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Live a Witch Die a Witch: Book I
Witches and goats. Midnight sabbats. Demon possession. All just Halloween stories…until Jenica’s deal with the Devil made them real. Now there’s only one way to survive the coming slaughter.
Witchcraft.
Not the safe kind. The forbidden kind. The kind no witch can access alone. That means Jenica will have to drag her stiletto-clad friends along with her.
Kicking and screaming if need be.
Live A Witch Die A Witch is a seductive and terrifying descent into coven wars and occult power, perfect for readers who crave anti-heroines who blur the line between good and evil. But be warned: much of the witchcraft in this story, and even some of the witches…are real.
Witchcraft.
Not the safe kind. The forbidden kind. The kind no witch can access alone. That means Jenica will have to drag her stiletto-clad friends along with her.
Kicking and screaming if need be.
Live A Witch Die A Witch is a seductive and terrifying descent into coven wars and occult power, perfect for readers who crave anti-heroines who blur the line between good and evil. But be warned: much of the witchcraft in this story, and even some of the witches…are real.
Kindle Edition
First published October 31, 2024
4 people are currently reading
15 people want to read
About the author
Dante Valente
2 books5 followersDante Valente is a writer of occult horror, known for fusing the primal roots of witchcraft with the elegance of gothic storytelling. His work is shaped by years of immersion in esoteric practice, ritual culture, and the hidden traditions of modern covens across Europe.
Valente’s prose is lush, dangerous, and intimately informed, written by someone who has walked in the very shadows he describes. His series Live A Witch Die A Witch follows the brutal ascent of witches, priestesses, and the powers that dare to claim them.
No one writes witches like Valente.
He doesn’t just write about witches.
He lives with them.
Valente’s prose is lush, dangerous, and intimately informed, written by someone who has walked in the very shadows he describes. His series Live A Witch Die A Witch follows the brutal ascent of witches, priestesses, and the powers that dare to claim them.
No one writes witches like Valente.
He doesn’t just write about witches.
He lives with them.
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
December 28, 2025
Now that’s what I’m talking about…this book was fabulous!! The author has thoroughly researched all there is to know, regarding witches, covens, demons, the craft, etc, and this was such a blast.
I won’t give too much away, but Jenica, and her friends, inherit a Black Grimoire from Jenica’s aunt Freya, who was a witch and has since passed. We meet a few different covens, and demons, and the cherry on top of all this, is that the story is based in Salem, Massachusetts…the witchiest place in the world…can’t wait to read Book 2.
5 ⭐️
Thanks to the author, Witch House Publishing, and NetGalley, for providing me with this free ARC, of which I leave a voluntary review.
Available: Now
I won’t give too much away, but Jenica, and her friends, inherit a Black Grimoire from Jenica’s aunt Freya, who was a witch and has since passed. We meet a few different covens, and demons, and the cherry on top of all this, is that the story is based in Salem, Massachusetts…the witchiest place in the world…can’t wait to read Book 2.
5 ⭐️
Thanks to the author, Witch House Publishing, and NetGalley, for providing me with this free ARC, of which I leave a voluntary review.
Available: Now
July 28, 2024
In my opinion, this book targets a strange mixture of readers - those interested in esotericism, teens interested in fashion via social media and young adults seeking their way in life, something to define them.
Its most fascinating aspect is the daring dive into the practice of witchery from a "hey, guys, this really happens" point of view. Its most heart-rending aspect is that there is the same mix of evil and good as in every other organization - slavery, revenge, greed, faith, despair, brotherhood, discretionary leadership, community, pain, care, torture, sensuality, hate, disdain, love, lies… and hope.
Lastly, what I liked least is the language in which friends address each other, with the same filthy or derogatory terms they address those outside the coven. It saddens me that maybe I'm older, and that's the reason I feel like we are progressing toward a future where the minds are brighter, the technology is amazing, access is discriminate, judgement is biased and values - honor, truth, patriotism, respect for history and learning, upholding the law - sadly obsolete. Am I obsolete?…
There is good writing in the book, even if in a few places it seems to me that there's too much trivial detail. Although, it is probably needed to underline how very young and inexperienced these young girls are, so I'm interested in reading the next book in the series to find out how it develops.
I received an advance review copy for free via BookSirens, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Its most fascinating aspect is the daring dive into the practice of witchery from a "hey, guys, this really happens" point of view. Its most heart-rending aspect is that there is the same mix of evil and good as in every other organization - slavery, revenge, greed, faith, despair, brotherhood, discretionary leadership, community, pain, care, torture, sensuality, hate, disdain, love, lies… and hope.
Lastly, what I liked least is the language in which friends address each other, with the same filthy or derogatory terms they address those outside the coven. It saddens me that maybe I'm older, and that's the reason I feel like we are progressing toward a future where the minds are brighter, the technology is amazing, access is discriminate, judgement is biased and values - honor, truth, patriotism, respect for history and learning, upholding the law - sadly obsolete. Am I obsolete?…
There is good writing in the book, even if in a few places it seems to me that there's too much trivial detail. Although, it is probably needed to underline how very young and inexperienced these young girls are, so I'm interested in reading the next book in the series to find out how it develops.
I received an advance review copy for free via BookSirens, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
November 2, 2024
This is what a book about witchcraft should be like! The author has clearly researched the many aspects of witches and magic, which is clear throughout the book and is what sets it apart from other "witchy" books.
The plot intrigued me from the start, and I found myself unable to put the book down. It is full of suspense, twisting paths, and strong characters that, combined, make for the perfect read.
This book is perfect for those who have an interest in the magical world of witches, LOVE a fantasy book with a basis of history thrown in, and who perhaps fancy the odd raunchy scene... I mean, who doesn't?!
The plot intrigued me from the start, and I found myself unable to put the book down. It is full of suspense, twisting paths, and strong characters that, combined, make for the perfect read.
This book is perfect for those who have an interest in the magical world of witches, LOVE a fantasy book with a basis of history thrown in, and who perhaps fancy the odd raunchy scene... I mean, who doesn't?!
August 10, 2024
A work of art! This book is masterfully written. I couldn’t put it down. The way real witchcraft and music are woven into the story is amazing. It really captivated me. The writing is so beautiful and poetic, too.
I love all the characters, especially the little 2,000 year old vampire witches. They made me laugh all day long. The Salem Seven are awesome, too - especially Indigo and the milkmaids.
Make no mistake, this book is dark, intense and brings the spice! It’s not for the meek, though. If you’re looking for a cozy, cottagecore story about witches, this isn’t it. But…if you’re looking for something darker and more true to life, this book is for you.
I can’t wait for the next book in this series! Highly recommended!
I love all the characters, especially the little 2,000 year old vampire witches. They made me laugh all day long. The Salem Seven are awesome, too - especially Indigo and the milkmaids.
Make no mistake, this book is dark, intense and brings the spice! It’s not for the meek, though. If you’re looking for a cozy, cottagecore story about witches, this isn’t it. But…if you’re looking for something darker and more true to life, this book is for you.
I can’t wait for the next book in this series! Highly recommended!
February 17, 2025
Fantastic read. Well researched. Thrilling and a real page turner. I couldn’t put this down. I cant wait for the next book. And more books from this author.
July 29, 2024
Thank you to BookSirens for an Advanced Reader's Copy of this title! I will NOT be thanking the author for anything!!!
What this book was advertised as: A girl dies in a terrorist attack on a witch-themed cafe in Salem and comes back from the veil to settle the score.
What this book actually was: What I can only assume is the author's fetishes for sexy sexy naked 20 year old girls having sexy sex with each other and he used Google AI to look up things about "witchcraft" to write about between the literal milkmaids and girls spanking each other.
This was the worst book I read this year and I am a worse person for reading it. There needs to be about 500 more trigger warnings for this book - "Violence, Sex, Death, and Profanity" does not even begin to COVER it, there's physical abuse, BESTIALITY, human trafficking, sexual abuse, animal abuse, gore, and a bunch other I'm forgetting because my brain is trying to protect me.
I simply think people should just not read this book. The author took what could have been a really interesting "good for her" plot and turned it into fetish porn (not to mention, the "terrorist attack" is brought up about twice in 400 pages and not a damn thing these girlypops ever relates back to that overall). The writing is poor and reads like a middle-aged man's idea of how women talk to each other after watching thousands of hours of porn and reading in the dredges of AO3 wannabe fanfiction, and we're supposed to believe this is eMpOwErInG for women. Every woman in this book is a thin attractive white woman with straight hair of variable colors because ~diversity~ and their entire personalities revolve around how hot they are and thinly veiled references to having sex with each other. There's a whole plot line that involves a bus full of girls on their way to get third-trimester abortions (???) who become HUMAN MILKMAIDS instead - and that's really what's best for them and they're having so much fun so it's okay! There's a pack of vampire succubi that have the bodies of little girls but it's fine because they're 2000+ years old. WHO APPROVED THIS BOOK FOR DISTRIBUTION?????
What made it even more delicious was the author's pretentious introduction, where he says he could have finished the book in a year, but instead he spent six years "living among real witches" so that the book could be "authentic". I'm not familiar with whole groups of witches who drink breast milk, only wear designer clothes (seriously, this book had nary a crumb of plot, but the author went into painstaking detail about the specific brands of 12 inch heels and latex minidresses various characters wore), are sugar babies (although he did remember to share the website of the "sugar baby witches" at the end of the book!), and eat hot wings in their downtime while describing different types of witches by reading the Wikipedia entry, but go off!!!!
Tl;dr if an incel wrote a book about "witchcraft" it would probably be better than this book. It's bad enough to be on someone's Book Rant Review list, but I don't want to support the author in even a negative way because they plan on writing MORE of this trash.
What this book was advertised as: A girl dies in a terrorist attack on a witch-themed cafe in Salem and comes back from the veil to settle the score.
What this book actually was: What I can only assume is the author's fetishes for sexy sexy naked 20 year old girls having sexy sex with each other and he used Google AI to look up things about "witchcraft" to write about between the literal milkmaids and girls spanking each other.
This was the worst book I read this year and I am a worse person for reading it. There needs to be about 500 more trigger warnings for this book - "Violence, Sex, Death, and Profanity" does not even begin to COVER it, there's physical abuse, BESTIALITY, human trafficking, sexual abuse, animal abuse, gore, and a bunch other I'm forgetting because my brain is trying to protect me.
I simply think people should just not read this book. The author took what could have been a really interesting "good for her" plot and turned it into fetish porn (not to mention, the "terrorist attack" is brought up about twice in 400 pages and not a damn thing these girlypops ever relates back to that overall). The writing is poor and reads like a middle-aged man's idea of how women talk to each other after watching thousands of hours of porn and reading in the dredges of AO3 wannabe fanfiction, and we're supposed to believe this is eMpOwErInG for women. Every woman in this book is a thin attractive white woman with straight hair of variable colors because ~diversity~ and their entire personalities revolve around how hot they are and thinly veiled references to having sex with each other. There's a whole plot line that involves a bus full of girls on their way to get third-trimester abortions (???) who become HUMAN MILKMAIDS instead - and that's really what's best for them and they're having so much fun so it's okay! There's a pack of vampire succubi that have the bodies of little girls but it's fine because they're 2000+ years old. WHO APPROVED THIS BOOK FOR DISTRIBUTION?????
What made it even more delicious was the author's pretentious introduction, where he says he could have finished the book in a year, but instead he spent six years "living among real witches" so that the book could be "authentic". I'm not familiar with whole groups of witches who drink breast milk, only wear designer clothes (seriously, this book had nary a crumb of plot, but the author went into painstaking detail about the specific brands of 12 inch heels and latex minidresses various characters wore), are sugar babies (although he did remember to share the website of the "sugar baby witches" at the end of the book!), and eat hot wings in their downtime while describing different types of witches by reading the Wikipedia entry, but go off!!!!
Tl;dr if an incel wrote a book about "witchcraft" it would probably be better than this book. It's bad enough to be on someone's Book Rant Review list, but I don't want to support the author in even a negative way because they plan on writing MORE of this trash.
July 21, 2024
The creative writing and attention to detail provided in this book is beyond amazing. The beginning of a coven, forged in fire. It's a thrilling and darkly beautiful masterpiece. The realism the author added, just makes the fantasy so much better. I'm hooked on this book series now, and I can't wait to read more of this enlightening story.
If you're a fan of Witchcraft, Supernatural, Paranormal, Dark Thrillers and Horror... Then you should definitely give this book a read. I highly recommend it!
Note: There are triggers throughout this book. If you are squeamish, over-sensitive to... blood, gore, sex, punishment, S&M, teen pregnancy, abortion, slavery, death, mutilation, demonic/satanic rituals and interspecies relations... read at your own discretion.
If you're a fan of Witchcraft, Supernatural, Paranormal, Dark Thrillers and Horror... Then you should definitely give this book a read. I highly recommend it!
Note: There are triggers throughout this book. If you are squeamish, over-sensitive to... blood, gore, sex, punishment, S&M, teen pregnancy, abortion, slavery, death, mutilation, demonic/satanic rituals and interspecies relations... read at your own discretion.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 13, 2025
This was intense at times. There is a lot of world building happening, and a lot of context sewn into it. The story didn't progress a lot for those reasons, but it did leave me with a good understanding of the politics at play here between the covens we have been introduced to, and definitely hooked me enough to read the next book when it's released.
I personally don't know a lot about witchcraft or the surrounding lore, but this book is said to be based on those ideas and it definitely showed. Some of it, I was familiar with, other things made me feel a little bit uncomfortable at times, especially during the coven forming ritual scene, after the fight. Outside of those literal 5 sentences (give or take a couple), I was fine reading the rest.
I personally don't know a lot about witchcraft or the surrounding lore, but this book is said to be based on those ideas and it definitely showed. Some of it, I was familiar with, other things made me feel a little bit uncomfortable at times, especially during the coven forming ritual scene, after the fight. Outside of those literal 5 sentences (give or take a couple), I was fine reading the rest.
November 3, 2024
The perfect spicy, occult read for the season!
Valente holds nothing back in Live A Witch Die A Witch. If you're not a fan of violence and adult content, you may want to look elsewhere for a weekend read. If you like the idea of a no-holds-barred story of witchcraft, you'll find a richly researched world based on real cultures and practices with themes of grief, self-discovery, found family and feminine empowerment. Most certainly worth the read, and I can't wait to see what comes next for Jenica and her sisters in this series!
Valente holds nothing back in Live A Witch Die A Witch. If you're not a fan of violence and adult content, you may want to look elsewhere for a weekend read. If you like the idea of a no-holds-barred story of witchcraft, you'll find a richly researched world based on real cultures and practices with themes of grief, self-discovery, found family and feminine empowerment. Most certainly worth the read, and I can't wait to see what comes next for Jenica and her sisters in this series!
December 17, 2025
Thank-you to netgalley, the publisher and the author for the arc in exchange for an honest review.
You can tell Dante did his due diligence in researching witchcraft and being as accurate as he could. This was a refreshing REAL witchy read. The banter between the girls was great. Check trigger warnings because some of the content may be triggering.
Jenica must navigate life altering challenges but she has her eccentric friends with her on the journey. As the author has stated this is NOT. a cozy witch mystery. There are hyperrealistic elements in this story that could be triggering.
You can tell Dante did his due diligence in researching witchcraft and being as accurate as he could. This was a refreshing REAL witchy read. The banter between the girls was great. Check trigger warnings because some of the content may be triggering.
Jenica must navigate life altering challenges but she has her eccentric friends with her on the journey. As the author has stated this is NOT. a cozy witch mystery. There are hyperrealistic elements in this story that could be triggering.
August 6, 2024
I really enjoyed this concept and how everything worked with the setting and characters. The overall story was fantastic and enjoyed the storyline going on. The characters felt like they were supposed to and thought it was get going on this journey with them. I'm excited to see where this series will go, as this was really well written.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 24, 2025
I really emjoyed reading Live A Witch Die A Witch. The characters are interesting and well developed, and the story is intriguing. This is definitely not a cozy little witch story. It's dark, fascinating, and very adult. If you like your witches to be dark and dangerous, this is probably a book for you. I highly recommend it for fans of Gothic fantasy with witches. I'm looking forward to future books in the series.
April 9, 2025
⭐️4.5
What an incredible read. I really enjoyed the realistic witchcraft in this book as well as all the accurate information provided, the characters are all pretty likeable and I found myself rooting for both the main covens. I wasn’t such a fan of the concept of milkmaids, however it was very intriguing and I’m interested to know where that storyline goes from here.
What an incredible read. I really enjoyed the realistic witchcraft in this book as well as all the accurate information provided, the characters are all pretty likeable and I found myself rooting for both the main covens. I wasn’t such a fan of the concept of milkmaids, however it was very intriguing and I’m interested to know where that storyline goes from here.
April 18, 2025
It was incredibly difficult to read for me. I got whiplash trying to keep the stories straight. I loved the new coven story line but it should have not been mixed with the oversexed storyline, which I don't mind IF I'm in the mood for that type of story. But i really did not enjoy reading this story. Which i received as a Hidden Gem ARC.
November 2, 2024
Witch craft! Sex! And much much more! You are in for many surprise when reading this book! The witch-ness has so so much to offer and it super well researched!
The witches are bad bitches and we are here for it 🧙 read beware! This story will leave you jaw on the floor! Happy reading!
The witches are bad bitches and we are here for it 🧙 read beware! This story will leave you jaw on the floor! Happy reading!
February 14, 2025
This is an interesting read about witchcraft and how those involved deal with the events around their cult. The author painted a picture of their craft and it was a fascinating read
I received an advance copy from hidden gems and I was pulled into a new world
I received an advance copy from hidden gems and I was pulled into a new world
February 15, 2025
3.5 rounded up to 4 ⭐️
witchy books are my new obsession so I may be biased but this was so much fun! It was also really easy to read, the banter was ridiculously funny, and the plot kept me on my toes 🧙♀️
#arc
witchy books are my new obsession so I may be biased but this was so much fun! It was also really easy to read, the banter was ridiculously funny, and the plot kept me on my toes 🧙♀️
#arc
March 6, 2025
Great story very good full details was exciting read
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews