Portrait of a Witch Undone

by K.S. Shay

For fans of Starling House and A Discovery of Witches with a Thomas Crown Affair  a contemporary New England coven hides the mysteries that lurk in the marshes north of Boston—and how they are connected to the largest unsolved art heist in modern history.

Once, Maeve Ryan was the strongest witch of her generation. But Maeve messed up a spell to contact the Lady of the Fens, an eerie Revenant who lures the unwary to their deaths in the brackish marshlands of the North Shore. Maeve destroyed her reputation, hurt her best friend Ash, and tainted herself with unbound, wild magic that transforms witches into insane Revenants.

With unbound power eating away at Maeve’s mind, all she wants is to get rid of her magic. Forever. But Ash’s research into how the spell went awry leads in an unexpected the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, and a link between the Lady and a decades-old art theft worth $500 million. When Ash disappears through a stolen painting’s empty frame, Maeve has to follow.

Inside is the Other Marsh, a haunting, deadly realm where only the Lady’s rules apply. Within this half-world lie secrets about North Shore’s history, Maeve’s failure, and the fate of the masterpieces that disappeared over three decades ago. But as Maeve fights toward the truth, she risks her friendship, her coven, and her life against enemies hiding in plain sight.

Genres: Fantasy, Adult, Fiction, Witches, Magical Realism, Historical Fiction, Mystery

Kindle Edition

Expected publication August 25, 2026

About the author

K.S. Shay is a writer and lover of all things strange, creepy, and magical. Find her online at ksshaywrites.com or hang out with her on social media @ksshaywrites everywhere.

Reviews

[BookishKB · Rating 4 out of 5]

✨🔮 Portrait of a Witch Undone 🔮✨

Overall I liked this book and the concept was interesting. I do wish the flow had been stronger, but I liked how in depth the relationship building was. There was a strong focus on platonic relationships, even more than the romantic ones, which I appreciated.

That said, every single character was unlikable, toxic, and honestly pretty power hungry. That is not always a deal breaker for me, but they were constantly betraying each other throughout the story and I didn’t love that.

There was also quite a bit of info dumping and filler scenes. The ending was basically nonstop, and I honestly wish she had ended up on her own. I hated the MMC.

🖤 What to Expect
• Witch coven
• Toxic friendships
• New England
• Portal elements
• Supernatural
_ _ _ _

⭐ Final Score: 3.25 stars
📅 Pub Date: August 25, 2026
📝 Thank you to Kensington Publishing and NetGalley for the advanced copy. All thoughts are my own.

[fiona ☁️ · Rating 5 out of 5]

big thanks to netgalley and the publisher for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review. all thoughts are my own.

✨️ 4.5

🕯soundtrack🕯

slowdive - avalyn II
tori amos - bells for her
death cab for cutie - meet me on the equinox
roadkill ghost choir - everywhere
wolf alice - moaning lisa smile
...and you will know us by the trail of death (yes that's the bandname lmao) - don't look down
radiohead - everything in its right place
the twilight sad - there's a girl in the corner
folly and the hunter - moth in the porchlight
florence + the machine - witch dance
agnes obel - stretch your eyes
halsey - bells in santa fe
radiohead - climbing up the walls
the cure - plainsong
halsey - people disappear here
skullcrusher - maelstrom
florence + the machine - rabbit heart (raise it up)
bright eyes - when the curious girl realizes she is under glass
the smiths - this night has opened my eyes
loathe - is it really you?
the national - light years
radiohead - street spirit (fadeout)
bat for lashes - moon and moon
poe - haunted
mazzy star - blue light
witch post - spell

🔮 my thoughts 🔮

"there is magic everywhere."

literally started jumping up and down my room in excitement when i got approved for the ARC, because the premise sounded like the coolest thing i have laid my eyes upon in a long long time. witchcraft, creepy marshlands, a connection to a REAL UNSOLVED ART HEIST IN THE 1990s ???? i love witches, i love heists, i love art - sign me tf up already !! i literally cancelled a few plans for the weekend because all i wanted to do was dive headfirst into "portrait of a witch undone" (incredible title btw, i'm obsessed with it). and as it turns out, that was a very wise decision on my part - because i could not put this book down. it pulled me in, swallowed me whole, swept me away into the marshlands.

this genuinely has one of the most unique concepts i've ever encountered in a book. i don't even want to explain it too much, because i don't think i can, but i am in awe of k.s. shay for coming up with this insanely cool idea of combining witchcraft and art, and for being willing to get so weird and creative with it. the descriptions and the way things work can get a little chaotic and confusing at times, but i still was fully along for the ride every second. this also threw me down the fascinating rabbit hole of the real gardner museum heist (a place i really really want to visit now), although i gotta say that i like what this book does with it much better than the most likely explanation of what really happened. the strongest leads all point to the mafia, which is just so... lame lol. i choose to believe in the witchy version :)

🔮

other things i really appreciated in this book:

🕯the strong emphasis on friendship and platonic bonds between characters (there is romance, but the non-romantic relationships are just as significant, if not more so)

🕯 speaking of the romance: i wasn't sure how to feel about it at first, but in the end i was surprised how much i grew to love maeve and her love interest together! there were a few scenes of these two just being there for each other and keeping each other company in the midst of all the chaos around them that really did it for me (he helps her save the frogs that infiltrated her cursed marsh-apartment - and they say romance is dead!)

🕯 there is one theme that all of the central characters grapple with in different ways: the feeling of not being enough, of being unable to live up to the expectations of others. i really loved how the book handles this, and how each character individually learns to grow and come into their own.

🕯 i'm obsessed with how eerie and unsettling and gross this book gets occasionally.

🕯 the writing is very descriptive and atmospheric and whimsical !!

🕯 very random but i love that the witches in this book actually ride on broomsticks. it's something we barely see in most modern depictions of witches and that's a damn shame imo. if i were a witch, i'd probably do nothing but fly around on my broom all day and look cool

🔮

the only tiny criticisms i have is that it occasionally does get a bit hard to follow what's happening because there's just SO MUCH happening all the time, also the dialogue feels a bit clunky and repetitive here and there. but since this is a very early copy, this might get edited further down the line.

all in all, this really was such a fun, immersive read with an incredibly original concept! i can very much see myself revisiting this during the autumn months, at dusk, when the air is full of whimsy and weird magic.

[Katie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Part Piranesi, part witchy coven sisterhood story that will steal your heart. The marsh-filled museum is a crazy (read: CRAZY) setting that is its own strange character seeping throughout the pages of this book just as it seeps through the empty, stolen frames from the very real Gardner heist. Truly one of the most unique books I've read in a long time!
I was lucky the author let me read an early copy, and this checks all the boxes of my favorite kind of book: contemporary fantasy, biting prose, nature magic, action and adventure, stolen paintings, a dash of body horror? Shut up and take my money! If you loved The Once and Future Witches by Alix E. Harrow, or Ink Blood Sister Scribe by Emma Törzs, you won't want to miss K.S. Shay's debut.

[justine ⊹ ࣪ ˖]

⋆˚꩜｡

pre-read : my request for an arc at netgalley and edelweiss was approved!! here goes to witches and mysterious museum paintings ⭑.ᐟ

[Bazia · Rating 3 out of 5]

this story concept felt like a very unusual bridge between fantasy and reality✨
i honestly haven’t read something quite like this in a long time and that originality was one of the strongest parts of the book!

however, there was also a lot of information to absorb. at times i really wished for a clearer glossary or maybe a place where all the mentioned images and references were collected together. by the very end i felt quite confused, which unfortunately affected my final rating.

i was also surprised that the main character is 23. many of her thoughts and decisions felt much younger to me
romance storyline worked, but personally i was craving a little more depth there

overall, this story holds massive potential and has a very unique idea at its core. for me the ending became a bit chaotic, which is why it lands at 3 stars, but it was still an interesting and memorable read

big thanks to netgalley and the publisher for providing me with an arc in exchange for an honest review🤍

[Hanna · Rating 4 out of 5]

3,75 ⭐️

Thank you NetGalley for the arc!!

The concept of this book was amazing. I’ve honestly never read anything quite like it before, which is rare, because most stories draw inspiration from somewhere and I can usually tell which book or idea something evolved from.
But here, I couldn’t. The idea of the museum and the paintings containing spells that allow you to step inside them, each with its own world, was absolutely fantastic.

Unfortunately, the beginning of the book made it a bit difficult for me to fully immerse myself, so I ended up taking a small reading break. In the first chapter I noticed two spelling or grammatical mistakes and some word repetitions, which prematurely made me assume that the book might not turn out very good.
I was wrong though. When I picked it up again and started reading, it kept getting better and better.

The romance was very subtle and didn’t take over the story, which is something I always appreciate. The friendship was also portrayed well, although it definitely would have benefited from a bit more communication between the characters.

The middle part of the book felt slightly long at times, but I think that was necessary for the story. Without it, the events probably wouldn’t have carried the same emotional weight.

The ending was a little chaotic and somewhat over the top, but honestly that happens in many books and has become a bit of a recurring issue I’m almost used to by now.

All in all, it was a lovely story and definitely a book I could see myself buying just to have it sitting on my bookshelf. The cover certainly plays its part in that as well hehe

[Aida ☾ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Maeve said manifestation is witchcraft, so I’m officially a witch.

[Kylie Niedermeyer · Rating 5 out of 5]

The comps to Harrow and Kingfisher don’t lie, Shay is a *gorgeous* writer. I loved this book 🥹♥️

[Ellie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh. My. GOD. Portrait of a Witch Undone has changed me - in the book’s own terms, you may even say I have become unbound from my previous understanding of witchy horror ✨🖤

Maeve Ryan is towing a thin line between all her life was building up to and the grave consequences she’ll face if she fulfils this fate. But when her lifelong friend and Casting Partner Ash goes missing after raving about a coven fable, Maeve can no longer hide in her denial. And so their adventure into another world - behind an infamous art heist - begins.

