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Hayden Black and the Salem Witch Trials #1
The Lost Witch
Five deadly Trials. An ancient, sinister evil.
One lost witch with the power to save the world.
Welcome to Asylum.
Twelve-year-old Hayden Black has never been normal, that much she knew, but when her father is abducted by demons, she learns just how remarkable she truly is. Not only is she a witch, but Heaven’s angels have chosen her as the next Salem Witch, destined to protect the world from evil… if she can survive the deadly Salem Witch Trials first.
Now Hayden must traverse the magical world of Asylum and learn to use her powers. If she doesn’t master all five elements — air, fire, water, earth, and Spirit — before her seventeenth birthday, she forfeits her life.
Hayden might have started her journey orphaned and alone, but it doesn’t take her long to forge new friendships and attract new enemies. Hayden thought her only nemesis was the residential bully, but her greatest enemy, a terrible evil lurking in the shadows, has yet to reveal itself.
Will Hayden master her air magic in time to save her friends and find her father? Or will she perish alongside them?
The Lost Witch is the first book in an urban fantasy series intended for readers ages ten and above who love Percy Jackson and Avatar: The Last Airbender.
One lost witch with the power to save the world.
Welcome to Asylum.
Twelve-year-old Hayden Black has never been normal, that much she knew, but when her father is abducted by demons, she learns just how remarkable she truly is. Not only is she a witch, but Heaven’s angels have chosen her as the next Salem Witch, destined to protect the world from evil… if she can survive the deadly Salem Witch Trials first.
Now Hayden must traverse the magical world of Asylum and learn to use her powers. If she doesn’t master all five elements — air, fire, water, earth, and Spirit — before her seventeenth birthday, she forfeits her life.
Hayden might have started her journey orphaned and alone, but it doesn’t take her long to forge new friendships and attract new enemies. Hayden thought her only nemesis was the residential bully, but her greatest enemy, a terrible evil lurking in the shadows, has yet to reveal itself.
Will Hayden master her air magic in time to save her friends and find her father? Or will she perish alongside them?
The Lost Witch is the first book in an urban fantasy series intended for readers ages ten and above who love Percy Jackson and Avatar: The Last Airbender.
306 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 27, 2022
15 people are currently reading
27 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
November 5, 2022
This book was ok. It will definitely find its readers in the youth section were it was intended but I have a couple griefs with it because I am of those who believe we can give young ones food for thought.
Don’t get me wrong it isn’t a stupid book at all and the story is quite compelling. The magic parts are actually very well thought out, I particularly enjoyed reading about some of the pagan things relating to my own practice.
I have found the writing ok though somewhat redundant in the phrasing and with quite a few mistakes slipping through the proofreading. However there are a few things I could have done without. Firstly the sort of « love triangle » which adds nothing to the story especially considering the romance bits felt extremely uncomfortable and sometimes forced. Furthermore there was way too much drooling over boys and later on attempts at teenage drama for my liking. On the same topic, it is all very heteronormative except for that one token gay character thrown in almost as an after thought which makes the whole thing worse!
The strong « I’m not like other girls » vibe coupled with a few whiny sentences irked me, there were quite a few pity parties which will probably find an echo with the intended readership but not with me. Something else we find much too often in this sort of books is the lying or none sharing of info which always makes things worse. It’s choosing the easy way to advance your plot imo. I don’t like it.
I was also quite annoyed with how childish the witch community seemed. I felt like there was a very immature stance on human interactions. That being said, one thing I found really interesting was the fact that teens seemed to have their say and be taken very seriously by the adults, I wish it was like this in the real world! Also, I absolutely loved the protagonist’s relationship with her best friend and wished we had seen more of it.
The plot twists were all quite obvious, and there are some inconsistencies regarding how strong the villains are (they really struggle to get there yet are ultra powerful yet don’t rule the world) however kudos for making me doubt one of them a good while, while still making me feel very uncomfortable with that character.
I thought there was another massive inconsistency regarding the sudden impending doom (which didn’t seem to apply when the same thing happened in the past for some reason). Finally I was a little disappointed with what was supposed to be the big stand off at the end. It was resolved much too quickly in my opinion and was maybe a bit messy.
All that being said, the author manages to set up great dynamics between her characters and presents us with a wide array of characters all very interesting in their own way. I did get attached to a few of them (though not the main one). I’m not sure I’ll read the rest of the series.
I received an advance review copy for free thanks to Booksirens, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Don’t get me wrong it isn’t a stupid book at all and the story is quite compelling. The magic parts are actually very well thought out, I particularly enjoyed reading about some of the pagan things relating to my own practice.
I have found the writing ok though somewhat redundant in the phrasing and with quite a few mistakes slipping through the proofreading. However there are a few things I could have done without. Firstly the sort of « love triangle » which adds nothing to the story especially considering the romance bits felt extremely uncomfortable and sometimes forced. Furthermore there was way too much drooling over boys and later on attempts at teenage drama for my liking. On the same topic, it is all very heteronormative except for that one token gay character thrown in almost as an after thought which makes the whole thing worse!
The strong « I’m not like other girls » vibe coupled with a few whiny sentences irked me, there were quite a few pity parties which will probably find an echo with the intended readership but not with me. Something else we find much too often in this sort of books is the lying or none sharing of info which always makes things worse. It’s choosing the easy way to advance your plot imo. I don’t like it.
I was also quite annoyed with how childish the witch community seemed. I felt like there was a very immature stance on human interactions. That being said, one thing I found really interesting was the fact that teens seemed to have their say and be taken very seriously by the adults, I wish it was like this in the real world! Also, I absolutely loved the protagonist’s relationship with her best friend and wished we had seen more of it.
The plot twists were all quite obvious, and there are some inconsistencies regarding how strong the villains are (they really struggle to get there yet are ultra powerful yet don’t rule the world) however kudos for making me doubt one of them a good while, while still making me feel very uncomfortable with that character.
I thought there was another massive inconsistency regarding the sudden impending doom (which didn’t seem to apply when the same thing happened in the past for some reason). Finally I was a little disappointed with what was supposed to be the big stand off at the end. It was resolved much too quickly in my opinion and was maybe a bit messy.
All that being said, the author manages to set up great dynamics between her characters and presents us with a wide array of characters all very interesting in their own way. I did get attached to a few of them (though not the main one). I’m not sure I’ll read the rest of the series.
I received an advance review copy for free thanks to Booksirens, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
September 27, 2022
3.5/5 **Review will contain spoilers**
A Percy Jackson-Avatar the last air bender style mash up novel. A really intriguing and fun take on the chosen one trope that flooded the market a few years ago. Well worth a read if fantasy magic systems are up your street.
I received a free copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
A Percy Jackson-Avatar the last air bender style mash up novel. A really intriguing and fun take on the chosen one trope that flooded the market a few years ago. Well worth a read if fantasy magic systems are up your street.
I received a free copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
October 5, 2022
I received a free ARC copy and am leaving a review voluntarily.
Well, I started it yesterday and ended up blowing through it. So, it grabbed my attention from the get go and I definitely will be checking out the other books!
I’ve not read Percy Jackson which this is compared to but I have seen Avatar the Last Airbender, another comparative title and that one absolutely checks out. It also reminded me of The Worst Witch type of vibe in the beginning.
I’ve seen some complaints that the prose could be a bit juvenile but truthfully, I think that’s on purpose. This is 1st person from a 12 year old’s POV. I appreciate when the tone of the narrator reflects that!
Love the creative world here. Anytime magical worlds are introduced, I’m all for learning all I can about it. This book takes you on a journey through it with relatable characters and a fun premise. You may not love all the characters but you will absolutely be entertained by them.
Well, I started it yesterday and ended up blowing through it. So, it grabbed my attention from the get go and I definitely will be checking out the other books!
I’ve not read Percy Jackson which this is compared to but I have seen Avatar the Last Airbender, another comparative title and that one absolutely checks out. It also reminded me of The Worst Witch type of vibe in the beginning.
I’ve seen some complaints that the prose could be a bit juvenile but truthfully, I think that’s on purpose. This is 1st person from a 12 year old’s POV. I appreciate when the tone of the narrator reflects that!
Love the creative world here. Anytime magical worlds are introduced, I’m all for learning all I can about it. This book takes you on a journey through it with relatable characters and a fun premise. You may not love all the characters but you will absolutely be entertained by them.
October 16, 2022
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Holy forking shirtballs! What an AMAZING book! I did not expect to like this book, let alone LOVE it, seeing as how the FMC is a 12 year old girl and I….am more than double her age lol. B.C. Taylor has started my new favorite series I can’t wait to finish!
The Lost Witch is a mix between Harry Potter (yer a wizard Harry without any of the phobias and isms), Percy Jackson (difficult quests/trials bestowed on 12 year olds who have NO idea who they really are or what they’re doing), and Avatar The Last Airbender (elemental magic and more found family). So basically every preteen needs to read it.
I love how Hayden is a very real, very normal 12 year old. She’s confident in that “the world hasn’t broken me yet” way, but also doesn’t believe she’s actually THAT special. She has a crush, she doesn’t realize someone has a crush on her, she gets mad over silly things, she gets jealous, and she shoots off at the mouth with the wittiest comebacks without thinking…..constantly! You immediately like her and understand why her friends become her fierce protectors. I absolutely also love how witty and sassy she is, but how she also is unabashedly vulnerable, especially when it comes to her grief because, we’ll she’s 12 and doesn’t know some may see it as a weakness.
I loved that because Hayden doesn’t grow up in the witch world, she’s entirely immersed in everything all at once, which gives the author the perfect way to include the reader in the world building without it being too much or just a straight information dump. The way the author incorporates real witchy information (strictly factual things) while also incorporating aspects of Christianity into information about the town and the “history of witches” really made me happy. It was nice that she didn’t make it into an “one or the other” situation and allowed them to coexist.
I am utterly in love with this series and am going to preorder book two asap.
Holy forking shirtballs! What an AMAZING book! I did not expect to like this book, let alone LOVE it, seeing as how the FMC is a 12 year old girl and I….am more than double her age lol. B.C. Taylor has started my new favorite series I can’t wait to finish!
The Lost Witch is a mix between Harry Potter (yer a wizard Harry without any of the phobias and isms), Percy Jackson (difficult quests/trials bestowed on 12 year olds who have NO idea who they really are or what they’re doing), and Avatar The Last Airbender (elemental magic and more found family). So basically every preteen needs to read it.
I love how Hayden is a very real, very normal 12 year old. She’s confident in that “the world hasn’t broken me yet” way, but also doesn’t believe she’s actually THAT special. She has a crush, she doesn’t realize someone has a crush on her, she gets mad over silly things, she gets jealous, and she shoots off at the mouth with the wittiest comebacks without thinking…..constantly! You immediately like her and understand why her friends become her fierce protectors. I absolutely also love how witty and sassy she is, but how she also is unabashedly vulnerable, especially when it comes to her grief because, we’ll she’s 12 and doesn’t know some may see it as a weakness.
I loved that because Hayden doesn’t grow up in the witch world, she’s entirely immersed in everything all at once, which gives the author the perfect way to include the reader in the world building without it being too much or just a straight information dump. The way the author incorporates real witchy information (strictly factual things) while also incorporating aspects of Christianity into information about the town and the “history of witches” really made me happy. It was nice that she didn’t make it into an “one or the other” situation and allowed them to coexist.
I am utterly in love with this series and am going to preorder book two asap.
September 27, 2022
I received a free copy of this ARC in an exchange for an honest review
If you like easy-to-read stories of good versus evil with some magic, then read this.
The author states that if you like Percy Jackson you'll like this, I have never read Percy Jackson but I love the movie! lol
I did like this book. I feel like perhaps it is fitting for any age. As an adult I liked it, but even the young middle schoolers could relate to some of the situations.
It brings up topics such as self-esteem, bullying, and how to fit in in new places. It even has situations of dealing with loss and grief all from the perspective of (a clueless) teenager.
I really love the characters. They each have budding teenage personalities that I can giggle with, fume at, and even cry with. Also, let us not forget about world-building. I love how she has built this unique world around Salem. Asylum is such a unique place. I am amazed at the vividness of the descriptions of all of the structures, it makes you feel like you are actually in Asylum.
I am rooting for Hayden and Jamie- I think they will become "a thing"...unless you know...she turns out not to be who we all think she is ( that will really break my heart)
I will say this book left me like WHAT!!!! So, I cannot wait until the next one comes out!.
If you like easy-to-read stories of good versus evil with some magic, then read this.
The author states that if you like Percy Jackson you'll like this, I have never read Percy Jackson but I love the movie! lol
I did like this book. I feel like perhaps it is fitting for any age. As an adult I liked it, but even the young middle schoolers could relate to some of the situations.
It brings up topics such as self-esteem, bullying, and how to fit in in new places. It even has situations of dealing with loss and grief all from the perspective of (a clueless) teenager.
I really love the characters. They each have budding teenage personalities that I can giggle with, fume at, and even cry with. Also, let us not forget about world-building. I love how she has built this unique world around Salem. Asylum is such a unique place. I am amazed at the vividness of the descriptions of all of the structures, it makes you feel like you are actually in Asylum.
I am rooting for Hayden and Jamie- I think they will become "a thing"...unless you know...she turns out not to be who we all think she is ( that will really break my heart)
I will say this book left me like WHAT!!!! So, I cannot wait until the next one comes out!.
November 30, 2022
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The Lost Witch by B.C. Taylor is YA fantasy novel. The story revolves around Hayden, who learns that she is actually a witch. Her big adventure starts to happen.
The premise stats the book is a mix of Percy Jackson and Avatar: The last Airbender and I truly agree with that. The writing style is easy to follow, which is absolutely fine since the target audience are younger readers. Nevertheless, I enjoyed reading the story from Hayden and how she learns to master her powers, but I wouldn't state it is the best book I have read. I wasn't not having the romance for example. I don't know why, but I did not like that at all. It is a personal preference of me.
In the end it is a funny adventure to read.
The Lost Witch by B.C. Taylor is YA fantasy novel. The story revolves around Hayden, who learns that she is actually a witch. Her big adventure starts to happen.
The premise stats the book is a mix of Percy Jackson and Avatar: The last Airbender and I truly agree with that. The writing style is easy to follow, which is absolutely fine since the target audience are younger readers. Nevertheless, I enjoyed reading the story from Hayden and how she learns to master her powers, but I wouldn't state it is the best book I have read. I wasn't not having the romance for example. I don't know why, but I did not like that at all. It is a personal preference of me.
In the end it is a funny adventure to read.
December 25, 2025
This book pulls from a lot of YA Fantasy tropes that I have always loved - the young hero/heroine who belongs to a secret or unknown group and is also extremely important to saving that group despite knowing nothing about them (Dark Is Rising, Wrinkle In Time, Harry Potter, Nevermoor, etc). In this one, she is a witch. Not just a witch, but the most powerful witch of her time tasked with saving the world (basically). B.C. Taylor creates a very interesting witching world combining elements of Christianity, Wiccan, and Ancient Greek/Roman lore and melding them into one cohesive mythology. I had the pleasure of meeting the author this summer and bought the book from her directly, and I’m excited to read the rest of the series. But first, this one is a gift for my niece! 🎄
September 19, 2022
I received a free copy of this ARC in an exchange for an honest review
Hayden Black is the first in a planned series surrounding Salem Witches reincarnated as teenagers or at least a teenager. In this case Hayden Black. The author states it's for fans of Percy Jackson and ATLA and that’s a pretty fitting description. I will say it feels like an early draft in a lot of places especially concerning the writing and that may be difficult for those whose main focus is the prose otherwise you’ll be focused on the adventure.
[i do like the cover design, nicely done]
It’s fun, it’s promising, and it’s easy to devour. I give the story a thumbs up.
September 29, 2022
I LOVED this book! The characters are all very well done. I love the main character and her strong personality. The story is unique and very very well written. I liked how the book flowed and how the story progressed. There was a lot of world building done in this book. There was a lot of work done on the history of that world and how things integrate with each other. A lot of hard work went into this book and it shows. Also this book is PG so kids can definitely read this. I’m excited to see what happens in the next book! I received an advance review copy of this book for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
November 4, 2022
A mesmerizing and quirky coming-of-age fantasy that, yes, is similar to the Percy Jackson and the Airbender series, but mostly reminds me of a female American version of Harry Potter. There are similar themes and general storylines between the two novels, but the author makes The Lost Witch fresh and completely distinct. Told from a tween girl's perspective, this story is fun and captivating, with some delightful world-building, enchanting characters, and a cliffhanger ending to entice readers to continue with the series. For middle grades and older.
BookSirens Review Copy
BookSirens Review Copy
March 2, 2023
Sometimes you come across a book where the author clearly had no shortage of ideas...and then tried to put them all into one book. There is just too much happening here, particularly too quickly, and we end up with a story that is beyond belief (even for a fantasy fiction work). The writing style is easy to read and follow, but the plot is so convoluted and the main character is such a Mary Sue that I just could not enjoy it.
(Note: I received a copy from the author as part of the Early Reviewers program in exchange for an honest review.)
(Note: I received a copy from the author as part of the Early Reviewers program in exchange for an honest review.)
January 26, 2024
Looking forward to the rest of the series
No writer in the YA witchcraft genre can escape influence from HP but what surprised and amused me were the references to AHS’ Coven. Ryan Murphy would be proud! The author mentions having a successful career and I hope that writing continues to be a part of that for them. Such incredible promise and I’d love to read more.
No writer in the YA witchcraft genre can escape influence from HP but what surprised and amused me were the references to AHS’ Coven. Ryan Murphy would be proud! The author mentions having a successful career and I hope that writing continues to be a part of that for them. Such incredible promise and I’d love to read more.
October 12, 2022
Fun and full of adventure. Hayden is spunky and facing perilous trials to save her parents and I can't wait to see how this continues to play out for her!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 19, 2022
Loved this book and cannot wait for the second book to come out! I flew through it and found the connections to mythology and the real world to be really engaging. Recommend for anyone looking for a new series to get into!
May 29, 2023
The Lost Witch (Hayden Black and the Salem Witch Trials)
LOVE this American version of H.P.!
She's a witch who just discovered that fact, and has until age 17 to master all of her tasks given as the next Salem Witch.
ARC by SO.
LOVE this American version of H.P.!
She's a witch who just discovered that fact, and has until age 17 to master all of her tasks given as the next Salem Witch.
ARC by SO.
September 27, 2022
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I am currently 50% of the way through the book and am really enjoying it. I will update this review with my thoughts once completed.
I am currently 50% of the way through the book and am really enjoying it. I will update this review with my thoughts once completed.
September 29, 2022
My 10 year old son is reading this and thoroughly enjoying it so far!
October 26, 2022
Awesome read
Great characters
Looking forward to next book
Great characters
Looking forward to next book
January 11, 2023
A very creative blend of real history and fantasy that draws in readers and creates a compelling storyline, interesting new world, and introduces a strong, young heroine.
October 28, 2022
Hayden Black has never fit in. One day at a school assembly, she notices several classmates have red glowing eyes. She realizes that are after her and she runs home. Once home, she calls her father, Hunter Black. He has them run through the woods to try and make it to the arch before it is too late. He tries to send her through the arch without him. Hayden does not want to go without him, so she turns around to help him fight the figures. Hunter vanishes before her eyes and lightening shots out of her chest killing the figure.
This was just the beginning.
Salem, her dog, was about to get to arch for help. Hayden learns she is a witch and that her dad with the leader of the military (witch military). At her sorting ceremony, everyone learns that Hayden is the Salem Witch. She will have to learn magic and master the five elements (air, fire, water, earth, and spirit) to save the world from falling to demon control. Hayden must master each element and learn combat before her seventeenth birthday (only four years away).
I was completely captivated by The Lost Witch and everything Hayden endures (finally fitting in, found family, betrayal, etc.). I look forward to reading The Son of Fire (novella between book 1 and 2) and book 2 The Dark Mother.
This was just the beginning.
Salem, her dog, was about to get to arch for help. Hayden learns she is a witch and that her dad with the leader of the military (witch military). At her sorting ceremony, everyone learns that Hayden is the Salem Witch. She will have to learn magic and master the five elements (air, fire, water, earth, and spirit) to save the world from falling to demon control. Hayden must master each element and learn combat before her seventeenth birthday (only four years away).
I was completely captivated by The Lost Witch and everything Hayden endures (finally fitting in, found family, betrayal, etc.). I look forward to reading The Son of Fire (novella between book 1 and 2) and book 2 The Dark Mother.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews