The Witch's Quest

Broken Eyes #1

by Candi Land

Zane hated witches. After fighting against them for years in the Great War, it was only natural for a grudge to fester, especially after a peace treaty was signed. Now with an evergrowing void in his chest, Zane works day in and day out as a cook hoping one day he might be able to open his own restaurant. That dream was growing further away…until he runs into a witch in the forest.

Sherry, an illusionist, falls onto him as she is escaping some gamblers she cheated. She is cocky, manipulative, and rude but most importantly she offers Zane a job. All he has to do is join her in a strange quest with a rag-tag group of witches and his dream of owning a restaurant becomes a little bit closer.

But the more time he spends with Sherry, the more he realizes something is off. She is off. She has secrets she keeps from everyone around her and a darkness she can’t control. Is he willing to go against everything he believes in for a few extra dollars? In this economy, definitely.

The first book in the Broken Eyes series. A YA Fantasy Romance Novel.

Genres: Fantasy

326 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 16, 2024

About the author

Candi Land is an indie author from Ontario Canada that loves to write Fantasy Romance with dark twists. She especially enjoys making the characters suffer. She lives in an apartment with her partner, cat, and too many plushies. Her dream is to have people love her stories as much as she does.

Reviews

[vaishnavi ☆ﾟ⁠.⁠* · Rating 3.5 out of 5]

ARC
eARC recieved from BookSirens.

We get enemies-to-lovers vibes (at least in the beginning) and the banter is fun to read. The world-building is enchanting and the book sets a strong start to the Broken Eyes series. Can't wait to see where the author will take us in the coming books!

We are introduced to multiple characters, all nicely woven into the plot and developed well. The plot itself is intriguing and the suspense builds up gradually.

However, the book feels much longer than it was because:
1. Almost every page has either some sort of info dump in it or unnecessarily repetitive descriptions.
2. Every single little action (a smirk, smile or turn) was described in detail.
3. A few sentences ran longer than they had to, and while the use of literary devices elevates writing, there does not need to be one in every line.

But this is only the author's debut novel I am very interested to see where they go from here. Though the ending is a sort of a cliffhanger, it doesn't feel incomplete - simply a start for the next book.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Musi ✨Vegacrux’s first child✨ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you NetGelly and author for this ARC. This was very enjoyable, entertaining and adventurous read. The writing style is sophisticated and world building is absolutely breath taking. I enjoyed it a lot.

[Kat M · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a strong start to the Broken Eyes series, it uses the witches element perfectly and in a unique way. I enjoyed how well everything was written and how strong the story was. I enjoyed getting to know the characters and that they worked in this world and story. It had me wanting to read more from this world as it was so fascinating. Candi Land does a great job in writing a unique story that I really enjoyed and left me ready for the sequel.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Tyler · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this story, the FMC was such a pain but in the best way possible and who I assume is her slow burn MMC is the typical mysterious but chivalrous tough guy wanting to protect her. This is a slow burn but the build up of tension is so adorable and the chemistry between them will have you kicking your feet. There are alot of characters introduced towards the end of the book so I'm excited to see where this goes I can't wait for book 2

[Stephanie Jabbour · Rating 4 out of 5]

"The Witch's Quest" by Candi Land is a delightful blend of magic, mystery, and adventure that kept me thoroughly engaged from start to finish. Set in a fantastical world where witches and wizards wield extraordinary powers, this novel introduces us to a heroine, Sherry, whose determination and bravery shine brightly.

From the very first page, I was drawn into a richly imagined universe where ancient prophecies and hidden dangers lurk around every corner. The world-building is exceptional, with vivid descriptions that bring each enchanting locale to life. Whether traversing dark forests or exploring mystical caves, every setting is imbued with a sense of wonder and danger.

Sherry is a compelling protagonist whose journey of self-discovery is both inspiring and heartfelt. Her quest to uncover the truth behind a long-lost artifact not only drives the plot forward but also allows for moments of personal growth and introspection. Alongside her loyal companions, Sherry's relationships deepen and evolve, adding emotional depth to the narrative.

Candi Land's writing is enchanting, filled with evocative imagery and a narrative voice that effortlessly transports readers into the heart of the story. The pacing is brisk, with well-crafted twists and turns that kept me eagerly turning pages. Themes of courage, friendship, and the consequences of wielding power resonate throughout, making this more than just a fantastical adventure—it's a tale that speaks to the complexities of human nature.

Overall, "The Witch's Quest" is a captivating read that will appeal to fans of fantasy, romance and magic alike. With its engaging characters, intricate plot, and vivid world-building, Candi Land has crafted a novel that leaves a lasting impression. I look forward to future adventures in this enchanting series.

***I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Alejandra Suarez · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m hooked and I want to see what happens next. The whole enemies, from hate to love romance is my addiction. I don’t like leaving spoilers, so my reviews are short and to the point. I need more. I need to continue the journey of my new favorite purple haired witch and her silver haired lover. I enjoyed the detail the author created to give this world life and imagination. Also thank you for allowing me to be an ARC reader and getting a e-copy for free

[Sadiyah Shams Khan · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Witch's Quests by Candi Land is an enchanting addition to the fantasy genre, weaving a spellbinding tale that captures the imagination and keeps readers on the edge of their seats. This novel blends magic, adventure, and richly developed characters into a narrative that is both compelling and immersive.

Candi Land's prose is both lyrical and accessible, making for a reading experience that is as enjoyable as it is engaging. The descriptions of magical spells and fantastical creatures are vivid and imaginative, transporting readers to a world that feels both fantastical and real.

However, the book is not without its minor flaws. At times, the complexity of the magical world can be a bit overwhelming, with an abundance of terms and lore that might confuse some readers. Additionally, a few of the secondary characters could have benefited from more development to make them as memorable as the main cast.

Overall, The Witch's Quests is a delightful and enthralling read, perfect for fans of fantasy and magic. Candi Land has crafted a novel that is both entertaining and thought-provoking, making it a must-read for anyone looking to escape into a world of witchcraft and adventure. With its strong characters, engaging plot, and beautiful writing, this book deserves its high rating and is sure to leave readers eagerly awaiting the next installment.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Janessa ✨ · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed the book. It was a great debut book! I’m excited to see how the author further develops their writing story!! 😊

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily

[B. Williams · Rating 3 out of 5]

Within the Witch's Quest we have an exploration of a MMC who is already prejudiced against the FMC setting it up for an enemies to lovers vibe, at least in the beginning. While the MMC is non-magical the FMC is a witch who commonly uses illusions to her own gains. Her entrance even involves the MMC in one as well. Throughout the exploration of their dynamic was done well enough but there were issues upfront that made it difficult to continue at times. The author has a tendency to use tenses incorrectly, has a lot of exposition up front, and tends to repeat information or descriptions in several different ways which is unnecessary. This is not to say the author isn't talented, the verbiage and vocabulary is extensive but it is laid out poorly at times. As this is the authors debut novel I am very interested to see where they go from here as I feel like with more experience and feedback they'll progress beautifully.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Rachel_ Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book gives us a great first book in the Broken Eyes series. Candi Land has an incredible talent and her writing ability leaves us feeling completely immersed in the story and entangled in the lives of the main characters.
The Witches Quest is a fantasy novel following the life of Zane, a human and his encounters with Sherry, a witch. Zane's dislike of witches is intense, but spending time with Sherry see him warming a little and on some occasions even pitying the witch race. He begins to experience thoughts and feelings he never thought he would. With an enemies to lovers vibe, this story sees a slow burn friendship forming.
Several characters are introduced towards the end of the book in anticipation for the follow-ons. I can't wait to read book two.
I received an advance review copy of this book for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Reviewer King · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5

I definitely think the premise for this book was great! The slow-burn romance in the beginning had me giggling and gushing over the characters. The plot also unfolded nicely, but I do wish the writing had more depth to it. Some of the situations were overly descriptive. It felt more like telling than showing. However, still a solid debut and I cant wait for the next book by the author.

[Ilse Fewer]

Dnf at 20%. I can’t push through the poor writing.

[Skyfly · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am just gonna say just go for it. I loved this book 💜

[Steffany · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great debut novel!
Loved the story, some repetitive, ongoing descriptions which I found too long and also a few chapters I found a bit long and dragging but overall it was great! 😊