K S Shay’s writing throughout is the exact blend of all my favourite writers - perceptive and sharp and fun and evocative to the point where I was feeling goosebumps along my neck. Her tone shifts as the narrative commands it, giving way to character driven scenes that allow the dialogue and actions of Maeve, Ash, Imani and Gabriel to really shine; other times we fall back into the description-laden exposition, which are so brilliant at evoking fear, longing, and wonder. There is no point in the story where Shay’s prose felt like wading through the text - unless she was making it so in order to build fear and suspense - instead she stitches together scenes with a level of craft that immerses you entirely into her world.

Maeve is a wonderful character to experience the story through. Her insecurities are complex and you feel her anxiety for the people she loves mixed with the loathing she feels (both towards herself but also at the people who incorrectly push her) so strongly. Our secondary characters (Ash, Gabriel and Imani) support Maeve’s narrative while still having motives of their own - they’re fully fleshed characters whose stories continued to move outside of our main plot, which once again really helped create a world that felt real. The coven’s dynamic in relation to these characters is so interesting, and Shay has clearly thought about this as a theme for lost (and found) family.

I have to dedicate some of my review to Maeve and Gabriel’s relationship because oh my god the loathe to lovers trope here is SO GOOD. Is there a kind of third act break-up that irked me a little - yes. But for the most part watching these two fall into one another was so much fun and I love how the ending leaves their story.

I also need to dedicate a paragraph to Ash and Maeve. These girls are siblings in every way that matters. They share an unwavering love that leads them to doing things they think are right for one another, without realising this is what will also cause them to drift apart. Shay has expertly handled this dynamic, and over every other relationship in the story, Ash and Maeve’s has so much relatability to it, covering themes of jealousy and unfathomable love in a way that only presents in sisterhood.

The lore and world building in this magic system is once again incredibly thorough. With the likes of bound and unbound magic, Revenant witches, alchemy and magical broomstick pins (so cool), it’s clear Shay has worked hard to create a unique world for readers that takes from what we know within the genre without replicating anything else. I felt as though Shay succeeds in giving us enough information to keep us readers in the loop without overwhelming us, and with witches who excel differently (Maeve with her hereditary knowledge from the matriarch, Ash and her academic approach to magic, Gabriel’s history of covens) we are able to get a well rounded understanding of how the world in Portrait of a Witch Undone operates.

Overall, I was so pleased with this book. I didn’t want to end, and I cannot wait for it to be published later in the year so I can grab a copy!!

A huge thank you to Kensington Publishing and NetGalley for the arc ✨🫶

[Ines]

I received an ARC through NetGalley in exchange for a review.

There are many things one could praise about "Portait of a Witch Undone." For starters, the premise is truly unique. Maeve is a witch who messed up a big spell recently, which left her best friend Ash hurt and both of them scarred. While Maeve desperately seeks a way to rid herself of her powers, Ash disappears into one of the frames of a stolen paintings in the Isabella Stewart Gardener Museum. Being a dedicated friend, Maeve must follow suit.

The main cast of this book is really well-written. Maeve is an unconventional protagonist and she seems to fight the forces of the plot at every turn, but somehow the story always finds a way to convincingly bend Maeve to its will. Though I'm not really into romance elements in stories, I did like the dynamic between Maeve and her love interest and I felt like they had good banter. The rest of the cast, however? Nowhere near as good. I didn't like the way the antagonists spoke in almost comically evil ways in certain passages and I could not get behind their motivations at all. It all just seemed a little juvenile to me.

The pacing in this book is definitely something. I'm not sure if I like it or not. The plot is really tight and fast-paced. There's really not a single boring moment, which makes this a great book to get out of a reading slump. At the same time, there is SO MUCH going on here for a 400 page book! Some detours did not need to be taken, in my opinion. The story dragged a little towards the end in particular.

Something I took issue with while reading this was the shallow treatment of a very relevant-to-the-plot femicide. I think this event deserved to be treated with more nuance and not merely some tragedy that just happened. The repercussions this had on the people involved were not considered by the narrative at all and in my opinion really should have been.

All in all, a very solid debut that could've been made better by cutting some of the more redundant parts of the story in favour of expanding others.

[Sonia Koss · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐️ (rounded up) This was such a unique contemporary fantasy, centered around the 13 paintings stolen from the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum in 1990. The way the author blends witches and magic into a real life unsolved heist felt seamless and incredibly original. I genuinely haven’t read anything quite like it before.

My one critique is that there were moments where I struggled to fully picture the scenery. The writing is gorgeous and very intricate, but at times it felt almost too intricate, and I found myself rereading a few paragraphs just to be sure I was following what was happening. That said, it’s still a beautifully written, thoughtfully crafted story, and I’m so grateful I had the chance to read an eARC of it.

Thank you so much to NetGalley and Erewhon for this eARC in exchange for my honest review!

[Jean Roberts · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it. Fun, twisty, original.

[Nancy ☾.⋆ · Rating 3 out of 5]

Portrait of a Witch Undone is a story about modern witchcraft and its ties to an unsolved art heist, riddled with convent secrecy and a sharp lesson about how time can erode history. It was unique and fascinating, and I applaud the author for her creativity because I have never read anything like this before.

I struggled with the pacing and my dislike for the main protagonist. Maeve spent a majority of the time brooding like a heroine from a bodice-ripper. She grappled with being a failure in her family and convent. As the action unpacked, she was driven by stubbornness and sheer will alone and lacked any real talent. She might be a witch who fell into disgrace, but she was no underdog. Also, imagine my surprise when I found out that she was a 23-year-old adult woman. This book was marketed as fiction for adults, yet many of the characters read YA to me.

For my witchy girlies who imagined they would chase their best friend through peril, this book is for you.

[Katie Story · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 ⭐️ (rounded up to 3⭐️)

When I saw this book on NetGalley, I was very excited for the premise; however, I ended up with mixed feelings. The concept is strong and genuinely unique, blending witchcraft with a real-life art heist. I especially enjoyed how much art and art history were incorporated into the story and the fact that the heist is inspired by an actual event added an engaging layer of realism.

I moved quickly through the first part of the book, then struggled with the pacing in the latter half. While the coven lore and magic was interesting, the last half felt both rushed and overloaded with information. The romance also didn’t fully work for me and didn’t add much to the overall story.

Overall, this is a creative and ambitious novel with some compelling elements, particularly for readers interested in witchy stories and art history, but pacing issues kept it from fully landing for me.

[Betsy Fulmer · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a good book. There were times when I felt like I was very lost in the story and had to go back and reread an entire section because I found myself distracted and didn't take in anything I read because I completely lost interest. I do feel like parts were unnecessarily long. I loved the scene development. I could really picture the museum and the other museum. The characters were well developed. The story itself was just a little off at times for some reason. I didn't know if it was the style of writing or just the topic in general that I just couldn't stay engaged with. Overall, it was good. I would recommend for young adults maybe. Definitely not written for a more mature audience.

[Shani · Rating 2 out of 5]

I received a copy of this from NetGalley.


I enjoyed this book, but at the same time, I struggled with it. I read it over the course of a week, flying through half of it in a single day and then finding it hard to push through the rest. I’m not sure if that was on me or the book itself. It’s definitely a unique story—the basic plot (though there’s nothing basic about it) centers on a witch, the granddaughter of the Coven’s matriarch, whose magic has recently started feeling wrong—“unbound,” as it’s called. Unbound magic is dangerous; it can transform you into a strange creature that feeds on magic, which is essentially the main “villain” of the story. There were plenty of elements I really liked, such as the incorporation of the real-world theft of paintings, which was an interesting touch, and the setting, which worked well. However, toward the end, when the action really picks up, it feels like there’s both too much information and not enough at the same time. This might be one of those books that benefits from a second read to fully take in all the details, but unfortunately, it’s not one I feel compelled to revisit

[TheReallyBadReviewer · Rating 4 out of 5]

-My Review
A note to readers: I’m reviewing this book based on an Advanced Reader Copy. Thanks NetGalley and Erewhon (an imprint of Kensington Publishing Corp) for the opportunity to read this book and provide an honest review.
Who am I? I write a book blog focused on interpreting bad reviews to help readers determine not if a book is good or bad but if it’s right for them. For the more in-depth version of this review, you can follow me at thereallybadreview.substack.com.
So, let’s dive in.
-My Expectations
A witch coven meets art heist plot. This could either be awesome or a really bad mashup. I genuinely didn’t know which to expect. The book blends Sabrina-style occult vibes with real‑world art history, using the Gardner heist as a backbone. The art references are frequent but approachable, though some readers unfamiliar with the paintings may feel a bit lost at times. Make sure you Google.
-Main Characters
Maeve is a once‑powerful witch now afraid of her corrupted magic, pulled into a fight to save her coven and herself. Ash is her strategic, loyal best friend whose disappearance drives the plot. Gabriel (love interest with secrets) and Imani (rival torn between coven loyalty and doing what’s right) add tension and complexity.
-Notes on Perspective
The narration is first‑person past tense, but the prose is polished and intentional rather than diary‑like. Maeve’s voice reads like a skilled narrator, not a stream‑of‑consciousness teen. However, some readers who are used to reading older characters may find Maeve immature or too teen-like. (As if turning twenty suddenly transforms people from irresponsible brooding teenagers into rational, mature adults—she’s twenty-three and she acts twenty-three, imo).
-Tone
This is firmly in the "new adult" category. Not YA. Not graphic adult. It avoids graphic content while still incorporating body horror and darker scenes. Readers expecting gore, spice, or older protagonists may find it too light, but those wanting atmospheric, creepy fantasy focused on themes of identity, responsibility, and navigating early adulthood will enjoy it.
-Language and Readability
The prose sits around a ninth‑grade reading level: accessible, clean, and engaging without being simplistic. It’s not lyrical or ornate, but it’s effective and easy to follow. Mild swearing appears only when appropriate, and the writing is strong for a debut.
-Theme
The book explores new‑adult themes like reconciling past and present selves, finding purpose, and stepping into adulthood with intention. It also touches on history, legacy, and learning to live with imperfection.
-Pacing and Structure
The opening third moves quickly, introducing the world and diving into full-blow action by chapter seven. The middle third slows down for character work and problem‑solving, which may feel laggy or “YA‑ish” to some readers, especially with noticeable plot convenience. The final third picks up the pace for a fairly strong (if convenient) finish.
-The Bad Reviews
Normally, I look at the bad reviews a book receives and try to translate them for readers. Since this is an ARC, there aren’t many other reviews. So, I’m going to tell you what I noticed.
-Top 3 Issues:
1. Setting Authenticity
One question kept popping into my mind: Is the author from Massachusetts, or did they just visit after hearing about the art heist? There’s a noticeable difference between writing a place you know and writing a place you Googled, and readers from the Northeast may ask that question. The setting descriptions did not feel authentic to me.

2. Underdeveloped Character Descriptions
First, everyone is introduced by their race. I really appreciate and respect avoiding the “only non-white characters” flaw by introducing everyone, including white characters, by race. At the same time… sometimes it’s the only concrete descriptor we get. Height? Build? Hair length? Distinguishing features? Clothing? Personality cues? Sparse to nonexistent or painfully vague.

Another example: Gabriel may or may not wear glasses—I don’t remember. Ash was definitely introduced with glasses, but the glasses must be magic. As someone who wears glasses, I can confirm: if I’d gone through even half the things these characters went through, my glasses would not survive without significant noticeable effort on my part. No effort by these characters, though.

There just wasn’t a lot of thoughtfulness in the character descriptions generally. These inconsistencies make it hard to form a clear mental picture, especially with so much action happening around them.

3. Plot Convenience and Minor Errors
So. Much. Plot. Convenience. Not true plot holes—well, most of the time—but lots of convenience. This novel was very action-focused and, as a result, certain plot points felt pretty patched over. If you’re a fast reader who really gets into the action, I don’t think you’ll mind. If you’re highly detail-oriented and analytical, this book might start to bug you by the halfway mark.

Check out my full review for more discussion on these points.
-Reader Recommendations
You might like this book if you: enjoy new adult fantasy, atmospheric witchcraft settings, art‑heist vibes, accessible prose, and event‑driven plots with light description.
You probably won’t like this book if you: need rich sensory detail, airtight world‑building, mature protagonists who make smart decisions, or graphic horror and spice.
If you’re looking for a dark, gruesome, explicit horror novel, this is not it.
It’s a creepy, imaginative new adult fantasy with inventive magic, fast pacing, and a strong sense of atmosphere—not the best book ever, but impressive for a debut author.
Want me to read and review a book so you know if it’s worth the plunge? Visit my blog or contact me here to suggest a book for review.

[Kourtney L · Rating 5 out of 5]

Captivating world and character building that made for a book that I couldn’t put down.

It addressed some serious topics (namely loss, navigating relationships, decisions that aren't black and white) in a way that is digestible to adults or to teenagers/YA. The story felt fully fleshed out, incorporating real-world research about native people and covens. AND the (no spice) romance was catching and flowed with the plot.

Thank you, K.S. Shay for the opportunity to read this work of art prior to release! I loved it!

[Leanne Poussard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Witches and art heists and the Power of Friendship!! Checked all my boxes. This novel had me on the edge of my seat, it was one of those rare ones that kept me up until 4am to finish it. I was thrilled to be able to read the early drafts and I’m so excited for everyone else to get to read it.

[Majestia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Can't wait for the release so I can relive the magic all over again! ✨ Thanks for kicking off my new obsession with art heists and the Gardner Museum. 💖

[Victoria Night · Rating 4 out of 5]

First, this book is 4.5 stars from me. I was struggling to decide between 4 stars or 5 so I decided to settle in the middle and I'll explain.

According to the description, this book is targeted to the fans of Starling House, A Discovery of Witches, and Thomas Crown Affair; offering “a contemporary New England coven hides the mysteries that lurk in the marshes north of Boston - and how they are connected to the largest unsolved art heist in modern history”. Honestly, this description confused me a bit. I’m afraid to admit that before picking up this book, I never heard of the Isabella Stewart Gerdner Museum Theft but I am thankful for K.S. Shay quickly summarized the theft and (for the ebook, unsure about the physical copy) provides links for readers to learn more information if curious.

The book follows the supposed strongest witch of her generation, Maeve Ryan. Due to a misfortune during an important spell casting, both Maeve and her best friend Ash were injured as a result. While Ash was injured physically, Maeve was tainted, her magic becoming overwhelmed with the unbound. The unbound, wild magic that consumes a witch until nothing remains but a husk, driven insane as Revenants. That is her fate unless she does the unimaginable, remove her magic.

The reason for all this mess? A spell to contact the Lady of the Fens, a Revenant who roams the marshes of North Shore. While Maeve searches for that one last spell, Ash researches why their spell failed and all the leads point to the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum and its famous theft. I’m honestly trying to make sense with this connection but, hey, it works for the story.

From this point, you can probably guess where this is going. In hopes for answers, Ash pushes a bit too far and disappears into a space hidden behind the empty frames and Maeve has to follow. Except, she ends up with an unwanted companion. One who has his own troubles she doesn’t want nor care to acknowledge.

Similar to Alice Through the Looking Glass, behind the frames and into the hidden space lies the Other Marsh. A deadly realm where the Lady of the Fens rules. It is here where hidden truths and lies mix together, revealing more about North Shore’s history and their connection to the Lady. If that wasn’t bad enough, remember Maeve’s unwanted companion? A fellow witch named Gabriel whose troubles decided to interfer with North Shore’s issues. Amazing. Now, Maeve must decide, continue on her original goal or risk everything to save her friends, coven and the marshlands that refuses to forget.

So, final thoughts; Portrait of a Witch Undone is a good book. A bit overwhelming with all the details that we are given. There are chapters where I wish for the pace to slow just a bit and iron out some of the events that are occurring. Near the end when the final confrontation is about to occur, the pacing appears to speed up to the point I had to pause and reread sections to completely understand what just happened. Though, I absolutely loved the twist at the end. To me, it was beautifully written since I did not see it coming but it made perfect sense.

Thank you NetGallery and the publisher for the eARC. It was an enjoyable read.

[Rae · Rating 4 out of 5]

(I received an eARC from the publisher in exchange for my review.)

Overall Rating: 4.2/5
Spice Level: 0.5/5
Character Growth: 3.5/5
Plot: 4.5/5
Humor: n/a

Maeve, granddaughter of the coven's matriarch and the presumptive successor, has been struggling with her magic since a spell gone wrong. She's becoming unbound—a threat to her coven and those she loves. Maeve has a plan to fix the problem, but things go awry when her best friend thinks she can bring great power to their coven and find the missing Isabella Stewart Gardner paintings as well.

I had fun reading this. I was incredibly interested in the story and I couldn't wait to find out what happened to all of our characters. The plot was incredibly unique, and I liked that there wasn't a ton of worldbuilding or explanation of how their magic worked in order to understand the story. The author did an excellent job creating characters that weren't necessarily good, bad, or "morally gray". They simply were human, with human emotions and desires. Nobody was written as a caricature character—everyone had nuance.

One of the issues I had while reading was the author introducing every. Single. Character. By race/ethnicity. "A white woman with a black hat...a white boy with floppy hair...a black girl my age...a white lady...a white guy..." I think this was the author's attempt at being inclusive, but it was very jolting and in a novel that required a lot of imagination to follow the plot, it felt like the author didn't want us to have any imagination when thinking about the characters. The first chapter of the book used incredibly vivid language, but that style of writing faded quickly and made way for some seriously lame character descriptions.

The second issue I had with the story was that it was a little difficult to follow at times. The plot was strong, but there were a lot of moving pieces. I thought to myself at one point, "This reads like the author knows exactly what's happening and the back story of every single character, but they're having a hard time clearly relaying information to us." I was still able to enjoy the book a lot, but this isn't a book to read in a place with a lot of distractions.

[Lae]

it was honestly pretty good...I rounded up from 4.5 as I don't think 4 is fair for this book
there is just sooo much I enjoyed here that I am not even sure I'll get it all down, but as someone who loves to read witch related stories and adventures, this is quite a unique one and a pretty original take! the whole world setup took a while to understand as everything was given as small clues here and there, as if it weren't as important as the characters and their relationships. which takes me to my second favourite thing after the originality of the story: the relationships between characters!! people in this book are definitely not black or white - this book acknowledges that every single person has great and not so great things, and our walks in this life depend on how well we manage both. same for relationships ! and when I say this I definitely do not meat romatinc relationships - while there is one I don't think it's really that important. the friendship between the group though: that was great to read! enemies to friends? check! best friends to independent and deeply flawed but with an inherent friendship above everything else? check!! and even: I don't fully understand you yet, but you share my interest for knowledge and art so deeply that there's no way I don't trust you? check!

I really enjoyed that not everything gets fixed at the end : some things cannot and that's just life. I also enjoyed all the twists and turns...

honestly the more I think about it the more I find that I could write.
the reason why it's not 5 stars is mostly that at times I got lost. there are many descriptions throughout and sometimes I didn't know where they were anymore, what they needed to do, which things was being fought, which person was saving which, who had been kidnapped or not.. it was a LOT happening at times. for me it was ok - I just assumed it wouldn't matter or it would make sense later.
and fortunately I was right and it didn't stop me from enjoying it. for reference this mostly happened in the marsh, not outside of it.

ok, I think this is all I can muster now. I really enjoyed this read and appreciate being given a copy to review by NetGalley!!!!

[Alyssa Radigan · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC received in exchange for an honest review 

This was a pleasure to read from beginning to end.  I loved the magical explanation for real world events and how the magic system felt realistically meshed with a version of our real world.  

Maeve is a frustrating character, but in a good way.  She occasionally comes off as feeling younger than 23, but it's also believable for someone with controlling parents/grandparents to be floundering at that age when faced with their first real problem they want to fix on their own.  Ash, Imani, and the others are fully fleshed out characters with strengths and weaknesses that balance themselves/the story well.  I enjoyed that the story acknowledges the role racism and colonialism would have on a coven and the power of geographic based magic in the Americas.

The beginning of this book is well paced, the middle slows down tremendously to explain a lot of lore.  There's a really enjoyable building of our understanding of the history of the coven and it's revenant, as well as flesh out the magic system's function.  I personally enjoyed the middle section, but I am someone who loves diving into that kind of world building.  

The last quarter of the story moves very quickly, which is good for the fighting that happens.  I was on the edge of my seat to see how things worked out in the end.  The one antagonist's end was very satisfying after he was such a prick through the story.

I enjoyed the breaking of coven traditions to create something new that worked for all the younger generation members.  It was overall a nice story of breaking family expectations and work together instead of against each other.  The romance sub-plot was just enough to be enjoyable without it being a major focus of the story.  There's no instant love here, but they're just enjoying their attraction to each other.

I highly recommend giving this book a shot if you liked "A Discovery of Witches" but found the romance a bit much.  This story really hit the spot and I'm so glad I read it.

[Leanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Portrait of a Witch Undone is the kind of novel that wraps you in its atmosphere from the first page—a lush blend of New England folklore, art‑world intrigue, and the aching vulnerability of a witch who has lost faith in her own power. Maeve Ryan is a wonderfully complex protagonist: once brilliant, now fractured, carrying the weight of a spell gone wrong and the wild, unbound magic slowly consuming her. Her desperation to rid herself of that power gives the story a poignant emotional core.

The world‑building is exquisite. The marshlands north of Boston feel alive—brackish, eerie, and threaded with the presence of the Lady of the Fens, a Revenant whose mythology is both chilling and strangely beautiful. The way the novel ties this supernatural lore to the real‑world Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum heist is clever and seamless, giving the story a fresh, unexpected edge. When Ash disappears through the empty frame of a stolen painting, the narrative shifts into something even more enchanting and dangerous.

The Other Marsh is a standout creation: a half‑world that feels dreamlike and deadly, full of secrets that echo through Maeve’s past and her coven’s history. Every step Maeve takes there feels weighted with consequence, and the tension builds with elegant restraint. The stakes—her sanity, her friendships, her very identity—are always palpable.

What lingers most is the novel’s emotional depth. This isn’t just a story about magic gone awry; it’s about forgiveness, the fragility of trust, and the courage it takes to face the parts of ourselves we’d rather abandon. The writing is lyrical without ever losing clarity, and the mystery at the heart of the stolen masterpieces unfolds with satisfying precision.

A captivating, atmospheric read perfect for fans of Starling House, A Discovery of Witches, and anyone who loves their fantasy infused with art, folklore, and a touch of the uncanny.

My thanks to KS Shay, the publisher and netgalley for the ARC

[Daira · Rating 4 out of 5]

There will always be a special place in my heart for books about witches, and “Portrait Of A Witch Undone” would easily make it to top ten, what with it’s added bonus of marsh setting and real-life-art-heist-with-a-twist plot point.

The story follows Maeve, a previously one of the strongest witches in her coven now turned family disappointment, as she tries to navigate her current condition. Being a witch unable to use her powers is difficult enough, but when her best friend Ash gets sucked into a frame of a famously stolen artwork from the Gardner museum, Maeve has no choice but follow right after her - no matter the consequences.

Despite being set in late autumn (and getting published in August? certainly a choice), this book felt timeless: the sour water drenched atmosphere, the discussions about real life (and imagined) artwork, the birds as characters and as background and as part of the magic of it all. I did not realize this before sitting down to write the review, but this book gets yet another point in its’ favor for doing art portals in a new and imaginative way; it reminds me of my childhood favorite (“Inkheart” by Cornelia Funke), both similar and yet so different, and finding me at just the right time in my life.

It’s hard to believe that this is a debut book, especially after getting through the first few chapters and reading about every single characters race stated with their introduction (I understand why it was done, but not why it was done this way, exactly), as everything else felt well rounded and polished. Besides the miscommunication plot point that persisted until almost the end of the book, but that’s just a personal preference thing. Other than that, I’ve no complaints, and would wholeheartedly recommend this book to anyone interested in witchy, atmospheric stories with friendship at their core.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Abbi :) · Rating 4 out of 5]

The concept of this novel was one of the most unique that I have seen in a while. It is a fun combination of historical fiction and fantasy. The story is based around the largest unsolved art heist in America at the Isabella Stewart Gardner museum in Boston, Massachusetts. While this story is fictional, it was very cool to involve a real life event so prominently in the story.

Our FMC , Maeve, is a disgraced witch from the North Shore witch coven, which is one of the many witch covens spread around the states. There was an incident last year with her best friend, Ash, and she refuses to practice magic to the disgrace of her family. One day, Ash thinks she made of discovery regarding the missing artwork from the museum leading her to be involved in a dangerous plot. With the help of Gabriel, an uncovened witch from another coven, Maeve embarks on a journey to save her.

The heist vibes were immaculate. I love how we had a group of people that did not fit together whatsoever initially come together to find a way to save their coven. I am a sucker for found family. The lore of the coven was also explained fairly well in a simplistic manner that was easy to follow. I thought the pacing was great as well with a great balance of action sequences.

The only thing that left a little to be desired was the romance. I never felt much a spark with the characters, and I feel as if it didn't add much to the story. It could've been entirely omitted and I still would gave enjoyed the story just the same.

Really enjoyable witchy story. Perfect to read in the fall months!

Thank you to Kensington Publishing and Netgalley for the E-arc in exchange for an honest review!! All thoughts are my own.

[Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Portrait of a Witch Undone is a darkly atmospheric and richly imaginative work that distinguishes itself through its commitment to the grotesque and the uncanny. Marketed as a read for fans of Starling House, it delivers the level of visceral intensity and surrealism that some readers may have hoped for in that comparison title. Shay leans fully into the macabre, crafting a narrative that is both visually vivid and thematically layered.

The novel follows Maeve, a witch of considerable but fractured potential, whose broken magic threatens to harm those around her. The world-building; portals hidden within paintings, a magically charged Rembrandt, a nomadic coven with dangerous ambitions creates a compelling fusion of occult lore and artistic symbolism. The museum setting, particularly resonant for readers familiar with New England, adds an additional layer of authenticity and atmosphere.

Shay’s prose is notably immersive. Her descriptive precision makes the supernatural elements easy to visualise, enhancing the novel’s momentum and sense of place. While the magic system is not exhaustively codified, its fluidity suits the novel’s dreamlike tone and remains coherent enough to support the narrative’s internal logic. The romantic elements are present but restrained, offering warmth without overshadowing the central arc of witchcraft, danger, and personal transformation.

Overall, Portrait of a Witch Undone is a compelling and atmospheric novel that balances grotesque imagery with emotional depth. Shay’s confident storytelling and imaginative world-building make it a strong addition to the genre. Thank you to NetGalley, Kensington Publishing, and K. S. Shay for the opportunity to read this ARC ahead of its release on August 25th, 2026

[Brodiebert · Rating 4 out of 5]

Spice Level: 0/5

Portrait of a Witch Undone is a truly unique and unsettling read. If you enjoyed the eerie and grounded yet magical atmosphere of Alix E. Harrow’s Starling House, this will feel very familiar. The descriptions are vivid and atmospheric without being overly wordy. The plot is fast paced with a fantastic twist I genuinely didn't see coming. It is the kind of story that lingers in your mind; it gave me some very strange dreams!

While the story is exciting, I found myself frequently confused by the terminology like Revenant, Helix, and Stranded. I really felt the lack of a glossary. While an author shouldn't necessarily over-explain, re-introducing these unique concepts more than once would have helped bridge the gap between fast paced and confusing. I spent a bit too long feeling confused and waiting for things to click that should have been clearer from the start.

One of my main critiques is the relationship between the MFC and MMC. It was hard to feel any real chemistry between them, and I suspect it was the author's intent to keep the reader guessing about his true motives. Because there was very little yearning or connection built, it often felt like he might just be using her. While this added to the overall mystery, the relationship still felt a bit like an afterthought compared to the very well fleshed out plot.

This is a very original story with a surreal feel that had my imagination working overtime. Despite my initial confusion it was a very enjoyable read.


Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Tess · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really enjoyed the concept of this book. The idea of combining a real event with modern-day witchcraft and fiction was fantastic. Using the spectacular Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum art heist as the basis was a great idea.

I loved the magic system in this book, and it's clear that the author has done thorough research into both art history and modern-day witchcraft. I would have liked to see a little more sigil magic lore apart from the museum frames. The world-building was so well executed and the setting so beautifully described that I felt transported to the marsh alongside Maeve and the others.

I liked Maeve, and I felt sorry for her and the trauma she endured after her spell went terribly wrong. I also enjoyed Ash's character and how their friendship evolved. Personally, I did not need the romantic element in this book, it did not add anything to the story.

Some of the characters did not quite live up to my expectations. Emmet's only apparent personality trait was that he was the villain of the story. I found it difficult to understand why the coven trusted him over Maeve.

There were also some pacing issues. Some sections were slightly repetitive and a little too drawn out, while others, especially towards the end, could have been more detailed. In comparison to other parts, the Lady’s tragic backstory was relatively short.

Overall, though, I really enjoyed the concept, and I think the story has a lot of potential. It was beautifully written, and I enjoyed reading it.

My overall rating: 3.5 ⭐️

Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Publishing for the advance copy.