A rebel witch, and the curse that's finally caught up to her.
A Captain of the Guard, and the love he's hidden for a decade.
A cruel Queen, and her ambition to rule the continent.
When Witches Weep is a spicy gothic romantasy that follows Siofra as she grapples with her fate, family and future in a world steeped in ancient lore, magical creatures and mystery.
For readers who loved Anathema and the Kindred's Curse Saga.
5 stars already just for that cover👀 WHEW!! From the jump I was engrossed. This book is genuinely brilliant. Sarah did an amazing job with the world building, character development, her descriptions, and the use of Irish language & mythology is just *chefs kiss*
Not to mention the spice, SWEATING.
Genuinely recommend to anyone who enjoys dark gothic Romantasy. It’s exactly what it says on the tin, her descriptions are amazing, & the world is so intriguing.
SARAH !!! THAT ENDING?! I am HURT.
My poor babies😭
SPOILER WARNING FROM HERE ON OUT!!!
The little baby banshee, & the kindness Síofra showed her just made my heart mush.
All her drawings & paintings she did herself because she’s alone. Sobbing. She deserves the world & I hope we see more of her, and that she gets her paints (crying)
I absolutely adored Sean, he’s definitely one of my favorite characters. I always love the comedic relief & I hope we see more of him in book 2 because I loved him! He gives me Ridoc vibes!! “Lips has teeth” made me laugh so much.
I loved Connor, the quiet words of wisdom he gives Síofra, & silent support from the sidelines, he’s just a sweetie pie🥹
Donall, my heart. My little cinnamon roll angel. I can’t, don’t have the words. He deserves the world. I will never forgive you Sarah. NEVER.
Did I cry? Yes. Yes I did.
Síofra deserves better. This poor girl has been through HELL, and still has her humanity, her compassion, her will to help others, which we see from the very start with her work with the rebels. The kindness she showed the banshee, who probably hasn’t spoken to anyone or heard a kind word in YEARS broke my heart in the best way & I love her even more for it. The way she sacrificed her happiness with Donall because she didn’t want to hurt him with her degeneration?? BRB crying x Despite all this she’s still a strong, badass independent woman who can hold her own, and doesn’t rely on anyone to help her out which I love. Very much Aelin energy and I’m here for it. I just hope she gets the happiness she deserves in book 2 because this poor woman has been through the mill and can’t seem to catch a break😭
Ollan when I catch you!! He irked me so badly. Why are you showing off in front of your bestie and making fun of Síofra like that?? Why are you being SO secretive in the castle, disappearing when she needed you most & then back out of the blue AFTER all the shit goes down??? Make it make sense. Not to mention the (HUGE) secret he’s been keeping FOR HER WHOLE LIFE !! Rude. Just rude.
I’m already so excited for book 2, I can’t wait to see more of Síofra & Órlaith, and how their bond develops, how Síofras magic develops & what secrets will unfold because I already know Sarah has some shit up her sleeve!😍 inject that shit into my veins I need it ASAP pls and thank you xxxx
**edited just to add that I was lucky enough to get an E-Arc copy**
Omg this amazing book sent me on such a world wind it’s not even normal. It didn’t even feel like i was reading a book, it felt like I was living in it, like I was a part of the story and a book hasn’t done that for me the past few reads, when i was interrupted by my kids on multiple occasions it was a reality check that i was in the real everyday mundane world, not in a world with magic, witches, shadow fae and evil Queens. I did kind of guess that Síofra was a very powerful witch but I definitely did not expect her to be THEE MOST POWERFUL WITCH, the last descendent of the High Queen, (plot twist i didn’t see coming), the world is as every bit magical as the country of Ireland, and the fact this author included a glossary of English pronunciations is a win in my book for when BookTok creators can pronounce these places and characters instead of butchering them. I definitely did not see Fergus being her mate at the end, I kid you not i for sure thought he was her father or something (laughable now) and my poor boy Donall.. how I will miss you so freaking much, a book rarely makes me cry at a death unless i am so enthralled by it that i become it, the last book to do that to me was Kingdom of Ash and now When Witches Weep Sarah is such a talented writer, i know she will have an amazing career ahead of her, and I love the little “Tiocfaidh ár lá” thrown in there in the ‘Old language’. Yes i will highly recommend this book to everyone who asks 100%. I cannot wait to see what book 2 has in store for me, I’m not ready for my journey with Síofra to end just yet and I need a little more of Seán.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
As an Irish girl who loves her folklore of the land, I ADORED When Witches Weep! It is obvious the author has a passion for Irish culture, right down to the pronunciation guide for authentic Irish names and places. Because there is nothing worse when people butcher the Irish language (I’m looking at you, people who say SAM-HANE)
This book hooked me from the very beginning. It centres around the FMC Síofra, a fiercely independent yet sensitive badass Witch in hiding as she navigates life in hiding from a cruel queen while fighting with a rebel cause. Enter the handsome Captain of the Guard whose words will have you swooning. Fans of a well laid slow burn romance will love this book. And when the spice hits, it hits hard!
This is not just a love story. It is also a thrilling cat and mouse chase between Síofra, a rebel witch, and the Queens army of witches who are destined to hunt her to the end. I love the elemental magic system used here and the world building was perfection. You will fall in love with the side characters just as much as the main characters. And the twists and turns will have you begging for more. I know I will eagerly be counting down the days till book 2 is out.
I think fans of One Dark Window and Fourth Wing will love this so do yourself a favour and give it a read!
I had the absolute best time reading an ARC of When Witches Weep! From the first page, I was completely hooked. The author’s writing style is so vivid and immersive—I felt like I was right there in the middle of all the magic, danger, and slow-burn romance.
The plot was everything I love in a romantic fantasy: strong emotional stakes, action, mythical creatures, and just the right amount of spice. Honestly, it had everything. The world-building was lush and creative, and the fantasy elements (especially the mythical creatures!) made the story feel so rich and alive.
The romance? So good. The chemistry between the characters was electric, and the steamy scenes were perfectly done—intense but still full of heart. I found myself rooting for them hard.
If you’re into fantasy romance with powerful heroines, magnetic love interests, and a story that blends tenderness with tension and heat, this book is a must-read. I already can’t wait for whatever this author writes next!
Fans of elemental magic, strong female leads, and irish folklore-infused fantasy will find much to love in this dark gothic tale! When Witches Weep is a spellbinding journey into a mythic Ireland, where ancient magic and elemental forces converge through the story of a powerful young witch named Síofra! Síofra is Fierce yet vulnerable and selfless. One of my favourite things about when witches weep was that it is actually as described! It is in fact a dark spicy gothic read! The storyline had me engrossed from the get go, the characters beautiful Irish names and mention of Irish words and phrasing sat happy in my heart! You will be confused, suspicious and if our heart throb MMC Dónall has anything to do with it you'll be SWEATING just like I was 🔥😂
I loved the originality of the plot and this new twist on witches. The fast pace and easy writing were perfect for a quick weekend read without taking anything away from the plot.
The twists and turns of the story kept me on the edge of my seat all throughout!
The romance is great, I’ve always loved a friends to lovers story, especially when so well executed.
The world building and magic system has soooo much potential and was already well developed in this book 1 of the series. I also loved the variety of characters and their own developments.
“Fuck me, Lips. Keep suffocating people from the inside out and you’ll have me falling in love with you next.”
To sum it up in a sentence; this book is heartbreakingly good.
I tend to go into books completely blind. Don’t get me wrong, I get enough clues/vibes to know it’s in my general ball park, but then I just jump in. So when a book blows me away???? It’s genuine. It’s not because of hype, it’s not because of expectations or even because I’m choosing a trope I know I like.
This is one of those books. The author popped up on my TikTok fyp and I saw the cover and thought “what the hell!” What I was rewarded with was an FMC I would die for, an MMC I would kill for, and an ending I will need therapy for.
This book felt different. Lately I feel like reading romantasy/fantasy has been a lot like reading the same tropes over and over but this felt like something completely different. Our heroine is interesting, nuanced and CURVY! The relationships aren’t tropey and overplayed. The plot is genuinely unpredictable.
I loved the magic system/world we were in, and while we’ve had a snippet of the beasties I’m SO excited to get more of them as this story progresses.
On top of all of that, this plays out over like 300 pages! It’s punchy, it’s well paced, it doesn’t have reams and reams of infodumping and self indulgent description like a lot of big fat books in this genre. I feel like I got more character and plot from this book than the last 5 I’ve read at twice the length.
I was laughing at the dialogue and sobbing from the plot, and truly, what else could you possibly want from a book?
This book had me hooked. The world felt grounded and real, with just the right amount of magic and danger simmering underneath.
And the slow burn? Torture. In the best possible way. I was fully ready to throw the kindle across the room out of sheer frustration that they hadn’t kissed yet (and I say that as a compliment). I was invested. Completely drawn in.
There’s also a twist that I absolutely did not see coming and when it hit, I had to just sit there for a minute and process and then immediately message everyone I knew who already read it.
Couldn’t put it down. Genuinely. DO NOT START READING AT LUNCH “just one more chapter” later and hours will have passed. So enjoyable, so tense, and so emotional. I NEED book 2.
Brief synopsis: We follow Siofra, a cursed rebel witch, as she navigates how she wants to live her life as well as her conflicting feelings for her childhood best friend Donall. Her journey is filled with love, mystery, adventure, mythical creatures, and secrets.
My thoughts: I was hooked from the beginning, the magic of the witches reminded me of Avatar the Last Airbender, I enjoyed the author’s writing style, there’s action, romance, and a couple spicy scenes. I gasped, chuckled and cried. We have magic, mythical creatures, a bada** FMC who in my opinion is not annoying. I NEED book 2. I don’t think I can say any more positive things about this book without spoiling the plot so please read it for yourself.
I absolutely loved this book! This is a gothic fantasy romance. It follow Siofra, a witch working with human rebels against a tyrannical queen. The problem is witches who are not a part of the queens coven are hunted down, and also suffer from degredation due to an ancient curse. Siofra is an absolutely kick ass FMC, she is also curvy and thirty. I love that representation im fed up up of reading about skinny 17 year olds! The world building was not too heavy, and was given very organically throughout the story. There was also a glossary that included pronunciation!!! This is what we need for all fantasy books. I absolutely cannot wait for the next one in the series to come out!
Wow I don't know where to begin!!! From the first chapter I was just sucked in. The building of the characters, development of the world, the romance..... I mean, I don't have the words to do this book justice. Every day I was thinking about starting to read again and wanting to know what was coming next. Then the ending........ Just wow. Book 2 cannot come quick enough. If I had to compare this book to another I'd have this up there with ACOTAR. I had the same excitement and feelings reading this. Buy this book, read it, and just enjoy the ride. Oh, and as an Irish reader, I absolutely LOVED the character names and subtle use of the Irish language.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. This story was full of unexpected twists and turns that genuinely surprised me. It’s an easy 5-star read because I didn’t see so many of the plot twists coming. One of them even completely devastated me. The story is unique and unlike anything I’ve read before. Siofra, the main character, is strong and self-sufficient as she navigates her world and learns to use her powers. If you enjoy witches, elemental magic, fated mates, and bonded animals, you need to add this to your TBR right away. I can’t wait to dive into book two and see what’s next for Siofra.
wow! what an amazing story! the world building was exquisite, the characters were so real, so well developed. I'm just blown away. This isn't a story that you just read, you live it with the characters. You're immediately pulled in. going through all the chaos and twists and turns with them. You feel what they feel, hear what they hear. omgosh, it's just awesome. I loved every minute of this story. especially the spicy parts. whew! 🥵 Bravo on such a well written story. i enjoyed every minute of it. but that ending! what!?
I received this as an ARC and I'm leaving a voluntary review
I was provided the opportunity to read this novel as an arc. I enjoyed the irish mythology and references. It is a 4 and not a 5 because the first 75% had me reading and keeping on but i was gliding not enthralled. However, at the 70% mark it got yummy, some spice and i just couldn’t put it down till the finish which left me on a cliffhanger wanting to keep reading. Waiting on book 2 for sure!!
Absolutely sensational!!!! A curvey female lead, hunky males, twists and turns through a magical/ Fae world.... it's every magical combination with spice 🤌🏻🥵 I need the next book immediately! Highly recommend! Elemental magic; friends to lovers; unpredictable twists; emotional plots.
When Witches Weep hits you right in the heart. The characters grief, hope and longing pulse through every scene and their power weaved around them with every emotion experienced. A story that’s felt as much as it’s read—unforgettable from start to finish.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I want to give this book 6 stars, but alas! I didn’t expect to enjoy this as much as I did, this being my 1st read of this witchy mystical genre. But I have never been more glad to be wrong! I’m now eagerly awaiting the next instalment.
I just want to say thank you Sarah for letting me be an ARC for you… All I gotta say is damn I couldn’t even put the book down. It is a slow burn but with a few twist.
When Witches Weep- this book has elemental magic, FMC leads are strong. Has good Irish folklore entangled fantasy dark romance.
Main character- Siofra is a kick ass FMC witch that is fierce and powerful This Friends to lovers story was extremely well done. This book will have you on edge throughout the book. The ending has me fucked up and soooo ready for book 2💯
OH YEAH…. Below is also one of my favorite pieces of the book. “Fuck me, Lips. Keep suffocating people from inside out and you’ll have me falling in love with you next.” ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 🌶️🌶️ Sarah I can’t wait for book 2.