A review by nicolehitchcock
The Elf Witch by Jacquelyn Gilmore

adventurous challenging dark emotional mysterious sad tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

The Elf Witch is an ambitious high fantasy novel that throws readers into a richly detailed world full of magic, danger, and high-stakes trials. Told from the perspective of Imani, a young witch who is just discovering her powers- the story follows her journey as she competes in brutal trials that claim the lives of most participants. Along the way, she struggles with her own inexperience and the overwhelming complexity of the world around her.

One of the novel’s strongest aspects is its plot and pacing. The story moves quickly, keeping the reader engaged as Imani navigates treacherous alliances and life-threatening challenges. However, the depth of the world-building, while impressive, sometimes works against the clarity of the story. Gilmore has clearly put a lot of effort into crafting an immersive fantasy realm, but at times, it feels like too much for a single book to handle. This mostly left me feeling lost, even as I remained invested in Imani’s journey.

Despite this, The Elf Witch is a compelling read, especially for those who enjoy intricate fantasy worlds and high-stakes competition. Imani’s growth, her struggles, and the mysteries surrounding her powers make for an engaging protagonist, and I’m eager to see how her story continues in the next book. If you enjoy fast-paced fantasy with deep lore and intense magical trials, this is definitely worth picking up.

No spice