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Hunt for the White Witch

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In a fight for survival, their love may be the most dangerous weapon of all.

Whispers of the White Witch have spread through Solstyr like wildfire, and as Katya’s infamy grows so does the king’s fury. Signs calling for her arrest pepper the walls of every city, village and outpost, fueling the nation’s fear. Even the Ümbrian slaves she helped rescue now look at her with distrustful eyes.

The once helpless academic is now a powerful magi and leader of a band of refugees, but Katya doesn’t feel powerful. She feels lost, as the weight of her guilt, grief over her family and the sting of Aemon’s betrayal slowly eat her alive.

Aemon’s path is kill the king, no matter the cost. That changes when he stumbles upon news of Katya’s mother. Setting his quest for vengeance aside, Aemon seeks her out, hoping for redemption.

Together, they’re forced on a deadly mission into the darkest depths of Ümbros, where the cocky shifter must regain Katya’s trust if they’re to stay alive and save the people they love.

But forces from above and below conspire against them and enemies lie around every corner. Bent on seizing absolute power, the king will stop at nothing to eliminate the White Witch – even if it means tearing the kingdom apart.

Hunt for the White Witch is the second book in the Kingdoms of Light and Shadow trilogy. It is a gritty, dark romantasy full of steamy romance, political intrigue, and nail-biting action. This series is perfect for fans of Carissa Broadbent, Jennifer L. Armentrout, and Sarah J. Maas.

470 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 20, 2025

81 people are currently reading
94 people want to read

About the author

C.R. Lee

9 books78 followers
C. R. Lee is a writer of fantasy and romance filled with drama, humor and a whole lot of steam. She prides herself on creating troubled yet compelling characters, then putting them through hell for your entertainment.

You’re welcome.

But no matter how cruel she may be, rest assured, all of her books are guaranteed to have a HEA.

C. R. Lee currently lives in North Carolina with her husband, two children, two dogs, a cat, and a leopard gecko. When she’s not writing, she enjoys reading and drinking copious amounts of coffee-preferably at the same time.

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5 stars
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
Profile Image for Ceacea.
212 reviews24 followers
August 20, 2025
Genre: Dark Romantasy
⭐️ 4.25/5
🌶 2/5
🧠 5/10
🎵 Everything has Changed by Taylor Swift
Noteworthy: Late industrial era fantasy. Book 2 of an incomplete series. Dual POV. Dark themes but not as dark as book 1. Available on KU.

The last line of this book was diabolical! Yeah, I did not see that coming. What a mess to untangle in book 3. I have to say that I enjoyed the pacing of this book much better than book 1.

There was so much to like here, but let's start with the best thing. The MMC Aemon. Man, oh man, is he delicious! He had me giggling so much in the first half of this book. He's so damned arrogant and sassy, and I ate it right up. There isn't much that I don't love about his character, but I truly admire how he wasn't written as invincible. He may not always be the most powerful person in the room, but he will always jump in front of a bullet for his girl. Spectacular, give me 14 more!

Katya was better in this one, too, thank goodness! She had some great character growth that I know will continue into book 3. Her moral struggles and the way she wasn't perfect with her powers were great. I also loved how she did not back down from holding others accountable even when it was hard. Her relationship with Aemon progressed realistically for the situation, and that was lovely to see. Even though she wanted it so much, she made him earn her trust. As she should!

I also enjoyed the fact that we can trust basically no one in this story. Every character has their own agenda, which is going to make for an interesting finale!

All in all, bravo for a very fun second installment here. I think this is supposed to be a trilogy, but I would read 20 books with Aemon in it. I will be on the lookout for book 3's release date! Give it to me now!
Profile Image for Caroline F.
2,396 reviews52 followers
June 29, 2025
Really enjoyed this second instalment to this series.

"I have seen every scar, every sin, every shadowy fragment of your soul, and I am still here."

I absolutely adored Aemon and loved how he persevered with Katya - she became his purpose. I loved the adventures they experienced and the way the author spun the whole tale - with some surprising revelations along the way. This story was adrenaline-fueled, sexy, and heartfelt. The cliffhanger nearly broke my heart! I can't wait for the next instalment.

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/gp/customer-re...?
Profile Image for Sunshine_and_Fantasybooks.
179 reviews14 followers
July 3, 2025
Hunt for the White Witch by C.R. Lee pulled me right back into this dark, magical world from page one. Picking up after the explosive ending of Dawn of the White Witch, this sequel delivers everything I hoped for and more. I loved that Lee included a helpful recap at the start — it made diving back into Katya and Aemon’s story so seamless.

This book is a gripping multi-POV journey that blends political intrigue, magic, betrayal, and a romance that cuts deep. Katya’s transformation is so well done — once a helpless academic, now a powerful magi burdened by guilt, grief, and the weight of leadership. Meanwhile, Aemon is still the cocky shifter we adore, but we get to see more of his desperate need for redemption as he shifts his quest for vengeance to find Katya again. Watching them navigate their fractured trust and undeniable chemistry made my heart ache.

I loved the adventures and dangerous missions that forced them back together, each page dripping with tension, magic, and emotion. The multi-POV storytelling also gave such rich insight into the world and the players moving against them. And that cliffhanger?! Lee knows exactly how to keep readers desperate for more.

If you’re looking for a gritty, dark romantasy full of steamy romance, treacherous politics, and edge-of-your-seat action — this is it. I can’t wait to see how this story concludes in the final book.
Profile Image for Eirawyn84.
46 reviews7 followers
June 24, 2025
Did you every wish that Celaena and Chaol had more time together in Throne of Glass Series? Well here it is…

This is a gripping multi POV with a major cliffhanger! This is the book for you if you enjoy fantasy with a bit of romance and spice, adventures and missions with magic discovery and betrayal.

We’re back with Katya and Aemon in book 2 of the Kingdom of Light and Shadow series.

Katya is desperate to find her Mother and Brother. Convinced they must still be alive. She goes to find them and who ends up being able to help her? Aemon of course!

Split up at the end of book 2, Aemon is desperate to show the King just how he feels about him. But the King is expecting him and has a trained assassin watching his back. Although Aemon has little success in killing the King, he does learn more about Katya’s Mother. Is it enough to get Katya’s forgiveness though?

Katya is struggling with the discovery of her new powers and her identity as the White Witch. The persona being hunted everywhere she looks. She’s grieving the loss of her people, feeling guilty over her actions and she’s heart broken after Aemon’s betrayal.

The world building isn’t too difficult to grasp with an interesting take on magic lor. There is so much banter between the two main characters, there are moments of genuine chuckling with Aemon’s cheeky mouth. And Katya gives as good as she gets 😂

I can’t wait for book 3!
Profile Image for Heather Desmond.
19 reviews2 followers
June 20, 2025
If you haven’t read the first book (Dawn of The White Witch) do it. This is the second book to the Kingdom of Lights and Shadows series. This book picks up exactly where the DOTWW ends. It’s a dual POV (my favorite) and you follow the story of Katya and Aemon. After everything Katya has gone through and done to get to where she is, she’s still standing strong and as bull headed as ever. Through this book you get to watch as Katya blossoms into a very ‘you’re doing it her way or no way’ character. She is no longer the timid and afraid girl she was. The character development thru the entire book is 😍. The banter between the main characters is 🤣😂❤️. And the attraction and spice is 🥵🤤😍. Honestly I wouldn’t have complained if there was more.

This has legit become my FAVORITE series. The world building is beautifully done. The magic system is on point. And the story is AH-MAZING. Don’t be to upset with C.R. Lee and her way of leaving the book on an enormous cliff. She’s got at least one more book coming. Honestly hoping for more. But we’ll see. Until then enjoy this masterpiece she left us with.
Profile Image for Alli Carlson.
213 reviews39 followers
June 19, 2025
4.25 stars!
C.R. Lee dropped me right back into the storm without missing a beat — and I loved it. Hunt for the White Witch picks up immediately after the dramatic ending of book one, and the pace never lets up. Katya is in hiding, hunted by kings, courts, and even the one person who once held her heart. The stakes feel higher, the magic is richer, and the tension? Delicious.

This installment leans harder into blood magic, spectral powers, crystals, witches, shifters, secret identities, and — yes — one very hardworking horse. The banter still delivers, the political scheming is ramped up, and the questing hits that perfect romantasy stride: equal parts danger and longing.

C.R. Lee’s writing has a way of making even small moments feel charged. There’s yummy tension, familiar humor, and a growing darkness that feels like the series is leveling up.

But let’s talk about that ending. THAT LAST LINE?! Miss Lee, you are ruthless.

This is a strong sequel that refuses to fall into “middle book” syndrome. I’m hooked and officially terrified for what’s coming next.
Profile Image for Shannon.
43 reviews1 follower
July 29, 2025
C.R. Lee does it again. Hunt For The White Witch is amazing. It's got some magic to the extreme, fae politics, backstabbing, and of course the love that tops it all. Katya is back better than ever. She learned how to deal with her powers all while trying to forgive herself and Aemon for things he did in book one, Dawn of the White Witch. Aemon is also back he got his own agenda, and it doesn't turn out for him so well, but while doing this, he learns that Katya mother is alive. He goes in search of Katya and the camp she set up. Once back together, their pull is just as strong, and they find themselves in some sticky situations. The twist in this book is not something you see coming. So if you love a good Romantasy, then this book is for you, but you must read BOOK ONE first Dawn of the White Witch.
Profile Image for Rebekah Powers.
272 reviews4 followers
June 17, 2025
C.R. Lee snaps us back into the story following the events of the epic ending/cliffhanger of Dawn of the White Witch. Readers will hit the ground running with Katya’s rag tag group of survivors, while Aemon is trying to fulfill the oath he made at the end of book one. And both are low-key miserable without one another.

I was thrilled to discover that this book offered just as much adventure, mystery, close calls, and the same high tension connection between Katya and Aemon, as the previous installment!

Katya is becoming more and more powerful as she fine tunes her abilities. But that is also attracting the attention of all sorts of characters - kings, queens, Magi’s. Their intentions may not always be what they seem.

I HIGHLY recommend this high intensity fantasy!
Profile Image for Brit.
694 reviews
June 25, 2025
LOVED LOVED LOVED this book!!! I absolutely loved the recap! It was so helpful to have. I also used the maps and The Tenatian Pantheon page SO much! This book took me on a wild ride. My heart felt for Katya so many times. She finally meets up with her mother and brother to only find her mother has lied about so much. I could feel the tension in the air! I loved seeing so many people from book 1. I liked how Katya ended up with so many when she was held captive. I was on the edge of my seat until the very end and that ENDING!!! OMG! I had a little trickle in my mind about that ending, not necessarily who it ended up being, but that someone may not be gone and OMG I was not prepared!! I cannot wait until the next book! C.R. Lee sucks me right into all of her stories and I love this world!
Profile Image for Scarlett Chase.
Author 4 books162 followers
June 23, 2025
Heat level: 2.5/5. The wait was so worth it only to be met with another tantalizing reveal before a great cliffhanger. I love that being around Aemon had helped Katya grow in terms of how she handles a certain reunion after she learned who her father was in book 1. There was much more traveling in this one, the ever looming Bellatore threat since Katya is a fugitive, an unexpected obstacle, and reunions that send Katya on an emotional rollercoaster. As much as she's still hurt by Aemon's lie, Katya can't keep away from him and their feelings strengthen. May I say I never trusted the betrayer in the end? Talk about an intense ending sprinkled with a revelation. I can't wait for the next one!
Profile Image for Nicole  Henderson.
1,440 reviews22 followers
June 25, 2025
This sequel was everything. Yes, readers will get another cliffhanger. Ms. Lee definitely knows how to leave us hanging. Katya is on the run after utilizing magic she did not know she possessed. Unfortunately, the Prince Troi is after the woman they have dubbed "The White Witch" No one really saw her face and did not know who the white witch was, but there is a search to find this person. Katya is with a group of humans hoping Aemon Craig will make an appearance. Not because she loves him, he just makes her feel safe. Her band of human slaves that they released from the mines are making due. With the Bellatorae on their heels, they have to keep moving.

Aemon Craig is on a mission to kill Prince Troi. Going through what he did with Katya, gives you a different perspective. Troi needs to go down. This book has a lot going on. Aemon is also desperately trying to get to Katya. Something about that woman has a hold on him that he can't ignore. With a new mission, the couple head to Umbros to find Katya's mother. Things get weird. There are a lot of unknowns. Favors are being passed out. No one knows who to trust. There are some good things that come out of this. Thankfully, this is not the end. Katya and Aemon have another chapter. I am enjoying this series. The intrigue continues. The ending is full of unexpected surprises. I don't know what readers will get next, but I am definitely here for it.
Profile Image for Simone Haeseler.
502 reviews9 followers
June 17, 2025
Aemon and Katja finally together again, or not? I was happy, that he found her pretty fast, but of course everything isn't easy in this fantasy world. It was a lot of action and thank god for the healing stones. It was a good story with Aemons shifting abilities. He was so funny and protective in this book, Iiked him a lot. Katja was very stubborn and argumentative at times. It was an adventurous story with a lot of obstacles and a strong female adversary. All in all a good second book with a cliffhanger, can't wait for the next book.
Profile Image for Shyla.
255 reviews5 followers
June 18, 2025
C.R. Lee does not disappoint in the Hunt for the White Witch!

I loved book one, book two chefs kiss! 💋 I absolutely loved the new characters, along with the surprise twists and “oh no she didn’t moments!”

Katya and Aemon’s journey moves fast in this one! As they both struggle with their feels, there are intense moments and moments I laughed out loud.

There is so much I want to spill, but I won’t! 🖤 you have to read book one before reading this one and this one does end on one cliff jumping cliffhanger! I highly recommend it!! This is one that will stay with me for a while. 🖤
125 reviews5 followers
June 23, 2025
This author never fails to have me gripped from Page 1. It feels like I've waited a decade for this book to come out! After the epic cliffhanger of book 1, I was immediately drawn into Aemons and Katyas story. The world building and imagination of the story just sucks you in until youre suddenly finished with the book and chomping at the bit for the next one. If you like slow burn dark fantasy romance with banter and powerful magic and suspenseful twists and turns, you definitely gotta pick up these books, you won't regret it
Profile Image for Holly Huffman .
23 reviews
June 24, 2025
Hunt for the White Witch is book 2, and let me just say it more interesting and intense than book one.

Katya and Aemon go through some ups and down, but in the end, they know what needs to happen.

I highly recommend this book
and the adventure the author takes you on. Just when you think you figured the storeline BooM C.R. Lee changes it, and you never seen it coming.
The magic ,fantasy, and world buildingares mind-blowing.
Well written and a world i wish I could be a part of. Thank you C.R Lee.
66 reviews5 followers
June 19, 2025
Hunt for the White Witch is the second book in the Kingdom of Light and Shadow trilogy. This is a continuation of Katya and Aemon’s story of love and survival. HFTWW is a dark romantasy with lots of spice as well as adventure/action that keeps you wanting more! This is a gripping story from page one to the very end! Highly recommend reading this book!
2,897 reviews9 followers
July 24, 2025
Aemon and Katya
I love this story, but that cliffhanger??!!! Wow! Aemon and Katya are such rich and engaging characters. This is fast paced, full of action, adventure, magic, more secrets and questions, mystery, intrigue, drama, tension, emotion, humour, twists, romance and steam. I simply cannot wait for the final instalment.
68 reviews
June 27, 2025
OMG I love this series so much. Katya and Aemon go through so much and are always having to look over their shoulders to make sure they are safe. Will they ever get their Happily ever after? I'm ready for what ever C.R Lee has in store for them next. and yes it's left on a cliffhanger.
Profile Image for Shela Dayan.
229 reviews1 follower
October 27, 2025
dnf @71 %

i just couldnt bear to finish it, it went off in a really weird direction
i find that always happens to me with fantasy for some reason, its really easy for me to like the setup, but not where it leads cuz it just gets too weird
Profile Image for Pauline.
381 reviews6 followers
July 10, 2025
Action packed and cliffhanger ending!
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews

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