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The Deadwood #1
Traitor Witch
My name is Nilsa.
I am the Shadow of the Moon.
A lunar witch.
A divine assassin.
And they will tell you that I am a traitor.
Framed for the murder of my own high priestess and with nowhere else to go, I'm forced to seek refuge amongst pirates. This mismatched crew of immortal males thinks I'm a solar witch; a harmless, goody-two-shoes, celibate priestess of life.
But it's hard to keep up the charade with a cursed fae, two broken shifters and an overprotective vampire tempting me at every turn.
It's even harder when I have to constantly restrain the urge to murder their asshole captain.
All I need to do is live long enough to exact vengeance and reclaim my place in my coven. There's no place for men in my life. Not even the siren haunting my dreams who claims I'm his mate.
This is a slow/medium burn reverse harem novel intended for readers aged 18 years and over. Book 1 of 3 in the Deadwood Series.
I am the Shadow of the Moon.
A lunar witch.
A divine assassin.
And they will tell you that I am a traitor.
Framed for the murder of my own high priestess and with nowhere else to go, I'm forced to seek refuge amongst pirates. This mismatched crew of immortal males thinks I'm a solar witch; a harmless, goody-two-shoes, celibate priestess of life.
But it's hard to keep up the charade with a cursed fae, two broken shifters and an overprotective vampire tempting me at every turn.
It's even harder when I have to constantly restrain the urge to murder their asshole captain.
All I need to do is live long enough to exact vengeance and reclaim my place in my coven. There's no place for men in my life. Not even the siren haunting my dreams who claims I'm his mate.
This is a slow/medium burn reverse harem novel intended for readers aged 18 years and over. Book 1 of 3 in the Deadwood Series.
377 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 28, 2020
1003 people are currently reading
4545 people want to read
About the author
Marie Mistry
26 books875 followersMarie Mistry is a reality challenged reverse harem romance author whose books are full of pirates, magic, and spicy adventures. When she's not writing, you can usually find her curled up with a game or a book and a large cup of tea. She lives in a wonky cottage in Kent with her other half and a super sweet shepherd named Meg.
She'd love for you to join her Facebook reader group: Mistry’s Inc where she hangs out daily: https://www.facebook.com/groups/mistr...
Or check out her website: https://www.mariemistry.com
She'd love for you to join her Facebook reader group: Mistry’s Inc where she hangs out daily: https://www.facebook.com/groups/mistr...
Or check out her website: https://www.mariemistry.com
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November 30, 2020
I tried this author's debut novel and had to DNF it, but I always give authors second chances (and third ones and fourth ones too, sometimes) so I decided to download this one too. I'm glad to report that, while it isn't incredible, it was bearable for me to at least finish it and even mildly like it.
Nilsa has just hit her 25th birthday, the age at which black-magic Lunar witches (of which she is one) transition into immortality and receive their harems. Though she's done the former, she knows she isn't eligible for the latter: she's a Shadow, personal assassin of the Lunar High Priestess, and her only task is to serve the Moon Goddess.
But then her High Priestess is murdered and Nilsa, the most likely suspect, is forced to flee. She buys passage on board a pirate ship - the Deadwood - so she can visit some other islands to work out who really killed the Priestess. Significantly, though, she's disguised as a white-magic Solar witch, who are supposed to be kind, gentle, and chaste... all the things she isn't.
On board the ship we have:
⤅ Valorian, the captain, who can control every element of his ship but is forbidden to set foot on shore (think Davy Jones from Pirates of the Caribbean)
⤅ Rysen, a pierced vampire whose bloodlust threatens to overwhelm him every time he smells Nilsa's scent, but he holds himself back because he thinks she's a Solar and he'll terrify her
⤅ Kier, an ice fae placed under a curse that stops him speaking
⤅ Nos, a blind shifter who can see the future; and
⤅ Cas, his twin brother, whose inability to control his beast keeps getting him into trouble
Nilsa happens to be mate to all of them, as well as to Klaus, a mermaid prince who visits her in her dreams. Though she's distracted by her own mission - finding the Priestess's real killer - she finds time to develop some sort of connection with most of them. The fact that most of the guys are distinct from each other is probably the strongest thing about this book. I even managed to remember all their names without checking back with my Kindle, something that doesn't always happen. It's true some guys get way more page time than others - Cas and Rysen, for instance, are front and centre far more than Kier or Valorian - but this is a VERY slow-burn romance so I expect things will even out more in the next book.
The actual plot is pretty decent too. I was vaguely interested in the non-romance side of things, which is more than can be said for many other RH books. I like the magic system Mistry has built up and I loved Nilsa's character. Her snarky cat Opal, though, definitely steals the show.
⤅ Overall
Not a bad beginning, and I reckon I'll read the sequel.
[Blog]
Nilsa has just hit her 25th birthday, the age at which black-magic Lunar witches (of which she is one) transition into immortality and receive their harems. Though she's done the former, she knows she isn't eligible for the latter: she's a Shadow, personal assassin of the Lunar High Priestess, and her only task is to serve the Moon Goddess.
But then her High Priestess is murdered and Nilsa, the most likely suspect, is forced to flee. She buys passage on board a pirate ship - the Deadwood - so she can visit some other islands to work out who really killed the Priestess. Significantly, though, she's disguised as a white-magic Solar witch, who are supposed to be kind, gentle, and chaste... all the things she isn't.
On board the ship we have:
⤅ Valorian, the captain, who can control every element of his ship but is forbidden to set foot on shore (think Davy Jones from Pirates of the Caribbean)
⤅ Rysen, a pierced vampire whose bloodlust threatens to overwhelm him every time he smells Nilsa's scent, but he holds himself back because he thinks she's a Solar and he'll terrify her
⤅ Kier, an ice fae placed under a curse that stops him speaking
⤅ Nos, a blind shifter who can see the future; and
⤅ Cas, his twin brother, whose inability to control his beast keeps getting him into trouble
Nilsa happens to be mate to all of them, as well as to Klaus, a mermaid prince who visits her in her dreams. Though she's distracted by her own mission - finding the Priestess's real killer - she finds time to develop some sort of connection with most of them. The fact that most of the guys are distinct from each other is probably the strongest thing about this book. I even managed to remember all their names without checking back with my Kindle, something that doesn't always happen. It's true some guys get way more page time than others - Cas and Rysen, for instance, are front and centre far more than Kier or Valorian - but this is a VERY slow-burn romance so I expect things will even out more in the next book.
The actual plot is pretty decent too. I was vaguely interested in the non-romance side of things, which is more than can be said for many other RH books. I like the magic system Mistry has built up and I loved Nilsa's character. Her snarky cat Opal, though, definitely steals the show.
⤅ Overall
Not a bad beginning, and I reckon I'll read the sequel.
[Blog]
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March 19, 2025
Marie Mistry I didn't know you were capable of writing a masterpiece like this....... vice college for young demons might have burned me but this book more than made up for it
the lore !!! the world !! the characters !!! I am in love. especially the fmc, Nilsa. god I didn't realize how HOT being a witch assassin would make her.
Nilsa, the love of my life, Mother Lunar's favorite daughter, Sun's favorite part of the darkness, and mother to All Assassins
and the guys!!!! I fell in love from the start. my favorites are Nos and Kier but the rest aren't far behind either. so far I've loved how the romance is written. the slow burn is still there but you can still feel their devotion. a nice balance <3
I LOVEEE the side characters as well especially ELSIE my beloved. when she first appeared I was a little annoyed ngl I thought she was gonna be an unnecessary extra plotline.. but she proved me wrong and now I just want to wrap her in bubble wrap and protect her from harm forever
I'm so excited to see where things are going because I'm so invested in the universe now!!
the lore !!! the world !! the characters !!! I am in love. especially the fmc, Nilsa. god I didn't realize how HOT being a witch assassin would make her.
Nilsa, the love of my life, Mother Lunar's favorite daughter, Sun's favorite part of the darkness, and mother to All Assassins
and the guys!!!! I fell in love from the start. my favorites are Nos and Kier but the rest aren't far behind either. so far I've loved how the romance is written. the slow burn is still there but you can still feel their devotion. a nice balance <3
I LOVEEE the side characters as well especially ELSIE my beloved. when she first appeared I was a little annoyed ngl I thought she was gonna be an unnecessary extra plotline.. but she proved me wrong and now I just want to wrap her in bubble wrap and protect her from harm forever
I'm so excited to see where things are going because I'm so invested in the universe now!!
March 24, 2023
Safety info:
-The heroine is not a virgin and one of the heroes is a virgin. We get little to no info on the rest of the heroes past.
-no OM drama (it’s an RH so tiny banter with the guys and Klaus)
-no real OW drama. In the beginning there was a mention that one of the heroes supposedly had ‘fun’ with a vampire enforcer. The other hero that has a slight ow background so far is Kier. When he was younger he broke a witches heart for fun to win a bet and she cursed him. Klaus is in a forced engagement with someone from his realm. He lost so many battles that now he has to marry this girl unless the heroine comes to fight for his hand in marriage. He wants nothing to do with this ow and she doesn’t seem bitchy. He does not kiss her or hook up with her at all but i will update when I get through reading the next book to see what happens.
-no past hookups of ex’s in the picture
-one of the heroes has been celibate for two centuries
-The heroine is not a virgin and one of the heroes is a virgin. We get little to no info on the rest of the heroes past.
-no OM drama (it’s an RH so tiny banter with the guys and Klaus)
-no real OW drama. In the beginning there was a mention that one of the heroes supposedly had ‘fun’ with a vampire enforcer. The other hero that has a slight ow background so far is Kier. When he was younger he broke a witches heart for fun to win a bet and she cursed him. Klaus is in a forced engagement with someone from his realm. He lost so many battles that now he has to marry this girl unless the heroine comes to fight for his hand in marriage. He wants nothing to do with this ow and she doesn’t seem bitchy. He does not kiss her or hook up with her at all but i will update when I get through reading the next book to see what happens.
-no past hookups of ex’s in the picture
-one of the heroes has been celibate for two centuries
January 5, 2021
Shipwrecked
What to say about this book?
The author pulled out a handy-dandy thesaurus to use every variant form of the word “tiny” to describe the female protagonist, Nilsa. Apparently she is not only tiny, she is small, minuscule, delicate, frail, fragile, wee, and “half the size” of any of the male characters. It’s never a good sign when an author spends more time and focus on how a character looks than what they do or think or say.
Despite my better judgment, I stuck with it through the 50% mark hoping that the murder mystery might carry the plot. Spoiler alert, the murder mystery is just an excuse for Nilsa’s constant chronic lying and attempted shoplifting as the author is only interested in writing an RH on a pirate ship. Nilsa, who started as a trained assassin and left hand of her coven’s leader, devolved into a recalcitrant teenager. Framed for a murder that she didn’t commit, Nilsa took refuge on a pirate ship and fled. Instead of being minimally grateful or even showing a modicum of politeness or even staying out of everyone’s way, she immediately started using her magic to vandalise the ship and everything on it.
Nilsa isn’t a likeable character and, in the absence of a plot, the book isn’t enjoyable to read.
What to say about this book?
The author pulled out a handy-dandy thesaurus to use every variant form of the word “tiny” to describe the female protagonist, Nilsa. Apparently she is not only tiny, she is small, minuscule, delicate, frail, fragile, wee, and “half the size” of any of the male characters. It’s never a good sign when an author spends more time and focus on how a character looks than what they do or think or say.
Despite my better judgment, I stuck with it through the 50% mark hoping that the murder mystery might carry the plot. Spoiler alert, the murder mystery is just an excuse for Nilsa’s constant chronic lying and attempted shoplifting as the author is only interested in writing an RH on a pirate ship. Nilsa, who started as a trained assassin and left hand of her coven’s leader, devolved into a recalcitrant teenager. Framed for a murder that she didn’t commit, Nilsa took refuge on a pirate ship and fled. Instead of being minimally grateful or even showing a modicum of politeness or even staying out of everyone’s way, she immediately started using her magic to vandalise the ship and everything on it.
