The Legacy of the Witch Hunter: An Urban Fantasy Adventure

by Matthias J. Diaz, Simon Harrak (Editor)

Berlin student Robert seems to have a fortune fall into his lap when his long-lost uncle Alois passes away, bequeathing him a luxurious villa in the German capital. The only Robert has to spend the night before Halloween alone in his new mansion – and not open the door for anyone until sunrise.

Soon he comes to understand why.

Dark forces lurk, and the allure of quick riches draws Robert into facing his hidden family history, as well as questioning the line between magic and reality. Discovering he is the last descendant of a blessed bloodline of witch hunters spanning ten generations, he has to join a crackpot team of unlikely allies to save not only himself, but all of Europe from destruction at the hands of his family's arch the Grand Witch of the East. "The Legacy of the Witch Hunter" is an enthralling urban fantasy adventure featuring a quirky cast of characters, supernatural encounters, pulse-pounding action sequences, and a captivating family history spanning generations, interweaving occult elements with real historical events.

465 pages, Hardcover

Published October 4, 2023

About the author

Matthias J. Diaz was born and raised in Germany. He studied in Maastricht, Budapest and Amsterdam and moved to Berlin in 2012, the same year he picked up writing as a hobby. Since then he has written and self-published multiple fantasy and science fiction novels and translated English books into German. Since 2019, he works full-time as an author and translator.

His newest work, 'The Legacy of the Witch Hunter' will be out in October 2023. It's an urban fantasy adventure set in Berlin.

Reviews

[Kelsey (keliterate)]

Man, what a ride this book was. I feel like a part of me got transported back into the early legs of high school—i.e. the percy jackson era.

a part of me wishes this book were more mainstream, because I really enjoyed the premise and want to talk to about with other people!! I’m a big fan of witch lore (anyone else a big scarlet witch fan here LOL) & sorcery (magic in general), so getting to have an extensive world & history surrounding it was so fascinating. This book was action packed from beginning to end—so descriptive, actually, that I closed it at the 20th or so page because I got so spooked (I was reading it at night). That said, once I started reading it in daylight, I was just really hooked. This very much features a chosen one/underdog trope, which is one of my favorite tropes within fantasy.

I feel like I would’ve really enjoyed this in high school, but getting to read it as an adult is even more exciting, too. It’s been so long since I’ve actually read a fantasy book, and this was the perfect one to kick off what’ll hopefully be a more balanced TBR. Actually so good—if you ever manage to get yourself a copy, I highly recommend it.

[Ralph Smith]

I received an eARC from Booksirens.com and am providing an unbiased review.

Looking at the cover, and even after reading the story synopsis, I imagined this to be more situated in an older timeline - something like 1800's or something. However, this is much closer to modern times, which is why it is labeled an urban fantasy. I was fine with that, with either situation, as the plot just called out to me to be read. I'm adding in some speculation and comments that will surely be spoilers, so read at your own risk.

The story started out fairly okay. We have a bit of background on our MC (lives in Berlin), fancies get-rich-quick schemes, struggles with school, has no social life (basically). The typical loner hero-to-be story character. An eccentric uncle has left his estate to him, on the requirement he stay inside it Halloween all night. There he discovers his uncle carried the title of Witch Hunter. Story moves along and he meets his first witch (that first night) and then three other hunters. Story is moving along at an okay pace.

Then it stumbles. Cutting the tip of a finger off... immediately following the commands of someone you don't know, in your own new house. Just too much starting to make out MC sound like he obviously cannot do something without being told to do it. Much of the rest of the book is that way. There is much self-doubt going on, and finding out facts about these new hunter "friends". Let's not forget this Grand Witch of the East, that his uncle has hunted for years is coming to Berlin to bring about the end of the world by bringing a demon to it. Sigh.

It took me a couple days longer to get through the book. Each time I picked it up and read some, I would just mentally shake my head and put it down for awhile. Overall, I love the synopsis of the story. I like how an 'unknown world' is eye-opening to the MC, and finding out he has a special power, well, kind of cool. There is a bit of romance starting between MC and one of the hunters (who happens to be a witch, which witch hunters live to hate/kill - see what I did there.... witch which witch). Overall I thought it really slowed down and became a word-count game to the author after about halfway. By the end of the story, I wondered if the Witch was ever going to be stopped, because it ddddrrrraaaggggssss. If somewhat felt like the author was trying to leave a possibility of future sequels...? But I don't see where that would really go, as the power he has is gone (allegedly) and evidently he is falling for a witch. Yeah. Pretty okay book, prolly a bit more young adult genre.

[Pamela Sewell]

Book Sirens eARC. Robert only met his uncle Alois as a child but he has fond memories of him and his stories. He is surprised to be contacted by a lawyer who informs him that Alois has bequeathed him his villa and goods with the stipulation that he spend All Hallows Eve alone in the villa. Upon arrival he discovers that Alois was a witchhunter and he is descended from a long line of witchhunters and Alois wishes him to take up the mantle. It was interesting to read a narrative from the prespective of a witch hunter rather than the witch. Make no mistake these are not common hedge witches but powerful evil villains. Robert's character strengthens and evolves as the story unfolds and the developing relationship between Robert and Alois's fellow hunters was engaging. A quirky unusual urban fantasy novel set in modern day Berlin.

[an.readss]

4.75 ⭐️

I grew up watching Eric Kripke’s TV series, Supernatural, and I immediately fell in love with the Winchesters! I’m sure you can imagine my delight when I picked up this book! The worldbuilding, the camaraderie among hunters, the research, the action, and yes, even the gore, reminded me all too well of my favorite show.

Robert Terwin inherits a villa with a chilling condition: spending Halloween night alone inside and not letting anybody in. As he discovers his family's legacy of witch hunters, a storm is brewing on the horizon. Kaliyaga, the Grand Witch of the East, is leading her brood of witches in an attempt to perform The Last Ritual. If unstopped, Kaliyaga would achieve her ultimate power and wreak havoc upon the world. Now Robert faces sinister forces that would test his courage and sanity: a suspenseful tale of ancestral secrets and supernatural threats.

I found it fascinating to read the history of witches and their levels of power, the ranking of the witch hunters, and the lineage of the Burmantels. Each detail of the book shows how the author had poured their heart and soul into creating an exceptionally rich world. What I liked best was its unabashed embrace of gore and brutality in the portrayal of witches. There were scenes that will make your stomach churn yet compel you not to look away.

Robert initially comes off as naive and stubborn which is typical of main characters at the beginning of their journey. His cluelessness managed to be hilarious, adding to his charm and authenticity as a character. However, I found the spark of romance in the book unnecessary, as the story was compelling enough on its own without this subplot. But these are just my personal thoughts, and they won't change your experience with the book at all! 😁

All in all, The Legacy of the Witch Hunter never runs out of action and would keep you on the edge of your seats with plot twists. I hope this book finds its way into more hands as it truly deserves far more recognition than it currently receives.

[ABrahosky]

This should be made into a movie! I absolutely loved the characters and plot gyrations.

A very dynamic inheritance-with-a-catch tale that involves mystic secrets from the past was really accentuated with the uniqeness of the quirky characters and their peccadilloes.

I had a great time getting immersed in this epic journey to save the world.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Mark]

One absolutely fabulous book! This is the most exciting book I have read in some time. I love the suspense, the characters are wild to say the least and the witches in this book are portrayed like when I was a kid, scary, ugly and up to no good! I would love, love, love to hear more from this author, as this was a fantastic experience and I would like more please! DO NOT miss out on this book. It is totally worth your time.

[Susan]

This is a wonderful read, got me from the very beginning. Wonderful scene setting and the author does my favorite thing....gives descriptions...not too much just enough to picture the setting. I like the main character too, a bit naive but sometimes quite funny. Enjoyed the read, you will too.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Nick]

This book was interesting and kept me engaged right up to the end! Great as a standalone book but also open for more in a series. Highly recommend.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Annemarie]

A Holy Blessing passed on to the first born child for ten generations. Their objective? Destroy the most powerful witch in centuries before she can bring about the destruction of the World.

This has been well written. I love the blend of modern day and historical events. There is no room for complacency. As soon as I thought I had something, or someone worked out, along came a twist to prove me wrong.

Some sections were so descriptive, I could picture myself actually there. The characters were believable and I really enjoyed Robert developing a backbone.

I received a free copy of The Legacy of the Witch Hunter through BookSirens and have chosen to leave a review.