The Butcher and the Bard

Dark Magic #1

by J.E. Harter

Marai is a mercenary. She is known amongst criminals of the shadows as the Lady Butcher. She lives in a world that abhors magic and punishes all magical folk, forcing Marai to hide her true self. She is half-fae, one of the last of her kind, after her people were savagely massacred.

But when Marai takes a commission from Ruenen, a young bard running from two powerful kingdoms, she is forced to confront the magic she’s tucked away inside herself as darkness spreads across the Continent of Astye.

Marai must protect Ruenen, and get him safely to the mysterious land of Andara, before he falls into the hands of cruel kings, bloodthirsty vampires, vengeful pirates, and mysterious dark magic.

Is Ruenen’s secret worth risking Marai’s own life? Is Marai ready to confront the demons of her past, and embrace her strength within?

"The Butcher and the Bard" is the first book in J. E. Harter’s new electrifying Dark Magic Series.

Genres: Fantasy

329 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 9, 2023

About the author

J. E. Harter is a lover of music, theatre, beaches, cats, and books (obviously). The Butcher and the Bard is her debut novel. She lives in NYC with two fluffy children Simon Catfunkel and Ziggy Starcat. When not authoring, she is (hopefully) inspiring young performers as a youth theatre director.

Visit her website to sign up for her monthly newsletter.

Instagram: @j.e.harter
TikTok: @j.e.harterauthor
Facebook: J. E. Harter

Reviews

[Kristens_korner · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's as if the witcher and throne of glass had a baby. Marai, in my mind, is like a female version of the Witcher, and I am all in! The bard is endearing, soft, and hard all at once. The storyline flowed so smoothly, even though it was a slow journey, it was filled with action and so much so and so much trauma. My heart was beating out of my chest so many times. The ending had me wanting to throw the book across the room! Thank God I have the 2nd one to read! Fantastic world and characters from this author!

[Journalwhilstreading · Rating 5 out of 5]

Without being dramatic... how is the hype for this book not more?!

I very luckily received this book as an ARC from @j.e.harter and when I say this book was everything I needed right now to get me out of my slump, I mean it.

Marai is one of the coolest and crazy badass female characters I've read in a while! She's got power, skills, and so much sass that she was an absolute delight to read. Her past had my heart hurting, and although she'd probably gut me like a fish, I'd still love to hug her.

Then you have Ruenen, what a funny sunshine indeed. He truly made me laugh through the book, and his sunny disposition worked so well with Marai. I found myself loving his honesty with his current position (can't give it away because spoilers) and how well he concealed parts of himself. I genuinely wasn't expecting his talent, especially as Ard the Bard 🤣👌.

One character I thoroughly enjoyed but was very unsettled by was Rayghast. I am so fascinated by him that I can't wait until more is revealed; especially when it comes to Rhia. There seems a lot more to discover there 👀

This book was described as the witcher meets Throne of Glass, and whilst I have never read the witcher, I can 100% vouch for the TOG vibes! It's definitely good if you are having a book slump after it 😭

This is one of the best fantasy books I've read to date, and i can't wait to see how the series progresses. So far, this book is in the top 5 books I've read so far this year and why I can easily give this 5⭐️'s. If you're looking for a new book to add to your TBR, then make sure to make room for this one!

Thank you again to @j.e.harter for having me as one of your arc readers, I have had an absolute blast and couldn't put it down! Here's eagerly waiting for book 2 🤩🔥

[Christie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it! This book is so fun and action-packed the whole time. The FMC is amazing, and I thoroughly enjoyed her character progression. She’s super strong but has vulnerabilities that she’s working through. The multiple points of view really enhance and progress the story by giving insight from different perspectives. I really enjoyed the dialogue throughout the whole story. I finished it and just wanted more! Starting the next book right away 😊

[Raina B 🌙 · Rating 5 out of 5]

IT WAS SO GOOD!!! I NEED MORE

In all seriousness, I have been in a huge book slump for about two months. The books I read were not giving me what I needed and with how crazy life has been, I just haven’t found anything to suck me in.

Until this book. I came across the The Butcher and the Bard I think from JE Harter’s TikTok. I saw another reviewer saying it got them out of their slump. seriously no lie there.

The Butcher and the Bard gives Throne of Glass and “The Witcher” tougher. Marai is our grumpy, anti-hero who is looking to continue to run from her past and serve as the butcher in the night. Ruenen is our sunshine MMC looking to continue to run as well and looking to get away. As Marai agrees to continue to assist, we get fantastic world building, tense moments, and a slowwww burn. It gives everything I could want in a novel, including a cliffhanger of a ending (which I love and hate you for)

If you need something to hold over for fourth wing or just need a good and classic world build with some lovable characters, this is IT. Now I have to figure out how to live until book two gets released.

[Michaela Jones · Rating 3 out of 5]

The plot relies heavily on one person incapable of growth, and because of that I’m sure the series will be 30 novels deep by the time it’s finished. It feels like I read a 300 page cliffhanger with no resolution, no satisfaction, and all for the sake of selling the next book in the series. It felt like a book that could have done great things, but failed at every turn to create a change in the leading lady butcher, instead relying on well-timed accidents to get her out of situations that could have been something more profound. Harter jammed every modern day feminist and fantasy trope into a single novel, sometimes well and sometimes forcefully. The good side is that it’s a fast read and if you enjoy the heavy, tense moments in which two characters almost but ultimately don’t kiss you’ll enjoy the heck out of it.

I want to know how the characters progress, but I think I’ll read the cliff notes on the next one.

[Kristina DeNoble · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! It gives black cat/golden retriever energy. I loved the main characters and how their relationship progresses throughout the book. I literally cannot wait for the next book to come out. I’m excited to see where this series goes!!

[Natalia Bar · Rating 4 out of 5]

Damnit I now just want to go to Andara 😂 This was a really intriguing start to a new series. Tbh I was not really in a mood for another romantasy, some parts were quite foreseeable and there was some too familiar faerie stuff BUT the other parts? The writing is really good. I really like the world building and the plot is PLOTTING. The fantasy part definitely got me hooked! Also Ard the Bard? I LOVE the way his character is written.

[sadallthetime · Rating 4 out of 5]

a good strong debut!

[Hanna · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5⭐️

[Charlotte Ashby · Rating 5 out of 5]

“I’d become a tool of violence and shadow”
🔪🔪🔪🔪🔪🔪🔪🔪🔪🔪🔪🔪🔪

I was lucky enough to have an arc of this book

The butcher meets a bard and together they set off on the most dangerous , life changing journey they could have ever imagined.
Secrets are revealed, feelings are caught and tragedy strikes more than once.

Reading this book I was constantly on edge, so much happens in those 320 pages , and honestly I don’t know how certain characters are still alive it was nail biting in some parts!
Highly packed with action, story telling , world building and characters that you either loved or hated.
Our bard in the story Ruenen, is much more then he starts off as , as we delve deeper into the story his layers are peeled back and we are left with a man trying to find himself whilst also trying to run away from himself and I hope book 2 sees him well.

Marai out butcher ,is the biggest of badass’s I clapped and cheered and I was In awe of her ( I know I was not the only one) the way she is written brings vengeful feminism to the forefront and I am here for it . I cannot wait for her to explore her magic and her identity further !

The connection that these two characters have is amazing what starts off as friendship and starts to develop into more but is stopped before anything can happen is torturous!

Side characters in this novel were amazing I’m watching out for a certain vampire and all his knowledge !

The authors use of imagery is honestly second to none I can picture everything perfectly and it really gives this book a certain feel! The style of writing is captivating and page turning you have a real gift for sure
This high fantasy book could honestly rival big names like the hobbit , the Witcher etc it’s up there and I cannot wait for more

Speaking of more

Excuse me ma’am … that ending ? I am too stunned to say anything I reeling over what happened when I say I need book 2 like right now it is not a joke !

Fans of the Witcher , game of thrones and empire of the damned will seriously love this book
Seriously an amazing read and I cannot wait to see what’s in store for our bard and butcher
5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[Victoria · Rating 4 out of 5]

A mix of TOG and The Witcher, can’t wait for the second book

[Nadine De · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not bad. Story was pretty good but it felt like the plot got repeated a lot.

[Tay (Read With Tay) · Rating 5 out of 5]

HOLY HECK was this an amazing, sweeping fantasy. I just. I was so enthralled with this book. From the first page, I was engaged with the world-building and I think it was done so incredibly well. There were no questions left about how this person had magic, where this person came from. There were multiple POVs which is normally a "no no" from me but this book made it so they were easy-to-follow and not confusing. There wasn't information overload and I was begging for more by the end.

[Sam Bourne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Completely forgot to write this review earlier but here I am regardless. I had the pleasure to read this book early as an ARC reader and holy hell was it amazing!!

This book completely delivers on everything that was promised. Action, drama, angst, all of the best tropes?? YUP!! It’s all there! Seriously I cannot reiterate enough how awesome this book is.

I absolutely cannot wait for the rest of this series. Marai and Reunen are some of my all time favourite characters after reading this novel.

[Sydney Fowble · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75 stars rounded up to 4 for this debut novel!

I saw a video the author posted on Instagram and was very excited to read this. The author described it as Throne of Glass x The Witcher, which sounded perfect. There were a lot of things that I enjoyed about this, but a few elements that fell kind of flat for me.

I think for a debut high fantasy novel, this was pretty good.

I enjoyed the characters, the magic system, and history. Having a Bard main character was really unique and Reunen was my favorite character. He was funny, charming, and complex. Marai was also good but not quite as interesting as Reunen, in my opinion. However, I really enjoyed their dynamic and development throughout the story. The tension was executed well in my opinion, and I am looking forward to seeing how their relationship develops in the next book(s)! I also enjoyed seeing Marai's journey in accepting who she is and her abilities evolve. The author did well with the trauma element and did well in incorporating that. I also enjoyed the cliffhanger the book left off on. Finally, I loved that she snuck two bonus prequel chapters into the end of the book!

This was a shorter novel at 320 pages. I'm not sure if it's because of the length, or because this was a debut novel, but sometimes the writing felt a little shallow to me. Many of the sentences were pretty short so occasionally the dialogue and writing in general felt a little stilted. I wish that the author had dug a little deeper into the dialogue, world-building, etc. So for me, I felt a bit bored and uninvested here and there throughout the story. (It did pick up in the last third of the book though). However, I think this would be a great "intro to high fantasy" novel because the world-building, politics, and characters are not overly complex. It was easy to understand what was always happening.

All that being said, this was an enjoyable read and I think it definitely needs more hype. The author seems very passionate about improving her craft, and because the book did get better in the final third, I am expecting that I will enjoy book 2 more!

If you like:
-Touch him and die
-Fae, vampires, and pirates
-Assassin FMCs
-Grumpy FMC x Sunshine MMC
-Tension
-Elemental magic
-Banter

....then I would definitely check this out.

[Charlotte Joyce · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had the absolute pleasure of meeting J.E. Harter at the 5th Avenue Fair in Brooklyn a few weeks back, and picking up this book was one of the best spontaneous decisions I’ve made in a while. I didn’t expect to fall into such a dark, lyrical, and emotionally layered story—but once I started reading, I couldn’t stop.

This book swept me into a gritty yet enchanting world where every shadow feels like it holds a secret and every interaction carries weight. It’s the kind of story that feels atmospheric in the best way—moody, tense, and hauntingly beautiful. The writing is so immersive, and enjoyable.

What really anchored the story, though, was the character development. Watching the two leads evolve—slowly unpeeling their trauma, defenses, and mistrust—was such a rewarding experience. The way their dynamic shifted over time, how their dialogue deepened and softened, felt real and raw. I especially loved the way the book didn’t rush anything. Emotions simmered, motives twisted, and the bond between them built in a way that made every interaction feel earned.

There’s a tension throughout the book—both emotional and magical—that really kept me on edge. The danger wasn’t just from outside forces, but from the characters themselves, from what they were hiding or running from. That emotional undercurrent of mistrust, betrayal, and yearning added so much richness to the story. One thing this book handles exceptionally well is the emotional cost of betrayal—how it lingers, how it reshapes the way characters see themselves and each other. You feel that ache, and it hurts in the best way.

Also… the worldbuilding. It’s subtle but strong—there’s this beautiful sense of folklore and history that feels like it’s just under the surface of every scene. The magic system isn’t overly explained, but it fits the tone of the book perfectly—mysterious, dangerous, and laced with consequences.

I’m so glad this book way into my hands, and I absolutely cannot wait to dive into the next book.

[Timm Woods · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Butcher and the Bard is a incredible slow-burn narrative which blends amazing world-building and incredibly vivid character development. The detail that goes into the lead characters is artful, and I particularly liked the way the mystery and revelations are teased out and foreshadowed. The simple, easy-to-start beginning belies how many engaging twists and turns fill this story, and each stage of the quest left me less certain as to how things would end. I don't think I've been this invested in the fate of two heroes since I was a young reader, and Harter is masterful at hinting at one possibility while setting up the characters for another. All in all, B&B did a great job of keeping me guessing, while persistently keeping me hopeful for a happy ending.

Truly a great read, and as a lapsed reader it was a quick and easy one, serving as a great on-ramp to dive back into written books after years of audiobooks and podcasts. If you are a fan of ACOTAR or The Witcher, put this on your reading list immediately. If you're not, do it anyway, because this series is honestly a great introduction into the fantasy genre while striking its own distinct camp within the space.

I'll be picking up the second book as soon as it's out, and while I'm desperate for a satisfying conclusion, a larger part of me is glad to see this turned into a longer-running series. Harter has come out swinging with her debut novel, and you should stay tuned for more great work from her in her upcoming sequels.

[Scarlet · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was an ARC reader for this book and I created a GoodReads account just so I could review it (it's my first time being an ARC reader)! I LOVED this book! And I'm really not exaggerating here-- it's exactly the type of book I love to read. It's shorter and fast-paced, and really sucked me in from the first chapter, but a lot happens here and doesn't feel short at all. It comes with some of my favorite tropes: badass FMC (giving Aelin vibes), grumpy x sunshine, touch him and you die, elemental magic, and unlikely friendships.

I love the relationship between Marai and Ruenen. Their buildup feels so natural, you just can't help but root for them. I also love the multi-POV, especially because we get to see the villain's POV. Rayghast is really creepy, but also super intriguing. Very interested to learn more about him. I also love the secondary villain, in a love-t0-hate kind of way. He's actually worse, in my opinion, than Rayghast. And the side character of Nosficio the vampire was honestly one of my favorite characters. I really want to learn more about him and Nieve.

This book is marketed as "Throne of Glass" meets "The Witcher" and I'd say it's definitely giving off vibes from both! As someone who loves TOG and The Witcher's TV show, I was hooked immediately. Also great for fans of ACOTAR, Graceling, Shadow & Bone, and Serpent and the Wings of Night (although without the spice).

[Anna · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you are a fan of the Witcher, Game of Thrones, or honestly most fantasy series I HIGHLY recommend this book!!

I received this book as an ARC/beta reader for the series and I am so thankful and glad J. E. Harter has invited me into this wonderful world of hers.

The Butcher and the Bard tells the story of Marai and Ruenen, two unlikely strangers who are slowly drawn to each other over the course of the story. As Marai discovers her magic, and Ruenen unravels secrets of his past, they are met by many adversaries along their way to Andara.

Harter’s ability to create realistic characters really made me feel connected to this book. With honest reactions and feelings while dealing with trauma, it doesn’t feel like one of those books where the character easily gets over life-changing events. Harter has created some characters I know I will love to revisit in years to come.

Also, Harter has given us a rough and tough female main character who still has emotional moments and a sweet and cheery male main character, who isn’t all soft and gooey. The black cat-golden retriever relationship is so well thought out and makes sense for her characters. She also develops the characters like real people, their friendship and feelings towards one another set in a realistic timeline.

This is book is #1 in J. E. Harter’s Dark Magic series, with book 2 set to come out in 2024. I cannot recommend this series enough, it seriously needs more recognition.

[Cassie Catchot · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am so in my fantasy girlie era!! I was super excited to receive this as an ARC read from JE Harter. I mean if you love the Witcher (I can't attest to the TOG reference in the blurb bc I haven't gotten to it yet), I seriously am obsessed with the world of the Witcher. But instead it's a badass female assassin for hire. I am living for a lead woman who is strong and stern, rooted for her from chapter 1. Her first fight scene, Ruenen describes this dance of power and strength, she kicks like a group of men's ass!! And just gets better from there.
Secondly when I am reading fantasy, I enjoy world building without like information overload, the slow and steady world building is what makes me really get sucked into a world. So I thoroughly enjoyed how JE portrayed this world. And and....the guy is the sunshine character in this book, like you always get the grumpy/sunshine where the female is the sunshine and the guy is the grump. I loved him, Ruenen was funny and charming, I connected with him so much because I can't be still and I can't be a quiet reserved type so if I gotta travel far distance and be silent I am a mess. He was struggling just like I would have been. The author leaves tiny breadcrumbs throughout the story to keep you wondering which detail is going to make an impact later on. Read it!!!! You will be so ready for book 2!!

[Kinsey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to J.E Harter for giving me the opportunity to beta read for her a few months back. Another thanks for the ARC copy I received a few months later.

The Butcher and the Bard is the first of a fast paced, high fantasy series full of romance and thrilling plot twists. This is the kind of book that is hard to put down for even a second!

The book follows a young woman named Marai and a young man named Ruenen as they journey across the land on their way to Andara. Along the way they meet many challenges and have to navigate their way through them together, all while each keeping their secrets safe. The whole time I was reading I was hoping that the book would never end, and when I did reach the end, I was left shocked at the cliffhanger. I emailed her begging for more to read because it was so good I just couldn't wait! (Sadly the 2nd book wasn't ready to be read)

I can't wait to get the second book to read and review so I can continue this adventure with Marai and Ruenen.

Thank you again to J.E Harter for this opportunity, I can't wait to work with you again in the future :)

[Samantha · Rating 4 out of 5]

The fact that this book isn't blowing up is a crime. It's amazing.

1. The world building is fascinating, I hope we get more of it in the next book! I want to know all about the kingdoms and the history.

1. The characters are so interesting! They're both well fleshed out and have full back stories. Marai is an actual badass, she doesn't suddenly get weak, she doesn't need saving, she's powerful and capable. Ruenen is sweet, funny, and actually not a bad bard. I loved both of them.

3. The romance is sweet and felt very realistic. Nothing feels forced or rushed which is lovely. Also the fact that the "there was only one bed trope" was set up and then Ruenen slept on the floor was a crime. A crime! I love how Ruenen completely respects Marai's boundaries, he doesn't push her on anything (besides asking a lot of questions).

4. Marai's trauma was done incredibly well, her flashbacks and fear felt incredibly realistic. I'm so glad she was able to give Slate a bit of a beating. That was awesome. Like I said, she's an actual capable badass. On that note please make sure you read the content warnings before reading this book!

Overall I definitely recommend this book! I expect to see it all over booktok and bookstagram soon!

[Kate Lockwood · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantasy lovers - meet your new obsession: The Dark magic series.

OMG I love this book. If you’re a fan of Sarah J. Maas or the Witcher, this definitely has similar vibes but in a completely original, compelling way. It feels like this is going to be the next big fantasy series after Game of Thrones.

Keeping it spoiler free, this book is a roller coaster. You can’t put it down - the pace is thrilling and sucks you in. The world-building is top-notch but it’s done in an organic way that doesn’t bog down the story. The elemental magic is done in a fresh and exciting way yet still very grounded.

You fall in love with Marai and Ruenen (the 2 main characters) right out the gate. The characters are complex, rich, deeply real humans (and Fae) that make you feel like you know them.

I cannot wait for the rest of this series. My only regret is finding it so early and now having to wait for the rest of the series to come out!

[Erin Hardin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! I did not go into this with super high expectations (had read it was a mix of ToG and The Witcher.) I was so wrong. This book immediately drew me in. Marai is an exceptional FMC. Badass, ruthless and deadly. I immediately picked up on the Witcher vibes when she met “Ard the Bard.” So easy to fall in love with his character. From the kingdoms at war, the few magical creatures left among them and the magic that has yet to be snuffed out, this story delivers! It leaves you wanting to be able to continue after that last page. I need answers! But not in a bad way. The author created a story that just ropes you in and I can’t wait to see the wrath that Marai is about to unleash!!!

Side note: Nosficio (the vampire) doesn’t have a large roll, but his character is so intriguing. I hope to see more of him in book 2.

[Addison · Rating 5 out of 5]

Note: I did receive an ARC copy to read.

Wow, what a story! I enjoyed the world Harter has created, but I mostly loved seeing it through her characters’ eyes. Each character has their own goals and own view of the world that paints a beautiful but complicated picture that resembles the complexities of today’s world.

Harter paces the story with lots of action, but also with lots of dramatic tension. What could go wrong when a Bard hires a Mercenary to be his body guard? There were a couple places I felt were a tad rushed. However, I give this book 5 stars because I believe the author accomplished every objective she wanted to get out of this story.

Harter is a talented writer and I can’t wait to see what she comes out with next!

[Della · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Butcher and the Bard was like the epitome of a Dungeons and Dragons campaign as a book. The story was fun and adventurous, perfectly encapsulating the best parts of the fantasy genre. Each new location our two main characters came to was more interesting than the last, and I absolutely adored the main characters. They had subtle banter and chemistry that led to the romance in the Butcher and the Bard slowly building up throughout the story. The magic system is very intriguing, and I feel like every question answered about the magic system caused 3 more! I am very excited for the rest of the Dark magic series, especially after the ending!! The Butcher and the Bard ends on a very heavy and exciting cliffhanger.

[Lindsey_reads_books · Rating 5 out of 5]

I bought the rest of the Dark Magic series before I finished this book because it’s everything I love about fantasy. The writing, world building, magic and dash of romance is 5 stars for me!

It’s a creative gender twist of a “lady witcher” and it has the high stake elements of the TOG. Marai’s fight for survival made this a page turner for me. I LOVE Ruenen and his bard persona but the deeper part of him is the best (no spoilers!) I love that he wants to tear down her walls. That should be a trope, right? There is also a pov of the evil king and that brought another level to the story for me. He is a great villain to hate, those chapters dove deeper into the plot. This was a 5 star reading experience!

I am so happy I have book 2, The Red Lands and Black Flames!

[Courtney · Rating 5 out of 5]

*light spoilers*
I really liked this book. I like the world building, the adventures Marai and Ruenen get into, and the way the characters evolve throughout the story.
There are a few "boring" tropes, like humans revolting/fae genocide/secret society background stuff, and the repeated capture/escape, but I guess it's to be expected given both characters are being hunted.

This was a great book for a Maas hangover. I imagine this book and TOG happening in the same era.

The writing was great, and once Marai opened up the dialogue was raw and sassy. I came to the end of this book much too soon last night, and am already started on the next one.

[Maras · Rating 2 out of 5]

sadly, it didn't do it for me. I was really excited to read it, because I saw a lot of hype about it, but it ended in disappointment. the story quickly became very repetitive, as every trouble the main characters would get into was solved exactly the same way.

moreover, i did not see the chemistry between the characters. it almost felt like (and I realise this might sound silly) we were getting a dry description of how they're supposedly feeling, but without the genuine spark or tension in the writing. there was no depth to their allegedly growing romance, and getting the 'actually, he's super into her' every now and again fell flat for me.

[Jeanette T. Queen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was fantastic. I love the Lady Butcher, she is an intense and highly messed up character, resulting from a horrible childhood. She meets up with the Bard who is equally messed up, but where she is all grumpiness, he is all sunshine. It is a remarkable journey that these two embark on. Both hiding huge life altering secrets, both basically running for their lives and their past. I highly recommend it and I cannot wait to see what happens next.