After twenty years of oppression, Lea Wylder has freed the Colony, one of the last human cities in the Nordvend, from the wolves. But freedom has come at a terrible cost. Radical forces threaten unrest. Wolf shifters and humans are more divided than ever. Lea’s nightmares have returned, except this time it isn’t her own death she sees—it’s Henrik’s, the wolf shifter she saved the previous fall, who possesses a terrible magic that has marked him as a target among humans and shifters alike.
Attacks on the Colony increase by the day. Something lurks out in the dark, frozen woods, just beyond what Lea can see in her visions, and she must discover who is hunting Henrik before it’s too late.
Author Kat Kinney writes spicy paranormal romance and heartwarming cozy fantasy. Her books have found family, adorable pets, strong female characters, and happy endings!
She lives with her family and three extremely pampered guinea pigs who do not like werewolves, vampires, or dragons and wonder why their human insists on writing about things that like to eat them. When she isn’t writing about things that bite and howl, Kat can be found knitting crazy socks, puttering about her garden, baking entirely too many pies, and plotting out future books!
Lea Wylder, half-human and half-wolf, the Minderblud forever ostracized by her community neither belonging to the pack nor part of the human world, unable to shift and suffering from crippling headaches has a new vision attacking her, the death of Henrik, the love and light of her life.
Kat Kinney’s fantasy world is elaborate and brilliant and easy to relate to with its multiple layers of racism and class hierarchy woven thru the story. The first book in the series had Lea fighting to save her best friend Salem and understanding the truth of her parentage while in Book #2 Darkwitch, we see Lea embracing her role as a warrior and her need to protect Henrik from all harm. The central plot of Darkwitch that of the infighting between the different sections of society was conceived excellently but what made it fascinating is the numerous threads that have been intricately plotted into it. Lea's relationship with her mother, her doubts about her brother, Henrik and his evasiveness, the grief of losing her father, a war that may be just around the corner, the political machinations and rumors that plague the colony causing mistrust and discord among humans and wolf shifters alike, Darkwitch had an overflowing cauldron.
There are quite a lot of characters in the story but it was never hard to follow as the author brings in twists and turns to keep the readers hooked on the story. Lea was wonderfully sketched by Kat Kinney, she’s flawed, she’s obstinate but her heart is always in the right place as she fights tooth and nail for Henrik's life. The element of romance is kept comparatively lighter compared to the first book, well, here Lea and Henrik have to face unforeseen dangers, and more than half the time they are fighting to stay alive.
The war that erupts at the climax was breathtaking, the writing so beautiful that it made me imagine the scene in all its glorious colors. After completing book #1, I was waiting for the conclusion of Lea and Henrik's story and even though Darkwitch can be read as a standalone, I strongly advise reading the duology as Henrik’s and Lea’s change in relationship to love which forms the first part of book #1, Dyrwolf is too endearing to be missed.
Many thanks to BookSirens and the author for a chance to read and review this book. All opinions are expressed voluntarily.
As in Dyrwolf, Kat Kinney creates an immersive experience for her readers in Darkwitch. Kinney’s descriptions made me feel as if I were running through snowy, moon-lit woods, with unspoken dangers snapping at my heels. Not too long ago, I finished The Grace Year, a book by Kim Liggett. In The Grace Year, nature takes on a preternatural tone. Similarly, Kinney summons magic with her words, and her syntax choices increase tension during moments of action.
I was also drawn to the characters. I could feel Lea’s angst as she struggled with how to help Henrick and do good for all. There is beauty in this book in spite of the carnage. In sum, I loved this YA fantasy read.
"A love story written in starlight and moon magic." No better words to describe it than the author's words themselves!
Darkwitch is everything you want in a sequel. The characters you love, but in the challenging, growing circumstances established in the first book. The progression from book one to book two felt natural. There's enough of a reminder of previous events without sounding exhaustinglying repetitive for what we already know.
The writing is such that you want to soak up each word. It often has the feel of magic itself. The descriptions are beautiful and Kinney really paints the scene. The banter between characters is often playful and fun to read. The romance is sweet and the character arcs, all of them, are satisfying.
I really enjoyed not just the romance between Lea and Henrick, but the budding romance between Nils & Salem. I love the side characters just as much as the main characters, along with everyone's growth, both individually and their relationships. Without giving away too much, I will also say the ending was also very satisfying, in more than one way.
I look forward to diving into the next Kat Kinney book!
Awesome. After a busy few months, this sequel to Dyrwolf served as a restorative escape into a world where the idiom 'no one mentions the gyrfalcon in the room' exists. This sentence made me happy, but there are many more examples of intriguing language within Darkwitch - Lea is beguiling and she lives in a world where 'the weight of magic pressing around me like a blanket' and ' Henrik whispered I look like an elven princess'. Lea is half human half wolf and her possible romantic antagonist is the son of the Darkwitch. A paranormal world jumped from the page and showed me emotions of social divisions, battles, understanding and acceptance.
Love this series! Such great characters and high stakes plot. There's danger and intrigue, sweet kisses and gut-wrenching deceptions. I loved every moment of it. Henrik and Lea were definitely my favorites, but Salem and Nils hold a strong second. I don't want to spoil anything, so I'll leave it at. But seriously, great book! Highly recommend.
“Darkwitch” is a kind of book that sweeps you off your feet and makes you keep reading “just one more chapter”. I couldn’t put this book down even after my Kindle fell out of my hands a couple of times (yes, a few times it landed on my face), and even after my cats gave up on their human’s common sense and went to sleep without the usual cuddling session.
Book two of the Dyrwolf duology picks up soon after the end of book one. The Colony is finally united. Wolves and humans live together. But can two sides that have been fighting against each other for the last twenty years really live in peace building a better future for everyone?
There are too many scars both nations bear to accept that the era of hate is over. Lea and Henrik discover the enemy has multiplied, and the Colony is now being attacked both from outside and from within.
Lea still struggles with her own demons. The visions she has about Henrik’s death get more and more disturbing. The worst thing about them being that she sees the killer but can’t discern his face.
I really liked the relationship dynamics between Lea and her mother, as well as between Lea and Gunnar. In general, there are many fascinating characters in the duology, each of them deserving a separate book.
Lea and Henrik are both very young. While they are forced to look for solutions to global problems and regularly face mortal danger, they remain innocent in their hearts and naïve in relationship issues. Their love is sweet and pure. And in my view, the contrast between the gloom and darkness of Nordvend and Lea and Henrik’s innocence of youth adds intensity to the story.
I’m a huge fan of Kat Kinney’s books and her unique, immersive writing style. I’m looking forward to reading the next instalments of her series as well as new stories, which I’m sure will combine her beautiful trademark prose, relatable characters, and exciting settings.
While this second book regales me with the conclusion of the whole story, I don't enjoy it as much as the first one.
3.5 cats tangled in 5 strands of arrogant Nils' hair Possibly spoiler
Personally, I think it doesn't hold the same magic and has become quite predictable. The Chosen One trope is too foreseeable, and it has double dose. I have lost count of how many times the main character wanders into the woods or roams around, gets into life-threatening situations, makes it back/recovered/rescued, and repeats as the main plot points for the story to move forward. It's repetitive and becomes apparent when you binge the book. It's also a bit tiresome that the character is thinking and whining about the same thing repeatedly, sometimes being overly dramatic about things that shouldn't have that much foundation to be upset with based on the personality of the character I read from book one.
Unlike the first book, which introduces us more to the world, cultures, and little things that matter, this one relies more on actions that build up the whole book with a reward of a predictable payout while leaving some critical plot points behind. Monkshood is well underplayed and shoved aside after all the importance in the first book. It almost seems like it's too deadly/powerful that the story chooses to ignore it.
Having written all that off my chest, there are still some gems. I enjoy the Gunnar character; although he is the only one who shines in this book, compared to many in the previous. I like that, as in real life, there is something after happily ever after in the first ending, that things are far from rosy, although I don't think it's explored to its potential. The final battle feels like it's coming out of nowhere, not built enough, and some questions are not really answered, especially tallying from how it has evolved from the first book's ending and events/skills/strategy/strength of each side throughout the two books.
Although it's not as strong, or perhaps I compare it too much to the previous book, it's still an entertaining read and provides the story's closure so that I will round the stars up.
3.5 cats tangled in 5 strands of arrogant Nils' hair
Another thing that I like is that despite the book being in YA Paranormal Werewolf, it touches and handles mature subjects well, and there is no point where I think this is mushy and I'm too old to read it. The problems told are relatable to the real world, and there are many respectable and rootable characters.
I loved the first book, and I loved this one as well. It built upon the first and followed through, embedding some surprising twists into the journey! The ending was satisfying, and I teared up at the epilogue.
Five stars! I wasn’t sure we could go up from the first book, but we sure did. Lea and Henrik have my heart and I can’t imagine it any other way. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and will recommend it to others. It is refreshing to read a book that isn’t the same as all of the other books out there!
It’s also nice to see an author write about certain health issues that can be and are debilitating.
Having enjoyed Dyrwolf, I was looking forward to reading this sequel. Tensions run high in the Colony, with plots afoot to disrupt the fragile peace. Meanwhile, Lea is having visions of Henrik’s death. Can the humans and dyr unite against a common foe, and can Lea save Henrik from his fate?
I loved this sequel. Brilliant pacing and tension throughout, as I tried to work out who was working for who, and all the little mysteries. The twists are great. The slow burn romance between Henrik and Lea slows to a crawl but I still enjoyed their relationship. The characters are so well-written; I particularly liked Gunnar, Nils, and Salem (as well as Lea and Henrik of course.) Having read a few of Kat Kinney’s books, I’m always impressed with the writing and beautiful descriptions, and this book was no exception.
Overall, a great read for YA fantasy fans & those who enjoyed the first book are sure to enjoy this one.
ALC Review- For over 20 years there waged a war between humans and wolves. The wolves occupied the colony until human insurgents staged attacks on them and their ruler Astrid (the cursed Darkwitch). Years were spent trying to free enslaved humans. With a pact now in place between humans and rebel wolves, the colony is now under joint rule by Serra & shifters (humans & wolves) working in tandem together as they face a new threat of being under attack by outside radical forces. But when trust in the colony is still a looming weakness, it threatens to destroy the colony and everything Lea has worked so hard for. On top of outside threats, Lea Wylder has been battling new and troubling visions of her white wolf, Henrik and his death which she is resolute in preventing. There was a bountiful array of characters in this story that really kept the story interesting. Not only did the story have a beautiful world, but the main plot of the outside threat also had side stories full of betrayal and intrigue, never allowing for a moment of dullness. I personally loved the tenacity of FMC Lea, a 16 year old half human, half shifter (Minderblud). Through the ups and downs of her story she steadied on fierce determination to do what she thought was right in the name of solidarity and to protect her family, blood and found. I found the playfully flirty banter between Lea and Henrik to be sweet and endearing. Henrik’s character was another favorite of mine because he kept fighting alongside Lea even in the face of adversity and through being ostracized. All in all a fun listen, would recommend to readers who enjoy paranormal romance with lots of action.
The narration done by Tiffany Vanlandingham was outstanding. For having such a large cast of characters to sort through and portray, I thought she was did a wonderful job in giving each personality its own distinct flair. I thought her portrayal of the wide range of emotions and voices shone brightly, and kept me wholly immersed in the story. Highly recommend the audiobook version of this book as well!
I was lucky to have access to this second book in the Dyrwolf series. I honestly binge read the two books in two days. My family had to live on delivery pizza and wait for clean clothes because I was so sucked in. The action is nonstop, and the twists and turns are plenty. You’re never truly sure who is the “bad guy” or who to trust. It pulled me in from beginning to end and held my attention. I felt like I was right there watching, feeling, and experiencing the book...not just reading it. The atmosphere created and characters were so realistic. Strong, interesting, and fascinating characters that are well developed and diverse. The world building is detailed, imaginative and so well done that you're drawn into a fantastic world unlike any other. The storyline is fast-paced and very well written, filled with magic, Fae, danger, death, politics, intrigue, and subterfuge. The plot thickens, the suspense builds, and the passion erupts! It was a bittersweet but satisfying conclusion to the series.
Not since Twilight have I been so invested in wolf shifters since I discovered Kat Kinney’s fabulous Dyrwolf novel. Then she wrote a sequel and gave us Darkwitch, so we could continue the story of archer Lea and the literal white wolf from her dreams, Henrik.
This time, wolves and humans are trying to live together cooperatively and harmoniously, in Nordvend, the absorbing world that Kinney has created. Added to this, Lea is trying to fend off horrific nightmares of losing Henrik and deal with building relationships with her brother and mother.
I love the beauty of Kat’s writing, which offers complete escapism and the right amount of YA romance and drama.
I did not want to put this book down from page one. Lea and Henrik are both adjusting to the changes after the end of the last book and a new dynamic in how the colony flows. I couldn’t help but fall in love all over again with their young love. I adored the pieces interlacing Salem and Nils, and the twists and turns kept me on the edge of the seat. Gunner was so beautifully complicated. I love that Kinney explored what it was like for Lea struggling with chronic migraines, it made her relatable and I’ve never seen it done before. Lea is a bada$$ in every sense of the word. This is going to be a hard series to beat for my favorite of 2022.
He recibido una copia gratis de este libro, tened en cuenta que esta es mi reseña completamente honesta. Primero de todo tengo que enfatizar que he tardado en dejar una reseña porque entre que me fui de viaje y todo lo de la universidad, la verdad que no tenía casi tiempo. Ahora vale, nos centramos en lo importante: Hay que tener en cuenta que la primera vez que recibí el libro pensé que era un “stand-alone” (lo sé, soy tonta jajaja) por ello me puse a leerme el primero, y fue terminarlo y directamente querer leer el segundo. Tengo que decir que mis expectativas no eran muy altas, dado que hay muchas veces que cuando el primer libro está muy bien, el segundo es un desastre, pero en este caso no estuvo mal. Sinceramente, no sabría decir cuál de los dos libros me gustó más, este me enganchó y me lo terminé en 1 día y el otro al tener tiempo libre en medio día jajajaj. En cuanto a los personajes, Lea y Henrik me gustaron bastante, pero es que Nils me encantó! Hubieron otros personajes que también me gustaron mucho pero como no sé si serían parte de un spoiler prefiero no decir nada. Por otro lado, me gustó mucho como la autora describe los momentos entre Lea y Henrik y por otro lado, no os distéis cuenta de que hay veces que la autora describe escenas que riman? Me encantó! Tengo que advertir que este libro es YA en todas sus formas y sentidos, en mi caso los hombres lobo y todo esto me suele gustar y se lo recomiendo mucho a la gente que busque una historia con fantasía, hombres lobo, romanticismo, acción y mucho más! Muchas gracias a la autora por este ARC.
##REVIEW IN ENGLISH## I have received a free copy of this book, please note that this is my completely honest review. First of all I have to emphasize that it has taken me a while to leave a review because between going on a trip and all the university stuff, I really didn't have much time. Now okay, let's focus on what's important: It should be noted that the first time I received the book I thought it was a "stand-alone" (I know, I'm silly hahaha) that's why I started reading the first one, and it was finishing it and directly wanting to read the second one. I have to say that my expectations were not very high, since there are many times when the first book is very good, the second is a disaster, but in this case it was not bad. Honestly, I couldn't say which of the two books I liked more, this one hooked me and I finished it in 1 day and the other one when I had free time in half a day hahahahah. As for the characters, I liked Lea and Henrik quite a bit, but I loved Nils! There were other characters that I also liked a lot but as I don't know if they would be part of a spoiler I prefer not to say anything. On the other hand, I really liked how the author describes the moments between Lea and Henrik and also, didn't you notice that there are times when the author describes scenes that rhyme? I loved it! I have to warn that this book is YA in all its forms and senses, in my case werewolves and all are a topic that I tend to like and I highly recommend it to people who are looking for a story with fantasy, werewolves, romance, action and much more! Many thanks to the author for this ARC.
Such a truly lovely book! I already adored Lea and Henrik from reading Dyrwolf and this sequel lives up to my every expectation. The two central characters already have my heart, but I now have a corner for other characters in the world of the colony, particularly Nils and Salem, but also twin Gunnar and others in the family (no names for fear of spoilers!) I loved the way all their stories are built up over the course of the book.
The species antagonism and the fragility of the new colony are painful to read about at times. The likelihood of a war incited by the vengeful Tor is an ever-present cloud over all their horizons. Lea’s days of pain and visions, when she fears for Henrik’s life and tries endlessly to save him, are so compellingly described by a writer who has her own encounters with the debilitating pain of migraine. And the secrets which threaten to divide Lea and Henrik are heartbreaking.
In a lighter vein, as with Dyrwolf, the interaction between the main characters is totally delightful. Lea’s nicknames for Henrik (he protests, but I think he really likes her teasing!), centring around his white wolf form are so funny and poignant. ‘Dandelion’ has to be my favourite. Scenes such as when an injured Henrik persuades Lea to brush his tail are SO sweet! And I just LOVED the ending and closing vision!
This is billed as YA, but, if you look for stories with love, pain, sacrifice, bravery, whatever age you are, this is an absolutely super book and not to be missed.
This story picks up shortly after the end of Dyrwolf, with Lea and Henrik dealing with the aftermath of events from the first book and struggling with all the conflicting loyalties that have resulted. Not only are the YA main characters trying to find their way, but two different cultures are as well.
Secrets, plots, and questions of loyalty and friendship and trust drew me into the story as Lea’s visions of danger drive her to act. I found myself holding my breath at parts, wondering what would happen next. And I felt chills at the ultimate reveal of the truth behind some of Lea’s later visions.
But not all was serious and dire in the story. Moments of levity made me smile and even chuckle at times. A couple of my favorites: “Zigzagging through trees while you’re being shot at is just a bonus”, and “Henrik’s shop is exactly the sort of place you would never want to lose a badger”. And just as in the first book, the detailed descriptions were often lyrical… “fading gray rays of twilight settling like a ghostly veil over the trees”.
I think this book might even be better than the first one. I really enjoyed it and didn’t want to put it down, needing to see how things would turn out. It’s an entertaining, engrossing, and very satisfying read.
Thank you to the author for the free advance review copy of the book. My voluntary review is completely my own honest opinion.
There's a conflict between the humans and the wolves but there is also a war brewing with another wolf pack. Lea who is half wolf half human, has had a hard time living with the wolves at the colony but at least it's better than living with humans who want to be freer from the colony. Reality is that they really need each other. Some of these wolves have special abilities like Lea and Henrik. Lea and Henrik are inseparable. Their love for each other is tested when obstacles are thrown in their path testing their relationship. Evil lurks in the shadows waiting for the perfect opportunity to strike in order to bring an end to the wolves and humans. Thank you Booksirens and the author for a digital copy. Read and reviewed voluntarily and the opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
HEAs don't want to come easy. Sometimes the solution to one problem only brings to light several more unresolved issues. Lea and Henrik do not tread an easy path. Far more political than book 1, there is still plenty of action as well as a beautiful lyrical quality to the writing that is just mesmerizing. The conflicts are closer to heart, still have very wide spread consequences.
Darkwitch expanded the world introduced in Dyrworld, but at the same time felt so much more intimate. Like the events in the first book were bigger, more societal and Darkwitch is the interpersonal machinations behind it all. Excellent rounding out of the duology that told the other side of the story while honoring and completing the story begun in book 1. Some excellent twists, difficult decisions, and a few bits of humor mixed in.
This book continues with the struggle between shifters and humans in the colony and the insurgents. Lea is half human/wolf and is always trying to protect Henrik from harm as she continues to see Henrik die in her dreams. When Henrik starts to keep secrets Lea struggles to keep her dreams to herself. Her brother, Gunner, shows up at the colony and she is chosen to see if he is there only to collect info for Tor and Karl, the insurgents, as they plan to overtake the colony. This story is full of intrique, secrets, feelings of betrayal, family, and love. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I was so excited to get back to this story and the world the author created. In fact, I didn't realize how much I missed it until I started reading and was reminded of what a beautiful writer this author is. Man, the way she weaves words is epic. I really hope more people find her stories!
We return to Lea and Henrik, and the action drew me in from the very beginning. I loved how the story developed and the love story between our main characters, and the twists were fantastic. Such a lovely read that I didn't want to put down! If you're a fan of fantasy, YA and/or romance, snatch this one up as fast as you can!
My second favorite White Wolf! I loved every second of reading Darkwitch! I loved Henrik and Lea’s story and this book had so many twists and turns in it. I loved seeing how Lea’s visions actually turned out. I loved watching her and Henrick come together. The way it ended was great too!
This book really has it all too. Lots of action, lots of romance and witty banter. Plus it’s not super long so it’s nice getting to the good parts more quickly. I am happy the way this book was wrapped up but also sad that it’s over. Might have to go back to book one and start all over again!
Darkwitch is the second book in the Dyrwolf series. The story picks up soon after the original story ended - with our two main characters Lea and Henrik left struggling with new problems arising from the new colony, conflicting loyalties and long-held secrets. Friendships will be tested, loyalties strained, lies revealed. It's an excellent ride!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The Colony is unified, at least for now. But is it enough? Nils struggles to keep the wolves in check. Henrik is still trying to find a way for the minderbluds to change, and now he's hiding something. And Lea is trying to keep his stupid fluffy butt alive, her visions of an archer haunting her every night.
This sequel was just as great as the first! I loved the twists and how everything came full circle. Highly recommend!
This sequels picks up for the events of drywolf. As with book one, the world building is really good and really easy to read. There continues to be conflict between humans and shifters in the colony and insurgents. Lea and Henrik’s relationship developes further despite all the obstacles thrown in their way. There is love, betrayal, secrets and lots of drama. I received a free copy of this book from Booksirens and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
this was another winner in the dyrwolf series, I really enjoyed going through this book and getting to the good stuff. It left me wanting more in this series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Darkwitch is an engrossing sequel to Lea Wylder's saga. It successfully continues the challenges from the first book, allowing characters to grow naturally. I appreciated the subtle reminders of previous events. Beyond Lea and Henrick's romance, I enjoyed the developing relationship between Nils and Salem. The side characters are as compelling as the main ones, and I loved observing their individual growth and relationships. The ending was also very satisfying. I enjoyed listening to Tiffany Vanlandingham narrate the story.
This is a great book. I couldn't put it down. Full of drama and tension but I the end it does what any good romance should, a little tear in the eye and a happy ending. I highly recommend you read Dyrwolf and Darkwitch.