A True Witch Book 1

by L.J. Fox

Now residing in Melbourne, Australia, the Grimm family have hunted and killed witches in Europe for centuries and have selectively bred to maintain their magical abilities and deep hatred of witches. For nearly fifty years they sought to destroy the witches, Agatha and May, resulting in deaths and assaults of family members on both sides. Now Agatha has died and bestowed her magical abilities on her estranged granddaughter who has not been raised a witch.

Niamh blossoms from surly teenager into a strong witch in a short time period and must use her newly discovered magic skills to protect herself, friends and family against the Grimm family.

One big family secret could potentially change everything ...

327 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 9, 2025

About the author

L.J. Fox holds a Bachelor of Adult Education, Master of Business Administration (Internet Marketing), as well as qualifications in Information Technology. She has worked as a computer programmer, taught business computing at a TAFE College and has managed the online presence for a number of corporates as well as the State Library of Victoria. She has now retired to the mid-north coast of NSW where she grows Clivia plants and has independently published eight books in the light fantasy/paranormal/horror genre.

'I am from Australia and consider myself a story-teller. My primary writing goal is to entertain you, to keep you turning those pages not anticipating what will come next, not to mention - the story must involve something a little morbid or downright weird.
If you found the stories easy to read, fast-paced, interesting, enjoyable and little bit quirky then my work is done.'
Lisa

Reviews

[Keishea · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Grimm family, now established in Melbourne, Australia, boasts a centuries-long legacy of witch hunting and extermination in Europe, having selectively bred (Incest) to preserve their magical aptitudes and profound disdain for witches. The nearly five-decade-long vendetta against Agatha and May has yielded devastating consequences, including loss of life and violence on both sides.

In the aftermath of Agatha's demise, her magical abilities are transferred to her estranged granddaughter, who had not been indoctrinated into the world of witchcraft.

Niamh swiftly matures from a sulky teenager into a forceful witch, and must deploy her nascent magical abilities to shield herself, friends, and family from the Grimm family's unrelenting aggression. The exposure of a long-guarded family secret may fundamentally alter the trajectory of this protracted struggle.

This is a great low fantasy witch with some romance. Great work

[Patsy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought this was very good for a YA novel. You have witches who are being hunted and often removed from the world by the Grimm family. However when Agatha, one of the main witches dies and her magical abilities pass on to her estranged granddaughter Niamh, the fun begins.

Niamh has no idea that she's even from which descendants.So these discoveries really kind of change the scope of who she is and the course of her life. Now she's embroiled in a battle that she had no idea even existed.

I found the overall storyline really appealing and unique. I loved watching the progression of Niamh. She went from someone who had no idea who she really was to.Someone who ephrased her new world. I really enjoyed reading this story.

[Jesse · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a journey! This book pulls you in with its fast pace, magical twists, and a strong female lead in Niamh, whose growth is full of strength, heart, and powerful feminine energy. While the story centres on her discovery of witch powers, at its heart it’s a story about family and the secrets we carry.

As the layers of the story unfold, so do a series of revelations that kept me eagerly turning the page. There’s mystery, emotion, and a real sense of transformation throughout. I especially loved how the Melbourne setting added such a personal and nostalgic touch… it felt like something otherworldly was hiding just around the corner of places I knew.

A great read with magic, emotion, and strong women at its heart… a story that truly grows on you as it unfolds.

[Rhianna Crosthwaite · Rating 4 out of 5]

I would class this as YA, very fresh and sweet with a touch of Witchy magic. Great story building and a nice soft entry to further books to come, expanding on Niahm's story.

I couldn't put this book down as the story really pulled me in. I really connected with the FMC and loved reading a book set in Australia. I can't wait to read further books in this series!!

[Alana Jones · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC review, all thoughts are my own. This was a nice little book, easy to read and fast-paced. Enemies, friends, families, grief and twists and turns all packed inside. It was great seeing Niamh really come into her own! Ready and waiting for book 2