The Ether Witch: Confronting the Crafty Concubine

The Ether Witch #2

by Delemhach, Emilie Nikota

A devil, a familiar, and magic gone wild—Tam’s life is more than a little complicated! Can he turn the chaos into triumph, or will it drag him someplace far darker?

Having narrowly escaped capture by the Zinferan army, Tam, Eli, and Luca find themselves on the run.

Their goal?

Find a way home to Daxaria.

Preferably alive!

But as Tam carries on his family legacy, he continues to land himself in a whole cauldron of hot water!

Despite discovering his familiar and beginning to embrace his magic, greater powers like corrupt covens and a villainous concubine loom over him.

Will he be able to guide his loved ones out of danger, or will he be forced to take drastic actions to end the brewing calamity?

Find out in the second volume of The Ether Witch!

Genres: Fantasy, Magic, Cozy, Romance, Audiobook, Cozy Fantasy, High Fantasy

487 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 28, 2025

About the author

Delemhach is the Canadian author of the popular online series, The House Witch, and is already hard at work on the sequel series, The Burning Witch. When they aren’t following the whims of their unfortunately intelligent cats, Kraken and Pina Colada, they are teaching music privately to their students. In their spare time outside of writing and work, they enjoy cooking, reading, hiking, spending time with family, and trying not to remember their socially awkward moments.

Reviews

[Rosalie M Hollingshead · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a fun and lighthearted series.

I have enjoyed reading all of the House Witch series and the follow up books. Such a nice change from the dark series everyone seems to be writing celebrating the evil characters and making them heros. I recommend these books to anyone who wants fun, funny adventure books.

[Melanie Dirks · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! It was even more enjoyable than the first Ether Witch. I loved seeing Tam really come into his own and grow in confidence. He is such a strong, loving, and good man but isn’t afraid to do the hard things. I just adore him! I also really enjoyed seeing the nuisances of his power and how unique it is! I’m wonder if the nature of Tam and Kat’s powers make them something even more than Witches. Something to discover in the next book!

Eli finally grew on me by the last 1/4 of the book. I understand she has a lot of trauma to work through and that justifies some of her actions/responses, but not all of them. I’m glad Tam gave her the talking to she deserved because I felt like it was the switch Eli needed. She’s still recovering, but she has become so strong now. I’m curious to get more explanation about her magic because she truly isn’t a witch. So what is she really in that ancient beast form? How does she exist? Again the Goddess and Green Man at work?

I absolutely adore Luca and was so HAPPY to see Sir Harris come back! He is a freaking hoot on every page! I loved that we had a lot of Kat and Annika scenes because I love them both. However, I’m hoping we get a lot of Finn in the final book because I just love him!

Can’t wait to see how this battle with the first Witch ends in the next one!

**Lastly, Annika getting turned into a chicken was priceless, especially because she hasn’t been turned back yet. Kat’s reaction made it even better!**

[Bill Pentland · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was the 2nd book in the Ether Witch trilogy. It continued the adventures of Tam Ashowan, Eli, Luca, and their new addition, Penelope. There are many family secrets and mysteries to be brought into the open. Tam's magical abilities are growing as is the number of their enemies. This is a fun world to travel in and I look forward to the 3rd book.

[Sophy R · Rating 5 out of 5]

I adored this book! Once again, it did not fail my expectations. The House Witch series along with all the subsequent books- is exactly what you need in your life. I’ve grown to love Fin, Kat, and now even Tam as he discovers and develops his own growth. I’ll never stop recommending these books!

[Tamara Rickman · Rating 5 out of 5]

well, I was mistaken

I didn’t think the story could get any better than the last book but this second installment of the story of Tamlin Ashowan shattered the record of excellence set by Volume 1 and the previous books. But now I need more. It’s insatiable I am for this clever saga of witches and wondrous worlds.

[Diana Green · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful

What a great adventure! It always makes me a little sad when I finish a good book. I loved all the twist and turns and new developments. But I have to wonder who is the devil?

[Andi · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐⭐⭐⭐ | 4 stars

I'm really happy that I enjoyed this book more than the first! The character development picked up massively, the lore of the world gained depth, and Tam and Eli's chaotic (literally) found family grew. The action was also high impact and immersive.

The pacing felt a bit inconsistent at points and Lord Harris's humor, while appreciated mostly, felt a bit *too much* like that of a 12-year-old boy, but these things didn't enormously detract from my overall enjoyment.

I will definitely be reading the third book in this series when it comes out, because I NEED to know how everything will conclude.

[Kristine · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wish I could explain with just the right words how absolutely fun this series has been for me. Even though this says that it is book 2 in this series, it is actually a part of a bigger world that contains several books. I need to go and look up how many, but off the top of my head I'm thinking at least 7 books. They are from other series, but are still part of this story and an important part of this world. Do you need to read them before reading this book? No, not necessarily, but you should. There is SO much that you will be missing and so much history that comes before this. I would HIGHLY recommend that you stop and go find the first book - The House Witch - and start there.

In this book, we are continuing on with our MMC Tam's story as he and Eli and Luca are on the run from the Zinferan army, well, and lots of other people as well. It has gotten to the point that his sister, the Queen of Daxaria and her mother have decided that they are going to find out what the heck is going on, and they have arrived in Zinfera too. But, unfortunately, things are complicated and there is a revolt being planned and there are Covens rebelling and apparently a Queen being ransomed. It is just crazy.

In the middle of everything, Tam just might be falling for his familiar, if she doesn't balk too much and being a new father of a 7 year old son is definitely....fun?

So much going on and so many adventures. I just LOVE this series. I mean seriously, where else do you get a cat who rules the world?

As always, I listened to most of this on audio and Matthew Wolf knocked it out of the park with his narration. He has become the voice of this series and has done a tremendous and consistent job.

I can't wait to see what is going to happen next :)

[Marcos “MSMDragon” · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this world!! The characters and its story are just so interesting and fun. And even when the story gets a little stressful, you know everything will work out in the end. The fight scenes, politics, magic, and humor make for a fantastic story.

I loved getting to see Tam and Eli really come into their powers and form a stronger relationship in this book. The bond this family has is so beautiful. I just hope the final book will have a happy ending for all of the characters!

[Dr susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great fantasy adventure with romance

I was spoiled by finding Delemhach's books when two series had been completed. I dislike cliffhangers, and the books end in cliffhangers. So, I must wait for book 3. Eli and Tam are working through their personal issues, but they have many. The story is entertaining, albeit somewhat dark, with poisonings, violence, betrayal, loss of a parent, and death. There is some laugh-out-loud humor.

[Linda · Rating 3 out of 5]

Kraken and Pina make a brief appearance!

I enjoyed reading the book, in general. I wanted to finish this book so I would know what happened, but there were times I was frustrated. I loved Kraken appearing at the end. My favorite of these is the House Witch trilogy, and I like both Fin and Kraken. I liked the first Ether Witch book more than I liked this but not as much as the House Witch. I will still read more books in this world.

[Jennifer Whitaker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Is it possible that they just keep getting better every book? yes. yes it is.

[Shannon · Rating 5 out of 5]

I cannot WAIT until the third book comes out!

[Nerdy Pingwin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Delem Hach's writing so dang much! It was so great to be back in this world and see more of Tam's story!! Now I need moooooooore!!

[Alexis · Rating 4 out of 5]

How am I supposed to wait for the next one? Sad to be done with all the ones she has written so far.

[Tara Edwards · Rating 5 out of 5]

Delicious. Yup that’s my thought on this whole series and can’t wait for more. It’s like a dessert in book form.

[Lisa J · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this series of books and have read them all several times. This latest book does not disappoint. Great story line with lots of twists and turns. Excellent fantasy/ magic story line. Looking forward to the next book.

[Karen Fillbach · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really like this author. The books are engaging. This is a continuation of the House Witch series. All are some of the best books I have ever read. The Son of the House Witch is in the land of Zinfera. He is continuing his travels from The Casting Call Ether Witch volume 1. This book in the series ended abruptly. Left you hanging and waiting for the next volume. If you like fantasy, do not overlook the House Witch series.

[Marlene · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved it! Finally Tam is kicking ass, he finally is able to get out of his family shadow. Leaving to Zinfera was the best thing that could of happened to him, he is free of everyone's first impressions of him. In Daxeria no one was able to forget how he was no matter if he actually had changed. All the see is all the ways he is different from his dad and sister and doesn't have their charm or ability to make situations better.

I love how he got to grow into his power, learn to stop being scared and trust in himself. He has shown the most character growth in the whole series. At times its like his family doesn't even really know him. I'm glad he is able to start making friends who got to know him for him and not just him as an extension of his family.

I think its very interesting how all they both want is just to live normal and quiet life. Similar to Fin he never wanted to have a title or be a Duke he just wanted Annika. Tam and Eli just want to have a quiet life with their family. However, I really would of wished that with all that Eli experience she would want to protect others from living the same. Her family and emperor did not protect her, but wouldn't she want to also protect those who couldn't protect themselves.

I think with time and her going back to Daxeria, she might rethink things. So many things were out of her control and she just went and did what others wanted. Its time for her to be given the freedom to make her own choices and with time for her to choose to become someone who will protect her people.

The emperor really pissed me off, he left his people and kids in such a bad place. Had no one in place to check the concubines from getting power hungry. Did he even care for all of his people who were trafficked and killed.

I love how Kat and Annika came to help him, it was amazing to finally see Annika back to her old spy tricks. It was annoying that they were stuck in the castle for most of the book but seeing Kat kick the dragon's butt was amazing. I hope to see more of this in the future.

There is so much happening in Daxeria that I don't even know what to think. Who will be the heir to Daxeria two of the 3 boys have magic. I'm not sure I agree with the keeping human and witch separate. I think both covens need to be investigated and anyone who sided with the first witch needs to be remove from the coven and bind their magic (if posible).

I look forward to see how the emperor is going to start fixing the mess he created and cleaning house. How will they create an alliance between Zinfera, Daxeria and Troivack against the first witch and the covens who are aligned with her.

Also, what is next for this series. With Eric and Kat in Daxaria, Alina and Brendan in Troivack and Tam and Eli in Zinfera, who will be going to Lobahl next?

[Faith | The Wholesome Shelf · Rating 3 out of 5]

🌟 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 3.75

📝 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗩𝗶𝗯𝗲: More villains step forward, long-running mysteries begin to unravel, and the found family element deepens in meaningful ways.

💬 𝗧𝗵𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵𝘁𝘀: I think the only reason this did not quite reach four stars for me is because I enjoyed The Burning Witch series so much. That series set a very high bar narratively. Still enjoyable, but it carries a different tone and focus. Tho, the devil thing is not sitting right with me.

This book leans heavily into the found family trope. The inclusion of children adds a softer, more vulnerable layer to the story. The interactions between Luca and Penelope were especially sweet and brought warmth to some otherwise intense moments.

There is noticeably more action here compared to the first Ether Witch book. The magical stakes feel higher, and the world expands further into darker territory. The presence of witches, covens, and morally complex magic plays a bigger role, which may stand out to some readers.

At the same time, this book feels like it is building toward something even larger. It reads almost like a setup for book three, where I suspect we will see major reunions, full-circle moments, and more sweeping action scenes. Overall, while it did not emotionally surpass my experience with The Burning Witch, it reinforces the series’ emphasis on loyalty, identity, and chosen family.

❤️‍🔥 𝗟𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗱 𝗙𝗼𝗿:
The found family dynamic
Luca and Penelope’s heartwarming interactions

⚠️ 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗻𝘁: Infrequent strong language, Fade-to-black romance, Fantasy violence and peril, Themes of child abuse, Witches and coven-related magic, Mentions of brothels

✅ 𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗱/𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗜𝗳 𝗬𝗼𝘂 𝗟𝗶𝗸𝗲:
Found family fantasy
Character-driven magical series
Darker magical elements with moral tension
Slow-building series arcs that pay off over multiple books
Fantasy worlds with children integrated into the central cast

[Cmoore · Rating 5 out of 5]

Grab this book, and then start following Delemhack so you can keep up.

Wow! Soooooooo friggintastic! In fact I loved the book so much that I read the last part again. In this action-packed litRPG adventure Tamlin, Eli, and Luca are on the run. They're spying misson was mostly successful, but unfortunately they hadn't been as secretive as planned. After finding themselves exposed and vulnerable they had to escape the city with both covens and the Imperial guard after their hide! This turned into a game of cat and mouse, hide and seek while they ran through the forest. Surprisingly this also was the time where Tam explored his magic. His Magic revealed it's great depth as Tam's understanding grew. It wasn't the scary place from his childhood nightmares, it was a place for contemplation. And he went on to level, getting stronger, all the while his relationship with Eli the person, and Eli the familiar grew! During which time Eli's magic grew too!
So yeah go grab the wonderful book, and start following Delemhack. So that you don't miss another opportunity.

Here's a quote for yah:

“You’re a tender woman.” “If you wanted tender, you should’ve bought a rib-eye steak instead of opting to court me.

[Sarah Beth · Rating 4 out of 5]

I LOVE TAM!!! I also love Delemhach!!! Thank you for writing this beautiful world! These characters have been pivotal for my reading over the last year and half. Hitting play on that audiobook as SOON as it lands in my library! If you have gotten this far into the series, you likely already love it as much as I do. But if this is your first review for a book in The House Witch series, STOP and go read the first one.

Here we go again! The Ashowens are all over the place but they do have their priorities set pretty straight. Tam isn't as headstrong as his twin sister, Kat, but he's definitely coming into himself in this story. Not just with his magic, but as a boyfriend, a dad, and a friend. He's so clever, in touch with his feelings, and has the most beautiful boundaries.

Eli's character blooms in this sequel to The Ether Witch. She's strong but not as confident in her magic, love life, or unplanned parenthood. But she's learning and stepping up in all the places that count. I am so excited to see where she and Tam go from here.

Thankful to read a romance, comedy, cozy fantasy that still has danger, respect for bedroom activities (while still giving us the yearning and butterflies), and political intrigue and mystery.

[Veronica - I need a husband, to have a fancy last name · Rating 5 out of 5]

I call it żałosne semki 😛

Anyways.
Ta część była lepsza od 1. I kocham ją całym sercem. Chociaż sprawianie, że miałam ochotę wstać w środku semki i zacząć chodzić w kółko z frustracji w pewnym momencie... Well... To akurat było słabe.
I zamienianie pewnej osoby w kurczaka. Like. Come on, guys. W tle mam gadanie o ChAD i innych takich. Ja nie mogę się randomowo śmiać bo mnie jeszcze zamkną na oddziale. (I mean no nie zaśmiałam się. Ale było ciężko)
+Penelope i Luca byli przesłodcy 🥹
Wgl wszystkie ich sceny + te z Tamlinem i Eli były cudowne.
+Kraken na końcu to była jedna z najlepszych rzeczy jakie się wydarzyły w tej książce. I swear to god, że gdyby nie fakt, że wolę mieć kotki niż koty to bym nazwała kiedyś jednego na jego cześć 😩

+++ to dzieło zasługuje wsm na milion gwiazdek bo tylko dzięki niemu nie zwariowałam dzisiaj na zajęciach

[Judith A · Rating 5 out of 5]

very enjoyable

This is one of the best books I’ve read in awhile. I’m saying that as someone who reads, on average, 2-3 books a week. Getting to know Tam and Eli better and to see them grow was wonderful. Parts of the book were tense and parts of the book had me laughing out loud. Sit back and enjoy! See how much chaos can erupt when Kat and her mother, Anika, join the party.

The devil and the first witch are back, although not in the way you’ll expect. There’s witches revolting and dragons and ancient beasts rising and familiars and love to be found. Plus, there’s one person who really grows into a strong, possibly dangerous person. Actually, there’s a couple strong personalities in this story. Read it! You’ll be glad you did.

[Liz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another easy and fun read from Delemhach! I really enjoy coming back to this world with its now familiar characters and Kingdoms. A more lighthearted fantasy, with a larger scope than what I would consider “Cozy fantasy”, but I especially like seeing how Tam has matured and grown his powers since having been sent out on his own adventure.

Character development for the win again! 🥰

I’m wondering if the next book will be the final and 3rd for Tam, and perhaps concluding the entire series regarding this particular world? The third book of the third trilogy, perhaps? Either way, looking forward to the next one!

[Emilio Socías · Rating 5 out of 5]

Okay i love Tam. I love him. Él soy yo en otra vida. Jurado. Wow. Este hombre da el papá que todos necesitamos vibes.
Este libro se sintió más ligero que el pasado. Tam estaba dando menos Anika and más Fin vibes. You could really feel him growing into his role as a parent, especialmente con Penelope en el medio. Amé cómo evolucionó su relación con Eli, los problemas que tuvieron que enfrentar tanto de afuera como de adentro y el rumbo que tomó sus vidas con estos dos enanos acompañándolos. All in all, it was a great second installment. Me hubiese gustado though que él mostrara un poquito más de preocupación por su madre y su hermana pero entiendo porqué este no fue el caso. Él conoce el poder de esas dos mujeres y su cerebro estaba demasiado enredado en su pobre hijo. Independientemente de, amé el character development de ambos hermanos, y estoy emocionado por ver qué hará con el siguiente libro.
20/10.

[Lorewarden]

The House Witch series certainly has come a long way since the first cozy novel about a shy male witch with an odd power set. Over several arcs the author has increased the scope of the world, as well as the stories they tell, and the coziness is just a small part of a larger set of adventurers. In this second Ether Witch volume, our heroes are on the run from a "craft concubine" seeking to take control of the Zinferan throne. There's plenty of action, but also plenty of emotional warmth. The coziness is still there, just spread out in a larger adventure.

[Marie · Rating 3 out of 5]

2,5⭐️

This rating hurts. I have been loving these books, but Tamlin’s story is just not doing it for me.
I feel like the Tam and Eli train passed me by and disappeared into the distance. The romance is not doing for me, and I just don’t get them. Especially Eli. Her hesitation and defensiveness becomes pretty tedious and lasts way too long.
I am also lost on the overarching plot with the devil and first witch.
While I do enjoy the supporting characters, and the funny moments, it is not enough to override the problems I have.

[Ashley Knight · Rating 5 out of 5]

these books make me happy

Another home run for Delem Hach. I love
Tams growth, The family dynamic and everything in between. I love romance/fantasy novels but sometimes the spice is a chore and honestly so is gore, which delem somehow manages to breeze over, but still very much imply with PG-13 topics. These books give off Princess Bride vibes. They touch on some serious things but always have a way of making them good hearted and fun.

[jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

I could NOT put this down or stop listening to be more accurate. I loved following Tam’s character finally going on his own great adventure. This book had me laughing and stressed at times. Each time I’ve thought, there is no way I’ll love following a different person in this family’s story more. Then I’m proven wrong. I live for the banter and the balance of light hearted vs serious or stressful events. The author did an amazing job finding this balance.