Hammer

Witchy Women

by N.G. Avant

Four women. Four elements. One prophecy.

When the Earth begins to fracture under the weight of greed and patriarchy, four descendants of Nemesis, goddess of divine retribution, are born on the same day, each marked by the scorpion and tethered to an elemental force.

As their powers awaken, so too does the truth of their origin. From Salem to the stars, from ancient prophecies to modern-day resistance, these women must come together under a rare blue moon to bend time, pierce the veil, and confront a history written in blood. Stop the witch hunts before they happen by travelling back in time with their newly discovered magic and ensure Malleus Maleficarum (The Hammer of Witches) never sees the light of day.

But this isn’t a story of revenge. It’s one of reclamation. Of healing. Of rewriting what it means to hold power.

For readers who crave feminist fantasy with mythological depth, found family, and a world where matriarchy rises. Not to dominate, but to restore.

264 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 31, 2026

About the author

Raised in a quaint lakeside town in southern Ontario, N.G. Avant moved to Ottawa, Ontario as a young adult to realize her childhood dream of residing in Canada’s capital, which was built on the traditional un-ceded, un-surrendered territory of the Anishinaabe Algonquin People. She has a post-secondary education in journalism and worked in municipal politics for more than five years, an experience that sparked the inspiration for her Capital City series.

Avant always felt like a misfit among misfits. Diagnosed with dyslexia at a young age, she didn’t realize she was neurodivergent until her 30s. Now, she embraces the many gifts it brings, including her quirky personality.

Avant is a proud intersectional feminist. She believes that we are all connected by our humanity and the human experience.

Avant, is a millennial single mother to three wonderful daughters, has a growth mindset, love of animals, a passion for trusting her intuition, and supporting the creation of a more equitable world where everyone has an opportunity to thrive. Avant seeks to highlight the experiences of marginalized communities through her writing. While some progress has been made, there is still more work to be done.

It’s time for change.

For rights, licensing, or adaptation inquiries, please contact:

author@ngavant.ca

NG is also available for podcast guest appearances. For bookings, reach out via the email above.

Reviews

[Shree · Rating 3 out of 5]

I did not realize this was part of a series and it did take me a moment to catch up... It seemed like there were way too many characters to keep track of... but the author provides a sort of family tree and that helped. I was all caught up after that.
This is a story about four witches with elemental magic who find each other and learn about their connection as well as a prophecy that demands that they travel back in time and work together to prevent a malevolent action that has since cost the lives of thousands across generations.
I felt the book was a lot less "happening" than I expected from a book with witches and magic. But otherwise, no major complaints.

Many thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for sharing an arc of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Tracy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am really enjoying this set of books so far. The story continues on the journey of JJ, Gina, Maria and Arya and how they have to right a wrong by fulfilling a prophecy. As the journey they grow into their magic. A few twists and turns along the way to reach their goal. It’s a good read worth adding to your TBR list


N.G. Avant

[Meg Gallock · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC of Hammer: When Witches Take Back Time! I always appreciate a good witchy book, and I loved the vibes here. It did take me some time to get into initially, as the story follows multiple people and their ancestors, and features time travel (which isn't always my favorite trope). However, I ultimately really enjoyed the witchy atmosphere, the powerful women, and the elemental magic plotline!

[Christinaraven · Rating 5 out of 5]

Overall I enjoyed this story about ladies who discover they are actual witches and go back in time to help 'fix' the world. I liked the characters and watching them do their thing. I laughed and groaned and wanted to slap them a few times but enjoyed it all. And I had to see what they would do in the past to try and change things. Fun times.

[N.N. Heaven · Rating 5 out of 5]

I edited this book for NG Avant but when I read it on Sunday, I was in awe. As a woman, I feel proud of what this book represents and how it empowers women, no matter what century she lives in. It will leave you breathless. Trust me.

My Rating: 5+++ stars

Reviewed by: Nancy

[Karen · Rating 3 out of 5]

A little hard to get into but picked up the characters are about witches with Element powers thrown in jail but have to keep there magic hidden from the world

[Leslie Twitchell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hammer: when witches take back time is book 1 of the witchy women series. I loved this story. Time travel, elemental magic and changing the future. A absolute great read.