Witches in Shadow

by Kathryn Guild

Witch hunts have returned to a world divided.
After centuries of uneasy peace, magic is once again under siege. When witch Elena Hall narrowly escapes a brutal witch hunt, she flees with her human sister to the countryside, hoping for obscurity and a fresh start. But peace doesn’t come easy, especially when the enigmatic local coven refuses to let her slip away unnoticed.

Heir to power. Prisoner of expectations.
Kieran Andraste has everything—wealth, charm, power—but none of the freedom. Beneath his gilded life lies a soul cracking under pressure. As the reluctant enforcer of his father’s ruthless legacy, Kieran is trapped in a role he never chose, forced to sacrifice pieces of himself to uphold a crumbling empire

Two fractured souls. One irresistible bond.
When Elena and Kieran’s paths collide, they find a fragile refuge in each other’s arms. But as the witch hunts intensify and secrets begin to unravel, their sanctuary teeters on the edge. Because in a world that’s turning violent and unforgiving, the truth they uncover could ignite a war—or tear them apart forever.

424 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 2, 2025

Reviews

[Nikki Goolsby · Rating 5 out of 5]

Witches in Shadow is an absolute gem — haunting, romantic, and beautifully written. Kathryn Guild weaves magic, danger, and emotion into a world that feels both timeless and eerily relevant. Elena and Kieran’s story had me completely captivated — full of tension, tenderness, and quiet rebellion. Fans of fantasy and slow-burn romance will fall under this book’s spell.

[Relthelittlemerm · Rating 3 out of 5]

I will say, the things this book has going for it is the fact the characters are very lovable. I really liked the two main characters and all of the side characters were super fun to read. There’s also some very interesting world building, though I wish the magic system was explained a bit better.

Now, I have two big issues with this book. First, the characters don’t read as if they are in their 30s and 40s… they act like 20 year olds or teenagers. Even the “older adults” have some moments when they don’t seem very old. Maybe you can chalk it up to “witches age differently” but I don’t know… they just read MUCH younger to me.

Additionally there were no trigger warnings page that I saw? There should absolutely be one for parental emotional abuse, self harm, and panic attacks (which are an integral part of the story).

[Janna Felix · Rating 4 out of 5]

Witches in Shadow is a dark, emotionally charged fantasy that leans hard into forbidden connection, power, and survival in a world once again poisoned by fear. Elena’s desperation to protect herself and her sister is gripping, while Kieran’s quiet unraveling under the weight of inherited cruelty makes him a painfully compelling counterpart. I loved the tension between witch and enforcer, how their bond feels like both a refuge and a liability as violence escalates and secrets surface. Some elements felt familiar, but the emotional stakes, moral conflict, and simmering romance kept me fully invested. This is a moody, dangerous story about choosing love and truth in a world determined to burn them both.

[Michelle Walker · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story is a beautiful blend of friendship, healing, romance, and dark, witchy aesthetic—all set in a contemporary world where witches and humans live side by side. Think: big fluffy canine sidekick, strong familial bonds, chosen family, trauma healing, slow-burn romance, witchy politics, and characters you can't help but fall in love with. One minute you’re tearing up, the next you’re kicking your feet like you just got a text from your crush.

Also, it has just the right amount of spice to make you blush in public—but not so much that your grandma would judge you.

I couldn't put this book down, I can't wait for the next installment!!

[Imagen · Rating 5 out of 5]

💕 I really enjoyed this one! I won this book through LibraryThing’s early reviewer batch last year and didn’t even realize it until now… whoops 👀 Anyway, I’m sad I put it off for so long because it was great! I loved the slow burn 🔥 and hope there will be a second book to follow. I especially loved that instead of Elena’s trauma just being magically resolved, she actually has to work through it. It was also nice to read a fantasy book like this where the main character is older than 18-25. Haven’t read many with older aged characters yet but I have a few on my TBR that I think I will like if they are anything like Kathryn’s book 😄

[David Carriere · Rating 5 out of 5]

Witches in Shadow is a tense, magic, rich romantasy that blends danger, tenderness, and political intrigue with effortless momentum. Kathryn Guild paints a world on the brink where witch hunts rise again and survival is never guaranteed and centers it on two beautifully flawed characters whose connection feels both fragile and fated. Elena’s quiet resilience and Kieran’s aching conflict create a compelling push and pull that keeps the pages turning.

A gripping, emotional tale perfect for readers who love forbidden magic, slow burn bonds, and worlds where love becomes its own defiance.

[Maggie Zandt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good read--I was hooked right away. There's several ongoing components in this story, but not hard to keep up. Characters are well drawn and easily fit into the story in your mind as you read. Even if you don't accept witches in real life, I believe you'd enjoy this book. Action, fright, love, lust...just what you want in a story.

[Chloe Reed · Rating 4 out of 5]

Elena and Kieran’s bond amidst danger and societal expectations is both thrilling and heartfelt. The story’s tension and high stakes make it impossible to put down.