The Smokewoods Witch

by D. Burns

Emma needs a witch to protect her forest. The witch may be her.

Emma has been halfway to dead since she was young, drowned in the Smokewoods and saved by the Smokewoods. Now she takes folks across the dangerous and magic-thick forest for a price. When her home is threatened, and her half-life along with it, she’s forced to partner with a know-nothing city-boy to try and save it. But Jack, Emma fears, may do more harm than good.

The Smokewoods Witch is a story of betrayal, forbidden love, and two people caught in the fight for the mysterious forest they find themselves in—and neither may make it out alive.

450 pages, Paperback

Published September 3, 2026

About the author

Dustin lives in the Northwoods with her family, and the national forest outside her door is a constant source of inspiration and comfort. It’s here that she tells herself stories and raises her kids with her husband who doubles as her best friend. Winter is her favorite season, and black is how she takes her coffee. She reads, hikes, runs, snowshoes, and, of course, writes.

Reviews

[Philantha]

This book had me in a CHOKEHOLD until the very end. Easily a 10/10—and if you’re here for the smut, just know it absolutely delivers.

The pacing was perfect. It doesn’t make you wait until the final chapters for all the plot twists either. The first 100 pages pull you in and have you constantly wondering “WHY?!” Then around the 200-page mark? Prepare to start GASPING. The chain of events is genuinely unpredictable in the best possible way.

The world-building is light but gives you exactly enough to get lost in the story without feeling overwhelmed. It has all the mystical, magical, slightly enchanting vibes the author promises, making this SUCH a perfect September/fall read.

Addictive, spicy, magical, and unpredictable. 10/10. No notes.

[Vae Toomalatai]

An absolute standout read! This brilliant story delivers a seamless, unique blend of modern-day reality and rich fantasy that keeps you completely hooked. In fact, this book attention & had me sat even before chapter one with the chillingly good opening line: “I felt it in my marrow, this longing for you.” The pacing is fantastic, the world-building is immersive, and when the big witch reveal finally dropped? Absolute perfection… my mouth was literally on the floor because I did not see it coming!!! It is rare to find a book that grips you from the very first page and refuses to let go until the final sentence. All in all, a phenomenal read, and I am already more than ready for the next book!

[Chloe Op]

I really enjoyed this book. It was an original storyline that had me intrigued wanting to know where it was going the entire time. A half dead girl who lives in a magic forest and also happens to be Catholic 😂 It didn’t end on a crazy cliffhanger but left just enough that I need to know what’s happening next. I’ve already recommended this book to several friends and looking forward to when the next book comes out!

[BB Booktalk]

this book is so good and the ending literally had my jaw on the floor. this is the perfect fall vibes book - I highly recommend