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To Condemn a Witch
A stolen scroll. A cursed bloodline. A prophecy that binds three witches across life and death…
Scotland, 1729. When clairvoyant healer Fiona MacLeod discovers an enchanted scroll, she uncovers a prophecy linking her fate to two other Eleanor, a servant-turned-mistress of a scandalous lord, and Matilda, a bitter ghost burned for witchcraft and bent on revenge. Together, they are destined to form a coven—maiden, mother, and crone—bound by ancient magic on Samhain night.
But fate has teeth. Eleanor is betrayed and transported to Virginia as an indentured convict where she must survive a violent new world—and must protect a mysterious child marked by prophecy whose powers could reshape their future… or destroy it.
Spanning the infamous Hellfire Caves of England to haunted Scottish glens and the untamed wilds of the New World, To Condemn a Witch is a haunting prequel to the award-nominated To Rescue a Witch—a dark tale of feminine power, sacrifice, and the unbreakable bond between witches who rise, no matter how often they are condemned.
Scotland, 1729. When clairvoyant healer Fiona MacLeod discovers an enchanted scroll, she uncovers a prophecy linking her fate to two other Eleanor, a servant-turned-mistress of a scandalous lord, and Matilda, a bitter ghost burned for witchcraft and bent on revenge. Together, they are destined to form a coven—maiden, mother, and crone—bound by ancient magic on Samhain night.
But fate has teeth. Eleanor is betrayed and transported to Virginia as an indentured convict where she must survive a violent new world—and must protect a mysterious child marked by prophecy whose powers could reshape their future… or destroy it.
Spanning the infamous Hellfire Caves of England to haunted Scottish glens and the untamed wilds of the New World, To Condemn a Witch is a haunting prequel to the award-nominated To Rescue a Witch—a dark tale of feminine power, sacrifice, and the unbreakable bond between witches who rise, no matter how often they are condemned.
395 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 11, 2025
25 people are currently reading
1391 people want to read
About the author
Lisa A. Traugott
7 books42 followersLisa A. Traugott is a Mom’s Choice Award-winning author. Her memoir, "She’s Losing It!" led to her being cast on John Cena’s reality-TV show "American Grit" and managed to last five episodes. Other books include "The S.L.I. Method" and "Mind Your Manners Minnie Monster", which she also illustrated. Her debut historical fiction, "To Rescue A Witch" will be released in March 2024.
A World Championship of Public Speaking semi-finalist, she lives in Austin, Texas with her husband, kids, and English bulldog, Bruno. If you’re looking for fun content head over to her websites LisaTraugott.com and ShesLosingIt.com or say hi on Instagram at @lisa__traugott.
A World Championship of Public Speaking semi-finalist, she lives in Austin, Texas with her husband, kids, and English bulldog, Bruno. If you’re looking for fun content head over to her websites LisaTraugott.com and ShesLosingIt.com or say hi on Instagram at @lisa__traugott.
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
July 31, 2025
TO CONDEMN A WITCH is gritty, often graphic and uncomfortable, with lots of characters to loathe and a few to love. What a horrible time it was for wise women, and author Lisa A. Traugott doesn't pull any punches in this intriguing, suspenseful page-turner.
Full review coming soon to Hall Ways Blog.
Full review coming soon to Hall Ways Blog.
August 11, 2025
A gripping but grim tale of witches pursued by evil men in search of wealth and power.
To Condemn a Witch, although the second book published in author Lisa A. Traugott’s gripping Tales of the Witchborn series, is chronologically a prequel to last year’s To Rescue a Witch. This complex novel tells the backstories of many of the main characters of the earlier book, most specifically that of Eleanor, the Scottish orphan who went from the workhouse to the arms of a handsome married nobleman to banishment and a difficult life in the Virginia colony. Due to the complex nature of the plot, this proves to be a massive undertaking. While sounding like a romantic cautionary tale of historical fiction, the story takes a different, darker, and much more intriguing path, combining the political power gaming of rich nobles with the presence of witches and witchcraft.
For the most part, all the main characters are surprisingly unlikable creatures. Eleanor, while a tragic figure on the one hand, is immature and manipulative on the other. Her paramour, Lord George Hallewell, who has also risen from the ashes of family tragedy, is weak, needy, disloyal, and greedy, while his wife, Lady Margaret Hallewell, is grasping, greedy, bored, and cruel. William MacLeod, the Scottish laird and attorney I so wanted to be the steadfast hero of the piece, while a strong figure, is a “fixer” for the noble privileged and often resorts to violent means to achieve his ends. His loving marriage to Fiona, a natural witch, is laced with neglect, arrogance, and mixed signals as he backslides on the promises he made her at their handfasting. Fiona is inconsistent in her willingness to stand up to William at times and keeps secrets from him that she shouldn’t. Fiona’s Aunt Matilda is a doubly intriguing character, burned at the stake as a witch 20 years earlier than the events in the book, appears as a ghost, and only during the local fire festivals, when the veil between the living and the dead is thinnest. A bitter, drunk of a woman when alive, her mood hasn’t improved over the course of her half-life as it is, stuck between the physical world and the realm of the “Otherworld.” Still, she’s entertaining during her quick appearances, especially when she leaps from the ethereal to a physical presence when she occupies the body of Fiona’s poor, confused cat, Pooka. While these people may sound like terrible individuals (and some are), they are a delight when compared to the story’s villains: the aforementioned Lady Hallewell, Elspeth, Matilda’s former friend and coven sister, and the vicious witch hunter named Lord Blackmere.Set in Kirkhaven, Scotland, and London, England, in the early 1700s, the author crafts such descriptive and realistic backdrops for the events of the story that I felt I was there. From the glittering ballrooms of the Ton to rural Scotland’s villages and manor homes to rat-infested alleyways and hovels in London or the harsh wilderness of the Virginia colony, Traugott paints living, breathing pictures of what conditions were like 300 years ago. Of course, the time period, with its vast discrepancies between classes and genders, also informs the attitudes and, therefore, many of the actions, of the main characters. The lives of the poor and working classes, and all women, held little value for the ruling class of white noblemen, so many of the characters are treated as disposable or property.
While the main characters may have low charisma scores, their stories were engaging, and I wanted to know how things resolved. However, some aspects of the characters’ histories were only hinted at for so long before they were revealed, and I began to feel like I’d missed a prequel to the prequel. Another issue that bothered me was the depiction of three-year-old Broderick MacLeod. While I realize children were expected to grow up much quicker then, I still felt Broderick seemed a couple of years more developed in his thinking, skills, and especially William’s treatment of him.TO CONDEMN A WITCH fills in or expands on much of the previously untold pasts of the characters in the series debut. I recommend it for readers who enjoy a gritty historical fantasy featuring tales of political power seeking, witches, and witchcraft.
I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving an Advance Review Copy from the author through Lone Star Literary Life Book Campaigns.
August 15, 2025
To Condemn a Witch is a historical fantasy novel by Lisa A. Traugott. It is the first book in the Tales of Witchborn series and is a prequel to the novel, To Rescue a Witch.
The story takes place in Scotland in the 1700s and it is concerning a prophecy that links the life trajectories of three women, Fiona, Eleanor, and Matilda. These three women are meant form a coven of sorts to protect a child marked by magic.
I found this story to be fascinating as it explores power, the practice of sacrifice, and unbreakable connections. I found the characters to be complex and have layers and deeply enjoyed the power of feminism that weaved throughout this story. There is plenty of backstory and a closer look into these phenomenal characters. Personally, I enjoy characters like Fiona, Eleanor, and Matilda who might not always be the nicest or most well-liked individuals. I think it contributes to the layered complexity of who they are and what they stand for.
I recommend this book to all readers, but especially those who enjoy the journeys of witchy women wanting to do something more.
The story takes place in Scotland in the 1700s and it is concerning a prophecy that links the life trajectories of three women, Fiona, Eleanor, and Matilda. These three women are meant form a coven of sorts to protect a child marked by magic.
I found this story to be fascinating as it explores power, the practice of sacrifice, and unbreakable connections. I found the characters to be complex and have layers and deeply enjoyed the power of feminism that weaved throughout this story. There is plenty of backstory and a closer look into these phenomenal characters. Personally, I enjoy characters like Fiona, Eleanor, and Matilda who might not always be the nicest or most well-liked individuals. I think it contributes to the layered complexity of who they are and what they stand for.
I recommend this book to all readers, but especially those who enjoy the journeys of witchy women wanting to do something more.
August 18, 2025
This novel is really the first in the series, or a prequel to the previous release, To Rescue a Witch. I loved both books. While I am not a regular reader of fantasy, the author weaves a tale of several lives that intersect, and the details kept me turning the page. I had to keep reminding myself that this story happens before the other. This is why I read books in order (not that I had a choice here), because you know the details of what happens with the lives of these characters.
This novel feels grittier than the previous book. Perhaps because we are dealing with the witch hunter and the feelings towards witches. However, not all of those accused of being a witch are actually witches. They are healers who understand how certain herbs will heal ailments and more. Considering the time period, the fear of the unknown or the fear of failure tends to terrify people.
Unlike the previous book, I didn't particularly like many of these characters. They are all flawed in one way or another. However, that is what keeps the story intriguing. Eleanor is conniving, Fiona is bitter, and William is shattered regarding an incident from the past. Even some of Fiona and William's children are not immune to acting out and creating drama of their own. Probably my favorite character is Annaliese. She is a young child, but so inquisitive.
The chapters are told from multiple points of view. This gave me a better impression of the characters, their thoughts, and their motives. Despite the numerous points of view, the story blends together, and it doesn't feel disjointed.
If you haven't read the previous book, wait until you read this book. You won't be disappointed!
We give it 5 paws up.
This novel feels grittier than the previous book. Perhaps because we are dealing with the witch hunter and the feelings towards witches. However, not all of those accused of being a witch are actually witches. They are healers who understand how certain herbs will heal ailments and more. Considering the time period, the fear of the unknown or the fear of failure tends to terrify people.
Unlike the previous book, I didn't particularly like many of these characters. They are all flawed in one way or another. However, that is what keeps the story intriguing. Eleanor is conniving, Fiona is bitter, and William is shattered regarding an incident from the past. Even some of Fiona and William's children are not immune to acting out and creating drama of their own. Probably my favorite character is Annaliese. She is a young child, but so inquisitive.
The chapters are told from multiple points of view. This gave me a better impression of the characters, their thoughts, and their motives. Despite the numerous points of view, the story blends together, and it doesn't feel disjointed.
If you haven't read the previous book, wait until you read this book. You won't be disappointed!
We give it 5 paws up.
July 25, 2025
I loved the book! I could not stop reading it. I loved the in depth characters and the conflict within each character. The family tragedies and loses and how each member dealt with the same situation differently. Each person was affected differently and responded so. The book had an especially wicked villain, intent on obtaining power at all cost, it had all sorts of characters: innocent victims, people who used poor judgement, people who were trapped by societal constraints, etc. It is very rich with great character development. I don’t want to give away any details but it was amazing storytelling based on historically accurate details. Can’t wait for the next book!
December 16, 2025
To Condemn a Witch is the kind of historical fantasy that doesn’t rush to impress; it settles in, watches you, and slowly tightens its grip.
An unsettling way to read To Condemn a Witch is as a novel about administrative power: who controls records, money, contracts, inheritance, reputation, and legitimacy—and how those invisible systems decide who burns, who survives, and who quietly rules the world.
In this reading, witchcraft is not the most dangerous force in the novel. Bureaucracy is.
I found in this book that Witches Don’t Die Because of Magic—They Die Because of Paper Trails
Matilda is burned not because she is powerful, but because she is unprotected. The accusation of witchcraft is merely the language used to formalize her removal. What actually kills her is the convergence of church authority, male property ownership, social fear, and a paid executioner. Her death is an administrative act disguised as moral outrage.
In this book, I experienced how money changes hands cleanly at the execution. I saw how the witch hunter knows she is innocent—and proceeds anyway. This is not fanaticism; it is professionalized violence. The novel quietly insists that witch trials were less about belief and more about systems functioning as designed.
Lisa A. Traugott writes with a confidence that suggests she knows her world intimately, sometimes to its benefit and sometimes to its excess. The prose is rich with period texture, dialect, ritual, social hierarchy but it occasionally leans so heavily into authenticity that it risks slowing the narrative’s pulse. There are moments where the atmosphere lingers a beat too long, where the reader feels the author’s research pressing against the story rather than dissolving into it.
Fiona is the novel’s most compelling creation, not because she is powerful, but because she is constrained. Traugott excels at writing about women who are constantly negotiating between safety and truth, love and autonomy, silence and survival. Fiona’s internal conflicts feel lived-in, and her relationship with Matilda’s spirit carries both warmth and irritation, which makes it believable.
The prose itself is most effective when it trusts silence. Traugott’s strongest moments come when she allows implication to do the work—glances in a crowd, a withheld confession, a ritual interrupted. These made the scenes thrilling and keep you wondering what next?
Structurally, the novel is ambitious, juggling timelines, voices, and thematic echoes. While this breadth adds depth, it occasionally creates uneven pacing. Some sections feel urgently alive, while others read like necessary bridges rather than destinations. Still, the emotional throughline remains intact, which I commend the author for. She made emotional writing look like a breeze
Unlike other fantasy books, what set To Condemn a Witch apart is not its magic system or its historical setting, but its refusal to offer easy moral closure. Justice, when it comes, is incomplete. Survival feels compromised. Love is real, but not redemptive enough to erase damage. The book understands that history rarely resolves itself neatly, and neither do the people trapped inside it.
Read as fantasy, To Condemn a Witch is gripping, emotional, and immersive. Read as a political text disguised as historical fiction, it is quietly devastating.
Lisa A. Traugott has written a novel that understands something many historical fantasies miss: that the true horror of the past was not superstition, but organization. The fire was just the final step in a process that began with paperwork, sermons, and polite conversations among powerful men.
This is not a story about witches who lost.
It is a story about women who learned the cost of surviving—and paid it anyway.
An unsettling way to read To Condemn a Witch is as a novel about administrative power: who controls records, money, contracts, inheritance, reputation, and legitimacy—and how those invisible systems decide who burns, who survives, and who quietly rules the world.
In this reading, witchcraft is not the most dangerous force in the novel. Bureaucracy is.
I found in this book that Witches Don’t Die Because of Magic—They Die Because of Paper Trails
Matilda is burned not because she is powerful, but because she is unprotected. The accusation of witchcraft is merely the language used to formalize her removal. What actually kills her is the convergence of church authority, male property ownership, social fear, and a paid executioner. Her death is an administrative act disguised as moral outrage.
In this book, I experienced how money changes hands cleanly at the execution. I saw how the witch hunter knows she is innocent—and proceeds anyway. This is not fanaticism; it is professionalized violence. The novel quietly insists that witch trials were less about belief and more about systems functioning as designed.
Lisa A. Traugott writes with a confidence that suggests she knows her world intimately, sometimes to its benefit and sometimes to its excess. The prose is rich with period texture, dialect, ritual, social hierarchy but it occasionally leans so heavily into authenticity that it risks slowing the narrative’s pulse. There are moments where the atmosphere lingers a beat too long, where the reader feels the author’s research pressing against the story rather than dissolving into it.
Fiona is the novel’s most compelling creation, not because she is powerful, but because she is constrained. Traugott excels at writing about women who are constantly negotiating between safety and truth, love and autonomy, silence and survival. Fiona’s internal conflicts feel lived-in, and her relationship with Matilda’s spirit carries both warmth and irritation, which makes it believable.
The prose itself is most effective when it trusts silence. Traugott’s strongest moments come when she allows implication to do the work—glances in a crowd, a withheld confession, a ritual interrupted. These made the scenes thrilling and keep you wondering what next?
Structurally, the novel is ambitious, juggling timelines, voices, and thematic echoes. While this breadth adds depth, it occasionally creates uneven pacing. Some sections feel urgently alive, while others read like necessary bridges rather than destinations. Still, the emotional throughline remains intact, which I commend the author for. She made emotional writing look like a breeze
Unlike other fantasy books, what set To Condemn a Witch apart is not its magic system or its historical setting, but its refusal to offer easy moral closure. Justice, when it comes, is incomplete. Survival feels compromised. Love is real, but not redemptive enough to erase damage. The book understands that history rarely resolves itself neatly, and neither do the people trapped inside it.
Read as fantasy, To Condemn a Witch is gripping, emotional, and immersive. Read as a political text disguised as historical fiction, it is quietly devastating.
Lisa A. Traugott has written a novel that understands something many historical fantasies miss: that the true horror of the past was not superstition, but organization. The fire was just the final step in a process that began with paperwork, sermons, and polite conversations among powerful men.
This is not a story about witches who lost.
It is a story about women who learned the cost of surviving—and paid it anyway.
September 5, 2025
I really enjoyed Lisa A. Traugott’s To Rescue a Witch, so I was looking forward to reading the prequel to Annaliese’s story, To Condemn a Witch. Here we meet Annaliese’s mother, Eleanor, who is orphaned at a young age but manages to rise to unexpected heights. We also meet Fiona, William Macleod’s wife, and her Aunt Matilda, who was burned as a witch when Fiona was young.
It was a dark time for wise women. The clergy were determined to stamp out the old ways, and while William knew of (and even appreciated) Fiona’s gifts when they married, now he’s trying to keep her out of trouble with both the church and the law. Fiona chafes against his restrictions, and she secretly stays in communication with Matilda’s ghost, who is determined to wreak revenge on those who killed her knowing she was innocent of the charges against her. There is a curious prophecy in a family heirloom, and this leads Fiona and Matilda to make contact with Eleanor in the Otherworld. They form a coven, working to ensure the prophecy comes to pass.
This story hasn’t drawn me in quite as quickly as To Rescue a Witch did. There are so many characters who are just awful and unlikeable. The witch hunter is an evil, evil person who does things he knows are wrong and just doesn’t care. He’s not interested in ridding the world of what he genuinely perceives as evil. He’s just interested in getting what he wants, no matter who gets hurt (or worse) in the process. The minister trying to root out all traces of pagan festivals among the Macleods’ tenants is a piece of work, too. Man of God, my foot. He has his own agenda. Lady Margaret Hallewell is an absolute shrew. If she didn’t have money, no man would have married her. Lord George Hallewell isn’t much better. His family name was ruined, so he married money. No love lost between him and the lady wife, that’s for sure.
But all is not hopeless. Eleanor has a hard-knock life. She was taken in at the orphanage/workhouse after the rest of her family died, and she has worked. When she’s taken on as a laundress in the Hallewell household, it seems like her fortunes may improve. But she makes some poor choices, and then some more poor choices, and that leads her to where Macleod finds her at the start of To Rescue a Witch. She’s not a bad person, though. Materialistic and trying to be a social climber, but she’s smart and I feel like she genuinely wants to improve her lot in life. She doesn’t want to be destitute, considered worthless all her life. She wants better for herself and for Annaliese.
Macleod himself is a difficult character in this story, although we see glimpses of the man he will yet become. He’s Hallewell’s legal counsel and fixer. He knows it. He doesn’t like it, but he isn’t sure how to get himself out of that role. He’s also got challenges to deal with in his own family, and he doesn’t always handle them well. But he’s slowly realizing something has to change, and he is instrumental in getting Eleanor away from those in London who would do her harm.
There are some rough parts to the story. A witch is burned alive. There’s a bit of on-page spice, and women are treated as property no matter what societal stratum they fall into. A creepy minister, an evil witch hunter, drunken debauchery that, while based on real history, is still a wee bit over the top for me. These all combined to make it an unsettling read. But unsettling does not mean bad. This story needed to unfold to lead us into the events of To Rescue a Witch, and I hope there’s a third story coming at some point to tie it all together!
It was a dark time for wise women. The clergy were determined to stamp out the old ways, and while William knew of (and even appreciated) Fiona’s gifts when they married, now he’s trying to keep her out of trouble with both the church and the law. Fiona chafes against his restrictions, and she secretly stays in communication with Matilda’s ghost, who is determined to wreak revenge on those who killed her knowing she was innocent of the charges against her. There is a curious prophecy in a family heirloom, and this leads Fiona and Matilda to make contact with Eleanor in the Otherworld. They form a coven, working to ensure the prophecy comes to pass.
This story hasn’t drawn me in quite as quickly as To Rescue a Witch did. There are so many characters who are just awful and unlikeable. The witch hunter is an evil, evil person who does things he knows are wrong and just doesn’t care. He’s not interested in ridding the world of what he genuinely perceives as evil. He’s just interested in getting what he wants, no matter who gets hurt (or worse) in the process. The minister trying to root out all traces of pagan festivals among the Macleods’ tenants is a piece of work, too. Man of God, my foot. He has his own agenda. Lady Margaret Hallewell is an absolute shrew. If she didn’t have money, no man would have married her. Lord George Hallewell isn’t much better. His family name was ruined, so he married money. No love lost between him and the lady wife, that’s for sure.
But all is not hopeless. Eleanor has a hard-knock life. She was taken in at the orphanage/workhouse after the rest of her family died, and she has worked. When she’s taken on as a laundress in the Hallewell household, it seems like her fortunes may improve. But she makes some poor choices, and then some more poor choices, and that leads her to where Macleod finds her at the start of To Rescue a Witch. She’s not a bad person, though. Materialistic and trying to be a social climber, but she’s smart and I feel like she genuinely wants to improve her lot in life. She doesn’t want to be destitute, considered worthless all her life. She wants better for herself and for Annaliese.
Macleod himself is a difficult character in this story, although we see glimpses of the man he will yet become. He’s Hallewell’s legal counsel and fixer. He knows it. He doesn’t like it, but he isn’t sure how to get himself out of that role. He’s also got challenges to deal with in his own family, and he doesn’t always handle them well. But he’s slowly realizing something has to change, and he is instrumental in getting Eleanor away from those in London who would do her harm.
There are some rough parts to the story. A witch is burned alive. There’s a bit of on-page spice, and women are treated as property no matter what societal stratum they fall into. A creepy minister, an evil witch hunter, drunken debauchery that, while based on real history, is still a wee bit over the top for me. These all combined to make it an unsettling read. But unsettling does not mean bad. This story needed to unfold to lead us into the events of To Rescue a Witch, and I hope there’s a third story coming at some point to tie it all together!
August 16, 2025
When I realized this was a prequel to To Rescue a Witch, I wondered if it would prove unnecessary. So much of what I loved about the first book was the journey both William and Annaliese took, a journey filled with peril and the ultimate choice: who will you choose to be? In To Condemn a Witch, Traugott shifts the question to this: will you deny who you truly are?
Set more than a decade prior to the events of the first book, we meet a young Fiona, the future wife of the first book's protagonist, William. Fiona watches on as her aunt is burned alive for witchcraft. Aunt Matilda may be a witch, but she's innocent of the crimes she's accused of. It would seem all is lost, and both Lord Blackmere and her coven sister will escape without justice. Until Matilda throws her final curses.
Twenty years later, we discover Matilda remains near Fiona in spirit form, using fire festivals to inhabit her niece's cat, among other creatures. And right away, I realized the magic we saw in the first book was but the tip of the iceberg. Fiona is forced to practice the old ways in secret now that she's wife to the often absent Lord William, and the local reverend breathing down her neck. William's too busy in the business of "fixing" his best friend and employer, Lord Hallewell's mistakes, to support her. And in true period fashion, rather expects Fiona to fill the role she married into, and keep the witchcraft out of it.
But witchcraft isn't so much a practice as a heritage of blood. Fiona inherited the gift and the legacy of her ancestors, and this same gift is shared with both enemies and the mysterious Eleanor. If you read the first book, you already know that Eleanor is destined to be Annaliese's mother. I didn't think I would feel so pulled into her story, her doomed romance with Lord Hallewell, until it is unveiled. Eleanor may be more like her daughter and Fiona than I had believed. Before the end, justice is found for some, hidden truths are unveiled for others, and an even greater battle is yet to come.
To Condemn a Witch is a complex narrative with layers upon layers, artfully arranged by the brilliant Traugott. The language of the novel is near enough for us to understand, yet rich with the past. I adored the way the author weaved Celtic lore and magic into the pages. Yet I would not recommend this to the faint of heart. The subject matter is often brutal and difficult, but I loved it all the more for its honesty. If you love historical fantasy, rich tales of love and loss, with a dash of tragic romance thrown in, you'll devour To Condemn a Witch as eagerly as I did.
Set more than a decade prior to the events of the first book, we meet a young Fiona, the future wife of the first book's protagonist, William. Fiona watches on as her aunt is burned alive for witchcraft. Aunt Matilda may be a witch, but she's innocent of the crimes she's accused of. It would seem all is lost, and both Lord Blackmere and her coven sister will escape without justice. Until Matilda throws her final curses.
Twenty years later, we discover Matilda remains near Fiona in spirit form, using fire festivals to inhabit her niece's cat, among other creatures. And right away, I realized the magic we saw in the first book was but the tip of the iceberg. Fiona is forced to practice the old ways in secret now that she's wife to the often absent Lord William, and the local reverend breathing down her neck. William's too busy in the business of "fixing" his best friend and employer, Lord Hallewell's mistakes, to support her. And in true period fashion, rather expects Fiona to fill the role she married into, and keep the witchcraft out of it.
But witchcraft isn't so much a practice as a heritage of blood. Fiona inherited the gift and the legacy of her ancestors, and this same gift is shared with both enemies and the mysterious Eleanor. If you read the first book, you already know that Eleanor is destined to be Annaliese's mother. I didn't think I would feel so pulled into her story, her doomed romance with Lord Hallewell, until it is unveiled. Eleanor may be more like her daughter and Fiona than I had believed. Before the end, justice is found for some, hidden truths are unveiled for others, and an even greater battle is yet to come.
To Condemn a Witch is a complex narrative with layers upon layers, artfully arranged by the brilliant Traugott. The language of the novel is near enough for us to understand, yet rich with the past. I adored the way the author weaved Celtic lore and magic into the pages. Yet I would not recommend this to the faint of heart. The subject matter is often brutal and difficult, but I loved it all the more for its honesty. If you love historical fantasy, rich tales of love and loss, with a dash of tragic romance thrown in, you'll devour To Condemn a Witch as eagerly as I did.
August 4, 2025
This is the second book I’ve read in this series. To Condemn a Witch is a prequel to the book To Rescue a Witch which told the story of Annaliese, a young witch, orphaned in the American Colonies, and the man, William MacLeod, who is sent to return her to England. To Condemn a Witch is the story of her mother Eleanor and how she came to be in Virginia. The first book was gritty but the second is even more so.
The story centers on Fiona MacLeod, wife of William who hides her magic, her Aunt Matida, a witch condemned and burnt at the stake who now lingers in the otherworld, and Eleanor, an unskilled witch, pulled from the drudgery of the workhouse to a life of luxury as the mistress of a lord. The three represent the maiden, mother and crone and together they must protect the prophesized child who will bring down a king.
The book contains quite a cast of unlikable characters, some so bad you hope they get what they deserve. I enjoyed the magical elements, as Celtic mythology is an interest of mine, and I always enjoy a witchy book. The sex scenes were a bit much for me, but other readers will enjoy the steamy scenes. The ending was interesting, especially when the reader learns who Annalise really is! I hope there is a third book with her full story.
I would recommend this book to readers who enjoy dark historical fiction, witchy tales, and mythology, just don’t mistake it for a historical romance. There were quite a few typos and other grammatical errors in my copy which I assume will have been edited prior to publication. Based on that assumption I rate this book 3.5 rounded up to 4 stars.
The story centers on Fiona MacLeod, wife of William who hides her magic, her Aunt Matida, a witch condemned and burnt at the stake who now lingers in the otherworld, and Eleanor, an unskilled witch, pulled from the drudgery of the workhouse to a life of luxury as the mistress of a lord. The three represent the maiden, mother and crone and together they must protect the prophesized child who will bring down a king.
The book contains quite a cast of unlikable characters, some so bad you hope they get what they deserve. I enjoyed the magical elements, as Celtic mythology is an interest of mine, and I always enjoy a witchy book. The sex scenes were a bit much for me, but other readers will enjoy the steamy scenes. The ending was interesting, especially when the reader learns who Annalise really is! I hope there is a third book with her full story.
I would recommend this book to readers who enjoy dark historical fiction, witchy tales, and mythology, just don’t mistake it for a historical romance. There were quite a few typos and other grammatical errors in my copy which I assume will have been edited prior to publication. Based on that assumption I rate this book 3.5 rounded up to 4 stars.
August 26, 2025
Spellbinding
Ms. Traugott must have a touch of the supernatural herself, because she concocted a spellbinding story that kept me engrossed for several hours straight. To Condemn A Witch is fantastical, with its themes of ancient spirituality and magic, and is also rooted in factual historical events. The combination makes for a fascinating read.
Told from multiple points of view, the story spans several decades and various locations, both real and fictional, including Scotland, London, across the Atlantic, the Virginia Colony, and the Otherworld. The author’s impeccable research provided a backdrop that was so vividly described, it almost felt like the reader time-traveled to witness the events firsthand as they unfolded. Many of the scenes were gruesome, horrifying, and some were even downright scary. But there were also tender moments and funny segments as well.
The major characters were complex and compelling. The villains (the witch hunter, the betrayed wife, the shape shifter) revealed themselves early and were consistent in their evil deeds. Those who were considered protagonists (the coven members — Fiona, Matilda, and Eleanor; William MacLeod) were not necessarily likable or sympathetic, but they had redeeming qualities that proved their humanity and placed them on the right side of the story. They had strengths and flaws, which gave them dimensions that enriched the story. Matilda especially stands out for having made realizations about herself throughout the course of the story that guided her actions later.
Ms. Traugott must have a touch of the supernatural herself, because she concocted a spellbinding story that kept me engrossed for several hours straight. To Condemn A Witch is fantastical, with its themes of ancient spirituality and magic, and is also rooted in factual historical events. The combination makes for a fascinating read.
Told from multiple points of view, the story spans several decades and various locations, both real and fictional, including Scotland, London, across the Atlantic, the Virginia Colony, and the Otherworld. The author’s impeccable research provided a backdrop that was so vividly described, it almost felt like the reader time-traveled to witness the events firsthand as they unfolded. Many of the scenes were gruesome, horrifying, and some were even downright scary. But there were also tender moments and funny segments as well.
The major characters were complex and compelling. The villains (the witch hunter, the betrayed wife, the shape shifter) revealed themselves early and were consistent in their evil deeds. Those who were considered protagonists (the coven members — Fiona, Matilda, and Eleanor; William MacLeod) were not necessarily likable or sympathetic, but they had redeeming qualities that proved their humanity and placed them on the right side of the story. They had strengths and flaws, which gave them dimensions that enriched the story. Matilda especially stands out for having made realizations about herself throughout the course of the story that guided her actions later.
July 21, 2025
This is the prequel to Traugott’s first novel, To Rescue A Witch, which I read when it came out. I enjoyed that book, so I was excited to receive an ARC of the prequel. Either book can be read as a stand-alone, and reading one first or the other first won’t change your enjoyment of the story.
To Condemn A Witch has much more magic and witchcraft than the first book, which teased “is it magic or not?” There is absolutely no doubt here that it’s magic, putting it firmly in the historical fantasy genre. Using magic isn’t a free pass, though. The characters who use it are complex and interesting. I was kept in suspense as to what would happen to them by the end of this book, in spite of having read the sequel. I will say that the bad characters are very, very bad, which could have made them caricatures, but instead they managed to come across as juicy.
Traugott has a firm grasp of historical details, and her knowledge of the era and locations kept me firmly in 18th century London, Scotland, and Colonial Virginia. It’s a fast-paced, entertaining read for anyone who enjoys historical fiction and/or historical fantasy.
And, of course, witches.
To Condemn A Witch has much more magic and witchcraft than the first book, which teased “is it magic or not?” There is absolutely no doubt here that it’s magic, putting it firmly in the historical fantasy genre. Using magic isn’t a free pass, though. The characters who use it are complex and interesting. I was kept in suspense as to what would happen to them by the end of this book, in spite of having read the sequel. I will say that the bad characters are very, very bad, which could have made them caricatures, but instead they managed to come across as juicy.
Traugott has a firm grasp of historical details, and her knowledge of the era and locations kept me firmly in 18th century London, Scotland, and Colonial Virginia. It’s a fast-paced, entertaining read for anyone who enjoys historical fiction and/or historical fantasy.
And, of course, witches.
July 15, 2025
To Condemn a Witch by Lisa Traugott
4 Stars
Publication Date: August 11, 2025
This is a Prequel to the book "To Rescue a Witch" which was publishes a year ago and I'm going to read it very soon because I want to know the rest of the story!!
This is a historical fantasy book filled with witches and magic set in 1729 Scotland with forays into London, the Otherworld AND another location that would give away too much of the story to share.
A hypocritical witch hunter and a hexed old witch pair up to defeat a prophesy. They're the bad guys. The good guys are a witch, a ghost and an unlikely protege who must overcome increasing obstacles to protect the prophesy and allow it to unfold.
I studied under a Scottish Shaman and others. Through them, I learned a great deal about the folklore and history of that Country's spiritual healers, so I could tell this book was very well researched.
I'm not into spicy books, so appreciated that this author expertly placed the characters into very compromising situations without needing to elaborate and yet you felt the emotions and the atmosphere perfectly.
I feel like I lived a lifetime with these characters and I'm not ready to say goodbye. Y'all need to read this book!
4 Stars
Publication Date: August 11, 2025
This is a Prequel to the book "To Rescue a Witch" which was publishes a year ago and I'm going to read it very soon because I want to know the rest of the story!!
This is a historical fantasy book filled with witches and magic set in 1729 Scotland with forays into London, the Otherworld AND another location that would give away too much of the story to share.
A hypocritical witch hunter and a hexed old witch pair up to defeat a prophesy. They're the bad guys. The good guys are a witch, a ghost and an unlikely protege who must overcome increasing obstacles to protect the prophesy and allow it to unfold.
I studied under a Scottish Shaman and others. Through them, I learned a great deal about the folklore and history of that Country's spiritual healers, so I could tell this book was very well researched.
I'm not into spicy books, so appreciated that this author expertly placed the characters into very compromising situations without needing to elaborate and yet you felt the emotions and the atmosphere perfectly.
I feel like I lived a lifetime with these characters and I'm not ready to say goodbye. Y'all need to read this book!
September 22, 2025
To Condemn a Witch is a many-layered novel about multiple generations of women that spans from England to Scotland to the US colonies. The author clearly put their heart and soul into this story - the characters are full of life, the plot is full of twists and turns, and I found it engaging throughout. I loved the idea of the maiden, mother, crone as three witches who have to come together as a coven. I also loved the historical elements, which felt well-researched and authentic, with nods to real events like the witch hunter's use of Malleus Malleficarum.
4 stars because I found the prose clunky at times, especially in the beginning, but the author clearly came into their own as the novel progressed and pretty quickly I was invested enough into the characters to not mind the sometimes awkward sentence structure.
All in all an enjoyable read, which I received a free copy of via The Niche Reader.
4 stars because I found the prose clunky at times, especially in the beginning, but the author clearly came into their own as the novel progressed and pretty quickly I was invested enough into the characters to not mind the sometimes awkward sentence structure.
All in all an enjoyable read, which I received a free copy of via The Niche Reader.
September 19, 2025
The only thing about this book that is disappointing is that I cannot read it for the first time again. As such, no spoilers, you already know that there are witches, because of the title. Instead, I’ll tell you what I liked about the book.
I loved the Scotland setting and the time period. They felt real to me. The author did her research. The characters are complex. This prophecy story moves. Very good prose. There are plenty of twists, turns, and surprises.
This book is the prequel to To Rescue a Witch, and I can’t wait to read it.
I received a free copy of this book from Niche Reader.
I loved the Scotland setting and the time period. They felt real to me. The author did her research. The characters are complex. This prophecy story moves. Very good prose. There are plenty of twists, turns, and surprises.
This book is the prequel to To Rescue a Witch, and I can’t wait to read it.
I received a free copy of this book from Niche Reader.
October 11, 2025
This is the first book I’ve read by this author. I enjoyed the writing style and the world building in this book. A historical fantasy that took place in 1729 in Scotland. This book is the prequel to - To Rescue A Witch.
This story has complex characters, healers, witches, witch hunters and it’s told in multiple POVs which I felt brought more of the story to life. The twists and turns were remarkable and kept me captivated throughout the book. Thoroughly enjoyed and can’t wait to read the next installment.
This story has complex characters, healers, witches, witch hunters and it’s told in multiple POVs which I felt brought more of the story to life. The twists and turns were remarkable and kept me captivated throughout the book. Thoroughly enjoyed and can’t wait to read the next installment.
July 19, 2025
I read an ARC of this book.
I really, really liked Fiona, and if the whole book were about her, I think I would have loved it. She is interesting, conflicted, and devoted to her family. I wanted to see her do more spells.
The problem for me with this book are the characters Eleanor and MacLeod. I know I'm supposed to like them. I do not. Eleanor is manipulative and annoying, and most of her choices seriously ticked me off. Same with MacLeod. I'm supposed to believe he has Fiona's best interests in mind? I don't think so. He is so restrictive and harbors such unfair restrictions.
There is also a serious time jump in the book. I do not like time jumps.
I really, really liked Fiona, and if the whole book were about her, I think I would have loved it. She is interesting, conflicted, and devoted to her family. I wanted to see her do more spells.
The problem for me with this book are the characters Eleanor and MacLeod. I know I'm supposed to like them. I do not. Eleanor is manipulative and annoying, and most of her choices seriously ticked me off. Same with MacLeod. I'm supposed to believe he has Fiona's best interests in mind? I don't think so. He is so restrictive and harbors such unfair restrictions.
There is also a serious time jump in the book. I do not like time jumps.
September 28, 2025
This is the first book I've read by this author and I was not disappointed. I love historical fiction and love it even more when there's some witchcraft involved. The storyline was gripping and there was an array of compelling characters. I was especially drawn to William MacLeod. I like how protective he was of his wife, Fiona, and her gifts. I was very excited to receive a free copy of this book via The Niche Reader and enjoyed it very much.
July 24, 2025
Loved this second book in the Witchborn series! I really liked the first book, but felt it fell short on the witch part of the story. This book made up for that big :) Lisa cleverly explained many stories only partially told in the first book and seamlessly ended To Condemn a Witch to lead right into To Rescue a Witch while also leaving a hook for a third book that I now cannot wait for!
December 2, 2025
The book was entertaining and I did want to keep reading it. There are some spicy scenes as well as some SA, but honestly, both types are cliff-notes compared to most romance. She doesn’t go overboard on either. I would call it an easy read overall, and not overly complex. (Not overly complex in a good way. Straight story telling.)
July 31, 2025
A great read. I love Lisa's attention to the historical details for this period piece. Add in witches, spells, and the occult to get a page turner. You can't wait to read what is going to happen next. Just when you think you figured it out, the plot twists. Don't miss this one.
September 8, 2025
This is an interesting book set in Scotland and London in the 1700's. The characters are interesting and their arcs are well thought out. it's an interesting tale about healers and witches and how the men of that time tried to control the women. I'm definitely looking forward to the next book.
September 12, 2025
This book really grasped my attention from the start, though it didn’t become a fast read for me until about halfway through. Around the 50% mark, the story really took off and I found myself hooked. A strong, engaging read overall with a rewarding second half.
December 2, 2025
Historical Witchcraft fantasy at it's best.
From Scotland to England to America... Characters you will love and characters you will despise.
To Condemned a Witch was another novel I could not put down once I'd started. Each chapter leaves you wanting more. So easy to read and so hard to stop...
From Scotland to England to America... Characters you will love and characters you will despise.
To Condemned a Witch was another novel I could not put down once I'd started. Each chapter leaves you wanting more. So easy to read and so hard to stop...
August 30, 2025
I liked this book
I liked the format. The telling from each character's point of view made the story easy to follow.. I will likely read the next installment.
I liked the format. The telling from each character's point of view made the story easy to follow.. I will likely read the next installment.
September 1, 2025
Any book that teaches me words I didn't know before (claymore, peruke, scold's bridle, orlop) is worth reading.
September 15, 2025
A witchy tale set in 18th century Scotland and Virginia. Recommended to fans of Weyward and Outlander.
September 14, 2025
Just finished To Condemn a Witch and honestly, I didn’t want it to end. It’s one of those stories that wraps around you like mist—moody, magical, and quietly intense. The writing has this beautiful rhythm to it, and the atmosphere is so rich you can almost smell the damp earth and candle smoke.
I loved how the story moved between places and timelines without ever losing its emotional thread. There’s a real sense of connection between the characters, even when they’re worlds apart. It’s not just about witches and curses—it’s about legacy, survival, and the kind of strength that doesn’t shout but still shakes the ground.
If you’re into stories that feel a bit haunted, a bit historical, and deeply human, this one’s a gem. I genuinely enjoyed every moment.
Thank you for the ARC and as promised no spoilers or giving the plot away!
I loved how the story moved between places and timelines without ever losing its emotional thread. There’s a real sense of connection between the characters, even when they’re worlds apart. It’s not just about witches and curses—it’s about legacy, survival, and the kind of strength that doesn’t shout but still shakes the ground.
If you’re into stories that feel a bit haunted, a bit historical, and deeply human, this one’s a gem. I genuinely enjoyed every moment.
Thank you for the ARC and as promised no spoilers or giving the plot away!
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