal friends and family, painful pasts, mystical coincidences, snark, mystery, secrets, betrayal, revelations, plot twists, sort of a love triangle, steam, and laughs. I especially loved that Kitaine’s character, despite her unique powers and how she is viewed, is still kind, optimistic, self-deprecating, modest, reluctant, and at times resentful which makes her a very likeable and relatable hero. While the main storyline of the book is resolved, the book left us with some unanswered questions so hopefully there will be another book set in this world.
June 4, 2023
• 𝕭𝖔𝖔𝖐 𝕽𝖊𝖛𝖎𝖊𝖜 •
Strong magical ability resides within Kitaine Neris. She is a Vanish Witch with the power to make both things and people vanish. She is in possession of an amulet containing ghosts whose touch brings death. However, she conceals the flirting ghost, avoids being noticed by the High Coven, and maintains her coven's good name while discreetly utilising her magic to banish the violent and corrupt from her city. But when she finds herself in a chaotic, alternative universe and realises that everything the Vanish Witches made disappear ended up there, everything changes. Kit will go to whatever lengths to meet the requirements that will set her free before the enemy pulls off a vanishing act that sticks.
The Vanish Witch is a urban fantasy by A. J. Locke.
• Things I loved:
✓ Diversity of characters
✓ Flow of the text
✓ Creative writing style
✓ Original magic system
• Things I find meh:
✓ Predictable plot
✓ Chemistry between characters
✓ Somewhat cliffhanger
⭐ Do I recommend this book?
- Yes
⭐ Is it beginner reader friendly?
- Yes
⭐ Do I have high expectations for the sequel?
- Definitely
⭐ Overall:
A quick read with a lot of magic.
Thank you @netgalley for this ARC
Strong magical ability resides within Kitaine Neris. She is a Vanish Witch with the power to make both things and people vanish. She is in possession of an amulet containing ghosts whose touch brings death. However, she conceals the flirting ghost, avoids being noticed by the High Coven, and maintains her coven's good name while discreetly utilising her magic to banish the violent and corrupt from her city. But when she finds herself in a chaotic, alternative universe and realises that everything the Vanish Witches made disappear ended up there, everything changes. Kit will go to whatever lengths to meet the requirements that will set her free before the enemy pulls off a vanishing act that sticks.
The Vanish Witch is a urban fantasy by A. J. Locke.
• Things I loved:
✓ Diversity of characters
✓ Flow of the text
✓ Creative writing style
✓ Original magic system
• Things I find meh:
✓ Predictable plot
✓ Chemistry between characters
✓ Somewhat cliffhanger
⭐ Do I recommend this book?
- Yes
⭐ Is it beginner reader friendly?
- Yes
⭐ Do I have high expectations for the sequel?
- Definitely
⭐ Overall:
A quick read with a lot of magic.
Thank you @netgalley for this ARC
July 10, 2023
This book for sure captured my attention with its cover and title. I love anything witch related. Magic like the main character Kit is for sure a double edged sword. To be able to make anything and anyone disappear for sure be a very difficult power to hide and use. Remi, the ghost, for sure is captivating because he is a ghost and is very eccentric. He’s probably my favorite character.
Magic, intrigue, romance,conspiracy are just a few focus point that sucked me into this book from the get go.
My only complaints would be that Remi for sure deserves more I believe and I wish that the Author would have split this into maybe two or three books to give this books world more room to breathe. I guess I was left wanting more backgrounds on the witches and such.
But it was overall a good book. A little shorter than I would’ve liked but good.
Thanks NetGalley for a copy in exchange for a honest review.
Magic, intrigue, romance,conspiracy are just a few focus point that sucked me into this book from the get go.
My only complaints would be that Remi for sure deserves more I believe and I wish that the Author would have split this into maybe two or three books to give this books world more room to breathe. I guess I was left wanting more backgrounds on the witches and such.
But it was overall a good book. A little shorter than I would’ve liked but good.
Thanks NetGalley for a copy in exchange for a honest review.
May 13, 2023
I received a e-arc through NetGalley and this is my honest opinion.
