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Witch Daughter

Not yet published
Expected 22 Sep 26

Win a free print copy of this book!

29 days and 12:21:47

30 copies available
U.S. only
Rate this book
In her adult debut, award-winning author Tanaz Bhathena expertly weaves a tale of love and loss in ancient Persia with her take on the timeless tragedy of Tahmineh, a temptress, a witch, a victim, or, perhaps, a woman trying her hardest to protect her loved ones.

Rumors of witchcraft follow Princess Tahmineh like a storm cloud, making it impossible for her to secure herself a marriage or any kind of future. With her father, the king’s, health in question, it becomes shockingly clear how desperate her situation will soon become in his absence. If she doesn’t act now, she will quickly find herself destitute and desperate.

Tahmineh seeks out a prophecy, from which she learns she will fall in love with a warrior of great renown named Rostam and bear him a son. However, she is warned this match is a dangerous one for her. Heedless of the warnings, Tahmineh boldly orchestrates a meeting with Rostam and the two develop a close friendship and ultimately fall in love and marry. At the peak of her joy, Tahmineh gives birth to Sohrab, Rostam’s son.

All too soon, Tahmineh learns the tragic second part of the prophecy. Father and son will meet as enemies in battle and one will die at the hand of the other. What follows is a mother’s desperate attempt to undo the threads of fate and try to protect her son at all costs.

320 pages, Hardcover

Expected publication September 22, 2026

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About the author

Tanaz Bhathena

7 books685 followers
Tanaz Bhathena is an award-winning Zoroastrian author of contemporary and fantasy fiction. Her young adult books include Hunted by the Sky, which won the White Pine Award and the Bapsi Sidhwa Literary Prize, and The Beauty of the Moment, which won the Nautilus Gold Award for Young Adult Fiction. Her acclaimed debut, A Girl Like That, was named a Best Book of the Year by numerous outlets including The Globe and Mail, Seventeen, and The Times of India. Her debut adult fantasy, Witch Daughter, will be published in fall 2026 by Grand Central.


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5 stars
13 (50%)
4 stars
9 (34%)
3 stars
3 (11%)
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
Profile Image for Denise Ruttan.
524 reviews72 followers
June 20, 2026
This is a difficult book to rate because it's based on a real legend from ancient Persia, so maybe this book would have spoken to me more if I had grown up hearing the story. I picked up this book because I haven't seen enough Persian-inspired fantasy. But I found it kind of a slog to get through. I should have known I'm a little burnt out on female rage mythology retellings no matter the culture.

This is a sad book for one thing because the myth is terribly sad, a woman rumored to be a witch whose son and his father are fated to kill each other in battle. The book does its best to focus on Tahmineh, the mother, a woman who was overlooked in the story, and I did find her a sympathetic character, if cold and hard to understand at times. She is a woman who would do anything for her son, but her actions only drive the two closer to the prophecy she is desperate to avoid. I think if this book had focused on Tahmineh as a mother and a woman more I would have found it more compelling, but it spends a lot of time on battles, magic systems and palace intrigue instead.

So I think this author's writing style made this difficult to get through, apart from no hope or happiness for the characters at every turn. There was a lot of infodumping done in a kind of Wikipedia style manner that really didn't work for me. And honestly I didn't want to feel pity for Tahmineh, I thought there could have been more female rage. She was ostracized and cast aside so long, how can she not be more angry?

So sadly this one wasn't for me but it was interesting getting a look into a culture I do not know much about.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the advance review copy. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Mary Johnson.
239 reviews2 followers
April 15, 2026
Based on a long shared Persian tale - Tahmineh is a princess desperate to secure a marriage for her own safety. In seeking out a prophecy, she learns about her future husband, a great warrior from a neighboring country. She also learns they will have a son. However she is told to be cautious, that this will only end in heartbreak. But she pursues the man and is married. She realizes, too late, that the prophecy of heartbreak is real. As the story unfolds, we see a mother doing everything in her power to save her son.

This was a whirlwind of a story. Once I started reading I had a hard time stopping. I love that the author took an old story about a father and son and instead focused on the woman that put the pieces in motion. I enjoyed the morally ambiguous nature of Tahmineh. The growth we saw with her character was excellent. And the ending was better than I could have expected.
This is an excellent read if you’re looking to expand your reading to include other cultures and backgrounds.

I did struggle understanding the magic system, but that could easily be due to not having a better understanding of Persian myths and folklore.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the advance copy.
Profile Image for Heather.
Author 4 books214 followers
November 9, 2025
Mythology retellings hook me every time, especially when told from the perspective of a character not originally taking center stage. Tanaz Bhathena gave voice to Tahmineh, who saw a heartbreaking prophecy about her husband and son and vowed to do all she could to prevent it from coming true. With incredible world building and desperate stakes, it was so easy to fall into Tahmineh’s life. To feel for her. To see the reasons she made the choices she did. Witch Daughter had me flipping the pages, every part of me tense as I neared the end. Such a beautifully told story, rich with mythology and magic, prophecies and love.
Profile Image for Tanaz.
Author 7 books685 followers
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April 5, 2026
Dear reader,

The story of Tahmineh comes from the Shahnameh or the Book of Kings by Ferdowsi—an eleventh-century epic poem about the kings and queens of ancient Iran. Growing up in a Zoroastrian household, I often heard stories and legends from this poem, including the tragic tale of Rostam and Sohrab. When I read the Shahnameh as an adult, however, I was more intrigued by Tahmineh—Rostam’s wife and Sohrab’s mother—the woman without whom their story would have not existed.

This novel is the result of that intrigue.

Much like the Shahnameh, which blurs the lines between history and mythology, Witch Daughter is not meant to be a true representation of any historical period. In the nature of retellings—or rather, reimaginings—it intertwines elements of Persian history and Zoroastrian mythology to offer a different perspective on a much-loved story about the great heroes and heroines of Iranian literature.

I hope you enjoy it.

~Tanaz
Profile Image for Deepa.
153 reviews8 followers
July 26, 2026
“Am I a woman,” she asks,“or a haunting?” In a single line Tanaz Bhathena captures how we understand an unwanted powerful woman. It’s a poetic introduction to the rumors that surround Tahmineh as a temptress, conniver, liar, and ultimately—a witch.

Why is she a witch? She is the daughter of a fish spirit reimagined here as a pairika from the underworld. There is deep‑seated distrust for water beings in many mythologies, and doubly so for those tied to the underworld. Although her father is a human king and she lives in his court, she is outcast by the people around her. Their distrust puts her at risk, and that is why she turns to Rostam.

“But I, too, have a duty to my father. I must prove myself worthy as Rostam’s son.”

I love great emotional stakes, and Sohrab embodies so much hurt, youth, and vulnerability. I love that his experiences mirror his parents’ experiences unknowingly. Sohrab rushes into war with only a faint understanding of his strength but not his weaknesses or the consequences of war. There is heartfelt desperation in his plea for Rostam to acknowledge him.

I found Rostam to be utterly compelling despite intentionally not being the focus of this story. He is so much more than his titles as a hero. I see the charm. He is tired of being weaponized and aware of his culpability. Much in his life has occurred without his consent and is shaped by manipulation. I truly believe that his backstory is why it hurts him to be in this position yet again. I thought Sohrab's display of pride and pain reaches Rostam to his core. This humanity in a person who often is treated as might alone is why Rostam is such a great character.

Comps:
The strongest comp I can think of is Vaishnavi Patel’s Goddess of the River. These two books have strong conversations about what it means to defy prescribed roles and to pay the price. Both Bhathena and Patel made deliberate changes to show how bold women are pushed toward isolation and the way that can shape generations.
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This is an amazing and wonderful addition to Bhathena’s works. Excellent as her first adult novel. I only wish it was a bit longer. I’m so hooked on Rostam in particular. I want to learn more about his past and his father and the wider story of the Shahnameh, Iranian literature, and Zoroastrian mythology.

* I also want to thank Grand Central Publishing, Tanaz Bhathena, and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an arc of Witch Daughter in exchange for an honest review. *
Profile Image for Ali.
139 reviews
April 20, 2026
Witch Daughter immediately called to me, for I am both Persian and Zoroastrian by birth. That said, unlike many of my relatives, I grew up learning very little about the legends. Yes, I have heard of the tale of Rostam and Sohrab, but more in name and passing, than about the tragic ending of their story. As such, I began my read of Witch Daughter with relatively fresh eyes.

Bhathena’s expansion and exploration of the lives of the three characters, centering the novel on Tahmineh’s perspective, allowed for deep reflection on the lengths to which one will go in order to protect a loved one, much less a child. While I did not connect with Tahmineh as much as I expected to (and wanted to), I was struck by the inevitable conclusion of the tale, hoping for hope’s sake that the outcome would change. With that said, I was a bit underwhelmed by the manner in which the novel skimmed over Sohrab and Tahmineh’s fates, for I felt they deserved more attention and respect. So too was the focus of the epilogue an interesting choice, given the fact that the character had merely a blip role in the novel itself. Perhaps this was on purpose, seeing how many novels of a similar time period chose narrators with little to no importance in the action.

The rich imagery and narration, particularly in the scenes with Zari and Bushyasta, was what truly drew me in— that and the ease that Bhathena’s writing style lent to the complexities of the world she created. I found myself wholly ingrossed in the magical elements too, though a bit more interaction with the characters of the realms might have provided a better understanding of the powers each one possessed and their place in the world.

With a relatively quick pace and narrow focus, Witch Daughter felt like it was but one installment in a wider series, one which would explore the different kingdoms, or rather, the different magical beings and how they interact with the mortal world. I hope Bhathena considers penning another novel in this universe, for it is one about which I very much wish to read more.

Thank you to Grand Central Publishing and NetGalley for the privilege to read this ARC!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Chelsea Walsh.
465 reviews11 followers
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
April 21, 2026
Witch Daughter by Tanaz Bhathena is a compelling and atmospheric novel that blends magic, identity, and resilience into an engaging story. Bhathena crafts a vivid world where the supernatural feels grounded in real emotions, and the main character’s journey is both captivating and relatable.

The writing is immersive, with strong pacing that keeps the story moving while still allowing space for character development. The protagonist’s struggles with power, belonging, and self-acceptance add depth, making her easy to root for. There’s also a rich sense of tension throughout, as the stakes steadily build.

At times, certain plot elements feel familiar within the genre, and a few moments could have been explored more deeply. Even so, the emotional core and the vivid storytelling carry the novel forward in a satisfying way.

Overall, Witch Daughter is an engaging and thoughtful read that earns four stars for its strong atmosphere, character-driven narrative, and magical intrigue.
Profile Image for Cee.
189 reviews14 followers
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
August 10, 2026
I went into Witch Daughter for the mythology and magic and stayed because Tanaz Bhathena had me emotionally invested in a woman desperately trying to outrun a prophecy. I loved reading this story from her perspective and getting to understand this woman who had to make difficult choices to protect those she loved. Her choices are complicated, sometimes heartbreaking, but always rooted in survival and love.

And Sohrab? My heart. His desperation to be acknowledged by his father broke me.

The world-building is gorgeous, the stakes are high, and the story has that rare quality where the emotions stay with you after you've closed the book. Tanaz takes an ancient tragic tale and makes it feel intimate, immediate, and deeply human.
Profile Image for Morgan Vorwald.
87 reviews
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
July 2, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for sending me this ARC!

The novel's mythological atmosphere and tragic ending made it one that will stick with me for a while. Tahmineh is a compelling character with many flaws that unfold throughout the book. I really appreciate how Tanaz Bhathena made a woman who was seen as a background character in the original myth the center of the myth. The writing was compelling and made me want to keep learning more, especially about Tahmineh’s reasoning for her decisions to protect her son. Overall, this was a great mythological retelling with a morally complex woman at the center, which is definitely what I want to see more of!
Profile Image for Kheyra Santos.
207 reviews3 followers
Read
July 17, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an ARC of Witch Daughter by Tanaz Bhathena in exchange for my honest review.

I really enjoyed the magical and emotional journey in Witch Daughter. This story beautifully blends fantasy, family bonds, identity, and the challenges of discovering where you truly belong. I loved the atmospheric world, the strong emotional themes, and the way the characters carried their own struggles and hopes. The story has a thoughtful balance of magic, adventure, and personal growth that kept me invested. A wonderful read for anyone who enjoys fantasy with heart, powerful characters, and a touch of enchantment.
Profile Image for Helen.
86 reviews1 follower
August 8, 2026
Witch Daughter by Tanaz Bhathena is a compelling novel that blends magic, character, and perseverance into an engaging story. Tanaz is a woman rumored to be a witch whose son and his father are fated to kill each other in battle. She is a woman who would do anything for her son, but her actions only drive the two closer to the prophecy she is desperate to avoid.

The writing is enveloping, with strong pacing that keeps the story going while still permitting space for character development.

Overall, Witch Daughter is an engaging and thoughtful read for its character-driven and magical intrigue.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the advance copy.
Profile Image for Jia Scott.
70 reviews
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
May 24, 2026
Sometimes even knowing the ending is a tragedy, we find ourselves hoping for a different future. This book was so wonderful, the story was so similar to other myths that I found myself fascinated by the culture it came from. I grew up reading Ramayanna, a slightly similar story of a boy destined for greatness/tragedy and a mother trying to protect him from pain. The only reason I didnt give this 5 stars is simple, I wanted more. I wanted more details. This book covers 15 years of time and I wish it had been longer. It was lovely as is, but my heart wants so much more.
Profile Image for Dani.
12 reviews3 followers
June 11, 2026
A beautifully well-woven story of legend and humanity, where having magical gifts doesn’t change the consequences of the choices a person can make. This book did such a good job of immersing me in the perspective of the main characters that I didn’t want to put it down, even when I found myself frustrated by every choice they made. I wondered frequently at their lack of foresight, yet then immediately would be reminded of how well this mirrored a relatable experience and human reactions. I’m looking forward to reader more from the author.

Received as an Advance Reader Copy
Profile Image for Kayla.
48 reviews7 followers
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
August 9, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

This is a book where the heart of the story stays with you long after you put it down!

I wasnt sure what to expect when I started reading, but I was quickly immersed in the atmosphere and emotions of our FMC. Shes strong, but also at times delicate. Watching the growth throughout this story was also beautiful to see.

This book of for you if you enjoy mythologies reimagined, magic, adventure, MC growth, and a faster paced character driven story.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for my honest review
Profile Image for Tanya Rae.
153 reviews
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
May 28, 2026
This book was really good and I was immediately pulled in. The story flowed really nicely and I really liked the retellings of mythology. It was hard not to love Tahmineh right off the bat. Her story is emotional and I couldn't put the book down until I finished it. My only regret is that it took me a while to get to it, because I was missing out!

Thank you to NetGalley and Grand Central Publishing for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
90 reviews1 follower
Review of advance copy received from Goodreads Giveaways
June 3, 2026
Exceptional, captivating, bold fantasy. The female main character Tahmineh makes difficult choices to survive and to protect loved ones. This complex, magical story relates to an 11th century epic poem about the tragic tale of Rostam and Sohrab.

I rated this 4.5⭐ rounded up to 5⭐ here. Fantastic. Highly recommended.

Thank you to the author, the publisher and Goodreads! I was thrilled to win an advanced reader's edition of this book in a Goodreads giveaway.
Profile Image for Amy Peterson.
10 reviews
June 27, 2026
Witch Daughter was such a captivating and tragic tale! I thoroughly enjoyed it and was fascinated by the mythology behind it.

It was effortless to immerse myself in Tahmineh’s life and empathize with her position. This story kept me on the edge of my seat, through to the end.

I received this book as an Advance Reader Copy through NetGalley.
Profile Image for Manuia Heinrich.
Author 1 book21 followers
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
July 11, 2026
I was hooked straight away and found myself rooting for Tahmineh from the start. She’s such a fascinating character — bold, clever, and so determined. She can be scheming, but never in a way that feels despicable. She’s a survivor. This is an epic story that historical fantasy readers won’t want to miss.
Profile Image for Julie.
56 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
July 30, 2026
An utterly beautiful and devastating read!
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews