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Daughter of Blood and Briar
A dark romantasy about what we hide, what we hunt, and what happens when the thing you've been taught to destroy turns out to be the only thing worth saving.
When Rowan finds the witch hunter who branded her mother bleeding out in the woods, she almost leaves him for dead. But he’s the monster, not her.
Instead, she drags him home, heals his wounds, and strikes a bargain: her knowledge of the cursed woods in exchange for enough coin to give her mother back the life he stole from her.
Captain Casrian Dain has spent his life hunting witches for the Church. He’s never questioned his duty—until he meets Rowan, a lovely, infuriating angel. Or possibly a witch.
Bound by necessity, they set out to hunt a demon-ridden witch through a dying forest where the trees whisper and the shadows have claws. As Rowan's secrets unravel and Casrian's convictions begin to crack, they find themselves tangled in a desire that could destroy them both.
Because if Rowan’s magic is discovered, Casrian will be duty-bound to hunt her. But if he chooses her instead, they'll both burn.
Perfect for fans of slow-burn enemies-to-lovers romance and dark, atmospheric fantasy. DAUGHTER OF BLOOD AND BRIAR is the first book in The Warded Kingdoms trilogy.
When Rowan finds the witch hunter who branded her mother bleeding out in the woods, she almost leaves him for dead. But he’s the monster, not her.
Instead, she drags him home, heals his wounds, and strikes a bargain: her knowledge of the cursed woods in exchange for enough coin to give her mother back the life he stole from her.
Captain Casrian Dain has spent his life hunting witches for the Church. He’s never questioned his duty—until he meets Rowan, a lovely, infuriating angel. Or possibly a witch.
Bound by necessity, they set out to hunt a demon-ridden witch through a dying forest where the trees whisper and the shadows have claws. As Rowan's secrets unravel and Casrian's convictions begin to crack, they find themselves tangled in a desire that could destroy them both.
Because if Rowan’s magic is discovered, Casrian will be duty-bound to hunt her. But if he chooses her instead, they'll both burn.
Perfect for fans of slow-burn enemies-to-lovers romance and dark, atmospheric fantasy. DAUGHTER OF BLOOD AND BRIAR is the first book in The Warded Kingdoms trilogy.
450 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 24, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
July 18, 2026
I was fortunate enough to receive an ARC and I really enjoyed this story!
I found myself comparing rowans story and beliefs to modern day obstacles many of us face with loved ones who are taught to believe a certain thing.
A sentient forest? Yes. A sexy witch hunter. YES.
Oh? It'll also make me think? Theres DEPTH. Give it to me right now. 🤎
I found myself comparing rowans story and beliefs to modern day obstacles many of us face with loved ones who are taught to believe a certain thing.
A sentient forest? Yes. A sexy witch hunter. YES.
Oh? It'll also make me think? Theres DEPTH. Give it to me right now. 🤎
July 22, 2026
Sometimes the most interesting question is not who the monster is, but who gets to define one.
The Witch Hunter was an enjoyable read, even if the writing became slightly repetitive at times.
The premise immediately hooked me. Rowan saves the very witch hunter who branded her mother years earlier. When Casrian, who smells like winter, hires her to help search the cursed forest for his missing men, the story quickly becomes more than a simple journey through dangerous woods. The real strength lies in the moral ambiguity. Is Rowan a witch? Is the Church right, or is the world far more complicated than its black and white teachings suggest?
The romance leaned a little too much into instant attraction for my taste. Our rather sanctimonious MMC climbed down from his high horse remarkably quickly. I would have preferred a slower development of his changing beliefs and feelings.
The writing was occasionally repetitive, which affected the pacing, but I still had a good time with this book. I am definitely interested enough to pick up the sequel and see where the story goes.
3.5 stars
⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
The Witch Hunter was an enjoyable read, even if the writing became slightly repetitive at times.
The premise immediately hooked me. Rowan saves the very witch hunter who branded her mother years earlier. When Casrian, who smells like winter, hires her to help search the cursed forest for his missing men, the story quickly becomes more than a simple journey through dangerous woods. The real strength lies in the moral ambiguity. Is Rowan a witch? Is the Church right, or is the world far more complicated than its black and white teachings suggest?
The romance leaned a little too much into instant attraction for my taste. Our rather sanctimonious MMC climbed down from his high horse remarkably quickly. I would have preferred a slower development of his changing beliefs and feelings.
The writing was occasionally repetitive, which affected the pacing, but I still had a good time with this book. I am definitely interested enough to pick up the sequel and see where the story goes.
3.5 stars
⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
July 29, 2026
This book was slightly outside my normal reading choices but I really enjoyed it.
Summary:
Casrian is a witch hunter with deeply engrained ideas of morality and righteousness. He travels the land, ridding the world of evil by killing off witches who are destroying and warping the land and animals around them. He abides the law to a fault, showing no leniency even when the law shows its weaknesses, leaving his own destruction in his wake.
Rowan is the daughter of one of these casualties, her mother unjustly branded a witch. Driven from their home, Rowan grows into a strong and resourceful young woman, taking great risk to care for her mother.
When Casrian and Rowan cross paths years later, an uneasy bargain is struck and she leads him into the woods, on the hunt for a darkly powerful witch and Casrian's lost men. But Rowan has a secret that she must keep from Casrian or risk being branded like her mother. Casrian is eaten with guilt at the lives Rowan and her mother now lead. Neither expected the feelings that start to grow the longer they're together.
Thoughts:
Again, slightly outside my wheelhouse, but I was intrigued at the witch hunter x witch theme. Did anyone see the movie Hansel & Gretel: Witch Hunters? That's almost the vibe I was getting while reading this, expect they're obviously not related (and she's not trained to hunt witches).
Rowan is helping Cas track his missing men through a forest that's rotting from the witch's power, using abilities that would likely get her killed in the capital. She's straight-foward with little tolerance for bigotry and pomp. She's resourceful and quick. It's refreshing that she's not some insanely overpowered badass fmc (I mean we love that - nothing wrong with that). It's just a nice change of pace. I liked how she challenged Cas and even challenged her own views throughout the book.
Cas is rigidly upright in his morals, placing the word of the law above all with little exception to those around him. His time with Rowan is filled with suspicion, longing, and guilt. He struggles to balance his deep rooted ideas about witches with what he knows about Rowan as a person. I liked his struggle, liked watching the shift in his mindset over time, though he still held firmly to his morals throughout. There's still a lot of room for him to grow and I'm curious about what he'll do in the next book.
The relationship between the two was also refreshing in a way. Two characters with the ability to learn to communicate like functioning adults, even if I did want to shake them both at different parts of the book for their stubbornness.
Definitely a solid read and I'm looking forward to book two.
Summary:
Casrian is a witch hunter with deeply engrained ideas of morality and righteousness. He travels the land, ridding the world of evil by killing off witches who are destroying and warping the land and animals around them. He abides the law to a fault, showing no leniency even when the law shows its weaknesses, leaving his own destruction in his wake.
Rowan is the daughter of one of these casualties, her mother unjustly branded a witch. Driven from their home, Rowan grows into a strong and resourceful young woman, taking great risk to care for her mother.
When Casrian and Rowan cross paths years later, an uneasy bargain is struck and she leads him into the woods, on the hunt for a darkly powerful witch and Casrian's lost men. But Rowan has a secret that she must keep from Casrian or risk being branded like her mother. Casrian is eaten with guilt at the lives Rowan and her mother now lead. Neither expected the feelings that start to grow the longer they're together.
Thoughts:
Again, slightly outside my wheelhouse, but I was intrigued at the witch hunter x witch theme. Did anyone see the movie Hansel & Gretel: Witch Hunters? That's almost the vibe I was getting while reading this, expect they're obviously not related (and she's not trained to hunt witches).
Rowan is helping Cas track his missing men through a forest that's rotting from the witch's power, using abilities that would likely get her killed in the capital. She's straight-foward with little tolerance for bigotry and pomp. She's resourceful and quick. It's refreshing that she's not some insanely overpowered badass fmc (I mean we love that - nothing wrong with that). It's just a nice change of pace. I liked how she challenged Cas and even challenged her own views throughout the book.
Cas is rigidly upright in his morals, placing the word of the law above all with little exception to those around him. His time with Rowan is filled with suspicion, longing, and guilt. He struggles to balance his deep rooted ideas about witches with what he knows about Rowan as a person. I liked his struggle, liked watching the shift in his mindset over time, though he still held firmly to his morals throughout. There's still a lot of room for him to grow and I'm curious about what he'll do in the next book.
The relationship between the two was also refreshing in a way. Two characters with the ability to learn to communicate like functioning adults, even if I did want to shake them both at different parts of the book for their stubbornness.
Definitely a solid read and I'm looking forward to book two.
July 24, 2026
4.5/5
I got completely wrapped up in this incredible dark romantasy! The Witch Hunter x Witch trope makes for such an exciting story and Ann Fisher wrote it masterfully. The slow burn romance between Rowan and Casrian felt so natural and I loved watching their forbidden romance unfold. I adored Rowan’s independent and strong headed nature. Seeing her hold her own against the notorious witch hunter was so entertaining! Casrian also really resonated with me. I love my shadow daddies, but Casrian won me over despite his moral compass. He is such a beautifully complex and flawed man trying to do something he believes in. Seeing the man behind the mask of duty and watching him question what he’s been taught was one of my favorites parts of the story! My other favorite aspect was the aesthetics. The unique take on witches and magic was refreshing and the monsters and corrupted forest reminded me of The Witcher. I couldn’t get enough of it! This is a story you don’t want to miss and I can’t wait for the next book!
I got completely wrapped up in this incredible dark romantasy! The Witch Hunter x Witch trope makes for such an exciting story and Ann Fisher wrote it masterfully. The slow burn romance between Rowan and Casrian felt so natural and I loved watching their forbidden romance unfold. I adored Rowan’s independent and strong headed nature. Seeing her hold her own against the notorious witch hunter was so entertaining! Casrian also really resonated with me. I love my shadow daddies, but Casrian won me over despite his moral compass. He is such a beautifully complex and flawed man trying to do something he believes in. Seeing the man behind the mask of duty and watching him question what he’s been taught was one of my favorites parts of the story! My other favorite aspect was the aesthetics. The unique take on witches and magic was refreshing and the monsters and corrupted forest reminded me of The Witcher. I couldn’t get enough of it! This is a story you don’t want to miss and I can’t wait for the next book!
July 24, 2026
Early Reader
Do you have those moments when you finish a book and need 5 minutes of silence to stew in the crazy you just read. O MY GOSH! This book kept me going until the very last sentence.
So Rowan is the main character, daughter of a 'witch' (I put parentheses because she is, but isn't 🤷♀️) and long story short she ends up having to help the man she never though she would see again. The witch hunter. The story 👏amazing, from the beginning- understanding what happened to her mom and the amazing woman Rowan became 6 years later. She is fiesty, strong and not a typical 'lady' but is full of compassion and tenasity.
The characters, the way they fed off eachother and the banter was wonderful. The world building was indescribable and o my gosh the detail that is the evil in the woods keeps wondering still...
What a wonderful, twisting and riveting story.
Do you have those moments when you finish a book and need 5 minutes of silence to stew in the crazy you just read. O MY GOSH! This book kept me going until the very last sentence.
So Rowan is the main character, daughter of a 'witch' (I put parentheses because she is, but isn't 🤷♀️) and long story short she ends up having to help the man she never though she would see again. The witch hunter. The story 👏amazing, from the beginning- understanding what happened to her mom and the amazing woman Rowan became 6 years later. She is fiesty, strong and not a typical 'lady' but is full of compassion and tenasity.
The characters, the way they fed off eachother and the banter was wonderful. The world building was indescribable and o my gosh the detail that is the evil in the woods keeps wondering still...
What a wonderful, twisting and riveting story.
July 15, 2026
I LOVED this!!! The story, the characters ,the slowburn. It was well written and an easy story to get in to. I can't wait to read book two!
Received this as an Arc
Received this as an Arc
July 1, 2026
Thank you to Ann Fisher for providing this book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts are my own.
Daughter of Blood and Briar is a lush, atmospheric fantasy that blends dangerous magic, tangled fate, and emotional storytelling into a deeply immersive reading experience. From the very first chapter, Ann Fisher builds a world that feels both beautiful and perilous—where every gift comes with a price, and every choice leaves a mark.
The writing is richly descriptive without ever losing momentum, creating a world that feels steeped in old magic and lingering consequences. There’s a constant sense that something ancient is stirring beneath the surface of the story, and that feeling of unease made it impossible for me to put the book down.
At the heart of the novel is a protagonist shaped by bloodlines, secrets, and expectations she never asked for. Her journey is both external and deeply personal, as she begins to question what she was born into versus what she chooses to become. I loved watching her grapple with identity, power, and the weight of legacy—it made her arc feel compelling and emotionally grounded.
The supporting characters add richness and tension to the story, each with their own loyalties, ambitions, and hidden truths. Relationships shift and evolve in ways that kept me constantly engaged, especially as trust becomes both a weapon and a risk. There’s a strong emotional undercurrent running through every interaction that elevates the stakes beyond the magic alone.
One of the most striking aspects of this book is its atmosphere. There’s a thorny, almost gothic beauty to the world—equal parts enchanting and dangerous. The balance between magic, politics, and personal conflict is handled well, keeping the story both expansive and intimate.
By the final pages, I was completely invested in where this story is heading next. Daughter of Blood and Briar is a captivating start to what promises to be an emotionally rich and magical series.
"Some legacies are written in blood. Others are grown from thorns—and choosing which one to become is its own kind of magic."
If you love darkly magical fantasy with fae-like undertones, identity-driven storytelling, lush world-building, and emotionally complex characters, this is one to add to your TBR.
✨ Tropes & Themes
🌹 Dark Magical Heritage
🖤 Gothic Fantasy Vibes
✨ Blood Magic & Ancient Power
👑 Destiny vs Choice
🌿 Briar / Nature Magic Undertones
💔 Identity & Self-Discovery
🗝️ Secrets & Prophecy
🤝 Found Connections
⚔️ Political / Power Struggles
📖 Character-Driven Fantasy
Daughter of Blood and Briar is a lush, atmospheric fantasy that blends dangerous magic, tangled fate, and emotional storytelling into a deeply immersive reading experience. From the very first chapter, Ann Fisher builds a world that feels both beautiful and perilous—where every gift comes with a price, and every choice leaves a mark.
The writing is richly descriptive without ever losing momentum, creating a world that feels steeped in old magic and lingering consequences. There’s a constant sense that something ancient is stirring beneath the surface of the story, and that feeling of unease made it impossible for me to put the book down.
At the heart of the novel is a protagonist shaped by bloodlines, secrets, and expectations she never asked for. Her journey is both external and deeply personal, as she begins to question what she was born into versus what she chooses to become. I loved watching her grapple with identity, power, and the weight of legacy—it made her arc feel compelling and emotionally grounded.
The supporting characters add richness and tension to the story, each with their own loyalties, ambitions, and hidden truths. Relationships shift and evolve in ways that kept me constantly engaged, especially as trust becomes both a weapon and a risk. There’s a strong emotional undercurrent running through every interaction that elevates the stakes beyond the magic alone.
One of the most striking aspects of this book is its atmosphere. There’s a thorny, almost gothic beauty to the world—equal parts enchanting and dangerous. The balance between magic, politics, and personal conflict is handled well, keeping the story both expansive and intimate.
By the final pages, I was completely invested in where this story is heading next. Daughter of Blood and Briar is a captivating start to what promises to be an emotionally rich and magical series.
"Some legacies are written in blood. Others are grown from thorns—and choosing which one to become is its own kind of magic."
If you love darkly magical fantasy with fae-like undertones, identity-driven storytelling, lush world-building, and emotionally complex characters, this is one to add to your TBR.
✨ Tropes & Themes
🌹 Dark Magical Heritage
🖤 Gothic Fantasy Vibes
✨ Blood Magic & Ancient Power
👑 Destiny vs Choice
🌿 Briar / Nature Magic Undertones
💔 Identity & Self-Discovery
🗝️ Secrets & Prophecy
🤝 Found Connections
⚔️ Political / Power Struggles
📖 Character-Driven Fantasy
July 12, 2026
Daughter of Blood and Briar had me hooked from the very first chapter. I was immediately invested in Rowan and found myself constantly wondering what fate had in store for her. Every chapter pulled me further into her journey, and I genuinely looked forward to seeing how she would overcome each new obstacle.
What stood out to me most was Rowan herself. Her journey is emotional, raw, and incredibly personal. She has this scrappy determination that comes from a lifetime of having to survive on her own, yet beneath that fierce independence is someone longing for forgiveness and connection. I loved watching those two sides of her constantly battle one another. Her devotion to her mother and the family she finds along the way gave the story so much heart, and seeing her grow into such a resilient, capable heroine was easily one of my favorite parts of the book.
The romance was another highlight for me. The MMC is broody, frustratingly convinced he always knows what's best, and impossible not to be intrigued by. The banter between them had just the right amount of wit, tension, and yearning, making every interaction feel charged with the kind of enemies to lovers dynamic I always enjoy.
The writing kept me completely immersed from beginning to end. The descriptive prose, layered political intrigue, religious influence, found family elements, and questions surrounding power all came together to create a story that constantly kept me turning the pages. I especially enjoyed how the story explored the consequences of power and the lengths those in authority will go to control what they fear.
There were a few things I found myself wanting a little more of. Rowan's abilities were one of the most intriguing parts of the story for me, and I would have loved to learn more about where they came from and how they fit into the larger world. I also found myself hoping for a bit more internal conflict from the MMC. His unwavering loyalty to the crown and his sense of duty are central to who he is, but there were moments when I wanted him to question the system just a little sooner. Finally, the age gap romance wasn't my favorite, though that's simply a personal preference and didn't take away from the overall story.
This was an engaging fantasy filled with memorable characters, emotional moments, and a world I enjoyed spending time in. The ending left me eager to see what comes next for Rowan, and I'm already curious to see where her journey and her relationships go from here.
What stood out to me most was Rowan herself. Her journey is emotional, raw, and incredibly personal. She has this scrappy determination that comes from a lifetime of having to survive on her own, yet beneath that fierce independence is someone longing for forgiveness and connection. I loved watching those two sides of her constantly battle one another. Her devotion to her mother and the family she finds along the way gave the story so much heart, and seeing her grow into such a resilient, capable heroine was easily one of my favorite parts of the book.
The romance was another highlight for me. The MMC is broody, frustratingly convinced he always knows what's best, and impossible not to be intrigued by. The banter between them had just the right amount of wit, tension, and yearning, making every interaction feel charged with the kind of enemies to lovers dynamic I always enjoy.
The writing kept me completely immersed from beginning to end. The descriptive prose, layered political intrigue, religious influence, found family elements, and questions surrounding power all came together to create a story that constantly kept me turning the pages. I especially enjoyed how the story explored the consequences of power and the lengths those in authority will go to control what they fear.
There were a few things I found myself wanting a little more of. Rowan's abilities were one of the most intriguing parts of the story for me, and I would have loved to learn more about where they came from and how they fit into the larger world. I also found myself hoping for a bit more internal conflict from the MMC. His unwavering loyalty to the crown and his sense of duty are central to who he is, but there were moments when I wanted him to question the system just a little sooner. Finally, the age gap romance wasn't my favorite, though that's simply a personal preference and didn't take away from the overall story.
This was an engaging fantasy filled with memorable characters, emotional moments, and a world I enjoyed spending time in. The ending left me eager to see what comes next for Rowan, and I'm already curious to see where her journey and her relationships go from here.
June 30, 2026
Thank you for the great opportunity and privilege to be an ARC reader!! I am so glad you shared this with me.
Now, onto the good stuff. This book was magnificent. The magic was fascinating. There used to be a fae kingdom, but the king got greedy and he summoned a ton of demons, completely destroying the kingdom. Now there are demons wandering the earth that will possess those with fae blood. Anyone with fae blood is at risk of becoming a “witch”, someone possessed by a demon. With fae blood they automatically get gifts, something they are exceptionally skilled at or a talent like hearing the trees talk (that’s what Rowan can do). They don’t become an actual witch (the kin witch hunter hunt) until they’re possessed. Like I said, super fascinating stuff.
The characters are really well developed too, with Rowan finding a little family for herself after they’re forced to relocate because her mother was branded a witch (despite being extremely devout and not at all one). She has friends and stories and a garden with chickens, but then Casrian, the man who branded her mom, wanders back into her life.
She ends up agreeing to help him on his quest and it’s so much fun to read about them because they’re both stubborn and yet they both have the same values. They want to protect their people, Rowan her family and Castian his crew.
Anyway, super good! The only reason it got 4 stars is because there’s a weird little thing that bothered me and won’t bother most people. Rowan and Casrian met at 13 and 20. They meet again at 19 and 26. The second time is when the slow burn happens (obviously). Unfortunately every once in a while Castian will refer to Rowan at 13 and it kinda bothers me. I just can’t imagine looking at someone I’m dating and being like “man. You were cool at 13.” Idk. It just bothered me. It isn’t even a large age gap and most people won’t care. It was a really good book!
Now, onto the good stuff. This book was magnificent. The magic was fascinating. There used to be a fae kingdom, but the king got greedy and he summoned a ton of demons, completely destroying the kingdom. Now there are demons wandering the earth that will possess those with fae blood. Anyone with fae blood is at risk of becoming a “witch”, someone possessed by a demon. With fae blood they automatically get gifts, something they are exceptionally skilled at or a talent like hearing the trees talk (that’s what Rowan can do). They don’t become an actual witch (the kin witch hunter hunt) until they’re possessed. Like I said, super fascinating stuff.
The characters are really well developed too, with Rowan finding a little family for herself after they’re forced to relocate because her mother was branded a witch (despite being extremely devout and not at all one). She has friends and stories and a garden with chickens, but then Casrian, the man who branded her mom, wanders back into her life.
She ends up agreeing to help him on his quest and it’s so much fun to read about them because they’re both stubborn and yet they both have the same values. They want to protect their people, Rowan her family and Castian his crew.
Anyway, super good! The only reason it got 4 stars is because there’s a weird little thing that bothered me and won’t bother most people. Rowan and Casrian met at 13 and 20. They meet again at 19 and 26. The second time is when the slow burn happens (obviously). Unfortunately every once in a while Castian will refer to Rowan at 13 and it kinda bothers me. I just can’t imagine looking at someone I’m dating and being like “man. You were cool at 13.” Idk. It just bothered me. It isn’t even a large age gap and most people won’t care. It was a really good book!
July 10, 2026
4.5 stars!
First and foremost I would like to thank the author Ann Fisher and the publishing company for allowing me to read this ARC for free. All opinions are my own.
I really liked this book. I’m not going to lie, in the beginning there was a lot of talk about god, and I got a little nervous, I was afraid this was going to be a heavily religious book. I am happy to say that it is not and the religious aspects of the book went hand in hand with the storyline and did not feel heavy handed or overbearing.
The storyline was definitely creepy and this would be a great book to read during spooky season. It’s dark and the woods were creepy as hell. I really liked how immersive the book felt, like some points I felt like I was in the woods with Rowan and Cas. I felt like some parts dragged but it was really time to spend with the two characters and get a feel for all of the things happening to the forest. It’s been a minute since I’ve read it, but this book definitely gives me one dark window vibes, so if you loved that book, I highly recommend reading this one!
We got some spice!!!
I really liked how the author made you feel what the characters felt. I won’t go into details because spoilers, but it was written really well.
I feel like the ending was slightly rushed, especially since there is a sequel, but the cliffhanger at the end?????? Ann, I can’t believe you just left it at that!?! So I will definitely be reading the next book when that comes out, because I have to know what happens. You better not mess with my girl Rowan, she’s been through enough.
All in all I really liked all the characters, Tilly was amazing and I hope she is ok. Rowan was such a good FMC. This was a fun read and I am interested in learning more about Rowan’s family history.
First and foremost I would like to thank the author Ann Fisher and the publishing company for allowing me to read this ARC for free. All opinions are my own.
I really liked this book. I’m not going to lie, in the beginning there was a lot of talk about god, and I got a little nervous, I was afraid this was going to be a heavily religious book. I am happy to say that it is not and the religious aspects of the book went hand in hand with the storyline and did not feel heavy handed or overbearing.
The storyline was definitely creepy and this would be a great book to read during spooky season. It’s dark and the woods were creepy as hell. I really liked how immersive the book felt, like some points I felt like I was in the woods with Rowan and Cas. I felt like some parts dragged but it was really time to spend with the two characters and get a feel for all of the things happening to the forest. It’s been a minute since I’ve read it, but this book definitely gives me one dark window vibes, so if you loved that book, I highly recommend reading this one!
We got some spice!!!
I really liked how the author made you feel what the characters felt. I won’t go into details because spoilers, but it was written really well.
I feel like the ending was slightly rushed, especially since there is a sequel, but the cliffhanger at the end?????? Ann, I can’t believe you just left it at that!?! So I will definitely be reading the next book when that comes out, because I have to know what happens. You better not mess with my girl Rowan, she’s been through enough.
All in all I really liked all the characters, Tilly was amazing and I hope she is ok. Rowan was such a good FMC. This was a fun read and I am interested in learning more about Rowan’s family history.
July 10, 2026
*I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. These are my actual thoughts and opinions after completing the novel.*
The beginning of this was slow. It took me forever to actually get invested in the story and the characters. I can appreciate we needed to set the stage, and I don’t even think it was poorly done, but it made it hard for me to get into it until later on. That said, the ‘meat’ of the story was really good. The time Rowan and Casrian spent in the woods was interesting and constantly had some new element to keep you interested. I’m highly interested in Rowan’s abilities and why the witch was so interested in her. There’s definitely more to her background and her abilities. I can’t wait to see those explored further in future novels. I do however really really wish this hadn’t been a happily ever after type of thing between Rowan and Casrian. They are not a good fit. He wants her to hide or change things about her to be with her. It’s very much giving Tamlin from ACOTAR right before he locked her up in the house. If things continue on this course in the next novel I would hope that Casrian would have a MASSIVE overhaul in how he views and treats Rowan. Perhaps, learning more about her abilities will be a really great Segway into doing just that. I’m certainly invested and interested enough that I would read the next novel and look forward to it being announced.
The beginning of this was slow. It took me forever to actually get invested in the story and the characters. I can appreciate we needed to set the stage, and I don’t even think it was poorly done, but it made it hard for me to get into it until later on. That said, the ‘meat’ of the story was really good. The time Rowan and Casrian spent in the woods was interesting and constantly had some new element to keep you interested. I’m highly interested in Rowan’s abilities and why the witch was so interested in her. There’s definitely more to her background and her abilities. I can’t wait to see those explored further in future novels. I do however really really wish this hadn’t been a happily ever after type of thing between Rowan and Casrian. They are not a good fit. He wants her to hide or change things about her to be with her. It’s very much giving Tamlin from ACOTAR right before he locked her up in the house. If things continue on this course in the next novel I would hope that Casrian would have a MASSIVE overhaul in how he views and treats Rowan. Perhaps, learning more about her abilities will be a really great Segway into doing just that. I’m certainly invested and interested enough that I would read the next novel and look forward to it being announced.
July 24, 2026
Daughter of Blood and Briar is a dark romantsy with a straightforward storyline. The world is built up quickly and characters are introduced early as well. The world is similar to that of the Salem witch trial era or witch hunts of Europe. And within it - a story of Rowan, a girl presented with a tragic history, a unique set of skills, and a fight to right the wrongs in her life despite spiritual fights going on around her. The MMC Casrian Dain is a witch hunter… cleansing small town after smalls town of demon possessed witches. Rowan’s mother gets caught in this world and this is the back story for the approach of the two main characters eventually going into the local witch-riled woods to find Casrian’s unit of witch hunters.
At first I didn’t want to read the book.The Church has been chasing good women in the name of hunting witches for so long I had to step back. But when I restarted again - - I realized this book wasn’t about criticizing witches who fall in love with witch hunters. But what defines a witch or hunter and where the lines blur. I think it shows a great example of blending lives together, of what it is like to fight the same battles, travel the same roads, eat and sleep (and yes spicy) together in a relationship. I enjoy watching the relationship between Rowan and Casrian grow. Trust builds No one is put down or ignored. I really enjoyed the book in teh end and couldn’t put it down.
TROUPES:
-Dark fantasy
-found family
-enemies to lovers
-slow burn
-forbidden magic
And some of the best banter between characters I have heard in a while! Thanks Ann Fisher for the ARC and for this wonderful tale. I am super curious what the next book will hold as it is expected to be a series.
At first I didn’t want to read the book.The Church has been chasing good women in the name of hunting witches for so long I had to step back. But when I restarted again - - I realized this book wasn’t about criticizing witches who fall in love with witch hunters. But what defines a witch or hunter and where the lines blur. I think it shows a great example of blending lives together, of what it is like to fight the same battles, travel the same roads, eat and sleep (and yes spicy) together in a relationship. I enjoy watching the relationship between Rowan and Casrian grow. Trust builds No one is put down or ignored. I really enjoyed the book in teh end and couldn’t put it down.
TROUPES:
-Dark fantasy
-found family
-enemies to lovers
-slow burn
-forbidden magic
And some of the best banter between characters I have heard in a while! Thanks Ann Fisher for the ARC and for this wonderful tale. I am super curious what the next book will hold as it is expected to be a series.
July 13, 2026
First, thank you so much, Ann Fisher, for trusting me with an ARC of this incredible book!
Daughter of Blood and Briar completely hooked me from the very first page, and now I’m desperately counting down the days until book two.
This dark fantasy follows a witch hunter and a girl named Rowan as they journey through a cursed, dying forest. Between the witch trials, forbidden magic, and the haunting atmosphere, I couldn’t turn the pages fast enough.
One of my favorite parts of this story was Rowan. I loved how free-spirited, brave, and resilient she is. After everything she endures, she continues to fight and refuses to lose herself, which made her such an incredible character to root for.
And Casrian… the banter between him and Rowan was absolutely top-tier. They had me laughing one minute, blushing the next, and then reaching for a glass of wine because of the emotional roller coaster they put me through. The slow-burn romance was perfection, and the spice was just the right amount without taking away from the story.
Ann Fisher’s writing is beautifully immersive, pulling you deeper into the world with every chapter. If you love dark, atmospheric fantasy, forbidden magic, enemies-to-lovers romance, and a slow burn that keeps you invested, this book deserves a spot on your TBR.
And that ending… that’s all I’m going to say. I need book two immediately.
Daughter of Blood and Briar completely hooked me from the very first page, and now I’m desperately counting down the days until book two.
This dark fantasy follows a witch hunter and a girl named Rowan as they journey through a cursed, dying forest. Between the witch trials, forbidden magic, and the haunting atmosphere, I couldn’t turn the pages fast enough.
One of my favorite parts of this story was Rowan. I loved how free-spirited, brave, and resilient she is. After everything she endures, she continues to fight and refuses to lose herself, which made her such an incredible character to root for.
And Casrian… the banter between him and Rowan was absolutely top-tier. They had me laughing one minute, blushing the next, and then reaching for a glass of wine because of the emotional roller coaster they put me through. The slow-burn romance was perfection, and the spice was just the right amount without taking away from the story.
Ann Fisher’s writing is beautifully immersive, pulling you deeper into the world with every chapter. If you love dark, atmospheric fantasy, forbidden magic, enemies-to-lovers romance, and a slow burn that keeps you invested, this book deserves a spot on your TBR.
And that ending… that’s all I’m going to say. I need book two immediately.
July 25, 2026
Shoutout to Ann Fisher for allowing me to ARC read Daughter of Blood and Briar!
Daughter of Blood and Briar by Ann Fisher is a dark romantasy about a possible witch and a witch hunter. Our FMC Rowan is the daughter of a “witch” who gets branded at the beginning of the story by our witch hunter Casrian. Even though Casrian is not certain that her mother is a witch. Years later when Rowan is hunting in the woods she finds Casrian wounded and even though she hates him for what he did to her mother in the past she helps nurse him back to health. He then offers her coin to led him through the woods to find his men that he lost track of and the witch that is killing the forest next to where Rowan lives.
I adore stories where the hunter falls for the hunted and this book did not disappoint. I enjoyed all of the characters main and side characters. I enjoyed the world building and felt like I could picture every scene in the story so vividly because of the author’s descriptive writing. It was dark and spooky and hunting. I was rooting for the main characters all the way through the story and I’m so nervous to see where the story goes from here 😬. But f you’re looking for a dark, hunting, spooky atmospheric read try this book! It’s amazing! 4.25 ⭐️ for me!
Daughter of Blood and Briar by Ann Fisher is a dark romantasy about a possible witch and a witch hunter. Our FMC Rowan is the daughter of a “witch” who gets branded at the beginning of the story by our witch hunter Casrian. Even though Casrian is not certain that her mother is a witch. Years later when Rowan is hunting in the woods she finds Casrian wounded and even though she hates him for what he did to her mother in the past she helps nurse him back to health. He then offers her coin to led him through the woods to find his men that he lost track of and the witch that is killing the forest next to where Rowan lives.
I adore stories where the hunter falls for the hunted and this book did not disappoint. I enjoyed all of the characters main and side characters. I enjoyed the world building and felt like I could picture every scene in the story so vividly because of the author’s descriptive writing. It was dark and spooky and hunting. I was rooting for the main characters all the way through the story and I’m so nervous to see where the story goes from here 😬. But f you’re looking for a dark, hunting, spooky atmospheric read try this book! It’s amazing! 4.25 ⭐️ for me!
July 6, 2026
I received an ARC and was excited to read this new story!
I read a lot of fantasy and romantasy, and I was really pleased by this storyline.
This is an *excruciatingly slow* slow burn romance, within a magical quest-type adventure. MC Rowan has magical tendencies while MMC Casrian is a church-sponsored Witch Hunter. After crossing paths in the beginning, on bad terms, their lives meet up again unexpectedly, six years later. They team up for a creepy, dangerous quest and soul-searching along the way.
If you like adventures, magic, family, witty banter from friends, stabbing weapons, scary creatures, magic, with a dash of romance- this is for you.
I appreciated the way the author wrote this as a third person, instead of multiple POVs. It was easy to follow and really absorb each character.
Rowan's mother has a curious backstory that I'm guessing will be explored in the next book.
While this ended on a cliffhanger, I would have been satisfied without the last chapter. This is book 1 of a series so I was not surprised.
I read a lot of fantasy and romantasy, and I was really pleased by this storyline.
This is an *excruciatingly slow* slow burn romance, within a magical quest-type adventure. MC Rowan has magical tendencies while MMC Casrian is a church-sponsored Witch Hunter. After crossing paths in the beginning, on bad terms, their lives meet up again unexpectedly, six years later. They team up for a creepy, dangerous quest and soul-searching along the way.
If you like adventures, magic, family, witty banter from friends, stabbing weapons, scary creatures, magic, with a dash of romance- this is for you.
I appreciated the way the author wrote this as a third person, instead of multiple POVs. It was easy to follow and really absorb each character.
Rowan's mother has a curious backstory that I'm guessing will be explored in the next book.
While this ended on a cliffhanger, I would have been satisfied without the last chapter. This is book 1 of a series so I was not surprised.
July 26, 2026
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
It's not often that I get to read a true enemies to lovers, like full on hate for one another. Casrian and Rowan are opposites in every way. He is a witch hunter, and she is the daughter of a branded witch. They initially met when Rowan was a child, and circumstances brought them back together years later.
They should never work. Casrian believes all magic is eviland must be destroyed at any cost, whereas Rowan believes magic can be used to help others, however witch hunters are brainwashed to believe otherwise. Both are initially stubborn in their views, but as the journey gets darker, the lines blur.
I loved the tension between them. It was very raw and emotional. The way they tried worked to overcome stereotypes and beliefs at great cost to themselves.
The magical lore of witches, demons and fae was incredible. It was a unique spin on a tale as old as time. My favorite part was the theme of absolute power corrupting absolutely. Just because there is no rot or ugliness doesn't mean that evil doesn't exist. The ending though left me screaming! The callback to chapter 1, of history repeating itself. It had me questioning of how Rowan and Casrian will react in the next book. A 6 star read that left me yearning for more!
It's not often that I get to read a true enemies to lovers, like full on hate for one another. Casrian and Rowan are opposites in every way. He is a witch hunter, and she is the daughter of a branded witch. They initially met when Rowan was a child, and circumstances brought them back together years later.
They should never work. Casrian believes all magic is eviland must be destroyed at any cost, whereas Rowan believes magic can be used to help others, however witch hunters are brainwashed to believe otherwise. Both are initially stubborn in their views, but as the journey gets darker, the lines blur.
I loved the tension between them. It was very raw and emotional. The way they tried worked to overcome stereotypes and beliefs at great cost to themselves.
The magical lore of witches, demons and fae was incredible. It was a unique spin on a tale as old as time. My favorite part was the theme of absolute power corrupting absolutely. Just because there is no rot or ugliness doesn't mean that evil doesn't exist. The ending though left me screaming! The callback to chapter 1, of history repeating itself. It had me questioning of how Rowan and Casrian will react in the next book. A 6 star read that left me yearning for more!
August 1, 2026
I really enjoyed this book! The author created such a unique world in which witches are branded and given a second chance to repent. This leads to problems that our FMC Rowan experiences first-hand.
The writing itself is lovely, and really sets the vibe of a fantasy land, with the humorous occasional swearing. The pacing is great and I really enjoyed seeing a realistic approach to two people disliking each other. Rather than be overly aggressive about her hatred of Cas, Rowan is snarky but still understanding of the importance of their mission.
All in all, it’s a great story with unique world. The writing itself is pleasant to read. It’s definitely become one of my favorites!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The writing itself is lovely, and really sets the vibe of a fantasy land, with the humorous occasional swearing. The pacing is great and I really enjoyed seeing a realistic approach to two people disliking each other. Rather than be overly aggressive about her hatred of Cas, Rowan is snarky but still understanding of the importance of their mission.
All in all, it’s a great story with unique world. The writing itself is pleasant to read. It’s definitely become one of my favorites!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
July 21, 2026
Thank you, thank you, thank you Ann Fisher for the privilege of being an ARC reader of Daughter of Blood & Briar. This was an eeeaaaasy 4 stars for me.
I was immediately invested in the main characters and plot of this dark, atmospheric fantasy.
We have MMC Casrian, the broody, duty bound witch hunter who lives by the book, and Rowan, the daughter of a “witch” branded by Casrian, the strong willed FMC who speaks her mind and certainly doesn’t hold back!
Forced to tolerate each other on a quest to find a demon possessed witch that is bringing death and rot to the woods outside of Rowan’s village.
I cannot tell you how excited I am for book two. I needed it like, yesterday!
I was immediately invested in the main characters and plot of this dark, atmospheric fantasy.
We have MMC Casrian, the broody, duty bound witch hunter who lives by the book, and Rowan, the daughter of a “witch” branded by Casrian, the strong willed FMC who speaks her mind and certainly doesn’t hold back!
Forced to tolerate each other on a quest to find a demon possessed witch that is bringing death and rot to the woods outside of Rowan’s village.
I cannot tell you how excited I am for book two. I needed it like, yesterday!
July 24, 2026
This story is about Rowan and Casrian who is a witch hunter. It is a true enemies to lover romance filled with tension and emotion. We learn that Casrian is the person who doomed Rowan‘s mother, labeling her a witch. This is a world that is enchanting and deadly, definitely eerie. The witty banter, is what I enjoyed the most. the story has interesting magic and it is an emotional journey . Rowan‘s abilities are what interest me the most , other than the fact that there are witches , demons , and fae. I look forward to book 2
July 3, 2026
I loved the plot so much, it kept me on the edge of my seat and always left me wanting to read more (even if it was 2am). I really enjoyed how there was different back stories to each character that then come together and influenced the way they interacted with each other. I can’t wait to read the next instalment to find out what happens next.
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
July 28, 2026
Thank you BookSirens and the author for the book. This is the first book in the series The Warded Kingdoms. I never read something from this author, but I definitely going to read book 2. This book is about witches, witch hunters and forbidden love. If you like a enemy to lover book this one is a yes. It has a great story. The FMC is bad ass with a sharp tong and the MMC has strong believes of his own. That makes the love more difficult. I hope in book 2 the Story continues
July 7, 2026
Love me a good witch x witch hunter! I expected a cat and mouse, but this was a different view. Rowan's ability was one of my favorite things about this book. There's also a cursed forest, forbidden magic, and the angst and yearning is 👌. Now, there is a cat and mouse but not between the two main characters. I'm thrilled to see what the next book holds.
July 10, 2026
I was given the opportunity to read this as an ARC for an honest review, and honestly I absolutely loved it! If you like fantasy stories about witches, strong women and fighting for what’s right then you will like this book. I was not bored at all while reading and the build up of the characters and the world they live in is fantastic!
July 11, 2026
I received a free advanced copy from the author in exchange for an honest review. This book was excellent. It hooked me from the first page and kept me coming back for more. Slow burn enemies to lovers romance that was action packed and suspenseful. I can’t wait for the next book to come out to find out what happens next.
July 24, 2026
4⭐️
This gives adult fairy tale vibes in such an enjoyable way. We follow Rowan on a witch hunt while also discovering new things about her along the way.
This is a super fun and easy read, filled with action, tension, witch hunts, and self discovery.
I received a free advanced reader copy and am leaving this review voluntarily.
This gives adult fairy tale vibes in such an enjoyable way. We follow Rowan on a witch hunt while also discovering new things about her along the way.
This is a super fun and easy read, filled with action, tension, witch hunts, and self discovery.
I received a free advanced reader copy and am leaving this review voluntarily.
July 24, 2026
A slightly different take on witchcraft and the corruption of power. The characters at the beginning were flawed but they grew up and you could realistically see them changing into more mature characters. I enjoyed the light exploration of the overlap between witchcraft and religion. I received an advance copy of this book for free and am leaving this review voluntarily.
July 25, 2026
This was definitely a fall read with the spooky forest and the witches and witch hunters. The pacing was done well and kept me engaged the whole time. I loved that Ann even represented the blind in here. Definitely recommend if you like fantasy to add to the tbr.
July 25, 2026
Loved this book, great plot.
Fantastic tropes witch hunter and witch.
Story line was great with forbidden romance.
The unique take on the witches and magic was great too.
I have been fortunate to receive this as a ARC. I have given a honest review.
August 4, 2026
I got the chance to ARC this book and found it to be an interesting and appealing read. The contrast of how the Witch vs Witch Hunter roles in the portrayed era hit all to close to home how one can be judged on the slightest of things. Overall a good read and look forward to book 2.
July 1, 2026
I absolutely loved this! A unique take on witches, religion, etc. I can't wait to see more of Rowan and Casrian!
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