4.08 AVERAGE

micmar's review

5.0
adventurous challenging emotional funny hopeful mysterious reflective fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: No
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

Well written debut! Loved the style, the characters are fleshed out, the story moves along really well. I think there could have been a bit more world building, and some of the plot points felt a bit bread-crumby, but this was one of my favorite reads so far this year! Eagerly looking forward to what comes nexts 
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samyfay's review

4.5

This book really surprised me! I didn’t know anything going into this book before I started and I’m glad! I was pulled into the story right away and was intrigued about the world and characters. The world building was just enough for me and the MC’s were well rounded! 

When I say this is a slow burn I MEAN IT! Slowwwwwwwww! 😮‍💨 There was a lot of repetition in the will they won’t they aspect of the book but, I really didn’t mind it! Don’t get me wrong, I really wanted them to just love eachother already but the banter and tension was SO GOOD I didn’t care at all! I was eating it up! 🤭 I do have to say I wish the story was a tad shorter but, I felt like most aspects in the book was needed to set up the storyline. 

There is so much left to find out and I need book two like yesterday! I can’t wait to see where this story goes! Definitely looking forward to getting my hands on the next books! 

Thank you Kerri D. Andrews for the eARC and the opportunity to review honestly! 🫶🏻
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mermaidsydneyreads's review

5.0

➳ 4.5 ★
I was honestly blown away by this book and can’t believe it’s Kerri Andrews’ debut novel; it’s a favourite of mine now! (placed my pre-order
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stormaj's review

5.0
adventurous emotional funny mysterious medium-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: No

This is hands down one of my top ten reads for the last couple of years. An absolutely amazing debut work and I cannot wait to read more in this series!

Sitri and Pandora were so vibrant and I loved them.  The banter and the emotions were top notch, their interactions had me giggling all the way through.  The miscommunication/secrets vibe typically makes me want to shake people, but the obvious struggles to protect themselves and each other was just so endearing.  There was so much growth and it was so fun to watch.  I am so excited to see how they continue to grow together. And I have SO MANY questions now!

On top of the two mains, there are some absolutely amazing characters that we meet along the way. Vera was hands down my fave, and I loved seeing her relationship with both Sitri and Pandora.

The magic, the world building and the character growth are all top notch. If you like fantasy, gothic vibes and a slow burn enemies to lovers, GRAB THIS!  You won’t regret it!!

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pagesofshannon's review

3.75
adventurous emotional mysterious slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Character
Strong character development: Complicated
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

The premise of this novel is creative and captivating. The author truly nails the enemies to lovers trope in a slow burn. Pandora is forced to marry a witch, Sitri, in place of her sister. 

I found myself reading to discover more about Pandora & her daemon. Sitri is complex and readers are left with many more questions about him and his past. 

I found parts of this novel to be very slow. I think I craved more world-building to understand the complex structure of life beyond the nought's wall. I absolutely devoured the end of this novel and wish the pacing at the beginning was similar to the end. 
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lunabear96's review

3.75
adventurous dark emotional mysterious tense slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Character
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Complicated
Diverse cast of characters: Yes

*ARC Review* 
Thank you to the author Kerri D. Andrews for the ARC! 

Tropes:
-Marriage of convenience/arranged marriage
-enemies to lovers

This debut was great with the mysterious and dark atmosphere of the world created, part of society is behind a Wall (where the FMC) is from and as a result is very sheltered, being that are deemed as “other” are greatly feared like the Witches/Magi. The MMC is grumpy, off-putting, and a jerk to put it lightly at the beginning but trust me he does get better! I do wish they communicated more directly with each other, and the miscommunication was frustrating, it felt like it was dragged out a little longer than it needed to. I found this easy to read, but I’m not sure if I may continue the series. 

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lape_titemortt's review

3.5

⭐️⭐️⭐️.5|🌶️🌶️|🖤🖤

Thank you, Kerri Andrews for this gifted ARC 💕

“Despite the instincts pressing on me, I don’t find it difficult to follow her scent once I’ve caught it. I feel compelled to follow it. She smells familiar, like a strange nostalgia, longing for memories I’ve never experienced.”

Kerri Andrews’ debut book is a dark, alluring, tragic, and heartstring-pulling tale. From the very first page, I was captivated by the story of Pandora and Sitri, two characters forced into an arranged taboo marriage. Their journey is narrated in the first person, with dual viewpoints.

The extreme distrust between Pandora and Sitri leads to frequent miscommunication, angst, arguments, and tension. At one point, Sitri attempts to improve communication and assist Pandora in navigating the dangerous world she now inhabits.

However, Pandora’s sheltered upbringing and traumatic past have made her irrational, insecure, impulsive, and childlike. Despite this, Sitri’s patience with her is applaudable. While he is not perfect, his morally ambiguous nature and hot-and-cold behavior would make me question his motives too. 

I wish the book had more world-building. While Pandora was completely sheltered, there wasn’t much explanation of the creatures or worlds she encountered. The witches’ “Magi” world was explained to her and us like the morning weather, which left me feeling unsatisfied. The abrupt ending also left me feeling unsatisfied, as I kept trying to scroll down and thought the book hadn’t downloaded completely.

I will read the second book because I am eager to discover what happens next. I hope we see more background stories and character arcs in the future. 

🌶️ Chapters: 55 - there are explicit talks of “it” and other activities outside the couple

This book is for you if you like:
  • Arranged marriage
  • Witch x human
  • Enemies to lovers
  • One horse
  • “Who did this to you?”
  • Experienced x virgin
  • Forced proximity 
  • Secret identities
  • Banter
  • Slow burn

Possible triggers:
  • Cheating
  • Bullying FMC
  • Forced magic on FMC
  • Miscommunication
  • Blood/gore
  • Violence
  • Forced arranged marriage
  • Mentioned forced teenage marriage
  • Suicide 
  • Depression
  • Drug use


*disclaimer: my darkness and spice rating might not be the same for you. Please do your own research before reading*

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

ranie's review

4.5
adventurous dark tense medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Complicated
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: No
Flaws of characters a main focus: Complicated

✨ Multiple POV
✨ Enemies to Lovers
✨ Witches/Magi

I could hardly put this book down! This story is full of magic, enemies, misunderstandings and a slow burn that is sooo satisfying. I especially loved the plot points surrounding misunderstanding and the dangers of being isolated from the outside world and what that can do to your perception of things beyond.

Pandora is incredibly brave, while still allowing herself to feel her emotions, and Sitri is the morally gray MMC that I crave when I read fantasy.

While I personally think it would have been more impactful if this book ended about 50 pages before it did, I’m super eager to continue reading this series as more books come out.

❗️There are some intense moments in this book, so make sure you check the list of potential triggers before deciding to read.
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birdiesbookbindings's review

5.0

Kerri D. Andrews delivers a fantastic romantasy indie debut with The Witch’s Pet, a novel that is as mesmerizing as it is restrained in the best way. From the first page, the story grips you with its dark fairy-tale atmosphere, weaving a tale of sacrifice, magic, and unexpected desire.

Pandora, shackled and sentenced to a fate beyond the Wall, finds herself in the reluctant care of Prince Sitri—a man who wants nothing to do with her. Their dynamic is charged yet carefully crafted, avoiding gratuitous excess while still delivering just the right amount of spice for romance lovers. The tension between them is palpable, unfolding in a way that feels natural rather than forced.

What sets The Witch’s Pet apart is its sharp storytelling—it doesn’t rely on over-the-top dramatics but instead builds its world and relationships with precision. The restraint in its execution makes every moment more impactful, proving that sometimes less is more.

It’s been a long time since a book kept me up late, but this one did. If you’re looking for a romantasy that balances intrigue, romance, and immersive world-building, The Witch’s Pet is exactly what you need.

Thank you to the author for an advance copy of the book. All opinions expressed are my own 

jadedfrrog's review

3.75
adventurous dark emotional sad tense medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Complicated
Loveable characters: Complicated
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes