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The Hollow Witch
When child soldier Silvie loses her magic and part of her hearing, her life as she knew it is over. Sent to the far-away canal city of Arteria to be an alchemist's apprentice, she is forced to begin again.
Azura, the alchemist's daughter, lives among Arteria's wealthiest and most comfortable. She and Silvie couldn't be more different, and yet the two are drawn to one another, each trapped by the circumstances of their birth.
But Arteria is plagued by the high cost of its magic the cadaveri - walking corpses that prey on the living.
When the city comes under unprecedented threat, can Silvie and Azura save it? Do they even want to?
"This is a wild, magical, powerful story. Our queer disabled heroine lives in a world of zombies and witches... Can love, friendship and hope survive in such a place?" - Jess Walton, Stars In Their Eyes
Azura, the alchemist's daughter, lives among Arteria's wealthiest and most comfortable. She and Silvie couldn't be more different, and yet the two are drawn to one another, each trapped by the circumstances of their birth.
But Arteria is plagued by the high cost of its magic the cadaveri - walking corpses that prey on the living.
When the city comes under unprecedented threat, can Silvie and Azura save it? Do they even want to?
"This is a wild, magical, powerful story. Our queer disabled heroine lives in a world of zombies and witches... Can love, friendship and hope survive in such a place?" - Jess Walton, Stars In Their Eyes
242 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 26, 2024
3 people are currently reading
69 people want to read
About the author
Mary Borsellino
46 books56 followersMary Borsellino has written fiction and essays about sci-fi and fantasy, including a book of academia about Robin the Boy Wonder and a critically acclaimed novel about what the Devil likes about rock and roll. They live in Australia.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews
July 16, 2025
The Hollow Witch is a quiet, emotional fantasy about Silvie, a girl soldier who’s lost her magic. She’s sent to the distant city to apprentice under an alchemist, and there she meets Azura, the alchemist’s daughter. They’re very different, but their connection slowly deepens.
What I really loved was the character-driven storytelling. The relationship between Silvie and Azura felt genuine, and I enjoyed the world-building.
The pacing felt a bit rushed toward the end, and some plot points could’ve used more development. But even so, I still enjoyed the book.
If you’re into queer fantasy with a slow-burning emotional arc, this one is definitely worth a read.
Thank you to NetGalley and Mary Borsellino for providing me with an ARC in exchange for my honest review!
What I really loved was the character-driven storytelling. The relationship between Silvie and Azura felt genuine, and I enjoyed the world-building.
The pacing felt a bit rushed toward the end, and some plot points could’ve used more development. But even so, I still enjoyed the book.
If you’re into queer fantasy with a slow-burning emotional arc, this one is definitely worth a read.
Thank you to NetGalley and Mary Borsellino for providing me with an ARC in exchange for my honest review!
May 7, 2025
4 Stars
ARC from Netgally.
The Hollow Witch by Mary Borsellino found me gobsmacked by its ending. Then I retrace my steps to check what I’ve missed or overlooked and the signs were all there, glaring!
Let’s breakdown the fantastical world that Mary Bordsellino created. The main setting was called Arteria where magic was the main source of the city’s commerce. Prosperous (for the rich) yet riddled with poverty and the ill effects of the magic bringing forth zombies called cadaveri in the story. There’s three significant characters and one male that’s mostly in the scenes but would be classified as secondary and they’re all from different social standing yet get along and build a tentative friendship. Through all that, the layers of the story unfolds. The cunning of the author can be seen through the in-between, the glossed over, the contrasting but subtle cues in the story. In hindsight, it was all there, foreshadowed for the reader to decipher.
In addition, a deeper dive into the characters’ background (especially the Queen) and the history of Arteria instead of secondhand word of mouth of snatches of history would have elevated the story more! It’s teeming with so much potential!
In conclusion, I have enjoyed reading about Arteria and the four youngins navigating the perilous world created by Mary Borsellino.
PS: It does have an f/f romance. It’s not the main event, but it’s there.
ARC from Netgally.
The Hollow Witch by Mary Borsellino found me gobsmacked by its ending. Then I retrace my steps to check what I’ve missed or overlooked and the signs were all there, glaring!
Let’s breakdown the fantastical world that Mary Bordsellino created. The main setting was called Arteria where magic was the main source of the city’s commerce. Prosperous (for the rich) yet riddled with poverty and the ill effects of the magic bringing forth zombies called cadaveri in the story. There’s three significant characters and one male that’s mostly in the scenes but would be classified as secondary and they’re all from different social standing yet get along and build a tentative friendship. Through all that, the layers of the story unfolds. The cunning of the author can be seen through the in-between, the glossed over, the contrasting but subtle cues in the story. In hindsight, it was all there, foreshadowed for the reader to decipher.
In addition, a deeper dive into the characters’ background (especially the Queen) and the history of Arteria instead of secondhand word of mouth of snatches of history would have elevated the story more! It’s teeming with so much potential!
In conclusion, I have enjoyed reading about Arteria and the four youngins navigating the perilous world created by Mary Borsellino.
PS: It does have an f/f romance. It’s not the main event, but it’s there.
January 14, 2025
Zombie high fantasy
Silvie is a poor foundling who served as a magical sentry - travelling in a wolf‘s mind to fight against the cadaveri - until she total burns out when her wolf dies. No magic, deaf on one ear and with serious vertigo she is called to serve the royal alchemist in the main capital Arteria. There she meets well-to-do, contrary Azura, the magically gifted daughter of the alchemist, and the child-queen Lena. We get to know the intricate setting and the capital. Arteria very much resembles Venice, the lagoon, the canals, the palazzo and certainly the opulent flaunting of wealth.
Borsellino slowly introduces us into the world: where Silvie, Azura, Lena and her guard are on very different sides when it comes to their station in life. I started to wait for the other shoe to drop when we slowly get an idea that all the wealth covers a rot which goes to the core of this world. At last it all erupts …
The world-building is excellent. I esp. liked the idea of the cadaveri / zombies balancing the exploitation of magic. Borsellino outdid themselves when describing the effects of Silvie‘s disability and weaving them continuously into the story. There is a very slow burn f/f romance mixed into the story. Although interesting it takes some time for the underlying tension to come forth, but I very much enjoyed the nuanced writing and the great descriptions.
I received an ARC via netgalley. The review is left voluntarily.
Silvie is a poor foundling who served as a magical sentry - travelling in a wolf‘s mind to fight against the cadaveri - until she total burns out when her wolf dies. No magic, deaf on one ear and with serious vertigo she is called to serve the royal alchemist in the main capital Arteria. There she meets well-to-do, contrary Azura, the magically gifted daughter of the alchemist, and the child-queen Lena. We get to know the intricate setting and the capital. Arteria very much resembles Venice, the lagoon, the canals, the palazzo and certainly the opulent flaunting of wealth.
Borsellino slowly introduces us into the world: where Silvie, Azura, Lena and her guard are on very different sides when it comes to their station in life. I started to wait for the other shoe to drop when we slowly get an idea that all the wealth covers a rot which goes to the core of this world. At last it all erupts …
The world-building is excellent. I esp. liked the idea of the cadaveri / zombies balancing the exploitation of magic. Borsellino outdid themselves when describing the effects of Silvie‘s disability and weaving them continuously into the story. There is a very slow burn f/f romance mixed into the story. Although interesting it takes some time for the underlying tension to come forth, but I very much enjoyed the nuanced writing and the great descriptions.
I received an ARC via netgalley. The review is left voluntarily.
March 9, 2025
I received a free copy from Netgalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
I thought there were some good aspects to this book, I like the idea of a fantasy setting where zombies are the primary conflict, and I think it was underutilized since they really only appear a couple of times.
I liked Silvie as an mc, but on the other hand I didn’t really care for Azura since she didn’t really have any character development despite the fact that her flaws are a major part of her character.
The romance was cute at times, but it felt a little rushed since we hardly get any indication that Silvie was interested in Azura at all until right before they get together.
I do think the biggest problem was the pacing, since some ideas were introduced but not fully fleshed out. The most enjoyable part of this book for me was the friendship between Azura, Sylvie, Lena, and Myles. Lena ended up being my favorite character.
I thought there were some good aspects to this book, I like the idea of a fantasy setting where zombies are the primary conflict, and I think it was underutilized since they really only appear a couple of times.
I liked Silvie as an mc, but on the other hand I didn’t really care for Azura since she didn’t really have any character development despite the fact that her flaws are a major part of her character.
The romance was cute at times, but it felt a little rushed since we hardly get any indication that Silvie was interested in Azura at all until right before they get together.
I do think the biggest problem was the pacing, since some ideas were introduced but not fully fleshed out. The most enjoyable part of this book for me was the friendship between Azura, Sylvie, Lena, and Myles. Lena ended up being my favorite character.
April 18, 2025
The idea of the world and the magic system is interesting but underexplored. It would be great to focus more specifically on some aspects of it more, and maybe also give a little more specific info sometimes. And I wish the writing had been more flowery so the flow of the story would be easier. The writing feels a little stiff and robotics sometimes. Since that are the things that could be achieved by practice, I hope the author won't stop writing.
Thank to NetGalley, the publisher and the author, for giving me the arc arc
Thank to NetGalley, the publisher and the author, for giving me the arc arc
February 17, 2025
A Joyfully Jay review.
3.5 stars
The world building in The Hollow Witch is interesting, and is really a highlight of the book. Here, magic is as common as ice in a drink, fire on a cold night, or medicine for a headache. It’s an easy and accessible part of daily life. However, there’s a price to be paid for using it, and that is the cadavari. When magic is used, especially in great quantities, it raises the dead. And for the most part, people are willing to deal with that, to lose a few people every now then to ghouls, because lights in the dark, clean clothing, and straight teeth are worth it.
Read Elizabeth’s review in its entirety here.
3.5 stars
The world building in The Hollow Witch is interesting, and is really a highlight of the book. Here, magic is as common as ice in a drink, fire on a cold night, or medicine for a headache. It’s an easy and accessible part of daily life. However, there’s a price to be paid for using it, and that is the cadavari. When magic is used, especially in great quantities, it raises the dead. And for the most part, people are willing to deal with that, to lose a few people every now then to ghouls, because lights in the dark, clean clothing, and straight teeth are worth it.
Read Elizabeth’s review in its entirety here.
March 3, 2025
Read as an ARC from Netgalley
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2.5 / 5 stars
Oh I wanted to love this so much, but it never managed to really get me invested in the story or the characters. There isn't really a actual plot for 85% of the story, and the romance between the two main characters also doesn't really get started until about 50%. In a longer book, that may have been fine, but with a novella length story like this, it just means that the romance almost feels insta-love-y because of how quickly it goes from maybe to serious. It also makes the ending feel very tacked-on, as if it were an afterthought, instead of the logical conclusion to the story. There were obviously morsels of the plot scattered throughout, but when the thread between them is revealed at the end, it doesn't feel satisfying or compelling, it's just "meh". The magic system is quite interesting and probably the thing I liked best about the story, but it still feels kind of half-baked, since it's never really clarified what exactly magic can and cannot do. I was also very put off by the whole 'sentry' thing, because I never quite understood what they were, they hunt down the cadaveri, yes, but apart from that? Is the projecting into animals unique to them? Can they do more than just that projection? Why are they so despised by the common people? I also really struggled with the ages of the main 4 characters, as they were all described as 'young', but also they weren't all the same age, I think?
There's potential, certainly, but in its current form I really can't justify any score above a 2.5.
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2.5 / 5 stars
Oh I wanted to love this so much, but it never managed to really get me invested in the story or the characters. There isn't really a actual plot for 85% of the story, and the romance between the two main characters also doesn't really get started until about 50%. In a longer book, that may have been fine, but with a novella length story like this, it just means that the romance almost feels insta-love-y because of how quickly it goes from maybe to serious. It also makes the ending feel very tacked-on, as if it were an afterthought, instead of the logical conclusion to the story. There were obviously morsels of the plot scattered throughout, but when the thread between them is revealed at the end, it doesn't feel satisfying or compelling, it's just "meh". The magic system is quite interesting and probably the thing I liked best about the story, but it still feels kind of half-baked, since it's never really clarified what exactly magic can and cannot do. I was also very put off by the whole 'sentry' thing, because I never quite understood what they were, they hunt down the cadaveri, yes, but apart from that? Is the projecting into animals unique to them? Can they do more than just that projection? Why are they so despised by the common people? I also really struggled with the ages of the main 4 characters, as they were all described as 'young', but also they weren't all the same age, I think?
There's potential, certainly, but in its current form I really can't justify any score above a 2.5.
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April 4, 2025Thank you to NetGalley and Clan Destine Press for an eARC in exchange for an honest review
There were a lot of aspects to this book that drew me in enough to request an ARC: particularly references to alchemy and 'ex-soldier' characters. Once I'd finished reading, my feelings were pretty mixed.
First some things that I loved! Catacombs! They were creepy as hell (I really want to visit the ones in Paris). In fact, overall loads of this book had the eerie and macabre threaded through it, particularly with the Venice-inspired setting. The ghouls that are determined to keep coming at you no matter how you fight them? Yeah that's so cool. Also that the ghouls were tied into this capitalism/magic debt/ethical quandary really worked for me. Had that whole 'fighting society as well as magic' dilemma going on.
Other than the intriguing spooky aspects of the book, I think perhaps it would have been better suited to a two book structure. For me, there were just too many parts of the story that got brushed over or crammed into only a few lines. For example, the whole wolf plotline right at the start which didn't really add into the plot later in, or the way there was no overarching plot (you know where things start 'getting worse' or there start to be attacks happening more frequently etc). I think that because of this lack of stepping stones, when we reached the 'big reveal', I was not particularly convinced.
So ultimately had fun but felt it lacked something
There were a lot of aspects to this book that drew me in enough to request an ARC: particularly references to alchemy and 'ex-soldier' characters. Once I'd finished reading, my feelings were pretty mixed.
First some things that I loved! Catacombs! They were creepy as hell (I really want to visit the ones in Paris). In fact, overall loads of this book had the eerie and macabre threaded through it, particularly with the Venice-inspired setting. The ghouls that are determined to keep coming at you no matter how you fight them? Yeah that's so cool. Also that the ghouls were tied into this capitalism/magic debt/ethical quandary really worked for me. Had that whole 'fighting society as well as magic' dilemma going on.
Other than the intriguing spooky aspects of the book, I think perhaps it would have been better suited to a two book structure. For me, there were just too many parts of the story that got brushed over or crammed into only a few lines. For example, the whole wolf plotline right at the start which didn't really add into the plot later in, or the way there was no overarching plot (you know where things start 'getting worse' or there start to be attacks happening more frequently etc). I think that because of this lack of stepping stones, when we reached the 'big reveal', I was not particularly convinced.
So ultimately had fun but felt it lacked something
March 6, 2025
Thank you Net Galley for providing me with this e-ARC in exchange for my honest review.
i didn't enjoy this novel as much as I thought I would, but I was still surprised just by how original it was. the whole premises was interesting, and I would even say nicely done. However, I couldn't really get into the story because I didn't care for any of the characters (i straight up hated some of them).
one of the main characters was just boring. her backstory was great, and the representation was impressive, but she didn't do nothing the entire novel, and she barely showed any kind of emotion.
the other main character, azula, was just annoying. even though she was supposed to be 18, she acted like a spoiled brat. she reminded me of people who try to force their opinion on everyone else because they believe theirs is the only correct one. the entire time, she was just insufferable. anytime she said something I wanted to punch her.
i really liked the side characters, the princess and her guard. even though I saw the plotwist coming, I still enjoyed it and the ending was quite sad. we needed more worldbuilding, but since this was an under 200-page novel, it's understandable why the author rushed it a little.
i didn't enjoy this novel as much as I thought I would, but I was still surprised just by how original it was. the whole premises was interesting, and I would even say nicely done. However, I couldn't really get into the story because I didn't care for any of the characters (i straight up hated some of them).
one of the main characters was just boring. her backstory was great, and the representation was impressive, but she didn't do nothing the entire novel, and she barely showed any kind of emotion.
the other main character, azula, was just annoying. even though she was supposed to be 18, she acted like a spoiled brat. she reminded me of people who try to force their opinion on everyone else because they believe theirs is the only correct one. the entire time, she was just insufferable. anytime she said something I wanted to punch her.
i really liked the side characters, the princess and her guard. even though I saw the plotwist coming, I still enjoyed it and the ending was quite sad. we needed more worldbuilding, but since this was an under 200-page novel, it's understandable why the author rushed it a little.
February 6, 2025
Fresh, new concept ... about the rotting undead.
*Received an ARC via NetGalley in return for an honest review*
There was promise for this story, but the execution lacked punch and dragged despite a tiny <300 page count. This read like a second or third draft, and perhaps a few more were needed to fine tune details and get the rhythm perfected.
Disability and queer rep was good, but fell short on paying off on the emotional impact of the reveal that one of the main characters was being sexually abused since age 2.
The ending shot itself in the foot by leaving the story without ending any character arcs or really progressing the characters developments. Who they all were at the start is who they were at the end. The shock reveal that the . From about 40-80% of the way through it was rating about 4 Stars, but the shocking twist coming at like 7% from the end didn't leave enough time for it to sink in and actually shock and really brought down the overall quality of the book.
Considering how dark the material was in terms of child abuse, systematic violence against certain caste's, and severe social divides, it lacked in thoroughly exploring it and emotionally connecting the reader to those issues, there were some really horrific ideas (in a good way) but it felt like reading from a history book.
I did love the little cadaveri girl in the glass coffin, that was really well executed, had me turning on the lights to reassure me she wasn't in the room with me. Fabulous! She gets an extra star for the horror of it!
*Received an ARC via NetGalley in return for an honest review*
There was promise for this story, but the execution lacked punch and dragged despite a tiny <300 page count. This read like a second or third draft, and perhaps a few more were needed to fine tune details and get the rhythm perfected.
Disability and queer rep was good, but fell short on paying off on the emotional impact of the reveal that one of the main characters was being sexually abused since age 2.
The ending shot itself in the foot by leaving the story without ending any character arcs or really progressing the characters developments. Who they all were at the start is who they were at the end. The shock reveal that the . From about 40-80% of the way through it was rating about 4 Stars, but the shocking twist coming at like 7% from the end didn't leave enough time for it to sink in and actually shock and really brought down the overall quality of the book.
Considering how dark the material was in terms of child abuse, systematic violence against certain caste's, and severe social divides, it lacked in thoroughly exploring it and emotionally connecting the reader to those issues, there were some really horrific ideas (in a good way) but it felt like reading from a history book.
I did love the little cadaveri girl in the glass coffin, that was really well executed, had me turning on the lights to reassure me she wasn't in the room with me. Fabulous! She gets an extra star for the horror of it!
January 10, 2025
It is a story which touches upon a range of themes including prejudice, child abuse, and homophobia, seeking to tackle big issues through a fantasy lens, albeit if a little clumsily at times. There was a poignant story to be told here and a fascinating idea of what magic truly costs and I would have liked to feel more invested in the personal journeys the characters were going on. An interesting story with potential.
https://wildroseandpearls.com/2025/01...
https://wildroseandpearls.com/2025/01...
February 12, 2025
A child soldier losing magic and then there's the alchemist's daughter, has everything she could ever need. Both couldn't have been any more different but when they must come together. The city of Arteria is under attack from the walking dead feeding on the living.
This book was very unique, and once in the story I was fully immersed.
Thank you to Clan Destine Press and NetGalley for this E-ARC.
This book was very unique, and once in the story I was fully immersed.
Thank you to Clan Destine Press and NetGalley for this E-ARC.
March 10, 2025
This was quite enjoyable ! The world and the magic system were very interesting, I really liked having a natural consequence to the use/abuse of magic in the form of resurrecting corpses. The characters were interesting and complex, while I didn’t always agree with them they felt real.
My one complaint is with the overall pacing and the ending. It felt both rushed and too slow, not leaving enough time to let things simmer but also like nothing happened. I personally would have liked to see what happens after the ending, but that’s mostly because I don’t like such open endings.
I read the e-arc via Netgalley, in exchange for a review. I got it after it already was published, so I’m not sure if this still holds? Regardless. Reviewing it :3
My one complaint is with the overall pacing and the ending. It felt both rushed and too slow, not leaving enough time to let things simmer but also like nothing happened. I personally would have liked to see what happens after the ending, but that’s mostly because I don’t like such open endings.
I read the e-arc via Netgalley, in exchange for a review. I got it after it already was published, so I’m not sure if this still holds? Regardless. Reviewing it :3
February 18, 2025
I think if you want the things you're supposed to want, and love the things you're supposed to love, it's as simple as anything to be an adult. The problems only come if you aren't what you're supposed to be. Like us.
Thank you to NetGalley and Clan Destine Press, Inc. for allowing me a digital copy in exchange for an honest review.
I agree with other reviews in that this book feels like a draft rather than a finished story. I feel the author wasn't sure of the tone of the book, that they wanted to address so many things that none were explored that in-depth. I do think this story had potential. There are some really good points, some quotes I really liked, but overall I feel the text felt a little bit disjointed. Like everything was silly antics and the next this dramatic talk and the next silly again and then traumatic, but it felt kind of episodic and the important issues weren't properly addressed.
There's this ongoing theme in the book of Azura feeling kind of left out because of her sheltered life and feeling bad about caring about these things that seem so little in comparison with what everyone else was dealing with and I both liked it and didn't. On the one hand I feel this reflects our society, how we know the horrible stuff that's going on and then feel stupid that we care about failing a subject or a silly fight. But on the other hand I felt like most of the time she complained just because she could (?). Like check your privilege. Half of the time I couldn't stand her for it because the dead were literally rising and she was like "My life is solved but I don't wanna follow my father's footsteps :(". Like she felt so sorry for herself all of the time it was tiring. But I mean that's realistic, she's a teenager after all, a rich one.
She complains a couple of times about her dad fixing her vision because she didn't need any fixing. And I was there like :/ I've worn glasses since I was little. They're expensive as fuck. Every time I get my vision checked it got worse, so I need new ones. And then we have to think about money again. You see I don't see shit and if I were offered to have my eyesight fixed magically (and for free) I'd jump at the chance. I guess the author wanted to make a point about disability not needing fixing because you're not broken, but this didn't feel like it. It didn't sit right with me. That and Azura being so powerful and so "I don't really like magic" but then using it for everything made me feel like Azura was just a spoiled brat and I couldn't really empathise with her. I feel like I would have liked the book better if it was only told from Silvie's perspective.
I don't like how they handled Lena's abuse either. Like it was revealed in the end (even though it was obvious from the start) and Azura was like it's okay, you're gonna be okay and then the book is over.
Overall there were so many things worth exploring in this book and even though it felt so long they weren't explored and the author chose to focus on the romance instead.
October 28, 2025
The Hollow Witch by Mary Borsellino is an evocative high fantasy novel that masterfully intertwines sapphic romance, political critique, and haunting magical consequences into one unforgettable tale. While its pacing stumbles at times, the richness of its world-building and the emotional payoff in the final act more than make up for it.
Set in a world where every act of magic comes at the cost of reawakening the dead, Borsellino crafts a chilling, atmospheric backdrop that’s as beautiful as it is brutal. The threat of the undead isn’t omnipresent like in traditional zombie horror—it’s creeping, systemic, a byproduct of magic misuse that is ignored by those in power. This eerie, slow-burn sense of dread is one of the novel’s greatest strengths.
At the heart of the story is Sylvie—a former sentry now living with a disability after losing both her magic and nearly her life. When she’s sent to the palace to assist an alchemist, she’s plunged into a world of elegance and ease that stands in stark contrast to her own past. Azura, the alchemist’s daughter, has grown up in this world, and while privileged and naive, she’s not without her own quiet strength. Their slow-budding friendship, which later turns romantic, has moments of tenderness—but I did wish for more development before their romance bloomed. It felt like we skipped a few beats, though their scenes together remain genuinely sweet.
Sylvie and Azura aren’t designed to be perfectly likeable. They’re messy, flawed, human—and that’s the point. Sylvie clings to the past, hardened and wary. Azura, for all her defiance, struggles to grasp the depth of injustice outside the palace walls. Watching them challenge each other and grow—individually and together—was a highlight of the story.
The first half of the novel leans into slow, deliberate world-building, but the story truly catches fire around the 70% mark. The climax, which arrives with gut-wrenching clarity, reframes everything that came before. There’s a particular twist—delivered with devastating precision—that elevates this from a solid fantasy to something far more profound. The final 10% is an emotional gut punch, filled with rage, loss, and the bitter clarity of truth. The ending comes abruptly, but with enough open threads to hope for a sequel.
For readers who like:
- Quiet sapphic romance
- Slow-burn high fantasy with rich world-building
- Disabled heroines
- Commentary on class, power, and magical cost
Final Verdict
A spellbinding, slow-burning fantasy that builds a beautiful, harrowing world where magic has consequences, and love blooms in the shadows. The Hollow Witch doesn’t give you everything up front but its final chapters deliver a devastating, thoughtful twist that lingers long after.
Grateful to NetGalley, Clan Destine Press, and Mary Borsellino for the opportunity to read an advance copy of this story in exchange for an honest review.
Set in a world where every act of magic comes at the cost of reawakening the dead, Borsellino crafts a chilling, atmospheric backdrop that’s as beautiful as it is brutal. The threat of the undead isn’t omnipresent like in traditional zombie horror—it’s creeping, systemic, a byproduct of magic misuse that is ignored by those in power. This eerie, slow-burn sense of dread is one of the novel’s greatest strengths.
At the heart of the story is Sylvie—a former sentry now living with a disability after losing both her magic and nearly her life. When she’s sent to the palace to assist an alchemist, she’s plunged into a world of elegance and ease that stands in stark contrast to her own past. Azura, the alchemist’s daughter, has grown up in this world, and while privileged and naive, she’s not without her own quiet strength. Their slow-budding friendship, which later turns romantic, has moments of tenderness—but I did wish for more development before their romance bloomed. It felt like we skipped a few beats, though their scenes together remain genuinely sweet.
Sylvie and Azura aren’t designed to be perfectly likeable. They’re messy, flawed, human—and that’s the point. Sylvie clings to the past, hardened and wary. Azura, for all her defiance, struggles to grasp the depth of injustice outside the palace walls. Watching them challenge each other and grow—individually and together—was a highlight of the story.
The first half of the novel leans into slow, deliberate world-building, but the story truly catches fire around the 70% mark. The climax, which arrives with gut-wrenching clarity, reframes everything that came before. There’s a particular twist—delivered with devastating precision—that elevates this from a solid fantasy to something far more profound. The final 10% is an emotional gut punch, filled with rage, loss, and the bitter clarity of truth. The ending comes abruptly, but with enough open threads to hope for a sequel.
For readers who like:
- Quiet sapphic romance
- Slow-burn high fantasy with rich world-building
- Disabled heroines
- Commentary on class, power, and magical cost
Final Verdict
A spellbinding, slow-burning fantasy that builds a beautiful, harrowing world where magic has consequences, and love blooms in the shadows. The Hollow Witch doesn’t give you everything up front but its final chapters deliver a devastating, thoughtful twist that lingers long after.
Grateful to NetGalley, Clan Destine Press, and Mary Borsellino for the opportunity to read an advance copy of this story in exchange for an honest review.
February 4, 2025
The Hollow Witch is a high fantasy sapphic story that shares the prices that come with using magic. The following is a spoiler-free review with a final rating of 3.75.
The world in which Sylvie, a sentry raised to defend the people from the forces of evil, is plagued by a cost to using magic. The dead arise, bringing chaos and disaster with them. After almost losing her life, Sylvie is left with a permanent disability and the loss of her magic. Azura, the daughter of Arteria’s alchemist, has grown up in the palace, friends with the little queen herself, and used the daily use of magic.
Sylvie is sent to the palace to assist Azura’s father in his work, which means a new life for the soldier, a new world and a lot of new adjustments; her cane for one. Whilst there, she strikes up a friendship with Azura, the queen Lena and her bodyguard Myles. The story cumulates with an unprecedented attack that only Sylvie and Azura can save, yet they begin to question; should they?
This story was solid. It wasn’t perfect but it wasn’t bad. The writing itself was well done, things were explained easily and nothing got too complicated, even when it seemed it should be. The descriptions were beautiful also and easily visualised.
Sylvie and Azura weren’t truly loveable characters, yet I believe that to have been kind of the point. They’re flaws. Sylvie is too stubborn and ruthless and is unable to let go of the past. Azura, on the other hand, is used to the life of luxury, she defies her father and doesn’t truly understand the hardships of life outside the palace. Throughout they do learn, and they grow, and I liked seeing that. I wasn’t in love with their relationship as it did seem to go from acquaintances to romantic quite quickly, like they had one nice chat on the roof and suddenly they were kissing and dating. I would have liked more time to see them develop their friendship and understand each other a little more before starting a romantic relationship. Their scenes, however, were very sweet.
It was interesting, with the take on having to pay a price for magic and the fact high uppers will ignore the threat just to make life easier and the nation a little bit more powerful. The sentries and soldiers were also a way to get rid of the changelings and foundlings, aka the dregs of society. This side was an interesting commentary on the world we live in.
I enjoyed the ending, the climax felt like it came all too quickly though, with much of the story feeling slow with no endgame. For me, it got more interesting around 70%. It did leave a lot of open questions, such as Azura’s father and that last line, yet perhaps it's opening up for a sequel or novella.
Overall, it was a good book. Interesting story and characters with brilliant world-building.
The world in which Sylvie, a sentry raised to defend the people from the forces of evil, is plagued by a cost to using magic. The dead arise, bringing chaos and disaster with them. After almost losing her life, Sylvie is left with a permanent disability and the loss of her magic. Azura, the daughter of Arteria’s alchemist, has grown up in the palace, friends with the little queen herself, and used the daily use of magic.
Sylvie is sent to the palace to assist Azura’s father in his work, which means a new life for the soldier, a new world and a lot of new adjustments; her cane for one. Whilst there, she strikes up a friendship with Azura, the queen Lena and her bodyguard Myles. The story cumulates with an unprecedented attack that only Sylvie and Azura can save, yet they begin to question; should they?
This story was solid. It wasn’t perfect but it wasn’t bad. The writing itself was well done, things were explained easily and nothing got too complicated, even when it seemed it should be. The descriptions were beautiful also and easily visualised.
Sylvie and Azura weren’t truly loveable characters, yet I believe that to have been kind of the point. They’re flaws. Sylvie is too stubborn and ruthless and is unable to let go of the past. Azura, on the other hand, is used to the life of luxury, she defies her father and doesn’t truly understand the hardships of life outside the palace. Throughout they do learn, and they grow, and I liked seeing that. I wasn’t in love with their relationship as it did seem to go from acquaintances to romantic quite quickly, like they had one nice chat on the roof and suddenly they were kissing and dating. I would have liked more time to see them develop their friendship and understand each other a little more before starting a romantic relationship. Their scenes, however, were very sweet.
It was interesting, with the take on having to pay a price for magic and the fact high uppers will ignore the threat just to make life easier and the nation a little bit more powerful. The sentries and soldiers were also a way to get rid of the changelings and foundlings, aka the dregs of society. This side was an interesting commentary on the world we live in.
I enjoyed the ending, the climax felt like it came all too quickly though, with much of the story feeling slow with no endgame. For me, it got more interesting around 70%. It did leave a lot of open questions, such as Azura’s father and that last line, yet perhaps it's opening up for a sequel or novella.
Overall, it was a good book. Interesting story and characters with brilliant world-building.
March 23, 2025
From @recensiscimici IG
(ITALIAN REVIEW BELOW)
Hej book lovers!! 🌸📚 What are you up to? Where are you reading from? Can you feel that spring is finally here? I don’t know about you, but I’m craving some real warm sunshine… and it looks like I’ll have to wait a little longer!
Today I want to talk about a book I discovered thanks to a collaboration with @netgalley — have you heard of it? It’s a platform with a wide range of titles in English, and this is the second one I’ve read through them.
This time I picked The Hollow Witch by @mary, published by @clandestine. It’s a touching story, not without trigger warnings (feel free to ask if you want more details!), and features a beautiful, non-cliché LGBTQI+ romance.
I really liked it. And the plot twist? I DID NOT see it coming. It broke me 😢 One of those stories that really challenged my moral compass — you’ll understand what I mean if you read it.
📖 You’ll find the blurb in the carousel!
“Life only has a value if we treat it like it does.”
“She didn’t hate death, because that would be like hating the stars or hating wnter. Death is too big to hate or to love.”
If you enjoy reading in English, I definitely recommend it: it’s not too long, and the writing is really good. I’ll definitely be checking out more from this author and publisher ✨
Have you ever read a book that made you question your own values? Which one made you waver, even just for a moment? Tell me all about it — I’m so curious! 👀✨
🇮🇹Recensione
Hej book lovers!! 🌸📚
Che fate? Dove siete? Questa primavera appena iniziata la sentite? Io non so… ho voglia di caldo caldo, ma mi sa che dovrò aspettare ancora un po’!
Oggi vi parlo di un titolo che ho scoperto grazie a una collaborazione con il sito @netgalley — lo conoscete? È una piattaforma con un’ampia selezione di titoli in inglese, ed è il secondo libro che leggo grazie a loro.
Questa volta ho richiesto The Hollow Witch di @mary, edito da @clandestine. Una storia toccante, non priva di trigger warning (se volete sapere quali, scrivetemi pure!), e con una bella storia d’amore LGBTQI+ non scontata.
Mi è piaciuto molto. E il plot twist… NON ME LO ASPETTAVO MAI. Mi ha spezzata 😢 È uno di quei casi in cui la mia morale è stata messa a dura prova — capirete se lo leggerete.
📖 Trovate la trama nel carosello!
“La vita ha valore solo se scegliamo di trattarla come se lo avesse.”
“Lei non odiava la morte, perché sarebbe stato come odiare le stelle o odiare l’inverno. La morte è troppo grande per essere odiata o amata.”
Se leggete in lingua ve lo consiglio: non è molto lungo ed è scritto davvero bene. Mi andrò sicuramente a spulciare altri titoli di questa autrice e di questa casa editrice ✨
Vi è mai capitato di leggere un libro che ha messo alla prova i vostri valori?
Quale titolo vi ha fatto vacillare, magari anche solo per un attimo?
Raccontatemi, sono curiosa 👀✨
(ITALIAN REVIEW BELOW)
Hej book lovers!! 🌸📚 What are you up to? Where are you reading from? Can you feel that spring is finally here? I don’t know about you, but I’m craving some real warm sunshine… and it looks like I’ll have to wait a little longer!
Today I want to talk about a book I discovered thanks to a collaboration with @netgalley — have you heard of it? It’s a platform with a wide range of titles in English, and this is the second one I’ve read through them.
This time I picked The Hollow Witch by @mary, published by @clandestine. It’s a touching story, not without trigger warnings (feel free to ask if you want more details!), and features a beautiful, non-cliché LGBTQI+ romance.
I really liked it. And the plot twist? I DID NOT see it coming. It broke me 😢 One of those stories that really challenged my moral compass — you’ll understand what I mean if you read it.
📖 You’ll find the blurb in the carousel!
“Life only has a value if we treat it like it does.”
“She didn’t hate death, because that would be like hating the stars or hating wnter. Death is too big to hate or to love.”
If you enjoy reading in English, I definitely recommend it: it’s not too long, and the writing is really good. I’ll definitely be checking out more from this author and publisher ✨
Have you ever read a book that made you question your own values? Which one made you waver, even just for a moment? Tell me all about it — I’m so curious! 👀✨
🇮🇹Recensione
Hej book lovers!! 🌸📚
Che fate? Dove siete? Questa primavera appena iniziata la sentite? Io non so… ho voglia di caldo caldo, ma mi sa che dovrò aspettare ancora un po’!
Oggi vi parlo di un titolo che ho scoperto grazie a una collaborazione con il sito @netgalley — lo conoscete? È una piattaforma con un’ampia selezione di titoli in inglese, ed è il secondo libro che leggo grazie a loro.
Questa volta ho richiesto The Hollow Witch di @mary, edito da @clandestine. Una storia toccante, non priva di trigger warning (se volete sapere quali, scrivetemi pure!), e con una bella storia d’amore LGBTQI+ non scontata.
Mi è piaciuto molto. E il plot twist… NON ME LO ASPETTAVO MAI. Mi ha spezzata 😢 È uno di quei casi in cui la mia morale è stata messa a dura prova — capirete se lo leggerete.
📖 Trovate la trama nel carosello!
“La vita ha valore solo se scegliamo di trattarla come se lo avesse.”
“Lei non odiava la morte, perché sarebbe stato come odiare le stelle o odiare l’inverno. La morte è troppo grande per essere odiata o amata.”
Se leggete in lingua ve lo consiglio: non è molto lungo ed è scritto davvero bene. Mi andrò sicuramente a spulciare altri titoli di questa autrice e di questa casa editrice ✨
Vi è mai capitato di leggere un libro che ha messo alla prova i vostri valori?
Quale titolo vi ha fatto vacillare, magari anche solo per un attimo?
Raccontatemi, sono curiosa 👀✨
July 31, 2025
✨Arc Review✨
Thank you to the author Mary Borsellino And @Netgallery for sending me a digital ARC in exchange for an honest review.
-All thoughts and opinions are my own.
The Hollow Witch by Mary Borsellino is a story that I approached with high hopes and found myself appreciating in parts, but ultimately left me with mixed feelings. The book shines in its atmospheric writing—Borsellino’s prose has a lyrical, almost haunting quality that effectively draws you into the eerie, magical world she creates. The setting feels vivid and moody, which really worked for me, especially as a backdrop for the supernatural elements and the protagonist’s journey.
The story centers on a young witch coming into her powers while uncovering dark secrets about her family and the world around her. The premise is compelling, and the book touches on themes of identity, power, and self-discovery, which added depth to the narrative. I liked the ideas woven into the magic system and the sense of danger lurking beneath the surface.
However, I found the pacing uneven throughout the book. Some sections felt slow, bogged down by excessive description or scenes that didn’t seem to push the story forward, while other parts raced too quickly, leaving me wishing for more development. This imbalance affected my overall engagement and made it harder to stay fully invested.
Character-wise, I wanted to connect more deeply with the protagonist. Her struggles and emotions are central to the story, but at times her motivations felt unclear or underexplored, which made it difficult to fully empathize with her. Some secondary characters had intriguing potential but were unfortunately sidelined or not fleshed out enough to leave a strong impression.
The worldbuilding, while atmospheric and promising, left me wanting more clarity and detail. There are hints of complex magical lore and hidden dangers, but these elements felt somewhat underdeveloped. I was eager to understand more about the stakes and the larger conflict, but the narrative occasionally skimmed over these aspects.
Overall, The Hollow Witch is a book with many strengths—especially in mood, tone, and concept—but it didn’t fully come together for me. It’s a solid debut that shows Borsellino’s potential as a writer, and I’m interested to see how her storytelling evolves in future works. Fans of atmospheric fantasy who enjoy mood and worldbuilding over fast-paced plots might find much to appreciate here.
Thank you to the author Mary Borsellino And @Netgallery for sending me a digital ARC in exchange for an honest review.
-All thoughts and opinions are my own.
The Hollow Witch by Mary Borsellino is a story that I approached with high hopes and found myself appreciating in parts, but ultimately left me with mixed feelings. The book shines in its atmospheric writing—Borsellino’s prose has a lyrical, almost haunting quality that effectively draws you into the eerie, magical world she creates. The setting feels vivid and moody, which really worked for me, especially as a backdrop for the supernatural elements and the protagonist’s journey.
The story centers on a young witch coming into her powers while uncovering dark secrets about her family and the world around her. The premise is compelling, and the book touches on themes of identity, power, and self-discovery, which added depth to the narrative. I liked the ideas woven into the magic system and the sense of danger lurking beneath the surface.
However, I found the pacing uneven throughout the book. Some sections felt slow, bogged down by excessive description or scenes that didn’t seem to push the story forward, while other parts raced too quickly, leaving me wishing for more development. This imbalance affected my overall engagement and made it harder to stay fully invested.
Character-wise, I wanted to connect more deeply with the protagonist. Her struggles and emotions are central to the story, but at times her motivations felt unclear or underexplored, which made it difficult to fully empathize with her. Some secondary characters had intriguing potential but were unfortunately sidelined or not fleshed out enough to leave a strong impression.
The worldbuilding, while atmospheric and promising, left me wanting more clarity and detail. There are hints of complex magical lore and hidden dangers, but these elements felt somewhat underdeveloped. I was eager to understand more about the stakes and the larger conflict, but the narrative occasionally skimmed over these aspects.
Overall, The Hollow Witch is a book with many strengths—especially in mood, tone, and concept—but it didn’t fully come together for me. It’s a solid debut that shows Borsellino’s potential as a writer, and I’m interested to see how her storytelling evolves in future works. Fans of atmospheric fantasy who enjoy mood and worldbuilding over fast-paced plots might find much to appreciate here.
February 2, 2025
If you want a book that honestly had me thinking where is this going to oh wow that happened, this is definitely a hidden gem for you this year.
Firstly let me thank NetGalley / publishers/ Mary Borsellino for the opportunity to read this in exchange for an honest review.
The hollow witch, follows Silvie a sentrie who after one unfortunate event rips her from her magical able self into a person forever physically changed to her reclaimed un-magical life. Maybe death would have better but she is sent to Arteria to be a doctor’s apprentice. There we meet three more central characters, Azura the doctor’s daughter who will not follow her father’s path, Lana the child windowed queen and Myles her protector / servant.
This is high fantasy with some fantastic world building, that is as beautiful as it is chilling. The magic is built within individuals but also channelling through the area which brings a twist of death via countless members of the undead. This is a great twist on zombie plot. You intertwine with each character with a threat in the background but is not walking dead style more contained unless somebody does generally dies - there is a creepy glass coffin moment that would be a jump scare scene!
I will say the story does feel slow but this does help cement the story with the world building along with the characters development. This followed with a twist that honestly happens around the 90% mark, yes I would have liked this sooner. But the twist is so masterful I can forgive this, horrific really when you read this in blissfully ignorance looking back. You realise quite quickly you are lead via a level of naivety at the same time Azura comes to realise.
The rage, anger and pain is felt all in the last 10% with a real sense of the loss of innocence and reality of Silvia being the one realise what needs to happen next. There is a soft budding romance between Silvie and Azura that literally starts and then this happens. A gentleness that is ripped from the page quite literally.
The story ends quite abruptly, I am hoping for a book 2 as there is so much more left unanswered and genuinely intrigued at how this is going to play out next for them! Would highly recommend, this would be a 4.5 only knocked down for pace.
Great read would highly recommend.
Firstly let me thank NetGalley / publishers/ Mary Borsellino for the opportunity to read this in exchange for an honest review.
The hollow witch, follows Silvie a sentrie who after one unfortunate event rips her from her magical able self into a person forever physically changed to her reclaimed un-magical life. Maybe death would have better but she is sent to Arteria to be a doctor’s apprentice. There we meet three more central characters, Azura the doctor’s daughter who will not follow her father’s path, Lana the child windowed queen and Myles her protector / servant.
This is high fantasy with some fantastic world building, that is as beautiful as it is chilling. The magic is built within individuals but also channelling through the area which brings a twist of death via countless members of the undead. This is a great twist on zombie plot. You intertwine with each character with a threat in the background but is not walking dead style more contained unless somebody does generally dies - there is a creepy glass coffin moment that would be a jump scare scene!
I will say the story does feel slow but this does help cement the story with the world building along with the characters development. This followed with a twist that honestly happens around the 90% mark, yes I would have liked this sooner. But the twist is so masterful I can forgive this, horrific really when you read this in blissfully ignorance looking back. You realise quite quickly you are lead via a level of naivety at the same time Azura comes to realise.
The rage, anger and pain is felt all in the last 10% with a real sense of the loss of innocence and reality of Silvia being the one realise what needs to happen next. There is a soft budding romance between Silvie and Azura that literally starts and then this happens. A gentleness that is ripped from the page quite literally.
The story ends quite abruptly, I am hoping for a book 2 as there is so much more left unanswered and genuinely intrigued at how this is going to play out next for them! Would highly recommend, this would be a 4.5 only knocked down for pace.
Great read would highly recommend.
January 10, 2025
Silvie has worked as a sentry as long as she's able to think. But in one single, desastrous night, she loses both her magic and her health, and she gets the vision of a dead king and two young girls mourning him. One year later, she meets those girls again in reality when her superiors send her to Arteria, to become the alchemist Antonio Corsetti's apprentice. One of the girls she saw in her weird vision is Corsetti's daughter Azura, the other one the dead king`s widow.
Mary Borsellino likes to portray misfits, and her heroine Silvie is no exception. She doesn't fit into the decadent Arteria society system at all - where very few live in unbelievable wealth and far too many hardly know how to survive the next day. On top of that, each use of magic (to the benefit of those few in power) is punished by the rise of new Cadaveri. Then hordes of zombies are swarming the lands, and the sentries (child soldiers like Silvie once has been) have to push back and destroy them, to let those thriving really well in the cities live in safety.
The society Silvie finds herself in is sick and startling unfair, and the deeper readers dive into the tale, the clearer it gets how much is absolutely wrong here. Moments of sheer horror change to wonderfully harmonious encounters; the tender love story of Silvie and Azura is strikingly beautiful and woven almost casually into the story. And many layers of this masterfully woven tale are only revealed little by little: what kind of person is the former child queen Lena? What are her real plans? And what will happen to Arteria, to Silvie and Azura if she actually succeeds?
"The Hollow Witch" is something for readers who don't want each and every answer served to them on a silver platter, and who love riddles. They are rewarded with a wonderful reading pleasure, full of horror, joy and love. I enjoyed this book wholeheartedly and can only recommend it with five stars.
Mary Borsellino likes to portray misfits, and her heroine Silvie is no exception. She doesn't fit into the decadent Arteria society system at all - where very few live in unbelievable wealth and far too many hardly know how to survive the next day. On top of that, each use of magic (to the benefit of those few in power) is punished by the rise of new Cadaveri. Then hordes of zombies are swarming the lands, and the sentries (child soldiers like Silvie once has been) have to push back and destroy them, to let those thriving really well in the cities live in safety.
The society Silvie finds herself in is sick and startling unfair, and the deeper readers dive into the tale, the clearer it gets how much is absolutely wrong here. Moments of sheer horror change to wonderfully harmonious encounters; the tender love story of Silvie and Azura is strikingly beautiful and woven almost casually into the story. And many layers of this masterfully woven tale are only revealed little by little: what kind of person is the former child queen Lena? What are her real plans? And what will happen to Arteria, to Silvie and Azura if she actually succeeds?
"The Hollow Witch" is something for readers who don't want each and every answer served to them on a silver platter, and who love riddles. They are rewarded with a wonderful reading pleasure, full of horror, joy and love. I enjoyed this book wholeheartedly and can only recommend it with five stars.
May 11, 2025
Child soldier Silvie loses her magic in the line of duty, ending her life as she knew it. She’s sent to the far-away canal city Arteria where she’s apprenticed to alchemists, forced to begin again. Azura, the alchemist's daughter, has always been among the wealthiest and most comfortable of Arteria’s society. She and Silvie are vastly different, but the two are drawn to one another, trapped by the circumstances of their birth.
All the while, Arteria is plagued by the high cost of its magic use: the cadaveri - walking corpses that prey on the living. When the city comes under threat, Silvie and Azura must decide if they are even willing to save Arteria.
The story starts off a little choppy as the psychic connection between Silvie and the other child soldiers with the wolves wasn’t fully developed yet. The first 75-ish percent of the book is character development and establishing their places in the story arch. The setting is richly vivid and draws the characters together smoothly. The veritable smorgasbord of human emotions the characters experience, and in turn, the reader experiences through them is exquisite.
The relationship between Silvie and Azura is a well done twining of two fully envisioned characters in the slowest burn. They each have their own struggles to define themselves outside of the expected roles they’ve been forced into, and yet come together in vulnerability - which is its own strength. The writing is lyrical and paints a picture of strife, power, and sacrifice in a world filled with hope and redemption.
This is zombies and witches high fantasy and a must read for anyone who loves magic, sapphic romance, and a dash of the morbid.
Content Warnings:
Major - Child abuse
Moderate - Sexual Assault
Minor - Pedophilia
All the while, Arteria is plagued by the high cost of its magic use: the cadaveri - walking corpses that prey on the living. When the city comes under threat, Silvie and Azura must decide if they are even willing to save Arteria.
The story starts off a little choppy as the psychic connection between Silvie and the other child soldiers with the wolves wasn’t fully developed yet. The first 75-ish percent of the book is character development and establishing their places in the story arch. The setting is richly vivid and draws the characters together smoothly. The veritable smorgasbord of human emotions the characters experience, and in turn, the reader experiences through them is exquisite.
The relationship between Silvie and Azura is a well done twining of two fully envisioned characters in the slowest burn. They each have their own struggles to define themselves outside of the expected roles they’ve been forced into, and yet come together in vulnerability - which is its own strength. The writing is lyrical and paints a picture of strife, power, and sacrifice in a world filled with hope and redemption.
This is zombies and witches high fantasy and a must read for anyone who loves magic, sapphic romance, and a dash of the morbid.
Content Warnings:
Major - Child abuse
Moderate - Sexual Assault
Minor - Pedophilia
April 8, 2025
I read this book through NetGalley. I think a more accurate rating would have been like 3.5 stars, but there was enough that I enjoyed about this book that I will bump it to 4 stars
I love the world of this book, the Italian-like setting, the zombies and how they tie into the magic system. Related, I was fascinated by the dark history of this world involving witchcraft. I grew to really love Lena, and her relationship with Myles. I love the details put into the disabled representation with Sylvie. I really love the final line of this book, although at first I was like "WHAT? THAT'S IT?!" But really, I'm not sure what you could write immediately after that ending. I love the friendship between all 4 characters.
I think it's weaknesses come from the book being too short to really flesh out certain elements. For example, the wolf magic of the sentries really felt like set-dressing. There's other plot elements too that speed by, which makes it feel like there isn't a lot going on in the story until everything goes to shit in the last 40-ish pages.
I'll focus on the romance between Silvie and Azura because it was very sudden. It starts out slow from Azura's side (and there was this brief kiss scene with Myles that confused me) but then she realizes that she likes Sylvie--this was alright but also happens real late in the book, like there's roughly 60 pages left in the book when the "Oh.." moment happens. And then we gotta rush her and Silvie getting together when I never had the impression Silvie was interested in Azura that way?
But overall I did really enjoy this story! I would totally read more in this universe, maybe something in the far future.
I love the world of this book, the Italian-like setting, the zombies and how they tie into the magic system. Related, I was fascinated by the dark history of this world involving witchcraft. I grew to really love Lena, and her relationship with Myles. I love the details put into the disabled representation with Sylvie. I really love the final line of this book, although at first I was like "WHAT? THAT'S IT?!" But really, I'm not sure what you could write immediately after that ending. I love the friendship between all 4 characters.
I think it's weaknesses come from the book being too short to really flesh out certain elements. For example, the wolf magic of the sentries really felt like set-dressing. There's other plot elements too that speed by, which makes it feel like there isn't a lot going on in the story until everything goes to shit in the last 40-ish pages.
I'll focus on the romance between Silvie and Azura because it was very sudden. It starts out slow from Azura's side (and there was this brief kiss scene with Myles that confused me) but then she realizes that she likes Sylvie--this was alright but also happens real late in the book, like there's roughly 60 pages left in the book when the "Oh.." moment happens. And then we gotta rush her and Silvie getting together when I never had the impression Silvie was interested in Azura that way?
But overall I did really enjoy this story! I would totally read more in this universe, maybe something in the far future.
February 13, 2025
If people come from The Wolf House to this, they are going to find something that may be quite different to what's expected. While the former has a focus on snappy dialogue and a host of characters, this one is much more centred on world building. Because of that, I think it's a slower book to start before we even really start getting to know the four main characters and, particular, the two PoV characters.
We see Sylvie very briefly with magic before she loses it in the same incident that injures her leg. She's not much use on the front lines after that and ends up being sent for by the alchemist of the far off city, Arteria.
It's here that she meets our other PoV character, Azura, as well as her friends Queen Lena (who is queen in name only) and her body guard Myles.
The most similar book to this with its sapphic love story and zombies/necromancy plotline that I can think of is the very well known Gideon the Ninth but, although I struggled sometimes to understand what was going on (I'm not a huge consumer of the zombie genre overall) I enjoyed this one a great deal more.
This is a book that is queer, disability and survivor friendly all at once. I don't think I've so aptly seen a story that discusses the issue of people doing bad things out of a terrible thing that happened to them in childhood in such an empathetic way. Just loved the resolution of this story.
We see Sylvie very briefly with magic before she loses it in the same incident that injures her leg. She's not much use on the front lines after that and ends up being sent for by the alchemist of the far off city, Arteria.
It's here that she meets our other PoV character, Azura, as well as her friends Queen Lena (who is queen in name only) and her body guard Myles.
The most similar book to this with its sapphic love story and zombies/necromancy plotline that I can think of is the very well known Gideon the Ninth but, although I struggled sometimes to understand what was going on (I'm not a huge consumer of the zombie genre overall) I enjoyed this one a great deal more.
This is a book that is queer, disability and survivor friendly all at once. I don't think I've so aptly seen a story that discusses the issue of people doing bad things out of a terrible thing that happened to them in childhood in such an empathetic way. Just loved the resolution of this story.
January 15, 2025
I loved the way I was pushed into the world, no clumsy handholding, I learned about the world at the same time that the world was revealed to each of the characters.
A unique story built on familiar enough bones that I grasped quickly onto the story, and onto Silvie in particular, her strength and sorrow and rage and acceptance.
There is a tight cast of characters, which means the reader is never overwhelmed and that you become connected to them all.
In a world where dark fantasy becomes a generic catchall term for 'not a lotr-like' this genuinely stands out as both fantastical and an honest look at the darker side of humanity without being cruel or nihilistic.
There's a love and affection in the narrative tone for all the main characters, even when they aren't perfect. No one is a moral lesson, or an example, or a cautionary tale. They are just people and the story wants you to take them as people, faults and virtues and all.
The real compassion for all the characters, stuck performing in their political and social roles, without forgiving class privilege is a huge strength in the story.
And there are zombies and changelings! Class consciousness, nuanced understanding of gender, sexuality, disability, abuse survival AND a corrupt magic system? What more could I ask for?
A unique story built on familiar enough bones that I grasped quickly onto the story, and onto Silvie in particular, her strength and sorrow and rage and acceptance.
There is a tight cast of characters, which means the reader is never overwhelmed and that you become connected to them all.
In a world where dark fantasy becomes a generic catchall term for 'not a lotr-like' this genuinely stands out as both fantastical and an honest look at the darker side of humanity without being cruel or nihilistic.
There's a love and affection in the narrative tone for all the main characters, even when they aren't perfect. No one is a moral lesson, or an example, or a cautionary tale. They are just people and the story wants you to take them as people, faults and virtues and all.
The real compassion for all the characters, stuck performing in their political and social roles, without forgiving class privilege is a huge strength in the story.
And there are zombies and changelings! Class consciousness, nuanced understanding of gender, sexuality, disability, abuse survival AND a corrupt magic system? What more could I ask for?
July 10, 2025
While this book wasn't an easy read for me personally, The Hollow Witch had a lot to admire. The world building was great (ZOMBIES!?), engaging atmosphere and of course the thoughtful representation of queerness and disability is just not something you often see in novels like this. I was especially hooked on this haunted/broken city crawling with the undead and we all love a slow burn 🔥
All of that being said, I sadly struggled with pacing which arguably is probably the hardest part of writing a book. Some of the sections had me on the edge of my seat while others left me wondering when the chapter was going to end. I found it difficult to fully connect to the characters, sometimes those darker themes and introspective styles can really drive a story home but it felt all over the place and staying immersed was an ongoing problem.
I do think this book has the potential to resonate with (sapphic) slow burn lovers, more character driven fantasy with layers of trauma rather than a high fantasy adventure. This may have not been the right fit for me but I see the heart and can admire what the Author set out to do.
Thank you to Clan Destine Press, Mary Borsellino and NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own. 🖤
All of that being said, I sadly struggled with pacing which arguably is probably the hardest part of writing a book. Some of the sections had me on the edge of my seat while others left me wondering when the chapter was going to end. I found it difficult to fully connect to the characters, sometimes those darker themes and introspective styles can really drive a story home but it felt all over the place and staying immersed was an ongoing problem.
I do think this book has the potential to resonate with (sapphic) slow burn lovers, more character driven fantasy with layers of trauma rather than a high fantasy adventure. This may have not been the right fit for me but I see the heart and can admire what the Author set out to do.
Thank you to Clan Destine Press, Mary Borsellino and NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own. 🖤
February 2, 2025
First of all: Thank you to Mary Borsellino and NetGalley for the e-arc in exchange for an honest review.
I usually have a hard time with slow-paced books, and *The Hollow Witch* definitely tested my patience in the beginning. The world-building was detailed, and the magic system had some interesting concepts, but it took a long time for the story to really get going. Once it picked up (which unfortunately wasn’t the case until like 85% in) I found myself more engaged, especially with the character dynamics and the way themes of power and disability were explored.
Silvie and Azura had an intriguing relationship, and while I appreciated how the book took its time developing their interactions, there were stretches where the plot felt bogged down by dialogue and setup, making it difficult to stay fully invested.
Overall, this was a solid read with some great ideas, but the pacing and execution didn’t fully work for me. Fans of slower, character-driven fantasy will likely enjoy it more, but I’m on the fence about continuing the series.
I usually have a hard time with slow-paced books, and *The Hollow Witch* definitely tested my patience in the beginning. The world-building was detailed, and the magic system had some interesting concepts, but it took a long time for the story to really get going. Once it picked up (which unfortunately wasn’t the case until like 85% in) I found myself more engaged, especially with the character dynamics and the way themes of power and disability were explored.
Silvie and Azura had an intriguing relationship, and while I appreciated how the book took its time developing their interactions, there were stretches where the plot felt bogged down by dialogue and setup, making it difficult to stay fully invested.
Overall, this was a solid read with some great ideas, but the pacing and execution didn’t fully work for me. Fans of slower, character-driven fantasy will likely enjoy it more, but I’m on the fence about continuing the series.
October 10, 2025
Loved the world setting in this one - essentially magic is late stage capitalism and instead of breaking the environment it broke the dead who now rise like zombies to haunt the living
Lena and Sylvie were the standout characters for me but I really struggled to like Azura - I think its a me problem but she is a very woe is me nepo baby that never got that moxie or convinced me of her plight that flips them to likeable for me. Lena was a damn delight, if this had been a friends to enemies to lovers situation with Sylvie and Lena I would be throwing myself at this book 😂
I think I had similar thoughts to other readers that I was very much enjoying the plot but the ending came a bit fast and as such it felt the heavy reveals weren't given enough time
Overall its worth the read, the romance is adorable and I enjoyed the vibes but maybe prepare yourself for a fast paced ending sequence that leaves some questions
Lena and Sylvie were the standout characters for me but I really struggled to like Azura - I think its a me problem but she is a very woe is me nepo baby that never got that moxie or convinced me of her plight that flips them to likeable for me. Lena was a damn delight, if this had been a friends to enemies to lovers situation with Sylvie and Lena I would be throwing myself at this book 😂
I think I had similar thoughts to other readers that I was very much enjoying the plot but the ending came a bit fast and as such it felt the heavy reveals weren't given enough time
Overall its worth the read, the romance is adorable and I enjoyed the vibes but maybe prepare yourself for a fast paced ending sequence that leaves some questions
February 14, 2025
I am always excited to see a Sapphic fantasy written by and Australian author.
The story follows Sylvie who is an orphan tasked with defending the kingdom from zombie like cadevari. She has lost her magic, been physically injured, and has been assigned as an assistant to an alchemist. In her new role she meet’s the Alchemist’s daughter, Azura, the Dowager Queen, Lena and her Body guard Myles. With the cadevari creating and increasing threat, pressures of expectation in the court, Sylvie and Lena work to identify the threat and try to find a way to belong under the weight of expectations.
I found the pacing a bit slow to start with, but once I reached the critical point, it really took off! What I initially expected to be a high fantasy had a much larger horror and mystery element than I expected, with a very sweet romance woven into it as well.
This could very easily be a series! This was a nice quick read and I will definitely be looking for Mary Boresellino books in the future!
Thanks NetGalley for the ARC.
The story follows Sylvie who is an orphan tasked with defending the kingdom from zombie like cadevari. She has lost her magic, been physically injured, and has been assigned as an assistant to an alchemist. In her new role she meet’s the Alchemist’s daughter, Azura, the Dowager Queen, Lena and her Body guard Myles. With the cadevari creating and increasing threat, pressures of expectation in the court, Sylvie and Lena work to identify the threat and try to find a way to belong under the weight of expectations.
I found the pacing a bit slow to start with, but once I reached the critical point, it really took off! What I initially expected to be a high fantasy had a much larger horror and mystery element than I expected, with a very sweet romance woven into it as well.
This could very easily be a series! This was a nice quick read and I will definitely be looking for Mary Boresellino books in the future!
Thanks NetGalley for the ARC.
March 9, 2025
I had a lot of difficulty getting into this book, and honestly DNF. Lots of long sentences with dependent clauses, and so many character names introduced with no context made it hard to follow and be absorbed by the story. What's a sentry? Silvie seemed to enjoy bonding with the wolf in the brief moment before the Ch. 1 attack, but what was the purpose and history of the role? Seeming disconnects--in Ch. 1, Silvie decides not to admonish another child for using "ghoul" instead of "cadaveri", but in Ch. 5 "frankly Silvie didn't see why it made a difference what you called them"-- and repetitions of scraps of information (christallo cause problems when used, evidently; magic requires latent ability) made it unclear what's important. At times, the narrative relies very heavily on dialogue that doesn't seem to move the plot forward, while at other times the world's rules are helicopter-dropped in.
I think there's probably an interesting world underlying this fantasy story, but I had trouble understanding both it and the intended plot line.
I think there's probably an interesting world underlying this fantasy story, but I had trouble understanding both it and the intended plot line.
July 21, 2025
thanks to NetGalley for the eARC
⭐️=2 | 😘=2 | 🤬=2 | ⚔️=3 | 13+
summary: so like there’s this fantasy world and this girl is an apprentice and then there’s also this apprentice’s daughter and there’s like a princess/queen and her guard and then a kind of evil king guy???? and magic and witches and dead zombie things???
thoughts: this was pretty short and it still took me quite a while to get through so maybe that speaks to a pacing issue or maybe i just have been struggling to get into it but like… idk? it was kind of boring?? and then at the eleventh hour my favorite character the whole book turned out to be the bad guy with a comically evil monologue, so that’s sad both for my taste in characters and also implies that the Bad Guy Twist was poorly foreshadowed. rest in peace sapphics, you deserved better. also it really takes me out of it when people say “yeah” all the time in vaguely old-timey fantasy novels. instantly kills the vibe like it just feels incorrect.
⭐️=2 | 😘=2 | 🤬=2 | ⚔️=3 | 13+
summary: so like there’s this fantasy world and this girl is an apprentice and then there’s also this apprentice’s daughter and there’s like a princess/queen and her guard and then a kind of evil king guy???? and magic and witches and dead zombie things???
thoughts: this was pretty short and it still took me quite a while to get through so maybe that speaks to a pacing issue or maybe i just have been struggling to get into it but like… idk? it was kind of boring?? and then at the eleventh hour my favorite character the whole book turned out to be the bad guy with a comically evil monologue, so that’s sad both for my taste in characters and also implies that the Bad Guy Twist was poorly foreshadowed. rest in peace sapphics, you deserved better. also it really takes me out of it when people say “yeah” all the time in vaguely old-timey fantasy novels. instantly kills the vibe like it just feels incorrect.
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