To Drown a Witch

by Lindsey Olsson

A criminal and a royal guard are drawn into the hunt for a dangerous witch—and an unexpected romance—in this YA enemies-to-lovers romantasy, perfect for fans of Heartless Hunter.

In Gadore, the Witch is feared above all else. Reborn into each generation, she is the only person with magic running innately through her veins, able to wield that magic with a single thought.

So when guards across the city begin to drop dead, gruesomely murdered by violent and vicious magic, everyone knows the Witch has returned—and no one will be safe until she’s killed.

Toran is the Prince’s Crown, the most highly skilled fighter in the King’s Guard. Tasked with the responsibility of leading the hunt for the Witch, Toran tries to focus on his assignment to forget the ghosts of his past. And after he learns of Nes, a thief with an uncanny ability to sniff out magic, he forcibly recruits her into joining his hunt.

As the two face deadly magic and otherworldly threats, their mutual dislike soon turns to something more electric, and they find themselves drawn to each other in ways they’d never imagined. But the Witch is always a step ahead of them, and with bodies piling up, secrets threaten to come to light—secrets that could destroy everything from the fragile trust between them to the very city of Gadore itself.

Genres: Fantasy, Young Adult, Romantasy, Witches, Romance, Fiction, Magic

352 pages, Kindle Edition

Expected publication July 14, 2026

About the author

Lindsey Olsson has been dreaming up stories since she first learned to write. After studying creative writing at Elon University, she went on to receive a MFA in writing for children and young adults from Hamline University. When she isn’t covering the walls of her home with book ideas, she can be found skiing and snowboarding, climbing rock walls, or adventuring alongside her husband. She has yet to say no when offered a doughnut . . . or a dozen. To Drown a Witch is her debut novel.

Find her online at LindseyOlsson.com or follow her on Instagram @LindseyOlssonAuthor.

Reviews

[Sophie ❦ · Rating 3 out of 5]

Mixed feelings with this one!

There is a lot to like here: the grisly murders and the witch hunt gripped me and were honestly the best part.

But the romance felt super rushed. They meet 25% into the book, and 25% later their interest is pretty clear. They’re enemies on paper only, and get along quite well almost immediately. The ‘enemies’ part does get better closer to the end because of all the twists, but it honestly made me hate them both even more… do with that what you will. I think Heartless Hunter did the romance way better.

Thankfully the mystery kept me entertained enough. Once the clues started coming together and the plot twists hit, I flew through the rest pretty fast. Some were pretty obvious, others not as much. I think there will always be at least one thing you won’t see coming.

The ending was super frustrating though, and ends on a confusing, open-ended cliffhanger. It made me bump down my rating from 3 to 2.5 stars.

─ ✦ ────

✎ᝰ.┊pre-read: You had me at enemies-to-lovers 🤭 I’m so excited to start this!!!

⬫ ⬪ ⬫
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the arc!

[Keri · Rating 5 out of 5]

Two Words: THE BANTER.

[Andi]

I like to thank the publisher and NetGalley for allowing me a read.

I liked the idea of this book, the execution of it ... well, it could use some work.

It's held up with this very flimsy tale of a witch who is out for revenge, muddled and mixed in a story about a prince and his alternate vying for the throne. The alternate is a captain of the guards and well, he has some emotional baggage when it comes to witches since a previous expedition to kill one caused his wife to die in a ship sinking.

He is paired up with a female who is spunky, but kind of has that hots for him (60% in and both of them have the hots for one another but it's not quite clear on how strong the hate is for one or the other). The female has a talent of seeking out other magical users in a world where witches exist, and people can leach magic from trees in a forest.

The world building is flimsy, the thing is billed as a romantasy so expect a lot of focus on how both parties can't stop thinking about the other (which is confusing since we saw the male lead trying to drink his sorrows away from what happened to his wife previously). She is anti-cop / government / guard because they kill a lot of witches by drowning them in a well. It just doesn't make sense but because, well, ROMANTASY, it will happen!

I really think that there could be a story here, but at 60% in I was getting too annoyed with it because it was all talk but no substance.

Out of respect, choosing not to rate due to not finishing.

[Haley ♡]

Thank you Netgalley and Penguin Young Readers Group for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own

OOO immediately caught my eye once I saw
-enemies-to-lovers
-romantasy
-witches
- fans of Heartless Hunter

sign me up

[Jenn Norris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the eARC copy of “To Drown a Witch”! This is my honest and completely voluntary review! 😊🖤

“To Drown a Witch” follows FMC Nes, a hired hand from “The Ditch”, and MMC Toran, the Prince’s Crown, an unlikely pair, that partner together to find the witch and bring her to the king. From there, the king will decide her fate. There are several bumps along the way but, the ride is well worth it!

The characters are intriguing and magnetic. The adventure that these characters go on is very interesting and compelling. The world is very well described and easy to picture. The story is beautifully written. There are several twists throughout that keep you on the edge of your seat. I read this book in one day, had it not been for having to work, I would have happily read it in a single sitting! The magic basis in this story is captivating. I went in blindly and so happy that I did! Jumping into this story was the absolute perfect way to spend an afternoon!

I absolutely cannot wait for the second book in the duology to continue this story! I will most definitely read from Lindsey Olsson again in the future. This book is well worth the read. I completely enjoyed my time with the characters and I wait for the conclusion of this tale with bated breath. Definitely recommend reading if you love fantasy! 😊🖤

5 🌟

[Kelly Murphy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Okaaaaaaaaaaay!!!! This is marketed as similar vibes to “Heartless Hunter,” which I LOVED. And while it is a similar witch hunt, the story and plot stands on its own! INITIALLY, I was going to give this a solid 3.5 stars. The beginning was a wee bit slow-going, but I’m a sucker for a witch book so I obviously kept going. It definitely does pick up the pace, however I was raising my eyebrow 🤨 at occasional ~situations~ that felt like glaring plot holes to me. But that’s MY BADDD. I didn’t recognize your game Lindsey Olsson. Everything does make sense in the end, I was just being a doubtful hater. And the ending… jaw on the floor. I’m obsessed and NEEEEED a sequel.

“To Drown a Witch” is YA, and lemme tell ya. If I was 15/16 & reading this… yeah. It would HIT. And don’t get it twisted, it still does hit at 28. But you have to have some whimsy about ya!!! So if you’re a whimsical adult who loves witches, enemies to lovers, betrayal, loss, and love… then you’ll like this!!! 4.5 stars overall 🌟

Thank you Penguin Young Readers Group and NetGalley for an advanced copy in exchange for my honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[katiebbooks💌 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you so much to NetGalley for an ARC of To Drown A Witch.

Okay now THIS is exactly the Romantasy I’ve been wanting for so long!!!!!! The twists & turns. HELP!!!!! I’ve just finished it now and I am speechless. I need book two immediately as I fear I may not cope. This is one of my favourite reads of this year, I absolutely loved it. The ending?!?!?!?!?!?! MY jaw has still not been picked up from the floor. WHAT?!??

The plot and the magic system was so different to what I’ve read before, a much welcomed fresh take on one of my favourite tropes. I really enjoyed that aspect of the book, as you find a lot of Romantasy has similar plots or magic systems, but this was so different, in the best way and I was invested from the prologue.

I also felt throughout reading I couldn’t trust the characters POV of everything (if you’ve read it you know exactly what I mean) and was weary of everyone, and the style of writing has you on the edge of your seat, but in the best way, I was almost nervous because I kept thinking hmmmm?!

This is a stand out Romantasy of 2026 for me and I absolutely will be recommending to everyone.

* screams *

[Danni · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley & Harper Collins UK for the ARC of To Drown a Witch by Lindsey Olsson.

This YA romantasy hooked me straight away with its dark, witchy vibes and forbidden magic. The story follows Nes, who must hide her dangerous abilities while trying to free her imprisoned father, alongside Toran, a disgraced member of the King’s Guard tasked with hunting a deadly witch. Their uneasy partnership drives a plot full of intrigue, betrayal, and some genuinely shocking twists (that ending!!!!!).

The pacing kept me turning pages, and I loved that the story stayed mostly within the city, making it easy to follow without heavy world-building. However, the romance didn’t fully land for me—the shift in feelings felt a bit rushed at times, despite the slow-burn setup.

It did give me Throne of Glass vibes, which I enjoyed, though it lost a little originality because of it.

Overall, a twisty, addictive read and a solid 3.5/3.75 stars—I’ll definitely be picking up book two when it’s published .

[Tyla 🧚 🗡️ ☠️ 🩸 🖤 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Netgalley ARC ⭐
I absolutely ate this book UP. It was so addictive. Very fast paced!
I was like is it witch x witch hunter? Is it enemies to lovers? Is it even romance subplot? I literally didn’t know which way it was going. There’s a lot of twists in this, some I seen coming, some I didn’t!! The rope & well scene had me SAT.
I’m somewhat confused by the end. Was the woman at the very end made out to be Loriana or Nes? 🫣 and what happened to Nes after?! Abrupt ending and I don’t feel like it rounded up very well? UNLESS, There’s another book???? I need answers!!!!

[Risa · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.75 stars rounded up

Well, this book was a rollercoaster, in both a good and bad way.


I love a story with twists and turns, and this book definitely delivers on that! However, I think some of the plot twists were placed too close together; I wish instead, the twists had more time to breath (i.e. readers had more time to really absorb and process each twist).

The banter between Nes and Toran was one of the best elements of this story. Hands down, their dynamic is what kept me reading as some story elements started to confuse me.


I really loved the grittiness of this world; it gave me Ketterdam (from Six of Crows) vibes in a lot of ways, which I adored. There were some specific elements that left me scratching my head (for example, Toran and Nes living in the same building all this time, and I struggled to visualize the tunnel scene).


Fans of Heartless Hunter by Kristen Ciccarelli will find some elements of this book to be similar, but that don’t bother me, as there were other elements that were unique to this story.


While I will say that I did not correctly guess the identity of the Witch, I felt as though the story began to go off the rails (in a bad way) once that identity was revealed. Certain elements left me with more questions than answers, additional reveals felt very rushed, and I’m leaving this book still unsure of how the magic works in this world. (And I’m not sure that my questions will get answered in the next book, as they were pertinent to this book.)


All in all, I had a fun time reading this book, and I see myself reading the sequel in the future. But I’m bummed that this book won’t land on my favorites list like I originally thought it would.






NOTES I TOOK WHILE READING:


- The mysterious prologue with the Witch was interesting.

- The first chapter where New is basically Phineas’ bloodhound, finding people who use diluted magic in ways that would make them good fighters (dogs), is awesome. And of course her boss called her irreplaceable and wouldn’t hold up his end of the deal. Very compelling!

- I will say though, that this story already reads a bit more mature than YA (like new adult level); in a similar way that Six of Crows does. I personally don’t mind it, but it’s an interesting choice.


- Aww, Mikaud seemed like a nice guy. I knew he would die at some point though, because he’s not the real love interest. I am surprised he died so soon though, at the hands of the Witch it seems.


- Also, the fact that Toran is a drunk. Yeah…this isn’t really YA. But like I said, I’m enjoying the story thus far.


- Ch3: I’m fine with Toran having some dark past from his last mission… but it’s been reiterated that he has a secret that we aren’t privy to yet multiple times in his opening chapter, and it’s starting to get annoying. It’s fine to withhold the information from us for now, but you don’t have to keep reminding us that we don’t know the information.

- Okay, so Loriana is Toran’s former fiancee who drowned after her ship sunk… But I say, no body, no crime! (Also, now I understand why he’s so depressed and drunk. And doesn’t want to read her journal.)


- Oh, that’s interesting—Toran is the Crown to the Prince, meaning Kohen will duel him, and if Kohen wins then he becomes King (and Toren his advisor), but if Toran wins then he becomes King. That’s such a cool political component! No wonder they grew up rivals!


- Oh no—they caught Marnie with magic, and are drowning her as a witch! Dang, poor girl.


- 17% in: Maybe the witch isn’t a girl, but a guy this time. Like Captain Fell, who killed the last witch (and is now acting different).
- Or maybe it’s Loriana, who never actually drowned. We shall see!

- 18% in: Or maybe Suri is the witch—she seems too nice, haha. (Yeah—given she was at the drowning around the time of the explosion, she’s my number one suspect currently. ESPECIALLY given the Heartless Hunter comp!)


- Well that’s an explosive (i.e, the stage) way for our two main leads to meet.


- 20% in: Okay, so now there are shape-shifted, called Xell. They may be immortals of legend, but I have a feeling that the current Witch is using such shape-shifting abilities to her advantage somehow.


CHECK IN #1: I am now a fifth through the book, and I am enjoying this story a whole lot. There are a lot of similarities to Heartless Hunter (which is funny because the author of this book has the same literary agent as the author of HH). But it also a grittiness to it that reminds me of Six of Crows, in a great way.


- 24% in: Uh oh. Captain Fell (the bastard) arrested Nes! I bet Toran is going to use his statue to get her out of prison though! (Yep, I was right.)
- Also, I like this Genna girl joining Toran’s legion.


- I find it interesting that seawater is the only thing that can dilute magic. But I’m still confused as to how magic is even a tangible thing that can be diluted—like, where does the (diluted) magic come from?


- I like that Toran tricked Nes into exposing her power. But how did he know that she could detect magic using smell specifically? I guess he just guessed because she looked like she knew the smoke of the fire was coming before it did?


- 27% in: While I love Nes and Toran’s banter already, the bit where Toran gave Nes the Loriana’s engagement ring to prove his trust was silly. It has no monetary value, and Toran could still change his mind, have Nes arrested, and rip the ring off her neck to get it back. … I don’t know why Nes agreed just from him giving her the ring. (Having said that, I like that Nes said if I’m going down, I’m taking you with me—I don’t know how she would do that. But that’s a more compelling idea than the ring exchange.)

- Also, Nes said at the end the she’d join the witch hunt, which is a nice touch.


- 29% in: Interesting—Fell is the one who brought Toran to the castle, away from the mountain village. It makes me think that (1) Fell ordered some attack that killed Toran’s parents; and (2) perhaps Toran had some tie to the previous witch (maybe Toran’s mother?).


- I’m also very curious to know why the King wants the Witch captured alive. An old lover perhaps?
- What if Suri is a shapeshifter who is in disguise after being the King’s former lover? Or maybe the former Loriana?


- So the church teachings are that the Witch stole magic from the Goddess named Nephele. And it sounds like that magic that humans use is scraped off tress, somehow… I’d like more clarity on that.



- So no one knew that the trees in the Holy Triad had magic on them, as it’s a well guard secret. (And the King has the magic lichen removed.) But Nes knew, probably because Phineas knew. (And if Phineas knows, then Suri could surely know since she lives in the gambling den too!)
- Okay so… turns out Nes just sniffed it out herself. So it’s not a clue.

- (Also, I don’t really love the idea of magic lichen. I feel like we could’ve been more creative in terms of where the magic comes from.)


- 33% in: When Nes has Toran meet her at the brawlhouse (not in uniform), that “ass” joke felt a bit out of left field—she hadn’t been flirty like that before. And yeah, he’s dressed differently, but… Idk, it felt icky to me, and I personally prefer their banter where they poke fun at each other.

- I mean, it was pretty obvious that Nes planned to have Toran fight. The question is, why would Nes place a bet against Toran (and in Phineas’ name—so that he’d open the door)?


- Wait, does this book take place on earth (it’s mentioned on pg106 of the eARC)?


- 36% in: I was so ready for this brawl! I loved how Growlsabob could become intangible like a ghost because of magic. And I like how Toran used it against him, so that he rammed himself into the wall… but once Toran figured it out, the fight was so anti-climatic! It basically just said Toran let the man hit the wall 8 times and then he was out. What kind of fight scene is that?!?! I’m so disappointed.


- Also Toran’s obsession with drinking away his grief—how the hell is this getting published as a YA novel? This should be new adult at least! (I’m sure when this book sold a couple years ago, NA wasn’t as popular as it is now. But still!)


- 40% in: while Suri is still my primary suspect, another top suspect of mine is now Genna—the guard who joined Toran’s legion recently. Maybe she’s killing guards out of revenge for how they’ve treated her.

- I also cannot shake that throwaway paragraph about there being shapeshifters in this world. So I wonder if the Witch has masked herself as multiple different characters that we’ve already met.


- 42% in: Funny that the Xell came up in conversation again between Fell, Toran, and Nes. I think the Witch is in fact Xell. (Also, I’m a bit perplexed why Captain Fell is being so forthcoming with information in front of Nes. I understand speaking privately with Toran, but why is he allowing Nes to sit in when she’s technically not even part of Toran’s legion? Even if Toran is technically his superior, it seems odd to me.)


- So with all these magical trees dying, it sounds like the Witch takes the magic from nearby trees to launch her attacks, maybe?


- 43% in: So Fell lied about being attacked by the Witch (not surprised). But apparently Toran witnessed when he drowned the previous witch, when he was around 3 years old. Which further proves my theory that the previous witch was Toran’s mother (or some other loved one).


- Ah, so Suri was the one following Nes at Phineas’ order. I hope that she really is Nes’ friend.


- 44% in: I’m very fascinated by Phineas as a character. But why does Nes care about him anymore? She doesn’t work for him, he’s not going to get her father out of prison—and she already cut a deal with Toran to free her father. So why is she planning to go to Phineas’ secret meeting?


- We keep hearing about Prince Kohen in Toran’s POV, but have yet to meet him, which I find strange so deep into this book (even if it is a duology). (It makes me wonder if the King will die at the end of this book, and then Kohen and Toran will finally have to face off… and only then will we finally meet Kohen.)


- 46% in: I like this detail that Nes can’t swim (hence she lives in the only city sector without canals), and she’s thus afraid to get into the boat. (Though I must ask—how did Genna get this boat for them?)


- 48% in: Nes smells magic on Genna, how suspicious. I don’t think she’s consuming magic. I think Genna is one of the different forms the Witch shapeshifts into!


- I like that tie—drowning the Witch is the one way to kill her. And seawater is the one way to dilute the magic. A cool connection I didn’t pick up on. (Although, I guess it wasn’t clear to me before now that the well where they drown witches is full of seawater…)


- 50% in: And now there are actual sirens in this world. Interesting that the gambling den is called the Siren’s Hair, and Toran thinks (thanks to Loriana’s journal) that they an weaken the Witch by binding her with siren’s hair…


CHECEK #2: Halfway through the book, and I am still enjoying the story a lot. I really like the idea that the sea is the Witch’s weakness. I have a few suspects, with Suri and Genna being the top two. And I am thoroughly convinced that whoever the Witch is, she is using the shapeshifting abilities of the Xell (who are immortal) to stay hidden.
- Also, I THINK I like how the romance between Toran and Nes is developing… I don’t like how they suddenly are noticing how gorgeous each other are, but their more emotional conversations as great.



- 54% in: I like that Nes pulled out the heart of the undead, tying back to the scratches she mentioned on the corpse we found at the beginning of the book. But why did Nes tell Toran to cut off his head if she knew to go for the heart?


- 54% in: Wait—Toran rented a room on the third floor of the Siren’s Hair? So then Toran how had not met Phineas before? And how hadn’t he known it was a brawlhouse before?


- 56% in: Ruh roh—Toran has a symbol on his neck that’s a death omen? Not good.


- 56% in: Oh no—Genna is going to be drowned! She’s no longer a suspect then—Suri is still my #1 suspect anyway.

- (I will say that while I love a book with many twists and turns, I feel like having one after another after another can be a bit exhausting; I wish we had more time to sit and digest each twist a bit more.)

- 59% in: I’m glad there’s a tunnel to the Well, where Toran can rescue Genna. But I had a really hard time envisioning this scene. (I hate to say it, but I’ve really been struggling to visualize most of the action scenes in this book.)

- 60% in: I’m glad Suri showed up to help Nes. It makes you wonder how Suri knew that Nes was here. Suri’s probably going to say that she followed Nes. But I bet Suri is the Witch, and has used this tunnel in the past to help drowned girls escape (again, like Heartless Hunter)!


- I also find it hard to believe that Nes lives on the second floor (with Suri) int he Siren’s Hair, and Toran lives on the third floor, and yet they had never met before, and Toran didn’t know her name. I find that hard to believe. (And still do not believe Toran didn’t know the Siren’s Hair was an illegal brawlhouse all this time.)

- 61% in: Yeah, Suri owns all the different sized clothes because she’s a shape-shifting witch!


- 61% in: I like the idea that Nes gets into bed (both of them naked) with Toran to warm him up. (And Suri does the same with Genna.) It reminds me of Matthias and Nina from Six of Crows, when they were first stranded.
- And since Toran saved Nes from drowning before, now they are even.


- 65% in: I mean listen, some of these magical abilities are dumb. Like the man who could produce flowers, and now Genna who can produce money (Gadots specifically). But I do feel bad for Genna being used like that.


- Ah so Fell started the attack on the nomads, unprovoked. And then went crazy and killed members of his own legion once he realized the Witch was present. Well he’s a psycho.


- 66% in: Question: The story that was presumed to be true was that Captain Fell killed the last Witch (and he’s been acting differently ever since). We now know that’s not the case, since the Witch has been killing guards recently. BUT if society still thinks that Fell successfully killed the Witch (and this was no more than three years ago, since that’s when Genna joined the military), wouldn’t society assume that the current Witch is still very young, like toddler age? So then why are young women being killed?

- Or is the text saying that Fell changed after he killed the prior Witch (before the one currently killing guards), and that’s what made him snap and kill innocent people like the nomads? I think that might be it, but this story that Genna told could be clearer (and I think which Witch is being discussed should be clearer as well).


- 67% in: Oh..okay, we just learned that Nes has killed people, both for Phineas and twice for herself…


- Uhhhh okay…Keifer Harrow just killed himself…WEIRD.


- 68% in: Interesting, so Phineas now has red hair. And it sounds to me like he just may be a Xell shapeshifting immortal!



CHECK IN #3: As I mentioned before, I love the twists and turns in this book, but there are a lot of them, and not a lot of time for us to really sit with them to absorb them and process them. Thus, I don’t think they hit as hard or land with as much as an emotional punch as they could, which is a shame.
I’m also convinced that Suri is the Witch—I have been the whole time, though I threw some other suspects into the mix; but now there have been additional clues that have confirmed my suspicions!



- 70% in: Aw, the scene where they throw the shots of alcohol out the window was touching (and I like how Toran opened up to Nes about what he’s lost).


- 70% in: And we finally get to the sex scene, on page 213.


- 72% in: Dang, Nes said she could love Toran (but doesn’t yet), and Toran said she shouldn’t because he can’t love her, because he’s still broken from Loriana. Yeesh! (I mean, I know this is a duology, so maybe we need somewhere to go for the next book romantically. But I hope they move past this by the end of book1.)


- 74% in: Excuse me what? Nes is the Witch?!?!? I mean, that would explain why she hates the sea so much. But still, huh????

- I never named Nes as a suspect because it just seemed too obvious. Also… how the hell what she going to free her father via Toran’s deal is she’s the Witch???



- 76% in: Okay wow um… Wow. So Nes is the Witch. And she has access to the memories of the prior Witch. And while I am very confused about the whole killing nomad story now (it sounds like he killed the nomads, but a girl who isn’t the Witch following him home?), one thing is for certain: Toran is Embley Fell and the previous Witch’s son. And the previous Witch just made flowers bloom—she didn’t cause harm to anyone.

- But I’m still very confused—who killed all those guards? Was that Nes? And Nes has been drinking diluted magic (in seawater)… why? Why drink it at all?

- (I will say, Nes being afraid that Phineas would reveal her true name in an early chapter now makes sense. Her real name is Damari!)



CHECK IN #4: Um okay wow—I clearly was wrong about who the Witch was. I got it right that Toran was the previous Witch’s son… I should’ve guessed he was Embley Fell’s son as well.
One question I have, which may be answered later, is how did Fell learn that Nes is the Witch? He didn’t say.
Also, I feel like this leaves me with more questions than answers.

[I don't have space to include all my notes. So here are the highlights for the ending:]

-The plan to capture Damari in the Siren's Hair was confusing.
-I didn't understand why Nes thought Toran would release her father before Damari was drowned (proving she's the Witch).
-I question how many characters came to the conclusions they did. Many explanations weren't clear (or nonexistent).
-I wish Toran and Nes had been the ones on the quest to find siren's hair.
-Damari laying her whole plan out to Toran was dumb (as was the mark on his neck--a wasted opportunity).
-The use of magic is so poorly defined in this book, it’s so disappointing.
-Toran betraying Nes (and Nes doing it right back) was entertaining, though some logistics didn't make sense to me.
-I like the twist the Suri is an Aeosch spy.
-We introduced Sir Kendrik too late.
-I liked the cliffhanger ending, of Nes taking Toran down with her. (Though I'm not sure how Phineas knew to set him up.)
-I'm annoyed we didn't meet Prince Kohen one page until the After at the very end. But I'm intrigued that Kohen and Nes have met before.

Overall a fun read, but there are too many elements that need more explanation.

[Khristina · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars for this one!

Characters: The main characters are Nes, a thief whose goal is to have her father released from prison, and Toran, the Prince's Crown and best fighter in the King's Guard. After drowning in alcohol while grieving the loss of his fiancée, Toran is approached by the king to hunt down and capture the Witch. Eager to prove himself after a previously failed mission, he agrees. After a near death disaster, he realizes he may need Nes's help, since she is able to sniff out magic. She agrees to help him if he releases her father from prison.

I felt like these characters were interesting, but I was looking for a bit more. We get glimpses into their pasts but not enough to get invested. The banter was fun at times, but I didn't feel like they had enough chemistry. I wanted to know more about how the characters felt about each other and how they felt about their interactions, but it never really delved deep enough for me to care. It started as a slow burn romance, but it was a little too slow. I felt like it took forever to get to the open door scene. I'm torn on whether this book should be labelled as Young Adult or New Adult because, while the scene was not graphic, it was very suggestive.

Other notable characters would be Captain Fell, a fellow member of the King's Guard that Toran does not get along with; Quint, another member of the Guard and Toran's friend; Genna, another member of the Guard who struggles to fit in; Suri, Nes's friend and roommate; and Phineas, Nes's boss, who deals with magic underground since it's illegal. None of these characters were particularly interesting except for Phineas, but he's not really mentioned much. I liked his domineering yet charismatic attitude.

Plot & World-building: Everyone in Gadore is afraid of the Witch, who can only die by drowning in ocean water but is always reborn. She holds an incredible amount of magic and has used it for harming others in the past. Members of the King's Guard are dropping dead in mysterious ways, so the city fears they must capture the Witch to prevent more from dying.

The story itself was good, with some crazy twists near the end. It mostly kept my attention, but I did fall into a bit of a slump at the halfway point. After continuing, it seemed like the author dumped a lot on the reader in the last quarter of the book.

The world-building could've used a little work. All you pretty much know is that this is a city ruled by a king, it is divided by wealth status, and the mere concept of magic causes unrest everywhere. Parts of the city are mentioned, like the Ditch and the Bark, which I feel is probably related to trees but it's never really talked about. I would've liked to know more background about all the places mentioned - Aeos, Konos Islands, etc.

Prose: Overall, I liked the author's writing (though "Toran's nostrils filled with snot" was a little off-putting). She is very poetic in how she describes the way Nes and Toran feel, especially during the love scene. I wish she would've leaned into that a lot more so I would've felt more connected to the story and its characters. Also, the pacing was quite slow until the end. It felt a tad jarring.

Ending: I'm not the best at predicting plot twists, so I was surprised by the ending. I suspect this might be why there wasn't enough revealed about the characters in the first half of the book. I still wish I could've connected to the characters more. Instead of gasping and crying and throwing my book across the room, I felt like I was watching a reality show and thinking, "Oh, no, he/she didn't!"

Final thoughts: The story was enjoyable and I look forward to reading the sequel since it ends on a bit of a cliffhanger. I assume it would introduce more about a character that was mentioned in passing, and I am eager to learn more about them.

[Julie · Rating 2 out of 5]

There were times when I really liked this book. It was easy to read, and it had at times the appearance of a complicated plot. When I was about halfway through, I thought it was going to be a five-star read. Then, I kept reading...

It had four main problems, which together were insurmountable:
1) While billed as a YA book, there were numerous references glorifying casual sex, and eventually, an open-door sex scene. I would not give this book to my young adult children to read. The sex scene was also unrealistic and made me uncomfortable.
2) There were too many "twists." Instead of being interesting, it became unrealistic and contrived. They sometimes didn't quite fit, and certainly were not adequately explained or wrapped up, like the story had been inadequately edited for plot concepts. This was to me the biggest failure of the book. I was really surprised to read this from a major publisher.
3) From the first chapter, we know that "the Witch" is not the villain that she is believed to be, and that is a continuing point in the story (without giving away spoilers!). However, the Witch also made selfish decisions that caused a lot of unnecessary deaths simply because she didn't want to die, which made her... a villain. The whole "villain-as-hero" concept really doesn't work if the reader is cringing away because of the villainy of the character after all. This is certainly a story full of morally grey characters (like, man, virtually every single one?) but in this case it just didn't work rather than being intriguing or adding realism. In this story, nearly everyone is just morally bankrupt, no matter who you root for, and unfortunately, the book seems like it is trying to portray some of them as "good guys" which just left a terrible taste in my mouth.
4) The story is not concluded in any satisfying way. There is clearly a sequel coming, and this is one of those books where it doesn't stand alone. It's a "part one." For a story that I was finding painful to read by the end, that was really disappointing, and unexpected. In fact, it is still listed as "Book 1 of 1" on Amazon, implying no sequel. But there were so many loose ends and such an open-ended conclusion that surely there must be.

The prose was really well-written, and I like the concepts the author was trying to get at -- of being open-minded, not judging a book by its cover, of how prejudices get engrained into a society, of the injustice of those in power... there was so much here I wanted to like. But in the end, the weaknesses of the plot and characters are just too severe and completely undermine the very concepts I was enjoying.

[Sol✨ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you so much to Netgalley, Lindsey Olsson, and Penguin Young Readers Group for access to this advanced reader's copy of To Drown a Witch. This is my honest and unbiased review.

----
"It was the first thing she learned watching the card games in the Siren's Hair. The chances of losing were always higher. The game or the odds didn't matter. Once you put something you loved on the line, your focus lay with it. Not the game. So you'd lose. Every time."
----

I will be so honest with you: I am still reeling from the ending of this book. I feel like I walked into a room to meet someone and plunged into the icy well this book centers around. But I did, at the bottom of that well, meet someone. Nes, with all of her flaws, is an incredible FMC. She's an unreliable narrator and built of secrets, but she is as warm as spring as the center of her. Her frequently turbulent relationship with Toran was everything a forbidden relationship should be: full of yearning, heartache, and, of course, distrust.

This is not just a story of a witch hunt. To Drown a Witch is the story of what happens when humanity rebels against forces it does not fully comprehends, when it lashes out and creates scapegoats of the things that it cannot control. This is a story of failure and consequences, but it is also a story of forgiveness. Not forgiveness of those who have harmed you, but forgiveness of yourself of being worthy of life. The dreary seaside setting and every looming threat of doom position the reader at the precipice of drowning in that very realization. I'm still recovering from the plunge myself.

If you're hoping for a quick and simplistic romance, this isn't it. To Drown a Witch is full of twists and turns and moments that will inevitably make your heart break. Even so, the journey is worth the fleeting moments of warmth and comfort. Nes and Toran's story is one that will stay with me for a very long time.

That being said, I need a sequel in my grabby little hands right this INSTANT. I have never torn through the last 20% of a book as fast as this one, all the while whispering "Oh no, oh no, oh no" over and over again in my head. What a beautiful introduction to the city of Gadore and its wicked little inhabitants. 5 stars, easily. And throw in a few donuts for Nes, too.

[The Little Black Cat · Rating 1 out of 5]

NetGalley ARC Review:

I requested an ARC of To Drown a Witch because I was drawn to the premise of a single witch being born each generation and hunted by the rest of society. It’s a compelling concept that I haven’t read in a novel before. However, after reading, it feels like this concept was used more as set dressing for a rushed romance rather than as the foundation for a fully cohesive and developed story.

The story reads like a series of loosely connected ideas with limited focus on structure or pay-off. The writing itself is uneven. On a sentence level, there are moments where the prose is nonsensical, for example: “Her gut turned solid as her heart melted into it.” The dialogue between the two main characters leans heavily on awkward, juvenile “banter” that feels more suited to middle grade than YA, including jokes about seagull “poo” and the characters saying the other “sounds constipated.” This tone made it even more jarring when readers were subjected to an open door sex scene between the 18 year old protagonist and her love interest. It feels like the author never fully committed to the intended audience for this novel.

Adequate time was not taken to develop compelling characters or relationships. The central romance relies heavily on the insta-lust trope, with the male lead quickly filling the emotional void left by the imprisonment of the protagonist’s father after only a few days of physical attraction and “banter.” When someone known to the protagonist is accused of being the witch and executed, it carries little emotional weight and is barely acknowledged afterward. Altogether, the character work felt overwhelmingly shallow.

The world-building is similarly underdeveloped, offering scattered ideas rather than a fully realized setting. Even what seems to be intended as a central mystery -the identity of the witch- is handled in a way that feels obvious from the outset, making the final reveal lack any real impact.

Ultimately, this reads more like a draft than a finished novel. With significantly more time and effort, this could have been developed into something compelling; however, as it stands, the story lacks direction and substance. I do not plan on continuing this series.

[Vicky · Rating 4 out of 5]

This didn’t read like a ya book it sounded more mature the characters sounded older and some of the scenes geared toward upper ya. The magic in this book was great you understood where it came from and how it affected the characters it was sort of unique in a way, the character uses it and it was fun to read how she finally uses it. The writing was fast paced it stilted a bit, but it didn’t deterred me from reading it it immerse you into the world it showcased vivid imagery of it you felt like you were in the world Toran and Nes were good characters both their narratives felt gripping they had their own voices the other characters complemented them this story had some bit of mystery and some loose ends in the end it grips you from the first page and have you entertained Nes was really a strong character and the reveals at the end were a bit surprising you expected some of them, but some not I finished this story pretty quick I liked that it was third pov than first pov I tended to preferred third pov nowadays, but this one felt like it fit the story. I liked the worldbuilding in this it felt different and had you drawn to it both characters grow throughout the story their romance was a slow burn they’re at odds at each other in the beginning, but they slowly fall in love the romance was a good part of the book and that saying something since I’m not a big fan of romance and find some of them cringe worthy. This book had some gore, and violence in it, but nothing too graphic. It didn’t shy away from showing a bit of horror this book at times read dark, darker than I anticipated it wasn’t a big surprise, but it surprised me the blurb and the book cover gave nothing away. The villains weren’t as strong in this one they didn’t feel menacing enough, but they provided enough conflict this story was good and the ending ended in a cliffhanger I wanted to keep reading, but it ended before I knew it I can’t wait for the sequel and to know what happens next.

Thanks Netgalley and the Publisher for the arc.

[Shari Borba · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my stinking goodness. I LOVED this.

First of all… this is a debut? WHAT.

Thank you so much to NetGalley, Lindsey Olsson, and Penguin Young Readers Group for the advanced reader copy. I’m so grateful I got to read this one early 🫶

Tropes: enemies to lovers, witch hunt, hidden magic. It definitely gave me Heartless Hunter vibes, BUT it absolutely stands on its own.

The Easter eggs throughout had me highlighting like a mad woman, and... they paid off. No gaping plot holes here. Truly whimsical and witchy and fun.

No real on-the-page open door spice, but don’t worry… you don’t miss it.

THE CLIFFHANGER THOUGH. When are we getting book 2 already??

Okay, let’s talk characters:

We’re introduced to the Witch in the prologue, but OBVIOUSLY we don’t know who it is (just enough to get us hooked).

Then there’s the FMC, Nes. She’s scrappy, witty, does her own thing, and is determined to get her father out of prison. She’s been done dirty by the men in this world and she is not backing down.

Then Toran… listen. He’s a mess, but he’s also powerful and a winner (IYKYK).

When the king tasks Toran with hunting down the Witch, it sets everything in motion. Through a series of events, he crosses paths with Nes, and they become a very unlikely pair. Deals are made, glances are shared, and a whole cast of side characters comes into play including, of course, the underground magic dealing brawl pit under a gambling den. YEP.

Truly, I couldn’t put it down.

I am a vibes reader, y’all, and the vibes were vibing. The banter was bantering.

Add in a few twists I didn’t see coming (along with some I did, if I’m being honest), and this wraps up in a very UNTIDY bow that leaves you wanting more. And by untidy I dont mean the writing, I just mean Yes Ma'am there is some explaining to do in the next book, if you know what I mean ;)

I cannot wait to see what comes next in book 2… and I need to talk about this one with my book girlies ASAP.

[Hephzibah · Rating 3 out of 5]

𝕿𝖔 𝖉𝖗𝖔𝖜𝖓 𝖆 𝖜𝖎𝖙𝖈𝖍
⭐️⭐️✨
Thank you Harper Collins for the Arc 🫶🏼
Right so, I’m confused??? Also I’ve seen that this is supposed to be a YA? But mainly I’m confused???
I was really excited for this book. They referred to it as ‘for fans of the crimson moth’ (which I am) but it definitely felt like there wasn’t a great depth to it. I really enjoyed the concept regardless and I think(?) I see where the author was trying to go. I thought the start of this book was good. It was intriguing and something happens pretty early on, then the POV switches. I struggled from that point on. I found it almost rushed in terms of the story. Yes I knew what was going on, and I was aware of what the author wanted to give us, I just feel like it wasn’t there for me. The relationship between our main characters despite what happens still felt fake and forced.
Then the plot twist came and that’s where the story lost me. I had my suspicions, but I told myself it can’t be because it would make no sense. I’m still not quite sure what’s happening or who the witch was. Like, I do know but I also don’t? I feel very confused. I really liked the side character Suri, she stood out the most to me. I also didn’t quite understand the ending. I understand the author is lining up for book 2, but it felt like there were too many gaps in the storyline. I’m really gutted actually because I was beyond excited for this book, it just didn’t live up to my expectations and it felt like I walked away deflated and confused which isn’t how I want to walk away from a book, especially one with such a huge plot twist. Based on how I rate books I’ve had to settle with a 2.5 star read as I really had to force myself to push through it. It wasn’t something I personally enjoyed is all.

[Brooke · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nes is a criminal who can sense magic. She spends her days living in the Ditch hoping to get her father out of prison. Toran is the Prince’s Crown, probably the best fighter in the royal guard but he’s fighting demons of his own. The Witch is the most powerful magic wielder and Toran is tasked with finding her so they can drown her. When he finds out about Nes and her ability to sense magic he recruits her to help him find the Witch. The two form a promise to find the Witch together but along the way they start to realize they might just see more in each other than they thought they would.

This was such a great witch hunt of a book. From the beginning I wasn’t sure where things would go and about half way through I was honestly confused how things were going to somehow pull together in the end but it did in such a twisty way that I wasn’t expecting. The ending was super unexpected and sets things up for the next book. I’m excited to see where that will go!

Nes and Toran are both such great characters. Nes was stong and independent but knew when she needed to get others to help her. There’s a kind heart she’s hiding deep down. I loved Toran he is good without realizing it and hopeful despite his past. The romance between them felt well developed with the perfect banter and slowly unraveling yearning. Absolutely loved them together.

My one little note is that this definitely felt more NA rather than YA to me. There were quite a few topics and romantic scenes in this that felt like it was more mature than YA.

Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Young Readers Group for the opportunity to read this book. All opinions are my own.

[Alejandra Reyes · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley and publisher for an ARC of this fun YA book! I am giving this one a 3.5 star rating and will be continuing the series.
I was originally drawn to this book for the cover and criminal vs royal guard plot. I hoped that would deliver some tension and gothic like romance. It totally delivered both of those things plus some mystery and interesting commentary on heavy themes.
The story takes a minute to get used to because it’s the first in the series. The first 25% of the book is character driven, in this part you are introduced to the characters and their back story. This ended up being really helpful because once the story gets going it goes fast. Understanding the back story of the main characters makes the plot that much more interesting for the reader. We get to understand how high the stakes are and become more invested in finding answers.
I love the Grimm fairy tale vibe of the story and the writing. The writing is YA but it works as it is not too repetitive. Because it is YA it also doesn’t rely on heavy smut to build tension which I appreciated. Themes are age appropriate and well done like prejudice, power, ambition, grief and PTSD. They aren't glamorized or gloss over but they are done appropriately. The plot lines got a little muddy in the middle and a lot of loose ends were left so that is why it isn’t a full 5 stars yet. I think as the story unfolds some of those plot holes could be cleaned up. It was a great start to a series with a lot of potential.

[Brittney · Rating 5 out of 5]

To Drown a Witch by Lindsey Olsson

This one pulls you in immediately with a city gripped by fear and a deadly hunt for a witch who can kill with a single thought. Toran, the Crown’s most elite guard, is tasked with finding her… and ends up reluctantly teaming up with Nes, a thief who can sense magic. What starts as forced partnership and mutual distrust quickly turns into something much more complicated.

What makes this book stand out is the magic system and tone. It feels darker and more mature than typical YA, with a unique approach to how magic works and how it impacts the characters. My favorite part was watching Nes grow into her power. The way her abilities develop and the role she plays in the story made her such a compelling FMC. And the slow burn between her and Toran? So well done. It builds naturally from tension into something deeper without feeling rushed.

🖤 Tropes & Vibes

🧙‍♀️ witch hunt with deadly magic
⚔️ enemies to reluctant allies
🖤 slow burn romance
🔪 dark fantasy with murder mystery vibes
✨ unique magic system
👀 forced proximity partnership
💔 secrets that change everything
🌆 immersive city setting

📚 Read this if you like…

🧙‍♀️ witch based romantasy with darker tones
⚔️ enemies to lovers with tension first
🔪 fantasy mixed with mystery elements
✨ strong FMC discovering her power
👀 stories that feel more mature than YA

#RomantasyReads #EnemiesToLovers #WitchyReads #FantasyBooks #BookstagramReads @penguin

[Cris Alvarez · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such an immersive read for me—I got pulled into Gadore almost immediately. The atmosphere really stood out; there’s this constant sense of tension and unease that made it hard to put down, especially with the looming threat of the Witch hanging over everything.
I found myself really invested in Toran and Nes. Their dynamic hooked me early on—their initial resistance to each other felt believable, and I enjoyed watching that slowly shift into something more layered. It never felt rushed, and I appreciated how their relationship developed alongside all the danger around them rather than taking over the story.
The magic system was another highlight for me. It felt unpredictable and genuinely dangerous, which made every encounter with it more intense. I liked that it wasn’t overly explained, but instead revealed just enough to keep me curious and a little on edge.
The mystery element kept me engaged throughout. I was constantly trying to piece things together, and while I had my suspicions at times, the story still managed to keep me guessing in a satisfying way.
Overall, I really enjoyed this. It struck a great balance between dark fantasy, character-driven storytelling, and a subtle romantic thread. Definitely one I’d recommend if you like tense, magic-filled stories with complex relationships at the center.

Thank you Penguin Young Readers Group and NetGalley for the ARC!

[Annabelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

Should the title leave you in any doubt, this book goes on a witch hunt. There are definitely some clever elements in the story of To Drown a Witch, but there were also some points that, I thought, could have been improved. I liked the writing style and it made for an easy, quick read. The premise was interesting and even the breadcrumbs leading to the romance seemed to add to the story. I think that there may have been a point where there was some idea to make this an adult romantasy or it started as an adult story that developed into YA, because there are definite aspects of the romance that read for an older audience (I leave it up to parents to decide what their teens are exposed to and I've probably seen more graphic depictions in movies that are packed with teenagers, but I don't think those movies were PG). As far as the plot development, the witch hunt came with a few switch-ups and surprises. Some of these added interest, others went a bit further to make things fit together. The ending also went beyond that, not quite concluding the story but leaving more than an ample opening for a sequel.
I received advanced access to this book thru NetGalley (for which I want to thank NetGalley and the publisher, Penguin Young Readers Group - G.P. Putnam's Sons Books for Young Readers) for an honest review. The opinion expressed here is my own.

[Lindsey · Rating 5 out of 5]

*I received an ARC via Netgalley*

If I could only pick three words to describe To Drown a Witch those words would be; incredible, exciting, and devastating.

I was really drawn in by the description of this book, and from the opening chapters I could tell I would love it. The main characters, Nes and Toran, are so interesting from the start. Both with mysterious and tragic pasts, they easily captivate readers. I guess I have a slight bias here because while I do like first person pov I prefer third, so this book being third person dual pov was absolute perfect for me. The banter and yearning in this book is wonderful.

The world building is fantastic, and I hope in the sequel that we get to see some of the other places that are mentioned. I read a lot of books that include Witches and magic and felt that they were so unique in this book.

There is so much mystery in To Drown a Witch. I had so much fun coming up with theories and trying to work out what was going on. So many of the secrets and revelations blew my mind, and I love the amount of unanswered questions I'm left with. The ending of this book is easily one of the most exciting but devastating cliffhangers I've ever read. I won't spoil anything, but it made an already amazing book even better. I have no doubt that the sequel is going to be just as amazing.

[kelseys.inthelibrary · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was hooked by the combination of murder mystery, magical intrigue, and dark fantasy vibes.

Our MMC is a drunk, grieving mess of a Crown to the Prince after losing his fiancée at sea. He’s also a witch hunter and captain of the guard, tasked with stopping a string of witch drownings and brutal murders. The FMC is desperate to free her father from prison after he was jailed for desertion and she has a dangerous gift that presents its self with magic consumption: she can sniff out people with magic.

These two need each other whether they like it or not. She needs him to save her father, and he needs her to uncover The Witch. Their partnership made for such a compelling dynamic, especially with all the distrust and tension between them.

The mystery in this book kept me fully engaged. Between the strange witch symbols, the magic being drained from the trees, the ghost, the Xell, the murders, and trying to figure out why the guards were being targeted, there was always another layer to uncover. Every time I thought I had it figured out, another secret came out. And there are so many secrets!

The plot twists were excellent, and that ending? WHAT. The ending left me with so many questions, and honestly I’m mad at both main characters right now. I need the next book immediately.

Thank you to Lindsey Olsson, NetGalley, and PRH for the ARC.

[Sandrine · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked the idea of this book! In this story, the Witch is the enemy and the guards seek to kill her. Even if they do, the Witch will reborn. Our FMC, Nes, is staying in Orloena because her dad was captured for deserting the King’s Guard and is locked in a prison. After the Witch attacks guards, Nes and Toran, a King’s guard, enter a bargain where Nes will help him find the Witch in exchange of the release of her dad.
I enjoyed the relationship between Toran and Nes, they were reluctant allies, but tried to build trust together. There were many plot twists and it kept the story engaging. I liked how complex the relationships and pasts of the characters were, it helped to understand more their actions.
However, I don’t think I would classify this book as a YA book. Some themes were definitely heavier and there was a scene where sexual content was present and not just vaguely alluded to. For me, this is more of an adult book.
Nonetheless, it was a good story that kept surprising me. The tension between Toran and Nes was well done. With the way it ended, it does seem like there might be a sequel and I’m interested to read it !

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for an arc of this book, opinions are my own.

[Beth · Rating 4 out of 5]

A dark, atmospheric tale with a haunting pull

To Drown a Witch is the kind of story that slips its fingers around you slowly, tightening with each chapter until you realize you’re fully immersed in its eerie world. Lindsey Olsson blends folklore, tension, and emotional depth with a deft hand, creating a narrative that feels both intimate and unsettling.

What stands out most is the atmosphere; moody, mist‑soaked, and threaded with a sense of dread that never overwhelms but always lingers. The magic system and witchcraft lore feel fresh, grounded in emotion rather than spectacle, and the way Olsson ties power to sacrifice gives the story real weight.

The characters are compelling, especially the protagonist, whose internal conflict adds a human heartbeat to the darker elements. While a few pacing moments could have been tighter, the overall experience is gripping and evocative.

This is a beautifully shadowed tale, mysterious, emotional, and just dangerous enough to keep you turning pages long after you meant to stop. A strong, atmospheric read that leaves its mark. And wondering if it just ended like that...

Thank you to Netgalley, Penguin Random House, and Putnan for this review copy.

[Kate Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.
I should first disclose that the author is a friend of mine and I was super excited about her first book being published.
To Drown a Witch is a perfect book if you really wanted another book to read similar to Crimson Moth(heartless hunter). There are dangerous secrets being kept and bit of a mystery to unravel. The FmC is snarky and resilient.
The book is multi POV following Nes ( a girl who can smell magic and is involved in the criminal underworld of the capital city trying to save her dad from prison) and Toran (companion to the prince and possible next king). The two banter and possibly fall in love as the search for the Witch who the kingdom believes is evil and wants to murder.
There are some good twists and turns at the end with reveals that aren’t all obvious.
The writing is simple easy and straightforward. It was a breeze to read through.
The characters had fairly well built out backstory’s and motivations.
I did have a couple issues with the book. One Toran’s backstory was too close to fridging. I don’t like when a males motivation is built off the death of his previous love interest. Secondly there was a plot point in here that got a little too close to incest for my liking.

[Chelsea Walsh · Rating 4 out of 5]

To Drown a Witch is a fantastic debut that hits all the right notes for fans of dark romantasy. Lindsey Olsson has created a world that feels both lush and dangerous, centered around the city of Gadore and a looming threat of a reborn Witch.

The highlight for me was the dynamic between Toran, a member of the King's Guard, and Nes, a thief who can literally "sniff out" magic. Their enemies-to-lovers tension is electric and feels earned; it's the kind of slow burn that keeps you glued to the page. The mystery of the Witch's return adds a high-stakes layer that makes the urban setting feel truly lived-in and menacing.

I’m giving this 4 stars instead of 5 only because the middle felt a bit dense with lore. There were moments where the pacing dipped while explaining the history of the different magical factions, which pulled me out of the immediate action. However, the final act delivers some truly shocking twists that I didn't see coming and more than made up for the slower patches.

If you love stories with a gritty atmosphere, morally gray alliances, and a romance that packs a punch, you definitely need to pick this one up.

[Tee · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a fun, twisty, and entertaining read!

I loved the vibes of this setting—the gritty seaside city really spoke to me. Even if the rest of the world wasn’t 100% clear to me, I didn’t mind that because I still enjoyed what was presented on the page.

The characters were the best part of this book, specifically the dynamic between Toran and Nes. Their banter was top notch! The way they both trusted and distrusted each other throughout the novel was so compelling, even as they fell in love. The secondary characters were great too, and I hope we get to learn more about them in the second book (especially when it comes to Prince Kohen, who has the potential to be a compelling character).

I loved that this book had so many twists and turns. I do wish that some of them were explained a bit more, as I was confused at times as to how certain characters drew certain conclusions. But it was still an entertaining read, and I think other readers will feel the same if they don’t think too deeply about certain aspects.

I am very much looking forward to the sequel. Thank you so much to Penguin and NetGalley for allowing me to read the eARC!

[Mikaela · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5-4 ⭐️

This was a slow start for me, but the second half completely pulled me in.

To Drown a Witch follows Nes, a thief who can sense magic, and Toran, a royal guard hunting a deadly Witch. The two are forced into an uneasy partnership that slowly turns into something more as the danger around them escalates.

This took me a bit to get into. The pacing felt slow at first, but around the 60–65% mark, it really picked up and the plot twists started coming. From that point on, I was hooked.

I really liked Nes as our FMC, and I enjoyed the reluctant allies to something more dynamic between her and Toran. That said, this reads more upper YA or New Adult, with some darker and more mature elements.

I did wish for more depth in the world-building. There are interesting locations and concepts mentioned, like the Ditch, but not enough detail to fully bring them to life.

The ending gave me slight Crimson Moth vibes, which made me curious to see where the series goes next. I’m also hoping we get more from the side characters in future books.

Overall, a slower start but a stronger second half. I’ll be continuing the series.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.