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Minu
For years, Taniel Sushan and his father have hunted the Demon Witch Minu, and they’ve found her too late. Unable to stop the apocalyptic magic she’s unleashed, a father bargains for his son’s life at a terrible price. Death would have been a mercy. Twisted by dark experiments leaving him more monster than man, Taniel escapes the witch, clinging to the hope of restoring his humanity and reuniting with the woman he loves.
Nesrin never lost faith that Taniel survived the curse which left the world in ruin. Learning of her husband’s distress, she abandons the safety of one of the few surviving cities to seek him in lands teeming with wicked magic.
Minu spent lifetimes creating an enchantment to grow a paradise from the ashes of the old world, only to have it corrupted by an immortal adversary, one she’s determined to vanquish, even if it means the destruction of all.
At the end of world begins a tale of enduring hope, ancient feuds, and the quest for second chances.
Nesrin never lost faith that Taniel survived the curse which left the world in ruin. Learning of her husband’s distress, she abandons the safety of one of the few surviving cities to seek him in lands teeming with wicked magic.
Minu spent lifetimes creating an enchantment to grow a paradise from the ashes of the old world, only to have it corrupted by an immortal adversary, one she’s determined to vanquish, even if it means the destruction of all.
At the end of world begins a tale of enduring hope, ancient feuds, and the quest for second chances.
- GenresFantasy
478 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 22, 2024
About the author
S.K. Ehra
6 books56 followersWhen not reading or writing, S.K. Ehra can be found wandering the woods and, while skittish, is friendly when approached.
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
April 17, 2025
This was truly incredible. For once we get a story where the good guys don’t necessarily win. But evil, evil gets a second chance. I was captivated from the very beginning. Very well written and very well done!
April 14, 2026
Review of advance copy received from Author
Wow, just... Wow.
One of my rare, full 5 stars, absolutely deserved. What a journey! This book tore my heart to slowly put it back.
Evocative, atmospheric, and powerful; I loved everything of it.
The beautiful writing and poetic descriptions, the delicacy and the harshness of many moments.
The extraordinary world building, so rich and intricate I can't believe it was created solely for a stand alone novel.
The story, a bit Witcher, a bit horror, a bit mythical tale. One of a kind, hard to put a label to it, but that's what makes it unique and unexpected. For comparison, though completely different in story and themes, the vibe reminded me of Gaiman's beautiful novel, "The Ocean at the End of the Lane".
In one word, Minu is an absolute gem, one not to miss!
Wow, just... Wow.
One of my rare, full 5 stars, absolutely deserved. What a journey! This book tore my heart to slowly put it back.
Evocative, atmospheric, and powerful; I loved everything of it.
The beautiful writing and poetic descriptions, the delicacy and the harshness of many moments.
The extraordinary world building, so rich and intricate I can't believe it was created solely for a stand alone novel.
The story, a bit Witcher, a bit horror, a bit mythical tale. One of a kind, hard to put a label to it, but that's what makes it unique and unexpected. For comparison, though completely different in story and themes, the vibe reminded me of Gaiman's beautiful novel, "The Ocean at the End of the Lane".
In one word, Minu is an absolute gem, one not to miss!
December 28, 2025
A gorgeously well crafted horror fantasy novel, that combines delicious elements of Frankenstein, Beauty and the Beast, The Odyssey while creating a completely different story.
Great characters, great world-building, tension, heartbreak and hope.
An absolute banger of a novel.
Great characters, great world-building, tension, heartbreak and hope.
An absolute banger of a novel.
February 22, 2024
Darker in tone than SK Ehra's previous outings, Minu is the story of what happens when heroes fail at their objectives and evil wins however, the story is not a hopeless one. The story features several characters who are left to pick up the pieces and try to live on despite the tolls of plague, loss, and corruption. The worldbuilding is excellently done and vividly described and the characters are well written and nuanced.
March 1, 2024
(Mild spoilers warning)
Minu was such an adventure !!
Quite different from what I usually read, the beautiful cover draw me in but the story kept me captivated!
Although there IS action, I find it a slower read. But, as the author told me (I was given an ARC by her), «Books are like wine, they're meant to be enjoyed in good time.» and I find it really was the case with this book ! The world building is intriguing, the prose is beautiful and the switch of POV (and tense !!) is really interesting. Instead of rushing into it like I usually do, I enjoyed the read slower, taking time in the travel and the journey of the characters.
This is a beautiful story of growth and choices for the various characters, and the ending gives a great feeling a fulfilment.
I loved the « Witcher » vibe you got through it, and the Karakin’s part of the story kept me on the edge of my bed reading !!
The end opens for more questions, not on the principal characters, but others and the whole world. Will we see a follow-up book for it? I would def read it if there is one :)
Minu was such an adventure !!
Quite different from what I usually read, the beautiful cover draw me in but the story kept me captivated!
Although there IS action, I find it a slower read. But, as the author told me (I was given an ARC by her), «Books are like wine, they're meant to be enjoyed in good time.» and I find it really was the case with this book ! The world building is intriguing, the prose is beautiful and the switch of POV (and tense !!) is really interesting. Instead of rushing into it like I usually do, I enjoyed the read slower, taking time in the travel and the journey of the characters.
This is a beautiful story of growth and choices for the various characters, and the ending gives a great feeling a fulfilment.
I loved the « Witcher » vibe you got through it, and the Karakin’s part of the story kept me on the edge of my bed reading !!
The end opens for more questions, not on the principal characters, but others and the whole world. Will we see a follow-up book for it? I would def read it if there is one :)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 19, 2024
SK Ehra never ceases to impress me.
Her ability to blend precisely edited, clean-reading prose with deep emotionality and visceral world detail is scarcely rivaled in the indie fantasy game.
In Minu, SK manages to paint vivid, organic characters and then invites us to walk hand in hand with them through all the horrors of a magic-inflicted apocalypse.
Wrought with supernatural creatures, witchcraft, curses, romance, and adventure Minu is sure to please any lover of contemporary dark fiction!
Her ability to blend precisely edited, clean-reading prose with deep emotionality and visceral world detail is scarcely rivaled in the indie fantasy game.
In Minu, SK manages to paint vivid, organic characters and then invites us to walk hand in hand with them through all the horrors of a magic-inflicted apocalypse.
Wrought with supernatural creatures, witchcraft, curses, romance, and adventure Minu is sure to please any lover of contemporary dark fiction!
March 9, 2024
First of all, I love the cover which is what drew me to the story. Secondly, a new author for me and all I can say is wow! A great readthat draws you in & keeps the pages turning. The author has a unique style that blends fantasy & horror into an intriguing read. The world building was exceptional and a wide variety of creatures which I love. Another author added to my favorites list.
Taniel ends up becoming an unwilling participant in the demon witches sickly games. She says she is helping him but leaves him damaged beyond repair. He considers himself a monster. He is held prisoner and pretty much gives up until one day he escapes. He searches for someone to help him & lets his wife Nesrin believe he is dead. She ends up finding out he is alive and sets out on her own quest to find him and bring him home. While they search for help they must also elude Karina the demon child sent by the witch to find Taniel and bring him back.
An intriguing story and I can't wait for more.
Taniel ends up becoming an unwilling participant in the demon witches sickly games. She says she is helping him but leaves him damaged beyond repair. He considers himself a monster. He is held prisoner and pretty much gives up until one day he escapes. He searches for someone to help him & lets his wife Nesrin believe he is dead. She ends up finding out he is alive and sets out on her own quest to find him and bring him home. While they search for help they must also elude Karina the demon child sent by the witch to find Taniel and bring him back.
An intriguing story and I can't wait for more.
February 28, 2024
Favorite quote: "Second chances are never given to the deserving, are they?"
Minu was quite a lengthy read, and in my opinion, it could have been shorter, especially considering it's a standalone. However, despite its length, it delivered a compelling story with multiple points of view, each distinct and engaging in their own right.
The book truly tugged at my heartstrings, particularly with Nesrin, whose humor and sass provided a much-needed light amidst the darkness, and Taniel, who evoked genuine sympathy from me. The ending, although satisfying, felt a bit rushed, leaving some aspects unclear, especially concerning the fate of the children.
Nevertheless, the story was unique, and I found myself rooting for every character, even Minu, despite her misguided actions. Shirin's journey, in particular, left me feeling genuinely happy for her.
Minu was quite a lengthy read, and in my opinion, it could have been shorter, especially considering it's a standalone. However, despite its length, it delivered a compelling story with multiple points of view, each distinct and engaging in their own right.
The book truly tugged at my heartstrings, particularly with Nesrin, whose humor and sass provided a much-needed light amidst the darkness, and Taniel, who evoked genuine sympathy from me. The ending, although satisfying, felt a bit rushed, leaving some aspects unclear, especially concerning the fate of the children.
Nevertheless, the story was unique, and I found myself rooting for every character, even Minu, despite her misguided actions. Shirin's journey, in particular, left me feeling genuinely happy for her.
March 8, 2024
Under the backdrop of an arcane plague born out of centuries of rage, SK weaves a tale of the real effects of woundedness, the price of forgiveness and the toll that healing takes.
Come for the page turning creepy monsters that haunt the crumbling roads of a civilization in free fall, stay to see if the bonds of family and friends can hold under so great a weight.
Come for the page turning creepy monsters that haunt the crumbling roads of a civilization in free fall, stay to see if the bonds of family and friends can hold under so great a weight.
March 24, 2024
I was an ARC reader for this book, but all opinions are my own.
There is some beautiful writing on display here. On a line by line level, this story outdoes a lot of other things I have read. I think there is also a strong message of trying to make a new life after trauma and loss.
I say 'I think' because much of the larger story threads and much of the lore can be very hard to follow. Nothing is explained about the world for chapters, then whole chapters are devoted to half explaining history. The overall tale is easy enough to follow, but the finer details get easily lost.
But, most of the characters are straight forward enough. Taniel is understandable and his motivation is clear, making his relationship to his wife a good linchpin for the story. Unfortunately, I didn't what to see them get back together as I was never really convinced he was a good partner. Additionally, everyone treats him like an inexperienced teenager despite him being in his mid-twenties and several years into his profession. Other characters fair between, but time with him tended to bug me.
Still, there is something here for the beautiful prose and original story.
There is some beautiful writing on display here. On a line by line level, this story outdoes a lot of other things I have read. I think there is also a strong message of trying to make a new life after trauma and loss.
I say 'I think' because much of the larger story threads and much of the lore can be very hard to follow. Nothing is explained about the world for chapters, then whole chapters are devoted to half explaining history. The overall tale is easy enough to follow, but the finer details get easily lost.
But, most of the characters are straight forward enough. Taniel is understandable and his motivation is clear, making his relationship to his wife a good linchpin for the story. Unfortunately, I didn't what to see them get back together as I was never really convinced he was a good partner. Additionally, everyone treats him like an inexperienced teenager despite him being in his mid-twenties and several years into his profession. Other characters fair between, but time with him tended to bug me.
Still, there is something here for the beautiful prose and original story.
February 23, 2024
As with all the other books I review, I read this late at night when I couldn't sleep for child related reasons. This definitely impacted my relationship with the book.
The book gutted me. An exploration of grief, love, and redemption immediately after a cataclysmic widespread pandemic (sound familiar to anyone?) the book reckoned with parent child relationships and loss in several different forms. In addition to giving me some weird but beautifully themed stress dreams (the mythology and setting are compelling), it made me reflect seriously on being a mother and what that meant to both me and my child at different stages of our lives. I went back and reread some passages again in the clear light of day to appreciate them better.
I have read the author's other stuff, but this is their best yet
The book gutted me. An exploration of grief, love, and redemption immediately after a cataclysmic widespread pandemic (sound familiar to anyone?) the book reckoned with parent child relationships and loss in several different forms. In addition to giving me some weird but beautifully themed stress dreams (the mythology and setting are compelling), it made me reflect seriously on being a mother and what that meant to both me and my child at different stages of our lives. I went back and reread some passages again in the clear light of day to appreciate them better.
I have read the author's other stuff, but this is their best yet
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 29, 2024
SK Ehra was at the recent Williamsburg Book Festival (Feb. 24). I've finished the book and it was compelling. It combines detailed world-building (which does not get in the way of the story, but rather enhances it), a wide range of characters, and excellent dialogue.
The villain (the title character) does not view herself as a villain, but the heroine. These events are not her "first rodeo." As such, it also provides an interesting study of what constitutes villainy. The supporting characters are richly drawn and have their own story arcs. Some are heroic, others villainous in their own way.
It's worth reading and probably worth re-reading. I wouldn't say that about many books.
The villain (the title character) does not view herself as a villain, but the heroine. These events are not her "first rodeo." As such, it also provides an interesting study of what constitutes villainy. The supporting characters are richly drawn and have their own story arcs. Some are heroic, others villainous in their own way.
It's worth reading and probably worth re-reading. I wouldn't say that about many books.
March 6, 2024
SK has created a phenomenal fantasy which I can only relate to the writings of JRR Tolkien. The story draws you in imaginatively putting you right with each character as they put their lives on the line to right the evil that has been brought upon their world by the witch Minu.
This story has plenty of magic, evil, sorcery, commitment, and dedication. It keeps you wanting to turn the pages and stay with it until the end. For me it was hard to put down. I’ve read it twice and that says a lot as I don’t often do that. It would be well with reading a third time.
This story has plenty of magic, evil, sorcery, commitment, and dedication. It keeps you wanting to turn the pages and stay with it until the end. For me it was hard to put down. I’ve read it twice and that says a lot as I don’t often do that. It would be well with reading a third time.
July 31, 2025
I picked this up at the Tidewater Comic Con last month and I really enjoyed this. It started off a bit slow but once it found its footing it was quite a good read. Ehra has a unique take on fantasy and I look forward to reading more from her.
January 17, 2025
This was a shitty ass book
April 27, 2025
The story was nice. But I just couldn't stay engaged. I felt myself going days in between chapters.
June 9, 2025
An absolute phenomenal fantasy story of a journey to finding/ saving yourself and finding the ones you love. One of my absolute favorites so different and refreshing from the normal fantasies I read
December 27, 2025
awesome book :)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 13, 2026
Holy moly, what a masterpiece!
October 14, 2024
one of the best fantasy books I've read this year!
April 14, 2024
My favorite by this author so far. Bleak and beautiful. It was a slow read but I mean that in the best way possible. I was savoring the beautiful prose in each and every page. I’ll come back to edit this when I can better articulate how much I love this book especially considering this is the book that bought me back into fantasy for the first time in a decade.
October 27, 2025
A very unique story following a great cast of characters that had some great development. Another indie author you should check out for sure!
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews