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Witch-Hunter Prequels #2
Sophie
Everyone will betray you…
Sophie has always had a high opinion of herself. She is smart, beautiful, and meant for something more than a mundane, human life.
From a young age she’s had to weigh duty against selfish desires. Her new friend Izzy starts to break down her carefully-constructed walls, and makes Sophie question everything she thought she knew.
With witch-hunters and witches vying for a place in her future, Sophie has to decide who she can trust.
This is a prequel to the Witch-Hunter trilogy, and contains spoilers from the very beginning.
We highly recommend you read The Shadow Rises, before finding out more about everybody's favourite cold-hearted bitch.
Sophie has always had a high opinion of herself. She is smart, beautiful, and meant for something more than a mundane, human life.
From a young age she’s had to weigh duty against selfish desires. Her new friend Izzy starts to break down her carefully-constructed walls, and makes Sophie question everything she thought she knew.
With witch-hunters and witches vying for a place in her future, Sophie has to decide who she can trust.
This is a prequel to the Witch-Hunter trilogy, and contains spoilers from the very beginning.
We highly recommend you read The Shadow Rises, before finding out more about everybody's favourite cold-hearted bitch.
- GenresParanormalFantasy
300 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 1, 2019
148 people want to read
About the author
K.S. Marsden
21 books742 followersKelly S. Marsden grew up in Yorkshire, and there were two constants in her life - books and horses.
She went on to author the best-selling Urban Fantasy series - "The Northern Witch" and "Witch-Hunter".
Kelly is currently working in animal nutrition, and she never outgrew her obsession with horses.
Visit her blog for book reviews and inanity:
The Northern Witch's Book Blog
She went on to author the best-selling Urban Fantasy series - "The Northern Witch" and "Witch-Hunter".
Kelly is currently working in animal nutrition, and she never outgrew her obsession with horses.
Visit her blog for book reviews and inanity:
The Northern Witch's Book Blog
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
June 30, 2020
So I have to admit this book took me a while but at no fault of my own! Exams and good old school got in the way and let’s be honest, the two combined can be awfully overwhelming- A-Levels can be a pain!
This was a brilliant read. Truly extraordinary writing and I found it was the best way to gain insight into Sophie as a character. If you have read the series, you need to read this. I find it vital to being able to gain a true understanding of the characters as well as appreciate the series much more!
Overall a great read and I would highly recommend!
This was a brilliant read. Truly extraordinary writing and I found it was the best way to gain insight into Sophie as a character. If you have read the series, you need to read this. I find it vital to being able to gain a true understanding of the characters as well as appreciate the series much more!
Overall a great read and I would highly recommend!
November 25, 2019
Sophie: Witch-Hunter by K.S. Marsden is an awesome story to read. This is book number two in this awesome series that I have really loved reading ver much. I highly recommend this story to everyone who loves reading about witches , LGBT and fantasy.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 4, 2019
This book definitely should be read after the rest of the Witch-Hunter trilogy, as the author suggests, to get a better understanding of the importance of events in the story. I did not like this one as much as the Witch-Hunter trilogy, partly because I never liked Sophie much as a character. She is very conceited in this book, being brought up knowing she would be the next Shadow Witch, and as a teenager it got very annoying after a while as it really goes to her head. But the book does give a better understanding of how she turned out the way she was in the trilogy and why she acts the way she does later in the story regarding certain aspects, such as her feelings on the Wiccans.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 4, 2020
The Witch Hunter Series is: The Shadow Rises, The Shadow Reigns, The Shadow Falls, which I’ve read and reviewed. The stories revolve around the evil witches who sacrifice humans to increase their own powers. In this world, witches are evil and hunted down by the MMC (Malleus Maleficarum Council), a secret witch hunting organization tasked with neutralizing the threat from the witches.
Sophie: Witch Hunter is the second prequel in the Witch Hunter series. In this book, the reader learns how Sophie evolves from a self-centered teen with uncontrollable witchy powers into the supremely evil Shadow Witch.
As Sophie gains more control of her powers, she closes off the human side of her personality. She makes the choice to betray friends and lovers, all to move forward with her plan to cripple the organization that has persecuted her witch-kind for generations.
For me, James’ prequel was more important to the story line. Sophie’s evil was preordained in the series, and other than the addition of a few facts about the Wiccans, Sophie’s prequel didn’t fill in much more pertinent information.
With that being said, both books are worth reading to gain further insight into the characters and the series. I read them both in one week. Many thanks to K. S. Marsden for the complimentary reader’s copies.
If you love paranormal fiction like I do, you will find that this was a most unusual series. There is something here for everyone: love, relationships, betrayal, magic, battles, and the hunt for the truth.
Sophie: Witch Hunter is the second prequel in the Witch Hunter series. In this book, the reader learns how Sophie evolves from a self-centered teen with uncontrollable witchy powers into the supremely evil Shadow Witch.
As Sophie gains more control of her powers, she closes off the human side of her personality. She makes the choice to betray friends and lovers, all to move forward with her plan to cripple the organization that has persecuted her witch-kind for generations.
For me, James’ prequel was more important to the story line. Sophie’s evil was preordained in the series, and other than the addition of a few facts about the Wiccans, Sophie’s prequel didn’t fill in much more pertinent information.
With that being said, both books are worth reading to gain further insight into the characters and the series. I read them both in one week. Many thanks to K. S. Marsden for the complimentary reader’s copies.
If you love paranormal fiction like I do, you will find that this was a most unusual series. There is something here for everyone: love, relationships, betrayal, magic, battles, and the hunt for the truth.
June 20, 2020
4.5 stars!
I would like to thank the author for offering this book in exchange for an honest review.
This is a prequel to the witch hunters series.
It is centered on Sophie and ends where she is ‘rescued ‘ in the first book by Hunter in Italy.
Sophie is an interesting character while she is considered bitching by her classmates, she is a loving and loyal friend to Lynette. Lynette is her witch teacher. She is befriended by Izzy who becomes more of a friend. But then Izzy finds out some dark secrets and Sophie is left having to break it off. Rather than leave it alone, Izzy betrays her and causes the witch hunters to attack Sophie’s fellow witches on Halloween.
Because of Izzy’s treachery, Lynette is bound and captured.
Sophie is just coming into her powers as a Shadow witch. She has been bound and it is only with the use of Sabine’s knife that she finally gains her Shadow powers.
I enjoyed this story and even though Sophie and the witches sacrificed humans for their energy. I still sided with Sophie. If they could win the war maybe they could come by a peaceful unity that would allow the witches to live without having to sacrifice the humans since they would no longer need the extra power to fight off their enemies? Who knows? Not all witches are evil just like not all witch hunters want to kill witches.
I would like to thank the author for offering this book in exchange for an honest review.
This is a prequel to the witch hunters series.
It is centered on Sophie and ends where she is ‘rescued ‘ in the first book by Hunter in Italy.
Sophie is an interesting character while she is considered bitching by her classmates, she is a loving and loyal friend to Lynette. Lynette is her witch teacher. She is befriended by Izzy who becomes more of a friend. But then Izzy finds out some dark secrets and Sophie is left having to break it off. Rather than leave it alone, Izzy betrays her and causes the witch hunters to attack Sophie’s fellow witches on Halloween.
Because of Izzy’s treachery, Lynette is bound and captured.
Sophie is just coming into her powers as a Shadow witch. She has been bound and it is only with the use of Sabine’s knife that she finally gains her Shadow powers.
I enjoyed this story and even though Sophie and the witches sacrificed humans for their energy. I still sided with Sophie. If they could win the war maybe they could come by a peaceful unity that would allow the witches to live without having to sacrifice the humans since they would no longer need the extra power to fight off their enemies? Who knows? Not all witches are evil just like not all witch hunters want to kill witches.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 29, 2019
Book 51 of my Goodreads Challenge 2019
***Warning this book contains some horrific scenes, so beware!***
I absolutely LOVE this book series and want to thank the author for my advanced reading copy. This is the second prequel to the Witch-Hunter Trilogy and does contain spoilers from the trilogy so it is highly recommended that you read:-
The Shadow Rises, before finding out more about everybody's favourite cold-hearted bitch SOPHIE.
Teenager Sophie Murphy is beautiful, arrogant and cocky. She is something very special amongst the witch community, although as yet she has not come into her full power being so young and still in training.
The witch council are trying to find the tool or key to unlock Sophie’s full potential but who can she trust? She has no friends, but does become close with Izzy a Wiccan who is in many of the same classes as Sophie at school. Izzy begs often to go to the events hosted by the witch’s community but Sophie always refuses. Wiccans are not seen in a favourable light by true witches.
Sadly Izzy sneaks to one of the events, and this will be her undoing. Sophie and her aunt have to give Izzy a potion to make her forget all she has seen. However, will the spell last or will there be dire consequences? Check out the story for yourself.
This is a wonderful addition to the Witch-Hunter Series I cannot wait to get my hands on a print copy to sit on my Book Shelf of Favourites.
***Warning this book contains some horrific scenes, so beware!***
I absolutely LOVE this book series and want to thank the author for my advanced reading copy. This is the second prequel to the Witch-Hunter Trilogy and does contain spoilers from the trilogy so it is highly recommended that you read:-
The Shadow Rises, before finding out more about everybody's favourite cold-hearted bitch SOPHIE.
Teenager Sophie Murphy is beautiful, arrogant and cocky. She is something very special amongst the witch community, although as yet she has not come into her full power being so young and still in training.
The witch council are trying to find the tool or key to unlock Sophie’s full potential but who can she trust? She has no friends, but does become close with Izzy a Wiccan who is in many of the same classes as Sophie at school. Izzy begs often to go to the events hosted by the witch’s community but Sophie always refuses. Wiccans are not seen in a favourable light by true witches.
Sadly Izzy sneaks to one of the events, and this will be her undoing. Sophie and her aunt have to give Izzy a potion to make her forget all she has seen. However, will the spell last or will there be dire consequences? Check out the story for yourself.
This is a wonderful addition to the Witch-Hunter Series I cannot wait to get my hands on a print copy to sit on my Book Shelf of Favourites.
May 18, 2021
Sophie: Witch hunter is a prequel to the WitchHunter Trilogy written by K.S. Marsden. Right off the bat, the author offers up spoilers for the trilogy, from this particular character. I highly suggest reading the trilogy first (or at least the first book), before reading this, since it really dives deep into Sophie and her character background. I personally loved the writing style, as I did with other K.S. Marsden books, and was pulled right into the story from the start. I thought the storyline was brilliant and in a way, I felt somewhat connected to this otherwise cold character. Overall, this was an amazing read and I'm thankful I was given the opportunity to read it!
July 29, 2019
A brilliant addition to the Witch-Hunter Series.
In this prequel to the series we find out how Sophie evolved from being a cocky, but unskilled teenage witch into the strong and powerful Shadow Witch.
On her journey she loses friends and ends up closing off her emotions and it’s easy to see how and why she became ruthless, and determined to fight the Witch-Hunters.
This is the second prequel in the Witch-Hunter Series, (which I love) and as such it does contain spoilers to the main trilogy. I would recommend you read at least book 1, The Shadow Rises, first.
In this prequel to the series we find out how Sophie evolved from being a cocky, but unskilled teenage witch into the strong and powerful Shadow Witch.
On her journey she loses friends and ends up closing off her emotions and it’s easy to see how and why she became ruthless, and determined to fight the Witch-Hunters.
This is the second prequel in the Witch-Hunter Series, (which I love) and as such it does contain spoilers to the main trilogy. I would recommend you read at least book 1, The Shadow Rises, first.
October 20, 2021
Do you remember a world where we did not cover our faces with masks or stay 5metres away from the closest person? Yes, I am talking about the time before the Pandemic struck and turned the world outside. Seems like almost another era rather than just a couple of years back. Anyways, my point is that the author had shared with me a copy of the book way before the pandemic, because I was almost stalker level crazy for her books. So between then and now she had even finished a couple of more books and yet I couldn't finish this book or review. So before I step into Sophie- Witch Hunter, I want to take a moment to both, apologise for the delay in my review and say a huge thank you for not sending assassins to kill me. I literally have taken years to come back with a review😱
This book again proves why I love this series. Before we talk about Sophie- Witch Hunter, I have to warn you that there is no point picking up this book if you haven’t followed the series. To truly understand the dynamics you have to have the backend knowledge of everything that happened in this ongoing war between the witches and Witch Hunters. I admit it did take a while for me to get back to the series because of the huge gap that I had from the last book, I read from the series.
So when I started reading the book, the first question that popped into my mind was, “Wait !! is this the same Sophie? 😮 For those who have read and followed the series might understand and share my shock. This was a completely different Sophie from the one we got to see in the previous books. This was a normal teen and not the one we all loved to hate in the other books. OK, I think if I say anything more I would probably spread out the entire plot of the series.
The book was amazing at bringing out the evolution of this character. I think with this book being read, I could totally see the events of the other book from a new perspective. That is why I feel anyone who has read and loved the series, must read this book to have a more insightful and all-round understanding of the whole war dynamics. I think From the very first book Sophie was a character that wouldn’t let go of your attention. You either loved her or you would hate her. But you simply can’t ignore her. So how can you pass on a book based entirely on her
This book has to be read as a follow up to the entire shadow series because this book is everything that you need to know about a character that was the centre of everything in the entire Witch Hunter series of K. S. Marsden. This book just further reminded me why I had fallen for the series, the writing and storytelling of the author.
This book again proves why I love this series. Before we talk about Sophie- Witch Hunter, I have to warn you that there is no point picking up this book if you haven’t followed the series. To truly understand the dynamics you have to have the backend knowledge of everything that happened in this ongoing war between the witches and Witch Hunters. I admit it did take a while for me to get back to the series because of the huge gap that I had from the last book, I read from the series.
So when I started reading the book, the first question that popped into my mind was, “Wait !! is this the same Sophie? 😮 For those who have read and followed the series might understand and share my shock. This was a completely different Sophie from the one we got to see in the previous books. This was a normal teen and not the one we all loved to hate in the other books. OK, I think if I say anything more I would probably spread out the entire plot of the series.
The book was amazing at bringing out the evolution of this character. I think with this book being read, I could totally see the events of the other book from a new perspective. That is why I feel anyone who has read and loved the series, must read this book to have a more insightful and all-round understanding of the whole war dynamics. I think From the very first book Sophie was a character that wouldn’t let go of your attention. You either loved her or you would hate her. But you simply can’t ignore her. So how can you pass on a book based entirely on her
This book has to be read as a follow up to the entire shadow series because this book is everything that you need to know about a character that was the centre of everything in the entire Witch Hunter series of K. S. Marsden. This book just further reminded me why I had fallen for the series, the writing and storytelling of the author.
July 23, 2019
While this book is described as a prequel, my reading experience was richer for having read The Shadow Rises – book 1 in the Witch-Hunter trilogy, beforehand. In this tale, we meet teenaged witch Sophie on the brink of her sixteenth birthday – in anticipation of receiving her powers. Struggling at times to hang on to her humanity, and despite her human friend Izzy to keep her grounded, Sophie soon realizes that she can’t live in two worlds. Impatient to fulfill her destiny, will Sophie’s aloof and cold nature, hinder her? After all, how can she possibly lead a witch revolution if no one will follow her! I really enjoyed Sophie’s journey of self-discovery and her evolution into the preeminent leader of all witchkind. Overall, it’s a well written, heartfelt and often emotional story with plenty of drama, action, intrigue, and suspense. There are some outright surprises and many ‘aha’ moments that serve to set the stage for the events that transpire in The Shadow Rises.
I received an Advance Reader Copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received an Advance Reader Copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 5, 2022
Such a pretty face for such a cold-hearted human
What a superb story in Sophie: Witch-Hunter by K S Marsden. I am a big fan of this author! Whatever this author writes, I read. I love it when a Legacy author sends me more of their work! I read the Witch-Hunter Trilogy books and now, this is the second book in the Witch-hunter Prequels. I read the one before this, about James, and loved, loved, loved it. Now, I must say that if I could give this title more than five stars, I would. I love characters that are strong, powerful, and can kick butt, and I love it even more when you can barely stand the cold-heartedness. Sophie is one of those unforgettable characters, cold heard, snarky, and yet, has a side that no one sees, because she never knows who she can trust. With evil lurking around, is it no wonder she is the way she is. One of those characters you love to hate, but I don't hate her, I want to read more about her. This book deserves a second read! (and maybe more). This is a magnificent story that kept this reader turning the pages. This title is a definite attention grabber, so much I couldn't put it down. The thrills and intrigue is written clearly. This author has a great imagination. Sophie: Witch-Hunter is a definite recommendation by Amy's Bookshelf Reviews. I read this book to give my unbiased and honest review. Amy's Bookshelf Reviews recommends that anyone who reads this book, to also write a review.
What a superb story in Sophie: Witch-Hunter by K S Marsden. I am a big fan of this author! Whatever this author writes, I read. I love it when a Legacy author sends me more of their work! I read the Witch-Hunter Trilogy books and now, this is the second book in the Witch-hunter Prequels. I read the one before this, about James, and loved, loved, loved it. Now, I must say that if I could give this title more than five stars, I would. I love characters that are strong, powerful, and can kick butt, and I love it even more when you can barely stand the cold-heartedness. Sophie is one of those unforgettable characters, cold heard, snarky, and yet, has a side that no one sees, because she never knows who she can trust. With evil lurking around, is it no wonder she is the way she is. One of those characters you love to hate, but I don't hate her, I want to read more about her. This book deserves a second read! (and maybe more). This is a magnificent story that kept this reader turning the pages. This title is a definite attention grabber, so much I couldn't put it down. The thrills and intrigue is written clearly. This author has a great imagination. Sophie: Witch-Hunter is a definite recommendation by Amy's Bookshelf Reviews. I read this book to give my unbiased and honest review. Amy's Bookshelf Reviews recommends that anyone who reads this book, to also write a review.
August 5, 2019
This is a great read. It grabbed me from the first page to the last. It is a real page turner. This is a great story of Sophie has always had a high opinion of herself. Since a young age she has had to weigh duty against selfish things she wants. But she doesn't know who she can trust. This is a great story. With great world building and Character building. I definitely recommend this read.
Shauna Joesten
Shauna Joesten
June 14, 2019
Oh this is such a brilliant read, I love Sophie as the shadow witch I have read about in the previous series, where she is strong in her powers already, but seeing her coming into her powers and being unbound is awesome. I love that now she is ready to tackle the wicked witch-hunters and has the magical strength to do so and I would love to see a full blown battle where she will really kick some hunters' ass!! However I can also see how she can become quite ruthless and closing off her heart to love and feelings is not a good sign as this makes her more dangerous than she is! This story gives us great background detail which we who read the previous series really needed as it shows us where the Sophie we know really came from. Well done Ms. Marsden you have done it again, and have given us a very exciting, powerful and enjoyable book. So for all witch lovers everywhere this is a book to read, enjoy!
November 4, 2019
Is she really cold hearted, or more badly burned
Being told that some betrayals are for your good- not helpful.
So as it all begins, and before other things really start, this is the ground where much was planted, and so much twisted and tainted.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Being told that some betrayals are for your good- not helpful.
So as it all begins, and before other things really start, this is the ground where much was planted, and so much twisted and tainted.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 25, 2019
Another great book
Great book the story has really brought sophie to life even more a great read to help fill in the character
Great book the story has really brought sophie to life even more a great read to help fill in the character
August 31, 2019
This is a great read and Sophie is such a great character! Well written you get to join Sophie on her journey and see why she wants to fight the witch hunters so badly! You get to see her develop and grow into herself and become such a powerful witch. An exciting read that I just could not put down!
March 3, 2020
While reading the Witch-Hunter Trilogy, I asked myself many times why Sophie was the way she was...what made her so ruthless and unfeeling. To put it bluntly, what made her such a b*tch. Ms. Marsden does a fantastic job of showing us why with this prequel. It shows us Sophie's journey from conceited, powerful, but untrained teenager to the ultra-powerful Shadow Witch. We see her through friendship, uncertainty, and betrayal, until ultimately she locks away those weaknesses that would hamper her quest for power and destruction of the witch-hunters. This book didn't really make me like Sophie any better, but I feel like I understand her motivations a little more. Great job!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 10, 2020
🕸️🕸️ONE KICK@SS THRILL RIDE🕸️🕸️
Holy hell! Marsden delivers one incredibly spun debacle with this explosive wild ride, keeping you riveted on a razors edge and frozen to your seat, raising the stakes and keeping it real, melding this bad boy together flawlessly. Chicanery runs rampant and havoc is rife, rousting all the drama, intrigue, turmoil, underlying threats, escalating danger, spiraling suspense and intense situations along with a boatload of revelations, you have one high octane experience. Blurred lines and shattered boundaries, limitations are amplified and exploited, thrusting this baby into the eye of the storm, blasting it into a hissy with a jaw dropping realization. The characters, interactions and charged atmosphere along with relatable qualities and individual traits, blend and flow adding depth and diversity, transforming into genuine charismatic personalities. The scenes are strikingly sharp with abundant details and graphic descriptions creating an elaborate backdrop that feels as though you were transported to ground zero with them. Fantastic job Marsden, thanks for sharing this amazing thrill with us.
Holy hell! Marsden delivers one incredibly spun debacle with this explosive wild ride, keeping you riveted on a razors edge and frozen to your seat, raising the stakes and keeping it real, melding this bad boy together flawlessly. Chicanery runs rampant and havoc is rife, rousting all the drama, intrigue, turmoil, underlying threats, escalating danger, spiraling suspense and intense situations along with a boatload of revelations, you have one high octane experience. Blurred lines and shattered boundaries, limitations are amplified and exploited, thrusting this baby into the eye of the storm, blasting it into a hissy with a jaw dropping realization. The characters, interactions and charged atmosphere along with relatable qualities and individual traits, blend and flow adding depth and diversity, transforming into genuine charismatic personalities. The scenes are strikingly sharp with abundant details and graphic descriptions creating an elaborate backdrop that feels as though you were transported to ground zero with them. Fantastic job Marsden, thanks for sharing this amazing thrill with us.
March 23, 2021
Sophie Murphy has always known she was a witch but her status as The Shadow hasn't always been secure. Sophie's training has been basic up until now. Sophie discovers that making friendships isn't all it's cracked up to be. She thought her friend/girlfriend Izzy understood what being a witch meant to Sophie. What does Izzy do? Will Sophie gain more status as The Shadow? Your answers await you in Sophie.
October 28, 2019
A look into Sophie's life leading her to be the Shadow Witch. Contributing to her Shadow Witch persona is the betrayal by her first friend (and lover), and the binding, and ultimately death, of her mentor. Sophie hardens her heart magically and hides away the locket containing her emotions; no more of that to weaken her! Great fast paced read, with excellent characters and plot.
April 7, 2021
She is someone who knows what she wants when she wants it, nothing or nobody will stop her in her quest. Things may get tense around her. This shows what she is like and could spoil the next book so best read after the first ones
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews