The Ether Witch: The Casting Call

The Ether Witch #1

by Delemhach

Tamlin Ashowan has troubled his family for years. Between the fearfulness of his magic and his refusal to share exactly what it does, his loving parents and sister don’t know how best to guide him. Tam, on the other hand, insists he doesn’t need any assistance. Despite ignoring his magic and possessing a preference for remaining locked up in his room with a good book, Tam is determined to play his role as the heir to his dukedom to the best of his ability. But being the son of Finlay Ashowan, the famous hero of Daxaria, his life is prone to chaos.

Will a new assistant, who has even more secrets than Tam himself, be able to help navigate Tam's endless responsibilities? Will all chaos break out thanks to the unstable kingdom of Zinfera? And lastly, can Tam handle everything without having to use his magical power, or will he be pushed to new limits as his fate rushes to meet him?

Find the answer to these questions and more in the new trilogy set in the same universe as The House Witch series, The Princess of Potential, and The Burning Witch series. There's no need to read the previous books to enjoy the new, fun adventure. Feel free to jump right in!

Genres: Fantasy, Cozy, Audiobook, Romance, Magic, Fiction, Witches

482 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 1, 2025

About the author

Delemhach is the Canadian author of the popular online series, The House Witch, and is already hard at work on the sequel series, The Burning Witch. When they aren’t following the whims of their unfortunately intelligent cats, Kraken and Pina Colada, they are teaching music privately to their students. In their spare time outside of writing and work, they enjoy cooking, reading, hiking, spending time with family, and trying not to remember their socially awkward moments.

Reviews

[Elizabeth · Rating 2 out of 5]

I’m disappointed :( SPOILERS KINDA AHEAD BUT NOT PLOT RELATED. I want to like it because I love the other two series but I just can’t. It definitely didn’t have the same feel and aliveness of the other two series. The author has done such a great job at creating unique stories and incredible characters and character arcs previously but she put every cringy predictable popular romantic trope into this book and it feels forced and annoying. It almost feels as though a different person wrote half this book. One who cared less about keeping the unique characters the house witch series is known for. The plot is there and was the only thing that kept me going but the erratic and two dimensional way she wrote the characters really ruined it for me. I like the idea she had for Tam and the theme of the series about loneliness and trauma and redemption but she made Tam seem like every other dark tragic hot guy of every other book. What horribly shy, introverted, incredibly smart and tragic 28 year old man says to a deeply traumatized woman “you better put a serious barricade between us in the bed” like wtf Tam’s too smart to say something that stupid. I understand part of his barely touched upon backstory is he’s a coward but never was he so juvenile and borderline disrespectful when the rest of the time he’s a pure gentleman. I’m assuming this book was rushed written because that’s the only way it could have turned out like this or there was an editor telling the author to make this series more like other popular ones right now. Forcing the popular romantic tropes in made Tam’s character feel fake and contrary to what we know and also learned about him. It just didn’t fit with the character. I really love the author’s writings up until now so I have high hopes the next book will be back up to par of the other books. Do Tam some justice please!

[Sophy R · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve been sucked into this book just like all the other Ashowan family adventures. We finally get to know Tam, and it’s just as good as the others. I can’t wait for book two.

[Wayne · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Most Satisfying Read

As with most of this author's books it sucked you into the story. You really did not want to put it down. Tam and Ely are most interesting characters. The final pages actually surprised me. Looking forward to book 2.

[Bill Pentland · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the 7th book in this collection I've read. The series started with the 3 books of The House Witch, followed by the 3 Burning Witch books. The Ether Witch, titled The Casting Call, marks the start of another trilogy. I must say, it's fun getting back in the world of Finley Ashowan and his children, who are the main characters in these latter trilogies. In this one, it's Tam Ashowan, Finley's son. The sometimes moody, often stand offish son who undertakes dangerous missions for his family. Not sure of his magic, Tam, this time, has to travel to Zinfara, under disguise. His assistant, Eli, who has been under disguise as a man but is actually a princess, is to play his wife. On board the ship taking them to Zinfara, Tam is introduced to another surprise - an illegitimate son he sire 7 years prior - a son he didn't know he had. Needless to say, it's a tangled tale that has many turns and surprises.

[Dawn ♡♡♡♡♡]

04/01/2025 ~ pre-read ~

How I had no idea the first book to Tamlin’s series was coming out today 😱 thankful for kindle unlimited bc they knew owning the other books in this world; it is not a want to read, it is a need read.
Happily investing in the physical copies bc this is a YA I’ll die for.
Also, I won’t be reading this until all three books are out. Then I’ll be fully losing myself back into the wonder world of the House Witch.

[Jude: The Epic Reader · Rating 4 out of 5]

This one was a bit difficult for me to get into, I'm not the biggest fan of the cross-dressing trope, but it grew on me the more time I spent with them. I love Tam and was super excited for this one, little disappointed that it wasn't quite going the way I wanted it to. But Eli grew on me and I learned to love them. I loved all the new characters that came along, especially Luca wasn't big on the surprise child either, but I love him with Tam so much.

Sad I read this without the next two out but I'm glad I'm caught up with this universe. Can't wait for more interactions with the fam.

[Nina · Rating 3 out of 5]

personally just not a fan of political plots and also slightly wished eli stayed a man … the ending tho got me

[Kway · Rating 3 out of 5]

this book wasn't *bad* but for some reason, it didn't hold my attention or cause me to care too much about the characters.

[Rebecca Gordon · Rating 5 out of 5]

THAT'S WHERE THE STORY FINISHED!?!?

[Auđur · Rating 2 out of 5]

2,7*

[Emilio Socías · Rating 5 out of 5]

After reading Fins' and Cats' story, i thought i knew what i was in for with Tam. With a narrator that consistently kept the same vibe and type of story throughout seven different books, you would thing the 8th would feel like much of the same but, with Delemhach, that is not the case.
Comenzarme este libro se sintió como volver a visitar un viejo amigo con ojos nuevos: las vibras eran similares, el tempo de la historia era conocido pero los personajes y la narración tenía una madurez que no se encontraba en los otros libros. Don't get me wrong, the narration style was the same which meant that it was impossible to finish a chapter without having laughed at least twice, but the story touched on more mature topics with excellent care so as not to weigh the narration but to lift it; it didn't make what you were reading heavy, it made it so that it would be impossible not to be touched in the must human of ways. I have to admit that my eyes kept watering with every scene that envolved Luka and that made me feel so much more connected to the story.
The rest of the characters were exactly what you would expect from a Delemhach novel: funny, playful and competent, always smiling and making light of every dark situation. Tamlin was such an amazing main character, with his fathers' respectfulness and charm and his mothers' wit, cunning and ruthlessness when it came to protecting what she loved. I honestly love what she did with this story and i can't wait to see what happens next.
Totally would recommend for anyone looking for a funny, witty novel that doesn't make you feel like the world is ending even when it is.

[undomielf · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5🌟 something about this book felt disjointed for me!!! I'm mad about it because I LOVE this series 😤 and cancelled my weekend plans to read in peace. but i am VERY excited to explore Zinfera, finally see Tam coming into his own and LUCA😍 I'd die for him

[Kinyorda Sliwiak · Rating 4 out of 5]

It took me a few chapters to get into the story but I couldn't stop listening once it got going. The outcast/black sheep of the family is the primary theme. Three different characters are the outcast child but not in the same way. These three characters form their own family unit all while trying to keep their secrets and fight the bad guys. There is a love story but it isn't annoying. It was difficult not to jump right into the second book in the series. Good audio narration. Interesting story. Cliffhanger at the end. I'll be back for more.

[Laurel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I sincerely hope this series and all its spinoffs never end!!!

[kataloupe · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fun change in scenery!!! Also loved finally seeing more of tam’s magic. Delemach explores delicate conversations and controversial issues with ease once again 👏 👏

[Rita · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderfully Unique

I love the entire Kitchen Witch Series, this one might be my favorite! Cannot wait for the next installment. Cheers

[Emilia · Rating 3 out of 5]

I don’t know

I am a massive fan of the house witch universe, however I am starting to feel like things are getting repetitive and predictable? I wasn’t able to connect to these characters as much as previous ones. The love story for me was not believable either?

I don’t know if it feels rushed but the characters are not as flushed out as in the previous series.

[Jess · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love The House Witch series and The Ether Witch is another cozy and funny book in my fave comedy romantasy adventure. Solid writing as always and I couldn’t put it down, but ymmv.

I loved getting a glimpse into Tam’s life and his magic as he figured out who he is and what his magic means. For the entire series he’s been such a reserved hermit afraid of his magic until now. The first book of his trilogy sees him come into his own, become more confident and figure out his magic with some unexpected friends and found family who are all my very fave if I’m honest. Eli is perfect for Tamlin, but Tam and Luca are perfect for her and just what she needs. Bong and Jeong might be the comedic relief, but they’re more than that. Their jolly and carefree personalities are definitely their true state of being, but they’re also cunning and wise underneath all the jokes and silly moments. It was nice to have the Ryu brothers accompanying Tam and Eli. I really miss Jiho so I hope he makes an appearance in the next Ether Witch book. Bong and Jeong are some of my very favorite characters now and I was sad when they had to part ways with Tam, Eli and Luca.

I don’t want to spoil too much, but we do get to see everyone we know and love from the Ashowan family to the Reyes family and everyone in between in Daxaria before Tam embarks on his journey. Also, this book does end on a cliffhanger, but it was so good and has me super excited for the next book!

I do count this entire series as cozy and comedy (as it’s described/intended), but it does cover darker aspects sometimes although written about in a more fluffier way and not in tons of detail. In The Ether Witch specifically there is some self defense related violence and murder. There’s also political conflict in Zinfera and while Zinfera is less physically brutal than Troivack, the BBEGs in Zinfera are trafficking humans and aid the first witch in her evil plans. So just be aware for this part of the story.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ for this installment of my fave cozy romantasy.

[navyou · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really want to love this book, and I’m giving it some grace since it’s the first in the Ether witch series. That said, it felt like a whole lot of nothing really happened. I genuinely enjoyed getting to know Tamlin, the opening scenes with his sister and nephews were so endearing, and he definitely grew on me as the story went on. But the plot dragged, and nothing ever seemed to fully materialize. Still, I trust Delemhach, she always delivers in the long run, so I’m holding out hope for more action and momentum in Book 2!

[MG · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just reread this in anticipation of volume two being released and I liked it even more. And because the story stops with most of the plot unresolved, reading the two volumes back to back reveals that this is realy one longer, single work--and so much more satisfying. I wish I could stay in this world even longer.

This is said to be the start of a new trilogy but I think it is better to describe it as volume 8 of one long series surrounding one magical family. This one takes up the story of Tamlin, the quiet and strange one in the family, who, surprise, comes into his own and falls in love here. All very fun and poignant, like the other volumes. What is strange, though, is that the typesetting and formatting on Kindle is way off, despite all the previous books being just fine. This book uses a fixed format so that it cannot reflow or change text sizes and often the spaces between words have disappeared. Having worked in publishing, I understand how problems can sneak through. But they are easily fixed. How can this error-filled manuscript still be online? Has the author gotten into money problems and could no longer afford regular typesetting? Something strange is going on, which I hope gets fixed soon.

[Melanie Dirks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finally! I’ve been waiting for Tamlin’s story for years and this didn’t disappoint. Tamlin is everything you love in a hero - brave, protective, and kind. While he does have his faults, they are understandable. I like how he is slowly learning about his magic and more importantly, how not to be afraid of it anymore. I’m not sure how I feel about Eli yet. She has had a lot of trauma in her life and that understandably has caused her to close herself off. I hope she opens up more as she heals. This is probably this most slow burn romance of all the couples in the House Witch and Burning Witch series but it makes sense. I’m interested in seeing how it evolves, especially considering what the ending means about the bond between Tamlin and Eli!

I enjoyed seeing Zinfera and what makes it unique. The Rieu brothers were absolutely hilarious and provided the comedic element we expect from these books. Luca was adorable and I truly hope he isn’t the devil. That would devastate Tam and Eli and would destroy this family they are building.

I hope the Ashowens will play a more prominent role going forward and that we make our way back to Daxaria because of course, that kingdom is the best!

[Tracey Veale · Rating 5 out of 5]

omg. the last line!

[Marlene · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book, I've been waiting to get my hands on it since I finished Burning Witch. There is something about the Ashowan family that I just love.

Tam is so different from his family in so many ways, he doesn't have that charming part that makes everyone like him. I feel like he's more like his mom, he learned from her to be a spy and to kill. Where Kat and Fin are more of the protectors in the family, Annika and Tam are doing the dirty work that needs to get done and keeping the rest of the family's hands clean.

I love how Tam is finally exploring his magic and making friends. I totally understand him wanting to leave Daxaria, everyone has an opinion of him that he can't shake. In Zinfera he can start over and really make friends based on himself and not his family.

I hate seeing that Eli doesn't have any fight in her. She is resigned to what happened to her and now only wants to live a nice comfortable life. Which overall is not bad, however I would have thought that seeing her people suffering and all the human trafficking she would want to do something. I hope we see her slowly grow into someone who will defend herself, her loved ones, and her people.

I already know that in the end he and Eli will end up as the emperor and empress of Zinfera and I love it. It will be Eric and Kat in Daxaria, Alina and Brendan in Troivack. There is one more land Lobahl, I wonder who they will send will it be Likon? But if he and Dana are going to get married then maybe not them. I love the idea of all the leaders of each land united either by blood or friendship.

The Devil, I am 100% sure that it's Luca and it makes me so sad. It will break Tam's heart, I think part of it is that Luca himself doesn't know he is the devil yet. I think that the part that makes him bad is that when he is reborn he goes through horrible things and that makes him want to fix what he thinks is wrong with humanity. I hope that with Tam and Eli showing him love he can see there is another side to humanity and maybe another way to "fix" what is broken.

[WitchShouldIRead · Rating 1 out of 5]

I re-read the series of 7 books before starting this book, which I did for the Morgan Crow series and that was 5 star experience from beginning to end.

Imagine my surprise when Tam starts calling Eli "she" after she has been called "he" by the prince, the king, and the Dragon (the head of spy underworld aka his mom) and her protege (you know the one that recommended "him" to be Tam's assistant). Where is this even coming from? I thought I misread. Go back and listen again. Check the comments to see what I'm missing.

Why is this happening? Between travelling with the prince for 1-2 years while he was dealing with his mom's death and the ship explosion supposedly killing Eli, then being a slave for 1-2 years, then 7 years meeting everyone and their literal mom (The Dragon), no one else has noticed this after a total of 10 years? Tam meets her twice and says she's a girl...

There is a mystery, and giving time to let the story unfold, but this is upsetting and confusing. If I somehow finish and the Dragon doesn't say she knew the whole time, I'm calling her the Gecko.

Update -
The Dragon is still the Dragon. I'll start with negatives in the story and finish with some positives.

Negatives:
- A mysterious illegitimate son sneaks on a ship and could be the devil.
- "why should it matter if he is the devil?" Well if he is the devil, he may be slightly better than the witch but he did kill Aleena's baby, even if unintentional. Also, would he be pretending to be a child with untold experience and lying to Tam?
- On top of everything, Eli is changing clothes in front of Tam, even once is weird considering hiding her gender for this long and general shyness any normal person would have.
- Tam has leveled up his magic by 1-60 after two conversations with people who have a vague understanding of it.

Positives:
- I learned about Tam which I have spent 3 books waiting for.
- The ending was familiar but left me on a what the... cliffhanger.

[Sarah A · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another awesome book from the House Witch universe.
This book focuses on Tamlin, son to the famous house witch and chief spymaster, a semi-recluse from society with an unknown magic. Tamlin just wants to hide in his room with his books, but has been continually dragged out to help his famous family, and goes along on missions and plans to help save various parts of the kingdom.
Now he’s being dragged out of his room again, this time to travel to the neighboring lands where his family (without him) defeated the First Witch and Devil. He’s just supposed to go and gather information.
And his sister, the new Queen, and mother, still chief spymaster, basically order him to take an assistant along.
Eli escaped the homeland after a life living under other people’s rules and directions. Now Eli just wanted to find a place in this safe new country but is offered a deal, a new citizenship and acceptance if Eli first goes with Tamlin to find information about their homeland.
Reluctant for many reasons, Eli agrees.
Tamlin and Eli will journey through their mission, learning secrets and news about the homeland but also learning a lot about themselves and each other.

Another gorgeous page turning fantasy romance with fun and games thrown in. A beautiful story, parents everywhere will cry and be able to relate to so much of this.

[Brittany De Sousa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really related to Tam in this book - I completely understand feeling stuck with well-meaning people who love you, but can’t seem to let you grow. It’s hard, trying to fit in the mould they make for you when you’ve outgrown it. Sometimes you need to leave home to find out who you are, and that’s the journey Tam starts in this book.

I’ve been so excited for this book and to finally have Tamlin’s story! Seeing him grow, discover his power and what he’s truly capable of was such a privilege.

I will say that I was pleasantly surprised by who his love interest is - I never would have guessed! They definitely start off a little prickly towards each other, but Tam always makes sure to put her first and respects every single one of her wishes. For someone like her (no I won’t say who!), who’s wishes have been disregarded by almost everyone since she was a child, this is HUGE and really allows her to start trusting Tam.

Luca was a plot twist I didn’t see coming, but I adore him to bits and love seeing Tam interact with him. They’re so precious and I can’t wait for Finn and Annika’s reactions to him 👀

This book definitely sets up the series and that cliffhanger ending was so mean!! I can’t wait for the next book.

[Katie Popien · Rating 5 out of 5]

I honestly don’t know why I was worried…every single book in the world is a delight! And I LOVE listening to the audio—the narrator is a 10! There’s just something about the world and the characters that is so cozy and endearing. I def agree with some of the reviews when it comes to some key differences in this story. I LOVED Luka and I think we are going to have a lot more fun with the growing relationship between Tam and his assistant. One thing I will say however (because it almost prevented me from reading this book) is that the romantic interest for Tam in this book is indeed a woman. For most readers that may not matter, but for me personally I prefer to read m/f romance and so I figured I would mention it. 😉 The cliffhanger ending was another thing I didn’t see coming! It’s been a bit since I read her other books so maybe she does this with all of them but I feel like this was an extra delightful surprise we got at the end. Thank goodness the sequel comes out in a few weeks!

[Tunza · Rating 4 out of 5]

Comparing this first book in the series to the previous two series first books I'll say it's the weakest of the bunch. The plot didn't lull much, a bigger focus on the greater political scenes than we saw in the Housewitch and the Burning Witch. The biggest kicker for why it's 4 stars and not 3 is despite me not agreeing with a couple choices made in regards to Eli's character I really like the decision and can't wait to the next book to hit release. I can admit when I'm wrong and the choices made sense after reading the last page.

Pros. The Ashowan family is just as ridiculous as always. The overall story very quickly ties back to the burning witch.

Cons. The story ends on a hefty cliffhanger and you'll have to transition to royal road to get to read more.
The lack of Empurror Kraken and Piña Colada
The pacing of things felt off.

[EP Wiggins · Rating 5 out of 5]

These books are always so very comforting to me. I sometimes have a bit of reading executive dysfunction. Starting a new book with new characters and a new plot and a new world can make me so anxious that I just… don’t. When I’m in those transition periods, coming back to this world is like coming home, as cheesy as that sounds. I’m so familiar with all of the characters. I feel like I’ve grown up with the entire family. It’s doesn’t require much of me. I can listen passively. The story line isn’t with so much detail that my brain must lend the entirety of its power to focusing on every word. But it’s interesting and engaging enough to keep me hooked. The rating is because of that. Because it allows me to escape my brain to a cozy place. It’s just enough,and that’s what five stars for me :)

[Veronica - I need a husband, to have a fancy last name · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kocham. I jest mi smutno, że muszę czekać na kolejne części (tym bardziej z taką końcówką - jakby come on!)
(tho muszę przyznać, że jakbym miała zrobić jakiś tier ranking czy coś, to ta część byłaby póki co najsłabsza - tho still cudowna, żeby nie było. Moim problemem jest po prostu chyba to, że przyzwyczaiłam się do tego, że w poprzednich było więcej humoru a w tej mam milion komentarzy w aplikacji, które dosłownie są jak "😭😭😭", bc I was bawling my eyes out na scenach z Luką. Więc no, nie jest to nic złego, ale nie tego się spodziewałam i mam wrażenie, że przez to miałam jakieś gorsze podejście do tego tomu 🤷. Ale skoro już wiem jak to działa, to myślę że jak kiedyś zrobię reread to zjadę samą siebie i stwierdzę, że nie ma gorszej części w tej serii i wszystkie są idealne pod każdym możliwym względem)