Witch Queen's War

Vesik #7

by Eric R. Asher

There's a turning point in every war, but I didn't expect this one to be in my front yard. Allies of the Fae king have moved against the military stationed in Saint Charles. Our unsteady alliances are threatening to fracture, providing the water witches and vampires an opportunity to strike. With losses on both sides, things are far more dire than we realized, and the return of a long-forgotten enemy has made that clear. Thankfully, I know a very grumpy parrot.

Genres: Urban Fantasy, Fantasy, Paranormal, Audiobook, Magic

360 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 28, 2017

About the author

Eric R. Asher is the author of over 30 titles, including the Vesik urban fantasy series and the YA steampunk series, Steamborn. Look for his upcoming cozy fantasy, The Theme Park at the End of the World, in 2024. He is currently living in St. Louis, Missouri, where the local folklore often finds its way into his Mason Dixon: Monster Hunter rural fantasy series.

Reviews

[Madison Warner Fairbanks · Rating 4 out of 5]

Witch Queen’s War by Eric R Asher
Book 7 of the Vesik series. Urban fantasy. Best read as part of the series.
The war rages on. The water witches and vampires strike. Damien, the necromancy and Nixie, his fae queen girlfriend fight back with the help of friends all across the paranormal divide. A ghost parrot brings some humor to the fighting, death and destruction. It’s bloody.
Damien’s group of friends is impressive and often humorous which for me, is the savior in getting through the war.

[A.M. · Rating 3 out of 5]

It starts mid war, I guess… the water witches are coming for Nixie and her lover, Vesik.
Again?
It’s all getting a bit same same - I reckon the series could have wound up a few books ago. *checks notes - now there are 14 books in the series.*
There are zero surprises and the big climax the death of the water witch queen was … meh. Shot by a sniper they just met this book. No big cheer scene for either Nixie or Vesik.
In an attempt to check in with all the characters spread out over all the places, Vesik has to travel back and forth a bit - and sometimes for stupid reasons. He forgot the inn had a phone and he could have just phoned them. Hmmm … when you are pointing out your own stupid writing choices, I think it might be time to stop.
I wrote this back in my review of book 3:

There are a lot of repeated moments: everyone pauses then laughs at a joke (like a bad sitcom), the fae pull out their sword a little and then slam it in to the scabbard whilst darkly threatening someone, Zola is screaming at Vesik ‘don’t do it’ and *surprise* he does it…

And boy, is that even worse now. I will add in the cù-sìthe slobber all over people.
So it is scraping this rating from me. And given I buy the box sets in audio, I have another book to read.
Grits teeth.

3 stars

[Bob Michaels · Rating 2 out of 5]

Well, after reading books 4 and 5 I was actually truly enjoying this series. Book 6 was not as good and book 7 was a complete letdown. More and more of the same. Endless battles with a lot of repetition. The biggest letdown was the death of the queen which I expected to be a huge showdown with Damien. What a complete pile of crap her death was. Then there is the edit fail. Read the first 3 pages of the book and then go to page 304 and you can read a good portion of it again verbatim. Whether intentionally or pure laziness it is not acceptable. I am done with this series.

[Crystal P · Rating 5 out of 5]

I dove right back in after more than a year and it was like revisiting old friends. Granted those old friends were as ensconced in war times as ever, but they were old friends nonetheless. The adventures continue right along with the laughs and entertainment. I am ready for more!

[Joseph Thomas · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Vesik series is an Urban Fantasy series following Damian Vesik. Damian is a smart ass Necromancer with a vampire for a sister, fairies who live in his shop. Add in a whole bunch of other fantastical creatures and some magic (obviously) and that's the world Damian lives in. Witch Queen's War is book 7 in the series. While it's not required that you read all of the books in the series I would highly recommend at least reading some of them before jumping in. Personally, I have read Books 1-3 and part of book 4 before jumping into this one and I was able to keep up fine.

Book 7 is probably the best book in the series (Saying that without reading all of them, I know). It is definitely an improvement from books 1-3, and I enjoyed those books! The authors writing feels more fluid and polished, and there is less character development that needs to be established which means there is more action! I will be going back and reading books 4-6 soon so look for my reviews on those books!

I would recommend this book to fans of books like The Dresden Files, The Hallows, Kitty Norville and Iron Druid series.

** I was given this free review copy at my request and have voluntarily left this review. **

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Witch Queen's War is the seventh book in the Vesik series. This can be read as a standalone, but I highly suggest you read the books in order so you understand the entire background story since it starts where the previous book ends. While it does not end in a traditional cliffhanger, it is clear the story doesn't end here. There is a lot of violence and gore so 18+.

The book blurb adequately describes the storyline so I'm not going to repeat that all of that info here. This story continues what was started in the first six books. The battle with the Fae King and the Undine Queen and their followers continue to cause problems. Will Damien, Zola, and friends be able to stop them? As losses mount on both sides, the stakes get higher, especially for Damien. So far this is my favorite book in the Vesik series.

Will I continue to read future books in the series? Of course I will. I received a copy of this book from the author and chose to leave a review for other readers.

[Charles Mohapel · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Witch Queen's War" (Vesik: The Series, Book 7) Made Me Want To Read The Entire Series

Having previously read Eric. R. Asher's "Days Gone Bad" (Vesik: The Series, Book 1) and "Whispers of War"(A Vesik Anthology) previously, I was already somewhat familiar with Damian Vesik and his friends and when I got a chance to review an advance copy of "Witch Queen's War" (Vesik: The Series, Book 7), I jumped at it. Given that Vesik, plus his friends and allies are engaged in a battle against the Witch Queen and her cruel allies at the same time they must battle against the Mad King and his nasty allies, this book was action-packed, while also filled with the irreverent humour I have grown to enjoy. After finishing "Witch Queen's War", I want to go back and reread "Days Gone Bad", followed by Books 2 through 6, and finishing up by rereading "Witch Queen's War" again

"I voluntarily reviewed an advance copy of this book that I received from the publisher."

[A Belle & A Book · Rating 5 out of 5]

Audiobook Review
Story 5 Stars
Performance 5 Stars
Overall 5 Stars

Author Eric Asher is bloody brilliant! The complexity of the Vesik series is no small feat. The series just keeps getting better. Asher's storyboard must be the size of a wall to keep all the players and storylines straight but he weaves the tale majestically. The military style battles in this installment left me breathless like I was standing next to Vesik myself. There is never a dull moment. I LOVE the MC, Damien Vesik. Vesik is full of attitude and snark. His cheeky manner lightens the mood in the story often. If you haven't read this series, you should be.

The narrator, William Dufris, is phenomenal! He brings the characters and story alive. Dufris embodies the essence of all the characters (and believe that's a lot). Because he lends a unique voice to each there is no doubt who is speaking.

I cannot say enough great things about this series. Trust me, you need to be reading or listening to it.

[TE · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Witch Queen's War is the seventh book in the Vesik series. Everything about these stories is epic as Vesik's friends, allies, enemies and problems transcend time, space, humanity and even life and death. He can barely put out one fire when another pops up. As the death toll rises, even his home and his city are under attack. It seems like the necromancer just can't catch a break. Good thing he has a couple of cu siths to help straighten things out! Good read.

I voluntarily reviewed an advanced copy of this book that I received from the publisher.

For those who want to know: This one has language, violence and gore.

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

In the most recent release, I put off reading for just a bit. I didn't want to read it only as it would mean needing to wait longer before the next one. As always, once I did delve into the book, it was read in a single sitting, not wanting to leave the world - once I was immersed in the world of Vesik and family, I didn't want to be brought out until I had read the last page. And I wasn't disappointed except for when this chapter in the tale was done, and I am relegated to once again reading or listening to the tales again until the next one is ready for telling.

[Wendy Schindler · Rating 5 out of 5]

This Vesik "Witch Queen's War" is fantastic!!

Wow! Eric Asher has outdone himself with this installment in the Vesik series!
Stunning visuals and history abound! The battles are as well written as some of Robert Jordan's! Don't think for a minute I missed the similarity of the beards either.
The battle "humor" is epic as well! Nothing like a little ribald fun to help you face potential death..
Buy the book. Read it. Leave a review.. I highly recommend it!!

[Mel · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book series always blow me away!

What a fantastic writing style by Mr Asher! I love the Vesek series. Very detailed and great development within the storyline, the characters are amazing and it makes me smile with his dry comments and humour just fantastic to read never gets boring I was clued to the book!
Can't wait for the next one!
Thanks for a gripping storyline with lot's of surprises to make the book even more exciting!

[Alan Boggs · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a free copy of this book but I will be buying a copy also. This is another excellent book from Eric Asher. This is without a doubt my favorite series. the character are the same from the others with a few new thrown in. if you like urban fantasy do yourself a favor and check out this series.

[Maya Barbery · Rating 5 out of 5]

Eric r Asher is a genius!! Book 7 in this series cement relationships, it brings about new players. But our good Friend of Death's Door just can't catch a break!

This fast paced never a dull moment irony filled book will carry you into the world Eric created. one of my favorite series and a wonderful author, as I have read his other series.

If you like UF as a genre then Vesik is a MUST!!!!

[Larry Tushman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Unbelievable! What did I just read?!? This is a great series to begin with, but this installment was outstanding. The sheer scope of this story was insane. With so many moving parts, I wouldn't be surprised if the author's notes were almost as long as the book. To call this entertaining would be a great disservice. I look forward to this saga continuing.

[Cheryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome book! Damian and Nixie are fighting the battles of their lives. Yes, you have mystery, lots of action, surprises and story twists. Park, Casper and more play a part and the two dogs, lol, are excellent. Read and enjoy this book but be prepared to be left hanging a bit because it is not over.

[Thomas Salapa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lots of action

As with the six previous books the suspense and action did not let up. Damien is pulled in many directions trying to help his love, his town, and his friends so he is going from one dangerous situation after another and manages to get out alive. Can't wait for book 8.

[Eric Evans · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am enjoying the series. I left off for a bit to read some other things. It picked up like I never left off. The characters are great. Love the banter everyone tosses back and forth like old friends. People complain about to the witch queens death. I never saw her as that big of a player in the war. There really wasn't a lot of build up for her in my opinion. Can't wait for the next installment.

[Courtney · Rating 3 out of 5]

These books are literary candy. If you want to hear a story about an immature necromancer who has a lot of raw power, doesn't fall into bed with everything that moves, and has a cast of colorful and more experienced friends, this might be a series you could enjoy. Fairies, vampires, werewolves, ghosts, elder gods, and demons abound.

[Ronald Manley · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an enjoyable series and this book is no exception. Even though the war Is serious there was enough comic dialogue to tone it down."I voluntarily reviewed an advance copy of this book that I received from the publisher."

[Trish Strong · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book.Although I have some of the earlier books in the series I have not gotten around to reading them yet, however, I could still read and enjoy this book as a stand-alone.Full of action and kept me on edge until the end.Really enjoyed it.

[Tracy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this series!

It just gets better and better. Thanks Eric for sharing your world and imagination with us.

BTW, I've never posted a review before. And may never again. What is up with a minimum word count to post a review?

[Traci · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great book

I enjoy this series more with each book. I love the relationship between the characters. They are truly family, and the list of people they care about and protect keep growing. I look forward to book 8!

[Lisa Guertin · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG!

This book kept me on the edge of my seat from page one to the very end! I am quite impressed with the way the author weaves in crucial information and foreshadowing while keeping the action brisk.

[Jasmine Breeden · Rating 4 out of 5]

Been waiting for that

Enjoy seeing the different battles that go on and getting a little bit of an ending to part of the war. Ready for the next and seeing what happens to the mortal Prince lol

[David J · Rating 4 out of 5]

Almost too much action. The usual cast of characters is present, along with some new human soldiers.This book builds on previous books and would be confusing if you had not read them.The entire series is entertaining and filled with action.

[Hector Santiago · Rating 5 out of 5]

Here we go again with vesik love this character one of the best of all time gate this book asap

[Jackie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Amazing fantasy book that is written by a superb author. Impossible not to be read.

[Jackie · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great fantasy story that kept me intrigued until the very end. Loads of action, some violence and gore. A fast paced story.

[Robert L. Sieh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic read

Eric has managed to continue to keep the excitement and the novelty going even after 7 books. He's a true talent in the field.