A review by minimicropup
The Bane Witch: A Novel by Ava Morgyn

Did not finish book. Stopped at 38%.
Initially gripping premise but hampered by a main character who was always several steps behind. Could be enjoyable for those who really like cathartic good-for-her plots and slower one-detail-at-a-time writing styles.
 
Why I chose it: It sounded so good, like it would be cathartic justice and have lore about the witches, their abilities, how it works. I was hoping for more slice-of-life watching the MC realize her powers then finding like-minded supportive women, learning how to use her powers, resulting in many unlikeable and asshole characters dropping like flies and how they try to hide that, culminating in a big witchy justice scene.  
 
What I liked:
-Intriguing premise
-Escaping a toxic relationship
-Abuse survivor empowerment and revenge
-The good-for-her moments
 
Why I DNF’ed 
-Overly naïve, one-dimensional main character that felt written to serve the plot
-Frustratingly slow pace while we wait for the main character to catch on to the obvious and it’s too repetitive once she does
-The plot drags out with too much foreshadowing 
-Romance felt underdeveloped and I wasn’t feeling it
-The jealous, competitive, prove yourself angle within the family killed the catharsis
-Hoping to explore a unique world of poisoning powers and bane witchcraft but it was mostly family drama and too explainy. 
 
📚 Format: Advance Reader’s Copy from St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley
 
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