What do you think?
Between a Witch and Ruination
A prodigy witch. A king’s bastard daughter. The end of magic as they know it.
Solihka’s childhood robbed her of everything, hope, faith, and her family, leaving her only one goal-create a spell to beat death. As a prodigy witch, and top of her class, there’s true potential for her to achieve this goal. Until a spell goes wrong, putting the only person she still cares about in danger, and she must turn to darker magics to save her life.
Phaedra has been dismissed from home, a shameful reminder of her father’s past. She’s sent to the academy under the guise of gathering information for the king, but she knows the truth. No one cares what happens to her, and the academy is just somewhere to bury his burdens. But when she’s caught in the aftermath of Solihka’s spell, she may yet change the world.
Desperate to right her wrongs and save Phaedra, Solihka seeks out every powerful method of separating the talisman siphoning Phaedra’s life from her. But she must remember, that magic always comes with a price, and she may not be the one paying the debt.
Solihka’s childhood robbed her of everything, hope, faith, and her family, leaving her only one goal-create a spell to beat death. As a prodigy witch, and top of her class, there’s true potential for her to achieve this goal. Until a spell goes wrong, putting the only person she still cares about in danger, and she must turn to darker magics to save her life.
Phaedra has been dismissed from home, a shameful reminder of her father’s past. She’s sent to the academy under the guise of gathering information for the king, but she knows the truth. No one cares what happens to her, and the academy is just somewhere to bury his burdens. But when she’s caught in the aftermath of Solihka’s spell, she may yet change the world.
Desperate to right her wrongs and save Phaedra, Solihka seeks out every powerful method of separating the talisman siphoning Phaedra’s life from her. But she must remember, that magic always comes with a price, and she may not be the one paying the debt.
195 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 17, 2026
About the author
Samantha Traunfeld
6 books32 followersSamantha’s love of stories began when she was about 12—could read a whole book in a day and wrote lots of stories featuring cute ghosts. Now she writes stories about badass women, sharp weapons, and banter-y relationships.
When she isn’t writing, she’s usually cuddling her dog, starting a new craft project she might not finish, or trying to figure out how video games work. There’s a 94.6% chance you can find her curled up in a bookstore somewhere (math is not her strong suit), but if you don’t, you can find more information about her at [samanthatraunfeld.com](http://samanthatraunfeld.com/). *The Legionnaire* is her first novel.
When she isn’t writing, she’s usually cuddling her dog, starting a new craft project she might not finish, or trying to figure out how video games work. There’s a 94.6% chance you can find her curled up in a bookstore somewhere (math is not her strong suit), but if you don’t, you can find more information about her at [samanthatraunfeld.com](http://samanthatraunfeld.com/). *The Legionnaire* is her first novel.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
September 23, 2026
Such a wonderful story. Filled with love and giggles, two beautiful women. Struggles and an enchanting setting. It didn’t take long to pull me into this wonderful story and keep me captivated throughout.
September 20, 2026
ARC Review
A book that mixes comedy, passion, softness, joy, and love is about as close to a perfect smoothie of emotions that I can think of! This book carries you through all of the emotions at such quick changes- very thrilling to read!
Not only are our two FMC’s both as sexy and cute as they can be, but they also make my heart melt with their affection to one another! The shyness between them quickly becomes a burning love that neither one can fully control. It really makes the ending all the more worth it once you get to read their adorable beginnings.
One thing I will mention that I didn’t absolutely love, was the ending itself. Not that I didn’t think it was a good ending, but because it felt as though the book ended very abruptly. There was no time to process anything before I was reading the final chapter. Since the rest of the book was incredibly fast paced (which k normally hate but loved in this situation), I can see why this ending was so sudden, but I wish that it had been drawn out more.
Like their relationship! While fast, the slow burn was easy to fall in love with. They both open up to each other so beautifully, share multiple beds😏, and carry one of my favorite micro-tropes of all- “Who did this to you?”. The only thing I could have wanted more, was more time for back stories about our sweeter FMC, Phaedra. We got a fair amount about Soihka- but I would have loved to see more on both sides since we know that her childhood wasn’t the best.
If I had to give this book a summary in one word, it would be… CUTE! That’s the semblance of this entire story. Every minute, I felt like blushing and kicking my feet over this wonderfully sweet dialogue.
Can’t wait for book #3!
4/5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
A book that mixes comedy, passion, softness, joy, and love is about as close to a perfect smoothie of emotions that I can think of! This book carries you through all of the emotions at such quick changes- very thrilling to read!
Not only are our two FMC’s both as sexy and cute as they can be, but they also make my heart melt with their affection to one another! The shyness between them quickly becomes a burning love that neither one can fully control. It really makes the ending all the more worth it once you get to read their adorable beginnings.
One thing I will mention that I didn’t absolutely love, was the ending itself. Not that I didn’t think it was a good ending, but because it felt as though the book ended very abruptly. There was no time to process anything before I was reading the final chapter. Since the rest of the book was incredibly fast paced (which k normally hate but loved in this situation), I can see why this ending was so sudden, but I wish that it had been drawn out more.
Like their relationship! While fast, the slow burn was easy to fall in love with. They both open up to each other so beautifully, share multiple beds😏, and carry one of my favorite micro-tropes of all- “Who did this to you?”. The only thing I could have wanted more, was more time for back stories about our sweeter FMC, Phaedra. We got a fair amount about Soihka- but I would have loved to see more on both sides since we know that her childhood wasn’t the best.
If I had to give this book a summary in one word, it would be… CUTE! That’s the semblance of this entire story. Every minute, I felt like blushing and kicking my feet over this wonderfully sweet dialogue.
Can’t wait for book #3!
4/5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Thank you to the author for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Between a Witch and Ruination was such an enjoyable read. From the very first pages, I was completely immersed in the story and found myself wanting to keep turning pages just to see what would happen next.
One of my favorite things about this book was how effortlessly it pulled me into its world. The atmosphere felt magical and captivating, and every chapter left me eager for more. The pacing worked really well for me, keeping the story moving while still allowing important moments to have the impact they deserved.
I also loved the emotional depth woven throughout the story. The characters felt genuine, and their struggles, choices, and relationships kept me invested from beginning to end. Watching everything unfold was both exciting and rewarding.
Samantha Traunfeld has a way of creating stories that feel immersive and heartfelt at the same time, and this book was no exception. It delivered magic, emotion, and a compelling journey that kept me engaged throughout.
If you're looking for a fantasy read with an enchanting atmosphere, memorable characters, and a story that is difficult to put down, I would definitely recommend picking this one up.
Thank you again for the ARC. This was an easy five-star read for me.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Between a Witch and Ruination was such an enjoyable read. From the very first pages, I was completely immersed in the story and found myself wanting to keep turning pages just to see what would happen next.
One of my favorite things about this book was how effortlessly it pulled me into its world. The atmosphere felt magical and captivating, and every chapter left me eager for more. The pacing worked really well for me, keeping the story moving while still allowing important moments to have the impact they deserved.
I also loved the emotional depth woven throughout the story. The characters felt genuine, and their struggles, choices, and relationships kept me invested from beginning to end. Watching everything unfold was both exciting and rewarding.
Samantha Traunfeld has a way of creating stories that feel immersive and heartfelt at the same time, and this book was no exception. It delivered magic, emotion, and a compelling journey that kept me engaged throughout.
If you're looking for a fantasy read with an enchanting atmosphere, memorable characters, and a story that is difficult to put down, I would definitely recommend picking this one up.
Thank you again for the ARC. This was an easy five-star read for me.
September 30, 2026
Firts off the love story was VERY good. Once it truly started started developing, I was emotionally invested. There were scenes (like the forest) I truly loved emotionally. The pacing was inconsistent. Some part, especially the beginning was slow, but then it picked up, and then it was slow again, buti t made sense since this whole story was about the journey and love.
What I did not like was the lack of world building, and the lack of explanation of magic. The core of this story was the magic, yet very little was explained. I found it hard in the frist half of the story to get through, I constantly got pulled out because I could not understand how things were happening. I understand that this story’s main focus was the emotional aspect, yet I still very much missed the details of the world. There was an Academy we know nothing about, there was a court we also know nothing about, there was magic we also doesn’t know how it works, we simply see it happening. and not exactly a ’show, don’t tell’ way.
I absolutely can see this story as a prequel for a much bigger story, where the author could introduce to us the world, system, politics, intrigue…
The ending wasn’t as impactful as I was expecting, the final scene felt rushed, it moved too fast.
Overall I liked it, buti t could’ve been a 4.5 star.
#arc
What I did not like was the lack of world building, and the lack of explanation of magic. The core of this story was the magic, yet very little was explained. I found it hard in the frist half of the story to get through, I constantly got pulled out because I could not understand how things were happening. I understand that this story’s main focus was the emotional aspect, yet I still very much missed the details of the world. There was an Academy we know nothing about, there was a court we also know nothing about, there was magic we also doesn’t know how it works, we simply see it happening. and not exactly a ’show, don’t tell’ way.
I absolutely can see this story as a prequel for a much bigger story, where the author could introduce to us the world, system, politics, intrigue…
The ending wasn’t as impactful as I was expecting, the final scene felt rushed, it moved too fast.
Overall I liked it, buti t could’ve been a 4.5 star.
#arc
Review of advance copy
🔮ARC REVIEW🔮
Samantha Traunfeld's Novella Bewteen Witch and Ruination is a beautiful, tragic telling of sapphic love and sacrifice that leaves you touched by the characters and the love that builds between them.
If you're after a HEA then this isn't the book for you, but what transpires throughout the characters quest is a stunning story of love that wins despite the trauma both have encountered throughout their lives. Together Solihka and Phaedra have to face an insurmountable task to rid Phaedra of something that threatens their new found formidable bond, but life isn't a story book and happily ever after is rarely the truth.
Both characters were so wonderfully broken yet with each other they find what they need to be complete. And despite the novella format, the story is beautifully full of revelations and leaves the reader wishing they had more time with Solihka and Phaedra and their tragic love.
It is a perfect read to snuggle up in a cover and bury yourself in the wonderful world of magic and sapphic love that will touch your heart but leave you knowing that love wins yet can just as easily burn the world around you when its taken away.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Samantha Traunfeld's Novella Bewteen Witch and Ruination is a beautiful, tragic telling of sapphic love and sacrifice that leaves you touched by the characters and the love that builds between them.
If you're after a HEA then this isn't the book for you, but what transpires throughout the characters quest is a stunning story of love that wins despite the trauma both have encountered throughout their lives. Together Solihka and Phaedra have to face an insurmountable task to rid Phaedra of something that threatens their new found formidable bond, but life isn't a story book and happily ever after is rarely the truth.
Both characters were so wonderfully broken yet with each other they find what they need to be complete. And despite the novella format, the story is beautifully full of revelations and leaves the reader wishing they had more time with Solihka and Phaedra and their tragic love.
It is a perfect read to snuggle up in a cover and bury yourself in the wonderful world of magic and sapphic love that will touch your heart but leave you knowing that love wins yet can just as easily burn the world around you when its taken away.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Review of advance copy received from Author
ArC Read.
Thank you to Jessbeyondthepages and Sam Traunfeld for giving me the chance to read Between a Witch & Ruination.
This is a beautiful, heartbreaking story of sapphic love, magic, sacrifice, and the lengths we’ll go to save the person we love.
Solihka and Phaedra are both wonderfully broken in their own ways, yet somehow they find in each other exactly what they need. Their connection felt genuine and emotional, and I loved watching their bond grow while they faced an impossible situation.
The magic and darker elements added another layer to an already emotional story, and I especially loved how the story explored the idea that magic always comes with a price.
This is a novella, but somehow it manages to pack in so much emotion, tension, and heart. I honestly found myself wishing I had more time with Solihka and Phaedra and their complicated, beautiful love. I wish it went deeper with them.
And that ending?! WHAT?! That's all I can give.
If you enjoy sapphic romance, witches, magic, emotional characters, sacrifice, and bittersweet love stories, definitely put this one on your TBR.
Thank you to Jessbeyondthepages and Sam Traunfeld for giving me the chance to read Between a Witch & Ruination.
This is a beautiful, heartbreaking story of sapphic love, magic, sacrifice, and the lengths we’ll go to save the person we love.
Solihka and Phaedra are both wonderfully broken in their own ways, yet somehow they find in each other exactly what they need. Their connection felt genuine and emotional, and I loved watching their bond grow while they faced an impossible situation.
The magic and darker elements added another layer to an already emotional story, and I especially loved how the story explored the idea that magic always comes with a price.
This is a novella, but somehow it manages to pack in so much emotion, tension, and heart. I honestly found myself wishing I had more time with Solihka and Phaedra and their complicated, beautiful love. I wish it went deeper with them.
And that ending?! WHAT?! That's all I can give.
If you enjoy sapphic romance, witches, magic, emotional characters, sacrifice, and bittersweet love stories, definitely put this one on your TBR.
September 24, 2026
This is my second book from this author and I have to say I was enchanted once again!
Samantha Traunfeld has a way of creating a universe and world that is truly immersive and captivates you right away. It mixes elements of magic and darkness, then adds that tender touch that just has your heart melting.
I love vulnerability and characters who have been through a lot, which is something this author knows how to deliver beautifully!
Seeing love bloom unexpectedly and having you witness the two FMC’s journey really touched me. You can’t help but fall and root for them.
The dialogue and the tension were another strong point here.
I just really enjoy how this author has you escape reality for a bit with those heartwarming stories!
This is a series I can recommend if you love letting your mind rest for a bit from the storm and want to find yourself caught in a magical heartfelt world instead!
Thank you Samantha Traunfeld and JessBeyondThePages for this review opportunity.
Samantha Traunfeld has a way of creating a universe and world that is truly immersive and captivates you right away. It mixes elements of magic and darkness, then adds that tender touch that just has your heart melting.
I love vulnerability and characters who have been through a lot, which is something this author knows how to deliver beautifully!
Seeing love bloom unexpectedly and having you witness the two FMC’s journey really touched me. You can’t help but fall and root for them.
The dialogue and the tension were another strong point here.
I just really enjoy how this author has you escape reality for a bit with those heartwarming stories!
This is a series I can recommend if you love letting your mind rest for a bit from the storm and want to find yourself caught in a magical heartfelt world instead!
Thank you Samantha Traunfeld and JessBeyondThePages for this review opportunity.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Thank you to the author for providing me with a free eARC in exchange for an honest review!
Rating: 3.5/5
Between a Witch and Ruination was a decent read, though my enjoyment of it was hampered by the fact that I wasn't in the mood for this type of book. Unfortunately, even if I had been in the mood, I still would've found the prose difficult to follow. I had a difficult time telling the POVS of the characters apart, and wished the book had been a little longer so there was more time to fully explore them.
However, my gripes with this book are mostly due to the fact that I personally didn't connect with it. There are plenty of things to enjoy about Between a Witch and a Ruination—the atmosphere, for one, was deeply immersive. This story is magical, dark, and tragic, perfect for anyone who enjoys witchy reads.
Rating: 3.5/5
Between a Witch and Ruination was a decent read, though my enjoyment of it was hampered by the fact that I wasn't in the mood for this type of book. Unfortunately, even if I had been in the mood, I still would've found the prose difficult to follow. I had a difficult time telling the POVS of the characters apart, and wished the book had been a little longer so there was more time to fully explore them.
However, my gripes with this book are mostly due to the fact that I personally didn't connect with it. There are plenty of things to enjoy about Between a Witch and a Ruination—the atmosphere, for one, was deeply immersive. This story is magical, dark, and tragic, perfect for anyone who enjoys witchy reads.
September 17, 2026
Thank you to the author for providing me with an eARC of Between a Witch and Ruination.
I somehow missed that this was a second book in a series (Lore of the High Kingdom), which is my fault.
However, I did not feel like I was missing crucial information to love this story. I enjoyed it regardless. I will absolutely be going back to read the first book, Between a Girl and the Seafoam. Which, I think speaks to the author's storytelling talent. This was a really tender and tragic love story. It was a very quick read and I definitely wanted more!
I somehow missed that this was a second book in a series (Lore of the High Kingdom), which is my fault.
However, I did not feel like I was missing crucial information to love this story. I enjoyed it regardless. I will absolutely be going back to read the first book, Between a Girl and the Seafoam. Which, I think speaks to the author's storytelling talent. This was a really tender and tragic love story. It was a very quick read and I definitely wanted more!
September 25, 2026
First of all - OUCH MY HEART.
That was beautiful. Their discovering of each other. Their opening up in segments and probing just how far each of their connections could go.
I loved the differences between the characters and the parts of them so opposite that it brought them closer.
This absolutely makes me need to read the rest of this series. That ending?? Like EXCUSE ME. My heart hurts and needs to know why this story is so crucial to the series.
Big thank you to the author and JBTP for this ARC!
That was beautiful. Their discovering of each other. Their opening up in segments and probing just how far each of their connections could go.
I loved the differences between the characters and the parts of them so opposite that it brought them closer.
This absolutely makes me need to read the rest of this series. That ending?? Like EXCUSE ME. My heart hurts and needs to know why this story is so crucial to the series.
Big thank you to the author and JBTP for this ARC!
September 23, 2026
ARC Review-
This book just wasn’t for me unfortunately. It was very hard for me to get through, even though it is very short. I just couldn’t immerse myself in it like I wanted to. I wish that there was more background on Phaedra and her family. I also wish the ending had more depth to it, it seemed a little rushed and not quite cohesive.
This book just wasn’t for me unfortunately. It was very hard for me to get through, even though it is very short. I just couldn’t immerse myself in it like I wanted to. I wish that there was more background on Phaedra and her family. I also wish the ending had more depth to it, it seemed a little rushed and not quite cohesive.
September 10, 2026
I’m still shook over the ending of this book because WHAT?! I won’t give spoilers so I can’t really say a whole lot other than…. WHAT?! I need answers. I need to know the story doesn’t end THERE! Give me more. Tell me more. I’m flabbergasted. 4/5
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews