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The Wandering Inn #12
The Witch of Webs
Witches cometh.
The Wind Runner is visiting Riverfarm, and Emperor Laken Godart couldn't be happier. Summer has arrived on Izril, and with it, trouble is brewing. The prosperity of the Unseen Empire has brought both enemies and unlikely allies to the north. A coven has descended upon Riverfarm, seeking a grand bargain with the [Emperor].
However, all of Ryoka and Laken's mettle may soon be tested, for these are no ordinary [Witches]. Where there is weakness, or desperation, opportunity arises. A legend has come crawling from distant Terandria. Beware the [Witches], because they belong to old ways, and even older magic.
Beware offending them, because for [Witches]--everything is personal.
The Wind Runner is visiting Riverfarm, and Emperor Laken Godart couldn't be happier. Summer has arrived on Izril, and with it, trouble is brewing. The prosperity of the Unseen Empire has brought both enemies and unlikely allies to the north. A coven has descended upon Riverfarm, seeking a grand bargain with the [Emperor].
However, all of Ryoka and Laken's mettle may soon be tested, for these are no ordinary [Witches]. Where there is weakness, or desperation, opportunity arises. A legend has come crawling from distant Terandria. Beware the [Witches], because they belong to old ways, and even older magic.
Beware offending them, because for [Witches]--everything is personal.
1703 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 11, 2024
224 people are currently reading
705 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 114 reviews
July 7, 2024
At this point, I am too invested in the story and characters to give an objective opinion... I feel happy every time I get the chance to be in this world with these characters! This series has become a major part of my daily life! 😀👍❤️
June 30, 2024
I love this book! Starts off a little slow, but as soon as Bellavierre shows up she steals the show. I gotta figure out who to kick out of my top 10 innverse chararaters list for her.
It was the ending that really clutched this book out for me. I won’t say more, but it’s worth it!
The interludes are probably the next best thing about this book. Especially numbtongues, but I thought the two rats story was especially poignant.
I cannot wait for more!
It was the ending that really clutched this book out for me. I won’t say more, but it’s worth it!
The interludes are probably the next best thing about this book. Especially numbtongues, but I thought the two rats story was especially poignant.
I cannot wait for more!
October 25, 2025
There were moments this book had everything I loved about this series. Unfortunately there was also a whole lot of everything that has become more and more obnoxious about the series as it has gone on. This book sadly revolves around my least favorite arc and I had to force myself to finish. I’ve heard this arc gets pushed into the background going forward or I would likely call it quits.
I think this could have been cut in half without losing anything.
I think this could have been cut in half without losing anything.
July 11, 2025
4/5
Lots of Ryoka. Too much of the emperor plot. And not enough of Erin and liscor.
Still so good just on the weaker end of TWI books. also not loving the Halloween aspect of this volume
Lots of Ryoka. Too much of the emperor plot. And not enough of Erin and liscor.
Still so good just on the weaker end of TWI books. also not loving the Halloween aspect of this volume
February 27, 2025
Something wicked this way comes
Witches always have a sort of dreamlike quality to their powers when done well, and these were done well. I was reminded of Terry Pratchetts witches, and then heartbreak after heartbreak in those story.
They're woven so well together, the struggle of who and what should be accepted and forgiven.
These stories are so good, I have to stop myself from devouring every bit of them.
Instead, just one little stitch at a time.
Witches always have a sort of dreamlike quality to their powers when done well, and these were done well. I was reminded of Terry Pratchetts witches, and then heartbreak after heartbreak in those story.
They're woven so well together, the struggle of who and what should be accepted and forgiven.
These stories are so good, I have to stop myself from devouring every bit of them.
Instead, just one little stitch at a time.
June 20, 2024
This series is a favorite of mine and this is sadly the lowest score ive had to give to the books. It just feels like nothing happens in it. The ending is great and sets up some good things for the future which is why i'll be sticking with this series. This book though was a lot of nothing. I really expected to like the witches but they are just some of the worst characters and everyone seems to think they are fine in the world of inn. Blatantly evil actions are written off as "oh well they agreed to it so it's not that bad" and they keep this opinion until the witch mercs one of her own and then everyone's like oh shit you are evil! Like bitch she made slaves and stole years from a grieving woman's life for false happiness. Shes been evil the whole fucking time
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 5, 2025
RTC
While the Witches were cool and the Liscor chapters were fantastic, following the perspective of mainly Riverfarm folks and Ryoka was less so. I do think the witch plotline dragged, and certain elements could have been executed better. Because that arc comprised the majority of the book, I like it less than some of the others.
While the Witches were cool and the Liscor chapters were fantastic, following the perspective of mainly Riverfarm folks and Ryoka was less so. I do think the witch plotline dragged, and certain elements could have been executed better. Because that arc comprised the majority of the book, I like it less than some of the others.
September 15, 2024
The Witch 🧙 of Webs 🕸️. The first 50% of this volume was more of a stream of consciousness, than a book. With the way it was going, this book was set up to be the lowest rated Wandering Inn in my collection. But, it drastically picked up in the latter half. 2.5 to a 3.5/4. I honestly am not the biggest fan of the Witch Arc and don’t really feel attached to any one of the characters. Overall, it ended up being a solid read, but could have been cut in half considering length. On to the next
June 29, 2024
Okay this is the best book I’ve read yet! I swear to GOD - bar none - the best! In the next few weeks when I get that glazed look over my eyes I will be right here, in this book.
September 17, 2025
2.5 ⭐
introduced too many characters too quickly 😔
introduced too many characters too quickly 😔
October 29, 2025
4.25 stars
June 19, 2024
the majority of this book was not great but the ending turned thing around. 2.75*
October 24, 2025
This contains heavy spoilers.
The Witch of Webs was conflicting. I didn't like the plot and developments, but cannot fault the author since it all just makes sense. Laken being away from his empire throughout the whole crisis was the perfect opportunity to allow his subjects to rise to the challenge. However, they simply don't. Prost and Rie keep running around like a headless chicken, failing to do anything substantial and always outsourcing bigger problems to the witches or to Laken. Durene is still the stupid and ugly half troll, despite the beginnings of a redemption. I simply cannot fathom why Laken would get interested in an ugly, brute half troll that simply cannot understand him due to her sheer naiveness and stupidity.
The witches also had boundless potential. Belavierr, Califor and Mavika were interesting characters, specially the first. But the other witches were just lacking in presence and characterization, specially Wiskeria. Before this, she was an actual good secondary (more like tertiary) character. But the whole dynamic with her mother, and her eventual craft being justice (that is Zevara's thing!!) was disappointing. I think she should have abandoned witchcraft and followed the track opened by her emperor by consolidating herself as a general.
The hunters/Raim deployment was the low point of the book. It was all very sudden (which makes sense), and Riverfarm's people, who ought to be the protagonists in this story, were completely sidelined by the higher levelled characters doing battle. True, it made Belavierr mortal which opened up a new dynamic with her daughter, but as I said I did not like that being the focus at all.
Also, why the hell did Riverfarm help the hunters and Raim, who broke into their village, took their general hostage and assaulted a guest they were harboring for days???
Everyone being disgusted by Belavierr "killing" Califor was also unwarranted. That was a completely in-character action that cemented the Witch in my opinion. Why the Witch can't strike a deal and be selfish (which is btw one of the features of her class), if every single other character does whatever they want and damn the consequences? I expected all to feel disgusted, but they were a notch above what I would consider reasonable. Especially Ryoka, who knew of her nature and could see better than most due to Earth's stories.
This book, true enough, makes sense narratively. But it is the narrative itself I had trouble with. I may be a little bitter due to not connecting with the story, but still.
The Witch of Webs was conflicting. I didn't like the plot and developments, but cannot fault the author since it all just makes sense. Laken being away from his empire throughout the whole crisis was the perfect opportunity to allow his subjects to rise to the challenge. However, they simply don't. Prost and Rie keep running around like a headless chicken, failing to do anything substantial and always outsourcing bigger problems to the witches or to Laken. Durene is still the stupid and ugly half troll, despite the beginnings of a redemption. I simply cannot fathom why Laken would get interested in an ugly, brute half troll that simply cannot understand him due to her sheer naiveness and stupidity.
The witches also had boundless potential. Belavierr, Califor and Mavika were interesting characters, specially the first. But the other witches were just lacking in presence and characterization, specially Wiskeria. Before this, she was an actual good secondary (more like tertiary) character. But the whole dynamic with her mother, and her eventual craft being justice (that is Zevara's thing!!) was disappointing. I think she should have abandoned witchcraft and followed the track opened by her emperor by consolidating herself as a general.
The hunters/Raim deployment was the low point of the book. It was all very sudden (which makes sense), and Riverfarm's people, who ought to be the protagonists in this story, were completely sidelined by the higher levelled characters doing battle. True, it made Belavierr mortal which opened up a new dynamic with her daughter, but as I said I did not like that being the focus at all.
Also, why the hell did Riverfarm help the hunters and Raim, who broke into their village, took their general hostage and assaulted a guest they were harboring for days???
Everyone being disgusted by Belavierr "killing" Califor was also unwarranted. That was a completely in-character action that cemented the Witch in my opinion. Why the Witch can't strike a deal and be selfish (which is btw one of the features of her class), if every single other character does whatever they want and damn the consequences? I expected all to feel disgusted, but they were a notch above what I would consider reasonable. Especially Ryoka, who knew of her nature and could see better than most due to Earth's stories.
This book, true enough, makes sense narratively. But it is the narrative itself I had trouble with. I may be a little bitter due to not connecting with the story, but still.
Read
May 15, 2025Best arc in volume 6
October 25, 2025
Really? I love this series, and I have smashed through it two books per week. Until this one.
Did this really need 1700 pages? We got barely anything new from the end of this one. For all the long rambling events, we have maybe 2 consequences/changes by the end.
This arc could have been a 1/4 of its size and had the same impact. It took me over a week to read because it was a chore.
It was basically 1700 pages to meet a side characters mother, find out she is evil (not a spoiler as she is introduced as evil), and have a character we only just met die? After all the emotion with our Hobs and the war at Liscor, this was lacking. I did not care about this death.
Ryoka grapples with good vs evil and compares her own mother to this evil terrifying witch? So now she thinks she is an expert? Yeah, I don't blame Wiskeria for getting annoyed with her.
And after all that business with the wind, Ryoka still has not gotten any stronger or better at this?
I love this world, but jeez some of these side stories are getting out of hand. I just want to progress this plot in Liscor and the dungeon. This felt like the worlds longest filler episode, or like one of those anime arcs with a 40 episode fight scene.
Saying that, I still respect this author. It takes real talent to continue a story this long, and be so coherent. I may have not liked this book, but 1 out of 12 are good odds.
Did this really need 1700 pages? We got barely anything new from the end of this one. For all the long rambling events, we have maybe 2 consequences/changes by the end.
This arc could have been a 1/4 of its size and had the same impact. It took me over a week to read because it was a chore.
It was basically 1700 pages to meet a side characters mother, find out she is evil (not a spoiler as she is introduced as evil), and have a character we only just met die? After all the emotion with our Hobs and the war at Liscor, this was lacking. I did not care about this death.
Ryoka grapples with good vs evil and compares her own mother to this evil terrifying witch? So now she thinks she is an expert? Yeah, I don't blame Wiskeria for getting annoyed with her.
And after all that business with the wind, Ryoka still has not gotten any stronger or better at this?
I love this world, but jeez some of these side stories are getting out of hand. I just want to progress this plot in Liscor and the dungeon. This felt like the worlds longest filler episode, or like one of those anime arcs with a 40 episode fight scene.
Saying that, I still respect this author. It takes real talent to continue a story this long, and be so coherent. I may have not liked this book, but 1 out of 12 are good odds.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 17, 2025
This book had a lot of highs and lows for me. I do feel like people will have a very different perspective on a lot of the events of the book if they read the Singer of Terandria series prior to it (and I recommend doing so).
But that also leads into one of my (few) criticisms of the whole series and that is inconsistent power scaling. I feel like that especially causes problems when you have "extremely" powerful characters pop up like in this one.
Like sometimes it feels like a gold rank adventurer is this extreme standout, powerful figure, who can turn the tide of a battle. Then other times it seems like an above average hobgoblin is there match.
I feel like this really came off poorly in this book with the WOW (iykyk). I don't feel like typing out the spoilers but my main issue had to do with the primary battle of the book, and how the "good" side performed, things were far too easy for them imo compared to the amount of resources/numbers committed and who they were up against.
Now, I love this series, this is just one of the few complaints that has carried on through 12 books and I had to speak on it.
Read this series, and read Singer of Terrandria between books 11-12.
But that also leads into one of my (few) criticisms of the whole series and that is inconsistent power scaling. I feel like that especially causes problems when you have "extremely" powerful characters pop up like in this one.
Like sometimes it feels like a gold rank adventurer is this extreme standout, powerful figure, who can turn the tide of a battle. Then other times it seems like an above average hobgoblin is there match.
I feel like this really came off poorly in this book with the WOW (iykyk). I don't feel like typing out the spoilers but my main issue had to do with the primary battle of the book, and how the "good" side performed, things were far too easy for them imo compared to the amount of resources/numbers committed and who they were up against.
Now, I love this series, this is just one of the few complaints that has carried on through 12 books and I had to speak on it.
Read this series, and read Singer of Terrandria between books 11-12.
June 7, 2025
4.6*
Un volum monumental, desafiant i emocionalment intens, una peça essencial, poderosa i exigent del trencaclosques de 𝑇ℎ𝑒 𝑊𝑎𝑛𝑑𝑒𝑟𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝐼𝑛𝑛. No és un viatge fàcil, però és una narrativa profundament ressonant que demostra l'habilitat impressionant de Pirateaba per manejar l'escala, l'emoció i la complexitat del seu món. Si bé el seu ritme i to fosc poden no ser per a tothom, i la seva escala és aclaparadora, recompensa els lectors amb un desenvolupament de personatges excepcional, moments d'impacte devastador i una bellesa commovedora, tot construint meticulosament cap a un futur ple de promeses i perills inimaginables.
Un volum monumental, desafiant i emocionalment intens, una peça essencial, poderosa i exigent del trencaclosques de 𝑇ℎ𝑒 𝑊𝑎𝑛𝑑𝑒𝑟𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝐼𝑛𝑛. No és un viatge fàcil, però és una narrativa profundament ressonant que demostra l'habilitat impressionant de Pirateaba per manejar l'escala, l'emoció i la complexitat del seu món. Si bé el seu ritme i to fosc poden no ser per a tothom, i la seva escala és aclaparadora, recompensa els lectors amb un desenvolupament de personatges excepcional, moments d'impacte devastador i una bellesa commovedora, tot construint meticulosament cap a un futur ple de promeses i perills inimaginables.
July 29, 2025
RTC - Great Arc but a bit too long...
This execution of witches however is among the very best I've ever seen. Incredibly done and tied in perfectly with the rest of Innworld.
I love love love Belavierr, incredible character and really high up my favs from this series! Eerie and creepy and otherworldly and at the same time absolutely compelling and weirdly sympathetic in some moments.
Wasn't convinced of her being pure evil yet if that's what pirate intended here haha and I'm not gonna be easily persuaded in that point - too much potential unknown threads for future developments and plot-threads that remain to be revealed.
This execution of witches however is among the very best I've ever seen. Incredibly done and tied in perfectly with the rest of Innworld.
I love love love Belavierr, incredible character and really high up my favs from this series! Eerie and creepy and otherworldly and at the same time absolutely compelling and weirdly sympathetic in some moments.
Wasn't convinced of her being pure evil yet if that's what pirate intended here haha and I'm not gonna be easily persuaded in that point - too much potential unknown threads for future developments and plot-threads that remain to be revealed.
November 12, 2024
2024/11/12 Notes: 1st Audio Read
Great narration by Andrea Parsneau!
Most of this installment focuses on Riverhaven, Ryoka, the Witches and the iconic Belavierr. The good stuff is at the tail end, and you can't get to that point without all the growing pains, slice of life bits and sidesteps to check in with Erin & gang.
When I read this part on the website, it didn't feel like a slow-down in story progression because I enjoyed all the new lore aspects that were being introduced. Meanwhile, listening to it in audio format lacked the setting builds that my mind created when I read the story vs listening to it. I found myself waiting for active sequences and dialogue while listening to the audio. There's a bit lacking from overall atmosphere, too. My brain definitely wove a darker, spookier and searing play when I read the words vs listening to it.
Great narration by Andrea Parsneau!
Most of this installment focuses on Riverhaven, Ryoka, the Witches and the iconic Belavierr. The good stuff is at the tail end, and you can't get to that point without all the growing pains, slice of life bits and sidesteps to check in with Erin & gang.
When I read this part on the website, it didn't feel like a slow-down in story progression because I enjoyed all the new lore aspects that were being introduced. Meanwhile, listening to it in audio format lacked the setting builds that my mind created when I read the story vs listening to it. I found myself waiting for active sequences and dialogue while listening to the audio. There's a bit lacking from overall atmosphere, too. My brain definitely wove a darker, spookier and searing play when I read the words vs listening to it.
April 18, 2025
3½ ⭐️. Idk . . . this was not my favorite. 🤷♀️ That's ok, though! I'm gonna keep reading. I'm almost finished with Gravesong (from the new series), and I've ordered and pre-ordered every other audiobook available by Pirateaba.
June 4, 2025
Muchly witchy
August 16, 2025
Now that was a great story
August 11, 2025
too much ryoka
June 25, 2024
I get so lost in this world, with these characters. then, when the book ends, I feel lost without it for a while. I don't even think they've published half of what pirateaba has written, which is crazy. at least the books have been coming out fast enough that I haven't felt the need to relisten to the series yet (or did it few books ago..? I don't remember). though I think I'm due for a reread soon, maybe after another book or two.
July 6, 2024
Not enough Erin for my liking. It was great spending time with Ryoka, but Durene and Lakin are pretty boring. I was honestly hoping the drakes wiped out Riverfarm. The witches were neat, but things got repetitive and mired in muck around them. The thing that kept me going was Ryoka's growth.
Back down in Liscor we had much more interesting things going on. The election drama was great. Mrsha POV also excellent. More more more.
Back down in Liscor we had much more interesting things going on. The election drama was great. Mrsha POV also excellent. More more more.
June 22, 2024
Ever since I first started reading The Wandering Inn about a year and a half ago, the series has been something of a comfort read. It’s a nearly endless story in a vast sprawling world, and it’s about characters you get to know and love, and love to hate. It’s a tale to escape into when the world is bleak and life is hard.
That said, the Witch of Webs is not a comforting story. It’s dark, creepy, and unsettling, and it deals with complicated issues of trust, morality, and family. It could have been a fun fantasy-romp but for the Witch of Webs herself, and I’ll tell you more of her later.
Then again, it’s still The Wandering Inn, so it’s also hilarious, unhinged, and over the top fantastic.
I’ve read this part before, but it only just recently released on audio, and with the narration being as good as it is, of course I’d get it.
So, what’s it about?
The Witch of Webs is the tale of what happens when a coven of witches seek the right to settle and practice their craft in the village of Riverfarm – also the capital of The Unseen Empire. Emperor Laken is away at war, so he turns to Ryoka Griffin, the Wind Runner, for help.
More than that, I won’t say. The story is so far into the series that worrying about spoilers isn’t an issue for someone who hasn’t started yet. It’s more that going into detail just won’t make much sense (I tried, and it got messy). There are too many names, and everyone has a back story.
Instead, I’d like to talk a little about where this book fits into the rest of The Wandering Inn. The book isn’t a major turning point in the series, but it’s where the conflict that’s been brewing in the two previous books begin to pick up speed and take shape. The black roses, the Circle of Thorns, Magnolia’s trade war, and the conflict between drakes and humans.
Then, of course, there’s Belavierr, the Witch of Webs herself – one of the creepiest villains I’ve come across in all my reading.
There are several characters introduced that we will see more of in the future, and the ones we already know get to grow a little.
Ryoka is getting better at handling her mental health issues, Durene learns that she needs to make her own decisions rather than rely on everyone else to always know what’s best, and Ceria practices her frost magic by sitting in a bathtub full of boiling water. Mrsha confronts Calruz, Numbtung makes a friend, and Erin gets taken down a peg or two.
All in all, a lot of things happen, and even if the main story doesn’t move forward that much, I wouldn’t call this book a filler. There’s enough character growth, foreshadowing, and new developments for Witch of Webs to stand on its own.
One final interesting thing about Witch of Webs is that it was due a bit of editing before releasing on audio. The author wanted to tighten up the story arc, and I was curious to see if I could spot what had changed since last I read it, about a year ago.
Overall, the story runs pretty much as I remember it doing, but there were a few sections where I felt like I encountered something new. I also spotted several references to Gravesong (another book by the same author) that I did not remember seeing last time. Let’s say I’m now very excited to read the next part of that series.
What I’ll whine about
The book is focused almost exclusively on the witches in Riverfarm, and there’s very little of anything else. In a way, it makes the book stand stronger on its own, but it also means I miss everyone else. There are so many characters and side plots in this series that having a book dedicated to only one thing feels like I’m missing out.
To be blunt: I would have liked more of everything.
What I’ll gush about
The star of the book is Belavierr, the Stitch Witch. At first, she seems no more than a creepy old weirdo, but over the course of the story, it becomes clear just how terrifying she truly is. Ancient and powerful, and so wrapped up in her own magic that she’s forgotten all about what it means to be human. She’s the devil you know you shouldn’t make a deal with, but who has the power to give you exactly what your heart desires – at a price.
She’ll sit under a tree, quietly tending to her embroidery, and you can walk up and talk to her, but if you annoy her, she’ll flick a finger and sew your lips shut with magical thread.
I think what I like most about The Wandering Inn is how it’s so casual about being completely over the top with regard to the fantasy elements. It’s like an unhinged Disney movie on acid. Everything is magical and fantastical, and everyone has strange skills that push them far beyond human limits, and the book doesn’t make a big deal out of it.
So often, fantasy books include only a quiet nod at the magical, or the book makes a big fuss about how amazing the magic is. Not so with The Wandering Inn. The magic and fantastic go on overdrive from the get go, and it never really slows down.
It’s also worth noting that it’s not all about combat and battle. Much of the story fits squarely in the cozy fantasy genre. It’s about how Erin looks after her inn, and how she comes up with new food, or how Mrsha runs around playing with her giant bee friend Apista.
Final Words
Another solid instalment in The Wandering Inn series.
That said, the Witch of Webs is not a comforting story. It’s dark, creepy, and unsettling, and it deals with complicated issues of trust, morality, and family. It could have been a fun fantasy-romp but for the Witch of Webs herself, and I’ll tell you more of her later.
Then again, it’s still The Wandering Inn, so it’s also hilarious, unhinged, and over the top fantastic.
I’ve read this part before, but it only just recently released on audio, and with the narration being as good as it is, of course I’d get it.
So, what’s it about?
The Witch of Webs is the tale of what happens when a coven of witches seek the right to settle and practice their craft in the village of Riverfarm – also the capital of The Unseen Empire. Emperor Laken is away at war, so he turns to Ryoka Griffin, the Wind Runner, for help.
More than that, I won’t say. The story is so far into the series that worrying about spoilers isn’t an issue for someone who hasn’t started yet. It’s more that going into detail just won’t make much sense (I tried, and it got messy). There are too many names, and everyone has a back story.
Instead, I’d like to talk a little about where this book fits into the rest of The Wandering Inn. The book isn’t a major turning point in the series, but it’s where the conflict that’s been brewing in the two previous books begin to pick up speed and take shape. The black roses, the Circle of Thorns, Magnolia’s trade war, and the conflict between drakes and humans.
Then, of course, there’s Belavierr, the Witch of Webs herself – one of the creepiest villains I’ve come across in all my reading.
There are several characters introduced that we will see more of in the future, and the ones we already know get to grow a little.
Ryoka is getting better at handling her mental health issues, Durene learns that she needs to make her own decisions rather than rely on everyone else to always know what’s best, and Ceria practices her frost magic by sitting in a bathtub full of boiling water. Mrsha confronts Calruz, Numbtung makes a friend, and Erin gets taken down a peg or two.
All in all, a lot of things happen, and even if the main story doesn’t move forward that much, I wouldn’t call this book a filler. There’s enough character growth, foreshadowing, and new developments for Witch of Webs to stand on its own.
One final interesting thing about Witch of Webs is that it was due a bit of editing before releasing on audio. The author wanted to tighten up the story arc, and I was curious to see if I could spot what had changed since last I read it, about a year ago.
Overall, the story runs pretty much as I remember it doing, but there were a few sections where I felt like I encountered something new. I also spotted several references to Gravesong (another book by the same author) that I did not remember seeing last time. Let’s say I’m now very excited to read the next part of that series.
What I’ll whine about
The book is focused almost exclusively on the witches in Riverfarm, and there’s very little of anything else. In a way, it makes the book stand stronger on its own, but it also means I miss everyone else. There are so many characters and side plots in this series that having a book dedicated to only one thing feels like I’m missing out.
To be blunt: I would have liked more of everything.
What I’ll gush about
The star of the book is Belavierr, the Stitch Witch. At first, she seems no more than a creepy old weirdo, but over the course of the story, it becomes clear just how terrifying she truly is. Ancient and powerful, and so wrapped up in her own magic that she’s forgotten all about what it means to be human. She’s the devil you know you shouldn’t make a deal with, but who has the power to give you exactly what your heart desires – at a price.
She’ll sit under a tree, quietly tending to her embroidery, and you can walk up and talk to her, but if you annoy her, she’ll flick a finger and sew your lips shut with magical thread.
I think what I like most about The Wandering Inn is how it’s so casual about being completely over the top with regard to the fantasy elements. It’s like an unhinged Disney movie on acid. Everything is magical and fantastical, and everyone has strange skills that push them far beyond human limits, and the book doesn’t make a big deal out of it.
So often, fantasy books include only a quiet nod at the magical, or the book makes a big fuss about how amazing the magic is. Not so with The Wandering Inn. The magic and fantastic go on overdrive from the get go, and it never really slows down.
It’s also worth noting that it’s not all about combat and battle. Much of the story fits squarely in the cozy fantasy genre. It’s about how Erin looks after her inn, and how she comes up with new food, or how Mrsha runs around playing with her giant bee friend Apista.
Final Words
Another solid instalment in The Wandering Inn series.
December 20, 2025
I don’t think this arc hit quite as hard as The Titan’s Games, but it had a very different spooky season of the witch vibe that I still thoroughly enjoyed.
The Good:
- Riverfarm’s Growth: The Lancrel community and the political instability in Laken’s absence were well-handled. I was actually glad he wasn’t around; it allowed the supporting characters in Riverfarm to be better fleshed out.
- Numbtongue’s bromance with Yellow Splatters was a highlight. Resolving the Octavia alchemist shakedown arc by making him a hero was great—though I’m unsure if I need more follow-up with him and the Sisters of Chell/Brothers of Serendipity. Also, him telling Keldrass to fetch gold like a dog was dope.
- The Witches: A great introduction to the craft, particularly through Hedag and Mavika.
- Belavierr: She is an A-tier character. Insane, unpredictable, endearing, and malevolent all at once; she was easily the best part of the book.
- Grimalkin: Enjoyed him besting the Horns of Hammerad, calling out their weaknesses, and training them—especially his critique of Erin’s manipulative behavior.
- Rehanna’s Golem: The cloth baby golem and the subsequent discussion regarding the ethics of its creation was great.
- "Two Rats": A fantastic chapter. It explored Mrsha’s trauma while delivering a satisfying sense of justice regarding Calruz’s punishment.
- The Ryoka/Wiskeria Conflict: Belavierr sewing Ryoka’s mouth shut felt oddly deserved given Ryoka's meddling in Wiskeria’s personal life.
- Backstory & Blackmail: The history between Kaliv, Wiskeria, and Belavierr provided great context, as did the turncloak hunter saving his daughter from the other witch hunters.
- The Climax: Califor’s sacrifice to save the town after Belavierr took Nanette hostage was very well done. Pirateaba got me good by making me feel empathy for a potential Belavierr redemption arc, only to pull the rug out and reveal she is still a monster.
- Loose Ends: Laken getting punched upon his return was very satisfying, as was the general closing of loose ends for the witches.
The Bad:
- Pacing: The plotting of the Manus reveal (attacking Northern Izril) was rough. I barely understood the first chapter, and it felt like ages passed before we learned who was behind the attacks. A few more breadcrumbs would have improved the reveal.
- Durene is annoying af. I can't stand a helpless archetype, her voice is grating, and her all goblins are the same rhetoric is exhausting. Let's kill her off already.
- The Pallas Door: I’m over the viewing window. Just shut it and use it strictly for transportation already.
- I hated that Xif used a Skill to obtain a faerie flower and everyone just acted like that was fine.
- Missing Context: The conflict between Belavierr and the Order of Seasons in Terandria was well-written, but I disliked lacking the backstory from the side project, The Singer of Terandria. Even though I plan to read it eventually, the sequencing here felt off and made it harder to care about certain developments.
- Plot Armor: Belavierr’s invulnerability is becoming a bit much. How many times can she almost die and be perfectly fine immediately afterward?
The Meh:
- Charlay was slightly annoying but an alright introduction.
- Fierre’s information brokering was boring, with the notable exception of that cool needle assassination attempt.
- The consolidation of smaller communities into Riverfarm and the start of the Runner’s Guild felt like filler.
- Rufelt’s random bartender chapter felt superfluous.
- The winged Drake reveal might have had more impact if we understood the specific guise better, rather than it just being a general concern regarding Belavierr.
- The Fae: Their involvement felt unnecessary, seemingly only there to set up the Ivolethe conversation between Ryoka and Laken.
Onward to Book 13: The Empress of Beasts and back to Chandrar. I debated switching to The Singer of Terandria now, but I’ve decided to save that for when I’m fully caught up with the main series.
The Good:
- Riverfarm’s Growth: The Lancrel community and the political instability in Laken’s absence were well-handled. I was actually glad he wasn’t around; it allowed the supporting characters in Riverfarm to be better fleshed out.
- Numbtongue’s bromance with Yellow Splatters was a highlight. Resolving the Octavia alchemist shakedown arc by making him a hero was great—though I’m unsure if I need more follow-up with him and the Sisters of Chell/Brothers of Serendipity. Also, him telling Keldrass to fetch gold like a dog was dope.
- The Witches: A great introduction to the craft, particularly through Hedag and Mavika.
- Belavierr: She is an A-tier character. Insane, unpredictable, endearing, and malevolent all at once; she was easily the best part of the book.
- Grimalkin: Enjoyed him besting the Horns of Hammerad, calling out their weaknesses, and training them—especially his critique of Erin’s manipulative behavior.
- Rehanna’s Golem: The cloth baby golem and the subsequent discussion regarding the ethics of its creation was great.
- "Two Rats": A fantastic chapter. It explored Mrsha’s trauma while delivering a satisfying sense of justice regarding Calruz’s punishment.
- The Ryoka/Wiskeria Conflict: Belavierr sewing Ryoka’s mouth shut felt oddly deserved given Ryoka's meddling in Wiskeria’s personal life.
- Backstory & Blackmail: The history between Kaliv, Wiskeria, and Belavierr provided great context, as did the turncloak hunter saving his daughter from the other witch hunters.
- The Climax: Califor’s sacrifice to save the town after Belavierr took Nanette hostage was very well done. Pirateaba got me good by making me feel empathy for a potential Belavierr redemption arc, only to pull the rug out and reveal she is still a monster.
- Loose Ends: Laken getting punched upon his return was very satisfying, as was the general closing of loose ends for the witches.
The Bad:
- Pacing: The plotting of the Manus reveal (attacking Northern Izril) was rough. I barely understood the first chapter, and it felt like ages passed before we learned who was behind the attacks. A few more breadcrumbs would have improved the reveal.
- Durene is annoying af. I can't stand a helpless archetype, her voice is grating, and her all goblins are the same rhetoric is exhausting. Let's kill her off already.
- The Pallas Door: I’m over the viewing window. Just shut it and use it strictly for transportation already.
- I hated that Xif used a Skill to obtain a faerie flower and everyone just acted like that was fine.
- Missing Context: The conflict between Belavierr and the Order of Seasons in Terandria was well-written, but I disliked lacking the backstory from the side project, The Singer of Terandria. Even though I plan to read it eventually, the sequencing here felt off and made it harder to care about certain developments.
- Plot Armor: Belavierr’s invulnerability is becoming a bit much. How many times can she almost die and be perfectly fine immediately afterward?
The Meh:
- Charlay was slightly annoying but an alright introduction.
- Fierre’s information brokering was boring, with the notable exception of that cool needle assassination attempt.
- The consolidation of smaller communities into Riverfarm and the start of the Runner’s Guild felt like filler.
- Rufelt’s random bartender chapter felt superfluous.
- The winged Drake reveal might have had more impact if we understood the specific guise better, rather than it just being a general concern regarding Belavierr.
- The Fae: Their involvement felt unnecessary, seemingly only there to set up the Ivolethe conversation between Ryoka and Laken.
Onward to Book 13: The Empress of Beasts and back to Chandrar. I debated switching to The Singer of Terandria now, but I’ve decided to save that for when I’m fully caught up with the main series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 25, 2024
I don't even know where to start. This series is just fantastic. It will pull raw emotion out of you as you read it. It has a wide variety of creatures. There are Goblins, drakes, knolls, Antinium, shield spiders, centaurs and so many more. There is even an old cranky dragon. The characters in these stories will become family. You will laugh with them, cry with them and be angry with them. You will see friendships formed, villians emerge and even love forming. I didn't want to put it down once I started reading it. There were so many answers revealed and many more I now want to ask. If you are a fantasy lover and you haven't read this series then you should. I didn't think I was going to like it when I started book 1 but it was soon glued to my hand. It's just so good.
So much has happened since this is book 12. Erin has a successful inn, Mirsha has her new mother Lionette, Liscor is starting to return to normal, and evev Numb Tounge now has a purpose. A gang has moved into Liscor and the leader has sent out thugs to show who runs the town. One of them happens to be in Octavia’s shop while Numb Tounge and Yellow Splatters are there. When the thug strikes Octavia and tries to take her potions ( Octania is an alchemist ) that is the last straw for Numb Tounge. He ends up beating the thug and throwing him out of the shop but then more storm the shop and suddenly Yellow Splatters a huge Antinium ( ant person) & Numb Toungue are in a battle to protect Octavia and her shop. After the battle the city watch try to arrest the two but Octavia comes to their defense. The city watch knows that Numb Tounge the Goblin isn’t suppose to be in the city but since he came through Erin’s magical door into the shop technically he wasn’t in the city and he did save Octavia.
Then we have Riverfarm. They have been working to rebuild their town while Lincoln the emperor is away. They have been looking for a thief who has been stealing from them. When they catch him and everyone in riverfarm is arguing what to do with a thieving councilmen when in walks Hadag the witch. Her craft is an executioner and she also shows the townspeople all his crimes which include beating his wife and child among other things. They discover he is a face changer which is how he kept getting away with it. Then Hadag executes him. She is only 1 of the witches. Wiskeria is already there and is the General of Lincolns army. More of them arrive and then it happens. Belavierr arrives. She is Wiskeria’s mother and they don’t get along well. She is a stitch witch and her craft is creepy & unsettling. The witches have come to riverfarm seeking safety from the witch hunters and a place to practice their craft. The villagers are unsure about this but agree to let them stay. There is trouble brewing and it’s not just the witch hunters pursuing Belavierr either. Trouble is coming to Riverfarm and Lincoln can sense it so he sends Ryoka to help. Ryoka has her hands full trying to figure out the witches and they are all so focused on that they don’t sense the approaching trouble. Now it will be an all out battle to save riverfarm and defeat the evil that lurks there.
An outstanding series.
So much has happened since this is book 12. Erin has a successful inn, Mirsha has her new mother Lionette, Liscor is starting to return to normal, and evev Numb Tounge now has a purpose. A gang has moved into Liscor and the leader has sent out thugs to show who runs the town. One of them happens to be in Octavia’s shop while Numb Tounge and Yellow Splatters are there. When the thug strikes Octavia and tries to take her potions ( Octania is an alchemist ) that is the last straw for Numb Tounge. He ends up beating the thug and throwing him out of the shop but then more storm the shop and suddenly Yellow Splatters a huge Antinium ( ant person) & Numb Toungue are in a battle to protect Octavia and her shop. After the battle the city watch try to arrest the two but Octavia comes to their defense. The city watch knows that Numb Tounge the Goblin isn’t suppose to be in the city but since he came through Erin’s magical door into the shop technically he wasn’t in the city and he did save Octavia.
Then we have Riverfarm. They have been working to rebuild their town while Lincoln the emperor is away. They have been looking for a thief who has been stealing from them. When they catch him and everyone in riverfarm is arguing what to do with a thieving councilmen when in walks Hadag the witch. Her craft is an executioner and she also shows the townspeople all his crimes which include beating his wife and child among other things. They discover he is a face changer which is how he kept getting away with it. Then Hadag executes him. She is only 1 of the witches. Wiskeria is already there and is the General of Lincolns army. More of them arrive and then it happens. Belavierr arrives. She is Wiskeria’s mother and they don’t get along well. She is a stitch witch and her craft is creepy & unsettling. The witches have come to riverfarm seeking safety from the witch hunters and a place to practice their craft. The villagers are unsure about this but agree to let them stay. There is trouble brewing and it’s not just the witch hunters pursuing Belavierr either. Trouble is coming to Riverfarm and Lincoln can sense it so he sends Ryoka to help. Ryoka has her hands full trying to figure out the witches and they are all so focused on that they don’t sense the approaching trouble. Now it will be an all out battle to save riverfarm and defeat the evil that lurks there.
An outstanding series.
November 6, 2025
While I thought that this was a well done story, I just wasn't as interested in this plot line. Generally, it follows Ryoka and Wiskeria (spelling?) as the Emperor continues his march back to Riverfarm. Wiskeria, a Witch, has been forlorn as she holds the blame for the disastrous results from the goblin skirmish, and the Riverfarm denizens shun her for the loss of loved ones.
I never viewed Wiskeria as someone who I felt strongly attached to even during the thick of the goblin arc. So having a book dedicated to her and her fellow witches was tough sledding at the outset. I will be the first to admit that by the book's end, there was a lot to like about the direction of this storyline, but it added ANOTHER sprawling potential story ARC when we still have so many left unresolved. Since I started the next installment before drafting this review, I will hold my piece about at least one storyline that I believe needed to be addressed after many books of silence. I'm glad to see that character pop back up as I felt it was both a great storyline and also had a lot of potential.
Overall, this is a more contained story with the potential to go nuclear given some points raised at the end. The Witches, as a class, are pretty interesting. I won't go into their power but it is well done. And we are introduced to a very compelling villain ...
Something Pirateaba does well throughout this series is how she addresses marginalized groups and you can't help but see the parallel to our own world. Whether it is showing how people with power view those without through the suffering of two rats, the power of propaganda leveraging distrust and fear of those 'different' than the majority in the election of Liscor plot line, or any number of other story segments through the thousands of pages, it is impossible not to see the injustices of our world.
For a series that has become perhaps my all-time favorite, the last two books have been a slight downturn from the high bar set in the prior books. I'll take the good with the excellent, however.
(Final thought: Muscle-mage is awesome. Testicles!!!!!)
I never viewed Wiskeria as someone who I felt strongly attached to even during the thick of the goblin arc. So having a book dedicated to her and her fellow witches was tough sledding at the outset. I will be the first to admit that by the book's end, there was a lot to like about the direction of this storyline, but it added ANOTHER sprawling potential story ARC when we still have so many left unresolved. Since I started the next installment before drafting this review, I will hold my piece about at least one storyline that I believe needed to be addressed after many books of silence. I'm glad to see that character pop back up as I felt it was both a great storyline and also had a lot of potential.
Overall, this is a more contained story with the potential to go nuclear given some points raised at the end. The Witches, as a class, are pretty interesting. I won't go into their power but it is well done. And we are introduced to a very compelling villain ...
Something Pirateaba does well throughout this series is how she addresses marginalized groups and you can't help but see the parallel to our own world. Whether it is showing how people with power view those without through the suffering of two rats, the power of propaganda leveraging distrust and fear of those 'different' than the majority in the election of Liscor plot line, or any number of other story segments through the thousands of pages, it is impossible not to see the injustices of our world.
For a series that has become perhaps my all-time favorite, the last two books have been a slight downturn from the high bar set in the prior books. I'll take the good with the excellent, however.
(Final thought: Muscle-mage is awesome. Testicles!!!!!)
December 1, 2025
This entry in The Wandering Inn shifts its focus heavily toward Riverfarm, where we follow Durene and Wiskeria, while Laken comes back towards his growing domain from his Liscor campaign. Meanwhile, Ryoka returns to the forefront of the narrative to confront the deep mysteries tied to the rising influence of the witches.
Witch of Webs is striking in how tightly it anchors its narrative to Riverfarm. With only a handful of chapters branching away, nearly the entire book unfolds around Laken’s territory. This gives the story an unexpectedly focused tone—while still allowing for a rich, compelling plot full of intrigue, character development, and escalating tension.
Yet as the tale grows in scope and complexity, a question lingers: where exactly is all of this heading? The Innworld is enormous, full of mythologies, factions, and intersecting plotlines, and here its sheer immensity occasionally becomes disorienting. You can feel yourself getting lost in its branching paths, unsure of how these threads will ultimately converge.
Still, the book shines whenever it delves into Ryoka or Laken. Ryoka’s chapters are especially rewarding—dense, introspective, and emotionally layered, pushing her character forward in meaningful ways. Laken, too, benefits from deeper exploration, revealing more of the burden and ambiguity that come with his authority.
On the other hand, the sections focused on the witches, while undeniably important to the overarching plot, can drag a little. Their pacing is uneven, and they sometimes dilute the tension built elsewhere.
Even so, Witch of Webs remains a very strong installment: ambitious, immersive, occasionally meandering, but never dull. It expands the Innworld in fascinating ways, even if the final destination is still shrouded in uncertainty. And for fans of Ryoka and Laken, it’s an especially rewarding read.
Witch of Webs is striking in how tightly it anchors its narrative to Riverfarm. With only a handful of chapters branching away, nearly the entire book unfolds around Laken’s territory. This gives the story an unexpectedly focused tone—while still allowing for a rich, compelling plot full of intrigue, character development, and escalating tension.
Yet as the tale grows in scope and complexity, a question lingers: where exactly is all of this heading? The Innworld is enormous, full of mythologies, factions, and intersecting plotlines, and here its sheer immensity occasionally becomes disorienting. You can feel yourself getting lost in its branching paths, unsure of how these threads will ultimately converge.
Still, the book shines whenever it delves into Ryoka or Laken. Ryoka’s chapters are especially rewarding—dense, introspective, and emotionally layered, pushing her character forward in meaningful ways. Laken, too, benefits from deeper exploration, revealing more of the burden and ambiguity that come with his authority.
On the other hand, the sections focused on the witches, while undeniably important to the overarching plot, can drag a little. Their pacing is uneven, and they sometimes dilute the tension built elsewhere.
Even so, Witch of Webs remains a very strong installment: ambitious, immersive, occasionally meandering, but never dull. It expands the Innworld in fascinating ways, even if the final destination is still shrouded in uncertainty. And for fans of Ryoka and Laken, it’s an especially rewarding read.
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