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The Bane Witch
Practical Magic meets Gone Girl in Ava Morgyn's next dark, spellbinding novel about a woman who is more than a witch - she's a hunter.
Piers Corbin has always had an affinity for poisonous things - plants and men. From the pokeweed berries she consumed at age five that led to the accidental death of a stranger, to the husband whose dark proclivities have become… concerning, poison has been at the heart of her story.
But when she fakes her own death in an attempt to escape her volatile marriage and goes to stay with her estranged great aunt in the mountains, she realizes her predilection is more than a hunger - it’s a birthright. Piers comes from a long line of poison eaters - Bane Witches – women who ingest deadly plants and use their magic to rid the world of evil men.
Piers sets out to earn her place in her family’s gritty but distinguished legacy, all while working at her Aunt Myrtle’s cafe and perpetuating a flirtation with the local, well-meaning sheriff to allay his suspicions on the body count she’s been leaving in her wake. But soon she catches the attention of someone else, a serial killer operating in the area. And that only means one thing - it’s time to feed.
In Ava Morgyn’s dark, thrilling novel, The Bane Witch, a very little poison can do a world of good.
Piers Corbin has always had an affinity for poisonous things - plants and men. From the pokeweed berries she consumed at age five that led to the accidental death of a stranger, to the husband whose dark proclivities have become… concerning, poison has been at the heart of her story.
But when she fakes her own death in an attempt to escape her volatile marriage and goes to stay with her estranged great aunt in the mountains, she realizes her predilection is more than a hunger - it’s a birthright. Piers comes from a long line of poison eaters - Bane Witches – women who ingest deadly plants and use their magic to rid the world of evil men.
Piers sets out to earn her place in her family’s gritty but distinguished legacy, all while working at her Aunt Myrtle’s cafe and perpetuating a flirtation with the local, well-meaning sheriff to allay his suspicions on the body count she’s been leaving in her wake. But soon she catches the attention of someone else, a serial killer operating in the area. And that only means one thing - it’s time to feed.
In Ava Morgyn’s dark, thrilling novel, The Bane Witch, a very little poison can do a world of good.
384 pages, Paperback
First published March 18, 2025
789 people are currently reading
43194 people want to read
About the author
Ava Morgyn
5 books514 followersAva Morgyn grew up falling in love with all the wrong characters in all the wrong stories, then studied English Writing & Rhetoric at St. Edward’s University. She is a lover of witchcraft, tarot, and powerful women with bad reputations, and she currently resides in Houston, surrounded by antiques and dog hair. When not at her laptop spinning darkly hypnotic tales, she writes for her blog on child loss (forloveofevelyn.com), hunts for vintage treasures, and reads the darkest books she can find.
She is the author of YA novels Resurrection Girls and The Salt in Our Blood, and paranormal women's fiction The Witches of Bone Hill, from St. Martin's Griffin.
She is the author of YA novels Resurrection Girls and The Salt in Our Blood, and paranormal women's fiction The Witches of Bone Hill, from St. Martin's Griffin.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,039 reviews
October 16, 2024
Okay. So I enjoyed this book and all, but “He takes my breasts in his mouth like candied apples …??” Really?? This is the best simile that the author could come up with to describe this situation?? I mean, perhaps I'm in the minority here, but I bite my candied apples. And fairly forcefully, too, because, you know, it's an apple and apples are firm? And then I end up with sticky bits of apple all in my teeth and it's pretty annoying (which is why I don't often eat candied apples), and I am not even sure how this imagery has anything at all to do with foreplay? At least the food-related stuff stopped there and there were no descriptions of her taking anything in her mouth "like a churro” or whatever. Ahem.
Anyway, bad fruit-based similes aside, I did enjoy this book and I kind of wish I were a bane witch now. I don't necessarily want to poison anyone, but it'd kind of be nice to have the option if it came down to it, you know? Just in case?
The plot isn't incredibly novel – there are a bazillion books out there about women who return home to their estranged families and discover that they have magical powers. The bane witch aspect of it is an interesting twist, though, and Morgyn does a fantastic job of fleshing out the magical aspects of the story. I really enjoyed the lore behind the creation of the first bane witches, as well as learning about the powers and rituals of the venery. This is a dark tale that's all about justice and revenge and feminism and taking power back from abusive men, and it's really quite enthralling.
However, I did feel that the climax was a bit, well … anticlimactic. I was absolutely surprised by the identity of the Saranac Strangler … or, rather, I was surprised by who it wasn't because I was certain that I had things figured out. But, otherwise, for a showdown that the entire book has been leading up to, there really isn't a whole lot to it – it's over and done with in minutes.
Overall, though, this was a fun read. Well, okay, I guess “fun” might not be the right word because it's a dark and violent and infuriating tale, but it's still also awesomely magical and suspenseful at the same time. Between this and The Witches of Bone Hill, Ava Morgyn is quickly becoming one of my new favorite witchy writers.
3.7 stars, rounded up.
Many thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin's Griffin for providing me with an advance copy of this book to review. Its expected publication date is March 18, 2025.
Anyway, bad fruit-based similes aside, I did enjoy this book and I kind of wish I were a bane witch now. I don't necessarily want to poison anyone, but it'd kind of be nice to have the option if it came down to it, you know? Just in case?
The plot isn't incredibly novel – there are a bazillion books out there about women who return home to their estranged families and discover that they have magical powers. The bane witch aspect of it is an interesting twist, though, and Morgyn does a fantastic job of fleshing out the magical aspects of the story. I really enjoyed the lore behind the creation of the first bane witches, as well as learning about the powers and rituals of the venery. This is a dark tale that's all about justice and revenge and feminism and taking power back from abusive men, and it's really quite enthralling.
However, I did feel that the climax was a bit, well … anticlimactic. I was absolutely surprised by the identity of the Saranac Strangler … or, rather, I was surprised by who it wasn't because I was certain that I had things figured out. But, otherwise, for a showdown that the entire book has been leading up to, there really isn't a whole lot to it – it's over and done with in minutes.
Overall, though, this was a fun read. Well, okay, I guess “fun” might not be the right word because it's a dark and violent and infuriating tale, but it's still also awesomely magical and suspenseful at the same time. Between this and The Witches of Bone Hill, Ava Morgyn is quickly becoming one of my new favorite witchy writers.
3.7 stars, rounded up.
Many thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin's Griffin for providing me with an advance copy of this book to review. Its expected publication date is March 18, 2025.
April 9, 2025
“We don’t fear men in this house, men fear us.”
March 16, 2025
Don't let the cover fool you, this is a dark tale about birthright, revenge, poison, and legacy. This book takes paranormal elements and mixes them with elements of a mystery thriller. There were parts of this book I enjoyed but ultimately, I was not the right reader for this book.
Piers Corbin fakes her own death to get out of an abusive marriage and travels to her aunt's home where she learns where she gets her affinity for poison from. She comes from a long line of witches known as bane witches. Witches who ingest poisonous plants in order to kill evil men. As she begins to use her powers, she attracts the wrong kind of attention.
Again, there were parts of this book that I enjoyed such as Piers learning the truth about herself and her abilities. Unfortunately, there were far too many things that I did not enjoy. I struggled some with the writing and other times, found that I was just not invested in the story enough about found myself turning to other books.
I love witchy tales but this was not the tale for me. Others enjoyed this book much more than I did, so please read their reviews as well.
Thank you to St. Martin's Press | St. Martin's Griffin and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.
Read more of my reviews at www.openbookposts.com 📖
Piers Corbin fakes her own death to get out of an abusive marriage and travels to her aunt's home where she learns where she gets her affinity for poison from. She comes from a long line of witches known as bane witches. Witches who ingest poisonous plants in order to kill evil men. As she begins to use her powers, she attracts the wrong kind of attention.
Again, there were parts of this book that I enjoyed such as Piers learning the truth about herself and her abilities. Unfortunately, there were far too many things that I did not enjoy. I struggled some with the writing and other times, found that I was just not invested in the story enough about found myself turning to other books.
I love witchy tales but this was not the tale for me. Others enjoyed this book much more than I did, so please read their reviews as well.
Thank you to St. Martin's Press | St. Martin's Griffin and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.
Read more of my reviews at www.openbookposts.com 📖
February 9, 2025
Don’t let the cozy cover of this book trick you! This is a very suspenseful, unique, and curious book about witches! Nice touch setting it in modern times! If someone from Netflix is out there - this would make into an amazing miniseries! 5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️!
March 31, 2025
A Spell Half-Cast
Witchy Books Are My Blood
I live for a good witchy read, and when I picked up The Bane Witch, I was ready for all the magic, mystery, and mayhem. But did it deliver? Well… my broomstick sputtered mid-flight.
The Good Stuff: Magic, Revenge, and Dark Power
A mystical lineage, dark powers, and a revenge-fueled purpose? Sign me up! The premise had all the makings of a spellbinding read, but sometimes, even the best potions don’t brew quite right.
A Witch on the Run
Piers fakes her own death to escape her husband and finds refuge with her aunt. There, she uncovers a chilling family secret—she's part of a line of Bane Witches, poison eaters who use their deadly gifts to rid the world of terrible men. Sounds like the best kind of nightmare, right?
Where the Potion Curdled
But here’s where things went a little… stale. Something about the execution didn’t click for me. The poison eater concept felt odd, and instead of drawing me deeper into the story, it left me distracted and detached.
A Mystery That Lost Its Magic
While the book does offer a thriller element, that nagging disconnect dulled the suspense. By the halfway mark, my interest slipped away like a wisp of smoke from an extinguished candle.
A Charm That Fizzled
This one wasn’t quite for me. It had its moments, but overall, it was just okay. Still, if the concept intrigues you, it might be your next witchy obsession. The magic just didn’t take hold for me, but maybe it will for you.
I received a copy from the publisher through NetGalley
Witchy Books Are My Blood
I live for a good witchy read, and when I picked up The Bane Witch, I was ready for all the magic, mystery, and mayhem. But did it deliver? Well… my broomstick sputtered mid-flight.
The Good Stuff: Magic, Revenge, and Dark Power
A mystical lineage, dark powers, and a revenge-fueled purpose? Sign me up! The premise had all the makings of a spellbinding read, but sometimes, even the best potions don’t brew quite right.
A Witch on the Run
Piers fakes her own death to escape her husband and finds refuge with her aunt. There, she uncovers a chilling family secret—she's part of a line of Bane Witches, poison eaters who use their deadly gifts to rid the world of terrible men. Sounds like the best kind of nightmare, right?
Where the Potion Curdled
But here’s where things went a little… stale. Something about the execution didn’t click for me. The poison eater concept felt odd, and instead of drawing me deeper into the story, it left me distracted and detached.
A Mystery That Lost Its Magic
While the book does offer a thriller element, that nagging disconnect dulled the suspense. By the halfway mark, my interest slipped away like a wisp of smoke from an extinguished candle.
A Charm That Fizzled
This one wasn’t quite for me. It had its moments, but overall, it was just okay. Still, if the concept intrigues you, it might be your next witchy obsession. The magic just didn’t take hold for me, but maybe it will for you.
I received a copy from the publisher through NetGalley
October 5, 2025
This is the spooky fall read I was looking for! I was lucky to receive an ARC of this book from SMP and NetGalley. This is not what I was expecting, not my usual read - but it exceeded my expectations. The Bane Witch has some thriller components - with a serial "unaliver" and a crazy ex husband and lots of….. "unaliving" in general. Very light on romance, it's not the focus of the book. There are some trigger warnings - DV, SA.
This story is about Piers, a woman on the run after she fakes her own death to escape her abusive husband. As she escapes and goes towards the only family she has left - an estranged aunt Myrtle - things start to happen and past events start to make more sense. Myrtle then shows her the way of Bane Witches - "an ancient weapon magically designed to be a defender of women and children by taking the lives of predatory men, an instrument of justice and vengeance older than time, a poison eater". It's a little convoluted to explain without giving away a lot of plot - but the concept is pretty cool, nothing l've really seen before to this extent.
Dark, moody setting. The forest is the perfect backdrop to this spooky thriller. The writing is a little too embellished for my taste, but once I got used to it, it was fine. There are some plot holes I feel could have been addressed, but nothing essential to the story.
This story is about Piers, a woman on the run after she fakes her own death to escape her abusive husband. As she escapes and goes towards the only family she has left - an estranged aunt Myrtle - things start to happen and past events start to make more sense. Myrtle then shows her the way of Bane Witches - "an ancient weapon magically designed to be a defender of women and children by taking the lives of predatory men, an instrument of justice and vengeance older than time, a poison eater". It's a little convoluted to explain without giving away a lot of plot - but the concept is pretty cool, nothing l've really seen before to this extent.
Dark, moody setting. The forest is the perfect backdrop to this spooky thriller. The writing is a little too embellished for my taste, but once I got used to it, it was fine. There are some plot holes I feel could have been addressed, but nothing essential to the story.
February 24, 2025
"The Bane Witch" by Ava Morgyn is much more than its cozy and cutesy cover suggests. I thoroughly enjoyed every aspect of it, the blend of fantasy involving witches with mystery and murder. Piers Corbin has always had an affinity for poisonous things, both plants and men. From consuming pokeweed berries at a young age that led to the accidental death of a stranger, to using them to fake her death in order to escape an abusive husband, she hides in the mountains with an estranged aunt. There, she learns that her predilection is not merely a hunger but a birthright. Piers hails from a long line of poison eaters, Bane Witches, who ingest deadly plants and use their magic to rid the world of evil men. While working at her Aunt Myrtle's cafe and honing her skills, she catches the attention a local sheriff and a local serial killer. But this time, she has no need to hide, only to consume. This thrilling novel combines fantasy, witches, murder, and mystery. I loved the storyline that blends witches with my favorite mystery thriller; it is a must-read!
March 13, 2025
This is a fast paced, entertaining, well-written, paranormal fantasy romance novel. It contains elements of female empowerment and has a likable, strong and capable female protagonist, an engaging male protagonist, magic, family drama and secrets, twists and turns, and a gratifying conclusion. Many thanks to Ms. Ava Morgyn, St. Martin's Press/St. Martin's Griffin, and NetGalley, from whom I received an advanced reader copy of this fantastic novel. This is my honest opinion.
March 18, 2025
Title/Author: The Bane Witch by Ava Morgyn
Page Count: 384
Publisher: St. Martin's Griffin
Format: ebook/NetGalley
Other Books I Enjoyed by This Author: First time
Affiliate Link: https://bookshop.org/a/7576/978125083...
Release Date: March 18th, 2025
Sub-Genre/Themes: Thriller, paranormal romance, magical realism, domestic drama, mystery, crime, second chance at romance, CW: domestic violence/abuse
Writing Style: Atmospheric; Richly detailed; World-building
What You Need to Know: Practical Magic meets Gone Girl in Ava Morgyn's next dark, spellbinding novel about a woman who is more than a witch—she's a hunter.
My Reading Experience: The Bane Witch by Ava Morgyn is a dark, compelling story about Piers, a woman on the run from her increasingly violent marriage. When she travels north to meet her long-lost Aunt Myrtle, Piers learns she comes from a long line of poison eaters--Bane Witches--women who ingest deadly plants and use their magic to rid the world of evil men. This awakening of powers comes just in time, Aunt Myrtle's small mountain town is being threatened by a serial killer. Piers can either take her new-found skillset and keep running or stay and help hunt the killer.
While the concept is fresh and the witch-lore is fascinating, the pacing felt a bit slow, making it hard to stay fully engaged. My experience was full of starts and stops. Piers is tough to connect with—her decisions and attitude can be frustrating. A lot of her behaviors and actions seem unmotivated, especially in the beginning. She's seriously unlikable.
The romance subplot felt unnecessary and pulled focus away from the “good for her” energy that was driving the core of the story.
Despite these issues, I still enjoyed the intense stakes. My hope here is that this book will find its audience because I feel like the cover will attract paranormal romance readers looking for cozy, cottage-core witches (it's not, the themes are dark) and the intense subject matter will attract horror fans (like me) and lovers of psychological thrillers but will be turned off by the second chance romance. It's an interesting genre blend for sure.
Final Recommendation: Readers who enjoy witchy books, botanical themes, ancient magic, themes of birthright & succession/inheritance, female empowerment, crime investigations/serial killers and. If you’re into dark, supernatural thrillers with a dose of revenge & justice, this one might be worth checking out.
Comps: Weyward by Emilia Hart, A Discovery of Witches by Deborah Harkness, Simone St. James Vibes/Style
Page Count: 384
Publisher: St. Martin's Griffin
Format: ebook/NetGalley
Other Books I Enjoyed by This Author: First time
Affiliate Link: https://bookshop.org/a/7576/978125083...
Release Date: March 18th, 2025
Sub-Genre/Themes: Thriller, paranormal romance, magical realism, domestic drama, mystery, crime, second chance at romance, CW: domestic violence/abuse
Writing Style: Atmospheric; Richly detailed; World-building
What You Need to Know: Practical Magic meets Gone Girl in Ava Morgyn's next dark, spellbinding novel about a woman who is more than a witch—she's a hunter.
My Reading Experience: The Bane Witch by Ava Morgyn is a dark, compelling story about Piers, a woman on the run from her increasingly violent marriage. When she travels north to meet her long-lost Aunt Myrtle, Piers learns she comes from a long line of poison eaters--Bane Witches--women who ingest deadly plants and use their magic to rid the world of evil men. This awakening of powers comes just in time, Aunt Myrtle's small mountain town is being threatened by a serial killer. Piers can either take her new-found skillset and keep running or stay and help hunt the killer.
While the concept is fresh and the witch-lore is fascinating, the pacing felt a bit slow, making it hard to stay fully engaged. My experience was full of starts and stops. Piers is tough to connect with—her decisions and attitude can be frustrating. A lot of her behaviors and actions seem unmotivated, especially in the beginning. She's seriously unlikable.
The romance subplot felt unnecessary and pulled focus away from the “good for her” energy that was driving the core of the story.
Despite these issues, I still enjoyed the intense stakes. My hope here is that this book will find its audience because I feel like the cover will attract paranormal romance readers looking for cozy, cottage-core witches (it's not, the themes are dark) and the intense subject matter will attract horror fans (like me) and lovers of psychological thrillers but will be turned off by the second chance romance. It's an interesting genre blend for sure.
Final Recommendation: Readers who enjoy witchy books, botanical themes, ancient magic, themes of birthright & succession/inheritance, female empowerment, crime investigations/serial killers and. If you’re into dark, supernatural thrillers with a dose of revenge & justice, this one might be worth checking out.
Comps: Weyward by Emilia Hart, A Discovery of Witches by Deborah Harkness, Simone St. James Vibes/Style
October 11, 2025
Audiobook (14 hours) narrated by Ava Morgyn
Publisher: Tantor Media, Inc
The narration and audio are excellent.
This is a 3 or 4 star read.
While there isn't anything unique or new here, there is a mix of thought that brings together the real world and paranormal with a couple of new twists that pull this story together in a fun and interesting way.
Morgyn does a nice job with her world and character building. There's a lot of botanical information that I am unsure the accuracy of. I am assuming that the author did some research and was careful to either use either truthful information or complete fictional names. I wouldn't use the information of a fictional book as truth, but sometimes we remember 'facts' but not where they come from, so hopefully my thoughts are accurate.
Outside of the above, the writing is nice. The pacing is fast, the relationship building is good and realistic. The family drama is familiarly dramatic.
A good read anytime and a good October pick if you are looking for something a little witchy.
Publisher: Tantor Media, Inc
The narration and audio are excellent.
This is a 3 or 4 star read.
While there isn't anything unique or new here, there is a mix of thought that brings together the real world and paranormal with a couple of new twists that pull this story together in a fun and interesting way.
Morgyn does a nice job with her world and character building. There's a lot of botanical information that I am unsure the accuracy of. I am assuming that the author did some research and was careful to either use either truthful information or complete fictional names. I wouldn't use the information of a fictional book as truth, but sometimes we remember 'facts' but not where they come from, so hopefully my thoughts are accurate.
Outside of the above, the writing is nice. The pacing is fast, the relationship building is good and realistic. The family drama is familiarly dramatic.
A good read anytime and a good October pick if you are looking for something a little witchy.
February 4, 2025
Special thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a free, electronic ARC of this novel received in exchange for an honest review.
Expected publication date: Mar. 18, 2025
Piers Corbin is desperate to escape her tumultuous and violent marriage. So desperate in fact that she fakes her own death and disappears, hiding out with her estranged great Aunt in a small, isolated community. Her Aunt Myrtle takes her in and Piers assumes a new name and a new life, desperate to keep the secrets of her past behind her. However, Piers soon discovers far more about herself than she ever thought to ask for. Piers, along with her Aunt Myrtle and every other female in her line, is a Bane Witch, drawn to kill violent and criminal men with the natural poisons only the Bane witches can ingest harmlessly. But as Piers realizes the truth about who she is, she also learns more about the Bane witches and how important her role is to the survival of the coven- and to the community as a whole.
I was introduced to Ava Morgyn with her previous novel, “The Witches of Bone Hill: A Novel” so when I got the chance to read her newest novel, “The Bane Witch”, labeled as part “Practical Magic” and part “Gone Girl”, there was no way I was going to pass up the chance.
First, it should be said that this novel has serious themes, such as domestic violence and sexual assault, so consider yourself warned. But it is not a novel about female victimization. In fact, it is the exact opposite. Piers and her contemporaries use their magic to seek revenge and to protect other women, against angry, hateful men, in a uniquely creative way. Don’t expect “Witch” to be a diatribe on hating men, either, as there are several wonderfully charming men in Morgyn’s novel that played significant roles.
There are two plot lines in this tension-filled story. First, of course, is Piers and her journey as she discovers her magic and the power within herself. A serial killer who strangles women and then rapes their corpses is evading capture and it is the hunt for this killer that encapsulates the second storyline, bringing Piers along as she discovers a strange connection between her and the Strangler. Two very separate storylines to be sure but both are equally exciting and they converge smoothly by the end. (A book about witches AND a serial killer? You had me at page one). Speaking of the end- the conclusion delivered everything I was hoping for and I was left utterly satiated.
“Witch” is a suspensefully witchy tale of scorned women who seek revenge on the worst of society, using their combined talents to protect others. With a strong protagonist and some deeply emotional themes, Morgyn creates her own magic with “The Bane Witch”.
Expected publication date: Mar. 18, 2025
Piers Corbin is desperate to escape her tumultuous and violent marriage. So desperate in fact that she fakes her own death and disappears, hiding out with her estranged great Aunt in a small, isolated community. Her Aunt Myrtle takes her in and Piers assumes a new name and a new life, desperate to keep the secrets of her past behind her. However, Piers soon discovers far more about herself than she ever thought to ask for. Piers, along with her Aunt Myrtle and every other female in her line, is a Bane Witch, drawn to kill violent and criminal men with the natural poisons only the Bane witches can ingest harmlessly. But as Piers realizes the truth about who she is, she also learns more about the Bane witches and how important her role is to the survival of the coven- and to the community as a whole.
I was introduced to Ava Morgyn with her previous novel, “The Witches of Bone Hill: A Novel” so when I got the chance to read her newest novel, “The Bane Witch”, labeled as part “Practical Magic” and part “Gone Girl”, there was no way I was going to pass up the chance.
First, it should be said that this novel has serious themes, such as domestic violence and sexual assault, so consider yourself warned. But it is not a novel about female victimization. In fact, it is the exact opposite. Piers and her contemporaries use their magic to seek revenge and to protect other women, against angry, hateful men, in a uniquely creative way. Don’t expect “Witch” to be a diatribe on hating men, either, as there are several wonderfully charming men in Morgyn’s novel that played significant roles.
There are two plot lines in this tension-filled story. First, of course, is Piers and her journey as she discovers her magic and the power within herself. A serial killer who strangles women and then rapes their corpses is evading capture and it is the hunt for this killer that encapsulates the second storyline, bringing Piers along as she discovers a strange connection between her and the Strangler. Two very separate storylines to be sure but both are equally exciting and they converge smoothly by the end. (A book about witches AND a serial killer? You had me at page one). Speaking of the end- the conclusion delivered everything I was hoping for and I was left utterly satiated.
“Witch” is a suspensefully witchy tale of scorned women who seek revenge on the worst of society, using their combined talents to protect others. With a strong protagonist and some deeply emotional themes, Morgyn creates her own magic with “The Bane Witch”.
October 14, 2024
A Dark, Witchy Read to add to your TBR
Thank you, St Martin’s Press, for the gifted e-copy of The Bane Witch {partner}
Genre: Fantasy
Trope: Witches
Format: 🎧📖
Pub Date: 3.18.2025
Pages: 384
Star Rating: ☆☆☆☆.5
When I started The Bane Witch, I was prepared for the typical, predictable witchy story that would likely follow a plot that ultimately ends with a HEAP. Instead, I found a thought-provoking novel that revealed my inner female rage.
The Bane Witch was a gripping story of a woman fleeing the abuse she endured at her husband’s hands. There wasn’t a dull moment in the entire story, and it kept my attention from the very first to the last page (90% of the book, I sat on the edge of my seat). It was precisely how I pictured a dark, witchy novel to be written, and I never felt like it was over the top or hard to believe. Every character felt real to me, and Ava Morgan should be so proud of how she brought this novel to life.
Though, there’s no way around it - when I tell you parts of this book made my blood boil. I mean it. I recommend going into The Bane Witch, understanding that it does cover dark subject matter, but it’s, unfortunately, something that many women endure every day.
triggers: domestic violence, strangulat!on, sexual assault, rape
Read if you enjoy:
📝 Character development
💪🏼 Female empowerment/rage
🔍 Mystery/Suspense
👏🏼 Complex plot
I recommend reading The Bane Witch if you liked The Change by Kirsten Miller. It could also be compared to Practical Magic but with a dark undertone.
______
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Thank you, St Martin’s Press, for the gifted e-copy of The Bane Witch {partner}
Genre: Fantasy
Trope: Witches
Format: 🎧📖
Pub Date: 3.18.2025
Pages: 384
Star Rating: ☆☆☆☆.5
When I started The Bane Witch, I was prepared for the typical, predictable witchy story that would likely follow a plot that ultimately ends with a HEAP. Instead, I found a thought-provoking novel that revealed my inner female rage.
The Bane Witch was a gripping story of a woman fleeing the abuse she endured at her husband’s hands. There wasn’t a dull moment in the entire story, and it kept my attention from the very first to the last page (90% of the book, I sat on the edge of my seat). It was precisely how I pictured a dark, witchy novel to be written, and I never felt like it was over the top or hard to believe. Every character felt real to me, and Ava Morgan should be so proud of how she brought this novel to life.
Though, there’s no way around it - when I tell you parts of this book made my blood boil. I mean it. I recommend going into The Bane Witch, understanding that it does cover dark subject matter, but it’s, unfortunately, something that many women endure every day.
triggers: domestic violence, strangulat!on, sexual assault, rape
Read if you enjoy:
📝 Character development
💪🏼 Female empowerment/rage
🔍 Mystery/Suspense
👏🏼 Complex plot
I recommend reading The Bane Witch if you liked The Change by Kirsten Miller. It could also be compared to Practical Magic but with a dark undertone.
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February 8, 2025
This book was so unexpectedly dark, so unexpectedly delicious, and I gobbled up every single page of it. Truly so original in so many ways and I just couldn't get enough of it. This is a read that will stand out and demand attention among its genre. One everyone should read; I just can't recommend it enough; I loved every single thing about it, from the setting to the dark atmosphere; it was just fabulous.
*ARC provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.*
*ARC provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.*
May 8, 2025
4.5 stars but rounding up! This was such a unique book. I feel like the cover is actually a bit misleading and makes it seem like a cozy fantasy but it’s like a dark thriller with a cozy setting and a secret witch assassin society!
My favourite kind of book is one where I'm not just reading to get to the end, but actually enjoying the entire journey there. The Bane Witch was absolutely one of those instances, it kept me captivated from the first page. The writing was witty and sharp, but also immersive and atmospheric. I felt transported to this autumnal small town (so yes, this would make a perfect fall read). The story follows Piers, a woman in her 30s who has spent the last two years of her life in a horrific, toxic, abusive marriage. The story opens with her realizing enough is enough, and she fakes her death to escape her disgusting, sorry excuse for a human husband. Otherwise alone in the world, the only person she thinks to turn to is a mysterious aunt she only met once as a 5-year old. She takes quite the twisty and eventful journey to find her aunt at her remote inn, and learns more about herself than she ever thought possible. Piers was hoping to escape her past and start fresh, but finds out that her strange immunity to poisonous substance isn't a weird illness but part of her abilities as a long line of Bane Witches (women who consume deadly plants to kickstart their magic to kill awful men). The timing couldn't be more perfect as a serial killer is on the loose and Piers is committed to hunting him down.
I really enjoyed Piers' character and her resilience. It was SO painful to see everything she had been through, but her journey and growth were very cathartic! Despite this being a thriller with very dark themes, there was also such coziness to the atmosphere. The small town, the inn, and the diner all had major Stars Hollow vibes lol. The plot and mystery kept me hooked the entire time and the stakes felt super high! There was also a romance subplot that I was not expecting but it was absolutely lovely! :')
Overall, this was fantastic, incredibly gripping and I hope the author writes more in this world one day! Definitely check TWs before reading though!!
My favourite kind of book is one where I'm not just reading to get to the end, but actually enjoying the entire journey there. The Bane Witch was absolutely one of those instances, it kept me captivated from the first page. The writing was witty and sharp, but also immersive and atmospheric. I felt transported to this autumnal small town (so yes, this would make a perfect fall read). The story follows Piers, a woman in her 30s who has spent the last two years of her life in a horrific, toxic, abusive marriage. The story opens with her realizing enough is enough, and she fakes her death to escape her disgusting, sorry excuse for a human husband. Otherwise alone in the world, the only person she thinks to turn to is a mysterious aunt she only met once as a 5-year old. She takes quite the twisty and eventful journey to find her aunt at her remote inn, and learns more about herself than she ever thought possible. Piers was hoping to escape her past and start fresh, but finds out that her strange immunity to poisonous substance isn't a weird illness but part of her abilities as a long line of Bane Witches (women who consume deadly plants to kickstart their magic to kill awful men). The timing couldn't be more perfect as a serial killer is on the loose and Piers is committed to hunting him down.
I really enjoyed Piers' character and her resilience. It was SO painful to see everything she had been through, but her journey and growth were very cathartic! Despite this being a thriller with very dark themes, there was also such coziness to the atmosphere. The small town, the inn, and the diner all had major Stars Hollow vibes lol. The plot and mystery kept me hooked the entire time and the stakes felt super high! There was also a romance subplot that I was not expecting but it was absolutely lovely! :')
Overall, this was fantastic, incredibly gripping and I hope the author writes more in this world one day! Definitely check TWs before reading though!!
September 19, 2025
firstly, thank you to the publisher for an arc
3.5 stars
the bane witch is a domestic violence thriller with a magical realism twist, following our fmc piers who is unknowingly a bane witch. when piers, or other bane witches, ingest flora and fauna that are deadly to regular humans, they are able to use the poisons within their blood to defend themselves, unfortunately normally against aggressive men.
i also listened to the audio and the narrator did a fine job!
3.5 stars
the bane witch is a domestic violence thriller with a magical realism twist, following our fmc piers who is unknowingly a bane witch. when piers, or other bane witches, ingest flora and fauna that are deadly to regular humans, they are able to use the poisons within their blood to defend themselves, unfortunately normally against aggressive men.
i also listened to the audio and the narrator did a fine job!
September 18, 2024
This was a great read. The story is original, interesting, and kept me consistently engaged. My favorite aspect was the writing style, although character development, world building, and pacing were also executed well. The characters felt like real people. At times, it seemed there was a little too much description but it didn't really hinder the progression of the plot. The conclusion was satisfying and felt complete.
I had not read any work by this author before but this will not be the last. Thank you to Goodreads Giveaways for granting me an ARC copy to review. This review and the opinions therein are entirely my own.
The Bane Witch will live on as a traveling book in LiterALLy BOOKiSh, the best book club on Facebook.
I had not read any work by this author before but this will not be the last. Thank you to Goodreads Giveaways for granting me an ARC copy to review. This review and the opinions therein are entirely my own.
The Bane Witch will live on as a traveling book in LiterALLy BOOKiSh, the best book club on Facebook.
October 2, 2024
It's important to have books like this one, and I'll tell you why:
I've gone on record in other reviews stating that I suspect I've outgrown the normal 'urban fantasy' tropes. I find them trite and predictable. But THIS novel, it has all the ingredients: magic in the modern word, a shadowy supernatural underbelly beneath reality, a person discovering their powers in a very 'yer a wizard, Harry' way so that exposition and world-building can be conveniently dumped onto the main character as a proxy fish-out-of-water, romance/sexuality blooming in the midst of life-and-death stakes. But it's all done SO WELL!
Highly recommended for fans of bloody fantasy/crime novels, female empowerment, and sweet dogs named Bart.
I've gone on record in other reviews stating that I suspect I've outgrown the normal 'urban fantasy' tropes. I find them trite and predictable. But THIS novel, it has all the ingredients: magic in the modern word, a shadowy supernatural underbelly beneath reality, a person discovering their powers in a very 'yer a wizard, Harry' way so that exposition and world-building can be conveniently dumped onto the main character as a proxy fish-out-of-water, romance/sexuality blooming in the midst of life-and-death stakes. But it's all done SO WELL!
Highly recommended for fans of bloody fantasy/crime novels, female empowerment, and sweet dogs named Bart.
March 7, 2025
Don’t let this cutesy cover deter you on what is inside this amazing book! Ava Morgan blends fantasy with mystery and with a big slash of murder!! Ava brings Piers Corbin to life with an affinity between poisonous things, including plants and men. This was an unexpected dark, feminine empowerment read that I gobbled down. Please check triggers warnings because this does deal with abusive, controlling, and sadistic killers, but there is a twist.
“A very little poison can do a world of good.”
I want to thank NetGalley for providing me with a copy of the book in exchange for a honest review.
March 20, 2025
From the very first chapter, I completely fell under the spell of this compelling story. The Bane Witch is one of those dark story's that you just can't help but find so captivating and sinfully delicious at the same time. I truly could not get enough of this unique book and thoroughly devoured it in no time.
𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗮𝗽𝗽𝗲𝗮𝗹𝗲𝗱 𝘁𝗼 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗺𝗼𝘀𝘁 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘆?
The way the story itself demands the reader's attention through dark and vengeful magic that works to save the innocents from the truly despicable in this world who prey on them, left me wanting more and really would love a sequel! was so unexpectedly dark, so unexpectedly delicious, and I gobbled up every single page of it.
𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝘁𝗼 𝗲𝘅𝗽𝗲𝗰𝘁:
Bad ass women seeking revenge for the innocent
Magic
Feminine rage
Serial Killer
Small town
Second chances
Secrets
Family drama
𝗗𝗼 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗿𝗲𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗺𝗲𝗻𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗯𝗼𝗼𝗸?
This is a dark atmospheric story that was just fabulous, and you should really check it out!
𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗮𝗽𝗽𝗲𝗮𝗹𝗲𝗱 𝘁𝗼 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗺𝗼𝘀𝘁 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘆?
The way the story itself demands the reader's attention through dark and vengeful magic that works to save the innocents from the truly despicable in this world who prey on them, left me wanting more and really would love a sequel! was so unexpectedly dark, so unexpectedly delicious, and I gobbled up every single page of it.
𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝘁𝗼 𝗲𝘅𝗽𝗲𝗰𝘁:
Bad ass women seeking revenge for the innocent
Magic
Feminine rage
Serial Killer
Small town
Second chances
Secrets
Family drama
𝗗𝗼 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗿𝗲𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗺𝗲𝗻𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗯𝗼𝗼𝗸?
This is a dark atmospheric story that was just fabulous, and you should really check it out!
March 17, 2025
Check trigger warnings as the story touched on several explicit DV situations.
This story has some great potential and gave some compelling themes about power and self-discovery, but it didn't blow me away. There were some captivating moments but I had a hard time staying engaged with the story. If you’re a fan of witchcraft and dark paranormal elements, it’s worth a read, but don’t expect a flawless journey.
This story has some great potential and gave some compelling themes about power and self-discovery, but it didn't blow me away. There were some captivating moments but I had a hard time staying engaged with the story. If you’re a fan of witchcraft and dark paranormal elements, it’s worth a read, but don’t expect a flawless journey.
September 13, 2024
While I liked all the witch elements, the pacing in this book was very distracting. The plot wise there is a lot of going on, but some of the twists were good.
ARC kindly provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
ARC kindly provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
March 31, 2025
4.5⭐️ deadly women are my favorite.
March 1, 2025
"The Bane Witch" is the story of Piers, a woman of Charleston, South Carolina, who's been married to her abusive, controlling husband for two years. She understands that if she doesn't flee the marriage, she's gonna die. Piers also seems to have a gift, which she is slowly coming to grips with. She can see her husband's future victims, and knows that he will continue killing women after her.
I especially liked this first half of the story, when Piers is plotting to leave her husband, and then again when she is on the run, trying to vanish without a trace and find her way to the secluded mountain town in the north where her mysterious aunt lives.
It is here, as Piers slowly learns and accepts her gifts as a bane witch, that I feel that the story begins to unravel, at least for me. The love scene with the local sheriff is completely ruined in my mind when Piers' boobs are likened to candied apples. Completely ruined the sexy mood for me and took me to places that had nothing to do with romance. Additionally, Piers makes some dumb decisions that puts the lives of her aunt, her boyfriend, and herself in jeopardy, and then pleads like some sniveling, snot nosed, entitled kid that she will never do it again! Ugh. Hadn't she learned from her mother's mistakes, as her mother had accidentally , and then had her own tragic life? Piers' arrogance in her own decision-making process, one she never completely confronts, is one of her tragic flaws. Her arrogance in her rightness will even
So, awesome first half, annoying as hell second half. Still, this was an engaging read, one that revved up my emotions, definitely. My thanks to Netgalley and the powers that be (author, publishing folk, etc.) for the opportunity to share my bookish thoughts.
I especially liked this first half of the story, when Piers is plotting to leave her husband, and then again when she is on the run, trying to vanish without a trace and find her way to the secluded mountain town in the north where her mysterious aunt lives.
It is here, as Piers slowly learns and accepts her gifts as a bane witch, that I feel that the story begins to unravel, at least for me. The love scene with the local sheriff is completely ruined in my mind when Piers' boobs are likened to candied apples. Completely ruined the sexy mood for me and took me to places that had nothing to do with romance. Additionally, Piers makes some dumb decisions that puts the lives of her aunt, her boyfriend, and herself in jeopardy, and then pleads like some sniveling, snot nosed, entitled kid that she will never do it again! Ugh. Hadn't she learned from her mother's mistakes, as her mother had accidentally , and then had her own tragic life? Piers' arrogance in her own decision-making process, one she never completely confronts, is one of her tragic flaws. Her arrogance in her rightness will even
So, awesome first half, annoying as hell second half. Still, this was an engaging read, one that revved up my emotions, definitely. My thanks to Netgalley and the powers that be (author, publishing folk, etc.) for the opportunity to share my bookish thoughts.
January 8, 2025
"A very little poison can do a world of good."
Throughout her life, Piers had been drawn to deadly and dangerous things—from berries and mushrooms steeped in poison to vicious, controlling men. In fact, she married a man just like that, and when we meet Piers for the first time, she's putting a complex escape plan into action: she fakes her own death and leaves her old life behind. Determined to start fresh, she hitches a ride to the small mountain town of Syracuse, hoping to find her aunt Myrtle and a place to stay. But wherever Piers goes, trouble seems to follow. And the truth she's about to uncover about herself and her past will change her life forever. She is, after all, a poison eater—a Bane witch—and a descendant of a long line of man-killing, powerful women. (Don't worry, though, they only kill the ones who deserve it.)
Words cannot express how much I absolutely loved this book. Every sentence, every powerful passage, every rage-soaked page. Ava Morgyn delivered a magical and atmospheric female rage story that hit all the marks for me. From Piers' incredible character arc to the underlying message of female empowerment, everything about this book spoke to me. Reminiscent of Practical Magic and Female of the Species, The Bane Witch is a beautifully written and memorable tale of found family, sisterhood, legacy, and vengeance.
Piers is probably one of my favorite literary characters ever. Her growth and journey of self-discovery were immensely satisfying to witness. She struggles to accept her legacy and grapples with feelings of guilt, questioning the moral aspects of what she's born to do. In the end, though, it is clear that the only way to bring justice is to be both the judge and the executioner. It isn't ideal, it isn't socially acceptable, it's 100% criminal in the eyes of the law, but it is oftentimes necessary.
Throughout her life, Piers had been drawn to deadly and dangerous things—from berries and mushrooms steeped in poison to vicious, controlling men. In fact, she married a man just like that, and when we meet Piers for the first time, she's putting a complex escape plan into action: she fakes her own death and leaves her old life behind. Determined to start fresh, she hitches a ride to the small mountain town of Syracuse, hoping to find her aunt Myrtle and a place to stay. But wherever Piers goes, trouble seems to follow. And the truth she's about to uncover about herself and her past will change her life forever. She is, after all, a poison eater—a Bane witch—and a descendant of a long line of man-killing, powerful women. (Don't worry, though, they only kill the ones who deserve it.)
Words cannot express how much I absolutely loved this book. Every sentence, every powerful passage, every rage-soaked page. Ava Morgyn delivered a magical and atmospheric female rage story that hit all the marks for me. From Piers' incredible character arc to the underlying message of female empowerment, everything about this book spoke to me. Reminiscent of Practical Magic and Female of the Species, The Bane Witch is a beautifully written and memorable tale of found family, sisterhood, legacy, and vengeance.
Piers is probably one of my favorite literary characters ever. Her growth and journey of self-discovery were immensely satisfying to witness. She struggles to accept her legacy and grapples with feelings of guilt, questioning the moral aspects of what she's born to do. In the end, though, it is clear that the only way to bring justice is to be both the judge and the executioner. It isn't ideal, it isn't socially acceptable, it's 100% criminal in the eyes of the law, but it is oftentimes necessary.
March 18, 2025
I’ll admit, I’m guilty of picking books based on their covers and the vibes alone. A few months ago, I started seeing Ava Morgyn on TikTok promoting The Bane Witch. At that point, I didn’t know much about the book itself, but the cover was absolutely stunning, and there was a mushroom-themed giveaway (which I regret not entering, it looked amazing). As she shared more about the book, it immediately made its way to my TBR list. Even after I got approved for the eARC, I still didn’t know exactly what I was in for—but honestly, I think that was the perfect headspace to dive into this story.
The Bane Witch is described as Gone Girl meets Practical Magic, and I’d also throw in a dash of Belladonna and American Horror Story: Coven (I kept imagining Myrtle’s last words: “BALENCIAGA!!”). From the very first page, I was hooked. The suspense kept me on my toes, and the characters pulled me in. I loved the way Morgyn layered in so many elements—suspense, found family, a little romance, and even some practical tips on how to poison someone (seriously, there’s something for everyone here).
If I had one minor nitpick, it’s that Morgyn gave all the witches floral names, which felt a bit cheesy at times. But, she pokes fun at herself in the book when another character comments on how strange American witches are with their naming conventions, which was a nice touch.
This was such a fast, fun read, and I really appreciated how interactive the author is with her readers on social media. Even before I followed her or received the ARC, she was always quick to respond to comments, which I think is a lovely, down-to-earth trait. I’m definitely excited to read more from Ava Morgyn in the future.
Big thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press | St. Martin’s Griffin for the advanced eARC of The Bane Witch!m
Happy Publish Day to this beauty of a book! 🧙♀️ 🍄 ✨
The Bane Witch is described as Gone Girl meets Practical Magic, and I’d also throw in a dash of Belladonna and American Horror Story: Coven (I kept imagining Myrtle’s last words: “BALENCIAGA!!”). From the very first page, I was hooked. The suspense kept me on my toes, and the characters pulled me in. I loved the way Morgyn layered in so many elements—suspense, found family, a little romance, and even some practical tips on how to poison someone (seriously, there’s something for everyone here).
If I had one minor nitpick, it’s that Morgyn gave all the witches floral names, which felt a bit cheesy at times. But, she pokes fun at herself in the book when another character comments on how strange American witches are with their naming conventions, which was a nice touch.
This was such a fast, fun read, and I really appreciated how interactive the author is with her readers on social media. Even before I followed her or received the ARC, she was always quick to respond to comments, which I think is a lovely, down-to-earth trait. I’m definitely excited to read more from Ava Morgyn in the future.
Big thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press | St. Martin’s Griffin for the advanced eARC of The Bane Witch!m
Happy Publish Day to this beauty of a book! 🧙♀️ 🍄 ✨
September 20, 2025
This easily could’ve been a 5-star read for me, but the way the Saranac Strangler plot wrapped up left me wanting more. So much of the story builds toward that inevitable confrontation, and when it finally comes, it’s over almost instantly. After all that suspense, I was craving a more satisfying payoff.
That said, the journey itself was fun. The atmosphere and the magic made it a perfect, immersive read to kick off Autumn and Spooky Season.
That said, the journey itself was fun. The atmosphere and the magic made it a perfect, immersive read to kick off Autumn and Spooky Season.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 10, 2024
This was the perfect read to close out Spooky season with. It epically creeped me out. Piers is in a horrifically abusive marriage and she has to fake her death to escape her deranged husband. She heads North to the only family she has left and learns about her family’s secret legacy. They are Bane Witches. Bane Witches are blessed with a magical ability that allows them to ingest poisonous plants with no ill effects and hunt evil men.
This book is really dark and intense. It reads like a suspenseful thriller with magical elements. The magical lore in this book was incredible. The author does a great job explaining Bane Witches and the history behind their magic. I devoured this book in two nights. It has such a unique original concept around it and I am hoping that we may get more stories from characters that were introduced in this novel. I also really enjoyed the character growth we see in Piers.
I am hoping the publisher puts trigger warnings in this book. I would recommend if you are sensitive to anything you look into them prior to reading. There are a lot of reviews on Goodreads that details them out. One of the main ones in this book is domestic abuse. It goes into details about psychological and physical abuse that Piers experienced.
Thank you so much St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley for gifting me a free digital copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
This book is really dark and intense. It reads like a suspenseful thriller with magical elements. The magical lore in this book was incredible. The author does a great job explaining Bane Witches and the history behind their magic. I devoured this book in two nights. It has such a unique original concept around it and I am hoping that we may get more stories from characters that were introduced in this novel. I also really enjoyed the character growth we see in Piers.
I am hoping the publisher puts trigger warnings in this book. I would recommend if you are sensitive to anything you look into them prior to reading. There are a lot of reviews on Goodreads that details them out. One of the main ones in this book is domestic abuse. It goes into details about psychological and physical abuse that Piers experienced.
Thank you so much St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley for gifting me a free digital copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
November 25, 2024
The Bane Witch is a wild modern day mystery thriller. It’s an action film but if you added a layer of witches akin to Practical Magic. This was a good surprise. Most witch themed books I’ve ready this year have leaned more towards cozy or romance but this is a serial killer themed novel. There are woods and mushrooms and tea but there is also plenty of tension and violence. Don’t let the mushroom cottage type cover fool you.
I enjoyed this but it may not be what some people expect. Content warnings include serial killers, domestic violence, rape, abuse, infant death and similar themes.
It was fairly fast paced. I would consider it a page turner with a few lulls. I feel like some character motivations are a bit inconsistent but overall this was a great thriller read. I haven’t read a book that combined these genres yet; so bonus points for that.
This is for you if you like dark psychological thrillers and deadly magic.
Thank you to the NetGalley and the publisher for this advanced copy. All opinions are my own.
I enjoyed this but it may not be what some people expect. Content warnings include serial killers, domestic violence, rape, abuse, infant death and similar themes.
It was fairly fast paced. I would consider it a page turner with a few lulls. I feel like some character motivations are a bit inconsistent but overall this was a great thriller read. I haven’t read a book that combined these genres yet; so bonus points for that.
This is for you if you like dark psychological thrillers and deadly magic.
Thank you to the NetGalley and the publisher for this advanced copy. All opinions are my own.
August 30, 2025
If you want to read a profound novel about how cycles of domestic abuse trap women and girls, I recommend “A Thousand Acres” by Jane Smiley. If you want to read a creepy, pulpy horror novel that deals with escaping domestic violence in a thoughtful way, check out “The Cut” by CJ Dotson. If you want to read a rant about a stealthily anti-woman book that also makes no goddamned sense, let’s get into it.
One star
One star
March 24, 2025
I do not know why I waited so long to read this book. It has been on my ARC TBR for a long while and I kept saying I’ll get to it next……and now I know why. I knew I was going to need something absolutely gorgeously dark and twisted……yet fun and interesting. The idea of women who can use their bodies to right the horrific wrongs of men…….amazing right? But the way that the author wrote it all made it all the more interesting and at times wholesome (weird I know).
There are some TW here so be sure and check before you read but I think you’ll find it to be a delightfully delicious read.
I received an ARC of this title, all opinions are my own.
There are some TW here so be sure and check before you read but I think you’ll find it to be a delightfully delicious read.
I received an ARC of this title, all opinions are my own.
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