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Without Words
Enter the world of witches and lose your pound of flesh…
Cassandra Poole loses her hearing when an alluring stranger touches her in her family’s apothecary. With her loss, she gains the ability to detect witches, but she will stop at nothing to find a cure, even if it means turning over other witches to the witch hunter, Lord Lyme.
Niko Moore, the stranger, has powerful empathic abilities. He wants witches to remain free to cherish their abilities, but he must stand against the woman he has fallen for or risk betraying his fellow witches.
Cassandra must choose who to trust, risking more than her hearing but also her humanity.
Cassandra Poole loses her hearing when an alluring stranger touches her in her family’s apothecary. With her loss, she gains the ability to detect witches, but she will stop at nothing to find a cure, even if it means turning over other witches to the witch hunter, Lord Lyme.
Niko Moore, the stranger, has powerful empathic abilities. He wants witches to remain free to cherish their abilities, but he must stand against the woman he has fallen for or risk betraying his fellow witches.
Cassandra must choose who to trust, risking more than her hearing but also her humanity.
- GenresFantasy
265 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 9, 2025
9 people want to read
About the author
Mae Thorn
14 books10 followersMae Thorn enjoys being romanced and terrified- a combination not normally found in books so she writes them. Her favorite stories include kickass women and the men they fall for. She writes historical romance, fantasy, and gothic romance.
When she isn’t writing she battles for equal access for those with hearing loss, discovers hidden records as a volunteer archivist, geeks out about Legos, torments her feline minions, and watches bad movies.
Mae holds a Bachelor’s degree in English from the University of Utah and a Master’s degree in Library and Information Science from San Jose State University.
She lives near Salt Lake City, Utah with her cats; Church, Shadow Moon, and Sabrina.
When she isn’t writing she battles for equal access for those with hearing loss, discovers hidden records as a volunteer archivist, geeks out about Legos, torments her feline minions, and watches bad movies.
Mae holds a Bachelor’s degree in English from the University of Utah and a Master’s degree in Library and Information Science from San Jose State University.
She lives near Salt Lake City, Utah with her cats; Church, Shadow Moon, and Sabrina.
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
February 7, 2025
This book means so much to me. Thank you for giving it a chance. It helped me cope with my hearing loss. Enjoy the journey!
November 23, 2025
Story 4/5 ⭐️
narration 5/5 ⭐️
Cassandra's journey is tense, compelling, and filled with the struggles of a newly awakened witch who has lost her hearing. She knows little about whom to trust, and that uncertainty is felt well by the reader, drawing you further into the twists and turns within the plot. The pacing continues to build as her confusion rises, making it hard to put down.
CC Kline's narration adds clarity and emotion, enhancing every moment within the story.
Huge thanks to CC Kline for the review copy!
narration 5/5 ⭐️
Cassandra's journey is tense, compelling, and filled with the struggles of a newly awakened witch who has lost her hearing. She knows little about whom to trust, and that uncertainty is felt well by the reader, drawing you further into the twists and turns within the plot. The pacing continues to build as her confusion rises, making it hard to put down.
CC Kline's narration adds clarity and emotion, enhancing every moment within the story.
Huge thanks to CC Kline for the review copy!
September 7, 2025
An Unsatisfying Bargain: Where Magic Costs Coherence and Compassion
In this story, we are introduced to Cassandra Poole, working at her family’s apothecary. A striking male visitor comes and Cassandra attempts to help him when she slips on a puddle caused by the heavy rain outside. The gentleman offers a hand and taking it suddenly she has searing pain and all sounds are mostly gone.
Cassandra's father and his apprentice, Roger, enter and try to help. They realize she needs a chalkboard to communicate and share what happened. There is an illness affecting others, although her father doesn't think it's the same. After some time and unsuccessfully resolving her hearing, a letter arrives from Aunt Louise inviting her to the coast.
At the inn on the coast, Cassandra recognized some words are getting through from some people. Why? On getting out to visit the town, she sees what may be the gentleman that caused her hearing loss and instead meets with 4 women claiming to know of Cassandra's gift, and they are witches, which Cassandra doesn't immediately accept. Discussion opens possibilities and Cassandra realizes her Grandma might be empowered along with learning once you uncover personal gifts, the cost is a loss of another aspect of yourself.
Turns out Niko, the gentleman in question, is Selena's brother, an empath, and may have attempted to share calm with Cassandra. Incensed, Cassandra demands her hearing be returned to which the ladies respond, telling her the transition requires a return or exchange and her hearing cannot be restored.
After a bath where Niko had returned and a brief conversation, Cassandra and her aunt return to the inn. After eating, Aunt Louise becomes ill. Calling for help, the other ladies and Niko return. Cassandra is frantic and asks Niko to assist, of which he shares an emotional kiss with her. The ladies don't know what's wrong with her aunt and suggests a medicine provided by the doctor. Cassandra has also reached out to her father.
Later and after a nap, Cassandra meets Abraham Sutton, who claims to know what's happening to her aunt and asks Cassandra to accompany him to his employer.
At the estate, Cassandra is introduced to Edward Moore, Baron of Lyme. Edward claims Niko was responsible for putting him in a wheelchair and the empowered ladies were targeting her, not her aunt. Edward offers to take her and her aunt in for protection, in exchange for Cassandra determining who are empowered in his association. Cassandra agrees and her aunt along with her belongings are brought to the estate. Her aunt has 24 hour care and Cassandra has a job to do. During a peaceful stroll through the maze gardens, Niko appears and shares the Baron used to support him and now there is strife between them. During Cassandra's time at the estate and prior, she seems to put trust in some mistakenly. Cassandra also appears to rely heavily on others for a cure, without finding her own manner or method to resolve her loss.
World building and character introduction is somewhat lacking, with some descriptions that may not be suitable for all. There are missing references that explain the discovery of the empowered and what caused others to consider them unacceptable. The budding romance between Cassandra and Niko is somewhat confusing without the building that brings understanding.
There may be descriptions of events and actions that could be concerning for others. The story is interesting and provided a temporary escape from the everyday, however, the confusing nature and lack of world building may be a little challenging.
In this story, we are introduced to Cassandra Poole, working at her family’s apothecary. A striking male visitor comes and Cassandra attempts to help him when she slips on a puddle caused by the heavy rain outside. The gentleman offers a hand and taking it suddenly she has searing pain and all sounds are mostly gone.
Cassandra's father and his apprentice, Roger, enter and try to help. They realize she needs a chalkboard to communicate and share what happened. There is an illness affecting others, although her father doesn't think it's the same. After some time and unsuccessfully resolving her hearing, a letter arrives from Aunt Louise inviting her to the coast.
At the inn on the coast, Cassandra recognized some words are getting through from some people. Why? On getting out to visit the town, she sees what may be the gentleman that caused her hearing loss and instead meets with 4 women claiming to know of Cassandra's gift, and they are witches, which Cassandra doesn't immediately accept. Discussion opens possibilities and Cassandra realizes her Grandma might be empowered along with learning once you uncover personal gifts, the cost is a loss of another aspect of yourself.
Turns out Niko, the gentleman in question, is Selena's brother, an empath, and may have attempted to share calm with Cassandra. Incensed, Cassandra demands her hearing be returned to which the ladies respond, telling her the transition requires a return or exchange and her hearing cannot be restored.
After a bath where Niko had returned and a brief conversation, Cassandra and her aunt return to the inn. After eating, Aunt Louise becomes ill. Calling for help, the other ladies and Niko return. Cassandra is frantic and asks Niko to assist, of which he shares an emotional kiss with her. The ladies don't know what's wrong with her aunt and suggests a medicine provided by the doctor. Cassandra has also reached out to her father.
Later and after a nap, Cassandra meets Abraham Sutton, who claims to know what's happening to her aunt and asks Cassandra to accompany him to his employer.
At the estate, Cassandra is introduced to Edward Moore, Baron of Lyme. Edward claims Niko was responsible for putting him in a wheelchair and the empowered ladies were targeting her, not her aunt. Edward offers to take her and her aunt in for protection, in exchange for Cassandra determining who are empowered in his association. Cassandra agrees and her aunt along with her belongings are brought to the estate. Her aunt has 24 hour care and Cassandra has a job to do. During a peaceful stroll through the maze gardens, Niko appears and shares the Baron used to support him and now there is strife between them. During Cassandra's time at the estate and prior, she seems to put trust in some mistakenly. Cassandra also appears to rely heavily on others for a cure, without finding her own manner or method to resolve her loss.
World building and character introduction is somewhat lacking, with some descriptions that may not be suitable for all. There are missing references that explain the discovery of the empowered and what caused others to consider them unacceptable. The budding romance between Cassandra and Niko is somewhat confusing without the building that brings understanding.
There may be descriptions of events and actions that could be concerning for others. The story is interesting and provided a temporary escape from the everyday, however, the confusing nature and lack of world building may be a little challenging.
May 24, 2025
I’m sorry to say that I was disappointed by this book. The premise sounded so interesting, but the execution fell short to me.
I was really curious about her hearing loss and how she would navigate this sudden change, because representation in books is so important, but Cassandra spends so much time just wanting and relying on Lyme to present a cure to her that she doesn’t actually do anything herself to actively look for a solution. If the book meant to portray the denial and bargaining phase of going through late stage hearing loss I can understand that, but as a major plot character device it didn’t really do much for the plot line about whatever was going on with the witches.
The POV the book was in was hard to connect to and the book did a lot more telling than showing in the initial chapters. The book also suffered from a lack of world-building that still has me confused after finishing. I don’t really understand the fantasy world they live in, the backstory of the creation of witches, why they are being persecuted, where does the magic come from and how does it work, why is the villain hunting witches, etc was not established in the beginning nor by the end. I felt as confused as Cassandra but even more so when she started to understand the world but I didn’t.
This book focuses too heavily on the romance, which doesn’t even have a solid foundation, as it’s basically insta-lust with a man who she thinks may be the cause to her hearing loss. The actual plot is lost in the push for romance, and because of that, it really felt like nothing was happening for the majority of the book. His ability to manipulate her emotions and her lack of concern for that was concerning to me, especially with how many times he kissed her unexpectedly without her consent. And the whole imprecation storyline was absolutely bonkers and out of nowhere.
I also didn’t really like the FMC. Her decisions and reasoning for trusting people makes no sense. This, coupled with the lack of development for side characters made me fell distant from Cassandra’s story. There were so many characters introduced but we don’t actually get to spend any substantial time with any of them to make the relationships seem believable.
I also think there should’ve been a trigger warning for the substance abuse, dragging, and addiction in the hook, because it’s a major plot point and it might be triggering for some.
Thank you to NetGalley for providing an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
I was really curious about her hearing loss and how she would navigate this sudden change, because representation in books is so important, but Cassandra spends so much time just wanting and relying on Lyme to present a cure to her that she doesn’t actually do anything herself to actively look for a solution. If the book meant to portray the denial and bargaining phase of going through late stage hearing loss I can understand that, but as a major plot character device it didn’t really do much for the plot line about whatever was going on with the witches.
The POV the book was in was hard to connect to and the book did a lot more telling than showing in the initial chapters. The book also suffered from a lack of world-building that still has me confused after finishing. I don’t really understand the fantasy world they live in, the backstory of the creation of witches, why they are being persecuted, where does the magic come from and how does it work, why is the villain hunting witches, etc was not established in the beginning nor by the end. I felt as confused as Cassandra but even more so when she started to understand the world but I didn’t.
This book focuses too heavily on the romance, which doesn’t even have a solid foundation, as it’s basically insta-lust with a man who she thinks may be the cause to her hearing loss. The actual plot is lost in the push for romance, and because of that, it really felt like nothing was happening for the majority of the book. His ability to manipulate her emotions and her lack of concern for that was concerning to me, especially with how many times he kissed her unexpectedly without her consent. And the whole imprecation storyline was absolutely bonkers and out of nowhere.
I also didn’t really like the FMC. Her decisions and reasoning for trusting people makes no sense. This, coupled with the lack of development for side characters made me fell distant from Cassandra’s story. There were so many characters introduced but we don’t actually get to spend any substantial time with any of them to make the relationships seem believable.
I also think there should’ve been a trigger warning for the substance abuse, dragging, and addiction in the hook, because it’s a major plot point and it might be triggering for some.
Thank you to NetGalley for providing an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
June 14, 2025
THOUGHTS: I was really looking forward to this book and disappointed that it just did not work for me. The premise was intriguing and the fact that the main character became deaf when she became a witch was fascinating. When you gain your powers, you lose some other part of you.
The main character, Cassandra, is touched by a strange man and loses her hearing, but gains a strange power. When she touches someone, she can tell if they’re witch or human. That power comes into play when she is to the Lyme estate. Cassandra makes the mistake multiple times on who to trust.
The witch hunting scenes should come with a warning (as should the addiction subject). The hunting scenes were bloody and gory – and even more so later when Cassandra returned to the forest. Had I known about the brutality in this story, I probably would not have read it.
The premise, as said, was intriguing. But the play out just did not work for me. And that is just my opinion. Many other reviewers loved it. Reviewing is very subjective. Not everybody likes everything. I will note this, the writing was intense enough that parts of it really bothered me and that means that the author did her job of making me feel something.
The main character, Cassandra, is touched by a strange man and loses her hearing, but gains a strange power. When she touches someone, she can tell if they’re witch or human. That power comes into play when she is to the Lyme estate. Cassandra makes the mistake multiple times on who to trust.
The witch hunting scenes should come with a warning (as should the addiction subject). The hunting scenes were bloody and gory – and even more so later when Cassandra returned to the forest. Had I known about the brutality in this story, I probably would not have read it.
The premise, as said, was intriguing. But the play out just did not work for me. And that is just my opinion. Many other reviewers loved it. Reviewing is very subjective. Not everybody likes everything. I will note this, the writing was intense enough that parts of it really bothered me and that means that the author did her job of making me feel something.
April 14, 2025
We follow Cassandra Poole as she works at her family’s apothecary, until one day a strange man comes in and touches her changing her life. Cassandra looses her hearing and struggles navigating a new world. For a break she goes to visit her aunt out of town. When she’s here she finds more information on her hearing loss as well as a deal to get her hearing back if she helps hunt local witches down. But when she meets Niko and continues to learn more about herself and new friend can she still uphold her side of the deal?
This book was a new perspective on hearing loss. I loved the inclusion there! I would have liked to see some sign or more acceptance of the situation but understand that’s not where the character was in her journey.
And the witch and witch hunter story line very fun! Love a good witch hunter book and this one came with a cool twist. I loved that my trust was tested around every corner and you really don’t know who to trust.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This book was a new perspective on hearing loss. I loved the inclusion there! I would have liked to see some sign or more acceptance of the situation but understand that’s not where the character was in her journey.
And the witch and witch hunter story line very fun! Love a good witch hunter book and this one came with a cool twist. I loved that my trust was tested around every corner and you really don’t know who to trust.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 20, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️ — Without Words by Mae Thorn
Without Words introduces a dark and intriguing world where witches walk among us and the cost of magic is steep. Cassandra Poole’s sudden hearing loss and ability to detect witches sets up a compelling premise, and her complicated relationship with Niko Moore adds tension to the narrative.
I was lucky to be gifted both the ebook and audiobook versions. While I found the audio narration difficult to get into at first—the cadence felt slightly off and it took a few attempts to settle into the rhythm—the concept behind the story kept me going.
This book is best suited as a lighter read between heavier fantasy or romance titles. The pacing moves quickly, sometimes rushing through moments that could have used more development, while lingering on others. Readers looking for rich world-building or deep character arcs may find themselves wanting more, but those after a quick witchy read with an intriguing premise may enjoy it.
Overall, an interesting concept that left me curious but wishing for further depth in both the world and the characters.
October 31, 2025
Without Words is an intriguing mix of historical fantasy and witchy suspense that pulled me in from the first chapter. Cassandra Poole’s sudden hearing loss and her struggle to understand her new world and herself make for a really unique story. I haven’t read many books that tackle hearing loss in this kind of magical setting, and it added a lot of depth to her character and choices.
The relationship between Cassandra and Niko is complicated in the best way. You never know who to trust, and every new character brings another layer of mystery. The witch hunter plotline gives the book a constant tension, and I liked how it explored what makes someone human versus other.
Some parts move a little slower, but it works for the atmosphere. The writing feels immersive and the story stays unpredictable right up to the end. If you like stories about witches, betrayal, and tough moral choices wrapped in a darkly magical world, this one is worth the read.
The relationship between Cassandra and Niko is complicated in the best way. You never know who to trust, and every new character brings another layer of mystery. The witch hunter plotline gives the book a constant tension, and I liked how it explored what makes someone human versus other.
Some parts move a little slower, but it works for the atmosphere. The writing feels immersive and the story stays unpredictable right up to the end. If you like stories about witches, betrayal, and tough moral choices wrapped in a darkly magical world, this one is worth the read.
April 3, 2025
⭐️ 3.5 ⭐️
A beautiful historical romance with witches!
There’s nothing I enjoy more than a book that brings you back in time to when the witch trials took place. This was a very interesting take on this subject with a witch actually teaming up with a witch hunter to use her ability’s to detect other witches within the area.
While I enjoyed the premise of this book, I found the magic system very confusing and unsure of what everyone’s ’abilities’ truly were.
I enjoyed the relationships within the book and found they were developed really well!
The way this book was written really keeps the reader on their toes as we never truly know who to trust.
I enjoyed reading this book and will definitely continue reading other books by this author.
A beautiful historical romance with witches!
There’s nothing I enjoy more than a book that brings you back in time to when the witch trials took place. This was a very interesting take on this subject with a witch actually teaming up with a witch hunter to use her ability’s to detect other witches within the area.
While I enjoyed the premise of this book, I found the magic system very confusing and unsure of what everyone’s ’abilities’ truly were.
I enjoyed the relationships within the book and found they were developed really well!
The way this book was written really keeps the reader on their toes as we never truly know who to trust.
I enjoyed reading this book and will definitely continue reading other books by this author.
June 16, 2025
"Without Words" is one of those books that I liked, but didn't love. It definitely isn't a bad story, so the 3-stars is not meant to be a low rating.
The premise of the story was intriguing and pulled me in right away. There were moments that had me hooked, like every time Cassandra as over-thinking anything about Niko. That said, I never felt completely invested in either of them and their relationship. It went from "oh this is the love interest" to "wait, they're being intimate... how did we get here?" I wanted more depth and layers to their connection and a bit more complexity in how it unfolded. It didn't hit the emotional high I was hoping for.
Still, I didn't dislike the book. It was a pleasant read for a cozy night in, and I do recommend this for a fun quick read.
The premise of the story was intriguing and pulled me in right away. There were moments that had me hooked, like every time Cassandra as over-thinking anything about Niko. That said, I never felt completely invested in either of them and their relationship. It went from "oh this is the love interest" to "wait, they're being intimate... how did we get here?" I wanted more depth and layers to their connection and a bit more complexity in how it unfolded. It didn't hit the emotional high I was hoping for.
Still, I didn't dislike the book. It was a pleasant read for a cozy night in, and I do recommend this for a fun quick read.
November 24, 2025
Audiobook:
The one moment everything is normal for Cassandra, and the other, she looses her hearing.
Soon it becomes clear that there is more to it, Cassandra has gained certain ‘ witchcraft abilities’ but had to give up on something .. her hearing in her case.
There are many layers of mystery in this story and all the characters are holding something back.
Cassandra gets involved in a complicated romance with Nico. But can she trust him completely?
The story is interesting and the suspension builds up towards the end. This book is about loss but also hope and love. Feelings that the autor described so well.
The narrator has a nice empathic voice.
I enjoyed listening to this story, it’s courageous and emotional.
The one moment everything is normal for Cassandra, and the other, she looses her hearing.
Soon it becomes clear that there is more to it, Cassandra has gained certain ‘ witchcraft abilities’ but had to give up on something .. her hearing in her case.
There are many layers of mystery in this story and all the characters are holding something back.
Cassandra gets involved in a complicated romance with Nico. But can she trust him completely?
The story is interesting and the suspension builds up towards the end. This book is about loss but also hope and love. Feelings that the autor described so well.
The narrator has a nice empathic voice.
I enjoyed listening to this story, it’s courageous and emotional.
November 7, 2025
This story takes several twist and turns as Cassandra, a newly minted witch with no critical thinking skills, tries to figure who to trust in a world that becomes more confusing and treacherous by the day. It was frustrating at times because characters would contradict themselves often, say one thing and then something entirely different in the same breath, but this led to the reader being just as annoyed and confused as the main character and added to the chaos of the story. I think that this was brilliantly done as even the reader didn't know who was on which side. If you like espionage, magic, and a touch of spice, this is the book for you.
May 17, 2025
I found the worldbuilding extemely cofusing. There's a recent trend in romantasy to focus more on the romance than the fantasy and a LOT of novels suffer for it. Fantasy has been my favorite genre since I was a child. The romance is secondary for me. I didn't really understand what the witches were doing or what they wanted. The hearing loss at the beginning was extremely rushed. I wish this had taken more time to flesh itself out. Instead, I spent most of the novel constantly questioning what was happening.
November 8, 2025
The premise here is really good. A witchy historical vibe, sudden hearing loss, and a slow discovery of what that loss actually means. I liked Cassandra’s journey and how the story explored identity and trust. Some parts were a bit unclear for me in terms of the world-building, and I wanted just a little more development in the romance. But overall it kept me interested, the atmosphere worked, and the concept felt fresh. I enjoyed it.
March 26, 2025
While I really liked the premise of this book, I found the magic system a little confusing. I’m still not sure what exactly the main character’s power was, along with many of the other witches. I liked the relationships in the book, and thought they were well developed. The ending felt a little rushed, but it was a happy ending.
November 20, 2025
Cassandra is the daughter of the local apothecary. When a young nobleman comes on a extremely rainy day Cassandra slips and falls. The young nobleman catches her and a sudden searing pain goes through her and her hearing all but disappears. This story is her life forward trying to find away to regain her hearing. The Narration is well done and helped to make this a Wounderful Listen.
March 21, 2025
A sweet historical romance with witches.
The 3rd person writing allows for you to be confused on everyones true intentions. This provides a good amount of manipulation and unknowing who truely should be trusted.
The 3rd person writing allows for you to be confused on everyones true intentions. This provides a good amount of manipulation and unknowing who truely should be trusted.
June 27, 2025
A nice weekend read! I finished it fast enjoying the twists and not knowing quite where it would go. As a person with hearing loss, I love seeing hearing loss represented in the main character. Mae Thorn does a good job describing what hearing loss is like.
November 20, 2025
this was such a fun book to read and kept you guessing and then turned dark and still kept you guessing. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and switched my opinion back and forth throughout this journey as to who was right and could be trusted.
December 8, 2025
I really enjoyed this book. The world-building and magic system were so unique, and I loved Cassandra’s tenacity and Niko’s playfulness. Their dynamic was really fun. I also thought the diability rep was great! I would love to read Mae Thorn’s other works!
September 8, 2025
As usual, Thorn takes us into a work of magic and sizzling romance. The men are sexy, the women will run circles around you, and the cats? Well, the cat has sorcery.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews