What do you think?
Rate this book
The Lost Witches of Aradia #5
The Scorned
With the fate of Aradia in Áine’s hands, she must choose between letting the love of her life die or submitting to the Shadow King.
While rebellion against the Kingdom intensifies across the realm, Áine, Daelon, and the Icierans are drawn to Aurora Aurea, where witches are gathering to build an army. Áine and Daelon’s relationship is put to the test when Daelon’s body and mind are ravaged by poison. As the sickness draws out Daelon’s dark side, Áine must reckon with her own shadow self, a beast that grows ever stronger as her mountain of secrets reaches new heights.
Lucius, who continues to mystify Áine with his mercurial demeanor and endless contradictions, only works harder to win over his Queen.
When Daelon’s time runs short, no one is prepared for the chaos, betrayal, and upheaval that sends shockwaves across the witch realm and throughout the universe.
While rebellion against the Kingdom intensifies across the realm, Áine, Daelon, and the Icierans are drawn to Aurora Aurea, where witches are gathering to build an army. Áine and Daelon’s relationship is put to the test when Daelon’s body and mind are ravaged by poison. As the sickness draws out Daelon’s dark side, Áine must reckon with her own shadow self, a beast that grows ever stronger as her mountain of secrets reaches new heights.
Lucius, who continues to mystify Áine with his mercurial demeanor and endless contradictions, only works harder to win over his Queen.
When Daelon’s time runs short, no one is prepared for the chaos, betrayal, and upheaval that sends shockwaves across the witch realm and throughout the universe.
338 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 31, 2022
33 people are currently reading
597 people want to read
About the author
Maggie Sunseri
13 books816 followersMaggie Sunseri is the author of fantasy romance books by day and a witch, tarot card reader, and succubus by night. She has a bachelor's degree in Anthropology/Sociology. When she’s not traveling the world, you’ll find her curled up with a good book and a hot cup of tea, pretending it’s autumn no matter the season.
Sign up for her newsletter at https://maggiesunseri.com for ARC opportunities, bonus content, and new releases, or follow her on Instagram and Facebook for more frequent updates.
You can join her secret coven (reader group) at https://www.facebook.com/groups/maggi...
She also writes a Substack about spirituality, mental health, addiction, sexuality, and all things witchy and creative. https://maggiesunseri.substack.com/
Sign up for her newsletter at https://maggiesunseri.com for ARC opportunities, bonus content, and new releases, or follow her on Instagram and Facebook for more frequent updates.
You can join her secret coven (reader group) at https://www.facebook.com/groups/maggi...
She also writes a Substack about spirituality, mental health, addiction, sexuality, and all things witchy and creative. https://maggiesunseri.substack.com/
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
November 1, 2022
This book picks up hard on the heels of the previous one and keeps up a frenetic pace across every page. I was swept away by the story and several times I wondered if I’d ever be able to catch my breath. (I kinda never did.) This book kept me just ever so slightly off balance the whole way through. I constantly questioned what was really going on and what would happen next. My heart broke for Áine and Daelon but I was sure there had to be something better coming. From the beginning of the series, I’d wondered if there was more to Lucius than we were seeing. While I still don’t know for sure, this seems to suggest that that’s a distinct possibility now. However, it means I’m more desperate than ever to find out where the next book will take us.
I received a complimentary advanced copy of this book from the author.
I received a complimentary advanced copy of this book from the author.
October 24, 2022
ARC REVIEW
"Sometimes, I have this feeling. That everything is going to change, in the blink of an eye. I think this feeling is hope—but bigger."
Maggie ripped my heart out with the fifth installment of The Lost Witches of Aradia series. Aine, Daelon, and the gang have already gone through so much as they prepare for war. But, just as things were looking up, everything came crashing down. If you had to choose between saving the world or saving your soul mate, could you choose?
Maggie did a fantastic job of immersing the reader in the world of Aradia. Every time I pick up one of the books, I feel like I am right there. Seeing all its beauty and darkness, as well as handling the full range of emotions that hit you like a tsunami.
There are themes of addiction within this book and healing, and while these themes can be hard to navigate Maggie did it with such finesse and expertise. While the addictions talked about are of a magical subject matter it is still addiction nonetheless.
While this book is deep, dark, and intense, it also has a great message. There are themes of love, forgiveness, and learning to understand how to play with one's shadow not lock it away. As we know, we all have darkness inside us (our shadows). Instead of ignoring that part of ourselves and becoming self-destructive, maybe we could learn to love that part as well so that we can better understand ourselves and our surroundings.
This is the best/most witchy book I have ever read. If you love witchy books, you need to pick up this series! I am going to go eat chocolate and heal from the emotional damage that was this book lol.
"Sometimes, I have this feeling. That everything is going to change, in the blink of an eye. I think this feeling is hope—but bigger."
Maggie ripped my heart out with the fifth installment of The Lost Witches of Aradia series. Aine, Daelon, and the gang have already gone through so much as they prepare for war. But, just as things were looking up, everything came crashing down. If you had to choose between saving the world or saving your soul mate, could you choose?
Maggie did a fantastic job of immersing the reader in the world of Aradia. Every time I pick up one of the books, I feel like I am right there. Seeing all its beauty and darkness, as well as handling the full range of emotions that hit you like a tsunami.
There are themes of addiction within this book and healing, and while these themes can be hard to navigate Maggie did it with such finesse and expertise. While the addictions talked about are of a magical subject matter it is still addiction nonetheless.
While this book is deep, dark, and intense, it also has a great message. There are themes of love, forgiveness, and learning to understand how to play with one's shadow not lock it away. As we know, we all have darkness inside us (our shadows). Instead of ignoring that part of ourselves and becoming self-destructive, maybe we could learn to love that part as well so that we can better understand ourselves and our surroundings.
This is the best/most witchy book I have ever read. If you love witchy books, you need to pick up this series! I am going to go eat chocolate and heal from the emotional damage that was this book lol.
October 27, 2022
“Messy. In the blink of an eye everything had become irrevocably, frighteningly messy.”
Well, that just happened guys! 😱 I’m blown away and was literally on the edge of my freaking seat for the past 3 hours finishing this book! The Scorned is the 5th installment in The Lost Witches of Aradia series and we are picking up with more steam, more angst and more anticipation and Maggie Sunseri has outdone herself once again! 👏🏻👏🏻
Soo much happened in this book and I want nothing more than to spill my guts with all the best parts but instead I will say that this book had me by the throat and refused to let go. Betrayal, secrets, hidden desires, dark shadows, and extreme power! This one gave me all the feels! I wanted to cry, laugh, scream, and throw my phone. And yet I devoured and enjoyed every word of it. Lucius is an enigma and just gets more and more interesting and I still don’t know what to think with him. The Hades to Áine’s Persephone. Daelon is still the biggest protector and I want nothing more than to be the one he sees living with in that baby blue cottage by the sea. And Áine! This girl has the worlds on her shoulders and carries that shit.
"We are death and rebirth, void and creation, dark and light, all that is hidden and all that is illuminated."
This story has been captivating and enchanting since the very beginning but with Áine, Daelon and the rest of the Icierans now joining with the Coven of Aurora Aurea to prepare for war against Lucius, the Shadow King, the freedom Áine and Daelon found will be threatened and their biggest fears awakened. We are introduced to so many new characters each with so much depth to them. I literally could not tell you how many times my jaw dropped out of utter shock in the best way. Maggie still mystifies me in the way she can literally pull you into a story visually. Her writing is beautiful, vivid and lyrical and the way she describes magic is, well, still magical. From love to friendships, family and gender, addiction and internal darkness, Maggie touches on several topics that I loved on a personal level that I think helps bring this fantasy romance story to life. The ending was phenomenal and had me holding my breath the entire time!
“Where better for our weapon to be than right next to the King of Shadows himself?”
Hands down recommend and quite possibly the best book in the series because we’ve now reached a critical turning point in the plot and I’m here for it! I’m dying to know what’s going to happen in The Claimed!
Thank you so much Maggie Sunseri for the ARC!!
Well, that just happened guys! 😱 I’m blown away and was literally on the edge of my freaking seat for the past 3 hours finishing this book! The Scorned is the 5th installment in The Lost Witches of Aradia series and we are picking up with more steam, more angst and more anticipation and Maggie Sunseri has outdone herself once again! 👏🏻👏🏻
Soo much happened in this book and I want nothing more than to spill my guts with all the best parts but instead I will say that this book had me by the throat and refused to let go. Betrayal, secrets, hidden desires, dark shadows, and extreme power! This one gave me all the feels! I wanted to cry, laugh, scream, and throw my phone. And yet I devoured and enjoyed every word of it. Lucius is an enigma and just gets more and more interesting and I still don’t know what to think with him. The Hades to Áine’s Persephone. Daelon is still the biggest protector and I want nothing more than to be the one he sees living with in that baby blue cottage by the sea. And Áine! This girl has the worlds on her shoulders and carries that shit.
"We are death and rebirth, void and creation, dark and light, all that is hidden and all that is illuminated."
This story has been captivating and enchanting since the very beginning but with Áine, Daelon and the rest of the Icierans now joining with the Coven of Aurora Aurea to prepare for war against Lucius, the Shadow King, the freedom Áine and Daelon found will be threatened and their biggest fears awakened. We are introduced to so many new characters each with so much depth to them. I literally could not tell you how many times my jaw dropped out of utter shock in the best way. Maggie still mystifies me in the way she can literally pull you into a story visually. Her writing is beautiful, vivid and lyrical and the way she describes magic is, well, still magical. From love to friendships, family and gender, addiction and internal darkness, Maggie touches on several topics that I loved on a personal level that I think helps bring this fantasy romance story to life. The ending was phenomenal and had me holding my breath the entire time!
“Where better for our weapon to be than right next to the King of Shadows himself?”
Hands down recommend and quite possibly the best book in the series because we’ve now reached a critical turning point in the plot and I’m here for it! I’m dying to know what’s going to happen in The Claimed!
Thank you so much Maggie Sunseri for the ARC!!
October 23, 2022
SPOILERS
“ Because the blood that now coursed through my veins was not that of the grieving widow; it was that of the scorned woman, with nowhere to look but forward into the ensuing storm.” - Áine
And an ensuing storm it was and I have the feeling we only reached the tip of the iceberg in The Scorned.
This book was absolutely beautiful and gut-wrenching. I laughed, I cried, my heart broke, my heart soared… Áine’s pain was palpable. Characters left me in absolute shock. The ending was everything I could have imagined and my heart is aching for the next installment of The Lost Witches of Aradia. This book was fast paced and I was unable to put it down. There were several chapters I read and reread to allow the words to pour over me. I am always left in awe of Maggie Sunseri’s way with words and the world she has created.
“Community was medicine, and alienation was poison.”
This book tackles real issues such as substance abuse, abuse of power, physical abuse, and abandonment with absolute precision in a way that is raw. It speaks to the wholeness of people as a community, the healing power of love, and the importance of balance in a way that is inspiring.
These books are my absolute favorite. They stay with you long after you read them. I’ve actually found it hard to read other books between the release of these because they consume my mind.
I’m still team Lucius. That sweet boy is in there and we finally get glimpses of him breaking through the shadows. I am holding these words from his mother as hope!
"Shhhh," she whispered. "It's okay, it's okay. You are nothing like him, sweet boy.
Your heart is so big, and that will never be a weakness. Keep it concealed, but never let it shrink."
His heart is simply concealed and I can’t wait to watch Áine break it free.
If you haven’t picked these books up you are serving yourself a big plate of injustice. They are so good.
“ Because the blood that now coursed through my veins was not that of the grieving widow; it was that of the scorned woman, with nowhere to look but forward into the ensuing storm.” - Áine
And an ensuing storm it was and I have the feeling we only reached the tip of the iceberg in The Scorned.
This book was absolutely beautiful and gut-wrenching. I laughed, I cried, my heart broke, my heart soared… Áine’s pain was palpable. Characters left me in absolute shock. The ending was everything I could have imagined and my heart is aching for the next installment of The Lost Witches of Aradia. This book was fast paced and I was unable to put it down. There were several chapters I read and reread to allow the words to pour over me. I am always left in awe of Maggie Sunseri’s way with words and the world she has created.
“Community was medicine, and alienation was poison.”
This book tackles real issues such as substance abuse, abuse of power, physical abuse, and abandonment with absolute precision in a way that is raw. It speaks to the wholeness of people as a community, the healing power of love, and the importance of balance in a way that is inspiring.
These books are my absolute favorite. They stay with you long after you read them. I’ve actually found it hard to read other books between the release of these because they consume my mind.
I’m still team Lucius. That sweet boy is in there and we finally get glimpses of him breaking through the shadows. I am holding these words from his mother as hope!
"Shhhh," she whispered. "It's okay, it's okay. You are nothing like him, sweet boy.
Your heart is so big, and that will never be a weakness. Keep it concealed, but never let it shrink."
His heart is simply concealed and I can’t wait to watch Áine break it free.
If you haven’t picked these books up you are serving yourself a big plate of injustice. They are so good.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 23, 2022
I don’t know if I’m in the minority, (or maybe it’s too much Vampire Diaries,) but I’m rooting for Aine and Lucius. Daelon is just starting to bug me. Maybe Aine can “fix” Lucius. If alienation is poison, maybe he needs to just not be alone.
This book, the Scorned, number five in the series, goes along at much the same pace as the others. I found it kinda heavy on the “all things are possible through faith” theme that’s going on through this book, though. I did kinda like the parallels between Iciera and Aurora Aurea. To get into Iciera, you had to have given up. Frosty cold land. Aurora Aurea on the other hand, you had to have complete faith. Warm welcoming land. I see what you did there.
If you’ve come this far in this witchy story, you won’t be disappointed in this new installment of the Witches of Aradia. March 28, 2023 for the next one. Thank you Maggie for this ARC.
This book, the Scorned, number five in the series, goes along at much the same pace as the others. I found it kinda heavy on the “all things are possible through faith” theme that’s going on through this book, though. I did kinda like the parallels between Iciera and Aurora Aurea. To get into Iciera, you had to have given up. Frosty cold land. Aurora Aurea on the other hand, you had to have complete faith. Warm welcoming land. I see what you did there.
If you’ve come this far in this witchy story, you won’t be disappointed in this new installment of the Witches of Aradia. March 28, 2023 for the next one. Thank you Maggie for this ARC.
November 2, 2024
4/10 ⭐️
At only 22, Áine knows she's different, after her moms died to protect her, giving her a bracelet to "dull out" her gift. At her birthday party, in order to save a friend, Áine is forced to remove her bracelet and unleash her power, attracting all kinds of dangers she was previously shielded from.
As she is now free to use her power, a male voice in her head begins to guide her and help her on her path. At the same time, Daelon, a male witch, appears out of nowhere, promising to be there to help her as his life purpose.
Áine is led to the kingdom of Aradia, where she realizes a power-hungry political war is ongoing, making Lucius the reigning king (not exactly the rightful one).
As the books evolve, it becomes obvious who the voice in Áines head belongs to, who her mothers were, who Daelon is and why everyone either sacrificed or is risking for her. As for Áine,
she develops an obvious relationship with Daelon and a not so obvious, totally weird relationship with someone else.
The battle for the kingdom continues, and the community of remaining witches sides either with Áine or Lucius in a rebellion.
Seven books are not necessary, the plot would fit in three at most.
We get the romance, we get the smut, we get the magic universe plot building... but what we also get is so many filler chapters. Sincerely, the last three chapters of each book sum up the juice of the advancing plot for that book.
Other than that, I have to praise the author for not filling the book with explicit smut in every chapter (it does have a bit in each book, but nothing shocking or exaggerated).
It gets tiring and dull, and by the last two books, I almost DNF’d, but I was curious about the ending.
At only 22, Áine knows she's different, after her moms died to protect her, giving her a bracelet to "dull out" her gift. At her birthday party, in order to save a friend, Áine is forced to remove her bracelet and unleash her power, attracting all kinds of dangers she was previously shielded from.
As she is now free to use her power, a male voice in her head begins to guide her and help her on her path. At the same time, Daelon, a male witch, appears out of nowhere, promising to be there to help her as his life purpose.
Áine is led to the kingdom of Aradia, where she realizes a power-hungry political war is ongoing, making Lucius the reigning king (not exactly the rightful one).
As the books evolve, it becomes obvious who the voice in Áines head belongs to, who her mothers were, who Daelon is and why everyone either sacrificed or is risking for her. As for Áine,
she develops an obvious relationship with Daelon and a not so obvious, totally weird relationship with someone else.
The battle for the kingdom continues, and the community of remaining witches sides either with Áine or Lucius in a rebellion.
Seven books are not necessary, the plot would fit in three at most.
We get the romance, we get the smut, we get the magic universe plot building... but what we also get is so many filler chapters. Sincerely, the last three chapters of each book sum up the juice of the advancing plot for that book.
Other than that, I have to praise the author for not filling the book with explicit smut in every chapter (it does have a bit in each book, but nothing shocking or exaggerated).
It gets tiring and dull, and by the last two books, I almost DNF’d, but I was curious about the ending.
October 27, 2022
Holy moly! Mind blowing is the only way to describe Maggie’s latest installment in The Lost Witches of Aradia. Just when you think you know what Áine will do, you’re wrong! Add Lucius’ poisoning Daelon and their battle for Áine, along with her own personal internal battle, you are on the edge of your seat throughout the entire book! You will probably scream at them all, rant and rave about their choices, and maybe even want to fling the book across the room at some points. Be sure to sign up for the bonus content at the end of the book to read from Daelon’s point of view. This book will give you clarity in some areas and raise even more questions in others. You will love and hate Áine, Daelon, and Lucius. What does Charlie know and how? We are still guessing. Taryn is one of the strongest and most loyal characters in the series. How will Taryn’s fate change who Áine will become? Who will Áine be now that she is Queen? I for one cannot wait to see what happens next!
November 10, 2022
For those of you just joining us, this is the fifth installment of the Lost Witches of Aradia. It picks up right where book 4 left off with Áine trying to figure out how to save Daelon. This books delves a lot deeper into Áine’s battle within herself and everything she feels as she’s trying to choose the best path for everyone. I think a lot of people will find they can relate to her feelings. The spicy parts of the romance take a bit of a back seat which is fine, and we meet some new characters, whom I can’t wait to get to know more. This book also makes me looking forward to learning more about Lucius and what makes him tick. He might not be the complete villain? The cliffhanger is a bit rough on the heart, but the bonus scenes from Daelon’s POV were great to have! I’m looking forward to book 6, The Claimed, coming out in February.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 17, 2023
The fifth book in the series. Intense is an understatement in this continuation of Áine and her quest to heal Arcadia and restore balance. What a surprising ending and totally not expecting it. But what would you do for love is what the main question that comes too asking? Her love for Daelon has no limits or rules. We meet Cyrus, her knight in shining armor and his coven of witches. Others characters come into a more pivotal role as Áine is making her way through indecision and confusion. I can not wait to read The Claimed to see how this story goes. The Universe has a plan for this young lady and I’m eager to read all about it. Again shocking ending. Plus the author offers a bonus to read Daelon’s POV at this story’s end.
March 21, 2023
4 stars
Argh! I knew things would happen but it still felt so inherently wrong. I almost want book 6 to be the end but I know there's one more after and I'm scared to leave Aradia but I HAVE to know how it all ends.
I felt so tense reading this one! I felt I was either holding my breath or acting generally jittery and I'm not sure why 🤣
Also, I have seen other people comment on the slight dom/sub sexytime references and saying it's wrong and doesn't feel right for a strong character. Just going to point out sexual preferences are there regardless of 'strength' so 🙄 my issue is with the overprotective assholey-ness. I like a good alpha at the best of times but I don't feel Daelon is as much as other male love/fated interests.
Argh! I knew things would happen but it still felt so inherently wrong. I almost want book 6 to be the end but I know there's one more after and I'm scared to leave Aradia but I HAVE to know how it all ends.
I felt so tense reading this one! I felt I was either holding my breath or acting generally jittery and I'm not sure why 🤣
Also, I have seen other people comment on the slight dom/sub sexytime references and saying it's wrong and doesn't feel right for a strong character. Just going to point out sexual preferences are there regardless of 'strength' so 🙄 my issue is with the overprotective assholey-ness. I like a good alpha at the best of times but I don't feel Daelon is as much as other male love/fated interests.
November 7, 2022
Let’s just say I’m angry!
I love this series so much I reread the first four books before I dove into this one. Daelon is my favorite character and to have him go through what he does in this book made me so sad, It made me more than tear up a few times. I can’t say I didn’t see the story heading where it did towards the end, but the final few chapters really made me angry, I just hope the final book will show it WAS all actually worth it.
I am so sad I have to wait almost 5 months to see how Áine fixes the mess she got herself into.
I love this series so much I reread the first four books before I dove into this one. Daelon is my favorite character and to have him go through what he does in this book made me so sad, It made me more than tear up a few times. I can’t say I didn’t see the story heading where it did towards the end, but the final few chapters really made me angry, I just hope the final book will show it WAS all actually worth it.
I am so sad I have to wait almost 5 months to see how Áine fixes the mess she got herself into.
February 23, 2023
I have to admit i procrastinated with this book. It was wonderfully written part of the series. But I knew going in this one would make my heart hurt. I love Aine and Daelon and I knew the hardest was yet to come. What I dos know know was how deep this would hurt at the jaw dropping ending. Tears are falling and I am just hoping that Team Daelon can survive this. I am really looking forward to the entire series with the Magick, love, and the friendship.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 31, 2022
Another great read by Maggie Sunseri! She has a way with words and story telling. There is action, hope and fear intricately woven into a great tale. If you are a fan of witch like fantasy then this is a must read series. I didn't think I was but reading this series has changed my mind. I'm looking forward to the next installment.
November 8, 2022
This Isn't the End. It was hard to get through
Why did I so believe that Book 5 was the epic conclusion to this author's first allegorical saga? Well, its not. Maybe I knew that and perhaps it's why I found it so hard to get through. It just didn't want to end. More road blocks to battle more faith to be questioned. And no there'll be another one to follow.
Why did I so believe that Book 5 was the epic conclusion to this author's first allegorical saga? Well, its not. Maybe I knew that and perhaps it's why I found it so hard to get through. It just didn't want to end. More road blocks to battle more faith to be questioned. And no there'll be another one to follow.
November 2, 2022
Continuation of a riveting saga
Loved it. Definitely see the links between real and fantasy in some of the construction and that only serves to strengthen the world behind the narrative
Loved it. Definitely see the links between real and fantasy in some of the construction and that only serves to strengthen the world behind the narrative
November 5, 2022
Excellent read!
Each book draws you in further and further. From fighting inner demons to utter heart break, not able to breathe while reading and praying for a desired outcome. And...hope. Captivating, and well written. Anxiously waiting for the next book!
Each book draws you in further and further. From fighting inner demons to utter heart break, not able to breathe while reading and praying for a desired outcome. And...hope. Captivating, and well written. Anxiously waiting for the next book!
December 28, 2022
You know when you are thinking that something will never happen, but then it happens. That is the latest book in the Witches of Aradia series. But I think I see why and am very anxious to read the final book on the series. Maggie Sunseri is a masterful storyteller, and I love this series so much!
August 6, 2024
This book was FAST paced and soooo much happened in it!! I started this book at 6pm and finished at 11pm. THATS how good it is. Another great book in this series and I’m continuing onto the next one!
September 26, 2025
3⭐s but only because Aine is finally with Lucius. I'm gonna be so mad if they're not endgame (which they probably aren't...)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews