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The Witch Hunter #2
The Witch Hunter's Oath
A zealous Witch Hunter and faithful devotee of Dion, Elijah Lynton comes face-to-face with his own past when he’s sent to unmask the Witches who’ve cursed an entire town.
Everyone agrees Elijah Lynton needs a break. Everyone except the Witch Hunter himself, that is. Serving Dion is his only means of salvation, and he’ll damn the rest of the world if that’s what it takes to absolve him of his sins.
So when people in a quaint hamlet ask his Order to rid them of what they believe to be a Witch’s curse, Elijah throws himself headlong into the investigation. It soon becomes clear that he’s not dealing with any ordinary Witches, however. The town is ground zero for an insidious plot to revive a long-dead deity.
Aided by an old ally and a beguiling informant, Elijah faces off against a Flesh Goddess’s fanatical cult — and a spectre from a lifetime ago — in The Witch Hunter’s Oath.
Everyone agrees Elijah Lynton needs a break. Everyone except the Witch Hunter himself, that is. Serving Dion is his only means of salvation, and he’ll damn the rest of the world if that’s what it takes to absolve him of his sins.
So when people in a quaint hamlet ask his Order to rid them of what they believe to be a Witch’s curse, Elijah throws himself headlong into the investigation. It soon becomes clear that he’s not dealing with any ordinary Witches, however. The town is ground zero for an insidious plot to revive a long-dead deity.
Aided by an old ally and a beguiling informant, Elijah faces off against a Flesh Goddess’s fanatical cult — and a spectre from a lifetime ago — in The Witch Hunter’s Oath.
126 pages, Paperback
First published September 14, 2023
About the author
J.L. Coulbeck
8 books12 followersJ. L. Coulbeck pens gritty religious-fantasy novellas starring Witch Hunter Elijah Lynton and his orc sidekick Thrazo, blending bone-crunching action with wickedly dark humour. Brace yourself for sharp quips, brutal monsters…and more expletives than a black-market spell scroll.
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
February 1, 2026
3.5☆
The story of Elijah Lynton and Thrazo continues. More of Elijah's history is revealed in this second book. His character flaws begin to come to the forefront. The first page gave a clear picture of how cruel and driven Elijah could be in his search for witches. Warning - Elijah mistreats his horse, which made me not like him much. In fact, I didn't care much for Elijah in this installment. He is a truly flawed protagonist and as his character development continues we can see why.
A coven of witches, who worship Serpentis, an ancient serpentine god, gathered in a small village. At the coven's head is Nicolette, a woman from Elijah's past. She is nearly Elijah's undoing. Marielle is a woman who also plays a large role in the story, and I think that she will reappear in the future.
Favorite Quote:
"But every tale has a seed of truth, no matter how gnarled the root."
Fr. Matteo
The story of Elijah Lynton and Thrazo continues. More of Elijah's history is revealed in this second book. His character flaws begin to come to the forefront. The first page gave a clear picture of how cruel and driven Elijah could be in his search for witches. Warning - Elijah mistreats his horse, which made me not like him much. In fact, I didn't care much for Elijah in this installment. He is a truly flawed protagonist and as his character development continues we can see why.
A coven of witches, who worship Serpentis, an ancient serpentine god, gathered in a small village. At the coven's head is Nicolette, a woman from Elijah's past. She is nearly Elijah's undoing. Marielle is a woman who also plays a large role in the story, and I think that she will reappear in the future.
Favorite Quote:
"But every tale has a seed of truth, no matter how gnarled the root."
Fr. Matteo
October 29, 2023
A gripping intro to a dark world of witches and deities! Coulbeck's writing style pulls you right into the unique atmosphere of this witch-hunting quest and has your heart in your throat as you accompany Elijah on his grim mission. I loved the complexity of the character and can't wait to see how he grows as he fights the Cult of Serpentis!
February 12, 2026
This installment is a little slow, but it's worth the information. We get to see why the Witch Hunter is the way he is. We see what drives him. We also catch a glimpse of what can destroy him. Being a short read, you do gain a lot of insight on the quest Elijah and Thrazo are going on. On to the third one so I can be ready.
February 13, 2024
This book starts off horribly! I almost wanted to put it down and I haven't even made it past the first paragraph.. I am an animal lover so to read that the main character literally didn't care about his horse just did not sit right with me.
He goes on a witch hunt to take out witches that are a danger to others within the village. He ends up hunting someone from his past, unexpectedly.
it was an interesting short book, but not a favorite. I think there could have been more to it so that you at least got the whole picture of why he couldn't kill her and why he was so shocked when he seen her.
He goes on a witch hunt to take out witches that are a danger to others within the village. He ends up hunting someone from his past, unexpectedly.
it was an interesting short book, but not a favorite. I think there could have been more to it so that you at least got the whole picture of why he couldn't kill her and why he was so shocked when he seen her.
October 30, 2025
Elijah is one broody guy! I want more, luckily for me there is more in the pipeline! Keep them coming Jen!
September 29, 2025
"The Witch Hunter's Oath" by J. L. Coulbeck is a wonderful story of the witch hunter Elijah, a man fully dedicated to his grisly calling. Even his orc companion Thrazo, as willing to spill blood as he is to chase it with ale, fulfills his duties out of obligation more than faithful devotion. Elijah is alone in his devout pursuit of witch annihilation. In this novella, Elijah faces his most gut-wrenching trial yet, a clash with a coven so malignant and so poisoned, even he may not have the strength to cleanse it.
I enjoyed the descriptive prose in Coulbeck's novella. It is a little slower-paced but so self-reflective, which is what most of the novella is really about. Being a witch-hunter is meritorious, and yet so isolating, and Elijah has much to consider in order to to truly choose what kind of life he wants. He is capable, hard, and as true to his heart as he knows how to be. A Knight Templar challenging his own morality while cutting the enemy down. I hope Coulbeck continues Elijah's stories, because I will absolutely read them all.
I enjoyed the descriptive prose in Coulbeck's novella. It is a little slower-paced but so self-reflective, which is what most of the novella is really about. Being a witch-hunter is meritorious, and yet so isolating, and Elijah has much to consider in order to to truly choose what kind of life he wants. He is capable, hard, and as true to his heart as he knows how to be. A Knight Templar challenging his own morality while cutting the enemy down. I hope Coulbeck continues Elijah's stories, because I will absolutely read them all.
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews