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Witches, Boys, and Other Monsters
[Features a relatable transgender character]
Beware of Old Witch Scraggsies!
A pact with the darkness left her twisted and deformed. Strange noises and flashes of light have been coming out of her basement at night, and her pet monster stalks children from the shadows.
Lies. All lies.
Eliza Scaggs (not Scraggsies, thank you very much) is tired of all the rumors about her. Sure, she’s looking a bit haggard as of late, but she’s been working herself to the bone on a secret government project to prove that she, the only woman in the wizard’s guild, belongs there. So, maybe she’s got some gray in her hair, but she’s not old, not old-old— and the only thing she’s made a pact with is her purveyor of rot brew tea.
Okay, the pet monster thing is true, but Throat Ripper hasn’t caught anyone, not yet.
She’s even taken on a new apprentice.
Mentoring a teen, that’s not something a twisted hell spawn would do, right?
Still, there is something off about the boy, Oliver. He’s a good kid, but he’s quiet, too quiet, and she’s worried that when he asks if she can “fix” people, he means himself...
Witches, Boys, and Other Monsters is
A witch who’s not really a witch.
A boy who’s not really a boy.
All the “monsters” who are regular people.
All the regular people who are monsters...
That, and a bunch of fireballs.
Beware of Old Witch Scraggsies!
A pact with the darkness left her twisted and deformed. Strange noises and flashes of light have been coming out of her basement at night, and her pet monster stalks children from the shadows.
Lies. All lies.
Eliza Scaggs (not Scraggsies, thank you very much) is tired of all the rumors about her. Sure, she’s looking a bit haggard as of late, but she’s been working herself to the bone on a secret government project to prove that she, the only woman in the wizard’s guild, belongs there. So, maybe she’s got some gray in her hair, but she’s not old, not old-old— and the only thing she’s made a pact with is her purveyor of rot brew tea.
Okay, the pet monster thing is true, but Throat Ripper hasn’t caught anyone, not yet.
She’s even taken on a new apprentice.
Mentoring a teen, that’s not something a twisted hell spawn would do, right?
Still, there is something off about the boy, Oliver. He’s a good kid, but he’s quiet, too quiet, and she’s worried that when he asks if she can “fix” people, he means himself...
Witches, Boys, and Other Monsters is
A witch who’s not really a witch.
A boy who’s not really a boy.
All the “monsters” who are regular people.
All the regular people who are monsters...
That, and a bunch of fireballs.
456 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 21, 2025
22 people are currently reading
24 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
May 19, 2025
Excellent Read: A Real Page Turner
Oliver has a spark. A small one, but perhaps enough for him to become a wizard, if he can get the proper training. The trouble is, he’s been to every wizard in the area asking for any type of job that could lead to an apprenticeship if just given the chance. His last stop, or his last hope actually, is the wizardess Ms. Scaggs. Willing to just work for food she reluctantly gives him a job with zero promises as to what he will be able to learn if anything.
Oliver’s family life is so horrific that scrubbing soot off the walls for Ms. Scaggs is a welcome respite. The very best part of the job is taking a break to read from the extensive library filled with books any wizard would want to get his hands on.
Oliver harbors secrets he desperately wants to keep hidden from not only Ms. Scaggs and his hateful stepfather, but literally from everyone. Little does he know that going to an estate sale at the behest of Ms Scaggs will alter his life forever in a strange, roundabout way, and not just because he met and befriended a prince of the Kingdom.
Wizards, beasts and a monster of a creature clashes with Ms. Scaggs as she must use her witchy talent and intellect to at least attempt to stay one step ahead of them all.
“Witches, Boys, and Other Monsters” would make an incredible series on a streaming service. Perhaps one day it will.
Highly recommend to anyone who loves fantasy, witches, lots of twists and turns and not being able to predict what will happen next!
Oliver has a spark. A small one, but perhaps enough for him to become a wizard, if he can get the proper training. The trouble is, he’s been to every wizard in the area asking for any type of job that could lead to an apprenticeship if just given the chance. His last stop, or his last hope actually, is the wizardess Ms. Scaggs. Willing to just work for food she reluctantly gives him a job with zero promises as to what he will be able to learn if anything.
Oliver’s family life is so horrific that scrubbing soot off the walls for Ms. Scaggs is a welcome respite. The very best part of the job is taking a break to read from the extensive library filled with books any wizard would want to get his hands on.
Oliver harbors secrets he desperately wants to keep hidden from not only Ms. Scaggs and his hateful stepfather, but literally from everyone. Little does he know that going to an estate sale at the behest of Ms Scaggs will alter his life forever in a strange, roundabout way, and not just because he met and befriended a prince of the Kingdom.
Wizards, beasts and a monster of a creature clashes with Ms. Scaggs as she must use her witchy talent and intellect to at least attempt to stay one step ahead of them all.
“Witches, Boys, and Other Monsters” would make an incredible series on a streaming service. Perhaps one day it will.
Highly recommend to anyone who loves fantasy, witches, lots of twists and turns and not being able to predict what will happen next!
May 21, 2025
Witches, Boys, and Other Monsters is a finely crafted book, with a somewhat unique writing style. The characters themselves are lovely. They are all complex, flawed, and trying their best to do the things they believe they should be doing.
Underneath an interesting story about magic, trust, and prejudice are themes on the importance of accepting other people (and yourself) for who they are, as well as the capacity people sometimes have to hate and lash out at things that they don't understand or can't control. The story is definitely more on the serious side, but sometimes in an almost slice of life way, and on more than one occasion I found myself laughing at observations made by the characters.
I've decided that my 4.5 rating should be rounded up rather than down as I enjoyed this enough to get a physical copy for my shelf. I think it deserves a great deal more recognition, because it's really quite good.
Underneath an interesting story about magic, trust, and prejudice are themes on the importance of accepting other people (and yourself) for who they are, as well as the capacity people sometimes have to hate and lash out at things that they don't understand or can't control. The story is definitely more on the serious side, but sometimes in an almost slice of life way, and on more than one occasion I found myself laughing at observations made by the characters.
I've decided that my 4.5 rating should be rounded up rather than down as I enjoyed this enough to get a physical copy for my shelf. I think it deserves a great deal more recognition, because it's really quite good.
August 31, 2025
Excellent!
I truly enjoyed reading this tale of personal growth, yes it involves magic transformations both into another gender and animals. But it is a tale of how, if you want, you can make a difference.
I know Gail Blue from some of their other works and I have to say I was not disappointed, there was action, suspense and a bit of romance thrown in for good measure. At times I was frustrated by the characters and their actions, but as with all good fiction, that is as it should be.
I truly enjoyed reading this tale of personal growth, yes it involves magic transformations both into another gender and animals. But it is a tale of how, if you want, you can make a difference.
I know Gail Blue from some of their other works and I have to say I was not disappointed, there was action, suspense and a bit of romance thrown in for good measure. At times I was frustrated by the characters and their actions, but as with all good fiction, that is as it should be.
November 29, 2025
My reviews are my own. If you liked this book, I’m glad you enjoyed it. If not, I respect your opinion. This is merely my opinion, so let's keep it courteous. My review is honest and voluntary.
Topics are interesting but poorly handled. Topics like sexuality and abuse need to be treated respectfully, and I don't feel that was the case with this book. It was pretty "crude" for a YA book.
On to my next adventure, Happy Readings!!!
Topics are interesting but poorly handled. Topics like sexuality and abuse need to be treated respectfully, and I don't feel that was the case with this book. It was pretty "crude" for a YA book.
On to my next adventure, Happy Readings!!!
May 19, 2025
I hadn't read anything by this author before but I will definitely be reading more by them. This was such an enjoyable novel. The author's writing was brilliant and I loved the characters. Also the pacing was just right. I highly recommend it.
💙 Thank you to Various Readers Only, the author and publisher for my arc ebook copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
💙 Thank you to Various Readers Only, the author and publisher for my arc ebook copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
September 3, 2025
LOOOVEEED this book!! I've never before read anything w/ a split perspective btwn a young transperson and her maternal figure, and it's *great*! The characters are both easily relatable, tho mostly for dif reasons, and tbh my only critique is that the ending seemed to wrap everything a lil too quickly ♡
June 2, 2025
Take one part Owl House, one part Lynn Flewelling’s Luck in the Shadows and a sprinkle of T. Kingfisher’s “Paladin” series. I really enjoyed this one though be warned, this is a series and some things are not resolved.
July 5, 2025
A darkly funny tale
I did not expect to fall in love with a snarky, tea loving not witch and her misunderstood monster, but here we are. This book is sharp, weird, and unexpectedly touching. A perfect blend of fireballs, found family, and emotional depth.
I did not expect to fall in love with a snarky, tea loving not witch and her misunderstood monster, but here we are. This book is sharp, weird, and unexpectedly touching. A perfect blend of fireballs, found family, and emotional depth.
August 18, 2025
(I was given a review copy of this book through voracious readers)
I really enjoyed the story, especially because of Oliver/Liv and how the magic was used to help and destroy things. I would definitely recommend reading this book, as it is super interesting and different to other stories.
I really enjoyed the story, especially because of Oliver/Liv and how the magic was used to help and destroy things. I would definitely recommend reading this book, as it is super interesting and different to other stories.
May 24, 2025
While a generous free copy, I will definitely be buying more from this author. Quirky but relatable characters and a immersive storyline. Well worth a read!
July 17, 2025
Delightful trans and lesbian representation.
July 24, 2025
I was given a copy of this book by Author for a honest review. I was not sure what to expect from this book. But I found it to be enjoyable.
September 25, 2025
I dunno, I just loved this book.
October 11, 2025
This was fun! Oliver and Scaggs’ relationship is so bittersweet and the magic was cool!
December 29, 2025
outstanding
Simply outstanding, especially Throut Ripper.
And I too share that desire. And I too have shared
My stories.
Thank you
Simply outstanding, especially Throut Ripper.
And I too share that desire. And I too have shared
My stories.
Thank you
July 17, 2025
Excellent book, full of good ideas and interesting characters
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews