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The House Witch #4
The Princess of Potential
A headstrong princess is entangled in intrigue, politics, magic, and romance in this coming-of-age tale set in the world of the beloved House Witch trilogy.
It’s been twenty years since Finlay Ashowan, the fabled house witch of Daxaria, first cooked up supernatural hijinks in the castle at Austice. Since then, much has the royal family now resides elsewhere, a tentative peace has been established with Troivack, and the crown princess, Alina, is ready to pick the perfect nobleman to be her husband.
But Alina’s quest for her ideal consort is proving rather difficult. For one, between her father’s nerves and her own health issues, relations within the family are tense at best. For another, Fin and his wife, Annika, have returned to the castle to celebrate Alina’s momentous choice, bringing with them their fiery daughter, Katarina; mysterious son, Tamlin; and mischievous familiar, Kraken—all of whom have a penchant for finding trouble that somehow surpasses that of the house witch himself. And finally, the most politically promising suitor, the king of Troivack, is nothing less than completely intolerable.
Now, Alina must manage filial expectations, flirtatious miscues, magical misadventures, and dangerous plots, all as she struggles to find her own place within her kingdom—and understand the blossoming desires of her own heart . . .
Featuring a new generation of delightful characters as well as the trademark charm, humor, and fantasy that made readers fall in love with the House Witch series, The Princess of Potential is a captivating tale of courtly intrigue, slow-burn romance, and mystical adventure that’s perfect for teens and adults alike.
The charming spin-off of the hit romantic-fantasy series that has more than a million views on Royal Road—now available on Kindle, Kindle Unlimited, and Audible!
It’s been twenty years since Finlay Ashowan, the fabled house witch of Daxaria, first cooked up supernatural hijinks in the castle at Austice. Since then, much has the royal family now resides elsewhere, a tentative peace has been established with Troivack, and the crown princess, Alina, is ready to pick the perfect nobleman to be her husband.
But Alina’s quest for her ideal consort is proving rather difficult. For one, between her father’s nerves and her own health issues, relations within the family are tense at best. For another, Fin and his wife, Annika, have returned to the castle to celebrate Alina’s momentous choice, bringing with them their fiery daughter, Katarina; mysterious son, Tamlin; and mischievous familiar, Kraken—all of whom have a penchant for finding trouble that somehow surpasses that of the house witch himself. And finally, the most politically promising suitor, the king of Troivack, is nothing less than completely intolerable.
Now, Alina must manage filial expectations, flirtatious miscues, magical misadventures, and dangerous plots, all as she struggles to find her own place within her kingdom—and understand the blossoming desires of her own heart . . .
Featuring a new generation of delightful characters as well as the trademark charm, humor, and fantasy that made readers fall in love with the House Witch series, The Princess of Potential is a captivating tale of courtly intrigue, slow-burn romance, and mystical adventure that’s perfect for teens and adults alike.
The charming spin-off of the hit romantic-fantasy series that has more than a million views on Royal Road—now available on Kindle, Kindle Unlimited, and Audible!
404 pages, Paperback
First published June 27, 2023
1535 people are currently reading
9317 people want to read
About the author
Delemhach
12 books1,952 followersDelemhach is the Canadian author of the popular online series, The House Witch, and is already hard at work on the sequel series, The Burning Witch. When they aren’t following the whims of their unfortunately intelligent cats, Kraken and Pina Colada, they are teaching music privately to their students. In their spare time outside of writing and work, they enjoy cooking, reading, hiking, spending time with family, and trying not to remember their socially awkward moments.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 463 reviews
June 30, 2023
Sweet enough. The author has certain repetitive phrases “they exchanged a look of deep understanding” or “he explained” … lacks some of the zaniness of earlier books.
September 1, 2023
Easy and fun to read but too light on details and depth
Gotta say it…The House Witch was so much better! I love Delemhach’s easy and lighthearted style. I always get a good laugh or two and Kraken the cat is by FAR the best character of the book. He carries the kingdom and this series on his back!
But the story just wasn’t everything it could have been. I wanted more depth and nuance to the story. It stayed pretty surface and didn’t really get into deeper emotions and a more intriguing storyline. I got bored. The House Witch simply had more magic and intrigue. I loved the world building and introduction to Fin’s bizarre magic and wanted more of that world! This book has so little of that sadly and even though his two children’s magic is cloaked in shadows, we’re given only enough substance to make us annoyed there isn’t more.
Princess Alina is in her courting season and she’s got multiple choices. Will it be the twin brother of her best friend who has dark secrets? Or the stoic and ill-mannered king of a rival nation? It might even be that king’s brother who loves music and is quick to make everyone laugh! But Alina will have to figure out who she is in order to decide what she wants and what she NEEDS! All the while, her wild new best friend (daughter of a certain house witch!) draws Alina into all kinds of shenanigans that while refreshing to an overprotected princess may lead to trouble one day!
It’s a lighthearted and simple read but I hoped for more.
Gotta say it…The House Witch was so much better! I love Delemhach’s easy and lighthearted style. I always get a good laugh or two and Kraken the cat is by FAR the best character of the book. He carries the kingdom and this series on his back!
But the story just wasn’t everything it could have been. I wanted more depth and nuance to the story. It stayed pretty surface and didn’t really get into deeper emotions and a more intriguing storyline. I got bored. The House Witch simply had more magic and intrigue. I loved the world building and introduction to Fin’s bizarre magic and wanted more of that world! This book has so little of that sadly and even though his two children’s magic is cloaked in shadows, we’re given only enough substance to make us annoyed there isn’t more.
Princess Alina is in her courting season and she’s got multiple choices. Will it be the twin brother of her best friend who has dark secrets? Or the stoic and ill-mannered king of a rival nation? It might even be that king’s brother who loves music and is quick to make everyone laugh! But Alina will have to figure out who she is in order to decide what she wants and what she NEEDS! All the while, her wild new best friend (daughter of a certain house witch!) draws Alina into all kinds of shenanigans that while refreshing to an overprotected princess may lead to trouble one day!
It’s a lighthearted and simple read but I hoped for more.
July 6, 2023
What an absolute slog. Was tempted to DNF until about maybe 40% in, didn’t feel like it had the charm of the first three books
Also too many unanswered qs
Also too many unanswered qs
August 11, 2024
Can be summed up as "princess with asthma meets broody King and decides she loves him because she needs to be 'strong."
Lacking the charm and wit from the rest of the books in the House Witch universe. A slog of a read.
Lacking the charm and wit from the rest of the books in the House Witch universe. A slog of a read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 9, 2023
Read this book on Royal Road and it’s just as amazing as the house witch series
September 6, 2023
IDK this book was not for me.. Way to many point of views and because of all the other stuff going on and all the different POV the romance between A and B got lost for me. The romance was a bit boring as well there was no sizzling not even a little bit, basically nothing (my prudish sister has got more sizzle than this). I liked Tamlin the most and Kat (will not be reading her book, this book was difficult enough). I was highly bored and very underwhelm reading this book. I actually skimmed a few of the chapters.
June 29, 2023
Okay, so I loved this, just like all the others, but was left with so many unanswered questions! Which really sucks, since this JUST was released. 😭
Where has Eric been? What is up with Tam and Kat? Why wasn't Kracken around more? What's the deal with the people going after King Brendan? How the hell did the bard father that many kids and not know?!
I'm dying...I know they'll all be answered, but how long will we have to wait??
Where has Eric been? What is up with Tam and Kat? Why wasn't Kracken around more? What's the deal with the people going after King Brendan? How the hell did the bard father that many kids and not know?!
I'm dying...I know they'll all be answered, but how long will we have to wait??
March 28, 2024
Not as good as the first three books but I still very much enjoyed the story. I loved seeing all the original characters. And the new characters were pretty great too, especially Tam because he acts very similar to myself.
These books are very easy to read and are nice palate cleansers. The world is very cozy and the stakes are usually quite low, with a few exceptions. I will definitely be buying the next set of books so I can continue the story.
These books are very easy to read and are nice palate cleansers. The world is very cozy and the stakes are usually quite low, with a few exceptions. I will definitely be buying the next set of books so I can continue the story.
January 11, 2025
Such a sweet book and a greet follow up in the house witch series. This book had me smiling throughout and I love the way Alina finds her confidence.
April 8, 2024
I like the original trilogy better but this was still fun. I'm very sad about the characters who died "offscreen" in the time gap between House Witch 3 and this one which makes me glad I took a solid break between the books so it didn't feel quite as jarring. But yeah it took a minute to get used to the older versions of everyone. I mean it was still a cute story. I liked Alina fine but I'm definitely more excited to get to Kat's story. I get that this needed to be kind of a bridge to that, but also that's what this book felt like: a bridge for the gap.
August 26, 2023
Took a second to get into this one but it was so charming and cute once I did! I loved meeting this next generation of characters and can’t wait to see where the series goes next! Still is the the ultimate cozy fantasy books!
January 19, 2024
4.5 I love this series. Filled with plenty of emotion and laughs. Wish it had ended a bit differently but it’s alright. I’ll read the next two and maybe they’ll check those boxes.
Read
July 11, 2023I love this author and series but this one just didn’t hold up on comparison. Take that with a grain of salt because as frustrated as I got with character inconsistencies and lack of motivation (and a fair deal of repackaged misogyny) I will still be reading the next one as soon as it comes out. I think it will help that Kat and Tam were far more interesting than Alina and Brenden
Roses:
Disability representation that is both realistic and empowering
Neurodivergent characters that are accepted and accommodated (and one’s still figuring out how to make that happen in a healthy way)
Friendships across genders that aren’t weird
Writing style is very consumable as always
Kat and Tam
Thorns:
The protagonist
The main relationship
Norman being a completely different person (without us understanding how grief did that)
The whole Eric thing
The plot is missing a few pieces but it’s easy to figure out how we got where we got whenever that happened
Roses:
Disability representation that is both realistic and empowering
Neurodivergent characters that are accepted and accommodated (and one’s still figuring out how to make that happen in a healthy way)
Friendships across genders that aren’t weird
Writing style is very consumable as always
Kat and Tam
Thorns:
The protagonist
The main relationship
Norman being a completely different person (without us understanding how grief did that)
The whole Eric thing
The plot is missing a few pieces but it’s easy to figure out how we got where we got whenever that happened
July 17, 2023
Loved other books in series but in this one I wanted more Ashowan twins and less Brendan, just didn’t vibe with him. Also needed way more Kraken he’s the best. Hoping the next books will have these as I like the world, as well as some answers about Eric and the twins magic because I felt like I was waiting all book for them and didn’t get anything.
June 28, 2023
I read this book in a day. This author is absolutely spellbinding with the fantasy world they have created. Loved the involvement of the House witch characters in this new generation of books. Slow burn and grumpy/sunshine. A pleasure to read.
January 21, 2025
the redhead is terribly annoying, but a book with potential
August 16, 2023
OKAY, somehow I loved this book even more than I loved the original trilogy. Alina's story is so, so cute and I was smiling like an idiot most of the time I was reading. This story took so many twists and turns but also gave me time with some old familiar characters as well as progressing the story forward with new ones in the same world of The House Witch. I still have several unanswered questions though, so I am grateful to see there are more books in this world being written (though unfortunately, it seems there might not be more from Alina's perspective). I loved this romance. I was rooting for a happy ending the entire time. A cute, wonderful book that keeps the magic from The House Witch alive and well.
December 7, 2023
I loved the “enemies” to lovers… tho it was cute how he quite clearly liked her from the start and just sucks at expressing himself:
“That man loves you far, far more than you love him, and I could tell that the first day I laid eyes on you two. You are the light in his abyss of darkness. He loves you the absolute best way he knows how, just as your father does, by protecting you.”
He’s like a clueless, gruff child it was so funny. Also, I love that he supports her being strong:
“Brendan shot Henry a warning glance. “She will be a good queen. She just needs to be more assured and learn to be less emotional.”
“So you plan on being the most irritating man alive so that she becomes immune to anything bothering her?” Henry wondered dryly.
“Is that a good plan?” the king asked seriously.”
Also fjskdndj I LOVE HOW KRAKEN AND THE KING HATE EACH OTHER:
“Your Majesty . . . every time you drink a little too much you’ve . . . you’ve written me a letter from wherever you are, and you write a very detailed list of why you hate my cat. It’s been happening at least biannually for . . . I want to say almost twenty years.”
“That man loves you far, far more than you love him, and I could tell that the first day I laid eyes on you two. You are the light in his abyss of darkness. He loves you the absolute best way he knows how, just as your father does, by protecting you.”
He’s like a clueless, gruff child it was so funny. Also, I love that he supports her being strong:
“Brendan shot Henry a warning glance. “She will be a good queen. She just needs to be more assured and learn to be less emotional.”
“So you plan on being the most irritating man alive so that she becomes immune to anything bothering her?” Henry wondered dryly.
“Is that a good plan?” the king asked seriously.”
Also fjskdndj I LOVE HOW KRAKEN AND THE KING HATE EACH OTHER:
“Your Majesty . . . every time you drink a little too much you’ve . . . you’ve written me a letter from wherever you are, and you write a very detailed list of why you hate my cat. It’s been happening at least biannually for . . . I want to say almost twenty years.”
July 9, 2023
A good story but not really humorous
Loved that the author kept many of the main characters from the original, but felt that the Troivakian king's character needed work. You didn't really get all the insights into his personality. Alina was a bit wishy washy. A lot of the interactions seemed superficial. The author never said much of the other candidates for Alina's hand. Plus there's the dragon bones mystery.
Loved that the author kept many of the main characters from the original, but felt that the Troivakian king's character needed work. You didn't really get all the insights into his personality. Alina was a bit wishy washy. A lot of the interactions seemed superficial. The author never said much of the other candidates for Alina's hand. Plus there's the dragon bones mystery.
July 13, 2023
While this sequel could not surpass the likeness of any of the original trilogy, I thoroughly enjoyed the continued world-building and new characters that were introduced. Alina is incredibly charming, and I just had to keep reading to see where her story went. This sequel does many things right, and I’m really excited to see what else this sequel series has in store.
If you haven’t read the original trilogy of The House Witch, you should absolutely do so before reading this book, and then come back to this. Hopefully you’ll be just as hooked as I am.
If you haven’t read the original trilogy of The House Witch, you should absolutely do so before reading this book, and then come back to this. Hopefully you’ll be just as hooked as I am.
July 7, 2023
This was an excellent addition to The House Witch cozy fantasy series and I’m sad I read it so quickly.
I loved that we got to see many of the original characters and meet new ones without it feeling forced. The next generation of characters are just as good as the originals and continue the kind of banter that had me giggling in the original series.
While this could act as a standalone novel, I suggest reading it after The House Witch series for ultimate enjoyment of the jokes.
I’m excited for the next (connected) trilogy following some of the characters introduced in this book. It looks like it’ll be a fun one!
I loved that we got to see many of the original characters and meet new ones without it feeling forced. The next generation of characters are just as good as the originals and continue the kind of banter that had me giggling in the original series.
While this could act as a standalone novel, I suggest reading it after The House Witch series for ultimate enjoyment of the jokes.
I’m excited for the next (connected) trilogy following some of the characters introduced in this book. It looks like it’ll be a fun one!
July 13, 2023
"The Princess of Potential" is a captivating coming-of-age novel set in the world of the House Witch series. Crown Princess Alina navigates intrigue, romance, and magic while seeking her place in the kingdom. With its charming characters, whimsical fantasy, and promise of a second book, this delightful read is perfect for fans of the series.
January 23, 2025
A bit slow to start with and I found I missed the characters from the first book but then as I read on I fell in love with the next generation and am looking forward to reading more of their adventures in the burning witch series. It was an absolute joy to read in the end and I couldn't put it down. Highly recommend.
September 28, 2023
ALL HAIL KRAKEN, EMPEROR OF DAXARIA!!
Man, I love these books so much!! The character development in this book was amazing. I love that there was a focus on communication between partners in this one. Can't wait to get my hands on the rest of Delemhach's books!
Man, I love these books so much!! The character development in this book was amazing. I love that there was a focus on communication between partners in this one. Can't wait to get my hands on the rest of Delemhach's books!
December 26, 2023
it took me a while to finish this book because the middle dragged on for a bit without any progression in brendan and alina’s love story but the last 30% really picked things up. it’s great to be back in the world of the house witch!!
August 20, 2023
I was a little wary of reading this book because next generation stories tend to be underwhelming compared to the original storyline. However this exceeded my expectations! I love how the original characters are in the book but I also love the new characters. I loved all the references. And this book was hilarious! If you love cozy fantasy books and/or are curious about the genre in general, you should consider reading the house witch series. So good!
May 25, 2024
Cheeky Fun Fantasy!
A cheeky fun fantasy with a princess who needs to marry, a King who needs a wife and heirs, and a cat who runs things behind the scenes!
A cheeky fun fantasy with a princess who needs to marry, a King who needs a wife and heirs, and a cat who runs things behind the scenes!
August 8, 2024
3.5/5
A bit weaker than the original trilogy, but still a fun book between the original series and the next one :)
A bit weaker than the original trilogy, but still a fun book between the original series and the next one :)
April 19, 2025
This book was so sweet 😭😭 memorable and personable characters, cozy but still action-packed, immersive, easy and fun to read!!! My fav in the series so far!! I think it can totally be read as a standalone or a single prequel to the next series!!! Loved ❤️❤️
Displaying 1 - 30 of 463 reviews