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The Witch and the Woodcutter
This is not a story of magic. This is a story of persecution...
The Far Isles are in a witch-hunting frenzy. Neighbour turns against neighbour, women are hanged from trees, and girls are thrown to the pyre. At the head of this fever is the Inquisitorum: the branch of the Church dedicated to the ways of hunting witches, their subsequent torture, and execution.
Beorn is the woodcutter for the small town of Brexton. He lives a solitary life in the woods that provide him his livelihood, far from civilisation and inquisitive eyes. He takes no part in the witch-hunting frenzy that grips the kingdom, but nor does he lift a hand in defence of those condemned to die. He lives by a simple rule:
I don't get involved.
That is until a young witch is dragged into the town square to be burnt at the stake. The sight of her breathes life into old ghosts Beorn had long thought buried. Against his better judgement, he breaks his one rule. What follows is an adventure across a kingdom. Beorn will be faced with many challenges: thorn-helmed knights, black-robed Inquisitors, a head-strong young witch, and even his own world view.
The Far Isles are in a witch-hunting frenzy. Neighbour turns against neighbour, women are hanged from trees, and girls are thrown to the pyre. At the head of this fever is the Inquisitorum: the branch of the Church dedicated to the ways of hunting witches, their subsequent torture, and execution.
Beorn is the woodcutter for the small town of Brexton. He lives a solitary life in the woods that provide him his livelihood, far from civilisation and inquisitive eyes. He takes no part in the witch-hunting frenzy that grips the kingdom, but nor does he lift a hand in defence of those condemned to die. He lives by a simple rule:
I don't get involved.
That is until a young witch is dragged into the town square to be burnt at the stake. The sight of her breathes life into old ghosts Beorn had long thought buried. Against his better judgement, he breaks his one rule. What follows is an adventure across a kingdom. Beorn will be faced with many challenges: thorn-helmed knights, black-robed Inquisitors, a head-strong young witch, and even his own world view.
308 pages, Paperback
Published May 21, 2025
61 people are currently reading
1598 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
August 18, 2025
A cracking opening act in literary fiction with a professionally researched, empathic gendered understanding of the evergreen struggle of not only women, but all living under systemic patriarchal oppression. The Witch and the Woodcutter sits exactly where it should as a debut - concisely intentional, explicitly transparent, and as any story with this much hurt and suffering, fuelled by rage.
"Your guilt doesn't absolve you."
Notifications remain on for L. S. Walker's next work.
"Your guilt doesn't absolve you."
Notifications remain on for L. S. Walker's next work.
July 12, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
📖 - paperback
As I was reading this I kept forgetting my LITERAL friend wrote this. This was incredible from start to finish, the characters, the dialogue, the world and most importantly the message were all expertly constructed. I am someone who reads fiction to escape so to be completely honest, I was worried that this would be too dark and disheartening - but despite its immense and very real horrors I still found hope in this world - as I am prone to do. An incredible book of feminine rage written by the only man alive I think capable of doing it justice. So proud and cannot wait for Walker’s next work ;)
May 28, 2025
"I am the product o' generations o' women who drowned on their own blood from biting their tongues. I am the product of their sacrifices. I am their rage incarnate. I am their vengeance."
What an emotional rollercoaster. At times, my heart was in my mouth. HUGE thank you to the author, not just as a woman, but as a practitioner of witchcraft for representing the awful world in which women lived and continue to live in. I have an enormous amount of respect for him after reading his preface and acknowledgements. You can feel his true feelings through the words.
A true passion for fantasy is evident, and so well done. I love that it has a map, that it wasn't a romatasy for once, and the gore/horror aspects. I get sprinkles of The Witcher or The Last of Us vibes. This author would give any fantasy author a run for their money. It is also well researched in terms of the witch trials, herbal remedies, etc.
What an emotional rollercoaster. At times, my heart was in my mouth. HUGE thank you to the author, not just as a woman, but as a practitioner of witchcraft for representing the awful world in which women lived and continue to live in. I have an enormous amount of respect for him after reading his preface and acknowledgements. You can feel his true feelings through the words.
A true passion for fantasy is evident, and so well done. I love that it has a map, that it wasn't a romatasy for once, and the gore/horror aspects. I get sprinkles of The Witcher or The Last of Us vibes. This author would give any fantasy author a run for their money. It is also well researched in terms of the witch trials, herbal remedies, etc.
August 14, 2025
Sigh. I’m sad I didn’t like this book. BUT, just because I don’t like it, doesn’t mean that you won’t! I fear this book just wasn’t for me.
I loved the message, I had a soft spot for both main characters, and the premise was interesting. I loved finally reading a book that made me think, vs the romantic trash I usually read.
The problem I had with this book is the fact that there is mostly telling, and VERY little showing.
We started off strong, with the bakers wife being hit in the street and Beorn just walking by, not caring at all. It def set the tone for the book. I also loved, LOVED, loved the story with the rovers. Showing not only the persecution they faced, but the sacrifices the women made and why. The sacrifices a mother has to make. That whole scene was incredibly moving and I wish there had been more. It even had me a little choked up.
But then, we are mostly beaten over the head with atrocities against women. And a pattern begins to emerge of Beorn asking a leading question or a making a blunt statement after one of these tragic events transpires, and then feral 15 year old girl makes a very long and poignant speech about how women are treated.
Before the 60% mark, they encounter a bunch of crimes against women including, but not limited to:
- 2 robbers on a bridge who want to rape Morrigan for the “toll”
- A woman who is about to be hanged on a back road by two drunk guards
- ANOTHER witch hanging in another town where 3 innocent people are accused of witchcraft
- countless corpses hanging in trees (mostly women)
- A long history lesson from the supposedly illiterate feral 15 year old about a woman in history who was raped and killed
- An extended encounter with a priest and 6 nuns who were all being sent to a “workhouse” to reform women of sin
- Multiple long explanations from the priest how women are lowly and the source of sin and temptation
- The characters come across a brutal crucifixion of a man still clinging to life, who is of a different religion from the one faith (at least it was a man, but it was still graphic and the characters discussed it at length)
- A brief stop at a barn where two skeletons are found, one of which is holding a diary detailing her brutal beatings and eventual murder by her husband
- The characters come across ANOTHER witch trial, where an innocent woman has been accused of witchcraft. (This is the THIRD wrongly accused witch encounter at 60% through the book)
- There were more crimes against women, but I can’t recall all of them
This was the point I stopped reading, because I was 60% in and I just couldn’t be battered over the head about more dialogue between Morrigan and Beorn about the plight of women.
Again, this was a good story. It made me think, and its message is impactful. But I think this would have been an incredible story with some subtlety.
Maybe instead of having SO many crimes against women, it could have focused on a couple. And not everything had to be discussed by the characters in detail, because it became repetitive. A lot can be said by saying nothing at all. I would have liked to have seen more of a relationship building between our two characters. I REALLY would have liked to see more growth from Morrigan, but there was none that I saw at the 60% mark. I also think it would have been more impactful to have her act her age, and show real fear. She had a lot of trauma to unpack, but her character was the same on page one as it was by the time I stopped reading. But hey, I love a fierce redhead that hates men too lol.
Idk I don’t want to talk anyone out of reading this book. Because it is a cool book. And I think the prose is great and the premise is awesome. It just wasn’t my cup of tea. I’m very interested to read whatever else the author rights in the future!
I loved the message, I had a soft spot for both main characters, and the premise was interesting. I loved finally reading a book that made me think, vs the romantic trash I usually read.
The problem I had with this book is the fact that there is mostly telling, and VERY little showing.
We started off strong, with the bakers wife being hit in the street and Beorn just walking by, not caring at all. It def set the tone for the book. I also loved, LOVED, loved the story with the rovers. Showing not only the persecution they faced, but the sacrifices the women made and why. The sacrifices a mother has to make. That whole scene was incredibly moving and I wish there had been more. It even had me a little choked up.
But then, we are mostly beaten over the head with atrocities against women. And a pattern begins to emerge of Beorn asking a leading question or a making a blunt statement after one of these tragic events transpires, and then feral 15 year old girl makes a very long and poignant speech about how women are treated.
Before the 60% mark, they encounter a bunch of crimes against women including, but not limited to:
- 2 robbers on a bridge who want to rape Morrigan for the “toll”
- A woman who is about to be hanged on a back road by two drunk guards
- ANOTHER witch hanging in another town where 3 innocent people are accused of witchcraft
- countless corpses hanging in trees (mostly women)
- A long history lesson from the supposedly illiterate feral 15 year old about a woman in history who was raped and killed
- An extended encounter with a priest and 6 nuns who were all being sent to a “workhouse” to reform women of sin
- Multiple long explanations from the priest how women are lowly and the source of sin and temptation
- The characters come across a brutal crucifixion of a man still clinging to life, who is of a different religion from the one faith (at least it was a man, but it was still graphic and the characters discussed it at length)
- A brief stop at a barn where two skeletons are found, one of which is holding a diary detailing her brutal beatings and eventual murder by her husband
- The characters come across ANOTHER witch trial, where an innocent woman has been accused of witchcraft. (This is the THIRD wrongly accused witch encounter at 60% through the book)
- There were more crimes against women, but I can’t recall all of them
This was the point I stopped reading, because I was 60% in and I just couldn’t be battered over the head about more dialogue between Morrigan and Beorn about the plight of women.
Again, this was a good story. It made me think, and its message is impactful. But I think this would have been an incredible story with some subtlety.
Maybe instead of having SO many crimes against women, it could have focused on a couple. And not everything had to be discussed by the characters in detail, because it became repetitive. A lot can be said by saying nothing at all. I would have liked to have seen more of a relationship building between our two characters. I REALLY would have liked to see more growth from Morrigan, but there was none that I saw at the 60% mark. I also think it would have been more impactful to have her act her age, and show real fear. She had a lot of trauma to unpack, but her character was the same on page one as it was by the time I stopped reading. But hey, I love a fierce redhead that hates men too lol.
Idk I don’t want to talk anyone out of reading this book. Because it is a cool book. And I think the prose is great and the premise is awesome. It just wasn’t my cup of tea. I’m very interested to read whatever else the author rights in the future!
July 25, 2025
A feminist literature must-read. Just finished reading this book and feel like I will be spending the next 24 hours staring at the wall. So much emotion and so much dark, yet important commentary. The characters in this book are so unique- lots of morally grey characters and situations where you are made to look through each characters eyes and question your own morals and biases. Cried, chuckled, and nodded in agreement with some fantastic lines. Certainly not the kind of book that you feel light after reading, but the kind that will stick in your head while you think it over. Also, fantastically written.
October 19, 2025
4.5 ⭐️| phew~ this book just blew my mind. Very graphic & gory. Loved the plot, the characters felt so raw too. Bittersweet ending, very realistic 😣
“He who sees evil and does naught is just as complicit as those who stain their hands with the act.”
“He who sees evil and does naught is just as complicit as those who stain their hands with the act.”
July 13, 2025
An amazing and harrowing read. Moments of blissful respite show amazing character writing and world building between true abject horror. Harsh realities collide with the medieval fantasy world in a way that is unlike anything else I've read in a very long time.
The preface cemented my trust in the author to tell a story like this one, and the afterward was a perfect reminder that the horrors are not left behind when we leave The Far Isles.
The preface cemented my trust in the author to tell a story like this one, and the afterward was a perfect reminder that the horrors are not left behind when we leave The Far Isles.
October 17, 2025
Characters: 4.25⭐️
Setting: 4.00⭐️
Plot: 4.50⭐️
Themes: 4.50⭐️
Personal enjoyment: 4.50⭐️
Emotional Impact: 4.25⭐️
Overall rating: 4.50⭐️
The Witch and the Woodcutter is a grimdark fantasy novel in a world where there is religious extremism and witch-hunting is a normal thing. Beorn is the lord's woodcutter for a small town when he goes into town he is about to bare witness to a public burning of a young girl who was condemned as a witch by the Church's Inquisitorium. Something stirs without Beorn and without hesitation he jumps in to rescue the young girl, and agrees to bring her home Northwards.
I really enjoyed this book. There were great themes of religious extremism, women's rights and how women were and are still treated to this day. The tale of Beorn and Morrigan felt familiar but unique all in its own. I enjoyed travelling along with them on their journey and meeting a diverse cast of characters.
L.S. Walker's writing is fluid and engaging. I really enjoyed this story and it left me wanting more!
Would I recommend this book? Yes!
Thank you to L.S. Walker for sending me a finished copy of this book.
Setting: 4.00⭐️
Plot: 4.50⭐️
Themes: 4.50⭐️
Personal enjoyment: 4.50⭐️
Emotional Impact: 4.25⭐️
Overall rating: 4.50⭐️
The Witch and the Woodcutter is a grimdark fantasy novel in a world where there is religious extremism and witch-hunting is a normal thing. Beorn is the lord's woodcutter for a small town when he goes into town he is about to bare witness to a public burning of a young girl who was condemned as a witch by the Church's Inquisitorium. Something stirs without Beorn and without hesitation he jumps in to rescue the young girl, and agrees to bring her home Northwards.
I really enjoyed this book. There were great themes of religious extremism, women's rights and how women were and are still treated to this day. The tale of Beorn and Morrigan felt familiar but unique all in its own. I enjoyed travelling along with them on their journey and meeting a diverse cast of characters.
L.S. Walker's writing is fluid and engaging. I really enjoyed this story and it left me wanting more!
Would I recommend this book? Yes!
Thank you to L.S. Walker for sending me a finished copy of this book.
December 2, 2025
It was well written, and the action scenes were incredible. I finished the book feeling genuinely exhausted, like I’d been on that long-ass journey with them. I’m not a fan of tropes, but I have such a soft spot for the dynamic of a faithless older man slowly growing to love the stubborn (and pissy) young girl he’s forced to travel with as if she were his own daughter. The character development is always predictable, but I love it every single time.
I had many favorite parts of this book, especially the Preface and the Afterword (which is a first for me lol). I don’t think the story would have hit nearly as hard without them emphasizing that every extreme instance of brutality against women in the book is rooted in real events, both historical and present day. It is what the entire book is about: the persecution and violence women have always faced, and how deeply it still persists today
I had many favorite parts of this book, especially the Preface and the Afterword (which is a first for me lol). I don’t think the story would have hit nearly as hard without them emphasizing that every extreme instance of brutality against women in the book is rooted in real events, both historical and present day. It is what the entire book is about: the persecution and violence women have always faced, and how deeply it still persists today
August 13, 2025
Absolutely incredible! this right here should be required reading for every single human.
November 11, 2025
Thank you to L.S. Walker for reaching out to me on social media and introducing me to “The Witch and the Woodcutter.” I am so glad I picked it up.
This story pulled emotions from every direction. It is dark, powerful, and beautifully written. I especially loved how the book weaves historical retellings into the narrative, including the story of the Rape of Lucretia, grounding the fantasy elements in real history and giving the themes even more weight. The writing made me feel everything: anger, sorrow, hope, and a fierce sense of justice.
If you enjoy stories that blend myth, history, and emotion in a way that stays with you long after the last page, this one is a must read.
This story pulled emotions from every direction. It is dark, powerful, and beautifully written. I especially loved how the book weaves historical retellings into the narrative, including the story of the Rape of Lucretia, grounding the fantasy elements in real history and giving the themes even more weight. The writing made me feel everything: anger, sorrow, hope, and a fierce sense of justice.
If you enjoy stories that blend myth, history, and emotion in a way that stays with you long after the last page, this one is a must read.
January 30, 2026
There is a very important story to be told about the atrocious treatment of women and others deemed unworthy by the church/Christianity throughout history, but this wasn't it. The execution of this story just didn't work for me. There was so much repetition of key plot points and way too much telling instead of showing. I wanted to feel feminist rage but the only rage I felt was that of constantly being lectured at. It's such a shame because the opening scenes of this book were great and had such potential. I just didn't vibe with how this story was told.
2.5 stars
2.5 stars
January 7, 2026
I rated this 5 stars not because I'd read it again, but because it is something everyone should read at least once. A deeply emotional journey containing found family, challenges and confrontation. This was truly a statement on the treatment of women and morality as a whole.
November 6, 2025
Wow. This is hands down one of the best and most important books I have ever had the pleasure of reading, I would and will recommend it to everyone.
November 27, 2025
This is without a doubt one of my favorite reads--ever.
This book had me either teetering on tears or rage. There was no in between.
This book had me either teetering on tears or rage. There was no in between.
August 20, 2025
The Witch and the Woodcutter by L.S. Walker is one of those books that reminds me why I love folklore-inspired tales. It’s dark, enchanting, and layered with meaning. The writing style feels timeless yet fresh, pulling you right into the eerie atmosphere of the story.
What I really appreciated was how the author balanced the mystical elements with very human emotions, fear, desire, betrayal, and resilience. The witch isn’t a one-dimensional villain; she has depth, and the woodcutter’s choices feel both tragic and inevitable. It made me think about how stories shape our understanding of morality and power.
This book is short but impactful, the kind of story that lingers with you long after you’ve finished. If you enjoy fairy tales with a darker edge, or narratives that make you question who the “monster” really is, I’d highly recommend picking this one up.
What I really appreciated was how the author balanced the mystical elements with very human emotions, fear, desire, betrayal, and resilience. The witch isn’t a one-dimensional villain; she has depth, and the woodcutter’s choices feel both tragic and inevitable. It made me think about how stories shape our understanding of morality and power.
This book is short but impactful, the kind of story that lingers with you long after you’ve finished. If you enjoy fairy tales with a darker edge, or narratives that make you question who the “monster” really is, I’d highly recommend picking this one up.
September 4, 2025
My enjoyment was helped tremendously by the author's forward and afterword explaining why they thought it was important to tell this story. Namely how their day criminal justice day job in "death investigations, including intimate-partner homicides, has provided him with firsthand experience of how destructive patriarchal ideology can be." I was compelled when reading it, I wanted to know what would happen next and the ultimate fate of the characters yet I still found it to be a very basic, by the numbers, fantasy story. Even the grim, crapsack world, and overbearing religious authorities were not overly notable. However-- the ending. Holy smokes. It was an unexpected and pretty powerful. It changes the preceding story into something much bleaker and seems to level an accusation against both Beorn the reluctant "hero" and us, the passive reader/citizen of the world, who has been his companion throughout the story for turning a blind eye and only taking action when it suits his (our) own interests. Beorn's latent commitment to justice does not absolve responsibility for evil that has been allowed to unchecked for so long. Time to think honestly about how that same trait manifests itself in my own life and the imperfect world I live in. Impressive turn!
It's really hard to give this a star rating based solely on my own enjoyment of it let alone the trickier basis of quality/craftsmanship. Additional aspects really need to be included imo. Story is 3 stars, extra half star for that downer ending, extra half star for the Author's message and intent.
It's really hard to give this a star rating based solely on my own enjoyment of it let alone the trickier basis of quality/craftsmanship. Additional aspects really need to be included imo. Story is 3 stars, extra half star for that downer ending, extra half star for the Author's message and intent.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 6, 2025
Actual rating: 3.6 ⭐️
September 28, 2025
This has been my favourite book of the past few years.
January 1, 2026
When I first went into this, I was expecting another indie romantasy. I was pleasantly surprised to find a story completely opposite and filled with so much depth. Quote after quote after quote that just made me stop in my tracks for a moment.
The author explains at the beginning that though these are fictional characters and events, these are not unlike the real experiences of the generations of women before us. It stirred so many feelings in me and I felt a connection with my female ancestors.
Honestly, I was surprised to find out that it is written by a man because of just how well it depicts the female experience. It's clear that this is a man who has truly researched and *listened*. Someone who not only acknowledges the role men have played in the oppression of women, but the impact of those who choose to look away.
Excellent debut and I will be looking out for more books from him!!
The author explains at the beginning that though these are fictional characters and events, these are not unlike the real experiences of the generations of women before us. It stirred so many feelings in me and I felt a connection with my female ancestors.
Honestly, I was surprised to find out that it is written by a man because of just how well it depicts the female experience. It's clear that this is a man who has truly researched and *listened*. Someone who not only acknowledges the role men have played in the oppression of women, but the impact of those who choose to look away.
Excellent debut and I will be looking out for more books from him!!
June 6, 2025
“YOU LITTLE WHORE! I’LL KILL YOU FOR THAT! "
"Then ye should have let me die! Ye saved one girl at the cost o’ my entire people!”
Fantasy is palpable throughout, and the execution is commendable. The text also showcases thorough research on witch trials, herbal remedies, and related subjects.
the story's focus on non-romantic themes is refreshing. The blending of gore and horror elements is well done.
The interaction between Morrigan and Beorn is epic indeed.
The narrative bears similarities to his dark materials also The Witcher This author's talent is on par with that of seasoned fantasy authors.
"Then ye should have let me die! Ye saved one girl at the cost o’ my entire people!”
Fantasy is palpable throughout, and the execution is commendable. The text also showcases thorough research on witch trials, herbal remedies, and related subjects.
the story's focus on non-romantic themes is refreshing. The blending of gore and horror elements is well done.
The interaction between Morrigan and Beorn is epic indeed.
The narrative bears similarities to his dark materials also The Witcher This author's talent is on par with that of seasoned fantasy authors.
October 22, 2025
Folky, feminist horror done well
December 4, 2025
DNF with maybe 75 pages left . Bored
December 6, 2025
Do I think the book was beautifully written and had complex characters that I loved? Yes. Am I annoyed that we went through this whole journey for nothing? Also yes.
Read
January 6, 2026DNF @ pg 60.
September 27, 2025
I have never been more pissed at a book ending OH MY FCK.
Literally I just screamed, “ARE YOU SERIOUS????”
Wow, this was a RIDE. There was so much rage at all these men and the establishment that do women wrong. I was with the author there.
I absolutely hated the ending. I know it’s showing that the world isn’t perfect and it’s never ending violence but WHAT THE HELL??
What a way to ruin and taint the relationship between the two MC’s and have be more of a shock factor. Is there another book coming??
Literally I just screamed, “ARE YOU SERIOUS????”
Wow, this was a RIDE. There was so much rage at all these men and the establishment that do women wrong. I was with the author there.
I absolutely hated the ending. I know it’s showing that the world isn’t perfect and it’s never ending violence but WHAT THE HELL??
What a way to ruin and taint the relationship between the two MC’s and have be more of a shock factor. Is there another book coming??
September 27, 2025
I’d give this book 100 stars of if I could 🩷
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