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Crimson Storm
A cursed sea. A crew of liars. And an ending that will wreck you.
After Jade unleashes her forbidden lightning magic to save her classmates from a brutal attack at Blaze Academy, there's no more hiding what she is. Now, every powerful force in the supernatural world wants to control her, capture her, or kill her.
So she flees the island on a stolen ship into dangerous seas with Logan Ashford—the man she loves, who would kill for her and rewrite time for her. They’re also joined by Logan’s ex-girlfriend Callie, Jade’s roommate Evie, and Kieran Cross, the school’s deadliest weapons instructor who’s getting dangerously close to Evie.
But while the monsters in the water are deadly, the secrets on the ship are worse. And when an ancient trial forces hidden truths into the open, what Jade discovers will shatter the crew, break her heart, and change the course of her fate forever.
Crimson Storm is the electrifying third book in USA Today bestselling author Michelle Madow's Witch Blade series. It’s perfect for fans of Fourth Wing's heart-wrenching romance, ACOTAR's morally gray heroes and spice, and The Odyssey reimagined with heat and heartbreak.
After Jade unleashes her forbidden lightning magic to save her classmates from a brutal attack at Blaze Academy, there's no more hiding what she is. Now, every powerful force in the supernatural world wants to control her, capture her, or kill her.
So she flees the island on a stolen ship into dangerous seas with Logan Ashford—the man she loves, who would kill for her and rewrite time for her. They’re also joined by Logan’s ex-girlfriend Callie, Jade’s roommate Evie, and Kieran Cross, the school’s deadliest weapons instructor who’s getting dangerously close to Evie.
But while the monsters in the water are deadly, the secrets on the ship are worse. And when an ancient trial forces hidden truths into the open, what Jade discovers will shatter the crew, break her heart, and change the course of her fate forever.
Crimson Storm is the electrifying third book in USA Today bestselling author Michelle Madow's Witch Blade series. It’s perfect for fans of Fourth Wing's heart-wrenching romance, ACOTAR's morally gray heroes and spice, and The Odyssey reimagined with heat and heartbreak.
- GenresRomantasy
279 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 30, 2026
About the author
Michelle Madow
166 books3,490 followersMichelle Madow is a USA Today bestselling author of romantasy novels filled with forbidden love, elemental magic, and epic twists that readers never see coming. With over four million books sold and translations in multiple languages, her addictive stories have captured hearts around the world.
She wrote her first novel in college and never looked back. Now, with over fifty books published, she spends her time dreaming up magical realms and devastating romances that keep readers hooked from page one.
Originally from Maryland, she's lived everywhere from Florida to New York City. After a winding journey, she's back in NYC, where the city's magic rivals anything she could dream up on the page.
When she’s not writing, she’s likely getting lost in the magical world of reading, plotting her next big twist, or reminiscing about her travels to all seven continents.
She wrote her first novel in college and never looked back. Now, with over fifty books published, she spends her time dreaming up magical realms and devastating romances that keep readers hooked from page one.
Originally from Maryland, she's lived everywhere from Florida to New York City. After a winding journey, she's back in NYC, where the city's magic rivals anything she could dream up on the page.
When she’s not writing, she’s likely getting lost in the magical world of reading, plotting her next big twist, or reminiscing about her travels to all seven continents.
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
September 9, 2026
Good book but at the time I was reading i had not realized I read book before the other 2 haha
June 24, 2026
Jade loves Logan everything he's done for her since she arrived at the academy has shown her that he loves her to although at times it kinda feels overwhelming like there's something he knows that he isn't telling her. Could it just be the multiple time jumps he's made to save them and jumps that Jade probably doesn't even know about as he doesn't want her worrying or is it something more damning, also being stuck on the ship with his ex and their friends isn't helping her worry.
As they journey on there are trials coming up because of course there is it wouldn't be the magical community if there wasn't trials, but being made to face everything thats happened recently while also having to face her best friend who has been searching for her brother whom Jade knows is no longer alive well is taking a toll on Jade but its all coming to ahead secrets will be revealed, friendships and trusts broken maybe even beyond repair. Will they all make it to the mortal realm alive guess you got to read to find out but personally I can' t wait to see what happens next
As they journey on there are trials coming up because of course there is it wouldn't be the magical community if there wasn't trials, but being made to face everything thats happened recently while also having to face her best friend who has been searching for her brother whom Jade knows is no longer alive well is taking a toll on Jade but its all coming to ahead secrets will be revealed, friendships and trusts broken maybe even beyond repair. Will they all make it to the mortal realm alive guess you got to read to find out but personally I can' t wait to see what happens next
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 7, 2026
Without question, this is the darkest book I have read by Ms. Madow. NOT a gentle YA love story! In fact our protagonists are dealing with some strong dislike near the end.
I suspect the next (last) book will fix everything & give us the HEA's that Michelle is known for. I'll admit, being old & single I prefer the HEA's (as I don't see it happening for me in real life), but I'm not the target audience here. It also took me awhile to mentally catch up to the end of book 2; at about 1/3 through my memory & immersion was good.
Logan & Jade are on 2 different sides of end of the word, & are also in love (as much as possible) How MM resolves that will be interesting. Jade's best friend HATES her; partially with cause, mostly (in my opinion) with over reacting.
& then we have Avery & prof Tobias who has 800 years of Vampire memories, At least it's not boring!
I suspect the next (last) book will fix everything & give us the HEA's that Michelle is known for. I'll admit, being old & single I prefer the HEA's (as I don't see it happening for me in real life), but I'm not the target audience here. It also took me awhile to mentally catch up to the end of book 2; at about 1/3 through my memory & immersion was good.
Logan & Jade are on 2 different sides of end of the word, & are also in love (as much as possible) How MM resolves that will be interesting. Jade's best friend HATES her; partially with cause, mostly (in my opinion) with over reacting.
& then we have Avery & prof Tobias who has 800 years of Vampire memories, At least it's not boring!
August 17, 2026
Considering how many years I’ve been reading Michelle’s books, I shouldn’t be surprised. Yet again, she found a way to surprise me. Michelle has a way to keep her readers on the edge of their seats, and just when you think you know what’s coming next, she surprises you with another unexpected twist. There is a reason that she is one of my favorite authors. I do feel that Witch Blade is one of the darker series. From the moment that I picked up Crimson Storm, I couldn’t pull away and stayed up late, reading.
I loved that it was multiple perspectives, giving the story so much more depth. Each character was different and viewed everything differently, so it was interesting to see it from their perspective. I was anxious that Jade didn’t tell Evie about Oliver. I was afraid that if Evie found out, it wouldn’t end well for Jade. I love Jade, and while I understood why she did it, I didn’t always agree with her choices. Jade has come a long way since the first book; she is much more determined and confident in herself and her powers. After that ending, I’m curious to see what awaits Jade next.
The descriptions in this book were outstanding; I could see it all in my mind as I read. I think this series would make an amazing movie or TV show. I loved the way that Michelle intertwined her twists in this one; some surprised me more than others. The minute that I turned the last page, I wanted to read the next one. Witch Blade has become one of my favorite series by her, and I cannot wait for more!
I loved that it was multiple perspectives, giving the story so much more depth. Each character was different and viewed everything differently, so it was interesting to see it from their perspective. I was anxious that Jade didn’t tell Evie about Oliver. I was afraid that if Evie found out, it wouldn’t end well for Jade. I love Jade, and while I understood why she did it, I didn’t always agree with her choices. Jade has come a long way since the first book; she is much more determined and confident in herself and her powers. After that ending, I’m curious to see what awaits Jade next.
The descriptions in this book were outstanding; I could see it all in my mind as I read. I think this series would make an amazing movie or TV show. I loved the way that Michelle intertwined her twists in this one; some surprised me more than others. The minute that I turned the last page, I wanted to read the next one. Witch Blade has become one of my favorite series by her, and I cannot wait for more!
July 16, 2026
The Crimson Storm is another fantastic addition to the series, and honestly, Michelle Madow just keeps delivering. Every time I think I know where the story is going, she finds a way to surprise me.
What I loved most once again was having multiple POVs. It adds so much depth to the story and makes every twist and every battle feel even more intense. Seeing everything unfold from different perspectives makes it impossible to put the book down.
And can we talk about THAT reveal? Right before it happened, I had this tiny moment where I thought, "Wait... what if ?" ... BOOM. It was exactly that. I love when an author gives just enough clues for you to figure it out a split second before the characters do. It was such a satisfying twist.
From the very first page until the last, the action never stops. There's always something happening, the tension is constant, and every chapter leaves you wanting to read just one more. This book honestly reads by itself.
Michelle Madow continues to raise the stakes with every book, and I'm completely invested in these characters and this world. I don't know how she does it, but every book leaves me even more obsessed than the last.
I need the next book immediately!
What I loved most once again was having multiple POVs. It adds so much depth to the story and makes every twist and every battle feel even more intense. Seeing everything unfold from different perspectives makes it impossible to put the book down.
And can we talk about THAT reveal? Right before it happened, I had this tiny moment where I thought, "Wait... what if ?" ... BOOM. It was exactly that. I love when an author gives just enough clues for you to figure it out a split second before the characters do. It was such a satisfying twist.
From the very first page until the last, the action never stops. There's always something happening, the tension is constant, and every chapter leaves you wanting to read just one more. This book honestly reads by itself.
Michelle Madow continues to raise the stakes with every book, and I'm completely invested in these characters and this world. I don't know how she does it, but every book leaves me even more obsessed than the last.
I need the next book immediately!
September 13, 2026
Just no. It wasn’t bad, but it definitely wasn’t good either. 😩 What’s especially annoying is that cliffhanger because, like I mentioned with the last book, basically nothing happened and the needle barely moved. It felt like a waste of time when almost everything of importance happened within the final 50 pages.
It also feels like the author is trying to shove every magical being and fantasy world into one series. We have Greek mythology with The Odyssey references woven into the storyline, and now we also have witches, fae, shifters, AND vampires?? 😵💫 Like girl, it’s too much. Pick a world and stick to it. The constant overlapping of different mythologies and magical creatures might have worked if there were a strong overarching plot tying everything together, but there just isn’t.
At this point, the world keeps expanding while the actual plot stays stagnant, and it’s incredibly frustrating as a reader. 📚 I gave it another book to redeem itself, and unfortunately, it didn’t.
I will 100% be DNFing this series. ✌️
It also feels like the author is trying to shove every magical being and fantasy world into one series. We have Greek mythology with The Odyssey references woven into the storyline, and now we also have witches, fae, shifters, AND vampires?? 😵💫 Like girl, it’s too much. Pick a world and stick to it. The constant overlapping of different mythologies and magical creatures might have worked if there were a strong overarching plot tying everything together, but there just isn’t.
At this point, the world keeps expanding while the actual plot stays stagnant, and it’s incredibly frustrating as a reader. 📚 I gave it another book to redeem itself, and unfortunately, it didn’t.
I will 100% be DNFing this series. ✌️
July 25, 2026
Book three picks up right where book two left off. Everyone is trying to figure out what happened to Oliver.
The crew goes on a dangerous journey across a sea with monsters and during it, secrets come to life that various people have been hiding. Secrets and lies are nobody's friend. Will they make it back in one piece and still friends?
I would have liked a little more plot like the first two books instead of the couples occupied with their own relationship and "getting it on". It was a little bit more of a let down than I was expecting.
It got really exciting 65% of the way through and was just as exciting as the first two books; it just didn't have the same "magic" in the first half. It ends on an interesting cliffhanger and I'm intrigued to see how it ends in book four! I rounded from 3.5 to 4.
The crew goes on a dangerous journey across a sea with monsters and during it, secrets come to life that various people have been hiding. Secrets and lies are nobody's friend. Will they make it back in one piece and still friends?
I would have liked a little more plot like the first two books instead of the couples occupied with their own relationship and "getting it on". It was a little bit more of a let down than I was expecting.
It got really exciting 65% of the way through and was just as exciting as the first two books; it just didn't have the same "magic" in the first half. It ends on an interesting cliffhanger and I'm intrigued to see how it ends in book four! I rounded from 3.5 to 4.
July 8, 2026
Secrets and lies
Another great book in the star touched series.
They're on a boat, traveling through the sea of monsters. With Circe's words echoing in her head, Jade struggles to control her magic. A god appears to bag it up, telling them it cant be opened.
At the school, Avery begs Tobias to help her. Something is wrong with her memories. He searches her head, finding memories that have been changed. Memories of Oliver, talking about revenants.
When the group on the boat faces the Jiran, secrets are revealed. Secrets everyone has been keeping. It alters them all. Can their group survive it?
And of course, someone else knows what is going on. Someone you will never suspect.
A great third book. Full of Greek myths and secrets finally coming to light.
Another great book in the star touched series.
They're on a boat, traveling through the sea of monsters. With Circe's words echoing in her head, Jade struggles to control her magic. A god appears to bag it up, telling them it cant be opened.
At the school, Avery begs Tobias to help her. Something is wrong with her memories. He searches her head, finding memories that have been changed. Memories of Oliver, talking about revenants.
When the group on the boat faces the Jiran, secrets are revealed. Secrets everyone has been keeping. It alters them all. Can their group survive it?
And of course, someone else knows what is going on. Someone you will never suspect.
A great third book. Full of Greek myths and secrets finally coming to light.
August 16, 2026
Jade and Logan are back right where Darkest Storm left off. Stranded on a boat struggling to survive. I love that each book we get more characters POVs! It is really interested to see what’s happening on the boat and what’s happening back at school. Kieran and Evie are definitely becoming favorites of mine! The way he is battling his feelings! When the ground goes exploring they run into some edible/ not edible 🤷🏼♀️ things. Watching them navigate that was SO funny! I am becoming more of a fan of Tobias. I hope we continue to get more of his story in book 4!
The Warrior
The Scholar
The Storm Touched
The Ambitious One
The Dead One
Can you figure out who is who?
The plot twist at the end had be screaming. Michelle really knows how to end a book! The second half of the book had me completely glued to my seat trying to figure out what would happen next! I can’t wait for the next book!
“But I couldn’t stay away.”
“His silence is answer enough.”
“No matter what.”
“Kill him.”
I read through Kindle Unlimited
The Warrior
The Scholar
The Storm Touched
The Ambitious One
The Dead One
Can you figure out who is who?
The plot twist at the end had be screaming. Michelle really knows how to end a book! The second half of the book had me completely glued to my seat trying to figure out what would happen next! I can’t wait for the next book!
“But I couldn’t stay away.”
“His silence is answer enough.”
“No matter what.”
“Kill him.”
I read through Kindle Unlimited
July 4, 2026
big secret unleashed…
The next installment of the Witch Blade series continues Jade's story. We left off book 2 as Jade, Logan, Callie, Evie and Kieran began their quest to find missing Oliver. Tensions high and Jade still struggling to control her magic, they find themselves wandering the seas. Meanwhile back at the academy, Avery, Tobias and Nina have their own quests… which take a surprising turn. I loved the ups and downs of this story and the big reveal. I’m very much looking forward to the next book to see if Jade is able to finally control her magic and how she navigates the newest secrets exposed.
The next installment of the Witch Blade series continues Jade's story. We left off book 2 as Jade, Logan, Callie, Evie and Kieran began their quest to find missing Oliver. Tensions high and Jade still struggling to control her magic, they find themselves wandering the seas. Meanwhile back at the academy, Avery, Tobias and Nina have their own quests… which take a surprising turn. I loved the ups and downs of this story and the big reveal. I’m very much looking forward to the next book to see if Jade is able to finally control her magic and how she navigates the newest secrets exposed.
July 17, 2026
I can’t stop myself from flying through these books as they each are released! Each book hooks me deeper into this series. Jade and Logan, Evie and Kieran, Avery and Tobias- are all such good pairings, and I’m INVESTED! This book drops some bombshells on us, and friendships and relationships are strained and possibly fractured. The mythology and magick in this series is what piqued my interest in book 1, and I’m happy to report book 3 was STEEPED IN IT! 🤌🏼 Can’t wait to read more in book 4 about the revenants vs champions war that’s brewing! I’m rooting for the “third option,” as Nina put it.
July 2, 2026
A deadly storm & hypnotic fruit and gods of judgement, oh my!
Their dangerous journey away from Blaze Academy continues on the battered ship in "a sea of monsters" as Jade, Logan, Evie, Kieran and Callie encounter many intense challenges while Tobias and Avery search for truths and so much more back at the academy. Jaw dropping, heart pounding deception, grief, passion, fury, heartache and secrets revealed that will drastically change all their lives! It's time to choose a side.
Their dangerous journey away from Blaze Academy continues on the battered ship in "a sea of monsters" as Jade, Logan, Evie, Kieran and Callie encounter many intense challenges while Tobias and Avery search for truths and so much more back at the academy. Jaw dropping, heart pounding deception, grief, passion, fury, heartache and secrets revealed that will drastically change all their lives! It's time to choose a side.
August 3, 2026
This is a magnificent story and it continues to follow from the previous books building upon those. The surprises that showed up in this one I wasn't expecting a few of them. And they were placed very well into the storyline. One thing that I loved about this book was the multiple POVs because I feel like this gave more depth to the story and insight to what was going on through different perspectives. I also loved the tension in this it was palpable and very present. And the characters were incredible.
July 5, 2026
Book three in this incredible series and we pick up from where we left off! There’s quests galore as Jade, Logan, Callie, Evie and Kieran look for Oliver whilst Avery, Tobias and Nina are back at the academy. There’s ups and downs, twists and and turns and tensions running high as more secrets are revealed and emotions run high. Thrilling, gripping, this has you glued to the pages and unable to put this down.
July 31, 2026
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶🌶
Crimson Storm is book 3 in the Star Touched Witch Blade series and it picks up right where book 2 left off. Just as intense as the last book, the main characters are in the sea facing a series of tests and tribulations. However we get questions answered in this book that just tore my heart open 💔. I am so into this series that I am just pacing waiting for book 4 to get released!
The action, the emotions, the fantasy, I love all of it! Highly reccomend the series.
Spice: 🌶🌶
Crimson Storm is book 3 in the Star Touched Witch Blade series and it picks up right where book 2 left off. Just as intense as the last book, the main characters are in the sea facing a series of tests and tribulations. However we get questions answered in this book that just tore my heart open 💔. I am so into this series that I am just pacing waiting for book 4 to get released!
The action, the emotions, the fantasy, I love all of it! Highly reccomend the series.
July 1, 2026
Crimson Storm is another fantastic installment in Michelle Madow's Star Touched: Witch Blade series. The story keeps the momentum going with nonstop action, surprising twists, and plenty of emotional moments that had me eager to keep turning the pages. The ending left me counting the days until the next book—I can't wait to see where Michelle Madow takes these characters next!
August 15, 2026
Another stormy book in this series!
a continuation of this voyage back to the real world with a host of secrets of the main characters coming to light.
The reveals and story were done so well and the writing flow is just so easy to read.
I have really enjoyed this series and this is no exception with the greek legends being brought to life in a modern way.
a continuation of this voyage back to the real world with a host of secrets of the main characters coming to light.
The reveals and story were done so well and the writing flow is just so easy to read.
I have really enjoyed this series and this is no exception with the greek legends being brought to life in a modern way.
Review of advance copy
I'm loving this series. There are several different POVs and simultaneous locations. Some secrets were revealed that truly shocked me! If you like spicy romantasy in academy settings, you'll love this one!
Thank you to the author for the early copy. This is my honest and voluntary review.
Thank you to the author for the early copy. This is my honest and voluntary review.
June 30, 2026
HOLY PLOT TWIST!!! I was not expecting that in anyway whatsoever. Completely blew my freaking mind. This story just seems to get better and better. Evie and Kieran are finally...something. And Logan is just proving over and over just how much he'd do for Jade. Excited to see where this goes next.
June 30, 2026
Jade, Logan, Callie (Logan's ex girlfriend) Jade’s roommate Evie, and Kieran Cross (the school’s deadliest weapons instructor) set off on a journey to find out the truth about what is happening at the school. The have trial to go through and Evei learns he truth about her brother.
July 2, 2026
Another awesome fast moving cliff hanger. Jade, Evie, Kieran, Callie and Logan steal a boat to flee island after Jade unleashes her electricity. Secrets are revealed and I can't wait for next book in series!
August 13, 2026
Phenomenal series
The characters development as another installment of this series. Fantastic storyline with twists and turns. Also a surprising revelation. Looking forward to reading the next book to conclude the series. Great series.
The characters development as another installment of this series. Fantastic storyline with twists and turns. Also a surprising revelation. Looking forward to reading the next book to conclude the series. Great series.
June 27, 2026
Holy hell. I was not expecting this, but at the same time it makes so much sense ! You can feel the war building up in this book and I cannot wait to see where this goes.
July 12, 2026
It was good. I am finally excited to see where this story is going!!!
July 15, 2026
From 60% onwards it was absolutely wild
Lots of good twists
My body is so ready for the 4th one to be realeased
Lots of good twists
My body is so ready for the 4th one to be realeased
August 7, 2026
That twist was not expected. Very well done!
September 20, 2026
Loved this Series, so frustrated that the next book is not available yet.
Wow the sex,the complicated relationships and the intrigue
Wow the sex,the complicated relationships and the intrigue
Review of advance copy received from Author
So book three in the series and this is one hell of a story. I absolutely loved it. Will the intrepid crew return to the university, and will more secrets be revealed. They certainly go through it that’s for sure. Surprises abound as well. Cannot wait for the next one to see what happens next. Highly recommended.
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews