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The House Witch #2
The House Witch 2
House witch Finlay Ashowan must contend with matters of the heart, hearth, family, and kingdom in the second book of a whimsical and winning fantasy series.
As a wielder of domestic magic, Finlay Ashowan likes to keep his affairs as neat and orderly as his kitchen. But between his work for the King and Queen of Daxaria and a new (secret) relationship with Lady Annika Jenoure, his life is anything but tidy.
For one thing, if Annika and Fin are to continue their romance, they’ll need to sort out the pesky issue of Fin’s being a commoner—before Annika is forced into a political marriage that interferes with her own carefully laid plans.
For another, pressure is mounting as the war with Troivack draws ever closer. When Fin requests time away from the castle to rest, the King agrees but under a very particular condition: Fin must brave the streets of Austice as a spy, sleuthing out the plans of the Troivackian troops allegedly hidden there.
Further complicating things, Fin’s estranged father is on his way to Daxaria, an unexpected and unappreciated arrival that’s bound to wreak even more havoc in his son’s life.
As Fin forges new friendships and alliances—magical and non-magical alike—he becomes even more enmeshed in courtly intrigues, old feuds, and very personal problems. And the more he tries to clean up the various messes in his life, the more apparent it becomes that his troubles are only just beginning . . .
As a wielder of domestic magic, Finlay Ashowan likes to keep his affairs as neat and orderly as his kitchen. But between his work for the King and Queen of Daxaria and a new (secret) relationship with Lady Annika Jenoure, his life is anything but tidy.
For one thing, if Annika and Fin are to continue their romance, they’ll need to sort out the pesky issue of Fin’s being a commoner—before Annika is forced into a political marriage that interferes with her own carefully laid plans.
For another, pressure is mounting as the war with Troivack draws ever closer. When Fin requests time away from the castle to rest, the King agrees but under a very particular condition: Fin must brave the streets of Austice as a spy, sleuthing out the plans of the Troivackian troops allegedly hidden there.
Further complicating things, Fin’s estranged father is on his way to Daxaria, an unexpected and unappreciated arrival that’s bound to wreak even more havoc in his son’s life.
As Fin forges new friendships and alliances—magical and non-magical alike—he becomes even more enmeshed in courtly intrigues, old feuds, and very personal problems. And the more he tries to clean up the various messes in his life, the more apparent it becomes that his troubles are only just beginning . . .
358 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 3, 2022
2797 people are currently reading
13367 people want to read
About the author
Delemhach
16 books2,069 followersDelemhach is the Canadian author of the popular online series, The House Witch, and is already hard at work on the sequel series, The Burning Witch. When they aren’t following the whims of their unfortunately intelligent cats, Kraken and Pina Colada, they are teaching music privately to their students. In their spare time outside of writing and work, they enjoy cooking, reading, hiking, spending time with family, and trying not to remember their socially awkward moments.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,165 reviews
February 7, 2025
Dużo bardziej podobał mi się ten tom! Ma mniej cringowych momentów (w sumie chyba tylko dwa razy wcisnęła mnie żałość).
Bardzo niespieszna, bo jednak mamy tu tylko dwa istotne wątki i zakończenie jest (znowu) urwane, ale po pierwszym tomie już się tego spodziewałam.
Tak jak bałam się, że to jednak nie jest seria dla mnie, tak myślę, że może jednak się myliłam.
Bardzo niespieszna, bo jednak mamy tu tylko dwa istotne wątki i zakończenie jest (znowu) urwane, ale po pierwszym tomie już się tego spodziewałam.
Tak jak bałam się, że to jednak nie jest seria dla mnie, tak myślę, że może jednak się myliłam.
January 24, 2023
3.5
I was initially glad that this book had about 100 fewer pages than the first novel because I felt the first had a lot of filler and I assumed the plot would be more distilled in a shorter novel. However, I was disappointed with this novel, because the plot still meandered and ultimately not much happened. This makes me assume that the majority of the climatic tension will fall to the third book, which could make for a more exciting and dramatic finale.
Overall, I still did enjoy this installment in the trilogy, I just did not enjoy it quite as much as the first. The first novel felt more endearing and genuine, while this one was bogged down with unnecessary "awkwardness" over relationships, particularly between Fin's and his mother's romantic pursuits.
I still plan on reading the final book when it is released. I just hope there is a titch more action, suspense, and plot.
P.S. This is a minor complaint, but I got sick of reading "the redhead" up to four to six times a page, as a way to describe Fin. I don't remember the usage being this egregious in the first novel, but maybe it just took me this long to realize the excess use of "the redhead." I realize I'm being nit-picky, but for some reason it really irked me.
I was initially glad that this book had about 100 fewer pages than the first novel because I felt the first had a lot of filler and I assumed the plot would be more distilled in a shorter novel. However, I was disappointed with this novel, because the plot still meandered and ultimately not much happened. This makes me assume that the majority of the climatic tension will fall to the third book, which could make for a more exciting and dramatic finale.
Overall, I still did enjoy this installment in the trilogy, I just did not enjoy it quite as much as the first. The first novel felt more endearing and genuine, while this one was bogged down with unnecessary "awkwardness" over relationships, particularly between Fin's and his mother's romantic pursuits.
I still plan on reading the final book when it is released. I just hope there is a titch more action, suspense, and plot.
P.S. This is a minor complaint, but I got sick of reading "the redhead" up to four to six times a page, as a way to describe Fin. I don't remember the usage being this egregious in the first novel, but maybe it just took me this long to realize the excess use of "the redhead." I realize I'm being nit-picky, but for some reason it really irked me.
June 11, 2023
*** 3.44 ***
I enjoyed this part of the story ( the three books are actually one big one split into three parts) more than the first. We already know most of the players and our House Witch is continuing to make everything around him topsy-turvy, including giving the prostitutes in a brothel ideas about better working conditions, job security and so on... I think these moments were my favorite 😊! I also really like the castle staff and the kitchen knights 👍. Looking forward to seeing how the author wraps everything up in Part #3😀!
I enjoyed this part of the story ( the three books are actually one big one split into three parts) more than the first. We already know most of the players and our House Witch is continuing to make everything around him topsy-turvy, including giving the prostitutes in a brothel ideas about better working conditions, job security and so on... I think these moments were my favorite 😊! I also really like the castle staff and the kitchen knights 👍. Looking forward to seeing how the author wraps everything up in Part #3😀!
March 8, 2023
Warning: I'm angry and I cannot English properly rn.
If you liked book 1, don't read this book because you will be disappointed.
Now to my anger-fueled review:
Omgggg this was a PAIN to read. I hated it with burning passion. Everything about this was ridiculous. EVERYTHING. Every character is dumb and naïve, they have no substance whatsoever and they change personalities without reason!!! Annika, who was supposed to be dark, mysterious and collected, suddenly became a stupid teenager who just lost about 100% of her personality because she had fallen in love. She is also like, a bitch: she says she is friends with Clara, her maid, but the woman says a single teasing thing about her and Fin and Annika tells her to 'mind her tone' and chastises her. You CANNOT be friends with your superior. Fin is straight up stupid. He is dumb. And look, I do enjoy a dumb, sweet protagonist (Percy, Zagreus, Adolin, classical himbos, etc) but Finlay is DUMB DUMB. He doesn't communicate at all, he doesn't asks questions, he leaves everyone at their expenses and he risks his life and other's because he doesn't stop to think for a minute!! This is what this book lacks: a THOUGHT. Just one thought from the author and it could have been salvageable, but no, it wasn't. This is so stupid. And also??? Why is it misogynist??? Why??? I thought we were in our feminist era??? Like you know how book 1 starts with Fin saving Hannah from the knights that were molesting her (who afterwards end up being WORKING alongside her?? She is forced to see them everyday at all hours because some man thought that would be a good punishment for them?? How fucked up is that??) and then he is like a feminist icon for like, 20 pages but you read this stupid book and in every chapter there is this clearly sexist environment that makes the king go 'mh?? Why are you noblemen not controlling your wives??' And also how NONE of the nobles were women. NONE. There are multiple scenes that show how great (and fucked up) of a friendship the higher noblemen are forging with Fin (who is the NEW COOK, NOT A NOBLE, NOT SOMEONE THEY KNOW, HE IS THE COOK) and you have all this higher-ups who like him but are distressed by him but they have all kind of considerations for him but also remind him that they his superiors but he basically just does as he pleases without any consequences because he is the ridiculous main character? WAIT ALSO THE BROTHEL SCENE LMAOOOOO Like I understand this is supposed to be a comedic, funsy, romantic novel but what was that? It's just so ridiculous. Yeah, a bunch of prostitutes are going to leave the "jobs" just because some random ginger appeared and told them they could live better. Yeah, for sure that's how prostitution works and obviously they hadn't thought about that before our lord and savior Finlay Ashowan appeared out of thin air and told them!!! Thank you Fin!!! You are amazing and we will throw a festival in your honour, amd we will ALL just explode in laugher like normal people do every two hours cause that's believable and common for people to do!!! Yeii Fin! You are the best person in the kingdom!! Woo!!
Look, I could keep going. I could cross-read this book and take note of everything that was ridiculous but I don't hate myself enough to open this book again. Hated it, do yourself a favour and don't read it.
If you liked book 1, don't read this book because you will be disappointed.
Now to my anger-fueled review:
Omgggg this was a PAIN to read. I hated it with burning passion. Everything about this was ridiculous. EVERYTHING. Every character is dumb and naïve, they have no substance whatsoever and they change personalities without reason!!! Annika, who was supposed to be dark, mysterious and collected, suddenly became a stupid teenager who just lost about 100% of her personality because she had fallen in love. She is also like, a bitch: she says she is friends with Clara, her maid, but the woman says a single teasing thing about her and Fin and Annika tells her to 'mind her tone' and chastises her. You CANNOT be friends with your superior. Fin is straight up stupid. He is dumb. And look, I do enjoy a dumb, sweet protagonist (Percy, Zagreus, Adolin, classical himbos, etc) but Finlay is DUMB DUMB. He doesn't communicate at all, he doesn't asks questions, he leaves everyone at their expenses and he risks his life and other's because he doesn't stop to think for a minute!! This is what this book lacks: a THOUGHT. Just one thought from the author and it could have been salvageable, but no, it wasn't. This is so stupid. And also??? Why is it misogynist??? Why??? I thought we were in our feminist era??? Like you know how book 1 starts with Fin saving Hannah from the knights that were molesting her (who afterwards end up being WORKING alongside her?? She is forced to see them everyday at all hours because some man thought that would be a good punishment for them?? How fucked up is that??) and then he is like a feminist icon for like, 20 pages but you read this stupid book and in every chapter there is this clearly sexist environment that makes the king go 'mh?? Why are you noblemen not controlling your wives??' And also how NONE of the nobles were women. NONE. There are multiple scenes that show how great (and fucked up) of a friendship the higher noblemen are forging with Fin (who is the NEW COOK, NOT A NOBLE, NOT SOMEONE THEY KNOW, HE IS THE COOK) and you have all this higher-ups who like him but are distressed by him but they have all kind of considerations for him but also remind him that they his superiors but he basically just does as he pleases without any consequences because he is the ridiculous main character? WAIT ALSO THE BROTHEL SCENE LMAOOOOO Like I understand this is supposed to be a comedic, funsy, romantic novel but what was that? It's just so ridiculous. Yeah, a bunch of prostitutes are going to leave the "jobs" just because some random ginger appeared and told them they could live better. Yeah, for sure that's how prostitution works and obviously they hadn't thought about that before our lord and savior Finlay Ashowan appeared out of thin air and told them!!! Thank you Fin!!! You are amazing and we will throw a festival in your honour, amd we will ALL just explode in laugher like normal people do every two hours cause that's believable and common for people to do!!! Yeii Fin! You are the best person in the kingdom!! Woo!!
Look, I could keep going. I could cross-read this book and take note of everything that was ridiculous but I don't hate myself enough to open this book again. Hated it, do yourself a favour and don't read it.
October 13, 2023
I would have enjoyed this if I:
1) Wasnt constantly reminded that Fin is a redhead. I get it, he has red hair. That point was already driven home in book 1, now here in book 2 it feel like trying to hammer an already hammered nail into a wall. The person doing the work would probably get a headache, and you know what? as a reader, I did.
2) if the whole "man of my dreams" and "woman I love" sequences were more believable. The romance between Fin and Annika was lacking in book 1, but here if was insufferable. Who told them they are in love again?
3) If atleast 3 characters in here showed some level of atleast emotional maturity, or intelligence, or intellect, or even just basic thought and understanding. The kingdom of Daxaria felt less like a kingdom and more like an unorganized circus.
Additionally would anyone mind explaining how this knight business works?
4)If there were more Kraken moments. I mean Kraken being a cat, a familiar to the witch Finlay and not running around being part of gangs?
The highlights of this volume was definitely the Eric moments. That it.
1) Wasnt constantly reminded that Fin is a redhead. I get it, he has red hair. That point was already driven home in book 1, now here in book 2 it feel like trying to hammer an already hammered nail into a wall. The person doing the work would probably get a headache, and you know what? as a reader, I did.
2) if the whole "man of my dreams" and "woman I love" sequences were more believable. The romance between Fin and Annika was lacking in book 1, but here if was insufferable. Who told them they are in love again?
3) If atleast 3 characters in here showed some level of atleast emotional maturity, or intelligence, or intellect, or even just basic thought and understanding. The kingdom of Daxaria felt less like a kingdom and more like an unorganized circus.
Additionally would anyone mind explaining how this knight business works?
4)If there were more Kraken moments. I mean Kraken being a cat, a familiar to the witch Finlay and not running around being part of gangs?
The highlights of this volume was definitely the Eric moments. That it.
May 20, 2025
3,5⭐️, ale nie mogę podciągnąć pod 4.
Pierwsza połowa jest chaotyczna i mnie wynudziła. Druga to wynagradza, jest słodka, urocza, ciepła, wywoływała we mnie momentami rozanielenie wydarzeniami i relacjami postaci i sprawia, że chcę kontynuować tę serię, ale… Mam wrażenie, że to zbyt nierówna seria i nie mogę jej ocenić wyżej, mimo że bardzo lubię jej bohaterów i ten świat.
Ten chaos i nudne fragmenty sprawiają, że nie umiem zakochać się w tej serii, a jednocześnie jestem kupiona jej światem. Dziwny to dysonans.
Pierwsza połowa jest chaotyczna i mnie wynudziła. Druga to wynagradza, jest słodka, urocza, ciepła, wywoływała we mnie momentami rozanielenie wydarzeniami i relacjami postaci i sprawia, że chcę kontynuować tę serię, ale… Mam wrażenie, że to zbyt nierówna seria i nie mogę jej ocenić wyżej, mimo że bardzo lubię jej bohaterów i ten świat.
Ten chaos i nudne fragmenty sprawiają, że nie umiem zakochać się w tej serii, a jednocześnie jestem kupiona jej światem. Dziwny to dysonans.
November 18, 2022
Book 1 was great but sadly book 2 did not deliver for me, mostly due to the amount of Telling. The story is Told via pages of tedious dialogue and for some odd reason, the H is referenced by his name and also as 'the red head'. Not sure why, but it seemed to just add to the word count? Not sure I am interested in next book.
March 1, 2023
If you are looking for a cozy fantasy that envelops you into a hug and takes you along for a magical journey, this is that book. Theres lots of magical mischief ala “Howl’s moving castle” and “Legends and Lattes,” some good laughs, friendly banter, sweet and innocent love and romance, war without being too much detail. I rarely read/listen to series straight through, but I’m starting book 3 right now as I need a little magic to warm me through the snowstorm. I love little gems like these!
May 2, 2023
Isn't it great when a pre-order you forgot about suddenly arrives, like an unholiday gift?
This time, house witch Finlay Ashowan is on a quest for the king as a spy--even though he has no magic whatsoever away from home, which is the royal castle. Unbeknownst to his paramour, Lady Annika Jenoure, they are both assigned the same mission, which gets awkward. When he seems to get into trouble, he makes proverbial lemonade from lemons and orchestrates spontaneous street festivals! Or suddenly changes his voice and manner to appear as a brothel's very gay stylist and dressmaker. When SHE thinks he's in trouble, she sends in troops. A seasoned spy often prone to violence, tempestuous even in her milder moments, when Annika goes in herself, people are likely to die. They're an unlikely couple but strongly attuned to each other. Meanwhile, the Kraken speaks!
This time around, Finlay's relations get involved, too. His mother, a healing witch, is called upon to care for the queen as the end of a very precarious pregnancy nears. At the same time, his estranged father, a power-hungry, human-despising fire witch and dangerous enemy of their country, approaches their shores in prelude to war. ( It turns out that only the eyes--besides everything that's not obvious to the eye-- distinguish Finlay from his father; his are the clearest blue, his father's are charcoal black.) The captain of the knights, who remain under Finlay's dominion since the first book, falls in love with mom and goes so far as to ask Finlay's permission to court her, which leaves Finlay gobsmacked and speechless.
A backstory about an air witch seriously injured by Finlay's father at least two decades earlier, which turns into a present day combat competition between Fin and an earth witch, presents an unnecessary distraction. It seems our author felt they lacked enough sturm und drang to put our hero through, but this was a mistaken sideline.
The great value of this work lies in its descriptions of what is exclusively women's work, that is, pregnancy, labor, delivery, and the ever present pall of possible death--and how off the rails it all gets when a woman and her children are subjected to a man's whims because he is merely physically stronger, if not the household's sole provider (which is too often the case, rendering marriage for women akin to prostitution). It's sad that mostly only women will read this book, because it should be required reading for all men.
“I’m ashamed of who I was back then. That I let that man abuse my son that way. All because I kept reasoning to myself that, because I was healing Fin and myself, it wasn’t as terrible as it could have been. As though physical scars were the worst part, and because Aidan wasn’t home often. I didn’t believe we would be able to make ends meet if it were just Finlay and myself, even though in truth I was better off relying on my own talents than trying to support his movements ...” Kate had begun gently rubbing her thumb over the blankets idly. “It feels so much bigger than yourself when you are in that kind of marriage. It wasn’t even me that made him leave in the end.” There's naked truth for you.
This book made me cry; at what point in the story, I'll leave you to guess.
This time, house witch Finlay Ashowan is on a quest for the king as a spy--even though he has no magic whatsoever away from home, which is the royal castle. Unbeknownst to his paramour, Lady Annika Jenoure, they are both assigned the same mission, which gets awkward. When he seems to get into trouble, he makes proverbial lemonade from lemons and orchestrates spontaneous street festivals! Or suddenly changes his voice and manner to appear as a brothel's very gay stylist and dressmaker. When SHE thinks he's in trouble, she sends in troops. A seasoned spy often prone to violence, tempestuous even in her milder moments, when Annika goes in herself, people are likely to die. They're an unlikely couple but strongly attuned to each other. Meanwhile, the Kraken speaks!
This time around, Finlay's relations get involved, too. His mother, a healing witch, is called upon to care for the queen as the end of a very precarious pregnancy nears. At the same time, his estranged father, a power-hungry, human-despising fire witch and dangerous enemy of their country, approaches their shores in prelude to war. ( It turns out that only the eyes--besides everything that's not obvious to the eye-- distinguish Finlay from his father; his are the clearest blue, his father's are charcoal black.) The captain of the knights, who remain under Finlay's dominion since the first book, falls in love with mom and goes so far as to ask Finlay's permission to court her, which leaves Finlay gobsmacked and speechless.
A backstory about an air witch seriously injured by Finlay's father at least two decades earlier, which turns into a present day combat competition between Fin and an earth witch, presents an unnecessary distraction. It seems our author felt they lacked enough sturm und drang to put our hero through, but this was a mistaken sideline.
The great value of this work lies in its descriptions of what is exclusively women's work, that is, pregnancy, labor, delivery, and the ever present pall of possible death--and how off the rails it all gets when a woman and her children are subjected to a man's whims because he is merely physically stronger, if not the household's sole provider (which is too often the case, rendering marriage for women akin to prostitution). It's sad that mostly only women will read this book, because it should be required reading for all men.
“I’m ashamed of who I was back then. That I let that man abuse my son that way. All because I kept reasoning to myself that, because I was healing Fin and myself, it wasn’t as terrible as it could have been. As though physical scars were the worst part, and because Aidan wasn’t home often. I didn’t believe we would be able to make ends meet if it were just Finlay and myself, even though in truth I was better off relying on my own talents than trying to support his movements ...” Kate had begun gently rubbing her thumb over the blankets idly. “It feels so much bigger than yourself when you are in that kind of marriage. It wasn’t even me that made him leave in the end.” There's naked truth for you.
This book made me cry; at what point in the story, I'll leave you to guess.
November 3, 2024
Did anything happen in the second book?
Not really.
Did I again enjoy it immensely?
Yes.
Not really.
Did I again enjoy it immensely?
Yes.
July 26, 2023
While the first book was over four months long in its timeline here we everything happens within a week. We start off right where we left off in the previos book, which I like because it means nothing has happened off page between the two books. I was a little disappointed that its a closed door romance, but thats just my preference.
Now I liked the first book because it was a low-stakes cozy romance fantasy where what they had to overcome was their difference in societal status. But in this book the King sends Fin to be a spy when all Fin asks is time to rest from working over 16 hours a day 7 days a week. It just doesn't make sense to send a man to do dangerous work that he is not trained for, while also knowing he would be powerless when away from his home.
To be honest everyone felt out of character on this one. Fin is not grumpy anymore just either annoyed, tired or drunk. He becomes and idiot that doesn't know what he is doing while pretending he does. He starts to lie even though he is no good at it, and he comes across as ignorant. He does cook but its not as important as it was in the first book. This sequel has him going around from the castle to the city while the first one was more localized inside the castle.
Lady Jenoure also felt out of character, shes supposed to be this amazing actress super spy yet she constantly looses her cool and is screaming or reciting a mantra in her own head, which I found weird because if she loves Fin she shouldn't have to say it over and over trying to remind herself of the fact. To be honest neither Fin nor Annika felt like adults in this book, they feel like teenagers.
I am mad because I was so hopeful and excited after reading the first book which makes it even more of a disappointment. Basically, everything the first book was this one tried to do the opposite. While I found the first book whimsical, light and fun this one was just mostly cringe. It also resorts a lot to one of my most hated book techniques; tell, don't show.
It just felt ridiculous. And the book even mentions his plot armor saying how “lucky” Fin is. Heres are some of the ridiculousness that made me hate it: first is the off-page festival, which starts a brawl in which Fin pretends very badly to be drunk and somehow ends up cooking for the homeless. I hate when things just happen off-page because the main character has plot armor. Then theres the brothel scene in which Fin becomes an idiot and lets himself be drugged. He wont eat food someone prepared in front of him but will drink things strangers just hand to him? Every interaction with the prostitutes was pure cringe. He also giving mayor Karen energy in that scene, going into a business and demanding to speak with the owner.
Then theres the scene where Fin is pretending to be gay so Chloe doesn't have to work as a prostitute and giving “marital advise” to patrons of the brothel. Again, it happens off-page and its supposed to be oh so funny. Why is it supposed to be funny? Because all the characters tell us how much they are enjoying it and laughing! Then we got a sex workers unionizing strike? Why? Because a man decided to tell you to do it and oh my god of course if a man says it all women should know its for the best! Forget that he is a stranger, he must be right because he is a man. I know the book, once again, tells us why they agree. Stop telling me and start showing!
And the brothel is not even the only part where he gets a little gay just out of nowhere. He kept trying to bait Mr. Howards by comming onto him knowing full well it was not well recieved. It felt unnecesary and dragged out. While it might had been funny one time, this grew old fast. My point is that for all he complained about why people thought he was gay he sure goes out of his way to make people think he is in this book.
And don't get me started on the mess with Madam Mathilda. That was so out of pocket to even explain. The first book was very lgbtq+ allied, but this one just was just a mess! I get to want to include real world issues and problems into fantasy books but this was NOT it.
The addition of Adamma and Sky felt unnecessary, maybe it will pay off in the next book, if not it was just there to have an excuse to see Fin fight another witch. Again, unnecessary. I think the problem with this book is that it had too many unnecessary scenes that felt forced.
I will say, as always, I liked the interactions with Eric. He is by far the best character in the book. Same as Kraken, even if most of his shenanigans also happen off-page. I wanted to read about Kraken telling Fin about his street gang and their activities but it just doesn't happen. Is like Fin doesn't even care that he can talk to Kraken and by him he can talk to other cats. This whole book could have been skipped if he had talked to Kraken about the Troivakians in the beginning of the book instead of freaking out.
But by this point I am invested and want to know what happens to Finlay, but it just doesn't make sense to me why steer so far from the core of what made the first book so good. I hope the next one goes back to how it was in the first book and doesn't follow this ones lead.
Now I liked the first book because it was a low-stakes cozy romance fantasy where what they had to overcome was their difference in societal status. But in this book the King sends Fin to be a spy when all Fin asks is time to rest from working over 16 hours a day 7 days a week. It just doesn't make sense to send a man to do dangerous work that he is not trained for, while also knowing he would be powerless when away from his home.
To be honest everyone felt out of character on this one. Fin is not grumpy anymore just either annoyed, tired or drunk. He becomes and idiot that doesn't know what he is doing while pretending he does. He starts to lie even though he is no good at it, and he comes across as ignorant. He does cook but its not as important as it was in the first book. This sequel has him going around from the castle to the city while the first one was more localized inside the castle.
Lady Jenoure also felt out of character, shes supposed to be this amazing actress super spy yet she constantly looses her cool and is screaming or reciting a mantra in her own head, which I found weird because if she loves Fin she shouldn't have to say it over and over trying to remind herself of the fact. To be honest neither Fin nor Annika felt like adults in this book, they feel like teenagers.
I am mad because I was so hopeful and excited after reading the first book which makes it even more of a disappointment. Basically, everything the first book was this one tried to do the opposite. While I found the first book whimsical, light and fun this one was just mostly cringe. It also resorts a lot to one of my most hated book techniques; tell, don't show.
It just felt ridiculous. And the book even mentions his plot armor saying how “lucky” Fin is. Heres are some of the ridiculousness that made me hate it: first is the off-page festival, which starts a brawl in which Fin pretends very badly to be drunk and somehow ends up cooking for the homeless. I hate when things just happen off-page because the main character has plot armor. Then theres the brothel scene in which Fin becomes an idiot and lets himself be drugged. He wont eat food someone prepared in front of him but will drink things strangers just hand to him? Every interaction with the prostitutes was pure cringe. He also giving mayor Karen energy in that scene, going into a business and demanding to speak with the owner.
Then theres the scene where Fin is pretending to be gay so Chloe doesn't have to work as a prostitute and giving “marital advise” to patrons of the brothel. Again, it happens off-page and its supposed to be oh so funny. Why is it supposed to be funny? Because all the characters tell us how much they are enjoying it and laughing! Then we got a sex workers unionizing strike? Why? Because a man decided to tell you to do it and oh my god of course if a man says it all women should know its for the best! Forget that he is a stranger, he must be right because he is a man. I know the book, once again, tells us why they agree. Stop telling me and start showing!
And the brothel is not even the only part where he gets a little gay just out of nowhere. He kept trying to bait Mr. Howards by comming onto him knowing full well it was not well recieved. It felt unnecesary and dragged out. While it might had been funny one time, this grew old fast. My point is that for all he complained about why people thought he was gay he sure goes out of his way to make people think he is in this book.
And don't get me started on the mess with Madam Mathilda. That was so out of pocket to even explain. The first book was very lgbtq+ allied, but this one just was just a mess! I get to want to include real world issues and problems into fantasy books but this was NOT it.
The addition of Adamma and Sky felt unnecessary, maybe it will pay off in the next book, if not it was just there to have an excuse to see Fin fight another witch. Again, unnecessary. I think the problem with this book is that it had too many unnecessary scenes that felt forced.
I will say, as always, I liked the interactions with Eric. He is by far the best character in the book. Same as Kraken, even if most of his shenanigans also happen off-page. I wanted to read about Kraken telling Fin about his street gang and their activities but it just doesn't happen. Is like Fin doesn't even care that he can talk to Kraken and by him he can talk to other cats. This whole book could have been skipped if he had talked to Kraken about the Troivakians in the beginning of the book instead of freaking out.
But by this point I am invested and want to know what happens to Finlay, but it just doesn't make sense to me why steer so far from the core of what made the first book so good. I hope the next one goes back to how it was in the first book and doesn't follow this ones lead.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 11, 2023
I was hoping this series would pick up it's pace and get better, but it didn't.
If you weren't sold on the first book don't pick this up. The story doesn't go anywhere in this installment and it's honestly not worth it.
The author still insists on adding "funny" scenes (just like in the last installment) where all the characters are lol-ing at som "funny" escapade or situation. These scenes are (unlike some of the organically witty conversations amongst characters) blatantly NOT fun and they are weirdly drawn out which makes them an agony to read.
If not for some desperate hope that it might get better I honestly wouldn't have finished it.
If you weren't sold on the first book don't pick this up. The story doesn't go anywhere in this installment and it's honestly not worth it.
The author still insists on adding "funny" scenes (just like in the last installment) where all the characters are lol-ing at som "funny" escapade or situation. These scenes are (unlike some of the organically witty conversations amongst characters) blatantly NOT fun and they are weirdly drawn out which makes them an agony to read.
If not for some desperate hope that it might get better I honestly wouldn't have finished it.
April 2, 2024
Look. This was going to be a 3 star rating but the frequency in which the author used "the redhead" to refer to the main character was ABSOLUTELY INSANE ARE YOU SERIOUS. So it lost a star for that alone.
Otherwise, it was fine? I feel like I'm committed enough that I'll slowly finish the series (also I bought the audiobook of the first novel in the spin off series already so here we are).
But overall, this was a bit boring and not much actually happens. But it was also pretty chill. It's a hard series to explain.
Otherwise, it was fine? I feel like I'm committed enough that I'll slowly finish the series (also I bought the audiobook of the first novel in the spin off series already so here we are).
But overall, this was a bit boring and not much actually happens. But it was also pretty chill. It's a hard series to explain.
March 19, 2023
I'm reading the 3 volumes of The House Witch consecutively. It's really one story broken into 3 books. I won't know what I think of the whole thing until I'm done with #3. It's interesting enough that I'm going to read all 3 books. I think this is fanfic that got picked up and is the beginning of this writer's career.
August 15, 2023
Still the same issues as with the first one. If I were not a fanfiction-reading teenager with too much time in the summer I would not have finished.
November 6, 2023
Unsurprisingly, this book was absolutely smashing. This story took off *right* where 1 ended and it just kept rolling from there. Again with the ridiculous antics and wilder than wild adentures that had me laughing and giggling the entire time. I love that those moments are broken up by emotional and endearing conversations between characters that make me love them all even more. I dont think there's a single character I don't like, except the clear villain. These books are like crack and I am officially addicted.
January 23, 2024
I can forgive the adverbs ("...he greeted nonsensically" and "he exclaimed innocently" being among the worst offenders) but the WOMEN. All of them, babbling, gossiping, male-obsessed cloud-heads. Except, of course, the "strong" women who are intelligent but hot-headed blushing beauties.
2 stars for the compelling storyline. I'm gonna take a nap to rest my eyes from the excessive rolling.
2 stars for the compelling storyline. I'm gonna take a nap to rest my eyes from the excessive rolling.
December 23, 2022
I love this series.
I finished the 2nd book and have such a series-hangover that I’ve found it quite impossible to get into something new.
Book 3 is coming out in February and I’m seriously frustrated by the wait!
I finished the 2nd book and have such a series-hangover that I’ve found it quite impossible to get into something new.
Book 3 is coming out in February and I’m seriously frustrated by the wait!
January 14, 2023
The second book in the House Witch series is just as good as the first! A wholesome, slice of life romantic comedy about the power of community, friendship, found family, the importance of a peaceful home life, and love.
March 29, 2023
The plot continues to roll onwards at a snail’s pace as there are a series of comic interludes involving sex workers unionising, romance for Finn’s mother and the endless birthing of a new princess. Given that the plot was at best, episodic in the first section, then the first half of this book is chaotic at best, totally unstructured at worst. Some new problematic elements are introduced, including someone with a split personality and the afore mentioned sex workers. The cats are still racist (someone clearly had a word about this because in book 3, they’ve had their accents changed), and some new people of colour are awkwardly introduced. The well meaningness of making endless errors like this continues, but the author manages to point out difference throughout, so racial identifiers are used awkwardly all the time and sometimes also linked to personality traits. I think it’s unlikely I’ll get through book 3.
December 19, 2022
I recommend The House Witch to anyone with interest in a cozy, comedic fantasy with romance, seasoned with political intrigue, family drama and workplace antics.
Together, Books 1 & 2 of The House Witch make this my favorite series of 2022. Full marks, this is exactly the type of novel I want more of... and fortunately Book 3 is scheduled to release in a few months.
This book picks up immediately (within hours) after the first book ends, and I'm glad for it. Everything I loved in the first book continues here, with even more interesting characters introduced as the world around this protagonist grows.
Together, Books 1 & 2 of The House Witch make this my favorite series of 2022. Full marks, this is exactly the type of novel I want more of... and fortunately Book 3 is scheduled to release in a few months.
This book picks up immediately (within hours) after the first book ends, and I'm glad for it. Everything I loved in the first book continues here, with even more interesting characters introduced as the world around this protagonist grows.
October 14, 2025
I loved this book❤️😍
January 11, 2024
The quality of language, both in terms of accuracy and variety, was embarrassing.
The story was fine, but the character development was just... weird? Wtf happened to Annika?
Did I enjoy this book ? 75% no
Will I still read book 3 because I have no self-respect? Absolutely.
The story was fine, but the character development was just... weird? Wtf happened to Annika?
Did I enjoy this book ? 75% no
Will I still read book 3 because I have no self-respect? Absolutely.
September 11, 2024
"Magia domowa" oczarowała mnie od pierwszych stron i od chwili, gdy skończyłam ją czytać, to wypatrywałam zapowiedzi drugiego tomu... doczekałam się, przeczytałam i teraz natychmiast potrzebuję 3 w swoim życiu! Cieplutka, otulająca, magiczna, pachnąca i przeurocza, wręcz baśniowa seria cosy fantasy, która skradła moje serce - brakuje mi aż przymiotników, by opisać odczucia po lekturze. Delemhach w "Magii domowej 2" utrzymała poziom zjawiskowej pierwszej części, a uwierzcie mi: to najlepszy komplement!
"Magia domowa 2" różni się od pierwszego tomu. Mamy tutaj trochę mniej kuchennych rewolucji Fina, za to więcej polityki, dworskich intryg i zakazanego uczucia między rudowłosym magiem, a przepiękną damą dworu. Powieść jest doprawiona humorem, przy scenie w przybytku rozkoszy płakałam ze śmiechu - mistrzostwo świata! Kucharz walczy o prawa kobiet, poczynając od kurtyzan! Nie zabrakło też dramatów, jak przerażjące rozwiązanie ciąży królowej, przy którym wstrzymywałam oddech i szeptałam sama do siebie "musi być dobrze!". Delemhach doskonale balansuje pomiędzy dawką nieco przaśnego humoru, przez poważne polityczne rozgrywki po skomplikowane relacje rodzinne, a wszystko to otula rozkosznymi zapachami z kuchni Fina.
Bohaterowie nie stracili swojego pazura, to nadal te same charakterki, co w pierwszym tomie. Autorka trochę po macoszemu podeszła do asystentów Fina, ale jest to dla mnie zrozumiałe - w grę wchodziła zbliżająca się wojna, więc niesnaski między służbą straciły na ważności. Czy oceniam to negatywnie? Nie. Delemhach coś odjęła, co nieco dodała i wszystko wyszło, chciałoby się rzec, wyśmienicie. Wprowadzam jednak mały protest i afirmuję o więcej Krakena! Kociak Fina rośnie równomiernie ze swoim sprytem, a wątek jego połączenia z magiem aż się prosi o rozwinięcie. Delemhach w drugim tomie serii zabrała czytelników poza zamek królewski, w drugim tomie zwiedziłam więcej Daxarii, a dokładnie miasto Austice, co było ciekawym doświadczeniem i dowodem na to, że całe universum jest świetnie przemyślane.
"Magia domowa 2" to powieść rewelacyjna, tak jak pierwsza część, więc nie można dłużej zwlekać - koniecznie przeczytajcie! Pełna humoru, aromatycznych dań, bogate grono bohaterów, pełna dworskich intryg i z nutą ciekawie skonstruowanego romansu. Kocham ten iście baśniowy klimat! To jedna z takich powieści, od których robi się cieplutko na serduszku, a tolerancja i szacunek są wręcz wpisane w konstrukcję universum. Ja jestem zakochana w tej serii i nie wyobrażam już sobie życia bez znajomości jej! Doskonale bawiłam się podczas lektury i wyczekuję już trzeciego tomu!
"Magia domowa 2" różni się od pierwszego tomu. Mamy tutaj trochę mniej kuchennych rewolucji Fina, za to więcej polityki, dworskich intryg i zakazanego uczucia między rudowłosym magiem, a przepiękną damą dworu. Powieść jest doprawiona humorem, przy scenie w przybytku rozkoszy płakałam ze śmiechu - mistrzostwo świata! Kucharz walczy o prawa kobiet, poczynając od kurtyzan! Nie zabrakło też dramatów, jak przerażjące rozwiązanie ciąży królowej, przy którym wstrzymywałam oddech i szeptałam sama do siebie "musi być dobrze!". Delemhach doskonale balansuje pomiędzy dawką nieco przaśnego humoru, przez poważne polityczne rozgrywki po skomplikowane relacje rodzinne, a wszystko to otula rozkosznymi zapachami z kuchni Fina.
Bohaterowie nie stracili swojego pazura, to nadal te same charakterki, co w pierwszym tomie. Autorka trochę po macoszemu podeszła do asystentów Fina, ale jest to dla mnie zrozumiałe - w grę wchodziła zbliżająca się wojna, więc niesnaski między służbą straciły na ważności. Czy oceniam to negatywnie? Nie. Delemhach coś odjęła, co nieco dodała i wszystko wyszło, chciałoby się rzec, wyśmienicie. Wprowadzam jednak mały protest i afirmuję o więcej Krakena! Kociak Fina rośnie równomiernie ze swoim sprytem, a wątek jego połączenia z magiem aż się prosi o rozwinięcie. Delemhach w drugim tomie serii zabrała czytelników poza zamek królewski, w drugim tomie zwiedziłam więcej Daxarii, a dokładnie miasto Austice, co było ciekawym doświadczeniem i dowodem na to, że całe universum jest świetnie przemyślane.
"Magia domowa 2" to powieść rewelacyjna, tak jak pierwsza część, więc nie można dłużej zwlekać - koniecznie przeczytajcie! Pełna humoru, aromatycznych dań, bogate grono bohaterów, pełna dworskich intryg i z nutą ciekawie skonstruowanego romansu. Kocham ten iście baśniowy klimat! To jedna z takich powieści, od których robi się cieplutko na serduszku, a tolerancja i szacunek są wręcz wpisane w konstrukcję universum. Ja jestem zakochana w tej serii i nie wyobrażam już sobie życia bez znajomości jej! Doskonale bawiłam się podczas lektury i wyczekuję już trzeciego tomu!
May 1, 2023
The House Witch 2
by Delemhach
Fantasy Cozy
Kindle
The story picks up where the first one left off, with Fin and Annika wondering if their relationship could grow even though he is only a commoner and a cook. But there is also the war with Troivack, and Fin's own father their military leader, who is on his way to the castle.
As this is book 2 of the series, I can't say too much because the story keeps to the plot so well, that I'd give a lot away. Honestly, this isn't that bad of a read. Sure there are a few typos and misused words, but with comedy, and lifelike characters, those mistakes are no big deal.
This book/series is suitable for readers under fourteen, though most won't get the 'adult-centered' jokes, which are pretty good. There is violence, drinking, and a few 'romantic' scenes, but none are overly detailed.
3 Stars
by Delemhach
Fantasy Cozy
Kindle
The story picks up where the first one left off, with Fin and Annika wondering if their relationship could grow even though he is only a commoner and a cook. But there is also the war with Troivack, and Fin's own father their military leader, who is on his way to the castle.
As this is book 2 of the series, I can't say too much because the story keeps to the plot so well, that I'd give a lot away. Honestly, this isn't that bad of a read. Sure there are a few typos and misused words, but with comedy, and lifelike characters, those mistakes are no big deal.
This book/series is suitable for readers under fourteen, though most won't get the 'adult-centered' jokes, which are pretty good. There is violence, drinking, and a few 'romantic' scenes, but none are overly detailed.
3 Stars
April 6, 2023
Another cozy and hilarious read! I really did enjoy it and how the story from the first book developed in this one!
I wish I could have given it 5 stars, but there was a part I struggled with, in particular when it came to the 15 year old prostitute. I loved at first how Fin handled being confronted with something like that, how he wanted to help her escape from that horrible situation, but I was left disappointed when nothing came from it. I feel like if this was the cozy and good natured book it is supposed to be maybe Fin would have spoken to the king to put in laws to protect those underage. It just kinda left a bad taste in my mouth. What was the point of making her so young if she wasn’t going to end up protected in the end?
I wish I could have given it 5 stars, but there was a part I struggled with, in particular when it came to the 15 year old prostitute. I loved at first how Fin handled being confronted with something like that, how he wanted to help her escape from that horrible situation, but I was left disappointed when nothing came from it. I feel like if this was the cozy and good natured book it is supposed to be maybe Fin would have spoken to the king to put in laws to protect those underage. It just kinda left a bad taste in my mouth. What was the point of making her so young if she wasn’t going to end up protected in the end?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 21, 2024
Part 2 of this story was so very different from the first book. It had some darker moments and some lighter ones but not the laugh out loud of the first book. The story is developing and war is imminent… what will they do? I don’t give spoilers so that’s all you get. I was not best pleased that this book ended in a real cliffhanger (which by the way are my pet peeve) but luckily I have book 3 waiting so I’m not as mad…. And the cover art was again beautiful 🤩
September 18, 2024
3,5⭐️
If I had been reading this instead of listening to it, I most likely would have found it a bit boring and uneventful. But I do find it to be easy to listen to and quite enjoyable. There were quite a few tears in my eyes at one point as well. I find I have an emotional connection to these characters and that was enough for my enjoyment.
This does feel like one big book split into three and that is probably why the plot feels a bit slow.
If I had been reading this instead of listening to it, I most likely would have found it a bit boring and uneventful. But I do find it to be easy to listen to and quite enjoyable. There were quite a few tears in my eyes at one point as well. I find I have an emotional connection to these characters and that was enough for my enjoyment.
This does feel like one big book split into three and that is probably why the plot feels a bit slow.
December 4, 2025
This was not as good as the first book. Not because the writing was bad, it just had a lot of things I personally didn't love. I thought the romance went through a hard patch (which makes sense, since they're just starting) but I also think they need to communicate better. Even then, I loved both of their POVs about the whole thing. I will say that a bunch of the new female characters got on my nerves. I felt like the way they were acting was only excused because they were women. If they had been men, their actions would not have been taken so lightly. Especially with the PTSD scene towards the middle. I feel like the characters were stupid for letting it get to that point. Even then, though, it was still interesting. I did really love the ending, and how everyone banded together to support him for what he was about to face.
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