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Song of the Hell Witch
Rekindled romance spreads new wings in this atmospheric romantasy, where magic empowers women trapped inside an oppressive patriarchy.
This striking novel is perfect for fans of the feminist ideals in When Women Were Dragons and the unique magic system in One Dark Window.
Once a vicious street rat, Prudence Merriweather has clawed her way to the top of society and now enjoys newfound power as the Duchess of Talonsbury. All she has to do to protect her fragile position is maintain the act of gentility, make her husband happy—and keep her monstrous magic a secret.
Puck Reed, the Thief Lord of Talonsbury, once delighted in taking risks and humiliating the social elite at any cost, but now lives a quieter criminal lifestyle. With a daughter of his own to protect, Puck tries to lay low and stay safe for her benefit. His daughter, Bea, suffers from a mysterious illness bent on killing her, and Puck will stop at nothing to find a cure.
When Prudence’s magic betrays her, she has no choice but to flee—and who better to smuggle her out of the city than her childhood best friend and former sweetheart, Puck Reed? With the help of old friends and new allies, they learn about Stormlash, a safe haven miles beyond the city walls where women and their magic can flourish beyond the oppressive eye of Leora’s religious fanatics. Stormlash may also hold the key to curing Bea’s illness. The challenge? Keep her alive long enough to get there.
With Bea’s illness claiming more of her strength, Puck and Pru must work together to reach Stormlash and, in the process, confront a growing evil threatening to devour the country they call home.
Perfect for fans of Carissa Broadbent and Hannah Whitten, this second-chance romantic fantasy features monstrous women stepping into their full power, a father who will do anything to save his daughter, and the rekindled flame of an old, enduring love.
This striking novel is perfect for fans of the feminist ideals in When Women Were Dragons and the unique magic system in One Dark Window.
Once a vicious street rat, Prudence Merriweather has clawed her way to the top of society and now enjoys newfound power as the Duchess of Talonsbury. All she has to do to protect her fragile position is maintain the act of gentility, make her husband happy—and keep her monstrous magic a secret.
Puck Reed, the Thief Lord of Talonsbury, once delighted in taking risks and humiliating the social elite at any cost, but now lives a quieter criminal lifestyle. With a daughter of his own to protect, Puck tries to lay low and stay safe for her benefit. His daughter, Bea, suffers from a mysterious illness bent on killing her, and Puck will stop at nothing to find a cure.
When Prudence’s magic betrays her, she has no choice but to flee—and who better to smuggle her out of the city than her childhood best friend and former sweetheart, Puck Reed? With the help of old friends and new allies, they learn about Stormlash, a safe haven miles beyond the city walls where women and their magic can flourish beyond the oppressive eye of Leora’s religious fanatics. Stormlash may also hold the key to curing Bea’s illness. The challenge? Keep her alive long enough to get there.
With Bea’s illness claiming more of her strength, Puck and Pru must work together to reach Stormlash and, in the process, confront a growing evil threatening to devour the country they call home.
Perfect for fans of Carissa Broadbent and Hannah Whitten, this second-chance romantic fantasy features monstrous women stepping into their full power, a father who will do anything to save his daughter, and the rekindled flame of an old, enduring love.
352 pages, Paperback
First published September 9, 2025
83 people are currently reading
13210 people want to read
About the author
Taylor Hartley
1 book89 followersTaylor Hartley graduated from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill with a Bachelor’s degree in English Literature and a minor in Creative Writing. Inspired largely by Tamora Pierce and Madeline L’Engle, they started writing stories when they were nine years old and never looked back.
When they’re not reading or writing, Taylor can be found watching TV favorites such as Peaky Blinders, Wayne, or Succession, working out their rage on the rowing machine, or drinking coffee while staring into space. They love weekly Sunday night dinners with their father, crisp fall afternoons, and long runs, but only on scenic greenways. An eternal lover of the em dash and the Oxford comma, Taylor lives in Charlotte, North Carolina with their partner Aaron and two spoiled familiars masquerading as housecats.
Taylor is represented by Danielle Burby at Mad Woman Literary Agency.
When they’re not reading or writing, Taylor can be found watching TV favorites such as Peaky Blinders, Wayne, or Succession, working out their rage on the rowing machine, or drinking coffee while staring into space. They love weekly Sunday night dinners with their father, crisp fall afternoons, and long runs, but only on scenic greenways. An eternal lover of the em dash and the Oxford comma, Taylor lives in Charlotte, North Carolina with their partner Aaron and two spoiled familiars masquerading as housecats.
Taylor is represented by Danielle Burby at Mad Woman Literary Agency.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 243 reviews
August 19, 2025
this one is for my b**ches that HATE MENNNNNNN. 4.75 stars.
do not go into this expecting your typical frilly romantasy - it was a story first and foremost centred around a disgustingly accurate, misogynistic fascist society (think Gilead from the handmaid’s tale), and the empowerment of not only women but all human beings that suffer injustice in the face of said regime.
the way these ‘hell witches’ were written and the beautiful bonds born from their shared trauma HELLO??? I FEEL ENRAGED AND READY TO FIST FIGHT!!!!!
the second chance love story in here was beautiful too, and much more mature and convoluted than most other romance subplots I come across. but it was very much a SUBplot, the thing that kept me turning these pages was my visceral sense of female rage and the plot that gave me 62 heart attacks… so do with that what you will.
the ending was, also, genuinely f**king diabolical. the worst cliffhanger I have experienced in recent memory. be warned.
do not go into this expecting your typical frilly romantasy - it was a story first and foremost centred around a disgustingly accurate, misogynistic fascist society (think Gilead from the handmaid’s tale), and the empowerment of not only women but all human beings that suffer injustice in the face of said regime.
the way these ‘hell witches’ were written and the beautiful bonds born from their shared trauma HELLO??? I FEEL ENRAGED AND READY TO FIST FIGHT!!!!!
the second chance love story in here was beautiful too, and much more mature and convoluted than most other romance subplots I come across. but it was very much a SUBplot, the thing that kept me turning these pages was my visceral sense of female rage and the plot that gave me 62 heart attacks… so do with that what you will.
the ending was, also, genuinely f**king diabolical. the worst cliffhanger I have experienced in recent memory. be warned.
March 28, 2025
I was drawn in by the blurb promising the rekindling of an old romance, light fantasy and women empowered by magic.
I found what I was looking for and more.
The story is solid, and makes for a great first instalment in a series, with a convincing romance, lot of action and a light but vivid world building.
The cast of characters is really interesting and I found the main characters well developed and complex enough to make them interesting beyond their relationship.
But maybe most of all, I found the depiction of a society's war on women scaring in its realness, with the deep hope that comes with the courage to fight back. The solidarity depicted between the women in the books, in small acts of kindness or grand gestures of bravery, is a tale that is needed now more than ever.
I can't wait for the next book.
Thank you Alcove Press for this ARC, I had a great time!
I found what I was looking for and more.
The story is solid, and makes for a great first instalment in a series, with a convincing romance, lot of action and a light but vivid world building.
The cast of characters is really interesting and I found the main characters well developed and complex enough to make them interesting beyond their relationship.
But maybe most of all, I found the depiction of a society's war on women scaring in its realness, with the deep hope that comes with the courage to fight back. The solidarity depicted between the women in the books, in small acts of kindness or grand gestures of bravery, is a tale that is needed now more than ever.
I can't wait for the next book.
Thank you Alcove Press for this ARC, I had a great time!
October 7, 2025
Female empowerment and solidarity! A book with a gut punching take on the patriarchal society and religious zealots but gave it charm, hope with lots of witchy aesthetic, perfect for this witchy season. Another great fantasy book that will ease you into the world of chaos, power and romance.
It’s a second chance romance between childhood lovers on the opposite sides of society. He is a single girl dad, a thief to be exact. She’s a witch in hiding, married to a duke. But when she accidentally kills her husband, she runs to none other than her childhood love to help her escape!
FULL REVIEW TO FOLLOW!
It’s a second chance romance between childhood lovers on the opposite sides of society. He is a single girl dad, a thief to be exact. She’s a witch in hiding, married to a duke. But when she accidentally kills her husband, she runs to none other than her childhood love to help her escape!
FULL REVIEW TO FOLLOW!
December 14, 2024
Am I going to review my own book? You bet.
I wrote SONG OF THE HELL WITCH as a testament to the power of women throughout history--and as a way of coping with my own simmering rage at current events. Little did I know that it would become an exploration not only of my own femininity, but of the complex dynamics of female relationships, the difference between healthy and toxic masculinity, and the enduring power of love (in its many forms) in the face of societal unrest.
Puck and Pru have lived in my mind for over half a decade, and the chance to share them with all of you is a privilege I will never forget. I hope you fall in love with Pru's ambitious, courageous heart, Puck's compassionate albeit headstrong nature, Mari's vivacious spirit, and the mysterious "Ladies of Leora," a coven of monstrous women dedicated to rescuing the destitute, downtrodden women in this bleeding country they both loathe and adore. It's true that I wrote them for me...but they are, and have always been, for you.
I wrote SONG OF THE HELL WITCH as a testament to the power of women throughout history--and as a way of coping with my own simmering rage at current events. Little did I know that it would become an exploration not only of my own femininity, but of the complex dynamics of female relationships, the difference between healthy and toxic masculinity, and the enduring power of love (in its many forms) in the face of societal unrest.
Puck and Pru have lived in my mind for over half a decade, and the chance to share them with all of you is a privilege I will never forget. I hope you fall in love with Pru's ambitious, courageous heart, Puck's compassionate albeit headstrong nature, Mari's vivacious spirit, and the mysterious "Ladies of Leora," a coven of monstrous women dedicated to rescuing the destitute, downtrodden women in this bleeding country they both loathe and adore. It's true that I wrote them for me...but they are, and have always been, for you.
April 14, 2025
Song of the Hell Witch is everything I crave in a dark feminist fantasy—lyrical, powerful, raw, and brimming with emotional depth.
This is a hauntingly gorgeous world steeped in magic, folklore, and fire-bright female rage 🔥 It explores the impact of trauma, the poison of patriarchy, and the strength of women who refuse to be broken. The magic system is eerie and original, but what struck me most was how relevant this world felt to ours. You can feel echoes of real-life oppression, fascism, issues of healthy and toxic masculinity, and ultimately resistance woven into every page.
Prudence is a fierce, unforgettable heroine—flawed, hurting, and burning with the will to survive. And the bond between women in this book? Stunning ✨️
If you love gothic fantasy, morally complex characters, women reclaiming power, and stories that punch you right in the soul—you need to read this book. I’m obsessed!!
4.5 ⭐️
And after that ending? I’m absolutely desperate for the next book. I need more. Immediately.
Read the full review on my blog.
This is a hauntingly gorgeous world steeped in magic, folklore, and fire-bright female rage 🔥 It explores the impact of trauma, the poison of patriarchy, and the strength of women who refuse to be broken. The magic system is eerie and original, but what struck me most was how relevant this world felt to ours. You can feel echoes of real-life oppression, fascism, issues of healthy and toxic masculinity, and ultimately resistance woven into every page.
Prudence is a fierce, unforgettable heroine—flawed, hurting, and burning with the will to survive. And the bond between women in this book? Stunning ✨️
If you love gothic fantasy, morally complex characters, women reclaiming power, and stories that punch you right in the soul—you need to read this book. I’m obsessed!!
4.5 ⭐️
And after that ending? I’m absolutely desperate for the next book. I need more. Immediately.
Read the full review on my blog.
November 26, 2025
⭐️ 3.5 (rounded up to 4)
This is incredibly unique for a Romantasy and I have a soft spot for Victorian-inspired Gaslamp fantasy; these are two factors that greatly carry my rating of this book.
A single father MMC who had a wife he loved and a life before the FMC was refreshing after book after book featuring a shadowy man, hundreds of years old, who'd somehow never loved anyone before. Puck Reed is also kind without being toothless, a line I find most MMCs can't toe properly. He definitely has a personality that's not just "wow I love my love interest" (that's quite common, too). That being said, it does sometimes feel like instead it's "I have a daughter. Did you know I have a daughter? I love my daughter!" It's a bit tiring. I do know people say their children are their entire world, and I'm not critiquing that, but rather saying I'd love to see more interactions between the two characters (Puck and his daughter) so that I might understand their closeness rather than be told about it. Prudence is neither here nor there for me. I like her! But I think that highlights my main critique about most characters within the story, I really wish there was...more to them. I'm not sure precisely how you'd improve the characters of this book but there's something lacking and stagnant.
I really appreciated the atmosphere of Talonsbury. Foggy cobblestone streets, Victorian dresses, gunpowder firearms. That's awesome. This might be a little niche but the aesthetic/setting reminded me of Carnival Row, a TV show that I really enjoyed visually, so I'm biased there. But the story in Talonsbury is a surprisingly slow start that doesn't explore the setting as much as I'd like. The action should be breakneck based on the actions taken by characters but that action takes too long to move scene to scene to keep tension. I think that's why some readers might feel the beginning crawls rather than sprints. In classic romantasy fashion, the main bit of actual fantasy tension happens in the final 15% of the book and the rest? The rest is mainly romance. The romance is sweet with a twinge of pain from a complicated past, making this a second-chance book and I thought that was fun. Overall, for a debut, I'd think it was done well!
Hannah Whitten is mentioned as a similar author and I would say that is exactly the author that came to mind while reading Song of the Hell Witch. It is particularly similar prose/vibe-wise to Whitten's The Foxglove King. If you loved that book, I think you'd love this one.
There is a lot of representation in this book! It was lovely to read about so many women, particularly queer women who loved each other, and a world where their past influences their magic. That is a very cool idea, and even though there were moments when it was messily explained or the details were foggy, it's an interesting enough magic system to carry and compliment the feminist themes. It would've been more satisfying, however, if these women had more screentime. Perhaps there was too many of them for the page count and some of them really didn't stand out. Marigold, the main duo's best friend and transwoman, was particularly engaging as a character however. In fact, she was layered in a way I found others lacking within the book, which left me wondering why she wasn't a main POV character herself. Prudence is also a bisexual FMC, so that's great. There's much more representation than that in the book but I think the main takeaway I got was there should be more diversity in romantasy as a genre and Hartley really took that to heart. The feminist part of this book also did sometimes come across as surface level. But it's really not trying to be some deep dive but rather a kind of cathartic escapism during a time of deep communal hurt. It seems wrong to hold that against the story.
Just as a last sweep of a random assortment of thoughts, I'm going to start listing off things. Firstly, I'm not sure Reed ever needed to be a thief. I'd like to see him be more...thief-like in the next book because there was thieving mentioned in his past but I'd really enjoy seeing that criminal knowledge used within his POVs. Otherwise he could've been any ol' poor father, which is also cool, but I wanna see the Thief Lord be a Thief Lord. Beatrice had moments where she seemed younger than her age and then conversations where she was way too enlightened for it. Writing kids is hard when you wanna move the plot along, I guess, but it was a bit difficult to remember just how old she was. Lastly, PLEASE call them cinnamon rolls next time. Sweet coils? Hm. Maybe not. Just call them cinnamon rolls.
I would recommend this book if you love Hannah Whitten, In the Veins of the Drowning by Kalie Cassidy, second-chance romance, steampunk-ish fantasy, a gold-hearted thief mmc, and a different sort of romantasy. This was a surprising amount of fun! A great debut and I'd read Hartley's work in the future.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This is incredibly unique for a Romantasy and I have a soft spot for Victorian-inspired Gaslamp fantasy; these are two factors that greatly carry my rating of this book.
A single father MMC who had a wife he loved and a life before the FMC was refreshing after book after book featuring a shadowy man, hundreds of years old, who'd somehow never loved anyone before. Puck Reed is also kind without being toothless, a line I find most MMCs can't toe properly. He definitely has a personality that's not just "wow I love my love interest" (that's quite common, too). That being said, it does sometimes feel like instead it's "I have a daughter. Did you know I have a daughter? I love my daughter!" It's a bit tiring. I do know people say their children are their entire world, and I'm not critiquing that, but rather saying I'd love to see more interactions between the two characters (Puck and his daughter) so that I might understand their closeness rather than be told about it. Prudence is neither here nor there for me. I like her! But I think that highlights my main critique about most characters within the story, I really wish there was...more to them. I'm not sure precisely how you'd improve the characters of this book but there's something lacking and stagnant.
I really appreciated the atmosphere of Talonsbury. Foggy cobblestone streets, Victorian dresses, gunpowder firearms. That's awesome. This might be a little niche but the aesthetic/setting reminded me of Carnival Row, a TV show that I really enjoyed visually, so I'm biased there. But the story in Talonsbury is a surprisingly slow start that doesn't explore the setting as much as I'd like. The action should be breakneck based on the actions taken by characters but that action takes too long to move scene to scene to keep tension. I think that's why some readers might feel the beginning crawls rather than sprints. In classic romantasy fashion, the main bit of actual fantasy tension happens in the final 15% of the book and the rest? The rest is mainly romance. The romance is sweet with a twinge of pain from a complicated past, making this a second-chance book and I thought that was fun. Overall, for a debut, I'd think it was done well!
Hannah Whitten is mentioned as a similar author and I would say that is exactly the author that came to mind while reading Song of the Hell Witch. It is particularly similar prose/vibe-wise to Whitten's The Foxglove King. If you loved that book, I think you'd love this one.
There is a lot of representation in this book! It was lovely to read about so many women, particularly queer women who loved each other, and a world where their past influences their magic. That is a very cool idea, and even though there were moments when it was messily explained or the details were foggy, it's an interesting enough magic system to carry and compliment the feminist themes. It would've been more satisfying, however, if these women had more screentime. Perhaps there was too many of them for the page count and some of them really didn't stand out. Marigold, the main duo's best friend and transwoman, was particularly engaging as a character however. In fact, she was layered in a way I found others lacking within the book, which left me wondering why she wasn't a main POV character herself. Prudence is also a bisexual FMC, so that's great. There's much more representation than that in the book but I think the main takeaway I got was there should be more diversity in romantasy as a genre and Hartley really took that to heart. The feminist part of this book also did sometimes come across as surface level. But it's really not trying to be some deep dive but rather a kind of cathartic escapism during a time of deep communal hurt. It seems wrong to hold that against the story.
Just as a last sweep of a random assortment of thoughts, I'm going to start listing off things. Firstly, I'm not sure Reed ever needed to be a thief. I'd like to see him be more...thief-like in the next book because there was thieving mentioned in his past but I'd really enjoy seeing that criminal knowledge used within his POVs. Otherwise he could've been any ol' poor father, which is also cool, but I wanna see the Thief Lord be a Thief Lord. Beatrice had moments where she seemed younger than her age and then conversations where she was way too enlightened for it. Writing kids is hard when you wanna move the plot along, I guess, but it was a bit difficult to remember just how old she was. Lastly, PLEASE call them cinnamon rolls next time. Sweet coils? Hm. Maybe not. Just call them cinnamon rolls.
I would recommend this book if you love Hannah Whitten, In the Veins of the Drowning by Kalie Cassidy, second-chance romance, steampunk-ish fantasy, a gold-hearted thief mmc, and a different sort of romantasy. This was a surprising amount of fun! A great debut and I'd read Hartley's work in the future.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
May 7, 2025
3 ★
Solid debut that brings something new to the Romantasy genre.
A unique magic system where women gain powers through trauma. The story explores themes such as patriarchy, religion, feminine rage, found family, and more.
The highlight for me was definitely the incredible LGBTQ+ rep. I enjoyed seeing the journey of Mari, a trans woman. In a time when trans people are increasingly targeted, seeing a trans character given space to thrive in fiction feels both powerful and necessary. The book includes other queer characters as well, and overall, the LGBTQ+ rep feels natural and not forced into the story.
I liked both main characters—Pru and Puck are flawed but feel real. I thought the romance was well done, especially the single dad and second chance romance tropes, which is rare to see in fantasy/romantasy. Their relationship felt genuine and didn’t overshadow the plot.
I did have a few issues. The pacing dragged a bit in places, especially in the middle, and the writing—while often strong—had moments where the sentence structure felt awkward. It’s written in third person, but it occasionally jumped into a character’s inner thoughts in a way that was unclear, which pulled me out of the story a few times. I also found Puck and Bea's characters a little inconsistent, mostly in the way they spoke.
In conclusion, I appreciate that the author avoided the usual tropes of Romantasy. It’s queer, magical, and original. With a few tweaks, I believe it has potential to be truly great.
Solid debut that brings something new to the Romantasy genre.
A unique magic system where women gain powers through trauma. The story explores themes such as patriarchy, religion, feminine rage, found family, and more.
The highlight for me was definitely the incredible LGBTQ+ rep. I enjoyed seeing the journey of Mari, a trans woman. In a time when trans people are increasingly targeted, seeing a trans character given space to thrive in fiction feels both powerful and necessary. The book includes other queer characters as well, and overall, the LGBTQ+ rep feels natural and not forced into the story.
I liked both main characters—Pru and Puck are flawed but feel real. I thought the romance was well done, especially the single dad and second chance romance tropes, which is rare to see in fantasy/romantasy. Their relationship felt genuine and didn’t overshadow the plot.
I did have a few issues. The pacing dragged a bit in places, especially in the middle, and the writing—while often strong—had moments where the sentence structure felt awkward. It’s written in third person, but it occasionally jumped into a character’s inner thoughts in a way that was unclear, which pulled me out of the story a few times. I also found Puck and Bea's characters a little inconsistent, mostly in the way they spoke.
In conclusion, I appreciate that the author avoided the usual tropes of Romantasy. It’s queer, magical, and original. With a few tweaks, I believe it has potential to be truly great.
August 30, 2025
Song of the Hell Witch
by Taylor Hartley
Fantasy
NetGalley eARC
Pub Date: Sept 9, 2025
Alcove Press
Ages: 16+
After her sister's death, at a young age, Prudence became a street rat, lifting coins and jewels from the nobles. Then, after spending time making a living in a brothel, she uses those years to learn how to act and dress like a noble, marrying the Duke of Talonsbury. Lucky for her, her new husband thinks her being a Hell Witch is exciting, and he will protect her, his property, from his brother and his cult, who believe all Hell Witches are to be burned at the stake.
But being back in Talonsbury also brings Puck Reed back into her life, her first love, the boy she left.
Puck, the Thief Lord of Talonsbury, has a lot on his shoulders. Those who live in the slums with him depend on him to help them survive, but his daughter is suffering from a mysterious illness, and it's slowly killing her.
After an attempted assassination against her life, Pru.....spoiler..., runs to Puck for help escaping the city.
Even though this isn't listed as a series, it is, and this is the first book, ending with a cliffhanger. The story did start a little slow, but as it went on, things picked up just a little, then stayed pretty constant and predictable. (Think the witch burnings, with a small twist.) That's not a bad thing, but since it was predictable, it was kind of a boring read. Except the ending... I was expecting something else, but it didn't happen.
The characters' story lines were straightforward, with flashbacks and reminiscing to explain their pasts. There could've been fewer clothing descriptions and more action, but every book needs filler.
There is violence, death, and romance, but those scenes aren't vividly described, so it is suitable for readers sixteen and older.
As for the title of the book, 'spoiler'. The cover is neat and has relevance to the story.
This wasn't a bad story, and even though it ended in a major cliffhanger, I'm not sure if I want to read the next in the series.
3 Stars
by Taylor Hartley
Fantasy
NetGalley eARC
Pub Date: Sept 9, 2025
Alcove Press
Ages: 16+
After her sister's death, at a young age, Prudence became a street rat, lifting coins and jewels from the nobles. Then, after spending time making a living in a brothel, she uses those years to learn how to act and dress like a noble, marrying the Duke of Talonsbury. Lucky for her, her new husband thinks her being a Hell Witch is exciting, and he will protect her, his property, from his brother and his cult, who believe all Hell Witches are to be burned at the stake.
But being back in Talonsbury also brings Puck Reed back into her life, her first love, the boy she left.
Puck, the Thief Lord of Talonsbury, has a lot on his shoulders. Those who live in the slums with him depend on him to help them survive, but his daughter is suffering from a mysterious illness, and it's slowly killing her.
After an attempted assassination against her life, Pru.....spoiler..., runs to Puck for help escaping the city.
Even though this isn't listed as a series, it is, and this is the first book, ending with a cliffhanger. The story did start a little slow, but as it went on, things picked up just a little, then stayed pretty constant and predictable. (Think the witch burnings, with a small twist.) That's not a bad thing, but since it was predictable, it was kind of a boring read. Except the ending... I was expecting something else, but it didn't happen.
The characters' story lines were straightforward, with flashbacks and reminiscing to explain their pasts. There could've been fewer clothing descriptions and more action, but every book needs filler.
There is violence, death, and romance, but those scenes aren't vividly described, so it is suitable for readers sixteen and older.
As for the title of the book, 'spoiler'. The cover is neat and has relevance to the story.
This wasn't a bad story, and even though it ended in a major cliffhanger, I'm not sure if I want to read the next in the series.
3 Stars
June 11, 2025
This is a good start to a new romantasy series! I was really drawn into this story from the beginning and the magic is a refreshing take on the norm. The ending was great and I absolutely cannot wait to see what happens next. I'm thinking Beatrice may be my favorite character and there is so much the author can do here and so much to build upon with her and I'm excited to follow along. I also liked the second chance romance angle with Prudence and Puck and I'm interested to see how that goes.
I am not quite sure how to rate this one because it's obvious that there is much I liked about it but there were also parts that I found redundant and could have been skipped. Overall I enjoyed this one and want to give it 3.5 stars but I'm rounding down to 3 for now.
Thank you NetGalley and Alcove Press for access to the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I am not quite sure how to rate this one because it's obvious that there is much I liked about it but there were also parts that I found redundant and could have been skipped. Overall I enjoyed this one and want to give it 3.5 stars but I'm rounding down to 3 for now.
Thank you NetGalley and Alcove Press for access to the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
May 16, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the chance to read this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I am so surprised by the other reviews on this book and fear I may be alone in saying that this book was simply not it for me. The pacing was off, it wasn't until the last 10% that it really picked up. I also felt that everything was practically spoon fed to me, where I typically like to infer the deeper meaning behind the book and piece together things on my own.
I do like the premise and the idea that women who go through a traumatic event are given a shred of power. This book has a unique magic system and the second chance romance is bittersweet.
Overall, I think there just wasn't enough going on to reel me in.
I am so surprised by the other reviews on this book and fear I may be alone in saying that this book was simply not it for me. The pacing was off, it wasn't until the last 10% that it really picked up. I also felt that everything was practically spoon fed to me, where I typically like to infer the deeper meaning behind the book and piece together things on my own.
I do like the premise and the idea that women who go through a traumatic event are given a shred of power. This book has a unique magic system and the second chance romance is bittersweet.
Overall, I think there just wasn't enough going on to reel me in.
August 25, 2025
****Many thanks to Netgalley and Alcove Press for an advanced eArc in exchange for my honest opinion****
One Star means there was absolutely NOTHING in this book that could have saved it a little for me.
Once again this is labeled as adult... these characters speak nothing like an adult ever would. I am convinced I myself at 16 had a broader range of vocabulary then Puck, Prudence et al. The conversations just didn't flow? Very choppy and certain words would take me out of what little world the author built.
Speaking of world building WHERE WAS IT?? It was so cut and dry, it seemed like the author took current events and placed them in the book because I don't know why? Lack of imagination? Obviously you can base events of your book off current events but the fact that really nothing was changed, author didn't embellish, or tone down anything.. just leaves me sitting here going "oh so I'm reading a current event's news article... great". Books are supposed to take you on a new journey, take you out of the crappy world and this one kept me in it??
The whole Salem Witch Trial/handmaid tale trope feels overwritten at this point. This book provided nothing new except maybe that the women who experienced trauma gained powers. That part was unique I will give the book THAT.
Overall I wouldn't recommend this at all. It felt like the turbulent emotions/rage from a journal the author had that should have stayed in that journal. Should be labeled as young adult and maybe some of the things that didn't click could be smoothed over by the YA label. The VERY REAL witch trials targeted REAL women. So that didn't fly with me the addition of that character.
I think some people may love it and some people will hate it. Unfortunately this wasn't for me.
One Star means there was absolutely NOTHING in this book that could have saved it a little for me.
Once again this is labeled as adult... these characters speak nothing like an adult ever would. I am convinced I myself at 16 had a broader range of vocabulary then Puck, Prudence et al. The conversations just didn't flow? Very choppy and certain words would take me out of what little world the author built.
Speaking of world building WHERE WAS IT?? It was so cut and dry, it seemed like the author took current events and placed them in the book because I don't know why? Lack of imagination? Obviously you can base events of your book off current events but the fact that really nothing was changed, author didn't embellish, or tone down anything.. just leaves me sitting here going "oh so I'm reading a current event's news article... great". Books are supposed to take you on a new journey, take you out of the crappy world and this one kept me in it??
The whole Salem Witch Trial/handmaid tale trope feels overwritten at this point. This book provided nothing new except maybe that the women who experienced trauma gained powers. That part was unique I will give the book THAT.
Overall I wouldn't recommend this at all. It felt like the turbulent emotions/rage from a journal the author had that should have stayed in that journal. Should be labeled as young adult and maybe some of the things that didn't click could be smoothed over by the YA label. The VERY REAL witch trials targeted REAL women. So that didn't fly with me the addition of that character.
I think some people may love it and some people will hate it. Unfortunately this wasn't for me.
December 14, 2024
I was lucky enough to read an early copy of Song of the Hell Witch and omg. Let me tell you, you’re not ready for this. I think a lot of people are going to identify with the feminine rage of this book, swoon at the second chance romance, and be in awe of the prose. Hartley masterfully weaves a beautiful story alongside something so impactful that I’m still thinking about it weeks later.
Song of the hell witch is an incredible debut and I can’t wait to see what Hartley will give us next.
Song of the hell witch is an incredible debut and I can’t wait to see what Hartley will give us next.
September 21, 2025
I need the next book now or I swear to god I’m gonna banshee scream too
October 12, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
This was such a fun & feminist book about witches! I was loving the whole smash the patriarchy witchy vibes. I really had no idea what to expect going into this besides the desire to read a spooky book, and I was very impressed! I also appreciated all the cult vibes.
The way this book ended had my jaw dropped. It ended on such a cliff hanger that I simply cannot wait for the sequel to drop because I NEED to know what happens!
For a debut author, this was a really great Romantasy! It was easy to follow and a shorter read that had me on the edge of my seat - I highly recommend it for spooky season!
October 22, 2025
It wasn't that bad but maybe it wasn't for me? I'm not sure what exactly didn't worked but I couldn't connect to the characters or the story. It felt very info dumpy and I wish there was less telling, more showing. But I did love the feminine rage, I didn't I needed that kind of read. Sometimes it was borderline misandry and it bothered me thought. Overall, I liked the magic system, the feminism but I had issues with the rest. I almost wished our FMC was lesbian because I didn't like the MMC. They both lived for 12 years, were married, so it's hard to me to buy their love for each other. I'm not sure if I'll read the next book yet.
September 5, 2025
NEVER MANAGED TO GET OFF THE GROUND
The premise had me intrigued, but the execution didn't work for me.
What I didn't like
👎Inconsistent: There were several times, where the information given about the characters or the world directly contradicted previous statements. When I catch them, they really take me out of the reading experience and makes it hard for me to come back
👎Info-dump: So many paragraphs of this book was just straight up info-dumps and exposition. It slowed the plot down and made it feel very static and heavy at times. It needed a lot more showing and a lot less telling.
👎Rocky start: The beginning was... rough. A lot of background information coupled with every single character thrown into the first two chapters just made it too all over the place and slightly confusing.
👎Dialogue: Some of the dialogue was so stilted, because they were so focused on exposition and info-dumping. Nobody would talk like that in real life, it felt almost cartoonish.
ARC provided by the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
The premise had me intrigued, but the execution didn't work for me.
What I didn't like
👎Inconsistent: There were several times, where the information given about the characters or the world directly contradicted previous statements. When I catch them, they really take me out of the reading experience and makes it hard for me to come back
👎Info-dump: So many paragraphs of this book was just straight up info-dumps and exposition. It slowed the plot down and made it feel very static and heavy at times. It needed a lot more showing and a lot less telling.
👎Rocky start: The beginning was... rough. A lot of background information coupled with every single character thrown into the first two chapters just made it too all over the place and slightly confusing.
👎Dialogue: Some of the dialogue was so stilted, because they were so focused on exposition and info-dumping. Nobody would talk like that in real life, it felt almost cartoonish.
ARC provided by the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
September 20, 2025
3.5 ⭐️ - I went into Song of the Hell Witch knowing nothing except that it was a feminist witchy second chance romance. It was all that and more!
Admittedly, I felt like the pacing was dragging while reading the printed version, so I switched to the audiobook and felt it was way more enjoyable that way.
If there is one thing you should know about this book, it's that it delves into social themes like misogyny, female rage and trauma, and religious zealotry pretty directly. Just as importantly, this story highlights the need for community and hope for survival.
Personally, I think these themes were woven into the story, setting, and characters so well that they helped balance critique without becoming too emotionally exhausting to read. But at times the story and setting felt too much like the real world so if you're looking for a fun fantasy for escapism, this probably isn't the book for you.
Prudence and Puck are our main characters and love interests. It's pretty clear that Puck's character is designed to show what male allyship could look like. He's different from the typical fantasy book boyfriend, and I enjoyed how realistic he was. Prudence's arc centers on letting go of her safe life as the Duchess of Talonsbury to embrace her identity as a Hell Witch. It's a satisfying character journey, though I wished we'd gotten more background on the trauma that triggered her transformation into a Hell Witch -- and just generally who she is beyond her history with Puck.
The romance was fine but wasn't my favorite. The frequent miscommunication and snapping at each other got a bit grating, and their serious conversations seemed to happen at weird moments, so they were constantly getting cut off. This made the romantic tension feel more forced than natural.
Overall, I enjoyed this one and would recommend, especially the audiobook! Though be warned that the ending is a cliffhanger.
✧ ✧ ✧ ✧ ✧ ✧
Burner Kindle Book Blog
Admittedly, I felt like the pacing was dragging while reading the printed version, so I switched to the audiobook and felt it was way more enjoyable that way.
If there is one thing you should know about this book, it's that it delves into social themes like misogyny, female rage and trauma, and religious zealotry pretty directly. Just as importantly, this story highlights the need for community and hope for survival.
Personally, I think these themes were woven into the story, setting, and characters so well that they helped balance critique without becoming too emotionally exhausting to read. But at times the story and setting felt too much like the real world so if you're looking for a fun fantasy for escapism, this probably isn't the book for you.
Prudence and Puck are our main characters and love interests. It's pretty clear that Puck's character is designed to show what male allyship could look like. He's different from the typical fantasy book boyfriend, and I enjoyed how realistic he was. Prudence's arc centers on letting go of her safe life as the Duchess of Talonsbury to embrace her identity as a Hell Witch. It's a satisfying character journey, though I wished we'd gotten more background on the trauma that triggered her transformation into a Hell Witch -- and just generally who she is beyond her history with Puck.
The romance was fine but wasn't my favorite. The frequent miscommunication and snapping at each other got a bit grating, and their serious conversations seemed to happen at weird moments, so they were constantly getting cut off. This made the romantic tension feel more forced than natural.
Overall, I enjoyed this one and would recommend, especially the audiobook! Though be warned that the ending is a cliffhanger.
✧ ✧ ✧ ✧ ✧ ✧
Burner Kindle Book Blog
May 6, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
6/5 ⭐️
1/5 🌶️
When I read the description for Song of the Hell Witch, I was immediately hooked. As someone who’s grown a bit weary of the now-standard enemies-to-lovers blueprint dominating romantasy, the promise of a unique magic system, a rekindled romance, and witches navigating a deeply patriarchal society had me in. And let me tell you—the execution? A grand slam.
Our FMC, Prudence Merriweather, is the perfect example of a rags-to-riches heroine. Once a street thief, she claws her way to the top and becomes the Duchess of Talonsbury. But there's a catch—she’s a Hell Witch. While her husband, the duke, knows her secret (and disturbingly fetishizes it), witches are publicly burned in this newly devout society under the rule of the Lightbringer. Women are fighting for the right to vote, facing abuse for things like miscarriages, and generally treated as lesser in a deeply misogynistic world.
When Prudence’s secret is exposed, she has no choice but to flee—and the only person she can turn to is her childhood love, Puck Reed. Puck has his own burdens: after Prudence left him years ago, he built a life, married, and had a daughter. Now a widower with a mysteriously ill child, he’s the reluctant ruler of the slums, a thief lord trying to keep everything afloat. Their reunion is fraught with tension, heartbreak, and unspoken feelings, and the yearning between them is devastating in the best way. Hartley writes raw, complicated emotions with incredible nuance, and the chemistry is absolutely electric.
One relationship that absolutely blew me away was the one between Puck and his daughter, Bea. It’s rare to see a father-daughter dynamic written with such honesty and depth. Their relationship is fractured—built on love, but weighed down by pain, trauma, and misunderstanding. There’s so much hurt between them, but also that unmistakable thread of love that still lingers underneath it all, even when they can’t express it properly. Bea, though young, is processing a staggering amount of grief and trauma, and her emotional intelligence makes her feel a bit older than her years. I appreciated that nuance and hope we get to see even more of their healing in future installments. Their scenes together were raw and emotional, and felt incredibly real.
I also have to shout out the brilliant trans representation in the character Mari. Trans women—especially trans women of color—are so often excluded from narratives about women’s rights, and Mari’s arc was powerful and deeply moving. Her coming out scene, where she tells a young Puck and Prudence, “While you are stars, I am the sun,” gave me chills. Her desire to hear the witches’ song and be accepted into the sisterhood as a form of gender affirmation was one of the most beautiful elements of the book. Her journey was handled with care and layered emotion—I truly loved her.
And the magic system! Absolutely genius. Women are the only ones who can wield magic, and it’s tied to surviving trauma—a clear and brilliant metaphor for the strength that often comes from pain. It’s rich, original, and deeply tied to the emotional and thematic core of the story.
This was a six-star read for me. Bold, emotional, smart, and unlike anything else in the romantasy space right now. I’m officially a Taylor Hartley fan, and I’m dying for the sequel. If you’re craving something fresh, feminist, and fiercely magical—read this book.
6/5 ⭐️
1/5 🌶️
When I read the description for Song of the Hell Witch, I was immediately hooked. As someone who’s grown a bit weary of the now-standard enemies-to-lovers blueprint dominating romantasy, the promise of a unique magic system, a rekindled romance, and witches navigating a deeply patriarchal society had me in. And let me tell you—the execution? A grand slam.
Our FMC, Prudence Merriweather, is the perfect example of a rags-to-riches heroine. Once a street thief, she claws her way to the top and becomes the Duchess of Talonsbury. But there's a catch—she’s a Hell Witch. While her husband, the duke, knows her secret (and disturbingly fetishizes it), witches are publicly burned in this newly devout society under the rule of the Lightbringer. Women are fighting for the right to vote, facing abuse for things like miscarriages, and generally treated as lesser in a deeply misogynistic world.
When Prudence’s secret is exposed, she has no choice but to flee—and the only person she can turn to is her childhood love, Puck Reed. Puck has his own burdens: after Prudence left him years ago, he built a life, married, and had a daughter. Now a widower with a mysteriously ill child, he’s the reluctant ruler of the slums, a thief lord trying to keep everything afloat. Their reunion is fraught with tension, heartbreak, and unspoken feelings, and the yearning between them is devastating in the best way. Hartley writes raw, complicated emotions with incredible nuance, and the chemistry is absolutely electric.
One relationship that absolutely blew me away was the one between Puck and his daughter, Bea. It’s rare to see a father-daughter dynamic written with such honesty and depth. Their relationship is fractured—built on love, but weighed down by pain, trauma, and misunderstanding. There’s so much hurt between them, but also that unmistakable thread of love that still lingers underneath it all, even when they can’t express it properly. Bea, though young, is processing a staggering amount of grief and trauma, and her emotional intelligence makes her feel a bit older than her years. I appreciated that nuance and hope we get to see even more of their healing in future installments. Their scenes together were raw and emotional, and felt incredibly real.
I also have to shout out the brilliant trans representation in the character Mari. Trans women—especially trans women of color—are so often excluded from narratives about women’s rights, and Mari’s arc was powerful and deeply moving. Her coming out scene, where she tells a young Puck and Prudence, “While you are stars, I am the sun,” gave me chills. Her desire to hear the witches’ song and be accepted into the sisterhood as a form of gender affirmation was one of the most beautiful elements of the book. Her journey was handled with care and layered emotion—I truly loved her.
And the magic system! Absolutely genius. Women are the only ones who can wield magic, and it’s tied to surviving trauma—a clear and brilliant metaphor for the strength that often comes from pain. It’s rich, original, and deeply tied to the emotional and thematic core of the story.
This was a six-star read for me. Bold, emotional, smart, and unlike anything else in the romantasy space right now. I’m officially a Taylor Hartley fan, and I’m dying for the sequel. If you’re craving something fresh, feminist, and fiercely magical—read this book.
October 19, 2025
This was NOT GOOD. I had to stop myself from rolling my eyes every single page. Premise sounded awesome but it was truly a pathetic attempt at trying to have a story about "female rage". Just some angry looks in Pucks direction from the ladies and this book is for "man haters"? Gimme a break. If this is supposed to be such a feminist story why am i being force fed a sob story about Paris's dad giving him a disappointing look as a child? IDGAF. Didnt know this is trying to be a series but i certainly do not care what happens to these characters i was bamboozled by a pretty book cover
July 22, 2025
Thank you, NetGalley, for an ARC of this future novel.
I never expected to like this arc so much. I finished it in two sittings. It was good; the plot had a good flow. It was a bit predictable, but that's not a bad thing. Many are looking for books they can just enjoy without trying to guess the ending.
This is the first time I ever read the single parent trope and liked it; it was very well written. Beatrice was amazing, and so was Puck; he had that "I'm a parent, and I have no idea what I'm doing, but I'm trying" vibe.
Pru (Prudence) was a good main character, not too "I'm not like other girls" and not too boring either; she was panicky but in a good, understandable way.
I loved the way Taylor Hartley incorporated multiple historical settings in one book, and she did it in a way that didn't feel forced.
It was a good, fast-paced, I would say, palate cleanser. I would pick this up after reading a big doorstopper of a book, to keep myself from going into a reading slump.
I never expected to like this arc so much. I finished it in two sittings. It was good; the plot had a good flow. It was a bit predictable, but that's not a bad thing. Many are looking for books they can just enjoy without trying to guess the ending.
This is the first time I ever read the single parent trope and liked it; it was very well written. Beatrice was amazing, and so was Puck; he had that "I'm a parent, and I have no idea what I'm doing, but I'm trying" vibe.
Pru (Prudence) was a good main character, not too "I'm not like other girls" and not too boring either; she was panicky but in a good, understandable way.
I loved the way Taylor Hartley incorporated multiple historical settings in one book, and she did it in a way that didn't feel forced.
It was a good, fast-paced, I would say, palate cleanser. I would pick this up after reading a big doorstopper of a book, to keep myself from going into a reading slump.
September 8, 2025
Everything you want in a novel! Don’t get comfy though, it’s a wild ride. This feminist romantasy debut novel from Taylor Hartley hits. Can’t wait to see what happens next!
September 9, 2025
Song of the Hell Witch was an intense, beautifully crafted fantasy that struck me with its raw emotion and unapologetic energy. Taylor Hartley’s writing is both lyrical and sharp, weaving a dark, fiery world that pulses with feminine rage, vengeance, and power. From the first few chapters, I knew this story would be different it’s not just about witches and fire, but about reclaiming voice, survival, and strength in the face of relentless cruelty.
The characters are layered and compelling, each of them carrying pain, secrets, and choices that shape the brutal path ahead. The protagonist’s voice was stunningly written, filled with a mix of fury and vulnerability that made her unforgettable. The themes of revenge, justice, and the strength of women were powerful and felt threaded through every page. Hartley doesn’t shy away from darkness this book burns with it but also infuses moments of hope, resilience, and solidarity.
What stood out most to me was how visceral the storytelling felt. Every description, every moment of conflict was alive with intensity, drawing me deeper into the inferno of this world. The pacing was solid, the tension high, and the magic was as dangerous as it was alluring. While there were a few moments where I wished for a little more clarity in the lore, the overall experience was gripping and fierce.
This book is a hymn of anger and defiance, written with poetic strength and fire. A dark fantasy that is unafraid to let its heroines rage, Song of the Hell Witch left me both haunted and inspired.
Thank you NetGalley and Alcove Press for the ARC of this powerful novel.
The characters are layered and compelling, each of them carrying pain, secrets, and choices that shape the brutal path ahead. The protagonist’s voice was stunningly written, filled with a mix of fury and vulnerability that made her unforgettable. The themes of revenge, justice, and the strength of women were powerful and felt threaded through every page. Hartley doesn’t shy away from darkness this book burns with it but also infuses moments of hope, resilience, and solidarity.
What stood out most to me was how visceral the storytelling felt. Every description, every moment of conflict was alive with intensity, drawing me deeper into the inferno of this world. The pacing was solid, the tension high, and the magic was as dangerous as it was alluring. While there were a few moments where I wished for a little more clarity in the lore, the overall experience was gripping and fierce.
This book is a hymn of anger and defiance, written with poetic strength and fire. A dark fantasy that is unafraid to let its heroines rage, Song of the Hell Witch left me both haunted and inspired.
Thank you NetGalley and Alcove Press for the ARC of this powerful novel.
September 11, 2025
Thank you Spotify Audiobooks and TLC Book Tours for the free gift!
This is an atmospheric romantasy about a woman navigating power, magic, and a dangerous world while reconnecting with a past love. The story features monstrous women stepping into their full potential, a devoted father trying to save his daughter, and the slow rekindling of an old romance.
What I found interesting was the world-building. The background elements like Stormlash, the secret village, and the focus on marginalized identities were compelling and added depth. However, I felt the feminist aspects were more anti-man than truly female-forward, and the main character’s story wasn’t primarily about being a woman in power but about staying safe after making herself wanted. The romance, which is meant to be second-chance, didn’t land for me. I didn’t feel that Puck still held genuine feelings for Prudence the way she did for him.
I also struggled with the narration. While Fiona Hardingham and Shea Taylor did well for certain characters, they didn’t consistently convey the same personality across the cast, which created a sense of disconnect.
Overall, this book had a lot of potential but didn’t quite hit the mark for me. I’d recommend it for readers who enjoy atmospheric fantasy worlds with magical politics and anti-establishment themes, but temper expectations if you’re looking for a strong female-centered story or a fully convincing second-chance romance.
This is an atmospheric romantasy about a woman navigating power, magic, and a dangerous world while reconnecting with a past love. The story features monstrous women stepping into their full potential, a devoted father trying to save his daughter, and the slow rekindling of an old romance.
What I found interesting was the world-building. The background elements like Stormlash, the secret village, and the focus on marginalized identities were compelling and added depth. However, I felt the feminist aspects were more anti-man than truly female-forward, and the main character’s story wasn’t primarily about being a woman in power but about staying safe after making herself wanted. The romance, which is meant to be second-chance, didn’t land for me. I didn’t feel that Puck still held genuine feelings for Prudence the way she did for him.
I also struggled with the narration. While Fiona Hardingham and Shea Taylor did well for certain characters, they didn’t consistently convey the same personality across the cast, which created a sense of disconnect.
Overall, this book had a lot of potential but didn’t quite hit the mark for me. I’d recommend it for readers who enjoy atmospheric fantasy worlds with magical politics and anti-establishment themes, but temper expectations if you’re looking for a strong female-centered story or a fully convincing second-chance romance.
May 22, 2025
Song of the Hell Witch was what it promised and more. The in-world magic was interesting and served as a powerful metaphor for how people feel a lack of power and control at their lowest point and the healing and growing that come after. Additionally, the second chance romance within the story contained pining and the necessary frustrations of love and loss without the pitfall of having the two love interests come together instantly.
I was particularly impressed by the cast of characters within this book. The one that sticks out the most to me was Marigold. The handling of Marigold who had a respect from her friends and attention to her storyline that I felt did her character justice was better than I could have hoped for (she is one I very much look forward to seeing again in future books). Prudence and Puck were also well written and three dimensional characters. Even our main antagonist for this book was given a compelling backstory that explained his motivations and made me pity him.
While heavy-handed at times, this book did a good job of examining sexism and the role it plays in dictating the lives of people living in its shadow. I enjoyed how, near the end of the book, Puck got a small taste of feeling ill-at-ease and like an outsider, giving the others a chance to point out how that experience was very common for them as women in Leora. Similarly, the book included the danger of religious fanaticism. This played strongly into the plot and conflicts of the story and ended up hitting a bit close to home given some of the debates on policy playing out in politics today.
Overall, this was a fantastic read and I look forward to seeing more in this world.
I was particularly impressed by the cast of characters within this book. The one that sticks out the most to me was Marigold. The handling of Marigold who had a respect from her friends and attention to her storyline that I felt did her character justice was better than I could have hoped for (she is one I very much look forward to seeing again in future books). Prudence and Puck were also well written and three dimensional characters. Even our main antagonist for this book was given a compelling backstory that explained his motivations and made me pity him.
While heavy-handed at times, this book did a good job of examining sexism and the role it plays in dictating the lives of people living in its shadow. I enjoyed how, near the end of the book, Puck got a small taste of feeling ill-at-ease and like an outsider, giving the others a chance to point out how that experience was very common for them as women in Leora. Similarly, the book included the danger of religious fanaticism. This played strongly into the plot and conflicts of the story and ended up hitting a bit close to home given some of the debates on policy playing out in politics today.
Overall, this was a fantastic read and I look forward to seeing more in this world.
August 14, 2025
Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for providing me with an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
Everything about this book had me hooked from page one. The characters, their dynamics, the world-building, the magic system and everything in between were absolutely brilliant and I am foaming at the mouth for book two.
A lot happens in this book, but it doesn't feel like you're scrabbling to get your head around everything. The characters are introduced well and you get a real sense of who they are and the history they share. There is a lot more to them than their relationship and seeing both Pru and Puck's POVs really gives you a deep sense of who they are.
The world is described well and is easy to get to grips with (as usual, "witches" are vilified by men and patriarchal, religious zealots are trying to make things worse). It feels like a lot is pulled from history and current events, which makes it terrifying but also ensures you can connect with what you're reading. Plus, who doesn't love a bit of female rage.
The writing is also beautiful and draws you in effortlessly. I didn't want this book to end but was also desperate to see what happened next. The next book is perfectly set up and there are so many moving pieces that I have no idea which way it will all go.
This book is going to live rent-free in my mind until I have book two in my hands.
Everything about this book had me hooked from page one. The characters, their dynamics, the world-building, the magic system and everything in between were absolutely brilliant and I am foaming at the mouth for book two.
A lot happens in this book, but it doesn't feel like you're scrabbling to get your head around everything. The characters are introduced well and you get a real sense of who they are and the history they share. There is a lot more to them than their relationship and seeing both Pru and Puck's POVs really gives you a deep sense of who they are.
The world is described well and is easy to get to grips with (as usual, "witches" are vilified by men and patriarchal, religious zealots are trying to make things worse). It feels like a lot is pulled from history and current events, which makes it terrifying but also ensures you can connect with what you're reading. Plus, who doesn't love a bit of female rage.
The writing is also beautiful and draws you in effortlessly. I didn't want this book to end but was also desperate to see what happened next. The next book is perfectly set up and there are so many moving pieces that I have no idea which way it will all go.
This book is going to live rent-free in my mind until I have book two in my hands.
November 29, 2025
I love a book about women finding their power and subverting the expectations of the patriarchy. I really enjoyed the magic system of women transforming into creatures typically depicted as monsters and I appreciated Prue’s character, that she got to be messy and struggling and still strong. This was a really impressive debut and I need book two immediately 😭
August 19, 2025
Song of the Hell Witch is a dark and magical romantasy with a really unique twist where trauma fuels power. Prudence and Puck’s chemistry is great, and I especially loved the found-family feel with Puck’s daughter. The pacing drags a little at times, but overall it’s a fresh and emotional read that I really enjoyed— this was a solid 4 stars.
Thank you NetGalley and Alcove Press for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you NetGalley and Alcove Press for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
September 26, 2025
Oh my GOD. Taylor Hartley I don’t hate you but my Venmo is ellenlw27 if you’d want to reimburse for genuine psychological damage
Need to process will come back and say more later
Need to process will come back and say more later
October 31, 2025
unfortunately this was so bad… the author’s priority was clearly political messaging, with the storytelling taking a backseat. while her points were valid, they were SO heavy-handed and overdone that even i (and i’m very liberal) was rolling my eyes constantly 😭
there was just no possible way to get into the story. like truly there wasn’t an ounce of subtlety or talent in the writing. very disappointing 💔
instead i will recommend other romantasies that have done political messaging and/or feminine rage right, such as: a forbidden alchemy, the ashen series, bury our bones in the midnight soil, etc…
there was just no possible way to get into the story. like truly there wasn’t an ounce of subtlety or talent in the writing. very disappointing 💔
instead i will recommend other romantasies that have done political messaging and/or feminine rage right, such as: a forbidden alchemy, the ashen series, bury our bones in the midnight soil, etc…
April 8, 2025
I recently had the opportunity to read an advance reader copy (ARC) of Song of the Hell Witch by Taylor Hartley, and it was an enthralling experience. The novel masterfully intertwines themes of magic, empowerment, and redemption within a richly constructed fantasy world.
The story follows Pru, a Hell Witch—a woman endowed with formidable magical abilities that transform her into a powerful vultress. Having left behind a life of thievery, Pru attempts to navigate the complexities of noble society. However, an unexpected tragedy thrusts her and her loved ones into a maelstrom of danger and uncertainty. Hartley’s portrayal of Pru is both compelling and relatable, capturing her internal struggles and resilience with depth and authenticity.
The novel’s pacing is brisk, seamlessly balancing action-packed sequences with moments of introspection. Hartley’s prose is both evocative and sharp, painting vivid images of the fantastical world and its inhabitants. The plot twists are unpredictable, keeping readers engaged and eager to uncover what lies ahead.
In summary, Song of the Hell Witch is a standout debut that delves into complex relationships and moral dilemmas against a backdrop of mythic grandeur. Its intricate world-building, compelling characters, and gripping storyline make it a must-read. I wholeheartedly recommend it to fans of epic fantasy and those seeking a story that will linger in their thoughts long after the final page.
The story follows Pru, a Hell Witch—a woman endowed with formidable magical abilities that transform her into a powerful vultress. Having left behind a life of thievery, Pru attempts to navigate the complexities of noble society. However, an unexpected tragedy thrusts her and her loved ones into a maelstrom of danger and uncertainty. Hartley’s portrayal of Pru is both compelling and relatable, capturing her internal struggles and resilience with depth and authenticity.
The novel’s pacing is brisk, seamlessly balancing action-packed sequences with moments of introspection. Hartley’s prose is both evocative and sharp, painting vivid images of the fantastical world and its inhabitants. The plot twists are unpredictable, keeping readers engaged and eager to uncover what lies ahead.
In summary, Song of the Hell Witch is a standout debut that delves into complex relationships and moral dilemmas against a backdrop of mythic grandeur. Its intricate world-building, compelling characters, and gripping storyline make it a must-read. I wholeheartedly recommend it to fans of epic fantasy and those seeking a story that will linger in their thoughts long after the final page.
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