I give the book a 3.75/5
Unique witch magic, new classifications I haven't read in a paranormal urban romance. The story itself was interesting I just wish there was more character development. I was indifferent if anything happened to the main character and everything seemed so easy for her and there was no real tension in the book. The ghost character, Remington is a fun chatacter and I enjoyed his dialogue more than the main character Kit's. There is some spice. Overall a decent story, super quick read and very cool magic categorization. Wish there was more on the magic in the story but seems hopeful for the way the story is going.
I give the book a 3.75/5
Unique witch magic, new classifications I haven't read in a paranormal urban romance. The story itself was interesting I just wish there was more character development. I was indifferent if anything happened to the main character and everything seemed so easy for her and there was no real tension in the book. The ghost character, Remington is a fun chatacter and I enjoyed his dialogue more than the main character Kit's. There is some spice. Overall a decent story, super quick read and very cool magic categorization. Wish there was more on the magic in the story but seems hopeful for the way the story is going.
June 4, 2023
This story doesn't know where it wants to be. Is it earth, is it a planet like earth? it's both modern and more historical of a setting. Which makes it confusing to read. The language sometimes get's rough to understand as well. But what really annoys me is the main character's love interest is literally sent to a hell scape for a year because of her and once they reunite it's like "shrug, let's get back together babe". That makes no sense. On no planet what so ever would some one you screwed over like that, even if it was an accident just turn around and just forgive you without saying a word about it. Overall this book frustrated me more than entertained me. I received a free arc of this book in exchange for an honest review.
May 18, 2023
Very interesting and engaging plot. I enjoyed the system of magic and the dystopian worlds (both the real world and Elsewhere).
I did have a few issues with the writing. In particular, there was a frustratingly implausible moment when the MC is first intimate with her old boyfriend. Willing suspension of disbelief went out the window and I was silently cursing that no one in their right mind would act like that, given the situation.
Ultimately, the writing does need a bit more polish and character development. But overall, the plot and world building were both good. I never found myself bored and wishing that I was already done with the book, which says a lot.
I did have a few issues with the writing. In particular, there was a frustratingly implausible moment when the MC is first intimate with her old boyfriend. Willing suspension of disbelief went out the window and I was silently cursing that no one in their right mind would act like that, given the situation.
Ultimately, the writing does need a bit more polish and character development. But overall, the plot and world building were both good. I never found myself bored and wishing that I was already done with the book, which says a lot.
May 22, 2023
Kitaine Neris is a Vanish witch in a world where magic is slowly dying . She is stronger than most Vanish Witches, who can make not only objects but people disappear. She owns a amulet that contains a flirty ghost whose touch is death. Kit spends her time getting rid of the vile Witches in her neighborhood, and accidently Vanish her long time boyfriend Marrik. In order to get him back, she teams up with a powerful witch in the High Coven . The hit goes wrong, and she is transported to a mysterious world called Elsewhere. Every bad witch that she has vanished is in this world. It's up to her and Marrik to make them disappear for good in order to go back home .
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 13, 2024
I loved Vanish Witch! Such a unique world and magic system with great characters. Things aren’t what they seem and having things revealed in an engaging way was fun to read. I really enjoyed having the two character POVs separated in the way they were instead of flipping back and forth each chapter, especially as they were taking place simultaneously but not in the same place and as they had their own plot lines. Rarely do I have a strong emotional response to events in a book but the way A.J. Locke wrote emotion into the characters at certain points had me feeling all the feels.
May 16, 2023
Thank you A.J. And @netgalley for this ARC!
4.5 ⭐️
I love anything witchy/magical and there was no shortage of both in this book!
The main character is great, but her amulet-trapped flirty ghost friend Remi stole the show for me. And wow- he had a way with words when laying it all out there! I may have shed a few tears 😂
Truly hoping there is another book because even though the end was technically a HEA, it felt like a cliffhanger for me
Short read!
4.5 ⭐️
I love anything witchy/magical and there was no shortage of both in this book!
The main character is great, but her amulet-trapped flirty ghost friend Remi stole the show for me. And wow- he had a way with words when laying it all out there! I may have shed a few tears 😂
Truly hoping there is another book because even though the end was technically a HEA, it felt like a cliffhanger for me
Short read!
May 29, 2023
I enjoyed reading this book. Witches with powers , A ghost with an incredible personality and the bad guys make you dive into this book and want to stay there for a while learning everything you can about it. I also loved the diverse set of characters. I hope there is more to come from this world not only did it end in a bit of a cliff hanger but there is so much more to learn from the other characters in this world. Thank you NetGallery for the earc!
#TheVanishWitch #NetGalley.
#TheVanishWitch #NetGalley.
July 21, 2023
A big thank you to NetGalley and the author for the eARC. I am voluntarily reviewing this book. For me, there were a lot of characters to learn, but some are really interesting. This is a different story line for me. I liked most of the characters, but didn't feel very attached to any of them. It has a bit of a cliffhanger at the end. I am a bit conflicted by this book. 3 stars from me I think that many fantasy/paranormal fans may enjoy this book.
October 1, 2023
I WANTED to love this. It’s a super interesting premise. Unfortunately, it fell flat for me. I liked the character of Remi way more than Merrick. Merrick felt 1 dimensional & stilted. Remi had depth and was honest in his approach to emotions. Also, there were a lot of errors that a good editor could’ve fixed - references to Pluto & Earth, but naming multiple moons that we don’t have. Just not it for me.
February 19, 2024
an ok Read
The book started off at a sluggish pace, failing to captivate my attention until I reached chapter 12. However, despite the initial lull, I found myself drawn to the story and eager to find out what happens next. Fortunately, there is a sequel to this book, which I'm eagerly looking forward to reading.
The book started off at a sluggish pace, failing to captivate my attention until I reached chapter 12. However, despite the initial lull, I found myself drawn to the story and eager to find out what happens next. Fortunately, there is a sequel to this book, which I'm eagerly looking forward to reading.
November 14, 2023
A different world
The Vanish Witch started slow for me but gave well developed characters and a new interesting world. It gave a good share of magic and rekindling lost love. Their was some emotional moments and I found myself really invested in their outcomes
The Vanish Witch started slow for me but gave well developed characters and a new interesting world. It gave a good share of magic and rekindling lost love. Their was some emotional moments and I found myself really invested in their outcomes
February 7, 2024
DNF after chapter two.
Very interesting premise, magic and witches and a diverse cast, slightly 'other' world,...
Unfortunately the writing is lackluster, and most of the 2 chapters i read was (unnecessary) dialogue.
Very interesting premise, magic and witches and a diverse cast, slightly 'other' world,...
Unfortunately the writing is lackluster, and most of the 2 chapters i read was (unnecessary) dialogue.
June 26, 2023
Really good read
A very interesting storyline with great characters and development. Very excited to see more. A book Worth reading and hoping for more.
A very interesting storyline with great characters and development. Very excited to see more. A book Worth reading and hoping for more.
July 1, 2023
Another fantastic story from AJ Locke
Loved this book with its vibrant characters and storyline. Really interesting protagonists and new take on witches. Will there be more?
Loved this book with its vibrant characters and storyline. Really interesting protagonists and new take on witches. Will there be more?
October 18, 2023
ready for part two
Great Novel and world building. Kit is a dope character. So is Jiano. Love the mythos and hope to see more magic.
Great Novel and world building. Kit is a dope character. So is Jiano. Love the mythos and hope to see more magic.
October 30, 2023
mind blown
Whatever you think is going to happen…isn’t! Not predictable all! Lots of twists and unexpected turns!! Looking forward to book 2!
Whatever you think is going to happen…isn’t! Not predictable all! Lots of twists and unexpected turns!! Looking forward to book 2!
November 16, 2023
I TRULY enjoyed this story. It was full of magic, heartaches and love. It was a fast-paced, easy read and I’m looking forward to book two!
November 29, 2023
This was just okay. I had high hopes, but it was a little lackluster. The execution of having an alternate magical world with all the trappings of our very real modern one, didn't blend well.
November 29, 2025
Fun and magical!
I enjoyed this story and I am excited to read more. A neat magical system and loveable characters, great plot.
I enjoyed this story and I am excited to read more. A neat magical system and loveable characters, great plot.
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