The Canary Girl

by K.C. Brooks

The Wastes are growing west and the king needs a witch. Again.

CALISSA TAWNEY wants nothing to do with the Book of Mages, the one thing that killed her parents, especially not when she has a sister to take care of and a shop to run. But as talk of the Book resurfaces and the king’s witch hunter descends, once again, on the town, the canaries sing their warning song.

AAYAN ASHMORE is the Captain of the King’s Guard and the infamous “witch hunter,” who has been ordered to ensure Calissa not only accepts the challenge of finding the Book of Mages, but returns with it alive. His own interests in the Book lie deep in the castle and nothing will stop him from obeying the king. Not even a stubborn witch.

The Book of Mages is the only object with the ability to stop the Wastes from destroying Kaidra, but it hasn’t been seen in decades and the quest to find it is littered with dead witches.

Their journey through the Spirit Wood is a long one and to make it back alive, they’ll need to keep their heads and their eyes forward. Because spirits aren't the only things that haunt the woods.

412 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 28, 2025

About the author

Kenzie “K.C.” Brooks is an emerging fantasy author. Morbid Anniversaries is K.C.’s debut novel. When she isn’t writing, she’s taking photos, and when she isn’t taking photos, she’s reading. You are likely to find her in the DMV (if she’s home).

Reviews

[Sarah * Between the Lines Book Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Canary Girl got me hooked in with just the tropes alone .

witch vs. witch hunter
grumpy x grumpier
forced proximity
Epic quests

A unique take in witch and witch hunter romantasy.
I can’t wait for more of this story to unravel from KC Brooks mind!

[Jayden Ellison · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5

I was intrigued immediately because of the troupes
- witch x witch hunter
- grumpy x grumpier
like HELLO?!??!!
Sign me up— so naturally applied to be an arc reader.
Best decision of my life.
This world is FANTASTIC— i felt like i was IN the book and the realm. The writing style being in third person OUT OF THIS WORLD.

From the get go I knew she was grumpier and it is such a fun dynamic to have the FMC be the more broody type.

I also got the intense feeling
“touch her you die”—- i am LIVING FOR IT.

I am angry with myself that I read it so quick— now i must wait that much longer for book 2.



Quotes i loved:

•Her eyes were more akin to the early moments of the sunset when the yellow began its descent into orange before surrendering to the moon. Those were his favorite moments—his favorite shades of yellow—so subtly alerting the impending night.

[Julie Booklover · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed Calissa and Aayan’s story. Both of our characters are out to find the Book of Mages, but each for a different reason. As they complete quests, they become closer. Calissa and Aayan are interesting characters, and her strength and powers, as well as her personality, have her set for success. Aayan’s motives change as he struggles with duty vs dreams.

Romantasy is not my usual draw, but the tropes won over my curiosity, and I am glad I took the chance. I enjoyed getting to know the characters, the banter made the story. I would like a little more detail in the world building or backstory in a few places, but not enough to stop reading. I hope to find answers in the next book.

Thank you to the Author for the advanced copy; this is my voluntary review.

[Amanda Hopwood · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really loved the concept of this book witch and witch hunter . She talks to birds, they go on an adventure to find a book the king is requesting she finds . But I felt the ending was really rushed. I would also have liked more world building and background for a fantasy book .

Thank your Tourchlit for the opportunity to read for an honest review

[Rhiannon Cheyenne · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Canary Girl - K.C. Brooks

I need the next book in this duet, like now. I cried and laughed at so many parts of this story. The banter between not only
Calissa and Aayan but with Holden and Elias was so fun. I loved getting to know everyone and learning the lore of the book. I thought it was very interesting. I can’t wait for book 2 of this story

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ / Out of 5 Stars ⭐️

🫑 / Spice Rating ☀️

# of Pages 🌙 389 pages

Release Date 🌟 10/28/25

Format 💫 Gifted Digital Copy

Series 🌙 The Broken Kingdom Duet, #1

Genre/Tropes ✨ enemies to reluctant allies to lovers, Romantasy, quests, witches and mages

Favorite Character ☀️ Calissa

Favorite Line 🌟 “All that magic and still, your first instinct is to fight with your fists,”

‘But a mess was something Lissa could handle, something that would keep her hands and mind busy. Because the birds were still singing their warning songs.’

“Truthfully I rather enjoy these visits, if only for the chance to torment you.”

“What beautiful torment you are,”

[Shannon H · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved The Canary Girl!

The slow build of trust between Calissa and Aayan was so well done, their relationship felt so authentic and I really rooted for them from the beginning. I also loved every aspect of Calissa's family that was added throughout as the love and conflict made the story so compelling. The world feels dark and alive in the best way and I am so ready for the next book!

Thank you for the ARC, all opinions are my own!

[Kathleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

The banter, the tension, the chemistry between the characters? chef’s kiss. I’m a sucker for the witch and witch hunter trope, and throw in a broody grumpy character? Yes, please. This story delivers it all with flair. The worldbuilding is immersive, the prose is addictive, and the whole experience was just so much fun.

[Fantasy Fables · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book! We got - a witch and a witch hunter, grumpy and grumpier, forced proximity, an epic quest, banter and tension, immersive world building, and so much more!

Our FMC Calissa is fierce and oh so clever. She would do anything for her little sister, including embarking on a dangerous journey with a grumpy witch hunter for the Book of Mages. Oh, and no other witch has returned from this journey yet…

Our MMC Aayan is the witch hunter to Calista’s witch, and I so enjoyed his struggle between his duty to his king and his growing desire towards Calissa.

K.C. Brooks’ world building left me feeling like I was right alongside our group in the Spirit Wood, and I could not get enough of this world and story. That ending left me reeling, and I cannot wait to find out what happens next in Book 2!

Thank you so much to K.C. Brooks and Torch Lit Ink for the gifted copy of this book!

[Amber · Rating 4 out of 5]

Calissa and Aayan were fun to read. Their banter was so good, I love when characters are able to get it as good as they give it. Both are out to find the Book Of Mages for very different reasons but along the way become closer. The side characters and world building were great also.

[WhimsyRoseReads · Rating 4 out of 5]

I ended up giving this one 3 stars, but honestly, I really liked it! I had no idea it was part of a duology, so that cliffhanger totally caught me off guard — in the best possible way. Now I’m super curious to see where the story goes next in book two! 💛🌻🌙📖

[Brooke Peters · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was so good, the banter was amazing and the ending wasn’t what I expected!! Aayan and Lissa are perfect together!

[Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

[ ARC REVIEW ]

First thoughts:

This is a great book, and I’ll recommend it to anyone who loves romantasy. It combines adventure with mystery, all while giving us a slow(ish) burn romance that often made me melt.

Some of the romantic dialogue is a little too cheesy for my taste but it was mostly done well.

I had some issues I can’t say without spoiling it, so I’ll write those down below!

Overall, I loved this book and it helped get me out of my reading slump. I’ll be anxiously awaiting book 2!

So so grateful to the author and Torch Lit Ink for the ARC!








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1. Seriously? A main character has the chance to kill the bad guy and just *lets him go*. Jesus Christ. It’s so annoying. Evil bad guy who will certainly kill countless people if he escapes is metaphorically under your sword and you decide not to kill him BECAUSE HE MENTIONED YOUR MOTHER? I feel like that’s lazy writing, honestly. It happens way too often in books/tv/movies and it’s one of my biggest pet peeves. The Flash, I’m looking at you.

2. The ending is straight up depressing. I hate that we went through this whole sad journey only to have an ending that was, frankly, obvious from the start. I’m thinking, surely you’ll do something unexpected. Surely you’ll end this in a more exciting way. Maybe everything looks dark, but in the end she uses her power and collapses the palace and they get away temporarily? Maybe she finds out her parents have been there all along? Maybe we find out something shocking about the king? Nope. Everything plays out exactly the way we all knew it would, and the book ends with everyone sad and the bad guy more powerful than ever. Nothing good was accomplished. No sliver of hope. She’s supposed to have all this power and she can’t take out the king? Can’t find some way to get her family out of there? And Aayan, he hand delivers her to the king and tells himself they’ll just run off into the sunset together after? HE KNOWS THE KING. How could he possibly think so? He should’ve hidden the sister from the beginning and never taken Lissa back with that book. Idk I just couldn’t get behind it. I just seemed, again, a little lazy.

[Susan (Purplegalaxyreads94) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Huge thank you to torchlitink and K.C. Brooks for allowing me to be an ARC reader for The Canary Girl! I absolutely loved this book and am giving it 5 stars!

The Canary Girl follows the story of Calissa Tawney who is part of a long line of tawney witches. She lived her life taking care of her sister and running a shop in town after her parents were killed. One day, she meets Aayan Ashmore, the captain of the kings guard and the infamous “Witch Hunter” who has been ordered to get Calissa to find the Book Of Mages. Together, along with friends they go on a quest to find the one thing that destroyed her parents and make it back alive.

This book had my attention from the very first chapter. I loved Calissa. She was never afraid to speak her mind and would stick her chin up at anyone who dared to control her. She is brave, stubborn and very protective of her sister. The way she figures things out both magically and mentally are so incredible to watch and I loved watching her piece together the clues that her parents left for her to be successful. I also really liked Aayan. He is known as this brutal, powerful captain and witch Hunter but Calissa doesn’t even back down from him. I love how he struggles between what he truly wants in life and his duty to the King and his mother. I love that he can take all of calissa’s sass and give it right back. The way he wanted her to always remain her stubborn self yet protected her like she was the most special person in the world to him just made the yearning so beautiful in this story.

The world building was pretty simple yet descriptive and didn’t make me feel lost. I was able to get clear images in my head on what the different places looked like, especially the Spirit Wood and the enemies they faced there. The magic that Calissa has is so strong and powerful and it’s uniquely shown in the story. The ending had me freaking out and I really need the next book soon!

[Smutty Professor · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Canary Girl was such a great read. Calissa is one of those characters who’s impossible not to root for. She's stubborn, protective, a little prickly, but you get why she’s like that. Aayan, on the other hand, is all duty and grit with just enough softness underneath to make you want to shake him and hug him at the same time. When these two get thrown together, it’s just the best. Their banter had me grinning, and the slow burn was painfully good. It's the kind of romantic tension where every glance and argument had me holding my breath because I knew something was coming.

The world itself feels gritty and alive with witches, cursed forests, and those eerie canaries that show up before everything goes sideways. I loved how Brooks built tension through little details instead of dumping information. You can practically feel the magic buzzing under the surface and smell the smoke of whatever trouble’s about to start.

The side characters brought a lot to the story too, especially Holden. He had that charismatic humor and loyalty that made every scene better. And Calissa’s relationship with her sister was beautiful and added so much love to all the danger and magic.

Then that ending came along and it is absoutely brutal. I finished it and immediately need the next book NOW! I can't recommend this enough!

[Brianna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rating: 5 ⭐️

“The memories of those we have lost mark us in ways we don’t often see.”

I am absolutely blown away by this book. The detail was captivating, the characters enchanting, and the story thrilling from start to finish. We’ve got witches, a demanding king, an army captain torn between duty & desire, and a long & dangerous journey to retrieve a magical book. Every part of it was beautifully written and I was completely invested.

Normally, I struggle with third-person POV, but this one was done so well that I flew through it. I could picture every scene vividly and it felt like I was right there on the journey alongside them.

I completely fell in love with Lissa because she’s stubborn, funny, and fiercely strong. Her love for her people knows no bounds. Aayan is caring and steadfast, slowly breaking down Lissa’s walls with along their journey to find the missing book. Holden, the hilarious best friend, had me laughing constantly with his complaints and schemes to push Lissa and Aayan closer. And sweet Elias… I have no words.

The final chapters were absolutely wild and now I need book two immediately. I have to know what happens next!

Huge thanks to KC Brooks for the ARC…you can consider me a fan for life. I can’t wait to dive back into this chaotic world again soon!

[Tiara Hawkins (Wisteriaxxlove) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to Torchlit for the opportunity to read this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Calissa Tawney is a witch with a rare gift—she can communicate with canaries. In a world where witches face heavy discrimination, she finds solace in her close friends and younger sister. But when she’s summoned by the king to locate the fabled Book of Mages, Calissa must embark on a perilous journey alongside the last person she’d ever choose to travel with—a witch hunter.

Aayan Ashmore, Captain of the King’s Guard and the infamous “Witch Hunter,” is tasked with ensuring Calissa completes her mission and returns alive. Yet amid the danger, mystery, and death that follow them, neither could have predicted how deeply their fates—and hearts—would become entwined.

I really enjoyed this story. The concept of a witch and a witch hunter forced to work together in a world where men suppress the power of women felt both compelling and cathartic. I especially loved the banter and emotional development between Calissa and Aayan, as well as the warmth and loyalty of Holden and Elias, who added balance and heart to the story.

While the beginning was strong and immersive, I did feel the pacing slowed a bit toward the middle and end. Still, that ending completely caught me off guard and now I’m eagerly awaiting book two!

[Lisa Villarreal · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought it was cute and had a solid story. It was a pretty natural story for fantasy with some romantic entanglements tied in. I thought the banter between the two was great and possibly my favorite part.

I felt especially connected to the side character, Holden. The play between him and the fmc was a lot of fun. I also liked the mmc, but would have liked more emotional connection. I felt that even with the highly emotional plot points both the fmc and mmc lacked emotional depth. It might be part of their character development but I'd have liked to see more of it. I just didn’t find myself connected to either of them. Even though I still liked their character representation, witch x guard is a great combination.

The pacing was done well but the plot felt very A to B to C and wasn't especially interesting.

I had a lot of laughs with their bantering and enjoyed the story for the most part. It was just a bit too simple.

I appreciate Torchlink sending me the arc and thank them and KC Brooks!

3.5 rating because some of the ideas didn't work for me but I think it's cute and some audiences would really enjoy it. It also needs editing but I imagine that will happen before release.

[Becky · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Canary Girl is a darker/gothic fantasy that follows Lissa, Aayaan, Holden, and Elias in their journey to recover the Book of Mages for the King. They are sent into the Spirit Wood where their wits and trust will be tested.

The story starts off extremely strong. The world building was done beautifully to the point where I felt engrossed in the story. You could feel the terror and pressure the characters were experiencing. There was banter and the yearning was palpable. Everything I want from a YA book.

However at about the 66% mark, the pacing felt disjointed to the earlier parts. The King of the Wastes (a different person than the King that sent them on the journey) was almost built up as this really ominous being taking over parts of the land, and fell really flat as a character for me. I wish he would have been a bit more of a menacing character like King Targon. Though even King Targon wasn’t explored to the extent that I wanted him to be, so he didn’t feel as scary as he should have.

It felt as if Brooks was rushed in trying to get to the end. I would have loved to experience the world a bit more, so a star was docked.

All in all, I would still highly recommend this book. It probably one of my favorite ARCs I’ve read this year.

[Lo · Rating 4 out of 5]

THE CANARY GIRL is a unique take on the witch x witch hunter storyline with a flair all its own. I'm a sucker for anything witchy and the nature of this one sunk its claws into me and made me devour it so fast!

It was delectable from page one and didn’t relent or lag during the entire quest set forth for the characters. And that's saying A LOT when the genre is being inundated with books that struggle with flow. This is not that book - the plot pace is perfect.

The characters of Calissa and Aayan are lush and crafted to entertain while also meant to pull on that nagging voice in your mind that wonders ‘is this happiness going to last’ because it definitely, definitely does not. There are times you are questioning the sanity (of yourself and the King), and there are times you relish in their triumph.

Calissa is so fiery and hilarious that her comedic timing against Aayan is perfection! They're banter is top notch, and their yearning is the level of just right. Hello — wound care trope, anyone?

But that's just the tip of it - this story has me intrigued and so excited where KC Brooks takes it into book 2!

This book was a perfect palate cleanser and I think anyone that likes a little witchy mystery quest would love this one!

[Carrie Behm · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m late writing my review. Life has been lifing but HOLY COW.
Thank you K. C. Brookes and Torch Lit Ink for the review copy!!

This book had me on the edge of my seat. It was funny, emotional, ends on a cliff hanger.

Aayan is the nephew of the king and the wastes are taking over. The only way to stop the False King and the wastes from growing is for a witch to find the Book of Mages, which has been missing for years. The King sends Aayan to find witches to find the book, but the witches always disappear and never come back. Lissa is the last hope, as her parents were last known to have it. So they settle off on a dangerous quest to find said book, together.

The banter between Aayan and Lissa was hilarious. It was supposed to be enemies to lovers but the way Aayan fell completely at first sight and fell even harder on their quest was 👏🏼. Lissa was more reserved but she fell too and it was beautiful. Aayan was good for her and brought the best of her out. They both were stubborn to a fault and loved hard.

The quest tests Aayan,Holden(his second in command) Lissa, and Elias, Lissa’s best friend. It’s teeming with tragedy and scary things, love, friendship and betrayal along the way.

I cannot wait for book two! I need it asap!!

[Jenn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely spellbinding. The Canary Girl by K.C. Brooks swept me into a world of witches, danger, and slow-burn desire that builds with every page. Calissa is fierce, loyal, and heartbreakingly human, while Aayan- the king’s Witch Hunter- walks the razor’s edge between duty and love. Their chemistry is magnetic, their story both tender and tense.

The magic system is rich, the atmosphere hauntingly beautiful, and the emotional depth gave me chills. It’s the kind of romantasy that lingers- where love and power intertwine, and every choice has a cost.

If you love strong heroines, reluctant protectors, and forbidden chemistry wrapped in dark enchantment, The Canary Girl deserves a spot on your shelf.

Tropes:
- Witch x Witch Hunter
- Slow Burn / Forbidden Romance
- Forced Proximity
- Morally Gray Hero
- Magical Quest
- Touch her and be unalived

This book NEEDS to be seen by more people. Seriously!! It’s so good!! If you love strong heroines, reluctant protectors, and forbidden chemistry wrapped in dark enchantment, The Canary Girl deserves a spot on your shelf.

Thank you to Torch Lit Inc. and K.C. Brooks for the ARC! All opinions are my own.

[Angie (mushmysteriesandmore) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Magic books, witches who talk to birds, and a charismatic Captain of the Guard make The Canary Girl an enchanting and thrilling read.

I loved the character of Calissa; she was so fierce and independent. She knew her own mind and hated when she was manipulated into doing something she didn’t want to do. I felt so strongly for her when her power overtook her, and the devastation it caused her. Her fear about using her power had valid reasons, but the love for her sister was far more powerful and ultimately the only thing that made her do anything.

Aayan was a perfect foil for her. He met her snark and sass with his own sarcasm. He knew when she needed comfort and when she needed to argue with him. Their arguments were often a lot more fun than their tender moments. Aayan was also wrestling with his own choices, the life he had been leading and the things he had done out of loyalty for his king (who is also his uncle) are challenged regularly, and he starts to wonder if he is on the right side.

The rest of the characters were also very well-rounded out, they all felt real and involved in the story. Holden was the perfect amount of comedy and loyalty. He provided some great comic relief moments, but was also consistent in his unwavering loyalty and didn’t hesitate to protect Calissa, Aayan and Elias wherever he could. Elias........no words are possible right now.

I can’t wait for the next book, what a cliffhanger!

[Jenny · Rating 4 out of 5]

🖤 Witch Vs Witch Hunter
✨️ Forbidden Magic
🖤 Forced Proximity
✨️ Epic Quests
🖤 Book of Mages
✨️ Grumpy X Grumpier

The Canary Girl is a quick and fast paced  read. It focuses on our MCs, Calissa and Aayan and their quest for the Book of Mages. Calissa doesn't want anything to do with the book, but agrees to look for it in order to keep her sister safe. Calissa also has always been seen as a little strange due to her being able to talk with birds. 

I really enjoyed the banter between Calissa and Aayan and the fact that they both were a bit broody just added to it.  I loved that they were forced to work together especially in a world where men suppress the power of women. Calissa definitely was head strong and stubborn and didnt care that she was seen as being different.

3.5 but rounded to 4. I would have liked a little more world building in the beginning to set the stage.

Thank you Torch Lite for the e-arc.

[Marsha Graniel · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Canary Girl is by far the most epic romantasy, adventure story ever!! This is Calissa and Aayan's story with grumpy and grumpier characters, enemies to lovers with forced proximity. I was captivated from the start, as Lissa tries to survive in a world where witches are hunted, while Aayan, the witch hunter, is on a mission to find a witch to obtain the Book of Mages. He has also become a savior who will protect Lissa at all costs during the quest. I love their banter, and their chemistry is so strong. I love that they slowly work together and prove to each other that they weren't the real enemy. The quest/adventure to find the book really tested their trust, and slowly secrets were unraveled that neither of them had expected. Their story is so heartwarming in how they open up to each other and that twist in the end!! I need to know more.

I voluntarily leave an honest review of this gifted advance reader copy.

[Lauren Head · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Canary Girl follows Calissa Tawney, a witch from a powerful bloodline who cares for her sister and runs their family shop after their parents’ deaths. When she meets Aayan Ashmore, the king’s guard captain and infamous Witch Hunter. She’s forced to help him find the legendary Book of Mages. Along with a few allies, they embark on a dangerous quest that uncovers dark truths about her past. Calissa is fearless, clever, and fiercely protective, and I loved watching her piece together her parents’ secrets. Aayan’s struggle between duty and desire added great tension, and their fiery chemistry was perfection, full of sass, banter, and aching tenderness.The worldbuilding was vivid yet easy to follow, especially the eerie Spirit Wood scenes. Calissa’s magic felt powerful and unique, and that ending? Absolutely jaw-dropping. I need the next book now!

[HaukNest Booktok · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was a refreshing take on witches and how this realm views them.
Aayan, the captain of the kings army, is charged with finding a powerful witch to help him locate the Book of Mages. The problem is, he’s found witches but they’ve never returned from their journeys. The king has an idea of the perfect witch for the task, but she won’t accept easily.
Calissa has no interest in helping Aayan find the book that killed her parents. She is perfectly happy running her apothecary and creating potions and spells for the people of her village. That is until the king threatens her little sister. Without a choice, Calissa begrudgingly goes into the Spirit Wood to locate the Book that could help save their kingdom from being lost by the King of the Wastes.
Their journey is long, filled with many obstacles, and tries the wills of those who embark on it.

[Karla Marie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Isle of the Forgotten was a wild ride full of heart, shadows, and chaos. Briar is one of those characters who makes mistakes you actually understand — stubborn, loyal, and carrying way too much on her shoulders. I liked seeing her try to balance the darkness inside her with the love she still has for her people. It made her feel real.

The pacing hits a few bumps early on, but once the story moves to the ship and the new lands, I couldn’t put it down. The atmosphere feels heavy and alive you can practically taste the salt in the air and sense something ancient waking just out of sight. The magic system and lore keep expanding from book one, which I really enjoyed.

That ending? Brutal, I’ll take 5 more.

[Tracy McDonell · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ok… The Canary Girl is not my “normal” read… but it was a decent read. Thank you, K.C. Brooks for the ARC. If I am being really honest, for me, a fantasy book really has to come with it ALL to catch my full attention. I am not talking about dragons either 🤣🤣 but every single thing has to be there… the magic, the descriptions of the world, characters, creatures… all of it.

The banter and dialogue between the characters kept me reading… that honestly was the best part of the book!

However, the pace, the lack of “story”, the story needed more character development and depth.

Maybe the growth of the plot and character is coming in book 2… That is the one thing about series… there is ALWAYS time and room for more.

[Ené · Rating 4 out of 5]

There was a lot I enjoyed about the book. A strong grumpy FMC and a simp grumpier MMC, both with a heart of gold and sacrificial tendencies. Amazing banter, eye-rolling, thoughtful and grounding affectionate touches—and of course, angst. Angst is great, isn't it?

Slow-paced but definitely not short of its exciting moments where magic and puzzles combine. And a whole lot of action you'd expect in an epic fantasy. You know that experience of, "Everyone's so happy—why are there 50 pages left?" Yeah. That. It's that. Because while it started off slow, it suddenly jumps to becoming filled with action, slows down again, jumps back up again—I'm describing a rollercoaster. Anyways. That.

I'm definitely picking up the second book.

[Christina Penrod · Rating 3 out of 5]

I loved the concept of the witch vs witch hunter. This was a very interesting book, but the names bothered me (petty? probably) but I could not focus on the story when I was trying to figure out who was whom. some of their names looked familiar.

This story was pretty good though. Aayan Ashmore who is the captain of the guard is tasked with making sure Calissa completes her mission and returns alive. On their adventure to find this fabled book of mages there is danger, mystery and death that follows the characters. I love that the witch and witch hunter are forced to work together and watching their relationship form. I feel like the beginning was strong, but the pacing slowed a bit in the middle. I still am excited for book two!

Thank you Torchlit for the ARC opportunity.