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Winter Witch #1
Winter Witch
Cursed. Monster. Murderer.
That’s what the townspeople whisper behind her back. But outcast Tally Bane ignores the rumours, keeps her head down, and quietly moves on. For she is not just a winter witch, scorned for her magical ability to summon winter and cursed with death's touch, but she also carries a horrible secret: her touch can bring the dead back to life. If anyone found out, she would be instantly put to death as an abomination.
Unfortunately, as a winter witch, she’s exactly what the king wants. On her eighteenth birthday she is conscripted, and given a choice: live in the royal palace and become the crown prince's personal bodyguard, or head to the front line of the losing war against the barbarian highlanders.
Choosing the former, Tally finds herself unprepared for her new life learning to be a royal bodyguard. The not-so-handsome Prince Ford with the twinkling eyes and easy smile might just give her a reason to stay, as well as his very close group of brothers-in-arms, including the infuriatingly handsome best friend, and the brooding giant with the gentle hands who trains her to fight back. As she learns to trust them, their investigation into Tally's forbidden power uncovers secrets and conspiracies that lead all the way to the top.
But when summer witches start dying in the palace, all evidence points toward a winter witch's involvement. Someone wants Tally to take the fall. And to find out who, she needs to embrace the one power that, if exposed to the wrong people, would mean her own death.
WINTER WITCH is a full-length, medium-burn Reverse Harem novel. This means the main character has several love interests and doesn't choose between them. There are steamy scenes, super hot protective men, and there may or may not be a cliff-hanger.
That’s what the townspeople whisper behind her back. But outcast Tally Bane ignores the rumours, keeps her head down, and quietly moves on. For she is not just a winter witch, scorned for her magical ability to summon winter and cursed with death's touch, but she also carries a horrible secret: her touch can bring the dead back to life. If anyone found out, she would be instantly put to death as an abomination.
Unfortunately, as a winter witch, she’s exactly what the king wants. On her eighteenth birthday she is conscripted, and given a choice: live in the royal palace and become the crown prince's personal bodyguard, or head to the front line of the losing war against the barbarian highlanders.
Choosing the former, Tally finds herself unprepared for her new life learning to be a royal bodyguard. The not-so-handsome Prince Ford with the twinkling eyes and easy smile might just give her a reason to stay, as well as his very close group of brothers-in-arms, including the infuriatingly handsome best friend, and the brooding giant with the gentle hands who trains her to fight back. As she learns to trust them, their investigation into Tally's forbidden power uncovers secrets and conspiracies that lead all the way to the top.
But when summer witches start dying in the palace, all evidence points toward a winter witch's involvement. Someone wants Tally to take the fall. And to find out who, she needs to embrace the one power that, if exposed to the wrong people, would mean her own death.
WINTER WITCH is a full-length, medium-burn Reverse Harem novel. This means the main character has several love interests and doesn't choose between them. There are steamy scenes, super hot protective men, and there may or may not be a cliff-hanger.
- GenresFantasyParanormal
321 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 30, 2022
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
January 11, 2023
Honestly, where do I start? This book advertises itself as a 'reverse-harem' and, perhaps it is in the second book, but a) I won't be reading it to find out and b) that certainly isn't the case for this one. Tally somehow manages to be a scorned and sceptical survivor while also being a bleeding heart who falls in love with a man she's known for, what, a week?
The writing reads like a high-school fantasy romance fan-fiction. The pacing is awful, the characters are dull and the plot makes very little sense.
SPOILERS ENSUE. YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED
For a girl whose continued survival depends on keeping her ability to bring back the dead a secret, she seems quite happy with revealing said secret at every chance while accepting mere promises from others to keep quiet. Then we have her oscillating between Lennox and Ford which was very poorly done and made me dislike her immensely. Despite knowing the boys' close relationship with one another, she still chooses to play with the both of them under the guise of 'being unable to choose', then chooses Lennox before summarily giving him the cold shoulder.
Then there's the whole fake marriage to save her reputation- which makes no sense because her reputation will be ruined again when she's pronounced to be infertile and summarily divorced. And finally, the discovery of her summer magic. That, more than anything was anticlimactic and disappointing. There had been no indication, save for one line referencing how lichs are made, to show that she had the gift. Maybe it's too much to ask for a little something, some kind of foreshadowing or indication that the revelation was coming. It felt a little like a cop-out. It'd probably just have been better to only have Danica possess summer magic.
Overall, I was mostly confused. The romance was a poorly constructed love triangle with an infuriatingly-instead-of-endearingly indecisive main character and a plot that more closely resembles an initial draft. Very disappointing.
The writing reads like a high-school fantasy romance fan-fiction. The pacing is awful, the characters are dull and the plot makes very little sense.
SPOILERS ENSUE. YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED
For a girl whose continued survival depends on keeping her ability to bring back the dead a secret, she seems quite happy with revealing said secret at every chance while accepting mere promises from others to keep quiet. Then we have her oscillating between Lennox and Ford which was very poorly done and made me dislike her immensely. Despite knowing the boys' close relationship with one another, she still chooses to play with the both of them under the guise of 'being unable to choose', then chooses Lennox before summarily giving him the cold shoulder.
Then there's the whole fake marriage to save her reputation- which makes no sense because her reputation will be ruined again when she's pronounced to be infertile and summarily divorced. And finally, the discovery of her summer magic. That, more than anything was anticlimactic and disappointing. There had been no indication, save for one line referencing how lichs are made, to show that she had the gift. Maybe it's too much to ask for a little something, some kind of foreshadowing or indication that the revelation was coming. It felt a little like a cop-out. It'd probably just have been better to only have Danica possess summer magic.
Overall, I was mostly confused. The romance was a poorly constructed love triangle with an infuriatingly-instead-of-endearingly indecisive main character and a plot that more closely resembles an initial draft. Very disappointing.
August 28, 2022
I received a copy of this book in return for an honest review.
Tally is a winter witch. They have the power of ice and are feared for the death they bring. Summer witches have healing powers along with fire and are respected for the life they provide. Tally has been feared all her life, assaulted and looked down upon. One day, guards show up to take her to see the King and Queen. This is basically where the story begins.
Lennox and Ford seem to be the main two guys. Both being cousins and extremely close to each other. Ford is the Prince and Tally is tasked with protecting him while she’s not going through vigorous training so she spends a lot of time with him. He’s on the shy side and more into books than fighting and thinks things through. Lennox is the opposite, he’s flirty, great with daggers and quick to anger and spontaneous. There were times when it felt like Ford overstepped his abilities, like fighting. Maybe I just misunderstood his capabilities.
Beck and Dover. I really liked them but they never came across as being interested in Tally as anything more than a friend. I’m not sure where I stand with them as it doesn’t feel like they’ll be a part of her harem unless we see more in the next book. I hope we do see more of them.
Ash. He’s a wisp of light and a horse. A black cat and a bird. I definitely want to learn more about him. He was there for Tally at the start, basically her best friend.
The storyline and the world building was fantastic. The idea of winter and summer witches working with humans to take on the Highlanders. Plots against royalty and even some wooing. It definitely kept me intrigued about how things worked in this world and what was coming next.
Relationship development was there but on occasion I felt like someone would jump the gun on something. It still felt odd when Tally would talk about loving more than one guy but she’s barely known them. I would’ve loved to see more of Beck and Dover and hopefully that’ll happen in the next book!
The cliffhanger isn’t one that makes you freak out. It’s one that makes you want to read more and see what happens next so maybe cliffhanger isn’t even the right word. You’re just left with questions about the world and people that you want to get answers to. I can’t wait to see where this goes.
Tally is a winter witch. They have the power of ice and are feared for the death they bring. Summer witches have healing powers along with fire and are respected for the life they provide. Tally has been feared all her life, assaulted and looked down upon. One day, guards show up to take her to see the King and Queen. This is basically where the story begins.
Lennox and Ford seem to be the main two guys. Both being cousins and extremely close to each other. Ford is the Prince and Tally is tasked with protecting him while she’s not going through vigorous training so she spends a lot of time with him. He’s on the shy side and more into books than fighting and thinks things through. Lennox is the opposite, he’s flirty, great with daggers and quick to anger and spontaneous. There were times when it felt like Ford overstepped his abilities, like fighting. Maybe I just misunderstood his capabilities.
Beck and Dover. I really liked them but they never came across as being interested in Tally as anything more than a friend. I’m not sure where I stand with them as it doesn’t feel like they’ll be a part of her harem unless we see more in the next book. I hope we do see more of them.
Ash. He’s a wisp of light and a horse. A black cat and a bird. I definitely want to learn more about him. He was there for Tally at the start, basically her best friend.
The storyline and the world building was fantastic. The idea of winter and summer witches working with humans to take on the Highlanders. Plots against royalty and even some wooing. It definitely kept me intrigued about how things worked in this world and what was coming next.
Relationship development was there but on occasion I felt like someone would jump the gun on something. It still felt odd when Tally would talk about loving more than one guy but she’s barely known them. I would’ve loved to see more of Beck and Dover and hopefully that’ll happen in the next book!
The cliffhanger isn’t one that makes you freak out. It’s one that makes you want to read more and see what happens next so maybe cliffhanger isn’t even the right word. You’re just left with questions about the world and people that you want to get answers to. I can’t wait to see where this goes.
March 19, 2024
Interesting concept
This was an interesting book. I grabbed the prequel, Winter Wilding, through Bookfunnel and it caught me enough to grab the 1st on KU. It's a mix of whodunnit, medieval war, magic, forbidden magic with a mystery attached, loves - one forbidden, and political intrigue. The story is well written, with very few editing issues, an intriguing plot, fleshed out characters, and rather vague but slowly being filled in world building. Although, it's really rather spotty. We still have no idea what started this war, why the magic was hidden, why history was destroyed, and why it would be forbidden for a guardian to love their royal charge. You'd think it would be the best thing ever, a person who could kill with a touch- or even a short distance - who loves that person more than anything? Best guard ever. Especially as there is already a guard team in place of family members. Even if she's distracted, there's 3 others in near orbit ready to defend. Why aren't summer witches used on the lines to heal soldiers? Why are only winter witches conscripted? And why every one of them? Some need to pass on their abilities or they lose their front line. And why are there no male winter witches? Male and female summers, but only female winters and only female (no spoilers) are mentioned. Why was she not surprised over Ash but not another being like him has been mentioned? There's still a lot left out, things that don't quite add up, and the quick attachments, rebounds, and reattachments, that leaves this on a slightly shaky edge. But the concept and the story itself, I'd say 80+% of it, was really well done. And maybe book 2 fills those gaps and they were deliberate. I guess I'll find out lol.
This was an interesting book. I grabbed the prequel, Winter Wilding, through Bookfunnel and it caught me enough to grab the 1st on KU. It's a mix of whodunnit, medieval war, magic, forbidden magic with a mystery attached, loves - one forbidden, and political intrigue. The story is well written, with very few editing issues, an intriguing plot, fleshed out characters, and rather vague but slowly being filled in world building. Although, it's really rather spotty. We still have no idea what started this war, why the magic was hidden, why history was destroyed, and why it would be forbidden for a guardian to love their royal charge. You'd think it would be the best thing ever, a person who could kill with a touch- or even a short distance - who loves that person more than anything? Best guard ever. Especially as there is already a guard team in place of family members. Even if she's distracted, there's 3 others in near orbit ready to defend. Why aren't summer witches used on the lines to heal soldiers? Why are only winter witches conscripted? And why every one of them? Some need to pass on their abilities or they lose their front line. And why are there no male winter witches? Male and female summers, but only female winters and only female (no spoilers) are mentioned. Why was she not surprised over Ash but not another being like him has been mentioned? There's still a lot left out, things that don't quite add up, and the quick attachments, rebounds, and reattachments, that leaves this on a slightly shaky edge. But the concept and the story itself, I'd say 80+% of it, was really well done. And maybe book 2 fills those gaps and they were deliberate. I guess I'll find out lol.
September 23, 2022
Interesting world of Winter and Summer witches being send to fight in a war. We follow the FMC, who was desperately trying to flee that fate until she is grabbed by a contingent of soldiers and brought to the palace. Rather than send to the front, she becomes part of the court and prince's retinue. War has found the palace's doorstep as well. We find more and more mysteries as the book progresses. Unfortunately, the dynamics between the main characters is very hot and cold. Some deliberately as part of the plot, but executed in a poor way. So I just ended up frustrated with the lot of them...
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 11, 2022
There are two types of witches here: summer witches who can warm and heal and winter witches who can cool and kill. Our main character Tally has an additional power in that she can raise the dead. This has caused her to be continually on the run due to threats to her life. In addition, all witches are being sent by the king to the front lines of his war. When Tally is tracked down by the army, she assumes she's going to the war. Instead, she ends up being the prince's bodyguard. For the first time in her life, Tally has people who are nice to her and not afraid of casual contact. Enter multiple love interests -- who know about each other. This stood out to me. Tally makes zero effort to hide her interests or activities from the men who would seek to be her partners and openly says that she won't choose if she can't have both. That said, very little actual romancing occurs. All the characters are mostly just too busy doing stuff to have a lot of private time. I expect more will follow in subsequent books. I loved the world and the plot. It has a bit of a cliffhanger at the end, but it just adds interest in reading the next in the series. I'll definitely keep an eye out for the next book!
I received a copy of this through Voracious Readers in exchange for an honest review.
I received a copy of this through Voracious Readers in exchange for an honest review.
August 28, 2022
Tally is a winter witch who has been on the run ever since she was little and a hidden power revealed itself. Staying hidden in a kingdom where people hate and fear the winter witches isn’t easy though, and pretty soon the king’s guards catch up to her. A connection with the crown prince might ultimately be her rescue, or her downfall.
Winter witch is the start of a new high fantasy series, written in single POV. I enjoyed the world this author created and the suspense produced by the “whodunnit” trope that was written really well. There are plenty of twists throughout the story and some of those I didn’t see coming. I enjoyed the relationship building the first half of the book, and thought it was done really well, but the second half of the book gave me a bit of emotional whiplash. I like a bit of twists and turns in the relationships between characters, but at one point it became a bit much for me. That’s the main reason why I ended up with a four star rating, because the rest of the story was highly enjoyable. Absolutely looking forward to find out what comes next; perhaps it will answer some questions I have towards the relationship building
Winter witch is the start of a new high fantasy series, written in single POV. I enjoyed the world this author created and the suspense produced by the “whodunnit” trope that was written really well. There are plenty of twists throughout the story and some of those I didn’t see coming. I enjoyed the relationship building the first half of the book, and thought it was done really well, but the second half of the book gave me a bit of emotional whiplash. I like a bit of twists and turns in the relationships between characters, but at one point it became a bit much for me. That’s the main reason why I ended up with a four star rating, because the rest of the story was highly enjoyable. Absolutely looking forward to find out what comes next; perhaps it will answer some questions I have towards the relationship building
November 30, 2025
Winter witch book 1
This is a well written novel, with an eye rolling and unbelievable plot. You have a hated winter witch who has a Shape shifting demon as companion. She is apprehended by the King's forces who she believes will send her to the war front. But no, part of the team are the Crown prince and his cousin who both fall in Insta love/lust with her. She hasn't had human touch in ages because people know she can kill them with her touch, but she wants\can't have them both. She saves the prince with her secret power and is brought to the castle and treated like a guest. Then people insult her and the Queen decides she must fake marry the prince? Meanwhile there is a mystery murderer after her and other assassins after the prince. In the background she takes lessons in dance and side saddle riding, then gets beaten to a pulp in combat training. At night the two Royals vie for her attention. Shaking my head due to the ridiculous plot and that I actually finished the book.
This is a well written novel, with an eye rolling and unbelievable plot. You have a hated winter witch who has a Shape shifting demon as companion. She is apprehended by the King's forces who she believes will send her to the war front. But no, part of the team are the Crown prince and his cousin who both fall in Insta love/lust with her. She hasn't had human touch in ages because people know she can kill them with her touch, but she wants\can't have them both. She saves the prince with her secret power and is brought to the castle and treated like a guest. Then people insult her and the Queen decides she must fake marry the prince? Meanwhile there is a mystery murderer after her and other assassins after the prince. In the background she takes lessons in dance and side saddle riding, then gets beaten to a pulp in combat training. At night the two Royals vie for her attention. Shaking my head due to the ridiculous plot and that I actually finished the book.
January 31, 2026
Fast paced read with a pretty entertaining plot and fun death/healing magic. I’m torn on this one because the bones of the story are good but it read like a mix between a rough draft and a wattpad story. It needs to be polished up for sure. The dialogue especially feels very unnatural. Some more world building and character development would help a lot too.
I liked the characters and the relationship drama but the lack of care with the writing made it so the h seemed partial to one H. This wasn’t really the case, she’s struggling with being in love with multiple Hs (this is a RH). The way certain scenes were written, in both her inner monologue and what she said to the characters, made it so her feelings didn’t actually feel equal and to me felt very much like she was rejecting Lennox at times. It rubbed me the wrong way and I’m just not confident I’ll get what I want out of the romance if I continue.
Overall: 2.5
I liked the characters and the relationship drama but the lack of care with the writing made it so the h seemed partial to one H. This wasn’t really the case, she’s struggling with being in love with multiple Hs (this is a RH). The way certain scenes were written, in both her inner monologue and what she said to the characters, made it so her feelings didn’t actually feel equal and to me felt very much like she was rejecting Lennox at times. It rubbed me the wrong way and I’m just not confident I’ll get what I want out of the romance if I continue.
Overall: 2.5
August 31, 2022
This is my second book by this author and I'm still so glad that I've continued to follow her books. Lissa did a great job with this slow burn romance paranormal book. I'm not really into slow burn because the pace is too slow for me to keep me interested and the plot takes longer than the usual than I am used to. Lissa made this slow burn turn into more of a medium build and it kept me interested to finish reading until the end. This book had all the feels and it the plot was good. Would recommend it. I can't wait for the next book in the series to determine what happens next. Why does it always happen to Lennox!!!!????
June 17, 2023
The only reason this is getting a 3 star instead of less, is because I feel like some of the characters COULD have potential, if the story was written differently. This is the type of writing that definitely makes me feel like the author didn’t have anyone read it before publishing… so much doesn’t flow or make sense. Just a bunch of crap thrown in there. I won’t be finishing the series.
February 8, 2025
An interesting story!
The world building is well done and I really like the magic system in this book. It's different from anything I have read and really interesting.
The plot is well thought out and I am excited to see what happens next with certain characters.
I like Tally and the men are interesting too.
4 stars
The world building is well done and I really like the magic system in this book. It's different from anything I have read and really interesting.
The plot is well thought out and I am excited to see what happens next with certain characters.
I like Tally and the men are interesting too.
4 stars
October 11, 2022
Loved the world and story premise! Our main character is reserved but bold, shy but unapologetic, and inexperienced yet a quick study. There’s desire of the forbiden, loneliness overcome, and still so much growing for the characters and romance left to happen! A quick read :).
February 9, 2024
I really enjoyed this book, with the different twists. I liked she was honest with the male characters about her feelings and that she wasn't trying to hide it.
I was slightly disappointed by the end as it just seemed to finish. Thankfully there is a book 2 to answer those left over questions.
I was slightly disappointed by the end as it just seemed to finish. Thankfully there is a book 2 to answer those left over questions.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 6, 2022
I loved this book! This fantasy story is a slow burn with lots of intrigue and action. I can't wait to see how it ends!
March 4, 2024
Winter ❄️ Witch
By Lissa Bilyk
The story begins as the young woman Tally is in hiding! Is soon discovered to be a winter witch! (Summer and winter witches are described by their appearance. And what type of abilities they possess.) Tally is conscripted to be taken to the palace. To be taken before the king! Life is not always what it seems! As we meet the new men her life. Enjoyed this novel! Slow/medium burn! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
By Lissa Bilyk
The story begins as the young woman Tally is in hiding! Is soon discovered to be a winter witch! (Summer and winter witches are described by their appearance. And what type of abilities they possess.) Tally is conscripted to be taken to the palace. To be taken before the king! Life is not always what it seems! As we meet the new men her life. Enjoyed this novel! Slow/medium burn! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
April 30, 2023
Tally is just trying to get by and hide in the shadows when the palace comes for her. An unexpected response to an ambush changes everything for her and sets the past in motion. I loved the details, attention to world building and a thin adventure interwoven into this story. There were so many great twists with the story that had you dying to flip the page. I can't wait to see how everything plays out as the pieces make their next moves.
April 4, 2023
Fantastic!
Such an original storyline and I didnt want to put it down. I loved our FMC, Tally. There was action, suspense, angst and a bit of steam. There are so many secrets and a few twists. Some are revealed, but there is still mystery and questions to be answered. I cannot wait for the next book. I think this was a fantastic start to a new series!!
Such an original storyline and I didnt want to put it down. I loved our FMC, Tally. There was action, suspense, angst and a bit of steam. There are so many secrets and a few twists. Some are revealed, but there is still mystery and questions to be answered. I cannot wait for the next book. I think this was a fantastic start to a new series!!
February 28, 2024
OMG! I literally read halfway through the night because I couldn't put this down! This is so good, the whole story flows so well, there is instant intrigue and mystery and instant attraction. I can't wait for the next book.
May 2, 2023
OK read
Enjoyed that this book was so different than many other books, but not enough to actually pay for the next in the series. If it had been on KU I would of for sure read it.
Enjoyed that this book was so different than many other books, but not enough to actually pay for the next in the series. If it had been on KU I would of for sure read it.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews