The Burning Witch

End of Year Tidings. 2024 Recap/Recommendations

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The ratings/numbers of which book read each month may be a bit eschew because I had such huge breaks in between when I did reviews during the year. I endeavour to keep up with book reviews this year, to keep track for myself if nothing else, and to give some ideas to all of you who might want a good book to read.

January  8
Feb 10
March 9
April 1
May 5
June 2
July 11
August 8?
September 6?
October 5?
November 7?
December 6?

I read so many good books this year, some of which were much longer than I’ve previously read, but I wanted to read books that I really thought I’d enjoy and the quality of books I read this year was overall quite stellar (though there were a few I could go without, as usual). I read 78 books this year, which while it may seem lower than years past, I don’t mind at all since I read quite a bit more epic fantasy, and a lot of high quality and truly wonderful books. Here’s a list of the best books of 2024, divided by whether they are a series or standalone.

In the series category we have:
Emily Wilde’s Encyclopaedia of Faeries by Heather Fawcett
Think gaslamp fantasy with a snarky female main character who doesn’t care about men, especially not flirtatious ones, who is set to finish her largest project yet; an encyclopedia of the various fae. She isn’t good with people, which makes the overly attentive Wendell Bambleby all the more annoying to her. This is a great series, of which I’ve read both books (one after the other) and highly recommend it to those who love fantasy, fae, strong female characters, and seeing growth of both main characters throughout the story.

The Burning Witch by Delemhach
Take a prince who has fallen into very bad habits, and a witch who is brash, loud, and somehow knows just how to get under everyone’s skin and have them travel together to a country where everyone is very subdued and proper. Kat very much follows in her father and mother’s footsteps in various ways throughout this series, and I live for it. This series does a great job of showing how hard it can be to push forward in a role/position dominated by the opposite sex, while still maintaining your identity.

The Shadows Between Us by Tricia Levenseller
Manipulating people can be easy if you have the right motivation, and what better motivation than knowing you’ll never have any control over your life otherwise? In The Shadows Between Us Alessandra is cunning and daring, and while she may not always make the best choices, she does try to make life better for not just herself, but others around her. In The Darkness Within Us Chyrsantha has gone about trying to fix her life in a very different way, but with an equal amount of cunning. Both books showcase what it’s like to do whatever you have to in order to have a life that you might enjoy, from two very different perspectives.

The Way of Kings by Brandon Sanderson
“A blank page was nothing but potential, pointless until it was used.” -Brandon Sanderson, The Way of Kings
Magic coming from the earth, bestowed upon those worthy. Following a plethora of complex lives, Sanderson gives depth to all the characters met in the series (I’ve read up to the third one). There is an intricate magic system, politics, and story that a mere mortal could hardly sum up in a little burb to tell you that if you like epic fantasies and haven’t gotten into this, you’re truly missing out!

Phantasma by Kaylie Smith
The Phantom of the Opera meets Caravel in this amazing adventure featuring interesting magical concepts, creatures beyond mortal comprehension, a competition for something you wish for, and a ghostly cat who acts befitting to a cat. It takes a little bit to get into the story, but once you’re there you are hooked and need to know what happens next. Fair warning that there is a lot of spice in this book. The second book in this series is due out April 8th, featuring Ophelia’s younger sister, Genevieve, and a new mystery.

What Moves the Dead by T Kingfisher
A perfect gothic retelling of The Fall of the House of Usher with the best gloomy oppressive atmosphere and little hints that will leave you guessing until the big reveal of what is actually going on. This retelling had me hooked with the historical references, and characters that really enthralled me. If you like gothic stories, I highly recommend this one! It is the first in a series and while I have bought the second, I have yet to read it. I will, of course, put up a review when I do.

A Rivalry of Hearts by Tessonja Odette
Two writers with very different asperations and writing styles have to duke it out to see who will gain a full writing contract while fighting over which of them is the better love expert, but in the faerie tale world of Odette’s Fair Isle with magic and fae bargains and what could possibly go wrong? I was worried I wouldn’t love this book because Odette doesn’t usually write pure romances but it was spot on, and I absolutely recommend it for people who love fairy tales, fantasy, and romance mixed with characters with lots of hidden secrets and stakes to not winning the competition.

Ten Thousand Stitches by Olivia Atwater
A maid with a bit of an anger issues finds herself enamoured with the younger man of the house and accidentally in the midst of a fae bargain with a stranger before she realizes it. Hijinks, magic, and great growth of characters await the reader in this delightful Cinderella retelling that I highly recommend.

Hex and Hexability by Kate Johnson
Victorian times meets witches and people who struggle with wanting to be more than what their station determines they should be in public, and a chance meeting between two who both find themselves trapped in the world of the ton that they have no desire to be a part of. This book is technically part of a series of witch stories by Johnson, but they all stand alone and are not related to each other. This book was a perfect standalone, and I highly recommend it for great characterization, world building, and character depth; everyone had an interesting backstory that could explain how they became how they were.

The Witchwood Knot by Olivia Atwater
A not-really-a-governess appears to take charge of a very frustrating child who no one seems to notice is stolen by faeries finds herself having to fight to get him back and solve the mystery of the house they live in. Great Victorian fantasy, filled with mystery, great characters, and an unforgettable story of what power does to some people.


And for stand along books I’d recommend:
Nettle and Bone by T. Kingfisher
Doing what’s right is rarely what’s easy, and Marra doesn’t care about what’s supposed to be when she knows she can save her sister from an abusive prince. Marra finds a witch and has to complete three impossible tasks in order to gain the help she needs, and she might just find some friends along the way. Highly recommend this book for its unique settings, magic system, and great characters.

Just Stab Me Now by Jill Bearup
Rosalind is a widow who has a family to protect, but the author of her story has other ideas for what should happen. Follow along with Caroline as she fights with her book protagonists to make the story the fantasy she think lives needs to be, and while she learns a bit more of protecting and taking care of herself, as well as risk taking, in the process. If you follow Bearup on TikTok you likely already have this book. This book was everything the TikTok series would lead you to think it could be, but then even better! Bearup did an absolutely stellar, stand up job on this novel! If you’ve seen the videos, you’ll also totally hear it in her voice as you read as well.

Hate Mail by Donna Marchetti
Two pen pals since elementary school have been sending scathing letters to each other for years… but what happens when they end up in the same town and meet up? This is the only modern romance to make the list, and honestly I found it was refreshing and I loved how everything pulled together in the end–though I think the misunderstanding between them went on for far too long with neither ever correcting or thinking to ask each other the most basic of questions you’d ask a new neighbor.

Mexican Gothic by Silvia Moreno-Garcia
An absolutely brilliant gothic mystery featuring a secluded estate, rude and creepy distant in laws, and the bond of cousins that knows no bounds. Pulled to the out in the middle of nowhere estate, Noemí wants to see how her cousin is being treated, if she is well, and make it back in time to get in on the next semester of college. Since she’s more used to being a socialite than a detective, she has to use the wiles she has from working parties, and the wits she often doesn’t let the public see, to piece together exactly what is going on at High Place. Great atmosphere, horrible in laws, and awesome story.

What Comes of Attending the Commoners Ball by Elisabeth Aimee Brown
This book was described as Cinderella meets Howl’s Moving Castle and that is exactly the feeling. Hester was a completely likeable and understandable protagonist who has real aspirations and whose life goes terribly astray after coming into contact with the princes of the kingdom. She’s practical, rarely gives in to whimsy, and never wants to be in debt. The choice to go to a ball, for the food, of course, leads her into a series of wonderful and sometimes horrid experiences, and is a remarkable tale that any fairy tale/fantasy lover would enjoy.

Review of The Burning Witch 3 by Delemhach

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Synopsis:
A young witch takes on burning new passions, simmering ancient grudges, and timeless magical mayhem in the last book of this delightful romantasy trilogy.

Lady Katarina Ashowan is used to getting into trouble, but her latest muddle takes the cake. A moment’s weakness in her attraction to Eric Reyes, crown prince of Daxaria, has landed her in an unexpected marriage with the man . . . just as her father, Lord Finlay Ashowan, arrives in Troivack to check on his headstrong daughter. As if figuring out how to acclimate her father to her scandalous elopement isn’t bad enough, there are rumors of dangerous magical plots afoot at court—with Kat seemingly at the center of them all.

For one thing, the devil is still prowling around, with dubious intentions as to Kat’s powers. For another, an underground network of wrongdoers has been spreading a mysterious and addictive drug throughout both Troivack and Daxaria. And perhaps most concerning, a villainess is hiding in plain sight somewhere close to Kat and her best friend, Queen Alina, hoping to use them to strike at the devil. Now it’s up to Kat—with the help of her kitten familiar, Pina, as well as her friends and family—to untangle the twisted web of courtly and magical intrigue before her hurried honeymoon is cut short by deadly disaster . . .

A pitch-perfect blend of humor, romance, fantasy, and mystery, The Burning Witch 3 is the brilliant and heart-pounding conclusion to the enchanting House Witch spin-off series.

The third volume of a new spin-off of the hit romantic-fantasy series that has more than a million views on Royal Road—now available on Kindle, Kindle Unlimited, and Audible!

Review:
Waiting for this book to come out was hard! I absolutely loved every moment with Kat. Although she did learn some tact and decorum, I could very much resonate with this fiery heroine. While Kat may have always felt as if she was out of place and didn’t quite fit in, everyone seems to believe that things are brighter when she is around. Getting to see Fin again and have the family (minus Tam) reunite was splendid. Seeing Annika both in her element as well as showing Kat she truly supports her was uplifting, especially when Kat realizes just how much she missed and wanted to have her mom there. Having Kat sass to her loved ones when it wouldn’t start political warfare was just as amusing as when she’d been snarking to the courtier’s faces.

While I may not be able to resonate with this personally, I particularly loved the line, “Gods, there is nothing quite as humbling nor maddening as having a daughter, is there?” (said by Faucher, Chapter 12)

I absolutely loved how everyone was in awe of Fin when he arrived, but not just because he is the house witch, but because he is Kat’s father, and she is a force to be reckoned with. The mention of Ashowans always being where they’re needed was absolutely spot on–they always seem to find themselves fighting for justice on the good side.

Pina’s powers of cuteness are just absolutely splendid. I love seeing her and Kraken together, especially at the end.

A less humourous line, but one that truly resonates would be, “Death is hardest on those that remain living.” (Chapter 36)

This book had many layers, and dealt with some rather heavy topics. Loss is hard, but I admired the way Delemhach approached that typically taboo subject to show ways in which one can support, and how those that immediately felt the loss may react and feel as well.

I love that while all the characters within Delemhach’s The House Witch/spinoff series are completely capable on their own, they feel that it is better when their partner is there. That is such an accurate depiction of having a good match, and I wish that everyone finds that in their partner.

As always, a perfect ending to a series. I cannot wait to read about Tam, as I feel another spin off must be on the horizon. This world is one I feel has been perfectly built and developed. Every country mentioned has its own feel, politics, etc, and it’s one of a thousand details that puts me in awe of Delemhach. With such a well developed universe and magic system, I cannot wait to see just how many amazing books we manage to see set here.

Star rating: ✯✯✯✯✯

Review of The Burning Witch 2 by Delemhach

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Synopsis:
A fiery young witch contends with magical adversaries, courtly fights, and unexpected attractions in this romantasy set in the world of the House Witch.

Lady Katarina Ashowan has never quite fit the mold of a noblewoman—and it’s not only because she’s a mutated fire witch. Though she’s the closest friend and confidant of Alina, the soon-to-be-coronated queen of Troivack, Kat would much rather play cards with questionable characters or steal out at night to go riding than bandy niceties with suitors and deal with affairs of state. So as soon as Alina is officially crowned, the young witch plans to put away her dresses and get into some real adventure, training with a master swordsman.

But her journey to knightly prowess is proving more complicated than she thought it would be. For one thing, her future teacher isn’t exactly thrilled at the prospect of their arrangement. Worse, unknown adversaries seem determined to stop Alina from actually assuming the throne. Kat’s magical abilities, meanwhile, keep growing and changing in unpredictable and potentially dangerous ways. And despite her best efforts, she still can’t manage to suppress her attraction to Alina’s brother, Eric, the crown prince of Daxaria . . .

Filled with heart-pounding duels and enchanted encounters, witty wordplay and swoon-worthy flirtations, The Burning Witch 2 is the humorous, page-turning continuation of a charming series set in the unforgettable universe of the House Witch.

Review:
This book is so full of action and adventure that it is almost impossible to put down, even as your eyes are drooping shut. Getting to see Kat find herself and her place, where she feels comfortable and where she fits in is magical, and seeing how she and Eric dance around each other between bickering and becoming true allies was magical. It was interesting to see how Katarina had to fight to really gain respect by the people she was forced to train with, and I quite enjoyed how courageous and noble she truly is; even if she doesn’t have the filter that the Troivackians are expected to always keep in place.

Seeing the adaptations to life that Eric and Kat face, Kat had a lot of work to do to fight her impulsive nature and learn to think before acting. Kat found herself and a way to show women what is possible with a positive mindset and sheer determination; a good role model even if she is a bit outspoken. I absolutely loved the ending and am waiting with baited breath for book 3! You know what I’ll be doing May 28th…

Star rating: ✯✯✯✯✯

Review of The Burning Witch: A Humorous Romantic Fantasy by Delemhach

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Synopsis:
A young woman navigates a web of politics, assassination attempts, and romance in the first book of a new series set in the world of the House Witch trilogy.

Katarina Ashowan was not made for courtly life. Sure, her father is the famous house witch of Daxaria so she was raised among majestic castles, proper manners, and royal expectations. But Kat is also a mutated witch whose power aligns predominantly with fire. She’s more comfortable riding horses or learning to fight than she is making polite conversation and wearing fancy dresses. Which is why her upcoming assignment—serving her best friend, Alina, the soon-to-be crowned Troivackian queen—is anything but ideal.

Even worse, Kat is forced to make the long journey from Daxaria to Troivack with Alina’s extremely irksome brother, Eric, the crown prince of Daxaria. Kat and the formerly missing prince are constantly at each other’s throats—until, that is, they begin to form an unexpected kinship . . . with perhaps something more flickering beneath the surface. Now Kat must contend with the strictures of Troivackian court, mysterious assassination attempts, and her unsettling new feelings for Eric, all as her fiery powers are becoming harder and harder to control.

In this fast-paced, humorous, and romantic start to the Burning Witchtrilogy, the same charming magical mayhem that wooed readers of the House Witch series gets a brightly burning new star in Katarina Ashowan.

The first volume of a new spin-off of the hit romantic-fantasy series that has more than a million views on Royal Road—now available on Kindle, Kindle Unlimited, and Audible

Review:
A time will not come that I will can condense all the good things I have to say about Delemhach and their works in one short review. This book, like The House Witch trilogy and The Princess of Potential that leads to this, was impossible to set down. Excellent worldbuilding with vivid imagery, from the first page setting the scene of exactly what type of place the characters are in. There were risks; not just politically because of Kat’s fiery nature but also due to the threats of people who do not wish to see change. There were so many different angles and morals and dilemmas thrown constantly around that it very much mirrors the real world; nothing is ever quite what it seems, fact can be stranger than fiction, and while you may try to run from yourself in the end introspection can work wonders.

I loved all the little niche Kat things, such as her “magitch” and that while she feels quite alone and as if no one truly understands her, she also believes (and knows) that each “mutated” witch likely feels the same; they don’t have a mold to fit in so they must simply be themselves. Despite their differences I quite enjoyed how the Daxarians all stuck together and fought against anyone disrespecting part of their party, besides themselves. I absolutely adored the quips back and forth, with Kat’s fiery nature reminding me of another redheaded witch that I adore. “Your Highness, need I remind you, I am the most vexing woman on the planet, and I have earned that title. If you try to annoy me, I will be ten times worse in retaliation.” (Chapter 30, Page 208)

Seeing Eric step up to help Kat by regaling her with stories of how her father did things back when he got Kraken made Eric seem to be more wholesome and as if he’d come full circle. In the end I loved the thought we are left with, another moral/message: do we change/do things for others simply because we care about the others or is it something to do with us as well? Is it worse to change because you want to keep up with someone else even if it’s for the better? But then again, only you can choose to change- and isn’t it amazing when someone, even if they vex us, brings out the best in us?

Highly recommend this book series, the original trilogy of The House Witch, and the book right before this one The Princess of Potential. It’s cozy romantasy and I do not believe I will ever get enough of Delemhach’s books.

P. S. The pigpen scene is just *chef’s kiss* (Fin probably doesn’t agree though)

Star rating: ✯✯✯✯✯