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Gorgon #1
The Crimson Witch
What is power without control?
All Aurora’s life, she’s had one dream- to defeat the strongest race on Earth, the Demi-Gods. Too bad the one thing holding her back is her destructive, unstable magic abilities. She lives a life of crime to draw powerful adversaries, but that comes to a halt when she’s discovered by Princess Polaris, the daughter of one of the most notorious Demi-Gods to grace the earth. Aurora has to go with Polaris to the far west or risk the secrets of her magic being free to the world. While she’s fought powerful opponents before, terrorists, vampires, and demons may be more than she bargained for. To make things worse, if Aurora's magic gets claimed by her enemies, the fallout could result in a war great enough to destroy the world. Who will Aurora’s magic destroy first? Her enemies, her allies, or herself?
All Aurora’s life, she’s had one dream- to defeat the strongest race on Earth, the Demi-Gods. Too bad the one thing holding her back is her destructive, unstable magic abilities. She lives a life of crime to draw powerful adversaries, but that comes to a halt when she’s discovered by Princess Polaris, the daughter of one of the most notorious Demi-Gods to grace the earth. Aurora has to go with Polaris to the far west or risk the secrets of her magic being free to the world. While she’s fought powerful opponents before, terrorists, vampires, and demons may be more than she bargained for. To make things worse, if Aurora's magic gets claimed by her enemies, the fallout could result in a war great enough to destroy the world. Who will Aurora’s magic destroy first? Her enemies, her allies, or herself?
- GenresFantasy
474 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 21, 2021
About the author
John North
5 books35 followersJohn North graduated from Georgia State University, where he definitely didn’t spend thousands of dollars just to study Film & Media. John’s love for films and animated media inspired his love for writing. What started as an afterschool hobby became a deep passion, one he wanted to share with the world. John brought new worlds to life with his imagination, fully inspired by the anime he watched while growing much. John learned so much from the stories he grew up with. He learned to value perseverance, confidence, self-improvement, empathy, friendship, and most importantly, family. These messages show through his writing. Welcome to his Gorgon series, which is the product of seven years of hard work and discipline. It’s a bloody, violent story, but at its heart, its all about family bonds, personal improvement, responsibility, and achieving self-love. The biggest lesson that John’s learned through his life so far is the following. ‘While who you are is important, and what you do is what you’re remembered for, it’s where you want to be that will always keep you moving forward’. (A direct quote from John)!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
August 3, 2025
"𝙈𝙖𝙜𝙞𝙘 𝙡𝙞𝙫𝙚𝙙 𝙞𝙣 𝙝𝙚𝙧 𝙫𝙚𝙞𝙣𝙨 𝙡𝙞𝙠𝙚 𝙬𝙞𝙡𝙙𝙛𝙞𝙧𝙚, 𝙪𝙣𝙥𝙧𝙚𝙙𝙞𝙘𝙩𝙖𝙗𝙡𝙚, 𝙗𝙚𝙖𝙪𝙩𝙞𝙛𝙪𝙡, 𝙙𝙚𝙖𝙙𝙡𝙮."
•The story follows Aurora, a powerful yet reckless witch with a tragic past and deadly magic. This book surprised me. It is a gritty, fast paced dark fantasy that follows. The writing is vivid and action heavy with anime style inspiration. At first glance, I thought it would just be a super edgy dark fantasy with over the top fight scenes and yeah, it kind of is that but the thing that really pulled me in was the relationship between Aurora and Polaris. It’s messy, slow, emotional and full of that "we’re stuck together but we kind of get each other" vibe. They don’t instantly become sisters or besties, they argue, clash, banter but underneath all that, you feel this bond growing and by the end, you’re rooting for them both. It’s honestly the strongest part of the whole book.
•Now, Aurora? She's chaotic lead. She acts tough and dangerous and has all this explosive magic but deep down she’s terrified of herself, of hurting people and of being left alone again. I liked how the author showed her vulnerability without softening her rough edges too much. She's rebellious, hot headed and dramatic but in a way that makes sense given her past. Polaris, on the other hand, was such a surprise. She starts out cold and perfect princess mode but she’s way more insecure and lost than she lets on. The way she opens up and starts protecting Aurora gave me serious sister energy.
•The villain Serena was fun, even if predictable. She's that classic vengeful vampire with tragic backstory type but still made scenes exciting. The fight scenes were wild like, full on anime mode with powerups, magic blasts, flying limbs and non stop action. Sometimes it worked, sometimes it felt like, how are they not dead again lol and yeah, the gore was intense very descriptive, very bloody. If you’re sensitive to that kind of thing, it might be too much.
•Some conversations were confusing to me, too many words were used for simple things and some side characters felt flat like they were just there to push the plot. But honestly, I didn’t mind too much because the emotional core between the sisters made up for it. The book has heart, even if it’s buried under all the chaos and blood.
•If you enjoy found family, dark fantasy with raw emotion, powerful but broken heroines and fast paced magic battles, this book will pull you in. It’s not a light read, it’s violent and intense but it also has heart. For fans of dark fantasy, elemental magic and morally gray heroines, this one is a thrilling ride.
(Excited for the next book, let's see what's going to happen, ending was kinda WHAT type so yeah can't wait for the part 2)
•The story follows Aurora, a powerful yet reckless witch with a tragic past and deadly magic. This book surprised me. It is a gritty, fast paced dark fantasy that follows. The writing is vivid and action heavy with anime style inspiration. At first glance, I thought it would just be a super edgy dark fantasy with over the top fight scenes and yeah, it kind of is that but the thing that really pulled me in was the relationship between Aurora and Polaris. It’s messy, slow, emotional and full of that "we’re stuck together but we kind of get each other" vibe. They don’t instantly become sisters or besties, they argue, clash, banter but underneath all that, you feel this bond growing and by the end, you’re rooting for them both. It’s honestly the strongest part of the whole book.
•Now, Aurora? She's chaotic lead. She acts tough and dangerous and has all this explosive magic but deep down she’s terrified of herself, of hurting people and of being left alone again. I liked how the author showed her vulnerability without softening her rough edges too much. She's rebellious, hot headed and dramatic but in a way that makes sense given her past. Polaris, on the other hand, was such a surprise. She starts out cold and perfect princess mode but she’s way more insecure and lost than she lets on. The way she opens up and starts protecting Aurora gave me serious sister energy.
•The villain Serena was fun, even if predictable. She's that classic vengeful vampire with tragic backstory type but still made scenes exciting. The fight scenes were wild like, full on anime mode with powerups, magic blasts, flying limbs and non stop action. Sometimes it worked, sometimes it felt like, how are they not dead again lol and yeah, the gore was intense very descriptive, very bloody. If you’re sensitive to that kind of thing, it might be too much.
•Some conversations were confusing to me, too many words were used for simple things and some side characters felt flat like they were just there to push the plot. But honestly, I didn’t mind too much because the emotional core between the sisters made up for it. The book has heart, even if it’s buried under all the chaos and blood.
•If you enjoy found family, dark fantasy with raw emotion, powerful but broken heroines and fast paced magic battles, this book will pull you in. It’s not a light read, it’s violent and intense but it also has heart. For fans of dark fantasy, elemental magic and morally gray heroines, this one is a thrilling ride.
(Excited for the next book, let's see what's going to happen, ending was kinda WHAT type so yeah can't wait for the part 2)
October 6, 2022
This book was not quite what I was expecting, with a little more gore and fight scenes than I anticipated in a YA book, so fyi for the squeamish. The characters, world-building, and stakes between Aurora and her sister were detailed and evocative, winning me over to this unique story and setting. I had an excellent time reading about Aurora Salem, her mysterious powers and the heavy cost of her magic, along with her long lost sister Polaris and their journey together-fighting all kinds of fantasy creatures from a vampire with a huge chip on her shoulder out for revenge, to demons and terrorist organizations, heck even their own mother is a bit of a villain not to mention demi-god (and who doesn't relish a strong female villain?) Compelling mix of powerful characters dealing with the world the only way they know how, through pain, magic and defending their own. Solid work from this emerging indie and I am very curious to see what happens in the next installment of the Gorgon Series!
April 12, 2022
A rash girl wanting to be the best fighter and an uptight princess desiring to please her mother bond as long-lost sisters.
Aurora learns to control her power and love and accept herself and Polaris deals with her self-worth that's tied to her oppressive mother.
Anime-Inspired, Action-Oriented, & Bloody, with a Focus on Family
3.5/5
Quick Overview
+ Perfectly balanced, believable, and emotional relationship between the two sisters
+ Touching and personal arcs of self-love, self-worth, and vulnerability
+ Intricate worldbuilding
+ Perfect if you're looking for an anime-inspired book and like fast-paced action
+/- (neutral) Anime tropes/cliches (good if you like anime tropes, but there's an overreliance on them)
+/- Sometimes felt too overindulgent in violent dismemberment for my liking
- Elaborate setpieces that manipulate the audience
- Lack of genuine stakes
- One-note and cliche side characters and antagonists
- Consistent grammar, spelling, and formatting mistakes
Sisters
Aurora and Polaris are a fun and compelling sister pair. They have a complicated relationship that's often at odds. Their stark differences perfectly balance each other out and lead to mutual growth. Their relationship is at the core of this book—a believable, heartwarming, and emotional bond that's slow and satisfying to form, with plenty of fun banter and disagreement. It's initially an unwilling relationship with slim trust. Their relationship is the best part of this book.
Aurora
Throughout her life, society has labeled Aurora a monster, to the point she's internalized that view of herself. She's scared of her power--of losing control.
Aurora has a strong spirit and determination, while also being rebellious and badass. But she's also a loner and afraid to get too close to people.
Aurora Cont.
At the beginning of the book, Aurora has the goal of fighting her way to the top of the most wanted list and making a name for herself. She's combative and has a temper, but is cautious not to kill anyone. She initially picks fights with law enforcement and authority, and later outs her presence to Polaris, a princess, who's searching for Aurora--her long lost sister.
Polaris
Polaris is an uptight princess, embroiled in her mission and the expectations of her mother. She holds herself high and has a sharp tongue. She has a strong conviction and later shows a protective side to Aurora, that's shared between them. Her underlying care comes out gradually. And she's really not as sure of herself as she initially seems.
Serena
Like the two leads, I absolutely loved the antagonist, Serena. Yes, she was tropey and predictable, but she was sympathetic, initially threatening and ruthless, and extertaining--she really drew the focus of every scene she was in, and captured the book's focus on family. Serena is a vampire hyperfocused on revenge, who is completely guided by her emotions, which leads to both her flaws and sympathetic characterization. She goes renegade from her master to pursue Aurora and Polaris.
Action & Stakes
This book has plenty of flashy fights, setpieces, and power scaling, and it clearly took a lot of inspiration (both good and bad) from anime. If you like anime, specifically Shonen anime, you'll love this book. Personally, I like anime, but I don't have much interest in Shonen anime. So, if you like those things, you'll like this book. Personally, I think some of these aspects were relied on too much. The powers used were awe-inspiring, creative, and badass, but formulaic and predictable. The stakes were nearly nonexistent, because everybody kept regenerating. Personally, while I get this series is purposefully bloody, it just made me a bit uncomfortable and seemed too indulgent with how often people were described getting brutally dismembered, to the point I felt desensitized by it, and like there wasn't a point. The book also makes it unclear when people actually die.
Side Characters & Worldbuilding
The side characters were basically all one-dimensional anime tropes. Again, if you like that, you'll like those characters. They're entertaining takes on those tropes, but ultimately uninteresting. Unlike the complexity of the main pair, the side characters are flat and do what they need to do for the plot. They feel artificial. The only side characters that really stood out to me were Blair and Ria, who both have a genuine, complicated, and heartwarming bond with Aurora, as adoptive parents / mentor figures at different points in her life. The worldbuilding, on the other hand, is really intriguing so far, and seems thought out and complex.
Lastly, there's consistent spelling, grammar, and formatting issues. The most notable, were that sometimes two people would be talking in the same paragraph, and I would get confused about who was talking. The book also often uses too many words to describe things. As an author myself, this is very familiar to me from my own writing. While nothing is incredibly jarring, the mistakes are very noticeable, and this book feels like a draft in places. I think it just needed an editor, and it would make the reading experience flow much smoother.
Summary
A stylized book resting in fast-paced, bloody action, and carried by its focus on family, specifically its unlikely sister pair. While it has technical faults and some undeveloped elements, I'd recommend The Crimson Witch for its beautiful messages of self-love and family. This is a book I absolutely loved.
TW: Blood, dismemberment, death, massacre, and a depiction and implication of physical parental abuse
Review by Caroline Sophia Hamel (she/her)
Aurora learns to control her power and love and accept herself and Polaris deals with her self-worth that's tied to her oppressive mother.
Anime-Inspired, Action-Oriented, & Bloody, with a Focus on Family
3.5/5
Quick Overview
+ Perfectly balanced, believable, and emotional relationship between the two sisters
+ Touching and personal arcs of self-love, self-worth, and vulnerability
+ Intricate worldbuilding
+ Perfect if you're looking for an anime-inspired book and like fast-paced action
+/- (neutral) Anime tropes/cliches (good if you like anime tropes, but there's an overreliance on them)
+/- Sometimes felt too overindulgent in violent dismemberment for my liking
- Elaborate setpieces that manipulate the audience
- Lack of genuine stakes
- One-note and cliche side characters and antagonists
- Consistent grammar, spelling, and formatting mistakes
Sisters
Aurora and Polaris are a fun and compelling sister pair. They have a complicated relationship that's often at odds. Their stark differences perfectly balance each other out and lead to mutual growth. Their relationship is at the core of this book—a believable, heartwarming, and emotional bond that's slow and satisfying to form, with plenty of fun banter and disagreement. It's initially an unwilling relationship with slim trust. Their relationship is the best part of this book.
Aurora
Throughout her life, society has labeled Aurora a monster, to the point she's internalized that view of herself. She's scared of her power--of losing control.
Aurora has a strong spirit and determination, while also being rebellious and badass. But she's also a loner and afraid to get too close to people.
Aurora Cont.
At the beginning of the book, Aurora has the goal of fighting her way to the top of the most wanted list and making a name for herself. She's combative and has a temper, but is cautious not to kill anyone. She initially picks fights with law enforcement and authority, and later outs her presence to Polaris, a princess, who's searching for Aurora--her long lost sister.
Polaris
Polaris is an uptight princess, embroiled in her mission and the expectations of her mother. She holds herself high and has a sharp tongue. She has a strong conviction and later shows a protective side to Aurora, that's shared between them. Her underlying care comes out gradually. And she's really not as sure of herself as she initially seems.
Serena
Like the two leads, I absolutely loved the antagonist, Serena. Yes, she was tropey and predictable, but she was sympathetic, initially threatening and ruthless, and extertaining--she really drew the focus of every scene she was in, and captured the book's focus on family. Serena is a vampire hyperfocused on revenge, who is completely guided by her emotions, which leads to both her flaws and sympathetic characterization. She goes renegade from her master to pursue Aurora and Polaris.
Action & Stakes
This book has plenty of flashy fights, setpieces, and power scaling, and it clearly took a lot of inspiration (both good and bad) from anime. If you like anime, specifically Shonen anime, you'll love this book. Personally, I like anime, but I don't have much interest in Shonen anime. So, if you like those things, you'll like this book. Personally, I think some of these aspects were relied on too much. The powers used were awe-inspiring, creative, and badass, but formulaic and predictable. The stakes were nearly nonexistent, because everybody kept regenerating. Personally, while I get this series is purposefully bloody, it just made me a bit uncomfortable and seemed too indulgent with how often people were described getting brutally dismembered, to the point I felt desensitized by it, and like there wasn't a point. The book also makes it unclear when people actually die.
Side Characters & Worldbuilding
The side characters were basically all one-dimensional anime tropes. Again, if you like that, you'll like those characters. They're entertaining takes on those tropes, but ultimately uninteresting. Unlike the complexity of the main pair, the side characters are flat and do what they need to do for the plot. They feel artificial. The only side characters that really stood out to me were Blair and Ria, who both have a genuine, complicated, and heartwarming bond with Aurora, as adoptive parents / mentor figures at different points in her life. The worldbuilding, on the other hand, is really intriguing so far, and seems thought out and complex.
Lastly, there's consistent spelling, grammar, and formatting issues. The most notable, were that sometimes two people would be talking in the same paragraph, and I would get confused about who was talking. The book also often uses too many words to describe things. As an author myself, this is very familiar to me from my own writing. While nothing is incredibly jarring, the mistakes are very noticeable, and this book feels like a draft in places. I think it just needed an editor, and it would make the reading experience flow much smoother.
Summary
A stylized book resting in fast-paced, bloody action, and carried by its focus on family, specifically its unlikely sister pair. While it has technical faults and some undeveloped elements, I'd recommend The Crimson Witch for its beautiful messages of self-love and family. This is a book I absolutely loved.
TW: Blood, dismemberment, death, massacre, and a depiction and implication of physical parental abuse
Review by Caroline Sophia Hamel (she/her)
April 23, 2026
One of my favorite reads of this year! I picked this up when I found out the author was doing ARC reads for his second book, and I'm so glad I did. This book was full of action and magic, which I LOVE in my fantasy books. But I also loved how Polaris and Aurora's bond grew throughout the story.
If you're looking for a book that you won't be able to put down, this is the book for you. Can't wait to see what else the Gorgon series has in store.
If you're looking for a book that you won't be able to put down, this is the book for you. Can't wait to see what else the Gorgon series has in store.
June 22, 2021
Actual rating: 3.5/5
CW: this book contains mentions of explicit violence, gore and death.
Aurora trained all her life to reach one goal only: become the strongest and defeat the Demi-Gods. But her magic is unstable and there is a darkness hidden within her that threatens to destroy her and all those around her. When Princess Polaris, daughter of one of the most notorious Demi-Gods alive, tries to kidnap Aurora, the witch is faced with some serious problems. Add to that being chased by a bloodthirsty vengeful vampire, a network of terrorists, and powerful demons, and Aurora may just start to find that she's in over her head...
The Crimson Witch was a highly entertaining read and definitely had fun subverting expectations and playing with classic fantasy tropes. The world the author created was rich and complex, very well constructed without becoming too heavy.
I loved the mix between different creatures such as vampires, demons and half-dragons, and the Demi-Gods, who in their ranks could sport big names like Medusa or King Arthur and Mordred. This added depth to the world and really helped me get on board with it, as I slowly understood the complex environment as well. I did think that some aspects could have benefited from slightly more detail, but this is only the first book in the series, so I expect we'll get more of that in the next book.
The cast of characters was wide and varied, and they were key in my enjoyment of the book especially since I found the main character, Aurora, to be extremely annoying - at least at first. Aurora benefits from a strong growth arc as she quite literally battles her inner demons and strives to move on from a traumatic past and find her place in the world. Polaris was also a really interesting character to follow, and I really liked how her bond with Aurora developed. The secondary characters were also very well crafted and all memorable in their own way.
One thing I struggled with was the style. The author has a very distinctive voice (which is a good thing!), but I found that often there was little difference between the narrator and the various characters' voices, which led to some dialogues feeling unnatural and stilted. The book could also have benefited from slightly more editing as several passages appeared quite repetitive in language and descriptions, especially the fight scenes, and this happened just too frequently to gloss over.
There is quite a lot of violence and explicit gore in this book, so it won't be suitable for younger or sensitive readers. Despite that, The Crimson Witch was a really entertaining read, and I look forward to seeing what Aurora and Polaris get up to next.
For more reviews, visit Book for Thought.
This review was originally published on Reedsy Discovery on 21st June 2021. I received a review copy of this book. This did not affect my opinion of the book in any way.
CW: this book contains mentions of explicit violence, gore and death.
Aurora trained all her life to reach one goal only: become the strongest and defeat the Demi-Gods. But her magic is unstable and there is a darkness hidden within her that threatens to destroy her and all those around her. When Princess Polaris, daughter of one of the most notorious Demi-Gods alive, tries to kidnap Aurora, the witch is faced with some serious problems. Add to that being chased by a bloodthirsty vengeful vampire, a network of terrorists, and powerful demons, and Aurora may just start to find that she's in over her head...
The Crimson Witch was a highly entertaining read and definitely had fun subverting expectations and playing with classic fantasy tropes. The world the author created was rich and complex, very well constructed without becoming too heavy.
I loved the mix between different creatures such as vampires, demons and half-dragons, and the Demi-Gods, who in their ranks could sport big names like Medusa or King Arthur and Mordred. This added depth to the world and really helped me get on board with it, as I slowly understood the complex environment as well. I did think that some aspects could have benefited from slightly more detail, but this is only the first book in the series, so I expect we'll get more of that in the next book.
The cast of characters was wide and varied, and they were key in my enjoyment of the book especially since I found the main character, Aurora, to be extremely annoying - at least at first. Aurora benefits from a strong growth arc as she quite literally battles her inner demons and strives to move on from a traumatic past and find her place in the world. Polaris was also a really interesting character to follow, and I really liked how her bond with Aurora developed. The secondary characters were also very well crafted and all memorable in their own way.
One thing I struggled with was the style. The author has a very distinctive voice (which is a good thing!), but I found that often there was little difference between the narrator and the various characters' voices, which led to some dialogues feeling unnatural and stilted. The book could also have benefited from slightly more editing as several passages appeared quite repetitive in language and descriptions, especially the fight scenes, and this happened just too frequently to gloss over.
There is quite a lot of violence and explicit gore in this book, so it won't be suitable for younger or sensitive readers. Despite that, The Crimson Witch was a really entertaining read, and I look forward to seeing what Aurora and Polaris get up to next.
For more reviews, visit Book for Thought.
This review was originally published on Reedsy Discovery on 21st June 2021. I received a review copy of this book. This did not affect my opinion of the book in any way.
July 18, 2021
I really enjoyed reading this book. Watching the relationship between Aurora and Polaris evolve over the course of the book was nice to see. I can feel the sibling energy coming off them which was a lot of fun, but I can also see the gap of them not understanding each other too. The gap closes slowly over the course of the book, which felt natural and well-paced.
I also really enjoyed the villain Serena. She was… murder happy but with a very good reason. I like that her intentions were very clear, which I liked a lot. It made all her choices in the book make sense.
The fight scenes in the book were also great. They were all well structured and none of the victories felt hollow or plot armour. We saw the characters’ thought processes, struggles and fears through each of the fights. It did not slow down the pacing of the story at all. It honestly sort of sped it up and then slightly slowed down during the downtime which makes sense.
I really enjoyed reading this book. Watching the relationship between Aurora and Polaris evolve over the course of the book was nice to see. I can feel the sibling energy coming off them which was a lot of fun, but I can also see the gap of them not understanding each other too. The gap closes slowly over the course of the book, which felt natural and well-paced.
I also really enjoyed the villain Serena. She was… murder happy but with a very good reason. I like that her intentions were very clear, which I liked a lot. It made all her choices in the book make sense.
The fight scenes in the book were also great. They were all well structured and none of the victories felt hollow or plot armour. We saw the characters’ thought processes, struggles and fears through each of the fights. It did not slow down the pacing of the story at all. It honestly sort of sped it up and then slightly slowed down during the downtime which makes sense.
July 18, 2021
⭐️⭐️⭐️.5/5
An interesting story full of witches, half-demons, magic, and quite a bit of fighting. Aurora is afraid she’ll lose control again and terrible things will happen, so she wears her necklace to suppress her aura and prevent that from happening. When she meets Polaris, the daughter of a Demi-God, she learns many things about herself. Throughout their journey, both characters build quite well, as does the world around them. It leaves at a cliffhanger, and I’m interested to see where the second book takes this.
An interesting story full of witches, half-demons, magic, and quite a bit of fighting. Aurora is afraid she’ll lose control again and terrible things will happen, so she wears her necklace to suppress her aura and prevent that from happening. When she meets Polaris, the daughter of a Demi-God, she learns many things about herself. Throughout their journey, both characters build quite well, as does the world around them. It leaves at a cliffhanger, and I’m interested to see where the second book takes this.
August 16, 2021
This was an exciting witchy YA read 😁
A bit different then i expected.
There are three main female charachters.
Aurora, Polaris and the badass Vampire Serena.
We follow Aurora, the crimson witch.
Due to unfortunate events from her youth she is alone. And she prefers it that way.
She has a demon power that she cannot control.
And the less people she has around herself, the less people get hurt when she looses control.
She strives to be the strongest witch ever. And wants desperately to prove herself and live up to a legacy from her best friend.
But then she meets Polaris. Who tells her a story about her past that she has a hard time to swallow.
But as Polaris try to bring her home to her kingdom they meet ALOT of problems. There are many enemies who does not want Aurora to reach her destiny.
Polaris and Aurora is very different from eachother. One lives of crime and bad choices and the other is a pampered princess.
But as the story unfolds they evolve a bond. And they see they have more in common then they think.
The story has good development and many action scenes.
Not a dull moment.
But there is not alot of happy moments. Much fighting and dark moments for Aurora.
But i like how the author has written three main charachters who is not good or evil.
They all have some bad choices and actions from their past, But are also able to do good.
Even the main bad vampire Selena has more to her then just being a big pain in the a**
Absolutely a good novel for young adults😍
Its exciting and has lots of action filled scenery.
A bit different then i expected.
There are three main female charachters.
Aurora, Polaris and the badass Vampire Serena.
We follow Aurora, the crimson witch.
Due to unfortunate events from her youth she is alone. And she prefers it that way.
She has a demon power that she cannot control.
And the less people she has around herself, the less people get hurt when she looses control.
She strives to be the strongest witch ever. And wants desperately to prove herself and live up to a legacy from her best friend.
But then she meets Polaris. Who tells her a story about her past that she has a hard time to swallow.
But as Polaris try to bring her home to her kingdom they meet ALOT of problems. There are many enemies who does not want Aurora to reach her destiny.
Polaris and Aurora is very different from eachother. One lives of crime and bad choices and the other is a pampered princess.
But as the story unfolds they evolve a bond. And they see they have more in common then they think.
The story has good development and many action scenes.
Not a dull moment.
But there is not alot of happy moments. Much fighting and dark moments for Aurora.
But i like how the author has written three main charachters who is not good or evil.
They all have some bad choices and actions from their past, But are also able to do good.
Even the main bad vampire Selena has more to her then just being a big pain in the a**
Absolutely a good novel for young adults😍
Its exciting and has lots of action filled scenery.
April 5, 2025
I just want to start by saying that I really appreciate the opportunity to read this ARC, and I want to thank the author for giving me that opportunity!
Unfortunately I couldn't finish reading the book. It's just not the book for me. I read about 50% of the book and felt that I was forcing myself forward.
I can definitely see why most would like this book though. The characters are different from most books, there is a lot going on and it is a great book for almost all ages and has a lot of magic (WHICH I REALLY LIKE! I even get upset with myself for not being able to read the book!)
I’m sure I’ll be in the minority with my rating and I do hope this author as success. It just wasn’t for me.
Unfortunately I couldn't finish reading the book. It's just not the book for me. I read about 50% of the book and felt that I was forcing myself forward.
I can definitely see why most would like this book though. The characters are different from most books, there is a lot going on and it is a great book for almost all ages and has a lot of magic (WHICH I REALLY LIKE! I even get upset with myself for not being able to read the book!)
I’m sure I’ll be in the minority with my rating and I do hope this author as success. It just wasn’t for me.
September 6, 2025
Aurora is an unforgettable heroine—chaotic, powerful, and impossible not to root for as her unstable magic puts her in constant danger. The tension and banter with Princess Polaris are electric, and the nonstop action with demi-gods, bounty hunters, and a katana-wielding vampire kept me turning pages late into the night. Equal parts explosive and heartfelt, this is a fantasy that feels anime-epic while still digging deep into themes of identity and survival. I can’t wait to see where this story goes next!
July 5, 2026
I was not sure what I was getting into when I started The Crimson Witch but it really felt like I was reading an action anime. A lot of blood and gore, with unfortunate casualties. I loved how the book poked fun at itself (some characters dialogue) but also respected the genre. Ready to move onto number 2.
Thank you to The Read Pages and John North for a physical copy of this book.
Thank you to The Read Pages and John North for a physical copy of this book.
January 12, 2023
Even though it's a book I wouldn't typically read, I loved it! The story was unique and entertaining. Aurora and Polaris are quite the pair! It had plenty of action, adventure, magic, and emotions! I really enjoyed reading it!
June 18, 2026
The Crimson Witch
A young adult fast-paced fantasy full of action and magic. I enjoyed the overall premise and loved how quick the story moved. The magic was interesting and I enjoyed the relationship between Aurora and Polaris.
A young adult fast-paced fantasy full of action and magic. I enjoyed the overall premise and loved how quick the story moved. The magic was interesting and I enjoyed the relationship between Aurora and Polaris.
August 2, 2026
I was annoyed most of the time with the FMC. But she is hurting and then she met someone who is also hurting . Everyone is hurting and hurting each other. Ooff so much acting out from a place of hurt and heartbreak.
July 16, 2021
This Book Really scratched that itch for action i've been having recently. All too often it feels that i cant find a story that so thoroughly and creatively constructs its actions scenes, but here it left me completely satisfied begging for more. There's a level of depth to the realistic fantasy setting that makes me want to explore it and easily read chapters upon chapters of its inner workings. To keep it frank this book is not lacking in depth thematic or otherwise. And let me tell you there were 2 times i had to take a minute to collect myself because of the emotional peaks its just very fun and satisfying. If you are a fan of anime and manga it reads like a light novel easy to pick up again and again.
July 12, 2026
Gorgon: The Crimson Witch was such a fun read and honestly reminded me of the fantasy books I loved growing up. It captures that sense of adventure, larger-than-life mythology, and nonstop action that made me fall in love with the genre in the first place, while still carving out its own identity.
Right from the beginning, the story wastes no time pulling readers in. The opening plot twist completely had me second-guessing what I knew about the book up to that point, and it added so much more weight to Aurora's emotional journey. Rather than feeling like a twist for the sake of surprise, it deepens her internal conflict and makes her struggle to understand herself and her place in the world much more compelling.
Aurora is a fun protagonist to follow. Her unstable elemental magic keeps every confrontation unpredictable, and watching her gradually learn who she is, and who she wants to become, was one of my favorite parts of the novel. I especially enjoyed seeing her grow closer to the people around her instead of trying to shoulder everything alone.
The relationship between Aurora and Polaris was another standout. Their dynamic starts off rocky, and neither of them is particularly thrilled about their circumstances, but watching them slowly figure out what being sisters actually means was incredibly rewarding. Their bond develops naturally throughout the story and adds an emotional layer that balances the constant action.
Speaking of action, this book is packed with it from beginning to end. Between intense battles, dangerous creatures, and high-stakes encounters, there is rarely a dull moment. Even during quieter scenes, there's enough tension building beneath the surface to keep the pages turning. While this is a YA fantasy, readers should know there is a fair amount of descriptive violence during the action sequences. It never felt excessive to me, but younger readers may want to keep that in mind.
The world-building is another highlight. I loved how many mythological beings and fantasy races John North incorporates without making the setting feel overcrowded. Demi-gods, vampires, demons, half-dragons, and other legendary creatures all exist together in a world that feels expansive and lived-in. Each culture and location has its own identity, making the journey feel exciting as the characters continue to explore new places.
The overall atmosphere reminded me of the sense of wonder I got from reading series like Percy Jackson when I was younger. It has that same adventurous spirit, where mythology and fantasy collide to create a world full of mystery, danger, and discovery, while still offering its own unique take on familiar creatures and legends.
Right from the beginning, the story wastes no time pulling readers in. The opening plot twist completely had me second-guessing what I knew about the book up to that point, and it added so much more weight to Aurora's emotional journey. Rather than feeling like a twist for the sake of surprise, it deepens her internal conflict and makes her struggle to understand herself and her place in the world much more compelling.
Aurora is a fun protagonist to follow. Her unstable elemental magic keeps every confrontation unpredictable, and watching her gradually learn who she is, and who she wants to become, was one of my favorite parts of the novel. I especially enjoyed seeing her grow closer to the people around her instead of trying to shoulder everything alone.
The relationship between Aurora and Polaris was another standout. Their dynamic starts off rocky, and neither of them is particularly thrilled about their circumstances, but watching them slowly figure out what being sisters actually means was incredibly rewarding. Their bond develops naturally throughout the story and adds an emotional layer that balances the constant action.
Speaking of action, this book is packed with it from beginning to end. Between intense battles, dangerous creatures, and high-stakes encounters, there is rarely a dull moment. Even during quieter scenes, there's enough tension building beneath the surface to keep the pages turning. While this is a YA fantasy, readers should know there is a fair amount of descriptive violence during the action sequences. It never felt excessive to me, but younger readers may want to keep that in mind.
The world-building is another highlight. I loved how many mythological beings and fantasy races John North incorporates without making the setting feel overcrowded. Demi-gods, vampires, demons, half-dragons, and other legendary creatures all exist together in a world that feels expansive and lived-in. Each culture and location has its own identity, making the journey feel exciting as the characters continue to explore new places.
The overall atmosphere reminded me of the sense of wonder I got from reading series like Percy Jackson when I was younger. It has that same adventurous spirit, where mythology and fantasy collide to create a world full of mystery, danger, and discovery, while still offering its own unique take on familiar creatures and legends.
May 21, 2021
“I wish all of this would stop. I’m tired of waking up in a graveyard.”- The Crimson Witch
.
.
The Crimson Witch focuses on Aurora, a headstrong girl who lives the life of a criminal in order to become the most powerful witch in the world. But to be the best, she has to learn to control her demon magic. When a Princess Polaris enters her life, not only does Aurora’s criminal activity exasperate, but her entire world changes. Everybody suddenly wants more than a piece of the Crimson Witch and only by aligning herself with family can she overcome her battles.
.
.
John North’s debut novel is centered around family, which is what I found refreshing in this book. There are bloody and vicious battles coupled with magical creatures of every kind, but the heart of the story is the relationship between the lead characters.
Aurora and Polaris balance each other out in a way that doesn’t feel forced. Their relationship starts out strenuous and then evolves into meaningful bond. Not to mention a mostly female-led cast of characters, both heroes and villains.
Anime isn’t something I’ve had much experience watching, but this book was definitely inspired by that genre. It’s not necessarily my niche, but if you’re looking for a novel that is illuminated by anime, then this might be a good one for you.
There is magic and vampires, wyverns and demons and more. The setting is in a modern magical world where police and phones exist but also flying broomsticks and crystal balls. It’s a funky adventure that appeals to anime lovers and bloody fairy tales.
It’s not my specific kind of fantasy, but I can appreciate its contribution and the hard work that went into world building. North does a great job building relationships and that’s what made the story enjoyable.
.
.
The Crimson Witch focuses on Aurora, a headstrong girl who lives the life of a criminal in order to become the most powerful witch in the world. But to be the best, she has to learn to control her demon magic. When a Princess Polaris enters her life, not only does Aurora’s criminal activity exasperate, but her entire world changes. Everybody suddenly wants more than a piece of the Crimson Witch and only by aligning herself with family can she overcome her battles.
.
.
John North’s debut novel is centered around family, which is what I found refreshing in this book. There are bloody and vicious battles coupled with magical creatures of every kind, but the heart of the story is the relationship between the lead characters.
Aurora and Polaris balance each other out in a way that doesn’t feel forced. Their relationship starts out strenuous and then evolves into meaningful bond. Not to mention a mostly female-led cast of characters, both heroes and villains.
Anime isn’t something I’ve had much experience watching, but this book was definitely inspired by that genre. It’s not necessarily my niche, but if you’re looking for a novel that is illuminated by anime, then this might be a good one for you.
There is magic and vampires, wyverns and demons and more. The setting is in a modern magical world where police and phones exist but also flying broomsticks and crystal balls. It’s a funky adventure that appeals to anime lovers and bloody fairy tales.
It’s not my specific kind of fantasy, but I can appreciate its contribution and the hard work that went into world building. North does a great job building relationships and that’s what made the story enjoyable.
June 2, 2021
*Thank You to the author for sending me an eARC in exchange for an honest review*
“If you had all the magic in the world, what would you do with it?”
The Crimson Witch had an interesting concept and was set in a magical world however it fell short on keeping me hooked.
While there was twists throughout, I did not feel on edge too much because I felt the danger element was missing due to the way the characters could heal and regenerate. I understand this is just a part of the creatures in the world, so this is just a personal opinion, the fighting scenes were still written well. I did not like the characters too much, some were cool, but most had the same kind of personality and felt flat. The way the sister’s relationship changed over time was good though and you can see the character development starting to build from this.
The plot was good and carried an interesting story with parts of the world’s history sprinkled in at moments creating a deeper sense to the world. The world itself was interesting however I felt it could have been more established in the beginning. It would probably take me another book to fully wrap my head around the tattoos and different lands but that is not too surprising for a fantasy book as new worlds are always a little confusing.
Would I read a sequel? The end left it on a cliff-hanger that was quite exciting. We met a character that was mentioned throughout the book and they seem like they could create a fast-paced exciting story. The writing style was good, and I would probably want to see how North’s writing developed from this one to the next therefore, I may be interested in reading a sequel, if and when it came about.
“If you had all the magic in the world, what would you do with it?”
The Crimson Witch had an interesting concept and was set in a magical world however it fell short on keeping me hooked.
While there was twists throughout, I did not feel on edge too much because I felt the danger element was missing due to the way the characters could heal and regenerate. I understand this is just a part of the creatures in the world, so this is just a personal opinion, the fighting scenes were still written well. I did not like the characters too much, some were cool, but most had the same kind of personality and felt flat. The way the sister’s relationship changed over time was good though and you can see the character development starting to build from this.
The plot was good and carried an interesting story with parts of the world’s history sprinkled in at moments creating a deeper sense to the world. The world itself was interesting however I felt it could have been more established in the beginning. It would probably take me another book to fully wrap my head around the tattoos and different lands but that is not too surprising for a fantasy book as new worlds are always a little confusing.
Would I read a sequel? The end left it on a cliff-hanger that was quite exciting. We met a character that was mentioned throughout the book and they seem like they could create a fast-paced exciting story. The writing style was good, and I would probably want to see how North’s writing developed from this one to the next therefore, I may be interested in reading a sequel, if and when it came about.
June 10, 2021
"Gorgon The Crimson Witch"
Ratings - 4.9/5🌟
Remember those days when you would meet your schoolmates and discuss some fictional stories? I miss the time when we used to gather and just talk about episodes of a story. Recently I came across a book which gave me a very similar vibe. I couldn't resist reading it. The book I am talking about is called "Gorgon The Crimson Witch". Here's my experience.
I usually start with the title and the cover of the book because I feel that's the most exposed part of the book to the viewer's eyes. When it comes to "The Crimson Witch" it has a very attractive title when combined with the cover of the book. The overall outer appearance really attracts the children and even the adults. The description is really well written trust me when it can convince me to read it, it has definitely been given some time.
Talking about the content of the book, being a long read of about 350 pages the story has an amazing storyline to offer. Basically the story revolves around a family but it is a bit puzzled. The story has some amazing characters and creatures which entertain the reader. Aurora who is involved in criminal deeds in order to become the most powerful witch but cannot control her powers to the fullest. The story definitely has some factor that it never felt like I was making the effort to read it. The flow of the book being smooth made sure that story is revealing itself to me as if I am watching a movie. The introduction of more characters as the story moved forward made me take a deep dive into what the author wrote.
Ratings - 4.9/5🌟
Remember those days when you would meet your schoolmates and discuss some fictional stories? I miss the time when we used to gather and just talk about episodes of a story. Recently I came across a book which gave me a very similar vibe. I couldn't resist reading it. The book I am talking about is called "Gorgon The Crimson Witch". Here's my experience.
I usually start with the title and the cover of the book because I feel that's the most exposed part of the book to the viewer's eyes. When it comes to "The Crimson Witch" it has a very attractive title when combined with the cover of the book. The overall outer appearance really attracts the children and even the adults. The description is really well written trust me when it can convince me to read it, it has definitely been given some time.
Talking about the content of the book, being a long read of about 350 pages the story has an amazing storyline to offer. Basically the story revolves around a family but it is a bit puzzled. The story has some amazing characters and creatures which entertain the reader. Aurora who is involved in criminal deeds in order to become the most powerful witch but cannot control her powers to the fullest. The story definitely has some factor that it never felt like I was making the effort to read it. The flow of the book being smooth made sure that story is revealing itself to me as if I am watching a movie. The introduction of more characters as the story moved forward made me take a deep dive into what the author wrote.
September 2, 2026
The Crimson Witch
John North
Aurora has an insatiable thirst to become infamous for her antics. Luckily for her, she has all the power needed to become exactly who she wants to be. While she takes great pleasure and being an agitator there are parts of her that is stifled.
She’s reeling from the losses that have dictated not only how others perceive her, but how she perceives herself. The transformation from wanting the credit for her nefarious actions to understanding the impact of those behaviors are significant.
Subsequently, when Aurora meets Polaris, she’s taken aback by how demanding she is. She isn’t someone she can merely ignore. Quickly, she learns and basks in the safeguard of someone that has an interest in who she is as a person. None of these reckonings are instantaneous. It does take a considerable effort for the characters to recognize what is true for someone else, even an opposition to what they might want.
In addition to all of these points, this is a story complete with fierce combatants. No one wants to be a weakling. The warfare is without a doubt, one of the best parts of the plot. These children are ready to confront and dispute at any given moment. It’s no limitation on how frequently everyone is willing to throw hands.
With the time, this cast of characters determine if pride is more important than humanity.
#readandtellwithshantel #johnnorth #thecrimsonwitch
John North
Aurora has an insatiable thirst to become infamous for her antics. Luckily for her, she has all the power needed to become exactly who she wants to be. While she takes great pleasure and being an agitator there are parts of her that is stifled.
She’s reeling from the losses that have dictated not only how others perceive her, but how she perceives herself. The transformation from wanting the credit for her nefarious actions to understanding the impact of those behaviors are significant.
Subsequently, when Aurora meets Polaris, she’s taken aback by how demanding she is. She isn’t someone she can merely ignore. Quickly, she learns and basks in the safeguard of someone that has an interest in who she is as a person. None of these reckonings are instantaneous. It does take a considerable effort for the characters to recognize what is true for someone else, even an opposition to what they might want.
In addition to all of these points, this is a story complete with fierce combatants. No one wants to be a weakling. The warfare is without a doubt, one of the best parts of the plot. These children are ready to confront and dispute at any given moment. It’s no limitation on how frequently everyone is willing to throw hands.
With the time, this cast of characters determine if pride is more important than humanity.
#readandtellwithshantel #johnnorth #thecrimsonwitch
September 6, 2026
This was a fresh and exhilarating experience for me. What I really enjoyed the most about this book was the characterization, dialogue, and plot. The characterization really brought this book to life as the plot unfolded. Throughout the story, we're introduced to several characters with amazing backstories that come alive through their exchange of dialogue and action scenes. Some of the most prominent characters the readers will quickly admire are Polaris, Aurora, and Serena. All three bad asses are fighting for what they think is right on behalf of their Kingdom and loved ones.
The plot was also very entertaining and intriguing as you witness the main characters explore magical kingdoms, all-out battles, and sinister tricksters as they go on an epic adventure.
Overall, this was a fantastic read, and I think YA readers are really going to love this book. It is definitely an unforgettable book they will thoroughly enjoy, with fighting witches, vampires, mystical worlds, and other creatures making it a very fun and exciting read.
The plot was also very entertaining and intriguing as you witness the main characters explore magical kingdoms, all-out battles, and sinister tricksters as they go on an epic adventure.
Overall, this was a fantastic read, and I think YA readers are really going to love this book. It is definitely an unforgettable book they will thoroughly enjoy, with fighting witches, vampires, mystical worlds, and other creatures making it a very fun and exciting read.
July 22, 2026
Will come back with a full review
April 8, 2025
Book was not what I expected but in a positive way. I was intrigued by the description but was unaware of how much more action packed and rich the story was. Aurora is a half demon/half witch with the world against her. Polaris is the heir to the Pearl Kingdom in search for her long lost sister…with her own inner demons.
Both of the FMC’s are well rounded and full of depth. Every time I had my mind set on whether I liked a character or not, it was changed by a twist in the story. The world building in this book is phenomenal. I truly could envision the world as I was reading.
Just a CW, there is quite a bit of gore, but that comes with the territory of warring Demi-Gods and mythical creatures. I can’t wait to read the second book!
Both of the FMC’s are well rounded and full of depth. Every time I had my mind set on whether I liked a character or not, it was changed by a twist in the story. The world building in this book is phenomenal. I truly could envision the world as I was reading.
Just a CW, there is quite a bit of gore, but that comes with the territory of warring Demi-Gods and mythical creatures. I can’t wait to read the second book!
January 29, 2026
Magic runs through Aurora like a loaded weapon...wild, beautiful, and one bad choice away from disaster. She’s a reckless, emotionally shattered witch whose biggest fear isn’t her enemies, but herself, and the story thrives in that chaos.
What really got me was just the brutal, anime-level fight scenes and blood-soaked magic, but also the slow, messy bond between Aurora and Polaris! I love a sister bond.
Polaris starts as a cold, perfect princess but reveals layers of insecurity and loyalty that balance Aurora’s volatility in the best way.
Violent, intense, and emotionally charged, this dark fantasy isn’t gentle but it has heart, and that jaw dropping ending absolutely locked me in for book two.
What really got me was just the brutal, anime-level fight scenes and blood-soaked magic, but also the slow, messy bond between Aurora and Polaris! I love a sister bond.
Polaris starts as a cold, perfect princess but reveals layers of insecurity and loyalty that balance Aurora’s volatility in the best way.
Violent, intense, and emotionally charged, this dark fantasy isn’t gentle but it has heart, and that jaw dropping ending absolutely locked me in for book two.
May 21, 2021
For a writer’s burgeoning work I would say this is a very solid read. The author has a very strong voice and it tends to bleed into the characters and make some of them a little similar but it has very little affect on the overall story telling. Speaking of the characters all of them are very energetic and said energy leads you along through the story making it feel like a light and easy read. Another thing that kept me turning pages was the various world building that the author making me intrigue and want to know more, and I am excited to see how he builds on the countries and histories mentioned in the book.
March 17, 2024
unique fast paced story
This is a YA fantasy story that takes off quickly and never stops! It’s good if you like demons, witches, vampires, Greek mythology and Arthurian mythology all rolled into one. The world building was unique and extensive and each main character clearly had their own goals and flaws they are working through.
There were a few too many curse words for me to feel comfortable considering this for a YA audience and too many grammatical errors, which caused me to rate this down a star.
This is a YA fantasy story that takes off quickly and never stops! It’s good if you like demons, witches, vampires, Greek mythology and Arthurian mythology all rolled into one. The world building was unique and extensive and each main character clearly had their own goals and flaws they are working through.
There were a few too many curse words for me to feel comfortable considering this for a YA audience and too many grammatical errors, which caused me to rate this down a star.
May 21, 2021
Rating:
4⭐️
Thoughts 💭
- I really enjoyed the sister banter between Aurora and Polaris even the short amount of time together felt natural between the two.
- Loved the descriptive fight scene especially when Princess Polaris engages in combat.
- Absolutely love how strong minded and determined the lead protagonist Aurora is. She is always ready to stand her ground and fight.
May 26, 2021
Gorgon is an amazing read. I’m a big fan of fantasy because I get to witness all the creatives form of magic, especially in this first book. It has incredible powerful main characters that also happen to be female.
If you’re into anime with magical and action packed elements you’ll love this.
Can’t wait to read the next one!
If you’re into anime with magical and action packed elements you’ll love this.
Can’t wait to read the next one!
October 8, 2025
"The Crimson Witch" is a wonderful YA fantasy that really feels like you are reading a shonen anime. Aurora and Polaris are fun protagonists who balance each other out nicely. The story is constantly on the move with its own little mini arcs within the book. There's a lot of setup for future installments in the series, and I can't wait to get my hands on book 2 when it comes out!
July 30, 2022
The plot is nice, the characters are self-aware and the book just makes sense
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