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The Eddanor Chronicles #1
The Witch and the Monster
When a monster begins slaughtering the village of Wittsturm, a maiden is selected as a sacrifice to be sent into Glotterwal Forest to appease the beast.
After taking her cousin's place as the sacrificial lamb, Cora Tahar journeys through the ancient wood then takes refuge in a witch's cabin.
The monster is not at all what she was expecting.
This book is perfect for fans of monster romances. Warning: contains adult content.
After taking her cousin's place as the sacrificial lamb, Cora Tahar journeys through the ancient wood then takes refuge in a witch's cabin.
The monster is not at all what she was expecting.
This book is perfect for fans of monster romances. Warning: contains adult content.
265 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 30, 2023
129 people are currently reading
379 people want to read
About the author
Chelsea Starling
14 books28 followersChelsea loves to have a cup of tea with a good book. She lives with her partner, who encourages her love of books by building her new shelves, and their menagerie of house plants.
She can be found on Instagram @chelseastarlingwriter.
She can be found on Instagram @chelseastarlingwriter.
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
June 5, 2023
Hello!
If you are enjoying The Witch and The Monster then I have some good news!
I have started writing Iasmina's story which follows on from Cora and Fellen's story. Who do you think her love interest will be? Luke, Renard, or Juran?
Update:
We have new Cora art!
If you are enjoying The Witch and The Monster then I have some good news!
I have started writing Iasmina's story which follows on from Cora and Fellen's story. Who do you think her love interest will be? Luke, Renard, or Juran?
Update:
We have new Cora art!
October 28, 2023
This started so strong, but man did it peter out by the middle. I wanted everything to be scary and on the edge, but everything became really safe and predictable.
February 26, 2025
I liked the first half of this until Fellen was introduced. There was a spooky vibe and the main character had a lot of similarities to katniss from the hunger games. After Fellen was introduced this went down hill for me. Mainly because I didn't really believe the love story between them. With that being said certain situations with Fellen also made me not like Coras character. Especially towards the end. I didn't understand why she felt the need to basically force Fellen to save her village. And she made him feel so bad too. Like girl if you loved this man like the story is trying to make it seem I don't think she would have been so heavy in the guilt tripping
December 31, 2024
Im so glad I found this book & I loved how the author did not cut corners when it came to the build up of what led Cora to do what she did in the beginning. The introduction of the male lead was great but I do wish the time the two leads spent together was a little bit longer than 2 weeks to make the love feel earned.
March 4, 2024
This was something I took a chance on as I wasn't sure about the cover, but I am so glad that I did. I don't normally enjoy thriller type monster romances, and that's all I could think whenever I saw the cover, but it wasn't and I am so so happy that I read this, as I enjoyed the series as a whole so much and can't wait for the next book to come out.
Cora was so strong and independent in the face of being sacrificed, and then finding a massive wolf man at your door with arrows in his hide definitely didn't help matters. I loved the banter between the characters, and the care that they gave one another even in the face of death.
Overall it was just such a good book for a first series, even if I liked the others more, and I can't recommend it enough. It had the perfect amount of plot and relationship building for me.
Cora was so strong and independent in the face of being sacrificed, and then finding a massive wolf man at your door with arrows in his hide definitely didn't help matters. I loved the banter between the characters, and the care that they gave one another even in the face of death.
Overall it was just such a good book for a first series, even if I liked the others more, and I can't recommend it enough. It had the perfect amount of plot and relationship building for me.
March 15, 2024
3.5
Always a good day when you find hidden gems on KU! Good worldbuilding + writing + characters you want to root for. The pacing was ok for a < 300-page book.
I initially started on book #2 (which I can already tell I like a lot more) and realized 30% through that having more context on the larger world is important, and I'm glad I chose to read the first book in the series.
Always a good day when you find hidden gems on KU! Good worldbuilding + writing + characters you want to root for. The pacing was ok for a < 300-page book.
I initially started on book #2 (which I can already tell I like a lot more) and realized 30% through that having more context on the larger world is important, and I'm glad I chose to read the first book in the series.
did-not-finish
February 3, 2025Got 35% in, drawn from the good writing and descriptions. The characterization is great, but once we get to the "hero" he's bragging about all the women he has slept with and I never vibe with that crap. So, i'm out. People who don't mind that should probably read it, as it seems like an exciting well-written tale.
August 20, 2025
‘If you be a good dog today, maybe you will get a treat tonight.’
‘And maybe you will find out exactly how a vlkolak likes to f--k.’
well...this did not go according to plan...
I was really loving this up until the 80% mark where she kept begging him to be a hero and save her😭 it felt too peer pressure-y for me plus...why would you force someone to literally risk their life when they constantly say they don't want to?
other than that the spice was pretty good but the banter/flirting was even better.
(idk why the dialogue in this book is written the way it is but I just pretended it was normal the whole time😅)
emotions: 🤔😶😅😷😳😂👀😏🖤
spice:🌶🌶.5/5
‘And maybe you will find out exactly how a vlkolak likes to f--k.’
well...this did not go according to plan...
I was really loving this up until the 80% mark where she kept begging him to be a hero and save her😭 it felt too peer pressure-y for me plus...why would you force someone to literally risk their life when they constantly say they don't want to?
other than that the spice was pretty good but the banter/flirting was even better.
(idk why the dialogue in this book is written the way it is but I just pretended it was normal the whole time😅)
emotions: 🤔😶😅😷😳😂👀😏🖤
spice:🌶🌶.5/5
April 21, 2025
3.5
I loved the story and I liked the characters a lot too.
The story was built nicely but for me, the end felt a bit rushed. I would have loved to read more about the fight and learn more about the world.
More background information about the different creatures. I hope for that to come in the next books.
I loved the story and I liked the characters a lot too.
The story was built nicely but for me, the end felt a bit rushed. I would have loved to read more about the fight and learn more about the world.
More background information about the different creatures. I hope for that to come in the next books.
May 19, 2024
DNF
I was incredibly bored with this book. The prose wasn’t bad, but it was dull. I did not find myself getting excited for the characters, the world, or the plot line. I was skimming most pages, and it took forever to get to the point when the love interests meet.
What made me start skimming was the point in the book when
I was incredibly bored with this book. The prose wasn’t bad, but it was dull. I did not find myself getting excited for the characters, the world, or the plot line. I was skimming most pages, and it took forever to get to the point when the love interests meet.
What made me start skimming was the point in the book when
November 24, 2024
This story combines the classic "sacrifice to the beast" trope with a refreshing spicy and feminist twist, creating a fast-paced and engaging story that is super fun. Yaaay monster romance!
Cora’s decision to take her cousin's place as the village sacrifice immediately establishes her strength and selflessness. Her unexpected refuge in the haunted forest reveals so many secrets, dangerous circumstances, and, most intriguingly, a "monster" who defies all expectations. The romance between Cora and the "beast" is captivating, with excellent chemistry and spice.
The stakes are surprisingly intense for such a quick read, but this is mostly about this surprisingly touching romance and Cora's empowerment.
The promise of interconnected stories adds even more excitement—there’s so much potential for this world and to get to know new characters. If you’re looking for a short, spicy, entertaining read this is a perfect pick.
Cora’s decision to take her cousin's place as the village sacrifice immediately establishes her strength and selflessness. Her unexpected refuge in the haunted forest reveals so many secrets, dangerous circumstances, and, most intriguingly, a "monster" who defies all expectations. The romance between Cora and the "beast" is captivating, with excellent chemistry and spice.
The stakes are surprisingly intense for such a quick read, but this is mostly about this surprisingly touching romance and Cora's empowerment.
The promise of interconnected stories adds even more excitement—there’s so much potential for this world and to get to know new characters. If you’re looking for a short, spicy, entertaining read this is a perfect pick.
May 24, 2024
2.5 stars
Just okay. The premise was interesting enough, but the writing fell very flat to me. There were parts that were good, but also many sections with short, choppy sentences or convoluted run-ons. Overall this really needed another round of editing, both for the writing issues and the many small grammar mistakes.
I enjoyed the parts with Black Annis because of the creep factor, but I felt the whole conflict was over too quickly. I also felt that Fellen and Cora's romance was too rushed, and this made it less convincing. The whole book takes place over a week or two, and they're saying they love each other at the end? Within 2 days she's not afraid of him and is jerking him off? This felt like it should be something that takes place over months rather than days.
Might still read the next one to see more of the vlkolaks.
Just okay. The premise was interesting enough, but the writing fell very flat to me. There were parts that were good, but also many sections with short, choppy sentences or convoluted run-ons. Overall this really needed another round of editing, both for the writing issues and the many small grammar mistakes.
I enjoyed the parts with Black Annis because of the creep factor, but I felt the whole conflict was over too quickly. I also felt that Fellen and Cora's romance was too rushed, and this made it less convincing. The whole book takes place over a week or two, and they're saying they love each other at the end? Within 2 days she's not afraid of him and is jerking him off? This felt like it should be something that takes place over months rather than days.
Might still read the next one to see more of the vlkolaks.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 12, 2023
This was such a fun book. I thought I knew what the plot was going to be, but I was pleasantly surprised by the twist that I didn't see coming. I don't want to spoil anything, so you will just have to read it for yourself.
The adored the banter between Cora and Fellen and their terms of endearment for each other. Their relationship was written so well. The angst was as heartbreaking as it was because effort put into these characters.
I found myself highlighting in the e-book, something I don't do very often, because there were such beautiful writing and I found phrases I did not want to forget about. This was such a good book and I will definitely be re-reading before book 2 comes out.
The adored the banter between Cora and Fellen and their terms of endearment for each other. Their relationship was written so well. The angst was as heartbreaking as it was because effort put into these characters.
I found myself highlighting in the e-book, something I don't do very often, because there were such beautiful writing and I found phrases I did not want to forget about. This was such a good book and I will definitely be re-reading before book 2 comes out.
December 6, 2024
THIS WAS TEWWWWWWW GOOD!!! At first I thought the Magistrate was the MMC cause I love the dynamic between him and Cora but I realized it was not😭 Fellen THE THINGS THAT HE WAS SAYING TO HER AND THEN AT THE ENDING WHERE HE WAS SENDING HER STUFF AND MAKING SURE SHE WAS OKAY ALL BECAUSE HE COULDN'T STAY AWAY FROM HER. LIKE TO BE LOVED MAN🥹. And the fact that the FMC is Black and she's portrayed as a fierce woman made me smile. Anyway I have no complaints about this book it was great I literally can't wait to read Renard's and Iasmina's book!!!! Would def recommend!!!
October 26, 2024
Honestly, this is just a fun monster romance and that's okay. I really enjoyed the folklore and mythology incorporated throughout this book with the witches, wolves, and monsters. I also liked the romance and spice. I felt that the ending was a little rushed, though. I would have liked something a little more satisfying. I'd recommend this book to monster romance lovers who like a bit of spice and monstrous mystery.
January 31, 2026
wanted to love but struggled to read this. it took me four days to finish because it kept losing my attention. the amount of smut was crazy mixed with a chaotic story and repetition. I feel like a lot of people would love this book but it's just not me. there were always a few grammer errors and Imo the cat was the best character. I plan on reading the other books because maybe it's just this one wasnt for me but I'd read them spread out between other books.
April 9, 2025
2.75 🌟 rounded up.
At first I thought it was good, then I thought it was alright. I’m too tried atm to thoroughly explore why, but somehow the vibes from the first third of the story are very different compared to the vibes from the rest of it. It went from creepy & fun to lackluster. Also wasn’t really into the mmc & the romance; I honestly only enjoyed their 🌶️ .
At first I thought it was good, then I thought it was alright. I’m too tried atm to thoroughly explore why, but somehow the vibes from the first third of the story are very different compared to the vibes from the rest of it. It went from creepy & fun to lackluster. Also wasn’t really into the mmc & the romance; I honestly only enjoyed their 🌶️ .
August 20, 2023
A very cute and funny read
It started a bit slow, but once the cat and the wolf were introduced I couldn’t stop laughing. This book was so funny and yet dark, I haven’t had a fantasy read like this in a while.
It started a bit slow, but once the cat and the wolf were introduced I couldn’t stop laughing. This book was so funny and yet dark, I haven’t had a fantasy read like this in a while.
November 10, 2024
a heroine’s quest!
She went into the woods of monsters to save her friend. Then a monster found her…only he needed saving. What to do?! Great story, w so much going on. Loved it. 🥵🥰😍
She went into the woods of monsters to save her friend. Then a monster found her…only he needed saving. What to do?! Great story, w so much going on. Loved it. 🥵🥰😍
December 6, 2024
This was such a fun read, the plot was engaging and I loved the dynamic between the two main characters. The ending set up the second book so good I’m diving right into that next!!
(Minus one star for the main character having my name and making me feel weird while reading 🌶️ scenes)
(Minus one star for the main character having my name and making me feel weird while reading 🌶️ scenes)
May 16, 2023
Really enjoyed
This book was a pleasant suprise I really enjoyed the storyline. I thought it would lean more towards the big bad wolf but it was nothing like thay
This book was a pleasant suprise I really enjoyed the storyline. I thought it would lean more towards the big bad wolf but it was nothing like thay
August 5, 2023
This book was so good! I was a bit confused at first but it all made more sense as I kept reading.
January 29, 2024
La copia licantropesca di The Duskwalkers Brides, divertente
November 11, 2024
some part of the concept was interesting and then it all went downhill from there
November 21, 2024
I didn’t love this but I did like the characters I think it was the world that I didn’t like- it was too sad and hopeless
August 1, 2024
I’ve completed this first book in the series and it was great! 4/5⭐️
Tropes:
🌲 M/F with a shifter
🌲 Size difference
🌲 Shifted s€x
🌲 Virgin FMC
🌲 Thriller fantasy romance with a mystery element
Tropes:
🌲 M/F with a shifter
🌲 Size difference
🌲 Shifted s€x
🌲 Virgin FMC
🌲 Thriller fantasy romance with a mystery element
January 25, 2024
Reread review: This is the first book that I read when I got my Kindle Unlimited which got me hooked on monster romance.
Initially I thought it was a demon (because of the cover lol) but we got a kind of a vlkolak (wolf-shifter) MMC. The world-building is not hard to get into and as non-fantasy girlie, I was able to catch on pretty quickly and the world was beautiful albeit very eerie. I wished we have some kind of map to be able to visualize more.
The story follows when the killings started, the town found out that they need to sacrifice a maiden to the forest and when Cora's cousin was called, she volunteered in her stead. She went to the forest where she was surprised to find a vlkolak and nursed him to health.
The banter between the characters was really entertaining, and I love Fellen (the MMC) and how he was realistic in terms of not wanting to be a hero but wanted to step up for Cora which he did a great job in protecting her. I love Cora and she's such a badass FMC that will do anything for her family and she was such in a dire situation with no end to her story, just work to have food to eat and I admire her for it for being so brave.
One thing that didn't really work for me was how quick they tumbled into bed together. However, it was really page-turner and I enjoyed my overall reading experience both times.
Initially I thought it was a demon (because of the cover lol) but we got a kind of a vlkolak (wolf-shifter) MMC. The world-building is not hard to get into and as non-fantasy girlie, I was able to catch on pretty quickly and the world was beautiful albeit very eerie. I wished we have some kind of map to be able to visualize more.
The story follows when the killings started, the town found out that they need to sacrifice a maiden to the forest and when Cora's cousin was called, she volunteered in her stead. She went to the forest where she was surprised to find a vlkolak and nursed him to health.
The banter between the characters was really entertaining, and I love Fellen (the MMC) and how he was realistic in terms of not wanting to be a hero but wanted to step up for Cora which he did a great job in protecting her. I love Cora and she's such a badass FMC that will do anything for her family and she was such in a dire situation with no end to her story, just work to have food to eat and I admire her for it for being so brave.
One thing that didn't really work for me was how quick they tumbled into bed together. However, it was really page-turner and I enjoyed my overall reading experience both times.
November 18, 2024
3.5/5 for me!
I really loved the first 60% of the book, the lore and the thrills were SO GOOD! I loved all the detailed world building and backstory. I do feel like it leveled out a little towards the end and seemed rushed, but it was still a fun read!
I really loved the first 60% of the book, the lore and the thrills were SO GOOD! I loved all the detailed world building and backstory. I do feel like it leveled out a little towards the end and seemed rushed, but it was still a fun read!
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews