Scan barcode
A review by reka111
Bane of the Witch by J. Todd Kingrea
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
After all, if we don’t learn from our history, then we’re fools.
Date: 2024/05/9-2024/05/14
Genre: Fantasy, Dystopian
Rating: ★★★★
Spice rating: —
Age rating (I think): 16+
TIGGER WARNINGS: murder, blood, death, profanity, injury, hallucinations, child abuse (mentioned), rape (mentioned), torture
Thank you for the ARC e-copy from the author in exchange for an honest review.
First, what you can expect from this book:
· good vs evil
· tragical
· multiple POV
· witches & magic
· medium-paced
· strong FMC
· mystical creatures
· animal companion
· found family
PRELIMINARY:
I just feel so much right now that they can't even scream, I want to cry and howl until nothing remains of me. I think I'm somewhere between three right now. This book has been a huge emotional rollercoaster, and this book series is a huge journey that we have come to an end.
I'm so full and I feel so empty at the same time. Saying goodbye to such a wonderful world is terribly difficult for me. It had its own ups and downs, and as much as it hurts me to say it out loud, it took part of my soul with it.
Of course, Teska tower high is my favorite, I still love her nature, which is fiery and indomitable, like forest fire.
ATTENTION SPOILER (if you haven't read the book, scroll down at your own risk)
THORNE
I felt him so lost and disbelieving, as if (and indeed it was) he had lost the flame burning inside him when Teska disappeared from his life.
He's developed so incredibly much character that you could write essays about because, to be honest, who could do what he did? One day he persecuted witches and heretics, governed and was comfortable, and the next day he was given a sword and asked to be a leader.
However good he was as a quarterback this time, more than once they got away with a lot of things with his right strategic sense and foresight.
By the end of the book, he was exhausted, and everyone felt it, he had to fight many more battles than he was meant to fight. I hope dreadfully that he will find peace and purpose in the West that will bring him healing for good, because he deserves it terribly.
TESKA
My Teska, my sweet Ghost has been through so unrealistically that I can't tell you. She deserved so much, so much, better than that.
It was horrible to know that she was stuck in her own body like a parasite and reliving the horrors of her childhood, my heart broke for her. Then she had to survive ten years in literal hell and pretend everything was fine anyway.
She was strong all along and brave enough to be superhuman. She persistently searched for a way out, a way back to her friends, to save them before it was too late, and her self-sacrifice and loyalty to them were impressive.
I don't know if she didn't get crushed by what happened to her, that dhe could still live and move on, but whatever drives her, I really hope it never leaves her because I'm afraid if she stops she will be broken. She deserves peace, happiness and tranquility more than anyone else.
THE OTHERS
Warner, the last man standing. It may seem funny, but he's actually the only supporting character who survived the ordeal throughout the books and was still able to fight. He has so much power and, of course, infinite loyalty to his friends that it's incredible. He never gave up hope, he always saw the light, and even though his funny self was starting to fade after all the trauma, he still had a few voices that made me laugh. He, too, deserves the rest (and career) that awaits him and a long life full of peace and tranquility. I'm sorry he was left alone in the end, but I know he will find his place. He always does.
Hawkes & Tua, gods, I already lost too much, it broke my heart even more. I can't believe they both left as if they never existed. They have contributed so much, have been faithful friends and assistants all along, but I know they are now in a better place where there is no more suffering.
Jarkko & Madia gave so much and asked for so little. I loved their dynamic and how open they were to Thorne and the others. They both did what needed to be done, and maybe that was what saved their entire world.
LOVE STORY
Oh, my darlings suffered so much (they literally went to death and hell because of each other), and even when everything seemed lost, all that mattered was that the other was safe.
There is such understanding and patience between them that it is insane. But really. Both try their best to protect and help each other wherever they can I'm literally sobbing over them. They did not deserved this.
They've been through too much, and I'm afraid a small part of them will always be broken, an incurable wound, but they're there for each other. They will survive. Together.
THE PLOT PACE/CONCEPT/ETC
The plot, like the previous one, was full of action and twists that made the whole thing really agile. I have to say overall it was understandable, but there were parts where I was a bit confused for a few moments.
I think the pace was quite fast, everything was always moving and something was always happening, so that's understandable. Although I wanted a break in the middle of the story where it slows down, I'm not complaining.
Time jumps (especially for Teska) I thought were a lot in some places. Although we didn't basically jump more than days or weeks, in most cases I wouldn't have needed it in my opinion.
The wording was still wonderful, I liked the rich descriptions of detail and how much emphasis it put on describing the environment. That's how every other author should write. He doesn't just throw letters side by side, he gives them real meaning and I think that's the key for an excellent book.
The world building continued to expand, now stranger empires appeared (aka hell) and we got a glimpse of it as well. The lore was well developed, and I loved that Hecate's name (or the three-faced goddess) is always appeared. The reference to the past and the mixing of cultures add an incredible amount to it.
FINAL WORDS
This book series has been an incredible journey, full of laughter, sorrow, but most of all, hope. Part of my soul will forever remain in the infinite and incredible world of Deiparia in anticipation of new adventures.
RECOMMENDATION
ONCE AGAIN;
I definitely recommend reading it, because it guides you to a world where magic and monsters come to life, friendships are made and run away, secrets come to the destructive surface and dreams turn to dust. First of all, fantasy fans may like this book, but I strongly recommend it to anyone, because it is not worth missing.