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A review by thelitraccoon
The Witch who Trades with Death by C.M. Alongi
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
⭐⭐⭐⭐✨ 4.5 Stars | 🌶️ 1 Spice (Mild, with emotional depth rather than heavy romance focus)
From the very first pages, this book captivated me with its intricate world, compelling characters, and emotional depth. As a standalone fantasy, it manages to create a fully immersive experience while telling a complete and satisfying story. Khana, our protagonist, is a witch with ability to heal and trade with death itself. However, these trades come at a steep price—one she is not always willing to pay. Her past is filled with pain and trauma, but this book is ultimately about resilience, survival, and self-discovery. The narrative spans months and weeks, allowing for natural character growth and a story that unfolds with depth and nuance.
Worldbuilding & Pacing
The world is rich and immersive, with multiple cultures, histories, and conflicts that make it feel truly alive. The pacing is well-balanced, with the first half focusing on Khana’s healing journey and her growing bonds with those around her. The second half, however, takes a sharp turn into intense, high-stakes action that kept me on the edge of my seat. The short chapters made the reading experience even more engaging, keeping the momentum steady while allowing for deep emotional beats.
Characters & Found Family
One of the strongest aspects of the book is its character work. Khana is a deeply layered protagonist, and the people she meets along her journey are just as multi-dimensional. After escaping the clutches of the immortal emperor—her abuser—she finds refuge in a new nation and enlists in a military unit made up of outcasts and refugees. The camaraderie and personal struggles of this group are beautifully portrayed, and watching them grow together into a found family was one of the most rewarding aspects of the story. Each character has their own past and motivations, making them feel real and significant beyond their connection to Khana.
Themes of Trauma & Healing
This book does not shy away from difficult topics, particularly trauma and recovery. Khana has survived severe sexual abuse at the hands of the emperor she fled from, and while these events are not depicted on-page, their impact is felt throughout the story. The book approaches healing with great care, showing that there is no single path to recovery and that it is a deeply personal process. It also explores different forms of trauma, making the narrative even more layered and impactful. Despite the heavy themes, there is a sense of hope woven throughout, reminding readers that healing, though difficult, is possible.
Romance & Representation
While there is a romantic subplot between Khana and the MMC, it never overshadows the primary story. Their relationship develops naturally and serves as a testament to Khana’s growth, rather than being a central focus. The book also presents a refreshingly unique take on gender and sexuality, depicting a society where patriarchy is less dominant while still addressing issues of race and power dynamics. This nuanced worldbuilding adds depth to the overall narrative, making it stand out among other fantasy novels.
Audiobook Experience
I also had the opportunity to listen to parts of this book via audiobook, and I highly recommend it. The narrator’s performance, including the use of accents, added so much depth to the characters and made the experience even more immersive. If you enjoy audiobooks, this one is definitely worth considering.
Final Thoughts
This book took me by surprise in the best way possible. It is dark yet hopeful, painful yet empowering. The combination of intricate worldbuilding, deep character work, and an explosive finale made for an unforgettable reading experience. This is a must-read for anyone who loves standalone fantasy with emotional depth, found family dynamics, and unique magic systems.
Thank you to Netgalley and Angry Robot for an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
From the very first pages, this book captivated me with its intricate world, compelling characters, and emotional depth. As a standalone fantasy, it manages to create a fully immersive experience while telling a complete and satisfying story. Khana, our protagonist, is a witch with ability to heal and trade with death itself. However, these trades come at a steep price—one she is not always willing to pay. Her past is filled with pain and trauma, but this book is ultimately about resilience, survival, and self-discovery. The narrative spans months and weeks, allowing for natural character growth and a story that unfolds with depth and nuance.
Worldbuilding & Pacing
The world is rich and immersive, with multiple cultures, histories, and conflicts that make it feel truly alive. The pacing is well-balanced, with the first half focusing on Khana’s healing journey and her growing bonds with those around her. The second half, however, takes a sharp turn into intense, high-stakes action that kept me on the edge of my seat. The short chapters made the reading experience even more engaging, keeping the momentum steady while allowing for deep emotional beats.
Characters & Found Family
One of the strongest aspects of the book is its character work. Khana is a deeply layered protagonist, and the people she meets along her journey are just as multi-dimensional. After escaping the clutches of the immortal emperor—her abuser—she finds refuge in a new nation and enlists in a military unit made up of outcasts and refugees. The camaraderie and personal struggles of this group are beautifully portrayed, and watching them grow together into a found family was one of the most rewarding aspects of the story. Each character has their own past and motivations, making them feel real and significant beyond their connection to Khana.
Themes of Trauma & Healing
This book does not shy away from difficult topics, particularly trauma and recovery. Khana has survived severe sexual abuse at the hands of the emperor she fled from, and while these events are not depicted on-page, their impact is felt throughout the story. The book approaches healing with great care, showing that there is no single path to recovery and that it is a deeply personal process. It also explores different forms of trauma, making the narrative even more layered and impactful. Despite the heavy themes, there is a sense of hope woven throughout, reminding readers that healing, though difficult, is possible.
Romance & Representation
While there is a romantic subplot between Khana and the MMC, it never overshadows the primary story. Their relationship develops naturally and serves as a testament to Khana’s growth, rather than being a central focus. The book also presents a refreshingly unique take on gender and sexuality, depicting a society where patriarchy is less dominant while still addressing issues of race and power dynamics. This nuanced worldbuilding adds depth to the overall narrative, making it stand out among other fantasy novels.
Audiobook Experience
I also had the opportunity to listen to parts of this book via audiobook, and I highly recommend it. The narrator’s performance, including the use of accents, added so much depth to the characters and made the experience even more immersive. If you enjoy audiobooks, this one is definitely worth considering.
Final Thoughts
This book took me by surprise in the best way possible. It is dark yet hopeful, painful yet empowering. The combination of intricate worldbuilding, deep character work, and an explosive finale made for an unforgettable reading experience. This is a must-read for anyone who loves standalone fantasy with emotional depth, found family dynamics, and unique magic systems.
Thank you to Netgalley and Angry Robot for an ARC in exchange for my honest review.