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adventurous
dark
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I will be honest, this was far from being the best book ever. Nonetheless I enjoyed it. It felt a little all over the place near the end and the author probably wanted to make it somewhat original (and failed in my opinion because wtf lmao) but I am curious to see how the characters will evolve and more. It was not terrible and as I enjoyed the ride I am giving it 3 stars. It's one of these novels that are easy to go through and you do not have to think too much to understand what's going on which I appreciate after a long day. I hope the second book will surprise me!
adventurous
dark
hopeful
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Rating: 4.75
This book surprised me. I was not expecting it to be this good. Yes, the plot wasn't very unique and the villain was pretty cliche. But damn this was so fast paced. This was definitely what I needed. On an entertainment level, this is 5/5. My favorite part was the team: Elizabeth, George, John, Fifer, I can't wait for the sequel! :D
This book surprised me. I was not expecting it to be this good. Yes, the plot wasn't very unique and the villain was pretty cliche. But damn this was so fast paced. This was definitely what I needed. On an entertainment level, this is 5/5. My favorite part was the team: Elizabeth, George, John, Fifer, I can't wait for the sequel! :D
I could not wait to get my hands on The Witch Hunter by Virginia Boecker. The description told me this book was going to have everything I love in books – magic, deception, and great characters. And…it did!
Elizabeth Grey is a Witch Hunter and one of the King’s best. After the plague took her parents, Elizabeth crossed paths with Caleb and from that point on he became her family. Elizabeth is a fighter and she is willing to do whatever she can to protect the people she cares about – Which I loved about her. As she learns more about what is really going on around her, Elizabeth begins to realize who is really important to her and who she can trust.
The story begins with Elizabeth and Caleb on a hunt and although Elizabeth is still very much a strong fighter, something has been off with her. Something she hasn’t been able to tell Caleb (Sorry – I’m not saying what) and when the unthinkable happens and she finds herself accused of witchcraft, she thinks Caleb will be the person to save her. But the last person she even imagined would come to her rescue, Nicholas Perevil, the most powerful wizard (and most wanted wizard) in the kingdom, is the one who saves her and things get even more interesting.
Boecker has created this world where magic is something to hide and it is the Reformers that are trying to change the way things are. There are rules and if someone is captured by the Witch Hunters, they are taken to Blackwell, the man who trained and leads the Hunters. It is very clear that Blackwell has a plan and he doesn’t care who gets in his way. He will have what he wants and sacrifice anyone who will further his goals.
We also find out that Nicholas is sick and he has been directed by a seer to find Elizabeth as she is the one who will save him from the curse he is under. While they head off on their mission, there is plenty of action, some mysteries are uncovered, and there are definitely some swoony bits – which always make me happy.
I loved the way Boecker developed all of the characters in this book – the only exception being Malcolm, the King. He was made to be a “bad” guy but I never really got to understand why outside of the things we were told about him and his actions. I wanted to actually meet him and see for myself who he really was.
I talked about Elizabeth but let me chat about the others for a few minutes. First there is Caleb – he is the only person she feels like she can trust and it is clear that he cares about her, just not in the way she was hoping. As Elizabeth begins to learn more about Blackwell, she comes to realize just how important a role Caleb has in what is going on with everything.
Amongst the Reformers you have Nicholas, George, Fifer, and John. I loved how Boecker introduced Elizabeth and her background to these characters. They all fear and hate the Witch Hunters and for good reason. As they realize who she really is, they each come to terms about her background in their own way and it was done in a way that made it believable. Each of these characters has their own personalities and as I said, I liked them all. The banter, the friendship, and the loyalty they have amongst the group…if I were on the run and trying to stop something horrible, I would want them all by my side.
Ok, I can’t say anything else for fear of giving anything away. Overall I thought this was a fantastic story and I couldn’t bring myself to put it down. Considering how impatient I am with series books, I have to admit I am happy I forced myself to wait. I don’t know how I am going to wait so long for the next book to come out as I’m excited to see where Boecker takes the rest of the story based on the ending and if anyone wants to give me an early copy, I’m definitely okay with that (I want to do my part in supporting this series, you know). If you’re looking for a book with plenty of action, some deception, some swoon, and characters that will have you rooting for them all along the way, definitely check this one out when you can.
Thank you to the publisher for the review copy!
Elizabeth Grey is a Witch Hunter and one of the King’s best. After the plague took her parents, Elizabeth crossed paths with Caleb and from that point on he became her family. Elizabeth is a fighter and she is willing to do whatever she can to protect the people she cares about – Which I loved about her. As she learns more about what is really going on around her, Elizabeth begins to realize who is really important to her and who she can trust.
The story begins with Elizabeth and Caleb on a hunt and although Elizabeth is still very much a strong fighter, something has been off with her. Something she hasn’t been able to tell Caleb (Sorry – I’m not saying what) and when the unthinkable happens and she finds herself accused of witchcraft, she thinks Caleb will be the person to save her. But the last person she even imagined would come to her rescue, Nicholas Perevil, the most powerful wizard (and most wanted wizard) in the kingdom, is the one who saves her and things get even more interesting.
Boecker has created this world where magic is something to hide and it is the Reformers that are trying to change the way things are. There are rules and if someone is captured by the Witch Hunters, they are taken to Blackwell, the man who trained and leads the Hunters. It is very clear that Blackwell has a plan and he doesn’t care who gets in his way. He will have what he wants and sacrifice anyone who will further his goals.
We also find out that Nicholas is sick and he has been directed by a seer to find Elizabeth as she is the one who will save him from the curse he is under. While they head off on their mission, there is plenty of action, some mysteries are uncovered, and there are definitely some swoony bits – which always make me happy.
I loved the way Boecker developed all of the characters in this book – the only exception being Malcolm, the King. He was made to be a “bad” guy but I never really got to understand why outside of the things we were told about him and his actions. I wanted to actually meet him and see for myself who he really was.
I talked about Elizabeth but let me chat about the others for a few minutes. First there is Caleb – he is the only person she feels like she can trust and it is clear that he cares about her, just not in the way she was hoping. As Elizabeth begins to learn more about Blackwell, she comes to realize just how important a role Caleb has in what is going on with everything.
Amongst the Reformers you have Nicholas, George, Fifer, and John. I loved how Boecker introduced Elizabeth and her background to these characters. They all fear and hate the Witch Hunters and for good reason. As they realize who she really is, they each come to terms about her background in their own way and it was done in a way that made it believable. Each of these characters has their own personalities and as I said, I liked them all. The banter, the friendship, and the loyalty they have amongst the group…if I were on the run and trying to stop something horrible, I would want them all by my side.
Ok, I can’t say anything else for fear of giving anything away. Overall I thought this was a fantastic story and I couldn’t bring myself to put it down. Considering how impatient I am with series books, I have to admit I am happy I forced myself to wait. I don’t know how I am going to wait so long for the next book to come out as I’m excited to see where Boecker takes the rest of the story based on the ending and if anyone wants to give me an early copy, I’m definitely okay with that (I want to do my part in supporting this series, you know). If you’re looking for a book with plenty of action, some deception, some swoon, and characters that will have you rooting for them all along the way, definitely check this one out when you can.
Thank you to the publisher for the review copy!
33% in the book, just not feeling it. It's like...this world doesn't make sense. Doesn't this world have doctors of any kind? If the MC gets arrested and is going to be executed for having some herbs, does that mean that any herbs will get someone arrested? Are there doctors in this medieval world? If so do they only use leeches and needles (which seem more sinister and witchy than plants tbh)? Is there just no medicine? But then people can brew absinthe, which had woodworm (a poison) in it, and this raises no suspicion? How does this work? Is there a list somewhere of okay herbs? This may seem incredibly picky but the entire premise of the book is based on people who are in possession of certain herbs being charged as witches and burned alive.
Further, given the premise of this world and that having herbs can get you arrested and killed, it seems awfully convenient that 5 necromancers were just hanging out and had all their stuff sitting on tables in plain view where someone could just peek in and see it. Are these just particularly reckless necromancers? Are you telling me that the crown honestly equates possession of anti-pregnancy herbs with raising the dead? But, despite this, accidentally killing a watch in the heat of battle is a big no-no? idk i cant get on board
Further, given the premise of this world and that having herbs can get you arrested and killed, it seems awfully convenient that 5 necromancers were just hanging out and had all their stuff sitting on tables in plain view where someone could just peek in and see it. Are these just particularly reckless necromancers? Are you telling me that the crown honestly equates possession of anti-pregnancy herbs with raising the dead? But, despite this, accidentally killing a watch in the heat of battle is a big no-no? idk i cant get on board
Y'all. This book is THE book. It is so beautiful, tense, romantic, and brutal. I loved it. Excellent action, excellent swoon, and a super fresh take on fantasy involving witches. Boecker kills it. Can't wait for TWH2.
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
sad
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Good:
Well written action
Interesting plot
Characters do develop throughout (Some of them do. Others, not so much)
Bad:
There is absolutely no reason/explanation for Elizabeth being "The Chosen One"
Why is one of the kings best witch hunters terrible at witch hunting
Why is every boy she meets hot
Well written action
Interesting plot
Characters do develop throughout (Some of them do. Others, not so much)
Bad:
There is absolutely no reason/explanation for Elizabeth being "The Chosen One"
Why is one of the kings best witch hunters terrible at witch hunting
Why is every boy she meets hot
adventurous
dark
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Graphic: Violence
Moderate: Confinement, Gore, Religious bigotry, Gaslighting
Minor: Rape, Sexual harassment