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The Witch's Bestiary #5
Rising Storm
Gods and Monsters
My name is Alicia Stormwell. By day, I run The Bestiary, a nonprofit that saves and rehabilitates legendary critters. By night, I don my witch’s hat and battle the dark underworld of supernatural animal traffickers.
When The Velvet Claw kidnaps my Aunt Lydia, they force me into the clutches of Taranis, their god and leader. But guess what?
His kindness is disarming, but behind his charming facade lies a terrifying enslaving humanity and giving supernatural beings dominion over Earth.
Lovely.
Can I stop him from making this a real-life nightmare, or am I just another pawn in his game?
The Witch's Bestiary
· Witches, Werewolves, and Vampires
· Hidden magic and a magical underworld
· A slow-burn / RH romance
· Fantastic creatures
· A badass female main character with snark and humor
My name is Alicia Stormwell. By day, I run The Bestiary, a nonprofit that saves and rehabilitates legendary critters. By night, I don my witch’s hat and battle the dark underworld of supernatural animal traffickers.
When The Velvet Claw kidnaps my Aunt Lydia, they force me into the clutches of Taranis, their god and leader. But guess what?
His kindness is disarming, but behind his charming facade lies a terrifying enslaving humanity and giving supernatural beings dominion over Earth.
Lovely.
Can I stop him from making this a real-life nightmare, or am I just another pawn in his game?
The Witch's Bestiary
· Witches, Werewolves, and Vampires
· Hidden magic and a magical underworld
· A slow-burn / RH romance
· Fantastic creatures
· A badass female main character with snark and humor
205 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 1, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
November 4, 2025
I'm just so disappointed. I don't know if it's the last book of the series or if the author plans on adding more to it, but I think I'll be stopping here. Nothing could have predicted nor foreshadowed the polyamorous / harem thing going on between the three guys and Alicia. If there had been a warning I wouldn't have cared, but no we don't. And orgy magic to unlock dimensional magic? That is just a crock of shit.
The rest of the book isn't really better. Taranis very obviously tries to manipulate Alicia with what she likes, but it all fell flat to me. Like, girl, wake the fuck up and do something instead of waiting around and letting yourself be carried by the story. Do something. Save your Aunt Lydia, bring the boys with you, spit in Taranis' face. The fight at the end also just fell flat. The story doesn't feel well tied up and things just suddenly resolve with no real character development or meaningful changes/impact. I thought this would be a nice, different, urban-lit read, but it ended up being a disappointment to me. Oh well.
The rest of the book isn't really better. Taranis very obviously tries to manipulate Alicia with what she likes, but it all fell flat to me. Like, girl, wake the fuck up and do something instead of waiting around and letting yourself be carried by the story. Do something. Save your Aunt Lydia, bring the boys with you, spit in Taranis' face. The fight at the end also just fell flat. The story doesn't feel well tied up and things just suddenly resolve with no real character development or meaningful changes/impact. I thought this would be a nice, different, urban-lit read, but it ended up being a disappointment to me. Oh well.
November 7, 2025
Read: November 2025
Rating: 3 / 3.5 Stars
~I received an Advanced Reader Copy of Rising Storm in exchange for a review~
The blurb :
My name is Alicia Stormwell. By day, I run The Bestiary, a nonprofit that saves and rehabilitates legendary critters. By night, I don my witch’s hat and battle the dark underworld of supernatural animal traffickers.
When The Velvet Claw kidnaps my Aunt Lydia, they force me into the clutches of Taranis, their god and leader. But guess what?
His kindness is disarming, but behind his charming facade lies a terrifying enslaving humanity and giving supernatural beings dominion over Earth.
Lovely.
Can I stop him from making this a real-life nightmare, or am I just another pawn in his game?
In this fifth book of the series we start off with a kidnapping.
Aunt Lydia has been snatched by none other than storm daddy and that means our girl needs some prep on how to deal with dangerous storm baddies (even though she's trying to tame her very own storm baddie 😉)
I liked all the books so far but somehow in this one I just missed something.
I don't know what exactly but there's just a sense of it being good but not great and that's kind of a disappointment.
I was also semi confused by the ending because it both gave us a very like end of the series kind of conclusion but also not?
I think the book would've been so much better if it would be just a bit longer so it takes a bit more time to actually go through all of the things, now it gives a jumbled vibe.
Don’t get me wrong, I don’t think its a bad story at all, but just a bit more time in the story would’ve made it so much better in my opinion.
I also would've loved a longer bit with all her men, I feel like they came together only halfheartedly in this book and then suddenly all of them were fine with it and it gave me a bit of whiplash.
What I did really love about this series were al the different animals and I would've gladly read like 80 pages more about those!
Rating: 3 / 3.5 Stars
~I received an Advanced Reader Copy of Rising Storm in exchange for a review~
The blurb :
My name is Alicia Stormwell. By day, I run The Bestiary, a nonprofit that saves and rehabilitates legendary critters. By night, I don my witch’s hat and battle the dark underworld of supernatural animal traffickers.
When The Velvet Claw kidnaps my Aunt Lydia, they force me into the clutches of Taranis, their god and leader. But guess what?
His kindness is disarming, but behind his charming facade lies a terrifying enslaving humanity and giving supernatural beings dominion over Earth.
Lovely.
Can I stop him from making this a real-life nightmare, or am I just another pawn in his game?
In this fifth book of the series we start off with a kidnapping.
Aunt Lydia has been snatched by none other than storm daddy and that means our girl needs some prep on how to deal with dangerous storm baddies (even though she's trying to tame her very own storm baddie 😉)
I liked all the books so far but somehow in this one I just missed something.
I don't know what exactly but there's just a sense of it being good but not great and that's kind of a disappointment.
I was also semi confused by the ending because it both gave us a very like end of the series kind of conclusion but also not?
I think the book would've been so much better if it would be just a bit longer so it takes a bit more time to actually go through all of the things, now it gives a jumbled vibe.
Don’t get me wrong, I don’t think its a bad story at all, but just a bit more time in the story would’ve made it so much better in my opinion.
I also would've loved a longer bit with all her men, I feel like they came together only halfheartedly in this book and then suddenly all of them were fine with it and it gave me a bit of whiplash.
What I did really love about this series were al the different animals and I would've gladly read like 80 pages more about those!
February 16, 2026
This final book brought together all the threads that had woven throughout this series, and formed it into an intense, riveting, read.
Although we know, as the readers, how Alicia really feels, much is hidden about Taranis, and his motives. But it is slowly revealed, one step at a time - especially in his treatment of Aunt Lydia - where his true aim falls!
I thoroughly enjoyed this final book, though I truly feel as though it has been left slightly open-ended, for a possible future addition - the mysterious Brothers being just one hint.
I guess I just hope that Evangeline Hunter gets around to adding to this story, eventually! Lol
But, now the series is done, I'm back to deciding which books I'll be choosing next, to read. This is particularly hard, when I have far too much choice! Lol
I just had a quick stroll through my books, and came across a series I don't remember buying (my memory is appalling), but it looks like it will be a fun read.
The series is called: 'Magical Renaissance Faire Mysteries', so it has murder mysteries, and magical goings on - two things I know I'll enjoy reading! Lol
The Authors are Erin Johnson - a name I recognise - and Nova Nelson - a name new to me, but I love the alteration of it!
So, I'll make a start with Book 1: Much A Broom About Nothing' (I love it when a title uses well known plays as their inspiration!) and, once I've finished this, I'll catch you on the flip side, to let you know what I think of it.
Although we know, as the readers, how Alicia really feels, much is hidden about Taranis, and his motives. But it is slowly revealed, one step at a time - especially in his treatment of Aunt Lydia - where his true aim falls!
I thoroughly enjoyed this final book, though I truly feel as though it has been left slightly open-ended, for a possible future addition - the mysterious Brothers being just one hint.
I guess I just hope that Evangeline Hunter gets around to adding to this story, eventually! Lol
But, now the series is done, I'm back to deciding which books I'll be choosing next, to read. This is particularly hard, when I have far too much choice! Lol
I just had a quick stroll through my books, and came across a series I don't remember buying (my memory is appalling), but it looks like it will be a fun read.
The series is called: 'Magical Renaissance Faire Mysteries', so it has murder mysteries, and magical goings on - two things I know I'll enjoy reading! Lol
The Authors are Erin Johnson - a name I recognise - and Nova Nelson - a name new to me, but I love the alteration of it!
So, I'll make a start with Book 1: Much A Broom About Nothing' (I love it when a title uses well known plays as their inspiration!) and, once I've finished this, I'll catch you on the flip side, to let you know what I think of it.
October 28, 2025
Alicia meets Taranis, her god of a father and the leader of the Velvet Claw. He tries to convince her to spend a week with him to get to know him. After she spends 2 weeks learning portal magic and engaging in some epic spicy time with all 3 of her smoking hot suitors (at the same time!), she agrees to in order to save her aunt. After her arrival, Taranis tells her stories of his past to try to convince her to join him, but quickly shows his true colors. Now Alicia must defeat him before he can destroy humanity.
This is the epic finale to The Witch’s Bestiary series! I loved this entire series and this last book is no exception! We end up with a “why choose” scenario and I loved every second of it! Each of those men are perfect for Alicia in different ways and once they all get into a relationship together, it’s amazing! Alicia is such a strong, determined and powerful woman and I loved watching her grow throughout the series. This was a great ending to the story. If you love magic, mythical creatures and supernatural romance, add this to your TBR immediately!
This is the epic finale to The Witch’s Bestiary series! I loved this entire series and this last book is no exception! We end up with a “why choose” scenario and I loved every second of it! Each of those men are perfect for Alicia in different ways and once they all get into a relationship together, it’s amazing! Alicia is such a strong, determined and powerful woman and I loved watching her grow throughout the series. This was a great ending to the story. If you love magic, mythical creatures and supernatural romance, add this to your TBR immediately!
November 12, 2025
Good Series! Hope there is more!
I loved the story line! I listened (AI audio) to all 5 books in a matter of days. Unique concept! I’d love to read more on the creation of the Bestiary, definitely on the creatures, how they were rescued, maybe about where her mom has been all these years and how she knew Kia, and I absolutely want to read more on how it all plays out with the group!
Id had given 5stars, but when the 3rd guy entered I was over her love life! It was kinda odd how each book she jumped on to a new guy…. I do like that the story line is the priority vs the romance, but I just felt it needed a little more detail on the relationships. In order for me to believe she fell in love with 3 guys so quickly, I need a little more substance so to speak.
I am excited for the next book, and hope to see some comedy as the group adjust to their new situation! Also how will Adam cope with being an officer, and helping rescue/steal magical creatures?? How will Adam’s mom react to this relationship lol
I loved the story line! I listened (AI audio) to all 5 books in a matter of days. Unique concept! I’d love to read more on the creation of the Bestiary, definitely on the creatures, how they were rescued, maybe about where her mom has been all these years and how she knew Kia, and I absolutely want to read more on how it all plays out with the group!
Id had given 5stars, but when the 3rd guy entered I was over her love life! It was kinda odd how each book she jumped on to a new guy…. I do like that the story line is the priority vs the romance, but I just felt it needed a little more detail on the relationships. In order for me to believe she fell in love with 3 guys so quickly, I need a little more substance so to speak.
I am excited for the next book, and hope to see some comedy as the group adjust to their new situation! Also how will Adam cope with being an officer, and helping rescue/steal magical creatures?? How will Adam’s mom react to this relationship lol
October 19, 2025
What a great book!
Alicia has a couple of problems, Her Aunt Lydia has been kidnapped by the Violent Hand and she must spend a week with her father, Taranis, for Lydia to be releases.
She is also confused about her relationships with Adam, Kyle and Kai.
Teaming up with her mother to learn some magic that should defeat Taranis, the relationship problem really rears its head.
This book has a lot of relationship growth both with the men and her mother. It also supplies a lot of the background of Taranis.
There is magic, actions, surprises, suspense, humour and a quite steamy scene about 1/3 into the book. There are also conflicts that need clearing up.
Alicia has magic, smarts, snark and more but she’s not too good dealing with people at times.
This is an easy, reading book with some violence at times.
I have loved this series and am hating to see it end. I will definitely read anything else this author writes.
Alicia has a couple of problems, Her Aunt Lydia has been kidnapped by the Violent Hand and she must spend a week with her father, Taranis, for Lydia to be releases.
She is also confused about her relationships with Adam, Kyle and Kai.
Teaming up with her mother to learn some magic that should defeat Taranis, the relationship problem really rears its head.
This book has a lot of relationship growth both with the men and her mother. It also supplies a lot of the background of Taranis.
There is magic, actions, surprises, suspense, humour and a quite steamy scene about 1/3 into the book. There are also conflicts that need clearing up.
Alicia has magic, smarts, snark and more but she’s not too good dealing with people at times.
This is an easy, reading book with some violence at times.
I have loved this series and am hating to see it end. I will definitely read anything else this author writes.
November 29, 2025
This book was amazing! I feel as though Ive been on a rollercoaster of feelings within the series. Struggled with the beginning as I had struggled with the FMC actions/choices as previously throughout series, while feeling they were inconsistent and counter-intuitive from one book the the next in the series. However, the story-line and plot was phenomenal and captivating. The 2nd half literally kept me on the edge of my seat needing to know what would happen with Alicia next! I truly hope Evangeline Hunter continues this series or expands this universe as there is so much potential for more Bestiary Adventures!
October 23, 2025
At this point, even before I started this book, I was anxious for poor Alicia to finally defeat her enemies, and this latest book is a doozy. First, Alicia has to decide who she is the most in love with since her magic is going crazy, her aunt is kidnapped, and she’s then invited to spend time with her father. There is a lot going on in this book, and there are many developments. It also gets a little steamier. LOL! I’m not sure if this is the last book, but I’m here for more if so. Recommend. I was provided a complimentary copy which I voluntarily reviewed.
November 3, 2025
This is a great end to the series. I’m please the author has left the potential for a new series as the characters and world building are too good to not continue. This book definitely isn’t predictable. Though more serious, it is just as good as the rest. If you enjoyed the others, you will love this one. If you haven’t read the rest of the series, you should. Things finally heat up for Alicia in an unexpected way and we get to know more about her father. I really really hope the author continues writing these books.
November 4, 2025
I truly loved this series from beginning to end. I’m sad to say goodbye to these characters I’ve grown to love throughout the story. I sincerely hope to see them again someday in a sequel or a spin-off.
I loved seeing Alicia face her fears and watching her grow and blossom. I also enjoyed the unexpected turn her love life takes — it was the only possible ending.
I’m already excited to see what Evangeline Hunter writes next, and even more excited to read it. Thank you for this wonderful series. I couldn’t have asked for a better ending for Alicia’s journey.
I loved seeing Alicia face her fears and watching her grow and blossom. I also enjoyed the unexpected turn her love life takes — it was the only possible ending.
I’m already excited to see what Evangeline Hunter writes next, and even more excited to read it. Thank you for this wonderful series. I couldn’t have asked for a better ending for Alicia’s journey.
October 24, 2025
What an AMAZING Ride!! Our Girl Alicia is finally finding out who she loves...(No Spoilers here!)
And then DADDY DEAREST shows up! This book is fast paced, you might have to go back and double check what was said, you are reading so fast!! I think I took a little over a day to read!! This book is so much fun, you will want to re-read as soon as you finish!! I just loved the whole series! BUY THIS BOOK!!
And then DADDY DEAREST shows up! This book is fast paced, you might have to go back and double check what was said, you are reading so fast!! I think I took a little over a day to read!! This book is so much fun, you will want to re-read as soon as you finish!! I just loved the whole series! BUY THIS BOOK!!
October 31, 2025
Loved the series, but this one missed the mark for me. It leans more into the Reverse Harem/Why-Choose trope (not my fave). Alicia’s love life gets messy, her long-lost dad shows up, and suddenly she’s choosing between saving Aunt Lydia or walking away. She teams up with her mom + her three guys to unlock a whole new layer of her magic.
If RH/Why-Choose is your jam, you’ll love this more than I did — but still a fun, bingeable series I would recommend!
If RH/Why-Choose is your jam, you’ll love this more than I did — but still a fun, bingeable series I would recommend!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 9, 2025
Wow - talk about a book that had me turning pages one after the other! Love Rising Storm...actually I love all of the Witch's Bestiary. I am recommending this series to my reader friends.
FMC Alicia grows stronger throughout the latest threat. No worries! She has her love triangle - Kyle [werewolf], Adam [vampire], and Kai [dragon] - by her side if/when things go sideways.
Spice * Family * Magic * Mythical Creatures
FMC Alicia grows stronger throughout the latest threat. No worries! She has her love triangle - Kyle [werewolf], Adam [vampire], and Kai [dragon] - by her side if/when things go sideways.
Spice * Family * Magic * Mythical Creatures
October 27, 2025
Alicia finds herself discovering Taranis in ways she never expected — there are secrets they share, and he seems to understand that feeling of searching for a place in the world yet never quite fitting into the one he sees.
At the same time, she begins to accept herself as she is: someone who lives intensely for what she believes in — and for those she loves.
At the same time, she begins to accept herself as she is: someone who lives intensely for what she believes in — and for those she loves.
October 30, 2025
What I enjoyed most about Alicia is her growth. From a relatively naive young witch to one who is able to realize that life will never go according to plan. Choices, lovers, friends and family... all of these hold consequences that require thoughtful decisions. Her present needs and her future hopes may not be the same and she is at peace about that.
January 27, 2026
Wild
Are you an animal lover who would take in any stray? Then this book I'd for you! Meet a witch that will give any magical creature a safe home even if she got to go and rescue them herself though hell and hexes and maybe pick up a few boyfriends along the way. Loved every minute and I would gladly volunteer at the bestiary.
Are you an animal lover who would take in any stray? Then this book I'd for you! Meet a witch that will give any magical creature a safe home even if she got to go and rescue them herself though hell and hexes and maybe pick up a few boyfriends along the way. Loved every minute and I would gladly volunteer at the bestiary.
December 23, 2025
Excellent read.
Couldn't wait to get each book. Great read, wonderful characters. Wonderful storytelling. Highly recommend. I'm a reader and I know good when I have it in my hands.
Couldn't wait to get each book. Great read, wonderful characters. Wonderful storytelling. Highly recommend. I'm a reader and I know good when I have it in my hands.
January 14, 2026
The witch s bestiary series
The books were well written and kept my attention from the first page of book one until the last page of book five. I could do without the sex parts ,but the characters were funny, and different. If you start one book count on reading for awhile.
The books were well written and kept my attention from the first page of book one until the last page of book five. I could do without the sex parts ,but the characters were funny, and different. If you start one book count on reading for awhile.
April 28, 2026
The fight
Now after all the work and soul searching it's time to face her father. He started nice and concerning but one m8stake and it was go time. Time to put training and faith of herself and others to fight.
Now after all the work and soul searching it's time to face her father. He started nice and concerning but one m8stake and it was go time. Time to put training and faith of herself and others to fight.
May 2, 2026
Witch's Bestiary
I love a strong female protagonist and all of the good guys survive. Loyalty to the main characters should be a requirement by all talented authors and Evangeline Hunter doesn't disappoint.
I love a strong female protagonist and all of the good guys survive. Loyalty to the main characters should be a requirement by all talented authors and Evangeline Hunter doesn't disappoint.
October 25, 2025
More sizzle and sexy men. More creatures and action. Sad this is the last book in the series but glad that I discovered them as I've enjoyed them immensely. Definitely an author to keep an eye on
November 2, 2025
Definitely keeps you on your toes 😜 Surprises at every turn 😁❤️
November 17, 2025
What a brilliant story. I love the magic and the different beasts in the story. Can't wait to read the rest of the series.
November 30, 2025
Great series
I really enjoyed going on each adventure with each book. I look forward to reading more from this author. You should check this series out!
I really enjoyed going on each adventure with each book. I look forward to reading more from this author. You should check this series out!
November 30, 2025
Good
A great conclusion to a very good story. The character development was amazing. The characters are people I will compare other fictional characters against.
A great conclusion to a very good story. The character development was amazing. The characters are people I will compare other fictional characters against.
December 15, 2025
Great book
Alicia is finally .are to make a decision between Kyle, Adam and Kai. She also has to face her father
Alicia is finally .are to make a decision between Kyle, Adam and Kai. She also has to face her father
January 5, 2026
Excellent!!!
I loved this series!!!! I love all the magic and lightning and all the animals….and Ling Ling and Bixby….awesome series!!!
I loved this series!!!! I love all the magic and lightning and all the animals….and Ling Ling and Bixby….awesome series!!!
March 20, 2026
Loved it!
Really enjoyed this series! A fun ride each and every book. Left me wanting more! Hoping for a book 6 plus!
Really enjoyed this series! A fun ride each and every book. Left me wanting more! Hoping for a book 6 plus!
April 12, 2026
Exciting
This whole series is a great read. I loved all the characters. And the ending was b great. Will definitely look for more books from this author.
This whole series is a great read. I loved all the characters. And the ending was b great. Will definitely look for more books from this author.
April 14, 2026
Love this series
Well written and entertaining. Did not lose interest and hope there is more to come. Will be looking for more books like this.
Well written and entertaining. Did not lose interest and hope there is more to come. Will be looking for more books like this.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews