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Benandante
London, 1903. The Abyss has risen.
Beneath the glitter of Edwardian society, shadows stir. Euphemia Beaufort is a widowed socialite and Benandante, or good walker, tasked with keeping London safe. Ezra Morgan is a gifted pianist with a secret of his he can see spirits.
When ancient evils rise from the Abyss to claim London’s streets, Mrs. Beaufort reluctantly joins forces with Mr. Morgan to confront horrors from the dawn of creation. As they risk their lives, love flickers in the shadows.
In Benandante, the supernatural collides with Edwardian elegance in a gothic fantasy of love, loss, and the war against darkness.
Beneath the glitter of Edwardian society, shadows stir. Euphemia Beaufort is a widowed socialite and Benandante, or good walker, tasked with keeping London safe. Ezra Morgan is a gifted pianist with a secret of his he can see spirits.
When ancient evils rise from the Abyss to claim London’s streets, Mrs. Beaufort reluctantly joins forces with Mr. Morgan to confront horrors from the dawn of creation. As they risk their lives, love flickers in the shadows.
In Benandante, the supernatural collides with Edwardian elegance in a gothic fantasy of love, loss, and the war against darkness.
- GenresFiction
247 pages, Paperback
Published September 15, 2026
About the author
AJ Titter
2 books26 followersAJ Titter is an award-winning author who started telling stories to her imaginary friends when she was a little girl. She spins tales of magic and myth inspired by history.
Her debut novel, Tarnished Relics, was published in December 2024 and received a Bronze Medal in the 2025 Global Book Awards for sword & sorcery and a Storytrade 2025 Finalist award for fantasy.
You can read the free short story prequel, Torched Feathers, by signing up for her newsletter https://ajtitter.com
Her debut novel, Tarnished Relics, was published in December 2024 and received a Bronze Medal in the 2025 Global Book Awards for sword & sorcery and a Storytrade 2025 Finalist award for fantasy.
You can read the free short story prequel, Torched Feathers, by signing up for her newsletter https://ajtitter.com
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
October 19, 2026
This gaslamp fantasy is a dream come true for fans of Penny Dreadful or general lovers of the Edwardian/Victorian era. Beautifully framed in an epistolary format of journal entries and letters, Benandante tells the story of Euphemia Beaufort, a woman with an exceptional spiritual gift and a responsibility to protect London from evil. Between navigating London society, dodging a persistent love interest, and battling demons, this English lady has her hands full!
I believe AJ Titter has found her true calling in writing Gothic fantasy. Any amateur could reference historic events of the time, but Titter's narration from Mrs. Beaufort's first-person perspective takes it to the next level. When Euphemia ruminates about history, gender roles, class divides, and modernism vs. religion, her thoughts are not only reflective of any woman of the era but also provide striking commentary about what the future could hold in store. Page after page, the book drops incredible maxims about religion, mourning, sexism, friendship, evil, industrialism, and pride, many of which I will quote for years to come. In this, AJ Titter has not only created a remarkable period piece but a provocative commentary on today's world through the lens of a modest Edwardian woman.
I absolutely loved this book. The period-accurate prose pulled me right out of 2026 and into 1903, one of my favorite settings for any kind of fiction. I applaud the author on a job well done, and I hope for more stories in the world of Benandante.
I believe AJ Titter has found her true calling in writing Gothic fantasy. Any amateur could reference historic events of the time, but Titter's narration from Mrs. Beaufort's first-person perspective takes it to the next level. When Euphemia ruminates about history, gender roles, class divides, and modernism vs. religion, her thoughts are not only reflective of any woman of the era but also provide striking commentary about what the future could hold in store. Page after page, the book drops incredible maxims about religion, mourning, sexism, friendship, evil, industrialism, and pride, many of which I will quote for years to come. In this, AJ Titter has not only created a remarkable period piece but a provocative commentary on today's world through the lens of a modest Edwardian woman.
I absolutely loved this book. The period-accurate prose pulled me right out of 2026 and into 1903, one of my favorite settings for any kind of fiction. I applaud the author on a job well done, and I hope for more stories in the world of Benandante.
September 16, 2026
A beautifully atmospheric gaslamp fantasy with supernatural intrigue and Edwardian charm
Benandante by A.J. Titter is a wonderfully rich gaslamp fantasy that blends Edwardian society drama with eerie supernatural lore. Set in 1903 London, the novel follows Mrs. Euphemia Beaufort—a widowed socialite who secretly serves as a Benandante, a divine protector charged with defending humanity from the horrors rising out of the Abyss.
When ancient forces begin to stir, Euphemia reluctantly partners with Ezra Morgan, a gifted pianist who can see spirits. Their unlikely alliance brings warmth, slow‑burn tension, and emotional depth to a story steeped in occult danger and high‑society expectations.
Titter’s world‑building is exceptional, capturing both the elegance of drawing rooms and the bleak fog of London’s supernatural underbelly. Euphemia is a standout heroine—intelligent, resolute, and deeply human as she navigates grief, duty, and the constraints of her era.
The pacing occasionally slows during detailed historical setup, but the atmosphere, characters, and supernatural mystery more than make up for it.
A captivating, stylish read perfect for fans of gothic fantasy, Edwardian mysteries, and strong female leads facing the paranormal with grace and grit.
Benandante by A.J. Titter is a wonderfully rich gaslamp fantasy that blends Edwardian society drama with eerie supernatural lore. Set in 1903 London, the novel follows Mrs. Euphemia Beaufort—a widowed socialite who secretly serves as a Benandante, a divine protector charged with defending humanity from the horrors rising out of the Abyss.
When ancient forces begin to stir, Euphemia reluctantly partners with Ezra Morgan, a gifted pianist who can see spirits. Their unlikely alliance brings warmth, slow‑burn tension, and emotional depth to a story steeped in occult danger and high‑society expectations.
Titter’s world‑building is exceptional, capturing both the elegance of drawing rooms and the bleak fog of London’s supernatural underbelly. Euphemia is a standout heroine—intelligent, resolute, and deeply human as she navigates grief, duty, and the constraints of her era.
The pacing occasionally slows during detailed historical setup, but the atmosphere, characters, and supernatural mystery more than make up for it.
A captivating, stylish read perfect for fans of gothic fantasy, Edwardian mysteries, and strong female leads facing the paranormal with grace and grit.
October 10, 2026
Benandante is an incredibly atmospheric gaslamp fantasy that effortlessly balances Edwardian elegance with dark, creeping cosmic horror. The world-building is rich and deeply immersive, reading like a beautiful homage to classic gothic horror pioneers like Stoker and Machen. Euphemia is a fiercely compelling, mature female protagonist whose strength anchors the high-stakes narrative. Her reluctant alliance with the mysterious Ezra sparks a brilliant, slow-burn tension against the backdrop of a sinister, rising Abyss. If you love historical fantasy packed with vivid paranormal lore and slow-burn, protective dynamics, this is a must-read.
Review of advance copy
While the format of Benandante may not be everyone's cup of tea, I think it adds to thw depth of the experience! A journal format is really unique and it gave a cool insight to the FMC! The supernatural mixed with the spiritual/faith based concept was really refreshing, me reading from a Catholic/Christian point of view! While sometimes the different worlds became a little confusing it didn't take away from the overall read!
Review of advance copy received from Author
I had been waiting to read this book right from the time it was announced. It is a gaslamp fantasy and has a rich Gothic feel. While I enjoyed most of the book, there were also certain areas that I think could have been better.
The writing style was unique in the form of journal entries made by the FMC, Euphemia, and the letters she wrote and received from others. It's my first time reading a book in this format, so it was a bit jarring in the beginning, but as the book progressed, I got immersed in the storyline and it didn't bother me anymore.
The plot was interesting, with the FMC being a widowed good-walker, protecting the city from demons and other evil beings. Her character was well developed with details about her beliefs, abilities, background and charitable work. She was also headstrong and independent. While the supporting characters were unaware of her status as a Benandante, their respective roles helped in highlighting the dangers to the city.
In terms of Mr. Morgan, I didn't see him as a romantic interest but more as a friend who helped Euphemia in her quest. I did find him annoying initially for pursuing her despite her lack of interest, but he eventually grew on me.
The story mentions Biblical characters like Cain, Lilith and the demons, so as a Christian, I could relate to the discussions and happenings in the book. I'm not sure if readers who have never heard of these people would be able to connect with it the same way.
I feel the meetings in the meadow, details of the Netherworld and Abyss, and the difference between the creatures like Strega and ancients could be more fleshed out. Although I did get an idea about them, a little more about them would have been better.
The secret that Euphemia discovers was interesting, but the result of that disappointed me. The ending of the book was a bit abrupt, and I'm not too happy with the fate of a character. I feel they deserved better.
Overall, this was a good read, but some more detailing and a different ending would have made this a 5-star read for me. I would still recommend this book to readers who enjoy a fantasy with a Gothic feel with a female demon-hunter.
The writing style was unique in the form of journal entries made by the FMC, Euphemia, and the letters she wrote and received from others. It's my first time reading a book in this format, so it was a bit jarring in the beginning, but as the book progressed, I got immersed in the storyline and it didn't bother me anymore.
The plot was interesting, with the FMC being a widowed good-walker, protecting the city from demons and other evil beings. Her character was well developed with details about her beliefs, abilities, background and charitable work. She was also headstrong and independent. While the supporting characters were unaware of her status as a Benandante, their respective roles helped in highlighting the dangers to the city.
In terms of Mr. Morgan, I didn't see him as a romantic interest but more as a friend who helped Euphemia in her quest. I did find him annoying initially for pursuing her despite her lack of interest, but he eventually grew on me.
The story mentions Biblical characters like Cain, Lilith and the demons, so as a Christian, I could relate to the discussions and happenings in the book. I'm not sure if readers who have never heard of these people would be able to connect with it the same way.
I feel the meetings in the meadow, details of the Netherworld and Abyss, and the difference between the creatures like Strega and ancients could be more fleshed out. Although I did get an idea about them, a little more about them would have been better.
The secret that Euphemia discovers was interesting, but the result of that disappointed me. The ending of the book was a bit abrupt, and I'm not too happy with the fate of a character. I feel they deserved better.
Overall, this was a good read, but some more detailing and a different ending would have made this a 5-star read for me. I would still recommend this book to readers who enjoy a fantasy with a Gothic feel with a female demon-hunter.
September 29, 2026
I really liked the storyline and the premise of this book. I was intrigued by where the story was going and wanted to understand more about the Benandante, their powers and their jobs. I think there is so much potential here, and I found myself wishing we had been given more of the world and its history.
For me, the biggest struggle was the way the story was told through diary entries and letters. I can see what this format was trying to do, but I felt that, at times, it hindered the storytelling. I wanted more depth and more of a sense of the world around the characters, and I also felt that some of the character development and emotional connections got lost because of the format.
I found it hard to connect to Euphemia. There were definitely moments where I felt for her and could understand her grief, but there were other times when her stubbornness made it difficult for me to connect with her. I did like the Mr Morgan — I thought he was really sweet — but I struggled a little with his feelings because they seemed to come somewhat out of nowhere. Again, I think the diary entries and letters meant that we didn't always get enough of their experiences or feelings to really understand how they got to that point.
The ending also wasn't what I expected, and while I don't mind a twist, I found myself a little confused by it and unfortunately didn't fully understand how everything came together.
I didn't hate this book at all. There were definitely parts I enjoyed, and I really liked the premise and the overall plot. I just found myself wanting *more*. More world-building, more depth to the characters, and more understanding of the Benandante and their world.
I think there is a lot of potential in this story, and I genuinely wish I'd connected with it more than I did.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
For me, the biggest struggle was the way the story was told through diary entries and letters. I can see what this format was trying to do, but I felt that, at times, it hindered the storytelling. I wanted more depth and more of a sense of the world around the characters, and I also felt that some of the character development and emotional connections got lost because of the format.
I found it hard to connect to Euphemia. There were definitely moments where I felt for her and could understand her grief, but there were other times when her stubbornness made it difficult for me to connect with her. I did like the Mr Morgan — I thought he was really sweet — but I struggled a little with his feelings because they seemed to come somewhat out of nowhere. Again, I think the diary entries and letters meant that we didn't always get enough of their experiences or feelings to really understand how they got to that point.
The ending also wasn't what I expected, and while I don't mind a twist, I found myself a little confused by it and unfortunately didn't fully understand how everything came together.
I didn't hate this book at all. There were definitely parts I enjoyed, and I really liked the premise and the overall plot. I just found myself wanting *more*. More world-building, more depth to the characters, and more understanding of the Benandante and their world.
I think there is a lot of potential in this story, and I genuinely wish I'd connected with it more than I did.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Review of advance copy
I really enjoyed this one!!
The story follows a Benandante—a guardian blessed with an innate supernatural gift whose duty is to stand against the darkness. Entrusted with protecting London from demons and other supernatural threats lurking in the shadows, she carries the weight of the city's safety on her shoulders. I loved how A.J. Titter incorporated the folklore behind the Benandante into a rich gaslamp fantasy world that felt both unique and immersive.
Beyond the action and supernatural elements, the characters completely stole my heart. Our widowed Benandante had resigned herself to the idea that she would never love anyone again, making her emotional journey all the more meaningful. Watching her slowly open her heart once more was beautifully written.
One of my favourite aspects of the book was A.J. Titter's writing style. It captures the atmosphere of gaslamp fantasy perfectly, creating a world that feels mysterious, magical, and wonderfully immersive.
The ending was absolutely perfect for me. I know it might divide opinions, but personally, I couldn't have wished for a more fitting conclusion. It stayed true to the story, the characters, and the journey they had been on, leaving me with exactly the ending I was hoping for.
If you enjoy gaslamp fantasy, folklore-inspired magic, reluctant allies, a heartfelt he fell first romance, and a heroine who discovers that love can find you even after unimaginable loss, then Benandante is a book I can wholeheartedly recommend.
The story follows a Benandante—a guardian blessed with an innate supernatural gift whose duty is to stand against the darkness. Entrusted with protecting London from demons and other supernatural threats lurking in the shadows, she carries the weight of the city's safety on her shoulders. I loved how A.J. Titter incorporated the folklore behind the Benandante into a rich gaslamp fantasy world that felt both unique and immersive.
Beyond the action and supernatural elements, the characters completely stole my heart. Our widowed Benandante had resigned herself to the idea that she would never love anyone again, making her emotional journey all the more meaningful. Watching her slowly open her heart once more was beautifully written.
One of my favourite aspects of the book was A.J. Titter's writing style. It captures the atmosphere of gaslamp fantasy perfectly, creating a world that feels mysterious, magical, and wonderfully immersive.
The ending was absolutely perfect for me. I know it might divide opinions, but personally, I couldn't have wished for a more fitting conclusion. It stayed true to the story, the characters, and the journey they had been on, leaving me with exactly the ending I was hoping for.
If you enjoy gaslamp fantasy, folklore-inspired magic, reluctant allies, a heartfelt he fell first romance, and a heroine who discovers that love can find you even after unimaginable loss, then Benandante is a book I can wholeheartedly recommend.
Review of advance copy
Me: pussy cat pussy cat (pc) where have been?
PC: protecting the London along with Euphemia Beaufort Tete
Me: and who is Euphemia may I ask?
PC: oh she is crowned lady as Benandante with heart of gold and steel. Golden soft for poor and down trodden where as merciless for devil’s that are out to eat up civilization
Me: must be carrying large army to fight such evil force.
PC: no just few near & dear ones like lady Ottoline Morrell, Ezra Morgan and Clara to name a few. Her armaments can be hidden in a fist
Me: what did you like about the journey so risky?
PC: smooth transitions from Netherworld to reality to & fro which only someone like Tete can write.
Me: obviously there has to be some drawbacks in her writing
PC: enjoy silk smooth narration with ups and downs and be stumped by the ending that she throws at us
Me: will you go to another journey with AJ Titter?
PC: looking forward to next book earnestly.
PC: protecting the London along with Euphemia Beaufort Tete
Me: and who is Euphemia may I ask?
PC: oh she is crowned lady as Benandante with heart of gold and steel. Golden soft for poor and down trodden where as merciless for devil’s that are out to eat up civilization
Me: must be carrying large army to fight such evil force.
PC: no just few near & dear ones like lady Ottoline Morrell, Ezra Morgan and Clara to name a few. Her armaments can be hidden in a fist
Me: what did you like about the journey so risky?
PC: smooth transitions from Netherworld to reality to & fro which only someone like Tete can write.
Me: obviously there has to be some drawbacks in her writing
PC: enjoy silk smooth narration with ups and downs and be stumped by the ending that she throws at us
Me: will you go to another journey with AJ Titter?
PC: looking forward to next book earnestly.
September 15, 2026
I really enjoyed AJ Titter's writing style in this book. I thought the letters were a creative story telling narrative and kept the story moving quickly without a lot of fluff. I haven't read much gas lamp fantasies, but I can now say I have a new favorite genre to dive into!
My biggest concern would be that I actually think the book could have been longer. I wanted to spend more time in this world and learn more about the characters and their abilities. I also found the ending to be a bit abrupt and wished there was a smoother lead up to the events that take place. I have mixed feelings on how it was handled by the characters and would have liked a little more story time to process those feelings.
Overall, I really liked this book and had fun reading it.
I am grateful to have received an advanced copy for free and am leaving my review voluntarily.
My biggest concern would be that I actually think the book could have been longer. I wanted to spend more time in this world and learn more about the characters and their abilities. I also found the ending to be a bit abrupt and wished there was a smoother lead up to the events that take place. I have mixed feelings on how it was handled by the characters and would have liked a little more story time to process those feelings.
Overall, I really liked this book and had fun reading it.
I am grateful to have received an advanced copy for free and am leaving my review voluntarily.
Read
September 19, 2026I just finished a book entitled Benedette by AJ Tiller. I had never reviewed something from this author before. She usually writes fairy-tale books, and in the introduction it says that she writes these types of things, and then we get to decide if it really happened so that's pretty neat. there is a main character named Bernadette hence the title and it's told through journal entries which is interesting and it entails her travels and her adventures with different people in her life. I did feel a connection between me and the author when reading about the fantasy-type adventures that she writes about. I received an advance reader copy for free and I am reviewing this book voluntarily,
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Review of advance copy
While the plot line was good, I felt like the choice of narration through a series of journal entries took away from the storytelling. Some aspects of the story could have been either expanded on or eliminated entirely, as they didn't seem to advance the plot in any way. The ending also felt forced and sudden.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
September 16, 2026
I debated about giving this story four stars, but I found this story to be very sad. There was a bit of clean romance, but it never came to anything and was thwarted at every turn. I found it to be depressing, and struggled to finish the book, however, I did like the creative depiction of demons and angels as well as other beings from folklore. I received an ARC copy and this is my review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
The main character of the book is a Benandante. She has to keep London safe from supernatural forces. The book is beautifully written and has an almost Gothic atmosphere. Overall, it's an interesting read.
Review of advance copy received from Author
DNF What I did read felt slow and disjointed. I read at least two chapters, but I just couldn't get into the story. It also isn't in my wheelhouse of preferred reading material. Others may like it more. I am disappointed because I usually like books by AJ Titter. Good luck with other reviews!
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews