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The Burning Witch #1
The Burning Witch 1
A young woman navigates a web of politics, assassination attempts, and romance in the first book of a new series set in the world of the House Witch trilogy.
Katarina Ashowan was not made for courtly life. Sure, her father is the famous house witch of Daxaria so she was raised among majestic castles, proper manners, and royal expectations. But Kat is also a mutated witch whose power aligns predominantly with fire. She’s more comfortable riding horses or learning to fight than she is making polite conversation and wearing fancy dresses. Which is why her upcoming assignment—serving her best friend, Alina, the soon-to-be crowned Troivackian queen—is anything but ideal.
Even worse, Kat is forced to make the long journey from Daxaria to Troivack with Alina’s extremely irksome brother, Eric, the crown prince of Daxaria. Kat and the formerly missing prince are constantly at each other’s throats—until, that is, they begin to form an unexpected kinship . . . with perhaps something more flickering beneath the surface. Now Kat must contend with the strictures of Troivackian court, mysterious assassination attempts, and her unsettling new feelings for Eric, all as her fiery powers are becoming harder and harder to control.
In this fast-paced, humorous, and romantic start to the Burning Witch trilogy, the same charming magical mayhem that wooed readers of the House Witch series gets a brightly burning new star in Katarina Ashowan.
The first volume of a new spin-off of the hit romantic-fantasy series that has more than a million views on Royal Road—now available on Kindle, Kindle Unlimited, and Audible
Katarina Ashowan was not made for courtly life. Sure, her father is the famous house witch of Daxaria so she was raised among majestic castles, proper manners, and royal expectations. But Kat is also a mutated witch whose power aligns predominantly with fire. She’s more comfortable riding horses or learning to fight than she is making polite conversation and wearing fancy dresses. Which is why her upcoming assignment—serving her best friend, Alina, the soon-to-be crowned Troivackian queen—is anything but ideal.
Even worse, Kat is forced to make the long journey from Daxaria to Troivack with Alina’s extremely irksome brother, Eric, the crown prince of Daxaria. Kat and the formerly missing prince are constantly at each other’s throats—until, that is, they begin to form an unexpected kinship . . . with perhaps something more flickering beneath the surface. Now Kat must contend with the strictures of Troivackian court, mysterious assassination attempts, and her unsettling new feelings for Eric, all as her fiery powers are becoming harder and harder to control.
In this fast-paced, humorous, and romantic start to the Burning Witch trilogy, the same charming magical mayhem that wooed readers of the House Witch series gets a brightly burning new star in Katarina Ashowan.
The first volume of a new spin-off of the hit romantic-fantasy series that has more than a million views on Royal Road—now available on Kindle, Kindle Unlimited, and Audible
392 pages, Paperback
First published September 19, 2023
1902 people are currently reading
13073 people want to read
About the author
Delemhach
12 books1,991 followersDelemhach is the Canadian author of the popular online series, The House Witch, and is already hard at work on the sequel series, The Burning Witch. When they aren’t following the whims of their unfortunately intelligent cats, Kraken and Pina Colada, they are teaching music privately to their students. In their spare time outside of writing and work, they enjoy cooking, reading, hiking, spending time with family, and trying not to remember their socially awkward moments.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 497 reviews
September 21, 2023
Every Delemhach book for me is 5 stars. Their writing feels like a warm hug after a hard day. Always enjoyable, never too serious but difficult topics are written about with skill. My favourite author to recommend. (Although I need info on a Tam book sooner rather than later)
October 7, 2023
Delemhach's first book, The House Witch, was just published in 2022 at 658 pages. It immediately became wildly popular because it vouchsafed violence for something far more noble: a wise, funny, and self-effacing gentility. In barely a single year they now have 5 books published!--but the quality of their writing, and its editing, continues to suffer as they get more and more interested in making their fortune by churning out a steady stream of tried and true tricks. In this book, even the tried and true gets warped. Much of what made The House Witch so refreshing is gone.
Here we have yet another romance in which the boy is definitely not alright, a clear trend in rom-coms as in life; tellingly, the girl isn't alright, either. Our protagonist, the witch of the title, is Kat, the daughter of Fin Ashowan, the delightful house witch of the first trilogy. Her power is mutated and dangerous; outwardly, she is breezily sassy and stalwart, but under that facade she is also deeply afraid that her ever shifting powers might cause an explosive conflagration--and accidentally kill people she loves. Her opposite number is Eric, the drug-addicted prince of their homeland, Daxaria. (The entirety of this first in a duology takes place in the country Daxaria defeated in Book 3 of Delemhach's trilogy. It was Book 3 that first introduced this much darker tone.)
Eric had abandoned Daxaria and his family as he became hopelessly addled by a drug called Witches' Brew. For four years his family heard nothing about him, alive or dead, and he experienced death at first hand, leaving him seriously soul-damaged. "...[H]e... knew that a man as lost as the Daxarian prince would drag loved ones, or worse yet, an entire kingdom into their darkness unless they themselves found the will to climb out of his pain." (This astute observation, made by the host country's captain of the guard named Faucher, is a bit hard to digest because the author awkwardly shifts from plural to singular.)
I do, however, heartily commend the author for their take on militarily-derived PTSD, which they term "soldier's soul"--five stars for this:"
*****"A broken soldier was never to be abandoned. It was one of the principles Faucher lived by, and even if he wasn’t particularly fond of the Daxarians in his company, it didn’t matter. Those broken by worldly violence and loss did not deserve to be shunned when they struggled to rise once more."
Eric tries to rise because he develops feelings for Kat through their mutually antagonistic but tongue-in-cheek, flirtatious banter; it works its magic on Kat, as well.
There is a very painful scene in which the princess of Daxaria, about to be crowned queen of a horribly regressive kingdom, is required by her new country's misogyny to whip Kat--20 lashes worth-- in the presence of a large group of attending male soldiers. Kat's crime? Being boisterous at a sports match! The new queen accepts this odious betrayal as her "duty," in order to gain acceptance and, not coincidentally, for some promised but vague power to rule; her motives are not only incomprehensibly base, but also wildly out of character.
This is such a violation of the family friendly tone of the House Witch trilogy that I could barely make it through the reading. The House Witch series, by contrast, provided the same lessons about misogyny, but in a very different style. There, soldiers who had harassed and intimidated a female kitchen helper were punished, for months, by having to do kitchen work traditionally assigned to women; as a result, they became much better men. This turn to an ignoble darkness doesn't suit the kind of book Delemhach wants to write: fantasy romance. This is, instead, more akin to "Game of Thrones."
Then the gods incongruously break into the story, including their son, Satan (aka Sam, as though somehow comical despite being presented as a hardcore villain, why?)--yes, the actual devil. This is an unlikely and completely uncharacteristic interruption, a deus ex machina that entirely breaks the theme of the tale as a fantasy romance, except that it allows for a convenient, last minute, dramatic rescue. We're left with a cliffhanger--the way of lightweight new authors who want to keep readers on the hook and itching for more. Tired and trite as it is, does this trick still work?
On the writing itself: is it wrong to think that authors should make a real effort to have their works properly edited? At least three times in this novel, Delemhach uses the word "nonplussed" in exactly the opposite of its correct meaning, which is: "of a person) surprised and confused so much that they are unsure how to react." (from an online dictionary) Delemhach uses it to mean "unfazed." Those who write popular works have some duty to get it right, as they perpetuate what's wrong as well as what's right. In fact, they might be the final arbiters, given the general lack of education in this country (54% of adults in the USA--130 million people between 16-74--have less than 6th grade literacy skills). Maybe I'm just a fussbudget, but I think it's important. (There are a few careless edits--or lack thereof--and some grammatical errors, too, that occasionally make the reading awkward.)
I loved the first two books of the House Witch trilogy, and I was really rooting for Kat, Eric, and all the rest of Delemhach's characters in this one--but I find myself increasingly saddened by risks the author takes against their better angels, just to haul in more money. I get it: it's academia's "publish or perish" all over again. To the perceptive reader, however, it's clearly a sellout.
If I recommend this, it's with serious reservations--I'm hoping the author will revert back to their previously gentle, good vibes style. Does our world really need more violence in leisure reading?
The House Witch was a lovingly drafted, much needed refuge, a safe haven until Book 3--since then, the author's been busily burning that house to the ground.
Here we have yet another romance in which the boy is definitely not alright, a clear trend in rom-coms as in life; tellingly, the girl isn't alright, either. Our protagonist, the witch of the title, is Kat, the daughter of Fin Ashowan, the delightful house witch of the first trilogy. Her power is mutated and dangerous; outwardly, she is breezily sassy and stalwart, but under that facade she is also deeply afraid that her ever shifting powers might cause an explosive conflagration--and accidentally kill people she loves. Her opposite number is Eric, the drug-addicted prince of their homeland, Daxaria. (The entirety of this first in a duology takes place in the country Daxaria defeated in Book 3 of Delemhach's trilogy. It was Book 3 that first introduced this much darker tone.)
Eric had abandoned Daxaria and his family as he became hopelessly addled by a drug called Witches' Brew. For four years his family heard nothing about him, alive or dead, and he experienced death at first hand, leaving him seriously soul-damaged. "...[H]e... knew that a man as lost as the Daxarian prince would drag loved ones, or worse yet, an entire kingdom into their darkness unless they themselves found the will to climb out of his pain." (This astute observation, made by the host country's captain of the guard named Faucher, is a bit hard to digest because the author awkwardly shifts from plural to singular.)
I do, however, heartily commend the author for their take on militarily-derived PTSD, which they term "soldier's soul"--five stars for this:"
*****"A broken soldier was never to be abandoned. It was one of the principles Faucher lived by, and even if he wasn’t particularly fond of the Daxarians in his company, it didn’t matter. Those broken by worldly violence and loss did not deserve to be shunned when they struggled to rise once more."
Eric tries to rise because he develops feelings for Kat through their mutually antagonistic but tongue-in-cheek, flirtatious banter; it works its magic on Kat, as well.
There is a very painful scene in which the princess of Daxaria, about to be crowned queen of a horribly regressive kingdom, is required by her new country's misogyny to whip Kat--20 lashes worth-- in the presence of a large group of attending male soldiers. Kat's crime? Being boisterous at a sports match! The new queen accepts this odious betrayal as her "duty," in order to gain acceptance and, not coincidentally, for some promised but vague power to rule; her motives are not only incomprehensibly base, but also wildly out of character.
This is such a violation of the family friendly tone of the House Witch trilogy that I could barely make it through the reading. The House Witch series, by contrast, provided the same lessons about misogyny, but in a very different style. There, soldiers who had harassed and intimidated a female kitchen helper were punished, for months, by having to do kitchen work traditionally assigned to women; as a result, they became much better men. This turn to an ignoble darkness doesn't suit the kind of book Delemhach wants to write: fantasy romance. This is, instead, more akin to "Game of Thrones."
Then the gods incongruously break into the story, including their son, Satan (aka Sam, as though somehow comical despite being presented as a hardcore villain, why?)--yes, the actual devil. This is an unlikely and completely uncharacteristic interruption, a deus ex machina that entirely breaks the theme of the tale as a fantasy romance, except that it allows for a convenient, last minute, dramatic rescue. We're left with a cliffhanger--the way of lightweight new authors who want to keep readers on the hook and itching for more. Tired and trite as it is, does this trick still work?
On the writing itself: is it wrong to think that authors should make a real effort to have their works properly edited? At least three times in this novel, Delemhach uses the word "nonplussed" in exactly the opposite of its correct meaning, which is: "of a person) surprised and confused so much that they are unsure how to react." (from an online dictionary) Delemhach uses it to mean "unfazed." Those who write popular works have some duty to get it right, as they perpetuate what's wrong as well as what's right. In fact, they might be the final arbiters, given the general lack of education in this country (54% of adults in the USA--130 million people between 16-74--have less than 6th grade literacy skills). Maybe I'm just a fussbudget, but I think it's important. (There are a few careless edits--or lack thereof--and some grammatical errors, too, that occasionally make the reading awkward.)
I loved the first two books of the House Witch trilogy, and I was really rooting for Kat, Eric, and all the rest of Delemhach's characters in this one--but I find myself increasingly saddened by risks the author takes against their better angels, just to haul in more money. I get it: it's academia's "publish or perish" all over again. To the perceptive reader, however, it's clearly a sellout.
If I recommend this, it's with serious reservations--I'm hoping the author will revert back to their previously gentle, good vibes style. Does our world really need more violence in leisure reading?
The House Witch was a lovingly drafted, much needed refuge, a safe haven until Book 3--since then, the author's been busily burning that house to the ground.
September 30, 2023
Weak storyline - very disappointing
I hated Kat and Eric. I found both to be extremely annoying, like 10 year old level banter and antics. This was throughout the entire book. I did not buy Eric's reasons for leaving home. Weak and nonsensical. I did not understand or like Kat being non-compliant to the point of creating a riot and then crediting herself for talking her way out of it. The book was dubbed as humorous and romantic but it was Not. 95% of the book was Kat being rude on purpose and thinking these actions would make people think kindly about women. NOT! Considering the kitchen witch is Kat's dad, the book really did not explain why she did not understand her powers or why she had not honed them. That was a big hole in the story for me along with the incessant brattyness. So disappointed in this story.
I hated Kat and Eric. I found both to be extremely annoying, like 10 year old level banter and antics. This was throughout the entire book. I did not buy Eric's reasons for leaving home. Weak and nonsensical. I did not understand or like Kat being non-compliant to the point of creating a riot and then crediting herself for talking her way out of it. The book was dubbed as humorous and romantic but it was Not. 95% of the book was Kat being rude on purpose and thinking these actions would make people think kindly about women. NOT! Considering the kitchen witch is Kat's dad, the book really did not explain why she did not understand her powers or why she had not honed them. That was a big hole in the story for me along with the incessant brattyness. So disappointed in this story.
October 2, 2023
OUR GIRL IS GETTING HER OWN BOOK?!🙌🏻🙌🏻 I fell in love with Kat as soon as she showed up in POP and this whole world/series has my heart
edit: offering an alt title for this book "500 pages of kat exasperating men" 🙌🏻😅 every single one of them has a headache rn 😂
edit: offering an alt title for this book "500 pages of kat exasperating men" 🙌🏻😅 every single one of them has a headache rn 😂
February 13, 2025
This book was absolute, pure perfection!!
I love the world of the House Witch and I was so happy to be going back. I couldn’t wait to get to know Kat and Eric more, especially as we didn’t see much of grown-up Eric in the previous book. They travel to Troivack with Alina and Brendan, and oh boy is there a mess waiting for them there.
Most nobles in Troivack aren’t happy that Alina will be their new queen, so they try to assassinate her multiple times. In order to help keep her safe, they send decoys and one of them is Kat and Eric.
The chemistry these two have is 🔥🔥! I love their banter and their more serious moments. I love how through their fights and along the road they really get to know and respect each other. They don’t hold anything back, and they’ve never met someone who can take all of them before.
Kat is such a fascinating character and I absolutely adore her! She’s hilarious, loud, opinionated, and refuses to let something as dumb as tradition or culture get in the way of who she is. She shines, and Troivack is begging to see that.
Eric - oooohhh boy does he have a lot of character development in this book! We get to see just how much pain he’s in, and how he tries to drown it out with alcohol and drugs. Kat sees all of that, and understands. That ending line was so bomb and I can’t wait to see who he becomes in the next book.
If you’ve enjoyed the House Witch series, you need to read this book! It’s so unbelievably amazing.
I love the world of the House Witch and I was so happy to be going back. I couldn’t wait to get to know Kat and Eric more, especially as we didn’t see much of grown-up Eric in the previous book. They travel to Troivack with Alina and Brendan, and oh boy is there a mess waiting for them there.
Most nobles in Troivack aren’t happy that Alina will be their new queen, so they try to assassinate her multiple times. In order to help keep her safe, they send decoys and one of them is Kat and Eric.
The chemistry these two have is 🔥🔥! I love their banter and their more serious moments. I love how through their fights and along the road they really get to know and respect each other. They don’t hold anything back, and they’ve never met someone who can take all of them before.
Kat is such a fascinating character and I absolutely adore her! She’s hilarious, loud, opinionated, and refuses to let something as dumb as tradition or culture get in the way of who she is. She shines, and Troivack is begging to see that.
Eric - oooohhh boy does he have a lot of character development in this book! We get to see just how much pain he’s in, and how he tries to drown it out with alcohol and drugs. Kat sees all of that, and understands. That ending line was so bomb and I can’t wait to see who he becomes in the next book.
If you’ve enjoyed the House Witch series, you need to read this book! It’s so unbelievably amazing.
January 9, 2025
I'm so disappointed! I really expected to love The Burning Witch. It sounded such fun. If I had realised that it was set in a world that had chronologically earlier books, I would have started with those - perhaps that would have made a difference.
The narrative focus moves from character to character to character, to such an extent that we don't really connect with any of them. I didn't like Kat. I don't believe that women should be quiet and obedient by any means, but she wasn't a feminist icon; she was simply intentionally disrespectful over and over again. I wouldn't have objected to her warring with Eric if it had been because he left her friend/his sister without word for years, but to do it because she kissed him one time and he didn't remain eternally faithful felt ridiculous.
I love seeing mental health explored through a fantastical lens but I had such little connection to Eric that him having PTSD barely registered. We could have explored how he was feeling, but no - we're on to the next character. We see him drinking and having the odd flashback but we don't get an inside view of his emotions more than once or twice; it's not enough.
The other characters are largely unappealing bit parts and needlessly fill page space. As such I found the plot slow to progress and although technically quite a lot happens, I never felt excited, enthusiastic or entertained. Mostly I felt bored, with the occasional wtf, chiefly at the scene in which Kat is whipped for... wait for it... being excitable while watching a sparring match, but also at the revelation that one of the bad guys is literally Satan. Felt a bit out of place, that. Also, can I ask - why do we need to hear first and last names over and over again? Are their last names that important? Who cares?
The grammar and syntax are broadly fine, barring a few run on sentences, clunky phrases and the like.
I hope this isn't an omen for the rest of the year's reading!
The narrative focus moves from character to character to character, to such an extent that we don't really connect with any of them. I didn't like Kat. I don't believe that women should be quiet and obedient by any means, but she wasn't a feminist icon; she was simply intentionally disrespectful over and over again. I wouldn't have objected to her warring with Eric if it had been because he left her friend/his sister without word for years, but to do it because she kissed him one time and he didn't remain eternally faithful felt ridiculous.
I love seeing mental health explored through a fantastical lens but I had such little connection to Eric that him having PTSD barely registered. We could have explored how he was feeling, but no - we're on to the next character. We see him drinking and having the odd flashback but we don't get an inside view of his emotions more than once or twice; it's not enough.
The other characters are largely unappealing bit parts and needlessly fill page space. As such I found the plot slow to progress and although technically quite a lot happens, I never felt excited, enthusiastic or entertained. Mostly I felt bored, with the occasional wtf, chiefly at the scene in which Kat is whipped for... wait for it... being excitable while watching a sparring match, but also at the revelation that one of the bad guys is literally Satan. Felt a bit out of place, that. Also, can I ask - why do we need to hear first and last names over and over again? Are their last names that important? Who cares?
The grammar and syntax are broadly fine, barring a few run on sentences, clunky phrases and the like.
I hope this isn't an omen for the rest of the year's reading!
February 18, 2024
After reading Princess of Potential, I was worried the spin-off books of the House Witch would fail to live up to the original, but The Burning Witch does that and more! Katarina Ashowan is a DELIGHT and so much more complicated than the superficial troublemaker we’re introduced to in The Princess of Potential. She carries the burden of her power and of always being the disappointment, but her mandated stint in Troivack (harkened by her finding her familiar) is exactly what she needed! She was so fun to read about and the brand new cast and crew brought with them their own set of hijinks. I enjoyed how there was a change in setting and, of course, the introduction of our tortured love interest, Prince Eric! The banter and the chemistry was amazing and I definitely love them more than Fin and Annika already! Can’t wait for more!
October 3, 2023
I want to be this author’s best friend
June 15, 2024
If I never read another book again by this author, it would be MUCH too soon. This was by far one of the worst books I’ve ever forced myself to read because I spent money on it. At 50 pages, I wanted to DNF but truly hoped the book would miraculously improve based on the positive reviews that I had read about it. It never did. I’m convinced that the positive reviews exist because people were being paid to write good things. There’s no way this book, completely devoid of a plot and any subplots could receive such high praise. Not to mention, the subpar and juvenile writing completely missed so many opportunities at world building. The storyline has so much unexplained holes that the reader just stops giving a shit to learn more. I also hated how the author didn’t clearly articulate who was speaking in many scenes where many people are present and chatting. Also, the random inclusion of COUNTLESS one scene characters that were never to appear again in the book was so fucking annoying. I committed so many characters to memory to only learn that I’d never hear from them again. There are no redeeming or likable characters in the book either, which made it even more irritating to consume.
To claim this book is humorous is a long stretch even with a couple “ha” moments in it. And to claim the book is a romance is quite literally false—what romance is this possibly alluding to? Kat and Eric’s? They kissed once in the beginning and once in the end and hated each other through every sentence in between. Like a middle school relationship. What a joke. 1 star is too high of a rating and I seriously cannot comprehend why this book is revered so highly. I will never trust good read reviews again 😂
To claim this book is humorous is a long stretch even with a couple “ha” moments in it. And to claim the book is a romance is quite literally false—what romance is this possibly alluding to? Kat and Eric’s? They kissed once in the beginning and once in the end and hated each other through every sentence in between. Like a middle school relationship. What a joke. 1 star is too high of a rating and I seriously cannot comprehend why this book is revered so highly. I will never trust good read reviews again 😂
December 19, 2023
Enjoyed this book but not as much as the house witch trilogy. I find both Kat and Eric to be extremely annoying and idiotic. You’d never believe these are grown ass privileged people with wholesome upbringings. More like selfish, spoiled brats with the temperaments of toddlers.
I get it, everyone sees how Eric has changed and is a huge let down. I just don’t think he’s story and arc is convincing enough in explaining his current behaviour. Especially considering he’s in his late 20s.
On the plus side, the ending of the book has me optimistic. It would have been nicer to see this change earlier on in the book. Here’s to hoping Kat develops some semblance of control soon! They’ve been hinting at how best to manage her magic build up for AGES. I just want to scream DO IT ALREADY! I really don’t get how it never occurred to her all knowing parents that she needs to fight/train to gain this discipline they all moan about? As annoying as I find Kat, I can’t even blame her. They raised her this way and then chastise her for how she turned out, SMH. Thank god she’s only 20. In my mind, she’s still a child and there’s hope for her yet.
Will be reading the next instalment!
I get it, everyone sees how Eric has changed and is a huge let down. I just don’t think he’s story and arc is convincing enough in explaining his current behaviour. Especially considering he’s in his late 20s.
On the plus side, the ending of the book has me optimistic. It would have been nicer to see this change earlier on in the book. Here’s to hoping Kat develops some semblance of control soon! They’ve been hinting at how best to manage her magic build up for AGES. I just want to scream DO IT ALREADY! I really don’t get how it never occurred to her all knowing parents that she needs to fight/train to gain this discipline they all moan about? As annoying as I find Kat, I can’t even blame her. They raised her this way and then chastise her for how she turned out, SMH. Thank god she’s only 20. In my mind, she’s still a child and there’s hope for her yet.
Will be reading the next instalment!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 24, 2025
☆3.78☆
Genre: Paranormal Fantasy with elements of Romance
Setting: Daxaria andTroivack
✅️ Witches and Mages
✅️ Royalty
✅️ Worldbuilding
✅️ QUIRKY FL
✅️ Reluctant Prince = Antihero
✅️ Multiple POV
✅️ Talking animals (Familiars)
✅️ Assassination attempts
** Trigger Warning: Addiction, Loss and Violence are themes that run parallel with the plot.
REVIEW
RTC
Genre: Paranormal Fantasy with elements of Romance
Setting: Daxaria andTroivack
✅️ Witches and Mages
✅️ Royalty
✅️ Worldbuilding
✅️ QUIRKY FL
✅️ Reluctant Prince = Antihero
✅️ Multiple POV
✅️ Talking animals (Familiars)
✅️ Assassination attempts
** Trigger Warning: Addiction, Loss and Violence are themes that run parallel with the plot.
REVIEW
RTC
April 27, 2024
Not quite as cozy as the first trilogy but I still really enjoyed this story! Despite the, sometimes, intense situations and topics, there’s just this unique sort of whimsy and adventure that makes it so good. And the characters are all great in my opinion.
May 6, 2025
Ahh so we have flawed characters now
February 25, 2025
I am sooo disappointed.
I absolutely adored Fin’s trilogy - it was funny, warm and silly in the best way (long live jokes about penises). So I obviously anticipated sequels about his daughter to be at least equally interesting but nope. It was tiring, and while I really wanted to like Kat, she was sometimes simply silly, not even reckless. I admit that magical ADHD is funny idea, though, and I enjoyed it (good justification for Kat doing stupid things also).
And one more thing. THE HELL HAPPENED TO ERIC. My sweet babyboy turned to edgy, sad, I’m-haunted-by-demons-of-my-past almost useless prince. I absolutely hate it and each time narrator described this dark, cold deep in his eyes, I was simply laughing. No, seriously, I wanted nice and cute story, and this was simply not it.
Give me back my babyboy and can we please revert to romcom instead of big politics and fucking Satan (yes) being interested in our protagonist? Pretty please?
I absolutely adored Fin’s trilogy - it was funny, warm and silly in the best way (long live jokes about penises). So I obviously anticipated sequels about his daughter to be at least equally interesting but nope. It was tiring, and while I really wanted to like Kat, she was sometimes simply silly, not even reckless. I admit that magical ADHD is funny idea, though, and I enjoyed it (good justification for Kat doing stupid things also).
And one more thing. THE HELL HAPPENED TO ERIC. My sweet babyboy turned to edgy, sad, I’m-haunted-by-demons-of-my-past almost useless prince. I absolutely hate it and each time narrator described this dark, cold deep in his eyes, I was simply laughing. No, seriously, I wanted nice and cute story, and this was simply not it.
Give me back my babyboy and can we please revert to romcom instead of big politics and fucking Satan (yes) being interested in our protagonist? Pretty please?
September 23, 2023
Entire series is unalloyed joy!
I have had a wonderful time, racing through these books as quickly as possible! Yes, they're fiction, and involve improbable people and things. For all that, they grabbed my attention immediately, shook it, and didn't let go 😀 The characters get into the stickiest situations, due to failings or personal challenges that are so relatable (on so many levels), you will roll your eyes in recognition, and cheer them on, hoping for the best. You'll also be hoping for their improvement and remembrance of lessons learned, mostly the hard way. 🫤 (humans are *really* funky critters) In any event, you'll have great fun along the way and some actual lol moments, with a few snorts thrown in.
I'm sad there isn't another book for me to devour immediately, and I can't wait for the next one -- please hurry and make it soon!
I have had a wonderful time, racing through these books as quickly as possible! Yes, they're fiction, and involve improbable people and things. For all that, they grabbed my attention immediately, shook it, and didn't let go 😀 The characters get into the stickiest situations, due to failings or personal challenges that are so relatable (on so many levels), you will roll your eyes in recognition, and cheer them on, hoping for the best. You'll also be hoping for their improvement and remembrance of lessons learned, mostly the hard way. 🫤 (humans are *really* funky critters) In any event, you'll have great fun along the way and some actual lol moments, with a few snorts thrown in.
I'm sad there isn't another book for me to devour immediately, and I can't wait for the next one -- please hurry and make it soon!
September 27, 2023
Can’t wait for the next one!
If you haven’t read the House Witch series or The Princess of Potential, you could read and enjoy this book, but I highly recommend reading those first. You’ll get so much more enjoyment if you do.
I love Kat, Alina, Eric, Brendan, and the rest of the characters and truly feel for all that they go through. There’s banter, action, intrigue, magic, and all kinds of things I love about fantasy books. And there’s a kitten - who doesn’t love reading about a kitten!
I flew through this book and really cannot wait until the next book comes out!
If you haven’t read the House Witch series or The Princess of Potential, you could read and enjoy this book, but I highly recommend reading those first. You’ll get so much more enjoyment if you do.
I love Kat, Alina, Eric, Brendan, and the rest of the characters and truly feel for all that they go through. There’s banter, action, intrigue, magic, and all kinds of things I love about fantasy books. And there’s a kitten - who doesn’t love reading about a kitten!
I flew through this book and really cannot wait until the next book comes out!
November 27, 2023
The books by this author always have me chuckling and the characters are so lovable!
I’m excited to follow Katarina Ashowan in this series and look forward to seeing where her story goes!
I’m excited to follow Katarina Ashowan in this series and look forward to seeing where her story goes!
June 5, 2024
A wild ride ahead…
This book starts at a break neck pace and yet 1/2 of the book is only over a two week period! This one is much darker and brutal than The House Witch trilogy but it matches the shift to the reality of Trovaick.
I absolutely burned through this book (pun intended I suppose) and although at times characters can be frustrating, I now trust Delemhach to surprise us with their complexities and propensity for growth—I couldn’t stomach Brendan Devark for at least 1/2 of Princess of Potential but then I softened until I too began to melt over him.
In these worlds seemingly everyone is redeemable and you are wary but apt to believe that lightness will prevail.
This book starts at a break neck pace and yet 1/2 of the book is only over a two week period! This one is much darker and brutal than The House Witch trilogy but it matches the shift to the reality of Trovaick.
I absolutely burned through this book (pun intended I suppose) and although at times characters can be frustrating, I now trust Delemhach to surprise us with their complexities and propensity for growth—I couldn’t stomach Brendan Devark for at least 1/2 of Princess of Potential but then I softened until I too began to melt over him.
In these worlds seemingly everyone is redeemable and you are wary but apt to believe that lightness will prevail.
September 28, 2024
Omg it's so good. I adore Kat! Shes definitely a new member of the All Time Favorite Characters Club. She's so cool and fierce and fun and loyal and she just rocks. The prince was a twat for most of it but I'll give him a chance to redeem himself. Got a bit wild at the end so I'm very curious to see how it all goes down. Psyched.
Also somewhat random but it's not a spoiler so I'm just going to leave this quote here because it's a banger.
"I've seen many women shatter themselves in order to use their own pieces to fix the damaged men they fall for"
Also somewhat random but it's not a spoiler so I'm just going to leave this quote here because it's a banger.
"I've seen many women shatter themselves in order to use their own pieces to fix the damaged men they fall for"
October 16, 2025
Don’t know if I feel as hard for the start of this series as the house witch. But don’t get me wrong, I am still so excited to be in this world. I love all the characters. I’m very excited to see how this new plot develops!
January 9, 2024
#1 Fan Of House Witch
Even pushed for it to be a movie, bought every form even though it’s on indie unlimited and before that royal road, serious kind of number one fan of the lead fan group for the series and everything here. And I tried so hard to give both the princess book and this a shot because I was so sure it’d be incredible even if different.
I have to say they would both are great young adults and preteen book series but they’re nothing like the house witch with it’s unusual but welcomed age range of characters- mind you I’m only 31 myself so I’m not some cranky older person or emotional kid making up things I truly was jn awe of the age range from babies to their 80s type characters of Hiuse Witch and the friendships between them and the growth they helped eachother achieve despite the pre_mediated assumptions of one another’s kind of person, age, gender, magic, non magic, child or adult type real life gaps that people sadly rarely bridge. I was in awe of how House Witch captured all of it, and made every character and every difference important like we should in the real world, but all while asking the faults real to the fantastical mixed with slice of life setting too. D managed to create a unique world but more for adults like marina or Harry Potter type real world meets fantasy but even more real, all while also bringing humir, found family, trauma, goofiness, princess bride meets growing up sarcasm and reality once of a lifetime type story. It was and still is a top 5 series of mine and I read at least 10 books a week since I was younger depending on audio pastime since having kiddos myself or working so in the car Continuing my story.
I still think the princess novella which was longer than this book ironically and this are great but they seem to be great in the atypical young adult earning to grow way.
THE HIUSE WITCH WAS UNIQUE BECAUSE OF THE. ARIETY, THE UNIQUE CHARACTERS, THE REAL ISSUES THt were slowly introduced after letting us fall for not just the main characters but all the side ones too. The losses felt real and emotional. The characters felt like nothing ever before and the drama was blessedly mixed with real life humor that one tries and finds during those times. The beginning saw the characters a but immature at almost 30 thinking they’re grown up but realizing hiding from any dreams or love isn’t grown up after all like many of us think, but after it’s all growth and even after they’re together it’s not all the romance it’s romance yes but humor slice of life cozy fantasy but without the glazed over parts so many cozy fantasy novels do that keep it almost too dimple. This was unique like Princess Bride, it had you laugh and cry and cheer and want to be better because of it and had you wanting to revisit again right away like a best friend you known you laugh at memories of now that may have beenexasparting or worrisome or silly or doozy before, in fact it’s the only book out of thousands I’ve reread in 4 years and I reread and re listened directly after..
Needless to say that’s why this comt8juation and the prequel aka the Princess one were so disappointing to me. I wanted to love them, but it’s like the author got main stream attention and listened to the advice of the people in charge of her new hugherydience nd lost themselves in trying to be what audiences wanted. That’s to say ever since House Witch all of us huge fans can’t help but admit it’s gone downhill And become normal ya fantasy garb. It doesn’t even seem on brand for an author that created such a unique concept as the house witch at a different age than most others being young or midlife and not between and with different story methods. It makes me sad to see a brilliant mind conform
Even pushed for it to be a movie, bought every form even though it’s on indie unlimited and before that royal road, serious kind of number one fan of the lead fan group for the series and everything here. And I tried so hard to give both the princess book and this a shot because I was so sure it’d be incredible even if different.
I have to say they would both are great young adults and preteen book series but they’re nothing like the house witch with it’s unusual but welcomed age range of characters- mind you I’m only 31 myself so I’m not some cranky older person or emotional kid making up things I truly was jn awe of the age range from babies to their 80s type characters of Hiuse Witch and the friendships between them and the growth they helped eachother achieve despite the pre_mediated assumptions of one another’s kind of person, age, gender, magic, non magic, child or adult type real life gaps that people sadly rarely bridge. I was in awe of how House Witch captured all of it, and made every character and every difference important like we should in the real world, but all while asking the faults real to the fantastical mixed with slice of life setting too. D managed to create a unique world but more for adults like marina or Harry Potter type real world meets fantasy but even more real, all while also bringing humir, found family, trauma, goofiness, princess bride meets growing up sarcasm and reality once of a lifetime type story. It was and still is a top 5 series of mine and I read at least 10 books a week since I was younger depending on audio pastime since having kiddos myself or working so in the car Continuing my story.
I still think the princess novella which was longer than this book ironically and this are great but they seem to be great in the atypical young adult earning to grow way.
THE HIUSE WITCH WAS UNIQUE BECAUSE OF THE. ARIETY, THE UNIQUE CHARACTERS, THE REAL ISSUES THt were slowly introduced after letting us fall for not just the main characters but all the side ones too. The losses felt real and emotional. The characters felt like nothing ever before and the drama was blessedly mixed with real life humor that one tries and finds during those times. The beginning saw the characters a but immature at almost 30 thinking they’re grown up but realizing hiding from any dreams or love isn’t grown up after all like many of us think, but after it’s all growth and even after they’re together it’s not all the romance it’s romance yes but humor slice of life cozy fantasy but without the glazed over parts so many cozy fantasy novels do that keep it almost too dimple. This was unique like Princess Bride, it had you laugh and cry and cheer and want to be better because of it and had you wanting to revisit again right away like a best friend you known you laugh at memories of now that may have beenexasparting or worrisome or silly or doozy before, in fact it’s the only book out of thousands I’ve reread in 4 years and I reread and re listened directly after..
Needless to say that’s why this comt8juation and the prequel aka the Princess one were so disappointing to me. I wanted to love them, but it’s like the author got main stream attention and listened to the advice of the people in charge of her new hugherydience nd lost themselves in trying to be what audiences wanted. That’s to say ever since House Witch all of us huge fans can’t help but admit it’s gone downhill And become normal ya fantasy garb. It doesn’t even seem on brand for an author that created such a unique concept as the house witch at a different age than most others being young or midlife and not between and with different story methods. It makes me sad to see a brilliant mind conform
April 8, 2024
3.5/5 stars (rounded up)
"Little did the people… know, it was Katarina Ashowan who should have been their true concern all along."
I am not sure if this should be advertised as a “humorous romantic fantasy” like The House Witch. This series deals with much darker themes: such as trauma, grief, and addiction. The characters aren’t as loveable as their parents, and even come off as annoying sometimes (although they are younger and still have a lot of growing up to do).
As for the romance, there was very little. I am not a fan of the couple that is being presented as the focus of this series, as they are extremely toxic. Even with more character development, I think this may be difficult to fix down the line.
I enjoyed this, but hope the rest of the series really focuses on further developing these characters and their relationships.
"Little did the people… know, it was Katarina Ashowan who should have been their true concern all along."
I am not sure if this should be advertised as a “humorous romantic fantasy” like The House Witch. This series deals with much darker themes: such as trauma, grief, and addiction. The characters aren’t as loveable as their parents, and even come off as annoying sometimes (although they are younger and still have a lot of growing up to do).
As for the romance, there was very little. I am not a fan of the couple that is being presented as the focus of this series, as they are extremely toxic. Even with more character development, I think this may be difficult to fix down the line.
I enjoyed this, but hope the rest of the series really focuses on further developing these characters and their relationships.
August 14, 2024
Lately I have been trying to avoid rating books I dnfed but not this one because 1) I dnfed it because of the poor writing and 2) this book has 4.5 rating on gr and it does not deserve it. I’m convinced that the author has established fanbase that is racking up positive reviews.
The writing is revolting and I mean that disrespectfully. It is also very weak.
“Rolling her ethereal golden eyes to the ceiling, Katarina cracked her neck impatiently, her long wavy hair rippling down her back as she did so”
“Her delicate brows were furrowed, her wavy dirty blond hair arranged beautifully, and her wedding dress already complete, Alina Reyes looked angelic..(cont.)
Every single dialogue line as accompanied by a tag.
It’s painful to read hence dnf at whooping 2%
The writing is revolting and I mean that disrespectfully. It is also very weak.
“Rolling her ethereal golden eyes to the ceiling, Katarina cracked her neck impatiently, her long wavy hair rippling down her back as she did so”
“Her delicate brows were furrowed, her wavy dirty blond hair arranged beautifully, and her wedding dress already complete, Alina Reyes looked angelic..(cont.)
Every single dialogue line as accompanied by a tag.
It’s painful to read hence dnf at whooping 2%
July 3, 2024
While reading: I think this needs more editing. The writing is a little off -- there are some weird word choices, oddly-constructed run-on sentences, and just plain wrong words:
recanted instead of recounted
faired instead of fared
After finishing this book: how dare it have a subtitle claiming "humorous romantic fantasy!!!" The story isn't funny! I was reading with a frown the whole time because Eric is a pathetic, awful, waste of main character space! I hate him and most of the other significant male characters! Also, I hate that so many male characters don't listen to Katarina unless another guy backs her up. Stupid terrible writing.
recanted instead of recounted
faired instead of fared
After finishing this book: how dare it have a subtitle claiming "humorous romantic fantasy!!!" The story isn't funny! I was reading with a frown the whole time because Eric is a pathetic, awful, waste of main character space! I hate him and most of the other significant male characters! Also, I hate that so many male characters don't listen to Katarina unless another guy backs her up. Stupid terrible writing.
January 2, 2024
I really enjoyed the house witch series, uplifting and funny. Like those, this book took awhile to get going. At about 1/4 of the way through I went from reminding myself I needed to finish it, to reaching for it wanting to know what trouble she was going to get into next. Katarina is a strong independent woman who speaks her mind, with a healthy doses of sarcasm and snark to keep it fun. Wholesome book, and the adventures plot really kicks in at the end. I’m glad I kept going, and looking forward to the next in the series!
January 29, 2024
Another fun read in the world of the House Witch.
I'm not as enamored by the second generation of the Ashowans as I was with the House Witch... but I'm starting to warm up to them all the same. This book is very much a "book 1" of a romantic trilogy. Lots of bickering and soul searching and much less chores than the original trilogy.
This is more road trip romance than cozy fantasy (though there are assassins and ancient evils waiting in the wings).
Regardless, I'm really looking forward to tucking into book 2. These are just so much fun.
I'm not as enamored by the second generation of the Ashowans as I was with the House Witch... but I'm starting to warm up to them all the same. This book is very much a "book 1" of a romantic trilogy. Lots of bickering and soul searching and much less chores than the original trilogy.
This is more road trip romance than cozy fantasy (though there are assassins and ancient evils waiting in the wings).
Regardless, I'm really looking forward to tucking into book 2. These are just so much fun.
December 6, 2023
Not as Good as the First Series
I really enjoyed the House Witch series, so I was excited to see the sequels. While there are some good characters, the protagonist Kat, isn't one of them. I think she's meant to be seen as rebellious and independent, but she just comes off as an immature brat. There are also a lot of mistakes in words and grammar. The only reason I'd consider reading the next book is if her brother Tam is in it.
I really enjoyed the House Witch series, so I was excited to see the sequels. While there are some good characters, the protagonist Kat, isn't one of them. I think she's meant to be seen as rebellious and independent, but she just comes off as an immature brat. There are also a lot of mistakes in words and grammar. The only reason I'd consider reading the next book is if her brother Tam is in it.
January 8, 2024
I got this book for Christmas and I really really want to enjoy it but I just can’t. I don’t like the characters nor do I like the cliche and tropes already present. It’s a DNF. Also it seems to be part of a world I haven’t read before
August 24, 2024
Dnf at 12%. I wasn't enjoying the style of the writing, which seemed to jump around a lot. The main character was annoying. It really seems like you have to read the previous series to enjoy this one, which is never a good sign. I'm stumped as to why this is so highly rated.
February 17, 2025
I am only 7% in and I just can't. The House Witch series was wonderful - funny, magical, creative. I enjoyed Princess of Potential. It was entertaining and warm. This book is just annoying and the characters unlikable.
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