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Death Witch Rising: A Novel
Not yet published
Expected 26 Jan 27In an alternate Victorian London, a witch with the ability to see the dead and an ex-witch hunter collide, and sparks fly even as they try to save the world from the Devil himself.
Analise is a death witch, able to see and hear the dead, but she was raised by nuns in a world where her magic is banned. Content with her job in a morgue in London’s slums, her one friend, and the drink that keeps the voices of the dead at bay, her life is thrown sideways when she meets a ghost with a message.
Meanwhile, Ezra, once the city’s most notorious witch hunter, now lives life on the edge, using his fists for his gangster boss. When he’s asked to track down a death witch for the Church, he uncovers a secret society and the beginning of the end of days.
In a city drowning in smog and secrets, death is never the end—it’s the beginning of a war for your soul. As the Devil begins calling in his debts, Analise and Ezra are forced to face the wounds of the past while fighting for the souls of the world. And yet, it’s the emotional minefield between them that might prove the most challenging of all.
Analise is a death witch, able to see and hear the dead, but she was raised by nuns in a world where her magic is banned. Content with her job in a morgue in London’s slums, her one friend, and the drink that keeps the voices of the dead at bay, her life is thrown sideways when she meets a ghost with a message.
Meanwhile, Ezra, once the city’s most notorious witch hunter, now lives life on the edge, using his fists for his gangster boss. When he’s asked to track down a death witch for the Church, he uncovers a secret society and the beginning of the end of days.
In a city drowning in smog and secrets, death is never the end—it’s the beginning of a war for your soul. As the Devil begins calling in his debts, Analise and Ezra are forced to face the wounds of the past while fighting for the souls of the world. And yet, it’s the emotional minefield between them that might prove the most challenging of all.
- GenresRomance
Kindle Edition
Expected publication January 26, 2027
About the author
K.M. Schumacher
4 books32 followersAuthor also writes as Kate Schumacher
KM Schumacher writes speculative fiction for an adult audience. Expect horror themes, romance, damaged characters, flawed systems and a critique on human nature.
A City of Smoke and Demons is the first book in the Daughers of Lilith duology.
KM Schumacher writes speculative fiction for an adult audience. Expect horror themes, romance, damaged characters, flawed systems and a critique on human nature.
A City of Smoke and Demons is the first book in the Daughers of Lilith duology.
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
A Devilishly Good Start to a New Gothic Fantasy Series 😈
I came for the spooky gothic vibes and stayed because the emotionally constipated death witch and guilt-ridden ex-witch hunter refused to communicate like normal people.
⭐4/5
🌶️ 4/5
Set in a smog-filled, Victorian-inspired London, Death Witch Rising is everything a gaslamp romantasy should be. K. M. Schumacher weaves together an intriguing magic system, a unique take on familiars, religious conspiracies, secret societies and a looming threat from the Devil himself.
The atmosphere is dark, dangerous and oppressive, with clear class divisions and constant reminders that death is never far away. From the poverty and desperation of the Credges to the power struggles between the Church, the Crown and those fighting against them, Schumacher has created a deliciously gothic world that had me hooked from the first chapter.
Having spent years hiding both herself and her powers, Analise is deeply lonely and convinced that keeping people at arm's length is the only way to keep herself and those around her safe. Watching her slowly learn to trust others, embrace her abilities and gain confidence made for a satisfying character arc. I particularly enjoyed that many of her later choices were driven by her own determination rather than events simply happening to her. Analise's abilities remain mysterious enough to keep unfolding throughout the story while still feeling consistent, and her magic plays a crucial role in solving the central mystery rather than acting as a convenient plot device.
Formerly the Church's most celebrated witch hunter, Ezra is burdened by overwhelming guilt over the women he helped condemn. His self-loathing never feels melodramatic because it's backed by genuine remorse and a sincere desire to do better. His struggle with addiction, his haunted past and his determination to protect Analise make him a wonderfully layered hero. Also, somehow Ezra is a blonde MMC who managed to avoid giving me the ick — which, honestly, deserves an achievement badge.
His history creates genuine conflict, and when Analise discovers who Ezra really is, the betrayal lands exactly as it should. Rebuilding that trust takes time, making every small moment between them feel meaningful.
Ezra is truly the king of yearning. He constantly puts Analise’s safety before his own, even when he believes he deserves nothing in return. Their banter is effortlessly woven into the story, providing moments of warmth and humour without undermining the darker tone. The chemistry between them evolves naturally from physical attraction into something far deeper, and by the final chapters I was completely invested in their relationship. Their emotional connection is every bit as satisfying as their romantic chemistry, and I cannot wait to see where their story goes next.
While Analise and Ezra’s relationship is central to the story, the larger conflict involving the Devil, the Church, the Order of the Dawn and the persecution of death witches is just as engaging. This never feels like a romance with fantasy elements added on afterwards — both sides of the story are equally important.
The supporting cast also deserves praise. Jem, Lira, Maddog and Tobias all help make the Order of the Dawn feel like a genuine group with its own history, conflicts and motivations, while adding different perspectives to the growing conflict.
My only small criticism is that the discussion surrounding Jem and Lira’s experiences as half-Chinese Londoners was interesting but very brief. Given how thoughtfully the novel explores other forms of persecution, I would have liked this aspect to receive more depth.
Asmael, the Devil himself, remains largely in the background throughout the novel, but his influence is felt constantly through demons, familiars and the mysterious demon marks. Rather than lessening the threat, this makes him feel even more unsettling, with the story focusing on the terrifying consequences of his plans instead of relying on frequent appearances.
The pacing remains consistently strong throughout, with new revelations arriving at just the right moments to keep the mystery moving. The ending resolves the immediate conflict while leaving plenty of unanswered questions surrounding the Church, the Crown and Asmael's larger plans. It feels satisfying while still setting up the next instalment beautifully.
Basically: I finished this book wanting answers, more Analise and Ezra moments, and the next instalment immediately. Also, possibly someone to explain why fictional men with tragic backstories are apparently my weakness.
Tropes
Light and Dark Magic
Enemies to Lovers
Witch × Witch Hunter
Forced Team-Up
Forced Proximity
One Bed
Secret Society
Save the World
Supernatural Mystery
Found Family
Content Warnings
Addiction
Graphic violence
Murder
Death
Corpses/morgue scenes
Demonic possession
If you like gothic atmospheres, dark magic, religious conspiracies, supernatural mysteries and a messy enemies-to-lovers romance between a death witch and a former witch hunter, then pick up Death Witch Rising on 26 January 2027.
Thank you to Alcove Press and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I came for the spooky gothic vibes and stayed because the emotionally constipated death witch and guilt-ridden ex-witch hunter refused to communicate like normal people.
⭐4/5
🌶️ 4/5
Set in a smog-filled, Victorian-inspired London, Death Witch Rising is everything a gaslamp romantasy should be. K. M. Schumacher weaves together an intriguing magic system, a unique take on familiars, religious conspiracies, secret societies and a looming threat from the Devil himself.
The atmosphere is dark, dangerous and oppressive, with clear class divisions and constant reminders that death is never far away. From the poverty and desperation of the Credges to the power struggles between the Church, the Crown and those fighting against them, Schumacher has created a deliciously gothic world that had me hooked from the first chapter.
Having spent years hiding both herself and her powers, Analise is deeply lonely and convinced that keeping people at arm's length is the only way to keep herself and those around her safe. Watching her slowly learn to trust others, embrace her abilities and gain confidence made for a satisfying character arc. I particularly enjoyed that many of her later choices were driven by her own determination rather than events simply happening to her. Analise's abilities remain mysterious enough to keep unfolding throughout the story while still feeling consistent, and her magic plays a crucial role in solving the central mystery rather than acting as a convenient plot device.
Formerly the Church's most celebrated witch hunter, Ezra is burdened by overwhelming guilt over the women he helped condemn. His self-loathing never feels melodramatic because it's backed by genuine remorse and a sincere desire to do better. His struggle with addiction, his haunted past and his determination to protect Analise make him a wonderfully layered hero. Also, somehow Ezra is a blonde MMC who managed to avoid giving me the ick — which, honestly, deserves an achievement badge.
His history creates genuine conflict, and when Analise discovers who Ezra really is, the betrayal lands exactly as it should. Rebuilding that trust takes time, making every small moment between them feel meaningful.
Ezra is truly the king of yearning. He constantly puts Analise’s safety before his own, even when he believes he deserves nothing in return. Their banter is effortlessly woven into the story, providing moments of warmth and humour without undermining the darker tone. The chemistry between them evolves naturally from physical attraction into something far deeper, and by the final chapters I was completely invested in their relationship. Their emotional connection is every bit as satisfying as their romantic chemistry, and I cannot wait to see where their story goes next.
While Analise and Ezra’s relationship is central to the story, the larger conflict involving the Devil, the Church, the Order of the Dawn and the persecution of death witches is just as engaging. This never feels like a romance with fantasy elements added on afterwards — both sides of the story are equally important.
The supporting cast also deserves praise. Jem, Lira, Maddog and Tobias all help make the Order of the Dawn feel like a genuine group with its own history, conflicts and motivations, while adding different perspectives to the growing conflict.
My only small criticism is that the discussion surrounding Jem and Lira’s experiences as half-Chinese Londoners was interesting but very brief. Given how thoughtfully the novel explores other forms of persecution, I would have liked this aspect to receive more depth.
Asmael, the Devil himself, remains largely in the background throughout the novel, but his influence is felt constantly through demons, familiars and the mysterious demon marks. Rather than lessening the threat, this makes him feel even more unsettling, with the story focusing on the terrifying consequences of his plans instead of relying on frequent appearances.
The pacing remains consistently strong throughout, with new revelations arriving at just the right moments to keep the mystery moving. The ending resolves the immediate conflict while leaving plenty of unanswered questions surrounding the Church, the Crown and Asmael's larger plans. It feels satisfying while still setting up the next instalment beautifully.
Basically: I finished this book wanting answers, more Analise and Ezra moments, and the next instalment immediately. Also, possibly someone to explain why fictional men with tragic backstories are apparently my weakness.
Tropes
Light and Dark Magic
Enemies to Lovers
Witch × Witch Hunter
Forced Team-Up
Forced Proximity
One Bed
Secret Society
Save the World
Supernatural Mystery
Found Family
Content Warnings
Addiction
Graphic violence
Murder
Death
Corpses/morgue scenes
Demonic possession
If you like gothic atmospheres, dark magic, religious conspiracies, supernatural mysteries and a messy enemies-to-lovers romance between a death witch and a former witch hunter, then pick up Death Witch Rising on 26 January 2027.
Thank you to Alcove Press and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I loved this book so much! I’ve had the opportunity to read it twice now, and it was arguably better on the second go around. It really is unlike anything I have ever read before. The unique magic system sucked me in instantly. I loved the idea of some people having magic and other people having the ability to track those with magic. I had the opportunity to read this when it was indie published, and I just knew I needed to reread it now that it’s received its trad makeover. It did not disappoint.
The plot of the book was fun, tense, gripping, and so magical. I genuinely don’t know if I could describe it if I tried, but I was addicted and couldn’t put it down. I quickly became obsessed, and I was genuinely sad when I finished, even though it wasn’t my first time doing so. The last like 70 pages had me on the edge of my seat! Even though we don’t really have a cliffhanger, the action leading up to the end had me gasping, crying, laughing. I couldn’t put it down. Even on the second read, this book is still so tense and addicting. I read so much that I actually forgot some plot points and found myself reacting like it was my first time reading.
This book has action, magic, romance, moments that’ll make you laugh and cry, and the gothic horror atmosphere of this book is exactly what I needed. The Victorian setting really added to the chilling atmosphere. If this were set at any other time, it wouldn’t have worked quite as well, so kudos to the author for picking the absolutely perfect, haunting setting. It feels very authentic and magical in its own special way. I’d say it feels very comparable to City of Gods and Monsters and Deathbringer.
This book has the greatest yearning and banter. Ezra is the king of yearning. He doesn’t care what happens to himself as long as she is okay. And the banter was certainly top tier banter. They have such a perfect dynamic. Their back and forth was absolutely everything. It was done so well and integrated into the story so smoothly. Their tension is also incredible. I love their love. I can’t wait to see what comes from their romantic story in the next book. They deserve a million pages just to express their love.
I cannot wait to see what comes next. Reading this book for a second time rekindled my obsession, and it’s going to take me so long to get over it.
This series is so incredible and deserves so much love.
Thank you very much to Alcove Press and NetGalley for an arc of this book in exchange for an honest review.
The plot of the book was fun, tense, gripping, and so magical. I genuinely don’t know if I could describe it if I tried, but I was addicted and couldn’t put it down. I quickly became obsessed, and I was genuinely sad when I finished, even though it wasn’t my first time doing so. The last like 70 pages had me on the edge of my seat! Even though we don’t really have a cliffhanger, the action leading up to the end had me gasping, crying, laughing. I couldn’t put it down. Even on the second read, this book is still so tense and addicting. I read so much that I actually forgot some plot points and found myself reacting like it was my first time reading.
This book has action, magic, romance, moments that’ll make you laugh and cry, and the gothic horror atmosphere of this book is exactly what I needed. The Victorian setting really added to the chilling atmosphere. If this were set at any other time, it wouldn’t have worked quite as well, so kudos to the author for picking the absolutely perfect, haunting setting. It feels very authentic and magical in its own special way. I’d say it feels very comparable to City of Gods and Monsters and Deathbringer.
This book has the greatest yearning and banter. Ezra is the king of yearning. He doesn’t care what happens to himself as long as she is okay. And the banter was certainly top tier banter. They have such a perfect dynamic. Their back and forth was absolutely everything. It was done so well and integrated into the story so smoothly. Their tension is also incredible. I love their love. I can’t wait to see what comes from their romantic story in the next book. They deserve a million pages just to express their love.
I cannot wait to see what comes next. Reading this book for a second time rekindled my obsession, and it’s going to take me so long to get over it.
This series is so incredible and deserves so much love.
Thank you very much to Alcove Press and NetGalley for an arc of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Romantasy is not my most read genre by any means, so I urge you to consider this review with that in mind. I was drawn to Death Witch Rising by the alluring promise of a Victorian atmosphere—lit gaslamps and shadowy corners, eerie and enticing. While the grungy streets of London are present, they serve as background setting and not much else. In that same vein, there is a severe lack of diversity in location—a bulk of the novel really takes place in two buildings.
The beginning starts off with a fair bit of infodumping. Aspects of the world are given to the reader forthright, not integrated through the narrative. Analise, our female main character, lives a plodding life in the slums and therefore doesn’t know anything about the secret underbelly of London. And despite being a death witch, she doesn’t know how or why she has magic powers; she can barely wield them. To add to that: the magic system is very vague and ambiguous. It is less of a system and more of a general presence.
Additionally, the book is very anachronistic, from the prose style to the dialogue to the fashion. It reads very contemporary and you will find scant historical elements or details. Perhaps not a grievance to others, but I was really expecting, and looking forward to, a truly Victorian read.
I was also ambivalent to the main characters. They were very mercurial, and the angst between them seemed a touch overwrought. I did adore the supporting cast though, namely Jem and Lira.
Ultimately, I want to say, and emphasize, that it is a unique story and I can very much appreciate that, but I’m afraid it just wasn’t for me. I’d still recommend it to more seasoned romantasy enjoyers looking for something beyond the standard dragons and fae!
Thank you to NetGalley and Alcove Press for the opportunity to read this book.
The beginning starts off with a fair bit of infodumping. Aspects of the world are given to the reader forthright, not integrated through the narrative. Analise, our female main character, lives a plodding life in the slums and therefore doesn’t know anything about the secret underbelly of London. And despite being a death witch, she doesn’t know how or why she has magic powers; she can barely wield them. To add to that: the magic system is very vague and ambiguous. It is less of a system and more of a general presence.
Additionally, the book is very anachronistic, from the prose style to the dialogue to the fashion. It reads very contemporary and you will find scant historical elements or details. Perhaps not a grievance to others, but I was really expecting, and looking forward to, a truly Victorian read.
I was also ambivalent to the main characters. They were very mercurial, and the angst between them seemed a touch overwrought. I did adore the supporting cast though, namely Jem and Lira.
Ultimately, I want to say, and emphasize, that it is a unique story and I can very much appreciate that, but I’m afraid it just wasn’t for me. I’d still recommend it to more seasoned romantasy enjoyers looking for something beyond the standard dragons and fae!
Thank you to NetGalley and Alcove Press for the opportunity to read this book.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Death Witch Rising by K.M Schumacher follows the story of death witch Annalise who lives in the slums of London and takes to drinking, sex and spending time with dead bodies in the morgue. Then she meets Ezra Tarrenfire or better known as Ezra Ives, a human blood hound who can detect a blood witch by just looking at them.
🆃🅷🅴 🅶🅾🅾🅳:
I liked the writing style and the story setting.
I loved the smut in this. These two hate each other to the core but will always find a way stumbling in each others beds because of the attraction.
I loved the way how religion, a monarchy, social aspects of a society, magic and science were written in this story.
Lira's death came like a shock. The way the sentence on the next page made me scream 'oh no...' was the saddest thing ever. Jem's devastation on seeing his dead sister's body and screaming suddenly made my heartbreak.
I LOVED LOVED Jem and Lira in the book. They were the best supporting characters after John the Familiar and Father Blackwood.
I loved the way how the reveal of John not being saved was revealed. When Lira said this wasn't the way we came last time, made my heart drop with dread. I was on the edge of my seat.
I love the way how Jem and Ezra's friendship was shaped. I loved how they looked out for each other and their whole dynamic was so pure.
Father Blackwood is also a very interesting character. He gave me the creeps the whole time. I have a feeling he is conspiring with Asmael behind the Order's back.
🆃🅷🅴 🅱🅰🅳:
I think the snut was in some chapters not required, but I also felt that's a me issue. They were two horny people who couldn't get enough of each other.
But other that this, I don't find anything at fault.
🆃🅷🅴 🅶🅾🅾🅳:
I liked the writing style and the story setting.
I loved the smut in this. These two hate each other to the core but will always find a way stumbling in each others beds because of the attraction.
I loved the way how religion, a monarchy, social aspects of a society, magic and science were written in this story.
Lira's death came like a shock. The way the sentence on the next page made me scream 'oh no...' was the saddest thing ever. Jem's devastation on seeing his dead sister's body and screaming suddenly made my heartbreak.
I LOVED LOVED Jem and Lira in the book. They were the best supporting characters after John the Familiar and Father Blackwood.
I loved the way how the reveal of John not being saved was revealed. When Lira said this wasn't the way we came last time, made my heart drop with dread. I was on the edge of my seat.
I love the way how Jem and Ezra's friendship was shaped. I loved how they looked out for each other and their whole dynamic was so pure.
Father Blackwood is also a very interesting character. He gave me the creeps the whole time. I have a feeling he is conspiring with Asmael behind the Order's back.
🆃🅷🅴 🅱🅰🅳:
I think the snut was in some chapters not required, but I also felt that's a me issue. They were two horny people who couldn't get enough of each other.
But other that this, I don't find anything at fault.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Our FMC is a death witch in a world where death witches are hunted down and killed; she is sort of hiding in plain sight, working for a mortician. MMC is a bare-knuckle boxer working for a mobster, and a former “unseen,” which means he has a special gift that allows him to see magic. Because of this gift, he was the most well-known bounty hunter who sent death witches to the noose. They collide one night at a bar, but don’t realize what each other are. When they get thrown into a quest to save the world from the devil and the army of ghosts he is trying to put into human bodies, while simultaneously hunting for a red-haired death witch for unknown reasons.
Okay, I am rating this book 2.8 stars because despite not really being invested in the story, I did finish the book. I feel like it would have been a 3 or 4 star read for me if the plot got on quicker and there was just a bit less “stuff” as filler. I feel like the concept of this story was really interesting and different, but the execution took a while to get to key points that I needed to understand what the characters were working towards. It was also labeled a Victorian setting, but other than it being said that was what it was, I felt that it was missing key descriptive points that the book needed throughout to really sell that setting.
If you like enemies to lovers, demon hunting, witches, ghosts, and the devil, this might still be for you!
I received this ARC from NetGalley; all opinions shared are my own and given freely.
Okay, I am rating this book 2.8 stars because despite not really being invested in the story, I did finish the book. I feel like it would have been a 3 or 4 star read for me if the plot got on quicker and there was just a bit less “stuff” as filler. I feel like the concept of this story was really interesting and different, but the execution took a while to get to key points that I needed to understand what the characters were working towards. It was also labeled a Victorian setting, but other than it being said that was what it was, I felt that it was missing key descriptive points that the book needed throughout to really sell that setting.
If you like enemies to lovers, demon hunting, witches, ghosts, and the devil, this might still be for you!
I received this ARC from NetGalley; all opinions shared are my own and given freely.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This book is outstanding! Kate Schumacher delivers another excellent read.
In a genre (romantasy) that has become quite samey, this book delivers a unique and interesting story and magic system.
Set in Victorian London, it’s dark, moody and gritty.
The main characters deliver tension and yearning in the most delectable way. Enemies to lovers at its finest.
🌶️🌶️🌶️ on the spicy scale, done tastefully and deliciously.
I will be recommending this book to everyone.
In a genre (romantasy) that has become quite samey, this book delivers a unique and interesting story and magic system.
Set in Victorian London, it’s dark, moody and gritty.
The main characters deliver tension and yearning in the most delectable way. Enemies to lovers at its finest.
🌶️🌶️🌶️ on the spicy scale, done tastefully and deliciously.
I will be recommending this book to everyone.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I just finished this amazing story and I really enjoyed it. It’s so beautiful and the use of magic is even more interesting. It feels magical when reading this book. I definitely recommend it. Thank you to the publisher or author for gifting me this ARC for exchange on a review.
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews