A Hex for Hunger

The Rune Tithe #2

by Alistair Reeves

After five centuries, a loyal guard returns from the dead without the king he once served—and loved—to find the world and his place within it much changed.

Ambrose aka the Grim Wolf of Belgrave spent his life striving to be a hero—until he died a villain in the name of the medieval witch king he was passionately devoted to. Now, after hundreds of years, he’s back from the dead without his beloved king. And the vow he once swore has him obligated to Emery Vale, a necromancer-in-training, who’s tasked him with murdering his rival and nemesis.

But Ambrose has other plans. He hopes to bring the ruler of his kingdom—and his heart—back from the grave so they can finally enjoy the love they’d once yearned for. All he has to do first is kill one other Emery . . .

The more time Ambrose spends with his new master though, the more his hunger for Emery’s blood is turning into a hunger for Emery. And as he continues to search for a way to resurrect the witch king, he might just discover their connection wasn’t all that it seemed.

Praise for A Spell for Heartsickness

“Reeves’s remarkably assured debut delivers a queer, witchy romp with deep feelings.” —Publishers Weekly

“As comfy and satisfying as ‘the taste of hot stew on a rainy night.’” —Kirkus Reviews

Genres: Romance, Queer, Fantasy, Urban Fantasy, LGBT, Romantasy, Transgender

336 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 15, 2025

About the author

Alistair Reeves (he/him) writes romantasy about messy queers and morally grey characters. Born in Canada, he moved to England to indulge his addiction to hot caffeinated beverages. His influences range from video games to Chinese danmei. When not writing, he can be found playing Dungeons & Dragons or tending to his frankly absurd collection of succulents.

In 2019 he won a Watty Award for his queer science fiction, Static Crush, and was a 2022 Pitch Wars mentee. A SPELL FOR HEARTSICKNESS is his debut novel, releasing with Podium in Fall 2024.

He graduated from Sheridan College with a Bachelors in Animation, but he mostly uses his artistic skills to draw his OC’s kissing.

Reviews

[Elle (ellexamines on TT & Substack) · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Just when I think things can’t get anymore cursed,” Emery murmured. “This is the sarcophagus we all sat in during the second half of the initiation rite.”
Ambrose tried not to appear overly condescending, but that seemed the point at which anyone sensible might have politely withdrawn their candidacy from the guild.

I love it here! This was some of the best romantasy I've read in a while - coming from a non-romantasy person.

Hex for Hunger follows Ambrose, the resurrected servant of an old witch king, who finds himself under the control of necromancy student Emery. At first, Emery seems like just another person trying to use Ambrose as a weapon. But over time, Ambrose begins to come to terms with the fact that his motives may be a bit more understandable — and that the witch king may not have been all he seemed.

What I liked most about this romance is its focus on agency and autonomy. Because this is a fraught situation and setup, where Emery can technically imperil Ambrose's autonomy for much of the book, the play between control and allowing Ambrose his agency is really key to the narrative, and Alistair Reeves handles it incredibly deftly. The main conflict ends up being beyond attraction — it's whether or not these two can trust each other.

Ambrose's character in particular resonated with me really deeply. There's so much love put into his character arc, and the presentation of his historical accounts as filtered through the premise of unreliable narrator are brilliantly done.

(Also, one note, someone sticks a hand into someone else's organs as foreplay to a sex scene. I really liked that.)

This has very little to do with book one and could be read as a standalone; I liked book one as well, but this book was above and beyond to me. Highly recommend checking out this author!

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[Ashe Hale · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 Really liked this but I wish we had more of Ambrose learning about the modern world and the constant backtracking Emery does to give context from his past to his current situation made the pacing a little awkward at times, yet this was overall incredibly enjoyable.

[Jaseryx · Rating 4 out of 5]

There was something missing for me with this one. I didn't feel their attraction as much as the MCs of the first book (I fly high fondly on the memory of the sledding scene), and I kept wishing this one was dual POV. I think it took forever for them to reveal themselves, even to the reader. Also, Ambrose grappling with his past life necessitated a lot of memories told right in the middle of scenes and conversations, which really interrupted the flow for me. I wanted more hijinks with Ambrose experiencing the modern world, and maybe more times when Emery lowered his defenses to get goofy introducing him to them. It felt like a lot of the relationship development occurred off page, in favor of the plot. The plot was very cool and intricate tho, but I wish that, again, the plot beats had more time to be scary. I was always sure that something would get them out of any pickle, and the big bads ended up being presented and then defeated too quickly to feel very threatening, despite the themes and reality if you thought about them outside of the prose. I did appreciate the parallels of abuse each MC was suffering, and it was nice to have Ambrose discover the key to his freedom be such a lovely thing. Overall I'm disappointed I didn't love this, because most of the elements are there, they just didn't turn into magic for me the same way the first books did.

[Lizardley · Rating 5 out of 5]

DO NOT CHECK THE TIMESTAMPS ON THIS ONE AND MY REVIEW FOR THE FIRST IN THE SERIES IT’S NONE OF YOUR BUSINESS

So anyway this was amazing and I’m strongly considering getting a physical copy. It had everything you could want: being transgender, breaking the cycle of abuse, magic, sex, and magical fisting as a metaphor for sex. Truly a banger, going more fucked-up on this novel was ABSOLUTELY the move, and it is such a dramatic improvement. Alistair Reeves truly looked into my soul and said I’ve got you covered (he did not say this exactly to me).

This might be because it’s two AM and I’m running on like 6 hours of sleep, but I feel like something in my brain got rewired.

[Moraa · Rating 4 out of 5]

RTC

[Ciphertext · Rating 5 out of 5]

How dare you write a cute and romantic story about healing from abuse and mask it as a gory, necromancer-y, spooky, horror. My nerves are shot.

One criticism: wasn't long enough. Wanted more. I have a hunger myself now.

I'm going to go to bed and think about this for several months.

[Theo · Rating 5 out of 5]

'Did Ambrose imagine that Emery’s heartbeat followed the rhythm of his? Was that color in his cheeks from the cold, or something else? Did the rain taste fresher when it was kissed from the lips of a man holding on to him like Ambrose was the only sanctuary after years of storm?'

Absolutely heart wrenching with that quote wow

This book was fabulous I am devastated I read this so quickly as I love the characters and the world they're in so much.
I don't even know what to say I love stories with yearning I LOVED the character development and I think the author was very skillful showing how certain characters were struggling to come to grips with some really unpleasant truths.
And the way Reeves described everything too?! There are so many quotes with such visceral imagery it was so well executed.
I can't put into words how much I enjoyed this one - no critiques at all it really was brilliant and I am so glad I pre-ordered!

[fanboyriot · Rating 5 out of 5]

Coming back from the dead in a modern world was not for the weak, being a dog on a leash, breaking away from toxic relationships, learning how to read, and realizing how much has changed.

Loved this book so much. The plot was so entertaining, the magical system mixed with modern times and mentions of past decades. Ambrose and Emery were such lovable characters. I got my preorder early and I instantly started this one. The trans rep was seriously written so well, I really enjoyed it. Some parts of this book had me on the edge of my seat with the promise of just one more chapter. The epilogue did not disappoint either.

Read For
✓ Magic
✓ Slow Burn
✓ Resurrection
✓ Forced Proximity
✓ Angst with a Happy Ending

⚠️ Content Warnings
Graphic: Body horror, Emotional abuse, Genocide
Moderate: Deadnaming, Sexual content, Violence

𓍊𓋼𓍊𓋼𓍊𓋼𓍊𓋼𓍊𓋼𓍊𓋼𓍊𓋼𓍊𓋼𓍊𓋼𓍊𓋼𓍊𓋼𓍊

Spice Level: 🌶️🌶️
Sad Level: 💧💧

Plot: 10/10
Pace: 9/10
Ending: 10/10
Characters: 10/10
Enjoyability: 10/10
Writing Style: 10/10
Would I Recommend? Yes
Favorite Character: Ambrose

Favorite Quote: ❝ "It's only a murder investigation if they find the body" ❞

POV: Third Person
Pages: 340
Format: Paperback
Language: English
Release Date: 15, July 2025
Rep/Extras: Trans man (main character), LGBTQIA+ characters

[lio⭑ · Rating 4 out of 5]

peak

[Briar 🏳️‍🌈 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Welp, that settles it. I’ve read the two books the author has out so far. With just those, he’s already made my top favorite authors list. SO. GOOD.

[Simon · Rating 5 out of 5]

I devoured this book in less than a week. It’s hard to find a good mlm romance fantasy book, and even harder to find one with a trans main character. It made me feel wonderful to see that sort of representation. For readers who love fantasy and (trans mlm) romance, this is the book for you. Heres to hoping that Alistair Reeves will Right another mlm trans fantasy book soon🤞

[isthisakink · Rating 5 out of 5]

5/5. Love, this book wasn’t just “as good” or “better” than the first, it was fucking everything. There are so many things I could say here, but none of them would do justice to a truly beautiful story. Even with the necromancy bits. I’m going to be the most insufferable little shit until I get another book in this series. This world is perfection and every character is flawless—even the baddies are immaculate. This is how you inspire and uplift and tell a story with blood and breath and life. I love having found so many perfect tales this year, and this is one of the best.

[Abby · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sad and action packed

This book had a lot of arcane magic built in but it also had the very heavy/sad current of abusive relationships throughout. The book hooked me with a lot of the mystery and adventure facing Ambrose and Emery.

Spice 🔥
Heart Flutters: ❤️❤️

[Syma · Rating 5 out of 5]

After reading A Spell for Heartsickness I couldn't wait to dive into A Hex for Hunger and it did not disappoint. I couldn't put it down.
It's both cozy, funny and had me on the edge of my seat.

The character arcs of both MMCs was captivating and rich. The pacing was superb throughout. I had laugh out loud moments, kicking my feet as well as biting my nails.

Loved it!

[Eli M.S. · Rating 5 out of 5]

To say I was excited for Alistair Reeves’s second novel would be a colossal understatement. I went into this book with high expectations after A Spell for Heartsickness, and Reeves more than delivered. I’m still unpacking everything this book left on my doorstep.

It took me a couple of chapters to fully get invested, not because of anything lacking from the writing or story, but because this book is masterfully set up so you are wary of all the relationship dynamics.

Told from Ambrose’s POV from the moment he is resurrected, Emery is established from that start as someone ruthless and not to be trusted. The single POV works so well in this book because it allows the reader to discover things about Emery at the same time as Ambrose, knowing there is more than meets the eye but not quite sure what that is. It also keeps up locked in Ambrose’s mind with all his doubts, insecurities, and worst of all— the Witch King.

Parallel stories of breaking chains and not so much discovering oneself, as reclaiming it, are being told. Watching Ambrose confront his past (which is also in a way still his present) while helping Emery is a painfully beautiful journey. As Ambrose learns more about Emery and develops empathy for him, he is forced to find the same acceptance for himself.

My favorite element of this story is how there are no giant plot twists and executed to add mystery or drama: you know who the villain is and the suspense comes from figuring out how he will be defeated. The action and attempts to stop Morcant start early on and are nonstop, with beautiful chemistry forming between Ambrose and Emery as they literally fight for their lives, but it never feels forced or hurried. This applies to the broader story as well: you may guess certain things are coming or probably aren’t what they seem, but how everything will unfold will surprise you.

This is a true enemies-to-lovers story. Ambrose and Emery have every reason not to trust each other, and their relationship is so complex and layered that there isn’t an easy “oh, we like each other now” moment. It isn’t a miscommunication trope or a “one step forward, two steps back” situation that keeps us on tenterhooks. It is the wonderfully deep dynamics Reeves has written, and they must each chip away at their outer defenses until the true them is laid bare for the other to see.

One other thing I’d like to sing praises for is the trans representation. This isn’t just a story of a gay man brought from medieval times to modern. It isn’t only a story of who he loves being more accepted in this world, but who he is on a physical, cellular level. As someone who has struggled with body dysmorphia my whole life, feeling like I’m cosplaying as a human, and only recently coming to terms with gender identity, being able to connect with a literary character like Ambrose was beautifully validating. I cannot claim to know or understand fully what the trans community experiences, but this book is proof that not only are their stories important and worth telling for their own community, but also those who perhaps feel somewhere on the fringes of everything. Those who feel like they don’t have a place or are misunderstood, and haven’t felt true representation in literature before, at least not as a fantasy hero.

As always, the writing itself is exquisite, and each sentence is poetic without being overly verbose. There were so many lines I highlighted not even to use as quotes, but just because Reeves takes what could be a perfectly average sentiment and makes it…more. For example, upon learning a character’s motives: “After watching her stand over Emery with a dagger, Ambrose couldn’t scrounge an excess of sympathy, but he felt a twinge of it.”

Overall, this book is my favorite I have read this year. A Spell for Heartsickness has been bumped to number two. This is darker and may take a moment longer to get into, but if you let it, it will raise you from the grave as painfully as Ambrose was resurrected, bones and sinew stitching back together and insides reforming to bring you back to life. It will satiate a hunger you perhaps didn’t even know you had.

[Charles · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an eARC from Podium Entertainment and am giving my honest review.

This is easily my favorite book. I don't even know where to begin.

Ambrose spent his life serving a medieval witch king, giving his undoubting loyalty through a magic tithe that allowed the witch king to control him with a single word. Ambrose grew familiar with secrecy, between their relationship being completely hidden from any and everyone around them and the fact that Ambrose is a transman. But he kept his loyalty and secrets to the day he died and beyond.

Then, hundreds of years later, Ambrose is brought back to life by a peculiar little man and is told that he is to help this person who has resurrected him to kill someone, a man running something of a cult of students. Although all of history says otherwise, Ambrose was not one for violence, really, however this man held the tithe binding the magic of his master's control, meaning he now had control over Ambrose. Ambrose is grateful for the resurrection and agrees, not just because of the tithe, but also as repayment. He begins to hear his master's voice, the witch king, in his mind, giving him ways to possibly resurrect him as well, including killing the man who resurrected him, Emery. But this new world holds new delicacies that he isn't used to. A world where people like him aren't so villainized and disallowed, with things like chocolate and maple syrup and gay smut books, and with people like Emery. Ambrose has to decide what he truly wants, if it is what he would choose, or just what he's been told to feel for so many years. Ambrose's magic is starved for blood, but he can't help the way his heart flutters at Emery's touch.

Every aspect of this novel appeals to me, so maybe I'm biased, but this is truly such a cathartic read. The parallels between Ambrose's situation with Emery, and how that allowed Ambrose to start to understand the dynamic between him and the witch king was not healthy. But not just that, but also with the way Emery treated Ambrose. The gentleness paired with the care, despite the distrust that was between them just due to their own fears and backgrounds. Despite Emery's fear, he treated Ambrose with kindness and never once showed judgement. He showed Ambrose the new things of this new world he was suddenly brought into, allowed him to experience things and with a gentle hand outstretched in case Ambrose needed to grasp a lifeline.

The slow acceptance of Ambrose with realizing that he was in a situation so similar to Morcant and Emery, how Emery wasn't one to shy away from the topic but was also kind about it. Understanding that is was all Ambrose knows, including the cruel behavior that Emery starts to understand is so ingrained in Ambrose. They were such a perfect match, each of them understanding the other's pain but feeling it so differently that it allows the other to open up to new ways of healing.

The magic was so interesting, how it all worked and how it tied to each character. The slow unravel of what the main form of magic was connected to was done brilliantly and so well. Giving tiny pieces of the puzzle all throughout the novel, feeling like it's character work and description until it all comes together at the end. It's not only such a neat concept, but so relatable when it comes to how abusers affect you and what they can do to get to you.

Seeing how Emery and Ambrose ended so happily despite everything that happened made me feel so happy. The ways both of their healing journeys were written was so beautifully done, I haven't been able to stop thinking about it since I started it. They are everywhere I look haha, and I welcome it readily. Who knew how romantic looking for leeches could be?

[mreadsandreviews · Rating 3 out of 5]

A sometimes macabre, sometimes cozy, magical exploration on what it takes to reclaim your sense of self after it's been taken away by another.

***WARNING: Swearing and minor spoilers ahead.***

In Reeves' "A Hex for Hunger," we meet Ambrose, a 500-year-old transgender warrior resurrected for the sole purpose of ending a particular asshole's life, and Emery, a student necromancer determined to end aforementioned asshole's life. Though the two are wary of each other at first, they work together to set each other free from the control of the two individuals who have twisted them beyond their own recognition. This book touches on themes of self-identity, manipulation/grooming, death/loss, attempted murder, self-sacrifice, and more.

Reeves successfully creates two characters who might seem like polar opposites at first, but turn out to be more similar than expected. Both present as hard, stoic beings, but are actually sensitive and just want to be loved and accepted for who they are. The author's depiction of manipulation was also sinister, and detailed enough to make you sick. I really felt for Emery and Ambrose, and how their lives were just taken over by the people they trusted the most. The story's atmosphere is also wonderfully creepy, giving very much macabre, dark academia vibes. I could easily visualize Bellgrave and the necropolis, as well as Emery's home in the dilapidated church.

That said, I really struggled with the first 30% of the book, and felt that the story, overall, could have benefitted from a bit more development and editing. The writing style had a repetitive quality, tending more towards telling rather than showing, especially in the beginning. Though we get more dialogue as the story progresses to move the pace along, the first few chapters are bogged down by vague backstory that impeded early character development. For example, instead of the frequent mentions of the witch king, I would have liked to have read more about Ambrose's reactions to (and interactions with) the new world, or more direct conversations between Ambrose and Emery. Instead, we get Ambrose's assumptions of Emery's character, which aren't good (intentionally), but little dialogue to help Emery establish his own voice and cast doubt in the reader's mind. A subtle hint that, maybe, this character has more depth than initially presented.

The familiars also felt more like props rather than fleshed out characters, coming in and out of the foreground before being forgotten again. Coming from "A Spell for Heartsickness," where Briar's familiar was pretty much family, I expected the familiars in this book to hold as much, if not a similar, weight. Yet I never really felt Emery's grief or mourning over Katzica's death. Her sacrifice also loses emotional impact because our understanding of her is superficial. We don't really understand what she meant to him.

Therefore, I give this book a 3.8/5 stars. The characters and world were interesting, but the story needed a bit more fleshing out in regards to early character development and pacing. I would still recommend it to anyone wanting a spooky, low-stakes read, but with the heads up that the first few chapters might be a bit slow in getting through.

[Wendy Stidham · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book has a satisfactory conclusion, but the “romance” leaves much to be desired.

I think this story would have been better if the author allowed himself to fully explore the “dark romance” this book desperately wanted to be. A common theme in dark romance is that the main character falls in love with a morally grey character. This feels like the way Emery should be perceived (and would have a much more respectable perspective), but instead, it felt like the author was trying to force Emery to be seen as a “good guy” forced to make difficult decisions. What the author seems to neglect though is that this is often the beginning of many villain origin stories, so why not just embrace it? The book would have been SO much better this way. Good guy turned bad, eventually becoming “good” again because of the events that unfold. Instead, the story feels like we are being somewhat gaslight into thinking Emery is a decent, let alone good guy.

The other reason this would have helped is because there is a strong sense of Stockholm syndrome in this book. If being bossed around is the MMCs thing, that’s all good, but it feels like the book hops over the trauma Ambrose has, and instead treats it like some normal romance trope. Additionally, Emery himself never seems to acknowledge this (which could have been a huge growth moment between the two characters and very healing).

Without these realizations, the romance just falls flat. It makes sense why Ambrose would fall in love with Emery, but why would Emery fall in love with Ambrose? And why are we not talking more about the trauma love bond Ambrose seems to have with each of his captors? The epilogue also just washes right over this. I would have LOVED to see more growth in Ambrose and more healing between these two characters.

I think the author needed to make a choice in this book. (1.) Go full in on this being a romance novel and embrace the dark edges to Emery. (2.) Forget the sex and keep the focus in the story with a closed door romantic connection that sparks by the end of the book (but doesn’t involve an out of nowhere sex scene). Instead, it misses both.

[kilmosnaps · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an exhilarating book. I’m literally jonesing days after finishing.

I was warned (from the book) this was a different vibe than book 1 and it was right. Honestly the growth/strength of writing from 1-2 was fantastic. I was engrossed in the story from the jump and wasn’t calling every reveal.

This was honestly just a stunning portrayal of how emotional abuse can manifest and you don’t realize it’s happening and reverberations of those consequences. Just a gut wrenching showing of the perils of grooming and how it could be a teacher, your king, your parent doing it. Just thrilling watching abuse cycles be broken from different vantage points.

BUT the book is also funny, filled with witty banter, YEARNING. The magical world building already established was enhanced and the action sequences were suspenseful and tense!


Can’t wait for book 3 about a witch and a river wraith (kinda like a siren?).



‘Resurrection hurt more than dying.’

“On a finger bone of the right hand of my master carved the runes of an unbreakable pact. Whomsoever holds it holds me, as the corresponding runes were carved in my spine. It is my leash. My tether. I submit to the one who holds it, obey their every command, can never bring them to harm, and never leave their side.”

‘The witch king had committed to maintaining the illusion of Ambrose’s masculine body where most would’ve flown the word “abomination” at him.’ p16

‘His mind hadn’t known, so his body had felt it all.’

‘Ambrose was a man lost in time and mostly terrified, unable to read menus and hearing the voice of its dead king and a body that could betray him any moment while at the back and call of a half-mad and vengeful witch.
But the food… The food might make it worthwhile.’

“The mental gymnastics were spectacular, but I couldn’t see what was happening while in the middle of it. When someone’s only ever been kind, the first time they’re not, you still think the kind version is the true one. I trusted him, so…”

‘He’d concealed his lack of literacy from Emery this entire time. He hadn’t been able to conceal the reality of his gender, his sexuality. Or his history as the witch king’s sword - all secrets that made him feel vulnerable.
Yet, of all of them, this scared him worst of all.’

[Louise · Rating 4 out of 5]

As the author states in the preface, this book has some darker ideas in it than A Spell for Heartsickness, especially as it concerns necromancy, but also controlling, emotionally abusive relationships. Not that that put me off personally, but it's not quite the cosy fantasy romance you might be expecting, at least not completely. This one has an awkward start for the characters too, as Emery has a control over Ambrose when he takes over the magic that the Witch King put on Ambrose to control him. I felt that the author dealt with that quite well though as the book progressed; as Emery and Ambrose get to know each other better, they trust each other more and understand each others' motivations better, and as Emery understands the magic and its control more fully, he promises not to use it, and tries to give that control back to Ambrose. Their understanding of each other is also helped by the fact they each have experience of an emotionally abusive relationship, even if Ambrose takes a while to realise exactly what was wrong about his connection to the Witch King and the way he used him. There are two enemies to overcome that are really almost the same enemy, working in the same ways to exert control. Overall I enjoyed how the story played out, and how the romance between Emery and Ambrose developed, although it's quite slow and subtle at times. A complex but thoroughly enjoyable read, only let down by some rather dodgy pronounciation of words from the audiobook narrator at times!

[Matea Quin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. It kept me up way too late, and I'm just happy it's a slow day at work!

I had every intention of reading the first book in this series, but I read they could be enjoyed stand alone, and because there's a love triangle situation in the first, I have to admit that that put me off a bit. I figured I'd read this one first as it's my first time reading something by this author and I wanted to get a sense of their writing style without that prody triangle thought niggling around.

I really enjoyed their writing style. It's lyrical and fun. Big fan of third pov. The atmosphere is great, and the characters have their unique quirks and stand out from each other.

Ambrose is such a golden retriever. I loved going through the chapters and watching him push back against his tormentor. Emery's patience really helped Ambrose grow. His light grumpy nature balances Ambrose so well, and I thought they fit.

I enjoyed the plot. I think I expected it to be more romance heavy, or for the romance to 'start' a little sooner, but there was so much to unpack with the plot and Ambrose and all he's been through that the pacing felt right. I just wanted more of Ambrose and Emery in quiet romantic moments because I liked them and was greedy for more!


I honestly feel this book rounded off well, but because the romance started a bit late and there was a lot going on, the author could easily come back to these characters and give them more page time if they felt inspired. Maybe from Emery's pov so we could get more from him ❤️

[Nick · Rating 5 out of 5]

Saoirse mvp!

I think this was 4 stars for most of the story - there were little bits of descriptions for places and people I felt were missing in places where I had hoped for more detail - Ambrose himself was begging for a few more descriptions across the story. But there was a certain point where things really took off and everything clicked into place for me. The ramp up begins with Saoirse finding them in the closet and blossoms when Ambrose finds a new use for his hand, as it were. From that point on the novel really finds its feet and I see the vision it was going for.

There are still bits and pieces I would have hoped played out differently - some more explanations about Morcant’s mystery rooms for example, and the full reason Katzica was still around (and how that worked), some impact for the murder of Valenti (it’s pretty much never touched on again), and some space to patch things up earnestly with Hellebore - but still! I think the novel achieved everything it set out to do and the climax slapped hard. Would definitely read more and will eagerly see what this author does next.

I do wish they had done the kinky hand thing more than once though - so many interesting applications for that!

[Ghost · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25 stars

I liked this book a lot, but not enough to give it 5 stars. I love Emery, my baby. It wasn’t hard to see that Emery wasn’t what Morcant was making him out to be. He was so cute my favorite, it’s not hard to understand why he this why, and learn throughout the novel why he’s so bad. I still liked Ambrose but he wasn’t my favorite of the two. The story was quite interesting to read about but I just wish that the Witch King wasn’t such a big part of Ambrose’s character I get why he is but still. It sorta felt like Ambrose was more of an extension of him and not himself, I wish he go to branch out of what the Witch King made him be. I liked how their relationship progressed, and how the moments between got sweeter and more caring. It just felt like they didn’t get enough of that, especially at the end where they’re happy only for a chapter. The ending felt rushed and quick but after everything that occurred I was ready for it to be over too. The portrayal of the emotional abuse and likewise was nice to see especially because they got to help each other heal. This is seen throughout the novel but was brought out in the one sex scene of book, which was sweet to see how far they’ve come with each other.

Overall I liked this book, I just hope that I like the third/last? One more than the first and second book.

[Astraeus · Rating 5 out of 5]

I listened to A Hex for Hunger as an audiobook and highly recommend the audio version. The narrator did a wonderful job.

I wasn't expecting to enjoy this one as much as I did A Spell For Heartsickness because I'm not super into the dark academia vibe, but Emery and Ambrose won me over. I originally wanted to read this for the transmasc representation, and Alistair Reeves did not disappoint. The way that Ambrose expressed his thoughts on gender and sexuality after being dead for 500 years and seeing the different ways modern society viewed it felt very real and authentic.

I had a slow start and wasn't invested until about 30% due to the slow reveals of the mysterious plots that were happening at the college. However, once the mystery was fully set, I was hooked. Similarly, I felt like the romance was a bit superficial at first, and then a shift happens as trust develops, and I was sucked in. So I would say that the pacing in the book is more of a ramp as it takes its time setting up the world and characters before ramping in intensity.

I loved the characters, all of them. The antagonists were so well done that I was literally screaming for them to shut up any time they said anything. Our protagonists were also multilayered, emotional, and strong men who were dealing with some serious trauma.

I also really enjoyed the grander themes of how abuse can shape us and the cycles it can create. The depictions of mental and emotional abuse were very well done and interesting. Which I would also label as trigger warnings because the abuse experienced is pretty present for the reader.

Also, this is a standalone; from what I could tell, there were no crossovers with A Spell For Heartsickness other than it taking place in the same world.

[Dani · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75 rounded up

A very solid second book from Alistair Reeves! This was described as being darker than A Spell For Heartsickness, and in some respects I agree; however, I thought in terms of dark content, the books are pretty much on par with one another. The author does an excellent job of interspersing light-hearted moments and action scenes to keep the plot going. I also enjoyed the take on magic, spells, and Ambrose’s reactions to the modern world.

Where this story was lacking for me was the relationship between Ambrose and Emery. There weren’t as many on page interactions where meaningful dialogue was had. It also didn’t seem to me that Emery liked Ambrose that much (though there weren’t moments where Emery was kind…this is really just bare minimum nice behavior). Additionally, I don’t know that the plot with Morcant was fully fleshed out? What’s driving him to obtain his immortality besides a lackluster obsession with the witch king? Why does he rope his daughter into it? And why was everything just wrapped up neat and tidy?? It felt like the main plot just resolved itself rather than creating necessary tension.

Overall Book 1 still has my heart.

[emerson · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5/5
I devoured (if you read this book you'll understand why I’m chuckling to myself now) this book pretty quickly and I had an overall good time doing it.

This one is much faster paced than the last, and I did end up enjoying it more. The plot was a pretty interesting, very complex one, so kudos to Reeves, and it was difficult to put down after 40% or so. Truthfully, the plot was the best thing about this book. It also took up almost all of the space.
That said, we did get a decent amount of complex characters, both in the main two and then the primary side characters. I liked all of them as individuals, and they felt layered in ways that made a lot of sense to me.

The romance plot, though, fell entirely flat. I would have believed entirely if Ambrose and Emery became friends due to the proximity, but we didn’t truly get any time to solely build a romance between them and it was glaringly obvious. Somehow they were in love and yet I have no idea how that happened. Part of the issue I think is that Ambrose had been learning everything from Emery, so we have no idea how they come together as individuals. Either way, I was unconvinced, and it made the ending less satisfying to me.

A theme of this book is recognizing abuse and unlearning the patterns of thinking formed by it, and as someone who has not dealt with that, I thought it was done well. But, like I said, this experience is not mine and I can not speak to it, so take my thoughts with a grain of salt and don’t read this if you think you won’t enjoy reading about that. It truly is a deep facet of the entire novel.

I might read the third book eventually, but it’s not out yet so we’ll see how I feel when it is. The first two existed in the same reality but had no connection at all, which means there’s no plot to forget should any of us forget about these books and then come back again later. In this case, I think that’s a positive.

[Katie Steele · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book to beat in 2025. Reeves' prose is somehow haunting and healing, heart-wrenching and soothing all at once. Ambrose is one of those characters that is easy to latch onto, someone the reader will root for from the start, the kind of character that seeps into your soul and keeps you turning the pages. The plot of this book is an intricate masterpiece. Every sentence was written with purpose, every clue laid out for those looking close enough. A web woven together seamlessly. All while giving a voice for trans readers to see themselves in, done beautifully. Alistair Reeves is giving the Romantasy genre a fresh voice that readers have been desperately looking for.

[Zach · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is so incredibly good with emotionally complex characters and intricate storytelling that pulls you under its spell! Reeves has crafted a story where the gorgeously dark history of the Witch King of Belgrave and His Grim Wolf, becomes enmeshed nearly five hundred years later with Emery Vale, who tithes a fortune for the chance to be free of a cruelty that has plagued him for years.

While at times fraught with blood and gore, this story is balanced by humor and soft moments between our morally grey protagonists. Heed the trigger warnings, but this is definitely one book you don’t want to miss!

[Bizzy · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5/5 - Enjoyed overall, but not as much as the first book in the series. Ambrose was an interesting character and I liked the choice to make this book single POV, but because we didn’t get Emery’s book, more should have been done to flesh Emery out as a character. Ambrose’s mistrust of Emery at the beginning is understandable and resolved far too easily. The question of Emery’s motives should have been left unresolved for more of the book. The romance didn’t feel entirely convincing to me for similar reasons. That said, the conflict with the antagonist created a lot of tension and genuine uncertainty over how the main characters would prevail, and I was entertained throughout.

[Shannon McGonegal · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ambrose as a morally grey character is someone so easy to fall in love with. Alistair has written this magical story with many twists and turns that makes it a true page turner. It actually took on the feeling of a thriller novel towards the end. I really appreciated how much of the magic and history of Ambrose and the witch kings connection that was uncovered throughout the novel brought more depth to the relationship of abuser and victim. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this novel, and would recommend it to all fantasy lovers.