Time of the Sorceress

Immortal Sorceress #4

by Krista Walsh

I finally put my past behind me only to find my future at risk.

One more hunt, I promised myself. One more death, and then I could hang up my guardian's cloak and put my magical self out to pasture.

But with every enemy I take down, another one strikes. And this time they hit me where it hurts—in my bond with Emrick, the servant of Death who holds my heart and my immortality.

For the first time in almost nine hundred years, my life hangs in the balance. But I have friends now, a family, a reason to keep going. If I don't discover who's hunting me— and fast—everything I've built for myself will burn.

Genres: Urban Fantasy

265 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 25, 2024

About the author

Known for witty, vivid characters, Krista Walsh never has more fun than getting them into trouble and taking her time getting them out.
When not writing, she can be found walking, reading, gaming, or watching a film – anything to get lost in a good story.
She currently lives in Ottawa, Ontario

Reviews

[Noelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Again - I’m not sure how it’s possible that each book continues to get better and better. Krista masterfully weaves a story that will have you on the edge of your seat the entire book!

This book had me emotional from the beginning… Kat and Emricks situation has always been a double edged swords and has always broke my heart - as all I want for them is their happily ever after. Krista turned the anguish up a notch in their relationship and I eagerly am awaiting the next book to continue the story! This book is filled with action, betrayal, suspicion… you’ll have a hard time putting it down. I continue to love how strong Kat comes back… even after being at her lowest! The love and support her chosen family gives is just the icing on the cake in this story!

You will not regrets reading this one!

[TheresaK · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read each book in this series and the next one has always been better. Hard to believe as usually I start getting bored in a series, but not this one! An unexpected question of loyalty came up, and the solution was much better (hoped) than I was hoping for. It should have easy to figure the betrayer, but I was lulled into a sense of comfort by that party and was surprised, but after the the fact, I thought of course! A great ta-da moment. These folks have formed more than friendship, they have formed a family unit! I cannot wait for the next in this series! Way to go Krista, still waiting on Cuddles big roll in this!

[Aighmi* · Rating 5 out of 5]

Holy cow, block out some time because you're not going to be able to put this book down! Kat and her incredible band of chosen family have so much to battle in this book, including mistaken suspicions, misplaced trust, and unknown assailants. In previous books, not all of these people have been my favorites, and some I outright mistrusted, but by the end of this book, the good guys are all my family, too. Settle into a comfy chair with some soothing black tea you purchased yourself and enjoy the ride!

[Mariaan Belinfante · Rating 5 out of 5]

A turbulent, intense emotional ride that had me angsty while soldiering on through the misery of Katerina's world when she's struck back into a mundane mortal body and forfeit her tether almost totally with Emrick. An epic moment when she realised Barrett want her as much in his world as she in his. Meanwhile Maera is on a guilt trip, having bought the blasted tea, Rhys struggling to get his second sight back and team Poppy and Murisa searching for a counteract spell or potion. There is light at the end of the tunnel, but I'm not spilling more. Absolutely brilliant. Definitely not a book to miss out on in this outstanding series.
I received an advanced review copy from the author and leave this review voluntary Thank you Ps I would have love to give more than 5 🌟.

[Jason · Rating 3 out of 5]

love book 1-3 hated the premise of taking her magic away

She is a sorceress. Please don’t take away her magic, let alone make it super easy to end all magic in the world…

Its magic, and the story lost all of its spark when - the magic was drained out of it.

I will read book 5 to see the ending.

Book 1 was my favorite and books 2 and 3 were good, but taking away her magic - I didn’t care for at all

[Penny · Rating 5 out of 5]

I admit going into this book that I thought it was the last one, but I was wrong. Boy was I wrong! This latest installment in this series is filled with mental wounds healing, new physical wounds healing, and bonds of trust broken. There’s a traitor in their midst that they didn’t see coming, and to be honest, I didn’t either. Finally, finally, we see where all the hate and loathing are coming from, and now they’re ready to take their enemies on, head-first. This is a wonderful addition to the series, and I’m ready for what is coming next. Highly recommend. I was provided a complimentary copy which I voluntarily reviewed.

[Piper James · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reading any of Krista's books is a treat, but I have an amazing amount of love for Kat ❤️ Watching Kat struggle not only with the loss of her oldest friend as well as her magic was excruciating to read but oh so worth it. This one might have been the hardest for me because seeing Kat doubt her family was 💔 but watching them all rally around and save her was amazing. This one really brought the rest of her family together. Poppy even tells her that without Kat, they are nothing. Such a good story and I can't wait to read the rest.

[Beba Andric · Rating 5 out of 5]

Was this book something else!!! My goodness! All my internal organs were twisted from the anguish I felt alongside Kat! I'll venture to say that this is the best Sorceress book so far, at least for me....it didn't have the same amount of physical action as the previous books, but the emotional action was far more fierce than any physical action! The story is so intense with wrought emotions I was in danger of having a panic attack! I flipping LOVE this series!!! I catch myself in a daze when I reach the end of each book, falling right in, feeling the pain of loss, feeling a love so forbidden, it tears my heart to shreds. Yes, each of these characters have become a part of me, sinking deep within me and I can't get enough!

This book starts off with one of my favourite characters, Rhys, in total despair, tugging at my heartstrings big time! Still battling the remnants of being at the mercy of Alodie's .... intervention... he's full of self doubt, he's full of fear, full of anxiety and an overwhelming desire to DO! He's not the only one who's sheer determination and dedication sings to me, the whole bang shoot do! My goodness are these characters superb! Seeing the growth, even in those who were "otherwise" just delighted me! Two characters in particular, Barrett and Gavin, one stoic and hater of magic and one who didn't WANT his magic, came round in a spectacular way. James had ME in tears with his declaration to Kat, his acceptance of Kat, just stunning! And Gavin, heck, he turned out to be pretty awesome, finally coming to the party, finally accepting who he is. So too are the cool duo witches, Poppy and Murisa awesome characters, their dedication and pure magical brilliance was off the charts beautiful!

As if Kat didn't have lots to contend with, what with trying to discover who was pulling the strings to end her and why, what with trying to find a way for her and Emrick to be together, what with trying to coax the Sight from Rhys, on top of all of this, she somehow loses her frigging magic! So yes, trample on my heart Ms Walsh, it was ground to a pulp! The love they have for each other, a love that transcends the ages, the bond they share is threatened in every possible way by a devious ploy, I swear, the physical pain they both felt pierced right through me too! Raw, raw, raw emotions! I doubt I could love any couple as much as I do these two.

The plot was extremely well presented, Ms Walsh kept me guessing A LOT! My brain went into overdrive thinking who the traitor might be and I never for one second could have anticipated THAT person! Well played! The sense of family, the overwhelming support they have for each other is outstanding! The found family is so strong I wanted to join them! Who wouldn't want a family that ALWAYS sticks together, that ALWAYS has the others back? That ALWAYS supports and shows just how much they care? Loved how they each declared how much Kat meant to them, how integral she is to their "new" family. I love how the author captured the characters, individually, they stand strongly and completely on their own and as a cohesive family, well heck! They're the bomb!

There are so many intriguing facets to the story, the mystery, the whodunit, the why, the EMRICK AND KAT...the togetherness of family, the growth of the characters, the EVERYTHING! It's a very well rounded, albeit extremely emotional book and my head is still spinning! My heart is sluggish, trying to find it's correct beat once more, my brain is screaming for more!

[Bevin · Rating 4 out of 5]

{4.25/5}

CW: death, some gore, violence

Thank you to the author for allowing me to be a part of the ARC team! “Time of the Sorceress” is available direct now, and elsewhere on July 25, 2024!

Alright, well this one was less heart *stomping* and more heart *stopping,* so at least I didn’t cry my way through it.

It’s been 3 months since Kat lost her best friend, and for an immortal that’s practically no time at all. When yet another attack comes for Kat, it’s not exactly a surprise, but the repercussions threaten to echo far beyond a single grief-stricken sorceress.

Is it wrong to call this book ‘delightful?’ Because ‘stressful, bittersweet, and bad for your sleep habits’ might be more accurate, and yet I enjoyed every moment of it. As always, the story delivers a low key urban fantasy environment positively stuffed full of characters that, by this point, we know and adore. It’s impossible to dislike Kat’s little family unit, with each bringing a distinct personality and skill to the literary table. We’ve even got an undead cat with an attitude problem to really round things out.

Beyond just our lovely found family is a storyline that never fails to deliver twists and turns you never saw coming. Combine a fantastic overarching plot with just the right amount of sass, banter, angst, and sappy moments, and voila! A book you won’t want to put down. Again. Because apparently this particular author has decided that sleep is for the weak and she’s going to make sure I can never rest again while I have an unfinished installment in the “Immortal Sorceress” series. I’d be mad except the books are just too good.

Seriously though, while I can’t fully discuss the plot (because spoilers!), I love these books. They’re so much fun and have just the right amount of family bonds, angsty pining romance, and women who will gladly remind you that they’re perfectly capable of handling their own issues, thank you very much. This series is phenomenal, and if you haven’t started reading it yet, you’re really missing out (and you should fix this right away).

[Darin Roodman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Katerina of Palonia (Kat to her friends) is your trope-standard, functionally immortal, elemental sorceress. The elements of fire and ice have coursed through her veins for nearly a millennia. She’s waged war against the forces of darkness and evil for that length of time as well. Emrick, servant of Death and conveyor of magical souls across the veil has been by her side, loving her, anchoring her, and being her connection to life, as ironic as that is. Adrian was the third in their little group, an immortal vampire who moved beyond hunting mortals long before Kat even began walking the earth. Standard setting, standard characters, and standard timeline for a feel-good Urban Fantasy, right?

Adrian isn’t around now, his absence leaving Kat adrift as her enemies gather and trouble still brews around Toronto, and removing Abigail from the board has not brought the respite Kat had hoped. Gavin, the first sorcerer born in millennia has decided to throw in with Team Kat, he’s still reluctant to know his fire, and that reluctance could get them all killed. Those dedicated to the cause are there for Kat, but few of them have her luxury of time. And that’s the thing, time has always been by Kat’s side. She’s immortal. But the times, they are a’changing…

“Time of the Sorceress”, by Krista Walsh, is the fourth book in her Immortal Sorceress series. Set in and around Toronto (ALWAYS a welcome change from Chicago, New York, LA, and London as settings go), this series continues to be a trip through the great white north to the depths of magic’s darkest alleys. The book is fun, funny, and an original take on the classic “immortal magic user in a strange land” trope. The writing is clever, the characters fully developed, and the story super engaging. With the slow-burn romance woven throughout the plot that continues to heat up (let’s hear it for skin-to-skin contact baby!) and a really interesting set of lore that keeps things interesting, I can’t recommend this book enough. This story can’t be put down, and you won’t want to anyway. Be careful you don’t get burned though, this series just keeps heating up!

I received a free copy of this e-book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Traci Otte · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kat is really in trouble in this book! “Wait!” I hear you saying. “She’s been in trouble in EVERY book! What makes this different from the other books?” I can’t tell you - the description doesn’t say, so I can’t, either. But I WILL tell you that you won’t expect it, and you’ll be worried for Kat and Emrick more than you’ve ever been!

Kat’s friends rally around her, and they work tirelessly to get her out of this predicament, but she doesn’t really know who she can trust. I viewed everyone with suspicion until the perpetrators are revealed. Again, I can’t tell you, but I was completely shocked!

Like all the other books in this series, this one is exciting with great character interactions and developments, not just with the main characters but also with the supporting cast. In case you’re worried about there being too much seriousness, there are fun moments along the way - there have to be when there’s a zombie cat running around!

I really loved this book and just know the next one (the last in the series) will deliver more surprises and a satisfying ending!

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. I'm also buying this book because I LOVE this author and everything she writes!

[M Lowe · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think everyone who's read a Krista Walsh story will know she is a master of writing gripping action scenes. Well, after reading Time Of The Sorceress, I don't think there will be any argument that she can also add 'Master Of Writing Emotions' to her resume!

Most of this book is inwards focussed, a character study, so instead of fights and long road trips, we see a somber group in Toronto. They are all, understandably, still coming to terms with the events of the last book, and then the heartbreaking beginning of this one. Our friends are clinging tighter than ever to their found family and the one they all perceive as it's heart. Introspection has been born from grief and anger, letting us witness beautifully written, insightful and sensitive growth in everyone. The author has dug down into feelings, motivations and responses so we can follow these changes, as she depicts them in her accomplished prose.

Krista Walsh has a gift for bringing readers into her worlds and keeping them engrossed for hundreds of pages, as if time has ceased to pass. I was grabbed by the heart from the start of this book and remained fully immersed in the story until the last page. The twist was a shock and I look forward to the repercussions of it in the next book.

[Denise · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once again Miss Walsh does not disappoint... Time of the Sorceress is a fast paced and amazing to read. I found myself pulled in laughed, got angry and cried when during certain parts of the storyline.
Time of the Sorceress picks up not long from Shadow of the Sorceress as one Kat's deepest friends sacrifices himself to save the love of his life and Thrall; the Vampire Adrian perished and it literally broke my heart into pieces. I felt as Kat did and was ready for revenge. The Hunters guild is not following the exact rules as they should and Kat is out for Vengeance to get her revenge.
Time is usually on Kat's side but in this case something happens and it really slows Kat down to a much slower pace. She is more vulnerable since the loss of her best friend Adrian who would giver her advice when she needed it. But she now has Barret who was a former military officer and was Adrian's Thrall. Who was a frenemy now friend and has had a change in thought about the magical world since the loss of Adrian.
So, if you like lots of action, revenge, Friends that are treated as family then this book is for you.

[Darrel Melvin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Time of the Sorceress
The stakes are higher than ever in the newest book in the Immortal Sorceress Series.
Kat has been bonded with her love Emrick a servant of death for almost 900 years and this bond is the source of her immortality.
Their immortal friend the vampire Adrian was killed in the last book after walking beside them for hundreds of years.

Now something has struck against the bond between Kat and Emrick suppressing their awareness of each other, her magic, and leaving her vulnerable and mortal.

This is a book where all the relationships in this found family are tested, as Kat wonders who can be trusted, and who is ultimately behind Mikhail, Alodie, and this newest attack. Krista explores the emotional depths of every character in this intense story as their relationships are tested; and the forces against them are identified.

The stakes are higher than ever as the next book is set up.

Buy this book and read it!

[FionaH · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book opens almost three months after the events of Shadow, and the characters are still reeling from the events of that book. Before they can recover, Kat’s enemies deal another blow – this time attacking the very core of who she is; that which makes her “the immortal sorceress”.

This time around, it is Kat’s found family that rally to try to save her. But will they succeed before it’s too late? And can they all be trusted?

Kat is an excellent main character who - having striven to maintain the balance between magicals and mundanes for almost 900 years - is tired, yet struggles to keep fighting in the face of relentless personal attacks. She and Emrick make a wonderful couple, and it is heartbreaking to see him having to choose between losing pieces of himself and helping the only person who makes his existence worthwhile. With a strong, well-drawn, supporting cast of characters, I am really enjoying this series and can’t wait for the final book.

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

[Jenny · Rating 5 out of 5]

Definitely the best book so far in this intriguing series.
Having filled in all the background in the previous books, we can concentrate on the personalities and their latest troubles. Because they come thick and fast!
Some more predictable, if you have followed the story so far, but there are a few shockers in there; some excellent twists and surprises! I do love a book with the power to surprise, and this author certainly has that gift, particularly so in this latest novel.
The characters are great, and their personalities develop throughout the series, with different ones coming to the fore. I normally love an animal sidekick, but am still not quite sure about this one!
But all their troubles have definitely not been solved, so I look forward to the next book in this captivating and unusual series.

[Mandi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Now, I know why I don't drink tea.

How is it possible for this book to be better than its predecessors? I can't tell you that, but it was.

Walsh did a fantastic job of amping the anguish and making it nearly impossible to set this book down for even a moment.

I feel a bit like Kat. How is it possible for me to like Barrett? He was such a tool in the first book, but he's definitely growing on me. He has had such an amazing character arc.

Once again, I figured out who the bad guy was before the characters did, but it didn't take away from the story.

I can't wait to dive into the next book!

[Leslie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Krista Walsh's Time of the Sorceress is another wonderful addition to the Immortal Sorceress series. As I do every time I find myself thinking what an amazing author Krista is. She can really write! This time however the story is more emotionally driven rather than plot driven. When Kat loses her power and immortality she battles internally wondering how she can fight the evil attacking her and still protect herself and "her family". As she considers all the members of her chosen family she learns that there is a traitor close to her causing her to now question everyone's loyalty. I will say that I suspected this person from the get-go and am so glad that I was right. I am so invested in all the characters that I couldn't bear it to be anyone else. Thank you Ms. Walsh for that...I'm still recovering from the heartbreak of the last book to have to deal with a new one.
The entire Immortal Sorceress series has been amazing and I can't wait till the next book comes out! I definitely highly recommend the entire series.

[Jillian K · Rating 5 out of 5]

Holy cow was this book fantastic. I honestly did not see a lot of that coming! Krista is a phenomenal author and writes a beautiful story. I refuse to ever give out even a hint of a spoiler, so all I can say is, if you haven’t read this series, you really should! It’s sooo good. I can’t wait for Death, the next and final book in this series!!

[Sissy Satterfield · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kat amazes me even more in this book. She is a character that is a true joy to read about! She is Fierce and this story has so much emotional stuff to sift through, but she does what she needs to do. No Spoilers from me! Great Story! I Loved It!!!
I received an ARC and I am Leaving this Totally Honest Review because I Choose to and think that this story is fantastic!

[Ursula Visser · Rating 5 out of 5]

A traitor.
Lost magic.
Lost pieces of a soul.
Hearts in pain.
Foulplay.

That doesn't summup what happens in this book. This is no set-up to the finale of the series, not by a long shot. This has me on the tip of my chair, rooting for Kat, for Emrick, for Rhys and Barret and the rest of Kat's chosen family.

How can this book be topped?

[Anaïsu Anaïsu · Rating 5 out of 5]

And Krista did it again! It's such a pleasure to read about Kat and Co. It's like coming home after a hard day at work. I'm ready for more Kat so I'm looking forward to reading the next one.

[Sarah Metcalf · Rating 5 out of 5]

Krista has done it again! This is book 4 of the Immortal Sorceress series and I am still reeling from the loss in the last book - as are all the characters in this book. Kat and Barrett have now formed a bond of friendship that neither of them expected. While unsure what to do next, someone has poisoned Kat and taken her magic away from her. She is now mortal and her tether to Emrick has been reduced to barely holding on. While trying to get answers, Rhys gets a vision that it is someone Kat trusts that has turned against her and taken away her magic.
From then on, it’s an emotional ride for everyone in the house. Kat and Emrick suspect everyone. Kat second guesses her relationships with her family. She is also terrified of being mortal and actually dying a real death, which has everyone on edge and scrambling to find a cure.
This another emotional book that had me choked up for several parts of the book, wondering what would happen and if Kat would survive. I had my theory about who was behind all the horrible things happening to Kat and I was partially correct. There ended up being so much more to it than I could have expected!
I love the newly formed friendship and loyalty between Kat and Barrett. After years of tormenting each other, they have finally realized how much they care about each other. And I was so heartbroken when Kat and Emrick had to stay apart. Poor Maera and her guilt, Rhys and his helplessness and Poppy and Marisa’s determination. This book really gives all the feels!
After finding out how much more there was to the story, I can’t wait for the next and final book in the series!