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The Witch Trials #1
The Witch and His Crow
'Rule them. Win. Become Grand High.'
My name is Hector Briar, and I live for revenge. It's been eighteen years since Witch Hunters murdered my parents, and still the night haunts me. A part of me died that night, when six-year-old me was forced to listen to their brutal murder. Since then, I've gone from prey to predator. I spend my nights stalking Oxford's streets for those who'd see me slaughtered for being what I am. A witch. And more than that, the son of the last Grand High.
I've spent the last years hidden in the shadows, not only from Witch Hunters but also my own kind. But one fateful night lands me directly in the hands of the people I've been evading my entire life-the Coven. Whereas the Witch Hunters want to destroy me, the Coven want me for a darker fate. For my blood. It's the key to starting the Witch Trials - a contest to find the next Grand High, a contest where witches battle to the death, or madness.
Thrown into the middle of the very contest my mother died trying to prevent, I must make allies with my enemies if I wish to survive the first night. Not so bad when my ally so happens to be an attractive blue-eyed, 6ft-something, tattooed from neck to navel, bloodthirsty rival-Arwyn Morgan.
But I soon discover that not is all as it seems. There are dark forces lingering in the shadows and the truth is a hard pill to swallow. The Witch Hunters seek a Champion of their own. Enemies and allies lose all meaning when a wolf invades the flock.
Surviving the Witch Trials quickly becomes the least of my worries when ancient forces reveal their true natures. Something dark stirs within me, waiting for its inevitable freedom. I'm the key to keeping it locked away, or freeing it.
The Witch and his Crow is the first book in a MM paranormal romance new series of heart-pounding romance, witchcraft, and bloodthirsty enemies, perfect for fans of The Serpent and the Wings of Night and Her Soul to Take
“I don’t just read Ben Alderson novels. I devour them. He’s one of our finest princes of paranormal m/m romance and in THE WITCH AND HIS CROW he takes us to new swoon-worthy heights and richly developed depths of darkness, all with the same deft world building, rip-roaring pacing and intoxicating eroticism that have made his previous books impossible to put down. Hector and Arwyn are a tortured romance couple for the ages. But there’s a meditation on the nature of power and evil here that will stay with you long after the book is over." - Christopher Rice/ C. Travis Rice, New York Times bestselling author of The Ramses The Damned Series with Anne Rice and the Sapphire Cove series
Alderson has crafted a thrilling tale of intrigue, dripping with magic and mystery, with a smoldering romance that had me hooked to the very last page. Every chapter had me on the edge of my seat, ravenous for more. - Harley Laroux, Publishers Weekly Best-Seller of Her Soul to Take
Alderson delivers a tense, heart-stopping story with downright devious twists and turns. Hector and Arwyn are competitors in a deadly game, with both of their futures riding on the outcome of the Witch Trials, a cutthroat competition to choose the next Grand High of the witches. Pushing their magic, resilience, and trust in each other to the limit, the Trials are laced with devastating secrets which threaten to tear Hector and Arwyn’s budding relationship to shreds—if the inner demons exposed by the Trials don’t end the witches once and for all first. With magic, mayhem, and plenty of slow-burn tension, this story gripped me.
My name is Hector Briar, and I live for revenge. It's been eighteen years since Witch Hunters murdered my parents, and still the night haunts me. A part of me died that night, when six-year-old me was forced to listen to their brutal murder. Since then, I've gone from prey to predator. I spend my nights stalking Oxford's streets for those who'd see me slaughtered for being what I am. A witch. And more than that, the son of the last Grand High.
I've spent the last years hidden in the shadows, not only from Witch Hunters but also my own kind. But one fateful night lands me directly in the hands of the people I've been evading my entire life-the Coven. Whereas the Witch Hunters want to destroy me, the Coven want me for a darker fate. For my blood. It's the key to starting the Witch Trials - a contest to find the next Grand High, a contest where witches battle to the death, or madness.
Thrown into the middle of the very contest my mother died trying to prevent, I must make allies with my enemies if I wish to survive the first night. Not so bad when my ally so happens to be an attractive blue-eyed, 6ft-something, tattooed from neck to navel, bloodthirsty rival-Arwyn Morgan.
But I soon discover that not is all as it seems. There are dark forces lingering in the shadows and the truth is a hard pill to swallow. The Witch Hunters seek a Champion of their own. Enemies and allies lose all meaning when a wolf invades the flock.
Surviving the Witch Trials quickly becomes the least of my worries when ancient forces reveal their true natures. Something dark stirs within me, waiting for its inevitable freedom. I'm the key to keeping it locked away, or freeing it.
The Witch and his Crow is the first book in a MM paranormal romance new series of heart-pounding romance, witchcraft, and bloodthirsty enemies, perfect for fans of The Serpent and the Wings of Night and Her Soul to Take
“I don’t just read Ben Alderson novels. I devour them. He’s one of our finest princes of paranormal m/m romance and in THE WITCH AND HIS CROW he takes us to new swoon-worthy heights and richly developed depths of darkness, all with the same deft world building, rip-roaring pacing and intoxicating eroticism that have made his previous books impossible to put down. Hector and Arwyn are a tortured romance couple for the ages. But there’s a meditation on the nature of power and evil here that will stay with you long after the book is over." - Christopher Rice/ C. Travis Rice, New York Times bestselling author of The Ramses The Damned Series with Anne Rice and the Sapphire Cove series
Alderson has crafted a thrilling tale of intrigue, dripping with magic and mystery, with a smoldering romance that had me hooked to the very last page. Every chapter had me on the edge of my seat, ravenous for more. - Harley Laroux, Publishers Weekly Best-Seller of Her Soul to Take
Alderson delivers a tense, heart-stopping story with downright devious twists and turns. Hector and Arwyn are competitors in a deadly game, with both of their futures riding on the outcome of the Witch Trials, a cutthroat competition to choose the next Grand High of the witches. Pushing their magic, resilience, and trust in each other to the limit, the Trials are laced with devastating secrets which threaten to tear Hector and Arwyn’s budding relationship to shreds—if the inner demons exposed by the Trials don’t end the witches once and for all first. With magic, mayhem, and plenty of slow-burn tension, this story gripped me.
392 pages, Paperback
First published March 4, 2025
315 people are currently reading
4037 people want to read
About the author
Ben Alderson
30 books14.4k followersBen Alderson is a #1 Amazon bestselling author. His stories are set in fantasy worlds filled with magic, adventure and MM romance. Ben lives in Oxfordshire and, when not writing, can be found reading, taking Winston - his Labrador - out for long walks, or obsessing over Marvel’s The Scarlet Witch.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 181 reviews
February 6, 2025
Good evening, everyone! I'm Christopher, and tonight we'll be diving into the book The Witch and His Crow by Ben Alderson. I am thrilled to have had the chance to read this book in its electronic format as an Advanced Reader Copy (ARC), graciously provided by the author for an honest review. This marks my first experience with this writer’s work. I eagerly anticipate the release of the hardback edition of “The Witch and His Crow,” scheduled for publication on March 4, 2025. This intriguing book spans 429 pages, including a prologue, and is structured into 36 chapters, all narrated from Hector’s first-person perspective. I look forward to the release of an audiobook version of this book, as I believe that all literary works should provide this option to enhance accessibility for readers. As an individual on the autism spectrum, I find that listening to an audiobook while simultaneously following along with the text significantly improves my focus on the narrative. This approach not only allows me to engage more deeply with the story but also enriches my overall reading experience. If an audiobook becomes available, I will eagerly revisit the story once again.
Summary: In a world driven by vengeance, Hector Briar is a witch tormented by the brutal murder of his parents at the hands of Witch Hunters. Eighteen years later, he has evolved from prey into predator, navigating the shadowy streets of Oxford to evade those who seek to kill him for being the son of the last Grand High. When fate unexpectedly leads Hector into the grasp of the Coven—an organization he has long eluded—he uncovers their sinister intentions. His blood possesses the power to ignite the Witch Trials, a perilous contest aimed at determining who will rise as the next Grand High. In this dangerous arena, witches must fight not only for their lives but also against encroaching madness.
Review: -I appreciated that the book included a trigger warning page at the beginning, allowing readers to choose whether to engage with it or skip it. This feature not only empowers readers to make an informed decision about their reading experience but also encourages them to reflect on whether they wish to continue with the book. The prologue serves as a powerful opening that effectively establishes the tone for the entire narrative, creating a dark and compelling atmosphere that immediately captivates readers. It begins with a strong hook, delving into Hector’s traumatic past as he reflects on the murder of his parents by Witch Hunters. This backstory sets the stage for the unfolding events, particularly as the narrative thrusts him into a perilous competition known as the Witch Trials just four chapters in. I appreciated how the story reveals Hector’s journey to this harrowing setting, enhancing our understanding of his character and motivations. I appreciated the book’s intricate exploration of its themes, particularly its nuanced portrayal of grappling with personal demons while simultaneously facing external challenges. It prompts readers to reflect on how the desire for revenge can obscure judgment, how our identities influence our choices, how power can be both enticing and perilous, and how relationships can transform when subjected to stress. I feel that Ben showcased an impressive world-building and magic system, characterized by a meticulously defined structure for witchcraft that encompasses distinct rules and limitations. The rich lore surrounding witches and witch hunters is intricately interwoven into the storyline, providing a historical backdrop that significantly influences the contemporary conflicts faced by the characters. I appreciated the character and setting descriptions, as I felt that they were not excessive and significantly enhanced my ability to visualize the environments and appearances of the characters within the story. I enjoyed the ten artistic illustrations of characters that appeared throughout the book, which contributed a unique visual dimension to the reading experience. I appreciated the crow illustrations used as page breaks throughout the book. The book maintained a brisk pace that kept me engaged throughout the narrative, effectively mirroring Hector’s internal conflict and external challenges as he navigates the dangers of the Witch Trials and his complex relationships. However, I do feel that certain sections could have benefited from a slower pace to allow for deeper character exploration, which might have enhanced emotional resonance and connection to the characters’ journeys. The humour woven throughout the book greatly appealed to me, as it was skilfully integrated into the narrative, creating a balance against the darker themes present in the story.
-I enjoyed meeting the various characters in the story, particularly appreciating the chemistry that developed between them. However, I found myself wishing for flashbacks that would illuminate Hector’s experiences from the age of 6 to 24, as I feel this period of his life is underexplored in the narrative. Gaining insight into his formative years would enrich our understanding of his character more. I hope that the next book addresses these gaps and provides a deeper look into Hector’s past.
-The book evoked memories of the vibes I experienced while reading the “Happy Head” series by Josh Silver and “The Scorch Trials” by James Dashner. I appreciated the ending, as it skilfully tied together various plot threads while also eliciting strong emotions. It felt like a fitting conclusion that set the stage for the second book, titled “The Demon & His Viper,” which I eagerly anticipate. I believe this series would make an excellent television adaptation in the future.
I rate each story I read out of 10 and for this one, I give it a 6.7 Remember this was what I thought about the book personally and I suggest that you give it a go for yourself.
Summary: In a world driven by vengeance, Hector Briar is a witch tormented by the brutal murder of his parents at the hands of Witch Hunters. Eighteen years later, he has evolved from prey into predator, navigating the shadowy streets of Oxford to evade those who seek to kill him for being the son of the last Grand High. When fate unexpectedly leads Hector into the grasp of the Coven—an organization he has long eluded—he uncovers their sinister intentions. His blood possesses the power to ignite the Witch Trials, a perilous contest aimed at determining who will rise as the next Grand High. In this dangerous arena, witches must fight not only for their lives but also against encroaching madness.
Review: -I appreciated that the book included a trigger warning page at the beginning, allowing readers to choose whether to engage with it or skip it. This feature not only empowers readers to make an informed decision about their reading experience but also encourages them to reflect on whether they wish to continue with the book. The prologue serves as a powerful opening that effectively establishes the tone for the entire narrative, creating a dark and compelling atmosphere that immediately captivates readers. It begins with a strong hook, delving into Hector’s traumatic past as he reflects on the murder of his parents by Witch Hunters. This backstory sets the stage for the unfolding events, particularly as the narrative thrusts him into a perilous competition known as the Witch Trials just four chapters in. I appreciated how the story reveals Hector’s journey to this harrowing setting, enhancing our understanding of his character and motivations. I appreciated the book’s intricate exploration of its themes, particularly its nuanced portrayal of grappling with personal demons while simultaneously facing external challenges. It prompts readers to reflect on how the desire for revenge can obscure judgment, how our identities influence our choices, how power can be both enticing and perilous, and how relationships can transform when subjected to stress. I feel that Ben showcased an impressive world-building and magic system, characterized by a meticulously defined structure for witchcraft that encompasses distinct rules and limitations. The rich lore surrounding witches and witch hunters is intricately interwoven into the storyline, providing a historical backdrop that significantly influences the contemporary conflicts faced by the characters. I appreciated the character and setting descriptions, as I felt that they were not excessive and significantly enhanced my ability to visualize the environments and appearances of the characters within the story. I enjoyed the ten artistic illustrations of characters that appeared throughout the book, which contributed a unique visual dimension to the reading experience. I appreciated the crow illustrations used as page breaks throughout the book. The book maintained a brisk pace that kept me engaged throughout the narrative, effectively mirroring Hector’s internal conflict and external challenges as he navigates the dangers of the Witch Trials and his complex relationships. However, I do feel that certain sections could have benefited from a slower pace to allow for deeper character exploration, which might have enhanced emotional resonance and connection to the characters’ journeys. The humour woven throughout the book greatly appealed to me, as it was skilfully integrated into the narrative, creating a balance against the darker themes present in the story.
-I enjoyed meeting the various characters in the story, particularly appreciating the chemistry that developed between them. However, I found myself wishing for flashbacks that would illuminate Hector’s experiences from the age of 6 to 24, as I feel this period of his life is underexplored in the narrative. Gaining insight into his formative years would enrich our understanding of his character more. I hope that the next book addresses these gaps and provides a deeper look into Hector’s past.
-The book evoked memories of the vibes I experienced while reading the “Happy Head” series by Josh Silver and “The Scorch Trials” by James Dashner. I appreciated the ending, as it skilfully tied together various plot threads while also eliciting strong emotions. It felt like a fitting conclusion that set the stage for the second book, titled “The Demon & His Viper,” which I eagerly anticipate. I believe this series would make an excellent television adaptation in the future.
I rate each story I read out of 10 and for this one, I give it a 6.7 Remember this was what I thought about the book personally and I suggest that you give it a go for yourself.
March 29, 2025
2.5 stars. Listen…the amount of typos and mistakes in this book was just unacceptable 😐 has ANYONE proof read this book?? It cannot be that I - a non-native english speaker - was able to make out all these mistakes and no one else responsible for the publication of this book caught them before me???
Concerning the plot of the book: I was excited for the story but in the end it was just meh- I must say that there was little suspense, nothing really shocked me. From the first moment Arwyn appeared it was clear what kind of role he played. The whole thing with Salem was just weird and half-assed imo, he as a character was actually really interesting to me and I would have loved to see more interactions with him, but instead we got rather boring conversations with Romy. I actually liked hector as the mc but he also had his annoying moments. All in all it was a rather plain read which sucks cause the idea behind the story had a lot of potential.
Concerning the plot of the book: I was excited for the story but in the end it was just meh- I must say that there was little suspense, nothing really shocked me. From the first moment Arwyn appeared it was clear what kind of role he played. The whole thing with Salem was just weird and half-assed imo, he as a character was actually really interesting to me and I would have loved to see more interactions with him, but instead we got rather boring conversations with Romy. I actually liked hector as the mc but he also had his annoying moments. All in all it was a rather plain read which sucks cause the idea behind the story had a lot of potential.
May 11, 2025
Dear God, this was such a horrible experience. I don't even know where to start. I see Ben's TikToks regularly, and he is just such a nice person. The premise of basically all his books should be so up my alley. I genuinely thought this would be a 4-star read at worst for me.
Alas, this book treats you as if you are on the way to being brain dead. Everything is spelled out in painstaking detail. The plot is disney animation levels of obvious and everything conforms to whatever is most convenient for the pre-determined plot. Our protagonist is a badass, but he also gets beat up half the time. He is a cold-blooded killer, but he can't stomach the sight of dead bodies. Like... at points I felt like I was genuinely going insane at some points because consistency? Error 404 - consistency.exe not found. The magic system could have been cool, but it also wasn't explored in any way. It just exists, no reason, and you are better cool with that or suffer. I suffered.
There is also the fact that most characters are just based on overtired tropes, some of them even lowkey offensive. The plot is unimaginative, and I think you could read any other romantasy book, even with a completely different plot, and still mostly have the same reading experience.
Sadly, I can't recommend it at all, and just like Hector, Thud. Thud. Thud. will haunt me for the rest of my life.
Alas, this book treats you as if you are on the way to being brain dead. Everything is spelled out in painstaking detail. The plot is disney animation levels of obvious and everything conforms to whatever is most convenient for the pre-determined plot. Our protagonist is a badass, but he also gets beat up half the time. He is a cold-blooded killer, but he can't stomach the sight of dead bodies. Like... at points I felt like I was genuinely going insane at some points because consistency? Error 404 - consistency.exe not found. The magic system could have been cool, but it also wasn't explored in any way. It just exists, no reason, and you are better cool with that or suffer. I suffered.
There is also the fact that most characters are just based on overtired tropes, some of them even lowkey offensive. The plot is unimaginative, and I think you could read any other romantasy book, even with a completely different plot, and still mostly have the same reading experience.
Sadly, I can't recommend it at all, and just like Hector, Thud. Thud. Thud. will haunt me for the rest of my life.
February 15, 2025
This book had me hooked pretty quickly. I love when books jump you straight into the story without too much world building.
Hectors parents were killed by witch hunters when he was a child and he's spent his whole life trying to get revenge. Unfortunately one day he's found by a coven he's been hiding from his whole life and is forced to enter the witch trials.
If you liked the hunger games but wanted magic this is for you. It's fast paced, the trials are unique and I enjoyed the romance subplot.
The way Hector always questions everyone's motives irritated me a little but is 100% true to the character and what he's been through.
I adore the familiar Caym, he so sassy and violent 🤣 🐦⬛ and I loved there being a male and female character working together and knowing that they wouldn't be turning romantic.
There is one spicy scene 🌶️ between two male characters, so fyi if that's not your thing, but its a short scene and works within the context of the plot, the rest of the book is full fantasy. So don't let that put you off!
Additionally the author has included some character art throughout which I thought was a nice touch!
The end leaves you on a cliff hanger and I can't wait for the second in the duology to find out what happens next!
⭐⭐⭐⭐
** I was kindly gifted an advanced reader copy by the author, however all thoughts are my own. **
Hectors parents were killed by witch hunters when he was a child and he's spent his whole life trying to get revenge. Unfortunately one day he's found by a coven he's been hiding from his whole life and is forced to enter the witch trials.
If you liked the hunger games but wanted magic this is for you. It's fast paced, the trials are unique and I enjoyed the romance subplot.
The way Hector always questions everyone's motives irritated me a little but is 100% true to the character and what he's been through.
I adore the familiar Caym, he so sassy and violent 🤣 🐦⬛ and I loved there being a male and female character working together and knowing that they wouldn't be turning romantic.
There is one spicy scene 🌶️ between two male characters, so fyi if that's not your thing, but its a short scene and works within the context of the plot, the rest of the book is full fantasy. So don't let that put you off!
Additionally the author has included some character art throughout which I thought was a nice touch!
The end leaves you on a cliff hanger and I can't wait for the second in the duology to find out what happens next!
⭐⭐⭐⭐
** I was kindly gifted an advanced reader copy by the author, however all thoughts are my own. **
February 3, 2025
I received an eARC copy by the author in exchange of an honest review.
For me this was a 4.5 stars rounded up.
There were somethings I was annoyed with (looking at you Salem) and somethings that I wish were developed a little more ( I ❤️ you, Arwyn). I would love if this was a dual POV with our main characteres and we could see a little bit more of how their lives went by as they grew up.
In The Witch and His Crow, we follow Hector as he is thrown in the middle of the community he was hidding from and forced to compete in the Witch trials in order to know who will be next Grand High. He will join forces with others to survive this to the death trials while trying to find out who is competing for the Witch Hunters and trying to anhiliate his fellow Witches.
Overall, the pacing was good, tense during the trials, with a lot of backstabbing, betrayels and death, while the time between trials had a sort of eary calm, like the weather before a storm, and a little of sensual tension (just qb).
This book hasn't been published yet and I'm already hungering for the next installment. I need to know how the story goes ASAP.
For me this was a 4.5 stars rounded up.
There were somethings I was annoyed with (looking at you Salem) and somethings that I wish were developed a little more ( I ❤️ you, Arwyn). I would love if this was a dual POV with our main characteres and we could see a little bit more of how their lives went by as they grew up.
In The Witch and His Crow, we follow Hector as he is thrown in the middle of the community he was hidding from and forced to compete in the Witch trials in order to know who will be next Grand High. He will join forces with others to survive this to the death trials while trying to find out who is competing for the Witch Hunters and trying to anhiliate his fellow Witches.
Overall, the pacing was good, tense during the trials, with a lot of backstabbing, betrayels and death, while the time between trials had a sort of eary calm, like the weather before a storm, and a little of sensual tension (just qb).
This book hasn't been published yet and I'm already hungering for the next installment. I need to know how the story goes ASAP.
January 18, 2025
ARC review
I was excited to read this and I did enjoy it for the most part. The setting and magic system were interesting. This is a part one, so there is an indication of more complex entanglements between the witches and witch hunters, which I would like to explore.
Where the book fell flat for me was with the MCs. They were likeable enough, but I didn’t really feel like I knew them. The dialogue/ banter felt a bit surface level. I also didn’t really buy the tension between Hector and Arwyn, which was disappointing.
Always grateful for an ARC and I will read more from this author.
I was excited to read this and I did enjoy it for the most part. The setting and magic system were interesting. This is a part one, so there is an indication of more complex entanglements between the witches and witch hunters, which I would like to explore.
Where the book fell flat for me was with the MCs. They were likeable enough, but I didn’t really feel like I knew them. The dialogue/ banter felt a bit surface level. I also didn’t really buy the tension between Hector and Arwyn, which was disappointing.
Always grateful for an ARC and I will read more from this author.
July 11, 2025
TW: parental death, murder, gaslighting, physical abuse, mental abuse, control, death, talk of suicide, talk of abuse, bullying, toxic relationship, murder, loss of family members, death, abuse, manipulation, anger, grief/grieving, depression, profanity, adult scenes, adult themes, blood/gore, demons/occult, childhoof trauma. This novel contains one page explicit scenes between consenting adults.
"They say revenge is a dish best served cold, but I liked mine warmed, well-seasoned and fulfilling."
I love Ben Alderson's writing style. I was immediately captivated by the first sentence in this book. And the following pages reminded me why I've fallen in love with Ben's writing. Some might call it too shallow. Others perhaps almost too simple. But Ben has mastered the art of manifesting and conveying a complexity with precise and well-punctuated word structure that others, with much more complicated imagery, never achieve. But what would make me pick up a Ben book AGAIN AND AGAIN - blindly, trustingly, and devotedly! - are two simple facts: the momentum of the progress and the character development his characters go through. So much happens in his stories that other tomes of over 1,000 pages can't manage. It never gets boring. You don't get a second to catch your breath. And Ben is unforgiving: the content warnings are no joke. Truly not. It's graphic. It's gruesome. It's heartbreaking. Even though, subjectively for me, I've already thought of, seen, and confirmed the plot twist, I would ALWAYS recommend this book.
I'm already looking forward to book two! I already miss Hector, Arwyn, and Romy deeply!
"They say revenge is a dish best served cold, but I liked mine warmed, well-seasoned and fulfilling."
I love Ben Alderson's writing style. I was immediately captivated by the first sentence in this book. And the following pages reminded me why I've fallen in love with Ben's writing. Some might call it too shallow. Others perhaps almost too simple. But Ben has mastered the art of manifesting and conveying a complexity with precise and well-punctuated word structure that others, with much more complicated imagery, never achieve. But what would make me pick up a Ben book AGAIN AND AGAIN - blindly, trustingly, and devotedly! - are two simple facts: the momentum of the progress and the character development his characters go through. So much happens in his stories that other tomes of over 1,000 pages can't manage. It never gets boring. You don't get a second to catch your breath. And Ben is unforgiving: the content warnings are no joke. Truly not. It's graphic. It's gruesome. It's heartbreaking. Even though, subjectively for me, I've already thought of, seen, and confirmed the plot twist, I would ALWAYS recommend this book.
I'm already looking forward to book two! I already miss Hector, Arwyn, and Romy deeply!
March 7, 2025
4.5
This is the fantastic first installment of what is about to be an epic series. You can feel it while reading. I loved the magic system, the horror of it… I can’t wait to find out what comes next. And what comes next for our couple!
This is the fantastic first installment of what is about to be an epic series. You can feel it while reading. I loved the magic system, the horror of it… I can’t wait to find out what comes next. And what comes next for our couple!
October 13, 2024
One of the best books of this year!
And omg, THAT ending, how am I supposed to wait another year for the sequel? 🫠
And omg, THAT ending, how am I supposed to wait another year for the sequel? 🫠
March 7, 2025
'In a game of darkness, it is important we find our light.
Hector, that's you. It's always been you.' ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I’M OBSESSED!! Ben Alderson's “The Witch and His Crow” heralds a thrilling new series in the realm of MM queer paranormal romance, delivering an exhilarating blend of witchcraft, palpable tension, and life-or-death trails that kept me entranced from the very first page. With a compelling narrative centered around revenge, dark magic, and unexpected alliances, this novel invites readers into a richly constructed world where loyalty is fleeting, and survival is far from guaranteed.
Meet Hector Briar, a determined protagonist bearing the scars of a tragic past. At just six years old, he witnessed the brutal murder of his parents at the hands of Witch Hunters, an encounter that irrevocably altered his life. Now, a well-honed predator rather than prey amongst the shadows, Hector navigates the treacherous streets of Oxford, hiding from both the hunters who seek to eliminate him and the coven that desires his blood for their nefarious purposes. Caught in a deadly competition known as the Witch Trials, Hector is thrust into a high-stakes scenario where he must form alliances with those he once considered enemies. Enter the enigmatic Arwyn Morgan—a tall, tattooed rival whose allure and intentions are as murky as the stakes of the Trials themselves. Alderson’s writing shines as he explores the complex dynamics and chemistry between Hector and Arwyn which evolves amidst brutal challenges, revealing layers of yearning, control and distrust in a captivating slow-burn romance. This relationship serves as the heart of the narrative, punctuated by Alderson's signature snarky dialogue and nuanced character development.
The character development is a highlight, as Hector's chaotic brilliance and sarcastic wit make him an immensely relatable protagonist. The crow familiar , Caym, provided levity and depth, adding an engaging layer to the narrative. Meanwhile, the uncertainty surrounding Arwyn's motives and the intricacies of his relationship with Hector drive much of the emotional tension, culminating in an explosive conclusion that truly left me yearning for more.
The steamy spice and teasing woven throughout the create an intoxicating tension that utterly kept me alongside other readers eagerly turning the pages. Alderson skillfully employs flirtation and playful banter, particularly between Hector and Arwyn, to build a magnetic chemistry that sizzles with every interaction. The electric moments are punctuated with subtle hints and tantalizing glances, ensuring that the stakes are as high in their budding romance as they are in the perilous world of magic they inhabit. This delicate balance of humor and desire not only heightens the emotional intensity but also serves to deepen their connection, leaving me breathless especially during that shower scene and in anticipation of what will unfold next. The novel emphasises the importance of intention—not only in witchcraft but in relationships—inviting readers to reflect on the nature of power and the often blurred lines between ally and enemy.
The world Alderson has created is both familiar and innovative. Elements of traditional witchcraft, including elemental magic through the ways of astrology and shadowy concealment, intertwine with a modern-day setting that provides an intriguing contrast. As Hector grapples with the complexities of his identity—not only as a witch but as the offspring of the last Grand High—readers are drawn into a narrative filled with dark forces and intricate power plays. Alderson adeptly balances moments of humour amidst the heavier themes of violence and betrayal, ensuring the story maintains an engaging tone throughout.
The authors meticulous research is evident in The Witch and His Crow, where he deftly intertwines historical elements from the witch trials of the 15th century with a deep understanding of the spirituality inherent in witchcraft and paganism. By delving into the harrowing realities of the historical trials, Alderson captures the chilling atmosphere of paranoia and persecution that defined that era, while also exploring the rich traditions associated with witchcraft, such as the celebratory Sabbaths that honor nature throughout the year and the cycles of the moon. His incorporation of the Book of Shadows—a repository of spells, rituals, and a witch's personal journey—highlights the significance in magical practices, underscoring that witchcraft is not just an art but a deeply spiritual path. This careful consideration of historical context and spiritual beliefs not only enriched the narrative but also invites readers to confront the complex legacy of witchcraft, blending the past with the present in a way that resonates profoundly throughout the story.
Alderson distinguishes himself with original twists that kept me guessing whilst on the edge of my seat. The pacing is relentless, and Alderson's talent for world-building immerses readers in a vivid landscape of intrigue and danger. Nevertheless, some aspects, particularly the mechanics of magic and the origins of the New vs Old, will benefit from further elaboration and come to fruition leaving room for further exploration in the next chapter of the story, The Demon and His Viper coming March 2026.
As I write reviews for film and television, diving into “The Witch and His Crow” transformed my reading experience into a vivid cinematic journey. The incredible artwork allowed me to visualise each character vividly, while the immersive descriptions brought the enchanting surroundings to life in my mind. With its rich world-building and engaging plot, the book feels ripe for the big screen, blending elements reminiscent of The Hunger Games with the magic of Charmed and the dark demonic flair of The Chilling Adventures of Sabrina. Each page ignited my imagination, making it easy to picture intense scenes and character dynamics as if they were unfolding right before my eyes.
Ultimately, “The Witch and His Crow” is an exhilarating ride through a world teeming with magic and danger, combining action, romance, and complex character dynamics into an unforgettable tale. As readers delve into the morass of the Witch Trials, they will find themselves deeply invested in Hector’s journey, especially as the narrative concludes with an enticing cliffhanger. Alderson has crafted a masterful beginning to this series, and anticipation for the next installment will undoubtedly keep readers on the edge of their seats. This book is a must-read for those seeking an adventure filled with mystery, compelling characters, and the promise of more remarkable tales to come.
I genuinely could not stop reading The Witch and His Crow; it has cemented itself as a top contender for my favourite book of the year.
Hector, that's you. It's always been you.' ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I’M OBSESSED!! Ben Alderson's “The Witch and His Crow” heralds a thrilling new series in the realm of MM queer paranormal romance, delivering an exhilarating blend of witchcraft, palpable tension, and life-or-death trails that kept me entranced from the very first page. With a compelling narrative centered around revenge, dark magic, and unexpected alliances, this novel invites readers into a richly constructed world where loyalty is fleeting, and survival is far from guaranteed.
Meet Hector Briar, a determined protagonist bearing the scars of a tragic past. At just six years old, he witnessed the brutal murder of his parents at the hands of Witch Hunters, an encounter that irrevocably altered his life. Now, a well-honed predator rather than prey amongst the shadows, Hector navigates the treacherous streets of Oxford, hiding from both the hunters who seek to eliminate him and the coven that desires his blood for their nefarious purposes. Caught in a deadly competition known as the Witch Trials, Hector is thrust into a high-stakes scenario where he must form alliances with those he once considered enemies. Enter the enigmatic Arwyn Morgan—a tall, tattooed rival whose allure and intentions are as murky as the stakes of the Trials themselves. Alderson’s writing shines as he explores the complex dynamics and chemistry between Hector and Arwyn which evolves amidst brutal challenges, revealing layers of yearning, control and distrust in a captivating slow-burn romance. This relationship serves as the heart of the narrative, punctuated by Alderson's signature snarky dialogue and nuanced character development.
The character development is a highlight, as Hector's chaotic brilliance and sarcastic wit make him an immensely relatable protagonist. The crow familiar , Caym, provided levity and depth, adding an engaging layer to the narrative. Meanwhile, the uncertainty surrounding Arwyn's motives and the intricacies of his relationship with Hector drive much of the emotional tension, culminating in an explosive conclusion that truly left me yearning for more.
The steamy spice and teasing woven throughout the create an intoxicating tension that utterly kept me alongside other readers eagerly turning the pages. Alderson skillfully employs flirtation and playful banter, particularly between Hector and Arwyn, to build a magnetic chemistry that sizzles with every interaction. The electric moments are punctuated with subtle hints and tantalizing glances, ensuring that the stakes are as high in their budding romance as they are in the perilous world of magic they inhabit. This delicate balance of humor and desire not only heightens the emotional intensity but also serves to deepen their connection, leaving me breathless especially during that shower scene and in anticipation of what will unfold next. The novel emphasises the importance of intention—not only in witchcraft but in relationships—inviting readers to reflect on the nature of power and the often blurred lines between ally and enemy.
The world Alderson has created is both familiar and innovative. Elements of traditional witchcraft, including elemental magic through the ways of astrology and shadowy concealment, intertwine with a modern-day setting that provides an intriguing contrast. As Hector grapples with the complexities of his identity—not only as a witch but as the offspring of the last Grand High—readers are drawn into a narrative filled with dark forces and intricate power plays. Alderson adeptly balances moments of humour amidst the heavier themes of violence and betrayal, ensuring the story maintains an engaging tone throughout.
The authors meticulous research is evident in The Witch and His Crow, where he deftly intertwines historical elements from the witch trials of the 15th century with a deep understanding of the spirituality inherent in witchcraft and paganism. By delving into the harrowing realities of the historical trials, Alderson captures the chilling atmosphere of paranoia and persecution that defined that era, while also exploring the rich traditions associated with witchcraft, such as the celebratory Sabbaths that honor nature throughout the year and the cycles of the moon. His incorporation of the Book of Shadows—a repository of spells, rituals, and a witch's personal journey—highlights the significance in magical practices, underscoring that witchcraft is not just an art but a deeply spiritual path. This careful consideration of historical context and spiritual beliefs not only enriched the narrative but also invites readers to confront the complex legacy of witchcraft, blending the past with the present in a way that resonates profoundly throughout the story.
Alderson distinguishes himself with original twists that kept me guessing whilst on the edge of my seat. The pacing is relentless, and Alderson's talent for world-building immerses readers in a vivid landscape of intrigue and danger. Nevertheless, some aspects, particularly the mechanics of magic and the origins of the New vs Old, will benefit from further elaboration and come to fruition leaving room for further exploration in the next chapter of the story, The Demon and His Viper coming March 2026.
As I write reviews for film and television, diving into “The Witch and His Crow” transformed my reading experience into a vivid cinematic journey. The incredible artwork allowed me to visualise each character vividly, while the immersive descriptions brought the enchanting surroundings to life in my mind. With its rich world-building and engaging plot, the book feels ripe for the big screen, blending elements reminiscent of The Hunger Games with the magic of Charmed and the dark demonic flair of The Chilling Adventures of Sabrina. Each page ignited my imagination, making it easy to picture intense scenes and character dynamics as if they were unfolding right before my eyes.
Ultimately, “The Witch and His Crow” is an exhilarating ride through a world teeming with magic and danger, combining action, romance, and complex character dynamics into an unforgettable tale. As readers delve into the morass of the Witch Trials, they will find themselves deeply invested in Hector’s journey, especially as the narrative concludes with an enticing cliffhanger. Alderson has crafted a masterful beginning to this series, and anticipation for the next installment will undoubtedly keep readers on the edge of their seats. This book is a must-read for those seeking an adventure filled with mystery, compelling characters, and the promise of more remarkable tales to come.
I genuinely could not stop reading The Witch and His Crow; it has cemented itself as a top contender for my favourite book of the year.
March 18, 2025
I... Tried. I did. The whole premise is much less clear on what the book is about than I would have expected. This is a combination of the TriWizard tournament and a number of other YA sort of competitions, like the Hunger Games and the ones in Divergent.
Also. Man. I hate. Hate. Hate. Loathe entirely the MMC of this book. Hector. He's whiny. He's got zero deductive skills and his trust issue are borderline trying my patience entirely. Arwyn, his reluctant love interest, is a carbon copy of all tall, dark and handsome men out there, except that he's a spirit witch, so he's a magical tall, dark and handsome.
Romy is Hermione Granger. That's all I have.
DNFed at around 48%. Couldn't make it.
Also. Man. I hate. Hate. Hate. Loathe entirely the MMC of this book. Hector. He's whiny. He's got zero deductive skills and his trust issue are borderline trying my patience entirely. Arwyn, his reluctant love interest, is a carbon copy of all tall, dark and handsome men out there, except that he's a spirit witch, so he's a magical tall, dark and handsome.
Romy is Hermione Granger. That's all I have.
DNFed at around 48%. Couldn't make it.
January 28, 2025
I am both excited and frustrated that I got an advanced copy of this book! I will never say no to a copy of one of Ben's books, while on the other hand, I now have even longer to wait until I get to read the next one! This one felt much darker than any of the other books I've read from him, and I'm not disappointed.
Hector is a wonderful main character with a raw and tangible goal that allows you to keep pace with him throughout the entire book. That mindset also makes him feel like a real fleshed-out person. How he wavers back and forth on some decisions or realizes his lack adds to his complexity.
When we meet Arwyn, it's a bit obvious who he really is, but his commitment to Hector from the get-go outlines the basis of their relationship. While we know the truth, along with one of the other characters, Hector does not. He has his doubts, but he actively chooses to ignore them because of his feelings for Arwyn.
As the story proceeds the characters go through a number of trials to find the next Grand High of the witches while actively trying to watch their backs from other contestants trying to kill them. These contestants are vicious and bloodthirsty in their own ways that keeps you hooked just to see what happens to them in the end.
I am so grateful to Ben and his team for allowing me to read this book early. SO if you have the chance please go pick this up when it comes out on March 4, 2025!
Hector is a wonderful main character with a raw and tangible goal that allows you to keep pace with him throughout the entire book. That mindset also makes him feel like a real fleshed-out person. How he wavers back and forth on some decisions or realizes his lack adds to his complexity.
When we meet Arwyn, it's a bit obvious who he really is, but his commitment to Hector from the get-go outlines the basis of their relationship. While we know the truth, along with one of the other characters, Hector does not. He has his doubts, but he actively chooses to ignore them because of his feelings for Arwyn.
As the story proceeds the characters go through a number of trials to find the next Grand High of the witches while actively trying to watch their backs from other contestants trying to kill them. These contestants are vicious and bloodthirsty in their own ways that keeps you hooked just to see what happens to them in the end.
I am so grateful to Ben and his team for allowing me to read this book early. SO if you have the chance please go pick this up when it comes out on March 4, 2025!
October 8, 2025
Creía que este libro era autoconclusivo... Y VA Y ACABA EN UN MALDITO CLIFFHANGER DEL DEMONIO 🤬
March 10, 2025
Wow this was such a fun story. Fantasy / adventure dominant with a strong push pull romance. I’m really looking forward to the next one.
May 12, 2025
DNF at 50%
I very rarely dnf books, but this particular entry had nothing to keep me seated. It's very unpolished and I'm really not a fan of the narrative's voice.
I very rarely dnf books, but this particular entry had nothing to keep me seated. It's very unpolished and I'm really not a fan of the narrative's voice.
December 5, 2025
Gay witches killing each other and having sex, and a crow is also involved??? Hell yes. Books with birds (specifically crows and ravens) are my type.
April 18, 2025
Ben Alderson’s books are ones I have wanted to read for so long and The Witch and His Crow seemed to be a wonderful way to begin and I wasn’t to be disappointed as I loved every moment of the twists and turns Alderson took me on.
Featuring a trigger warning at the beginning of the page, I was certain that I’d be feeling a plethora of emotions from the get-go of the book and that was indeed the case, as we join Hector Briar (our protagonist) as a confused and frightened 6-year-old boy whose previous game of LEGO with his Mother becomes something far more dark and terrifying for a young boy. Alderson doesn’t go into too much detail here but I do caution you to look at the aforementioned trigger warnings - although without these moments? The story we go onto with an adult Hector won’t make sense, he is, after all, a victim of circumstance and birth,
Hector as an adult is determined to eliminate any Witch Hunter he encounters in a bid to gain retribution for the parents he lost and when we meet him again, Alderson has brought the world Hector’s living into life so you’re there in a club with him with all sensory overload you feel there. I like that the fictional world of The Witch Trials' duology is similar to our own, but there’s magic in its many forms there too - so places etcetera are easy to visualise as we witness the Hunters become the hunted. I love the way his familiar, a crow, is brought in from the moments of childhood tragedy but the years with Hector growing up into a 20-something-year-old sassy and defiant witch has no doubt affected his familiar and even when honouring Hector’s wish, you can almost see the eye roll and deep sighs that scream ‘Why Me….’ But their bond is really well written and even with a time jump, you can tell a bond has been forged and strengthened through circumstance.
Things go from bad to worse and you can feel the tension and uncertainty Hector feels from the page as it’s almost tangible when he’s thrust back into not only the world he’s avoided in a bid to honour his Mother’s final wish, but straight into The Witch Trials. Alderson once again brings everything to life with wonderful world-building that has the upcoming bloody and brutal moments all the more memorable even when cloaked under shadows and darkness of the sinister castle the main part of our story takes part in.
This is a story of survival, of faith in oneself even when you shouldn’t trust things that you see or hear because each and every witch Hector and of course the reader, encounter, are in the worst game of their lives as they try to stay alive and ahead of everyone around them. Whilst yes, some of the twists are more obvious than others, the aftermath of the realisations Hector has to endure are so well done and show he’s not as infallible as he’s let himself become. Betrayal still stings, blood still pours even when you see it coming and I am so glad I not only did I discover this wonderful author but chose to read this book first. It ends on a cliffhanger and even though I knew that would happen, I was left metaphorically open-mouthed and eager for book two to be in my hands to see how life will go on for Hector Briar.
Featuring a trigger warning at the beginning of the page, I was certain that I’d be feeling a plethora of emotions from the get-go of the book and that was indeed the case, as we join Hector Briar (our protagonist) as a confused and frightened 6-year-old boy whose previous game of LEGO with his Mother becomes something far more dark and terrifying for a young boy. Alderson doesn’t go into too much detail here but I do caution you to look at the aforementioned trigger warnings - although without these moments? The story we go onto with an adult Hector won’t make sense, he is, after all, a victim of circumstance and birth,
Hector as an adult is determined to eliminate any Witch Hunter he encounters in a bid to gain retribution for the parents he lost and when we meet him again, Alderson has brought the world Hector’s living into life so you’re there in a club with him with all sensory overload you feel there. I like that the fictional world of The Witch Trials' duology is similar to our own, but there’s magic in its many forms there too - so places etcetera are easy to visualise as we witness the Hunters become the hunted. I love the way his familiar, a crow, is brought in from the moments of childhood tragedy but the years with Hector growing up into a 20-something-year-old sassy and defiant witch has no doubt affected his familiar and even when honouring Hector’s wish, you can almost see the eye roll and deep sighs that scream ‘Why Me….’ But their bond is really well written and even with a time jump, you can tell a bond has been forged and strengthened through circumstance.
Things go from bad to worse and you can feel the tension and uncertainty Hector feels from the page as it’s almost tangible when he’s thrust back into not only the world he’s avoided in a bid to honour his Mother’s final wish, but straight into The Witch Trials. Alderson once again brings everything to life with wonderful world-building that has the upcoming bloody and brutal moments all the more memorable even when cloaked under shadows and darkness of the sinister castle the main part of our story takes part in.
This is a story of survival, of faith in oneself even when you shouldn’t trust things that you see or hear because each and every witch Hector and of course the reader, encounter, are in the worst game of their lives as they try to stay alive and ahead of everyone around them. Whilst yes, some of the twists are more obvious than others, the aftermath of the realisations Hector has to endure are so well done and show he’s not as infallible as he’s let himself become. Betrayal still stings, blood still pours even when you see it coming and I am so glad I not only did I discover this wonderful author but chose to read this book first. It ends on a cliffhanger and even though I knew that would happen, I was left metaphorically open-mouthed and eager for book two to be in my hands to see how life will go on for Hector Briar.
January 18, 2025
*Please note, I was provided an ARC copy by the author and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.*
Rating: 4.5 stars
I think I knew I was in love with this world within about the first three chapters. And every subsequent chapter just reinforced the fact. It's dark, dangerous and full of deceit, with a fast paced, heart-pounding plot and characters that jump off the page. The only reason I didn't finish this in a single sitting was because I was desperate for sleep last night, but I had to force myself to put this down!
The story starts with a bang, and never really lets up. There are a couple of quieter moments sprinkled throughout, but even within those the tension (whether surrounding the overall plot or the sexual chemistry between the characters) is being ramped up. You spend the entire book almost feeling like one of the characters, constantly on edge and waiting for the next shock to come from the shadows. While there is a lot of violence throughout - not surprising when the main plot device feels akin to a darker Triwizard Tournament (but better), or a Hunger Games for adults - the descriptions are really well done to walk that line between graphic and yet not horrific. Likewise, you follow the characters in never really being wholly comfortable in the environment. With elements of magic, time travel and unseen threats, as well as the people you know who actually are out to get you, it doesn't give you the same jump scare as a horror book might, but it certainly keeps you on your toes!
I loved the attitude of our MMC, Hector. Confident almost to the point of recklessness, snarky and just the right amount of bloodlust! And yet the character has been given such depth and nuance, with various moments of vulnerability and emotion that make him fascinating to read. As with all of this author's books (or at least, the ones I've read and have seen advertised), the book is led by LGBTQ+ characters, and while this is made abundantly clear almost immediately (seriously, may as well be big pink flashing neon signs!), even if it wasn't the relationship development is just gorgeous. And I have to admit, watching a male and female lead working together and knowing it won't turn romantic feels really refreshing! The relationship between Hector and Romy is feisty and a bit of a battle of wills, and is so much fun to read.
Some of the secondary characters feel a little familiar - it may be because I've just done my Fourth Wing reread, but there is one character who definitely has a whiff of Jack f*****g Barlowe about them - but if they do have such traits it only helped me sink further into the story because I already felt comfortable with the idea of who these people were.
Although the magic system is not explained in huge amounts of detail, it's still really easy to pick up and follow. As a result, the world coalesces really easily in your mind, and you're not left with confusion or questions about how things work. It's just a book that picks you up and carries you along without your brain having to do too much work to keep up.
There is only one reason this book doesn't get the full five stars, and it's trivial yet important. The blurb of the book and the marketing almost give too much away. I went in already having a rough idea of what to expect, so when the build up in the book ran contrary to that belief, the climax should have been a great twist/reveal/shock. And if you're picking this up cold, it will be (or, at least, if you guess what's going to happen you'll get a sense of satisfaction out of it). But some of the bits and pieces I've seen went further than just a 'rough idea' and so reduced the effect. I absolutely understand wanting to market the book and engage people's interest, but it's a shame that it could be at the expense of the impact of the storyline.
Seriously though, if you like MM dark magical fantasy, go and buy this when it comes out!
Rating: 4.5 stars
I think I knew I was in love with this world within about the first three chapters. And every subsequent chapter just reinforced the fact. It's dark, dangerous and full of deceit, with a fast paced, heart-pounding plot and characters that jump off the page. The only reason I didn't finish this in a single sitting was because I was desperate for sleep last night, but I had to force myself to put this down!
The story starts with a bang, and never really lets up. There are a couple of quieter moments sprinkled throughout, but even within those the tension (whether surrounding the overall plot or the sexual chemistry between the characters) is being ramped up. You spend the entire book almost feeling like one of the characters, constantly on edge and waiting for the next shock to come from the shadows. While there is a lot of violence throughout - not surprising when the main plot device feels akin to a darker Triwizard Tournament (but better), or a Hunger Games for adults - the descriptions are really well done to walk that line between graphic and yet not horrific. Likewise, you follow the characters in never really being wholly comfortable in the environment. With elements of magic, time travel and unseen threats, as well as the people you know who actually are out to get you, it doesn't give you the same jump scare as a horror book might, but it certainly keeps you on your toes!
I loved the attitude of our MMC, Hector. Confident almost to the point of recklessness, snarky and just the right amount of bloodlust! And yet the character has been given such depth and nuance, with various moments of vulnerability and emotion that make him fascinating to read. As with all of this author's books (or at least, the ones I've read and have seen advertised), the book is led by LGBTQ+ characters, and while this is made abundantly clear almost immediately (seriously, may as well be big pink flashing neon signs!), even if it wasn't the relationship development is just gorgeous. And I have to admit, watching a male and female lead working together and knowing it won't turn romantic feels really refreshing! The relationship between Hector and Romy is feisty and a bit of a battle of wills, and is so much fun to read.
Some of the secondary characters feel a little familiar - it may be because I've just done my Fourth Wing reread, but there is one character who definitely has a whiff of Jack f*****g Barlowe about them - but if they do have such traits it only helped me sink further into the story because I already felt comfortable with the idea of who these people were.
Although the magic system is not explained in huge amounts of detail, it's still really easy to pick up and follow. As a result, the world coalesces really easily in your mind, and you're not left with confusion or questions about how things work. It's just a book that picks you up and carries you along without your brain having to do too much work to keep up.
There is only one reason this book doesn't get the full five stars, and it's trivial yet important. The blurb of the book and the marketing almost give too much away. I went in already having a rough idea of what to expect, so when the build up in the book ran contrary to that belief, the climax should have been a great twist/reveal/shock. And if you're picking this up cold, it will be (or, at least, if you guess what's going to happen you'll get a sense of satisfaction out of it). But some of the bits and pieces I've seen went further than just a 'rough idea' and so reduced the effect. I absolutely understand wanting to market the book and engage people's interest, but it's a shame that it could be at the expense of the impact of the storyline.
Seriously though, if you like MM dark magical fantasy, go and buy this when it comes out!
March 9, 2025
4.5 stars
I thoroughly enjoyed this! I’ve missed Ben’s writing and his snarky bantering characters. It’s been too long since I’ve experienced his stories. I’m so glad to be able to read his books again. 🥰
As a whole, I highly recommend this book if you’re in the mood for witches, urban fantasy, snarky but lovable characters, characters that will make you want to scream, and an explosive ending that will have you begging to have the sequel ASAP. There’s also a very sweet and precious romance in here that will tug on your heartstrings for sure. I almost teared up a time or two as well. The audiobook was done very well and I enjoyed the narrator for the story!
I will say, though, that a couple things I noticed that I would have liked to seen more of, which are:
1. Canin/Kanin (I’m sorry, I don’t know how it’s properly spelled as I listened to the audiobook) but I wished he were more in the story. I, personally, love a story with a Familiar in it. Once I learned who the crow was, I was immediately intrigued and wouldn’t wait to learn more. However, he wasn’t in the story as much I wanted him to be. Now, upon reading and finishing this I completely understand why. There was a point where I had forgotten Hector had a Familiar, and I just wanted to see more of him.
2. The first few trials, imo, felt a bit lackluster. Ben is incredibly creative and very good at creating explosive scenes filled with magic, mayhem, and terror. I just felt like some of them lacked that. I will admit the last 2 trials were done very well and I could picture everything perfectly. There was one scene that made me gag (it involved a tongue, iykyk) and the last 2 trials were very atmospheric and scary.
Honestly, other than those 2 very small things, I loved this story and truly cannot wait to not only continue with the sequel when it comes out, but to finally catch up with Ben’s other series!
Something else I really love about Ben’s worlds is that he introduces the characters and actually forms a relationship between them before any true spice happens. It warms my heart when authors do this. I, personally, need a relationship of some sort to form before I can root for anything spicy. Or, at least, truly feel something for the characters. Ben does a wonderful job with this and I thank him for that. 🫶🏻
If you have not read a Ben Alderson book, please do! I highly recommend anything he writes. He’s very talented and I can tell how much he’s grown into his writing since the beginning of his career as an author. Ben, if you’re reading this, I’m quite proud of you. 🩵
I thoroughly enjoyed this! I’ve missed Ben’s writing and his snarky bantering characters. It’s been too long since I’ve experienced his stories. I’m so glad to be able to read his books again. 🥰
As a whole, I highly recommend this book if you’re in the mood for witches, urban fantasy, snarky but lovable characters, characters that will make you want to scream, and an explosive ending that will have you begging to have the sequel ASAP. There’s also a very sweet and precious romance in here that will tug on your heartstrings for sure. I almost teared up a time or two as well. The audiobook was done very well and I enjoyed the narrator for the story!
I will say, though, that a couple things I noticed that I would have liked to seen more of, which are:
1. Canin/Kanin (I’m sorry, I don’t know how it’s properly spelled as I listened to the audiobook) but I wished he were more in the story. I, personally, love a story with a Familiar in it. Once I learned who the crow was, I was immediately intrigued and wouldn’t wait to learn more. However, he wasn’t in the story as much I wanted him to be. Now, upon reading and finishing this I completely understand why. There was a point where I had forgotten Hector had a Familiar, and I just wanted to see more of him.
2. The first few trials, imo, felt a bit lackluster. Ben is incredibly creative and very good at creating explosive scenes filled with magic, mayhem, and terror. I just felt like some of them lacked that. I will admit the last 2 trials were done very well and I could picture everything perfectly. There was one scene that made me gag (it involved a tongue, iykyk) and the last 2 trials were very atmospheric and scary.
Honestly, other than those 2 very small things, I loved this story and truly cannot wait to not only continue with the sequel when it comes out, but to finally catch up with Ben’s other series!
Something else I really love about Ben’s worlds is that he introduces the characters and actually forms a relationship between them before any true spice happens. It warms my heart when authors do this. I, personally, need a relationship of some sort to form before I can root for anything spicy. Or, at least, truly feel something for the characters. Ben does a wonderful job with this and I thank him for that. 🫶🏻
If you have not read a Ben Alderson book, please do! I highly recommend anything he writes. He’s very talented and I can tell how much he’s grown into his writing since the beginning of his career as an author. Ben, if you’re reading this, I’m quite proud of you. 🩵
January 18, 2025
The first book in the Witch Trials Series: The Witch and His Crow by Ben Alderson is coming out on March 25. Full disclosure: I love Ben Alderson’s books. I’m also quite critical of queer lit and I love Ben’s writing. His character are always fully formed and unique which is something I really n need to have in a book. Be has become my go-to author for great stories and world-building.
Hector Briar is a witch and hunters killed his parents. Along with his Crow familiar, Hector has spent his life becoming a weapon. He is locked in on getting revenge.
Things flip on Hector in a flash and he finds himself forced into a competition to become Grand High Witch. The Hunger-Games-like competition only ends when everyone is dead. One person will remain and that person will be the Grand High. Hector is determined that he will be the last witch standing.
As Hector builds reluctant alliances, the possibility of them all surviving begins to evaporate… and then what will happen. What if Hector is forging a bond with Arwyn Morgan… a gorgeous rival turned ally? And what if everything isn’t as it seems?
Ben has created yet another world that is fascinating. I liked the magic system, the familiar…and the mystery that begins to unwind as the book approaches its dramatic conclusion. This story builds a remarkable amount of tension that just explodes with a few simple words at the end. I was enthralled.
I really liked the action, the pacing of the book and I loved the friction between Hector and Arwyn. This is an emotional, tense ride and I cannot wait for my physical copy to arrive so I can read it again.
Then… I will immediately begin pestering Ben Alderson for the NEXT book in the series.
I received an ARC of this book from the author and this is an honest review of the book. I have already pre-ordered my hard cover copy.
Hector Briar is a witch and hunters killed his parents. Along with his Crow familiar, Hector has spent his life becoming a weapon. He is locked in on getting revenge.
Things flip on Hector in a flash and he finds himself forced into a competition to become Grand High Witch. The Hunger-Games-like competition only ends when everyone is dead. One person will remain and that person will be the Grand High. Hector is determined that he will be the last witch standing.
As Hector builds reluctant alliances, the possibility of them all surviving begins to evaporate… and then what will happen. What if Hector is forging a bond with Arwyn Morgan… a gorgeous rival turned ally? And what if everything isn’t as it seems?
Ben has created yet another world that is fascinating. I liked the magic system, the familiar…and the mystery that begins to unwind as the book approaches its dramatic conclusion. This story builds a remarkable amount of tension that just explodes with a few simple words at the end. I was enthralled.
I really liked the action, the pacing of the book and I loved the friction between Hector and Arwyn. This is an emotional, tense ride and I cannot wait for my physical copy to arrive so I can read it again.
Then… I will immediately begin pestering Ben Alderson for the NEXT book in the series.
I received an ARC of this book from the author and this is an honest review of the book. I have already pre-ordered my hard cover copy.
February 12, 2025
4.5 stars
‘In a game of darkness, it is important we find our light. Hector, that’s you. It’s always been you.’
🪄MM Paranormal Romance
🐦⬛Charmed x Hunger Games vibes
🪄Rival to Lovers, slow-burn
🐦⬛Dark Magic
🪄Deadly Trials
🐦⬛Witches x Witch Hunters
Messy witches, brutal betrayals, snarky banter, slow-burn queer yearning, and a cutthroat competition where survival is anything but guaranteed… literally everything about The Witch and His Crow had me HOOKED.
Air-witch Hector Briar is honestly the definition of chaotic brilliance, and he captured my heart the moment I met him. With his sarcasm, dangerously sharp tongue, and deadly vendetta, he was just a joy to follow. And his bond wih his crow companion Caym (who is just as sassy as he is) and complicated yet strong connection with Romy were honestly pure gold.
But then we’ve got the highlight of the show: Arwyn Morgan, a tall, tattooed, and maddeningly mysterious fellow competitor in the trials who saves Hector’s life more than once. I absolutely loved trying to figure out Arwyn’s true intentions with Hector, and their tension-filled dynamic had me in a chokehold the entire way through.
Between the brutal trials, ruthless witches, and a time-travel twist to 1563 Scotland, there simply wasn’t a single dull moment to be found in this book. The stakes are so high, the action is exhilarating, the betrayals are gut wrenching, and don’t even get me started on that diabolical cliffhanger of an ending… if I were a witch, I would have magicked book 2 into my hands right now because I need answers!!
I’m telling you this book needs to be on your TBR!
Thank you to the author for providing me with an eArc in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. The Witch and his crow is scheduled for March 4, 2025.
‘In a game of darkness, it is important we find our light. Hector, that’s you. It’s always been you.’
🪄MM Paranormal Romance
🐦⬛Charmed x Hunger Games vibes
🪄Rival to Lovers, slow-burn
🐦⬛Dark Magic
🪄Deadly Trials
🐦⬛Witches x Witch Hunters
Messy witches, brutal betrayals, snarky banter, slow-burn queer yearning, and a cutthroat competition where survival is anything but guaranteed… literally everything about The Witch and His Crow had me HOOKED.
Air-witch Hector Briar is honestly the definition of chaotic brilliance, and he captured my heart the moment I met him. With his sarcasm, dangerously sharp tongue, and deadly vendetta, he was just a joy to follow. And his bond wih his crow companion Caym (who is just as sassy as he is) and complicated yet strong connection with Romy were honestly pure gold.
But then we’ve got the highlight of the show: Arwyn Morgan, a tall, tattooed, and maddeningly mysterious fellow competitor in the trials who saves Hector’s life more than once. I absolutely loved trying to figure out Arwyn’s true intentions with Hector, and their tension-filled dynamic had me in a chokehold the entire way through.
Between the brutal trials, ruthless witches, and a time-travel twist to 1563 Scotland, there simply wasn’t a single dull moment to be found in this book. The stakes are so high, the action is exhilarating, the betrayals are gut wrenching, and don’t even get me started on that diabolical cliffhanger of an ending… if I were a witch, I would have magicked book 2 into my hands right now because I need answers!!
I’m telling you this book needs to be on your TBR!
Thank you to the author for providing me with an eArc in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. The Witch and his crow is scheduled for March 4, 2025.
April 4, 2025
I wanted to like The Witch & His Crow sooooo badly…I really did 🙈
I’m really conflicted over this read because overall I enjoyed it. The first 200 pages were great, I was hooked, invested and fully immersed. Then the story slowed down and the plot felt like it was left wondering what to do. The finale of the novel does however drop some promising twists which really save the second half.
Whilst I enjoyed how the book blends elements from Divergent with Charmed, the actual Witch Trials themselves don’t feel as engaging or dangerous and unfortunately becomes less interesting as the book goes on.
The main two characters are good though. Hector is a great protagonist, his backstory is great, his story arc is good and I really felt he is the strongest aspect of this book. The love interest, Arwyn, is great and hot, that goes without saying. However, the romance aspect took too long. I thought this book would’ve had more spice based on the reviews I’d read. It has one hot scene…which is hot can’t say it isn’t….but just one scene. I wasn’t fond about the supporting characters and too much time is spent on them, instead of solidifying the romance of the novel.
I’ve read Heir to Thorn and Flame by Ben Alderson’s books and enjoyed that book a lot more! His writing, plot, world building is much stronger in that one. Saying all this I WILL be reading the next one because I do want to know what happens 🙌🏽
I’m really conflicted over this read because overall I enjoyed it. The first 200 pages were great, I was hooked, invested and fully immersed. Then the story slowed down and the plot felt like it was left wondering what to do. The finale of the novel does however drop some promising twists which really save the second half.
Whilst I enjoyed how the book blends elements from Divergent with Charmed, the actual Witch Trials themselves don’t feel as engaging or dangerous and unfortunately becomes less interesting as the book goes on.
The main two characters are good though. Hector is a great protagonist, his backstory is great, his story arc is good and I really felt he is the strongest aspect of this book. The love interest, Arwyn, is great and hot, that goes without saying. However, the romance aspect took too long. I thought this book would’ve had more spice based on the reviews I’d read. It has one hot scene…which is hot can’t say it isn’t….but just one scene. I wasn’t fond about the supporting characters and too much time is spent on them, instead of solidifying the romance of the novel.
I’ve read Heir to Thorn and Flame by Ben Alderson’s books and enjoyed that book a lot more! His writing, plot, world building is much stronger in that one. Saying all this I WILL be reading the next one because I do want to know what happens 🙌🏽
September 29, 2025
I got hooked right away, and honestly, it was a fun ride.
Yes, there were typos and spelling issues, but who cares? You still get the gist.
Yes, the worldbuilding was lacking. We got a pretty cool magic system, but barely any actual explanation for how it works.
Yes, the plot was obvious the moment we met Arwyn. Like… come on, subtlety who?
Yes, the stakes and suspense could’ve used some serious work. It was supposed to feel life-or-death, but instead it landed more like “mild inconvenience.”
But you know what? I still liked it. It scratched that particular itch of following a main character on a magic quest, and it had the romance dynamic I love most. Sometimes that’s all I need. I guess I was just in the mood for this kind of story: nothing serious, just fun with a dash of danger.
Yes, there were typos and spelling issues, but who cares? You still get the gist.
Yes, the worldbuilding was lacking. We got a pretty cool magic system, but barely any actual explanation for how it works.
Yes, the plot was obvious the moment we met Arwyn. Like… come on, subtlety who?
Yes, the stakes and suspense could’ve used some serious work. It was supposed to feel life-or-death, but instead it landed more like “mild inconvenience.”
But you know what? I still liked it. It scratched that particular itch of following a main character on a magic quest, and it had the romance dynamic I love most. Sometimes that’s all I need. I guess I was just in the mood for this kind of story: nothing serious, just fun with a dash of danger.
May 27, 2025
3.5; this was a fun read and I’m totally gonna read the next one but gosh the amount of typos and missed punctuation was massive. Usually I can overlook stuff like that (and oh I do) and I never go into every book expecting a 10 star masterpiece but it was, a lot. One of the side characters names was spelled two different ways on the same page and I just kinda, ??? A little proofreading goes a long way maybe. At any rate I still had a good time reading and will definitely be picking up more.
October 9, 2025
Not sold for one second on the romance. I kept waiting for some reveal to explain the behavior between the two MCs, but it didn’t happen. It was all very surface level and cliche. I don’t mind predictability sometimes, but I was expecting a little more than what we got.
I tried to just have a good time and not look too closely at how messy this story was but it became harder to ignore, I think because my enjoyment faded the further I went. Words to describe this story were : slow burn tension. There was no slow burn. There was no real tension. The development felt unnatural. We have magic but no real system that I could get a grasp of. This felt really half baked and needed several more rounds of editing. Even just one more sweet for errors because there are a lot.
I think I would have enjoyed the plot and the ending, despite the predictability, if more work went into the characters and their relationship development but across the board everything felt very flat. Disappointed because I think this could have been a fun read with some more work put into it and added depth to the characters.
The narration was good.
I tried to just have a good time and not look too closely at how messy this story was but it became harder to ignore, I think because my enjoyment faded the further I went. Words to describe this story were : slow burn tension. There was no slow burn. There was no real tension. The development felt unnatural. We have magic but no real system that I could get a grasp of. This felt really half baked and needed several more rounds of editing. Even just one more sweet for errors because there are a lot.
I think I would have enjoyed the plot and the ending, despite the predictability, if more work went into the characters and their relationship development but across the board everything felt very flat. Disappointed because I think this could have been a fun read with some more work put into it and added depth to the characters.
The narration was good.
March 18, 2025
The Witch and His Crow was everything I wanted it to be. I am a sucker for a good story that involves witches. Make it a darker story and throw in some romance, and I am game! I enjoyed the little bit of spice, the tension, the build up. But that ending, OMG. I felt like a younger me watching Charmed and Buffy. What have you done Ben Alderson? I do not want to wait for the next book.
March 15, 2025
I stumbled across this book completely randomly through some instagram reel and oh my God, WHAT A GEM!! This book was action-packed, full of mystery and I literally devoured it in a day. Recommend in a heartbeat!
May 8, 2025
Enjoyed the read for what it was, and though the romantic dynamic was a little flat to me, by the ending… I need to know what happens next. So I guess it ticked the box :p
June 17, 2025
Ok. Overall I loved this book, hence the 5 star rating. I will definitely read the next one. I definitely have some issues with it, but I’m not going to go into them because I rated it 5 star anyways. Also this book has hot art on the authors page, check that out.
October 5, 2025
Extra half a star because 3 seems too low, and I enjoyed this. Needed more editing, proofreading, and more work in the love triangle. Generally enjoyable book club read.
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