Nilsa isn’t a likeable character and, in the absence of a plot, the book isn’t enjoyable to read.
December 5, 2023
Quick, entertaining fun!! I liked the fmc, the love interests were satisfactorily whipped, and it had fated mates trope without the insta-love. Plus all the men were easy to tell apart and had interesting personalities! All in all, an absolute win for trashy rh lovers.
December 10, 2020
Teenage attitude? Flies off into anger. Ridiculous secrets
Frustrated. I really wanted to like this, but nilsa, can't even remember if I'm even spelling that right? Well anyways was annoying. She came off way to jaded which was really confusing seeing as she doesn't know about the betrayal for awhile. I just didn't really like her, assassin who seems more like a pungent child. There are a few things I don't understand. Why lie about the kinda witch you are? This whole charade is completely over used in this book, and makes no sense in all honesty. Being the shadow I could understand, but not being a lunar? And how is it possible these men don't know? They have lived centuries, wouldn't they realize her magic being different? Half this book has n logic. I also expected more from our H and her fighting/kicking a** ways, I get she wasnt trained great, but she seems to get her a*** handed to her the entire time? This book p*ssed me off more then anything, and with a H who can't see the truth that's right in her face or even the truth that's revealed, smh.
Frustrated. I really wanted to like this, but nilsa, can't even remember if I'm even spelling that right? Well anyways was annoying. She came off way to jaded which was really confusing seeing as she doesn't know about the betrayal for awhile. I just didn't really like her, assassin who seems more like a pungent child. There are a few things I don't understand. Why lie about the kinda witch you are? This whole charade is completely over used in this book, and makes no sense in all honesty. Being the shadow I could understand, but not being a lunar? And how is it possible these men don't know? They have lived centuries, wouldn't they realize her magic being different? Half this book has n logic. I also expected more from our H and her fighting/kicking a** ways, I get she wasnt trained great, but she seems to get her a*** handed to her the entire time? This book p*ssed me off more then anything, and with a H who can't see the truth that's right in her face or even the truth that's revealed, smh.
February 17, 2024
RH
Fated Harem/Mates,
Witches/Magic
Shifters
Vampire
Ice Fae
Sloooow burn/ Tiny Spice
This was so good! This finally got me out of my fantasy slump. No fantasy books I’ve tried to read lately have held my interest and I was starting to worry I had gotten burned out on the genre. Well a big fat nope!
This was so much fun. An assassin Witch on a mission to solve murders she is blamed for. Stuck on a pirate ship with five yummy pirates (Shifters, Fae, Mage and a vampire). This turns into a high seas adventure that is so much fun to read. There is a lot of spicy tension, but this is very much a slow burn. I have a feeling when it hits, it’s gonna hit good!
I’m immediately moving onto the next book.
This is probably a four star book, but it got me out of a massive slump, so it gets ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ from me 😅
Fated Harem/Mates,
Witches/Magic
Shifters
Vampire
Ice Fae
Sloooow burn/ Tiny Spice
This was so good! This finally got me out of my fantasy slump. No fantasy books I’ve tried to read lately have held my interest and I was starting to worry I had gotten burned out on the genre. Well a big fat nope!
This was so much fun. An assassin Witch on a mission to solve murders she is blamed for. Stuck on a pirate ship with five yummy pirates (Shifters, Fae, Mage and a vampire). This turns into a high seas adventure that is so much fun to read. There is a lot of spicy tension, but this is very much a slow burn. I have a feeling when it hits, it’s gonna hit good!
I’m immediately moving onto the next book.
This is probably a four star book, but it got me out of a massive slump, so it gets ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ from me 😅
August 8, 2022
love Love LOVE This book! It's the best Reverse Harem Romance I've read in some time!
I only pray the rest of the series lives up to this book!
This book has...
Goddess blessed witches, shifters, vampires, fae, mages, sirens Oh MY!
Kickass MC, Check
6 hot supernatural men for one assassin witch, Check
Betrayal, Check
Pirates, Check
Adventures, at high sea Check
Evil Queen, Check
Life or Death mission to save everyone, Double-Check
If you love paranormal reverse harems with awesome MCs and the hot men who love her then read this book!
I only pray the rest of the series lives up to this book!
This book has...
Goddess blessed witches, shifters, vampires, fae, mages, sirens Oh MY!
Kickass MC, Check
6 hot supernatural men for one assassin witch, Check
Betrayal, Check
Pirates, Check
Adventures, at high sea Check
Evil Queen, Check
Life or Death mission to save everyone, Double-Check
If you love paranormal reverse harems with awesome MCs and the hot men who love her then read this book!
March 15, 2023
5⭐️
2🌶️
Definitely agree these are comparable to Sarah J. Maas or Jennifer L. Armentrout books. I like how densely packed the books are with world building and action, you don’t feel like you’re missing out. Good balance between plot and romance.
2🌶️
Definitely agree these are comparable to Sarah J. Maas or Jennifer L. Armentrout books. I like how densely packed the books are with world building and action, you don’t feel like you’re missing out. Good balance between plot and romance.
July 25, 2022
bad ass heroine ✓
fated mates trope ✓
plot twists ✓
funny commentary from cat familiar ✓
i dont know what to tell u this is a great one
fated mates trope ✓
plot twists ✓
funny commentary from cat familiar ✓
i dont know what to tell u this is a great one
May 19, 2025
Audio: 5 stars for both Bridgetand Jake Boudreaux (narrating in duet form)
Book: 5 stars
Full series review:
So I didn’t take the time to write individual reviews because I read/listened to each book one after another immediately.
This series is amazing and I am so glad I picked it up! It was addictive from page one, and I loved Nilsa and her 6 mates! I would say if you liked Annette Marie’s “Guild Codex” and wanted Tori to get with all the guys rather than just one, this series gives the same vibes but is a RH!
Can’t wait to wait a few months to reread/relisten to this series again!
Book: 5 stars
Full series review:
So I didn’t take the time to write individual reviews because I read/listened to each book one after another immediately.
This series is amazing and I am so glad I picked it up! It was addictive from page one, and I loved Nilsa and her 6 mates! I would say if you liked Annette Marie’s “Guild Codex” and wanted Tori to get with all the guys rather than just one, this series gives the same vibes but is a RH!
Can’t wait to wait a few months to reread/relisten to this series again!
December 5, 2020
There's a whole lot jam-packed into this book, and I am here for it!
✓ Witches
✓ Shifters
✓ Mages
✓ Sirens
✓ Pirates
✓ Magic
✓ Fated mates
✓ Twins
✓ Begrudging alpha *sshole
✓ Conspiracy
I wasn't really sure what to expect because the gist of this series seemed so different from Mistry's Vice College series, but I was super pleasantly surprised. Honestly, I really enjoyed Traitor Witch, and I like that it's this blended world that can have so many different kinds of beings in it without feeling chaotic or too cramped.
Mistry does a good job of making it feel natural that we're meeting so many "species" in her book, and that's something that made my reading process very easy and fun. I didn't need to try and stockpile giant info dumps or create a supernatural encyclopedia on top of reading. It was all very smooth. One thing I wished we could've done was dig a bit more into each of the MMC's species, to see how Mistry was really crafting her creatures, but she does give us just enough where I can vouch that I wasn't confused or "hurt" by not getting as much info as I would've liked.
The plot was easy to follow, and the world was intriguing enough to keep me hooked throughout. I also like the aspect of the MMCs being pirates and traveling around, giving us a glimpse of different parts of Mistry's world instead of being chained to just one location for the duration of the series. There's a freedom to it when your characters get to adventure, and I do love that experience.
The one pet peeve, if I had to pick one, is that the trope-y situation of hiding who you are is big in this one. Our FMC is keeping her true self, being a Lunar witch and her special role within her coven, a secret because she fears how the MMCs will react. At times, that frustrated me a bit because there are reasons that her secret is not as well-kept as she thinks, and the character of her men just makes me feel like she wouldn't be rejected because of that.
Overall, Traitor Witch is the start of a series that I definitely want to follow and will likely reread. There's some flirty chemistry to build up our harem's connection, an interesting and easy to follow story arc, and I genuinely like all of Mistry's characters. I want to see what happens next because I easily became invested in them.
✓ Witches
✓ Shifters
✓ Mages
✓ Sirens
✓ Pirates
✓ Magic
✓ Fated mates
✓ Twins
✓ Begrudging alpha *sshole
✓ Conspiracy
I wasn't really sure what to expect because the gist of this series seemed so different from Mistry's Vice College series, but I was super pleasantly surprised. Honestly, I really enjoyed Traitor Witch, and I like that it's this blended world that can have so many different kinds of beings in it without feeling chaotic or too cramped.
Mistry does a good job of making it feel natural that we're meeting so many "species" in her book, and that's something that made my reading process very easy and fun. I didn't need to try and stockpile giant info dumps or create a supernatural encyclopedia on top of reading. It was all very smooth. One thing I wished we could've done was dig a bit more into each of the MMC's species, to see how Mistry was really crafting her creatures, but she does give us just enough where I can vouch that I wasn't confused or "hurt" by not getting as much info as I would've liked.
The plot was easy to follow, and the world was intriguing enough to keep me hooked throughout. I also like the aspect of the MMCs being pirates and traveling around, giving us a glimpse of different parts of Mistry's world instead of being chained to just one location for the duration of the series. There's a freedom to it when your characters get to adventure, and I do love that experience.
The one pet peeve, if I had to pick one, is that the trope-y situation of hiding who you are is big in this one. Our FMC is keeping her true self, being a Lunar witch and her special role within her coven, a secret because she fears how the MMCs will react. At times, that frustrated me a bit because there are reasons that her secret is not as well-kept as she thinks, and the character of her men just makes me feel like she wouldn't be rejected because of that.
Overall, Traitor Witch is the start of a series that I definitely want to follow and will likely reread. There's some flirty chemistry to build up our harem's connection, an interesting and easy to follow story arc, and I genuinely like all of Mistry's characters. I want to see what happens next because I easily became invested in them.
September 26, 2023
It literally says in the synopsis that it is a slow burn, so why am I surprised when it’s a slow burn. Does it go heavier on the fantasy aspect that the why choose aspect … the answer is yes.
I did still enjoy it. I like the mix of personalities, despite it getting cringey at times. That might be a me problem though, as the whole ‘mate’ trope (with packs and wolves) is a hard sell for me to read.
This does remind me of ‘the mermaid’s escape’ series kind of, but that is a siren with a human harem. Would recommend, as it does have similar vibes.
I just read ‘darcey’ by this author and I really liked it, so I’m continuing onto book two. We shall see …
I did still enjoy it. I like the mix of personalities, despite it getting cringey at times. That might be a me problem though, as the whole ‘mate’ trope (with packs and wolves) is a hard sell for me to read.
This does remind me of ‘the mermaid’s escape’ series kind of, but that is a siren with a human harem. Would recommend, as it does have similar vibes.
I just read ‘darcey’ by this author and I really liked it, so I’m continuing onto book two. We shall see …
June 18, 2024
✅ action
✅ romance
✅ spice 🌶️
✅ hot heroine
✅ fantassyyy
best book evveerrr, marie mistry knows how to do the harems and the best heroines!
✅ romance
✅ spice 🌶️
✅ hot heroine
✅ fantassyyy
best book evveerrr, marie mistry knows how to do the harems and the best heroines!
March 10, 2021
I didn't fully read the book because I was turned off
I didn't even finish the book. I stopped liking nilsa after she disrespected Nos's efforts to be independent. There was a scene where he says that his brother became his caretaker and not his brother and he didn't really like that. Though he was disabled he wanted to be able to do things himself. And while i don't really understand the plight of those who are disabled. Her reaction was so rude. Instead of supporting him She rolled her eyes and played his issues off as his male ego. Like what? He wants you to see him as more and you roll your eyes. He is struggling with hus powers amd its cost and you roll your eyes. She demeaned the vulnerability he showed her. Also why do the lunar witches need an assassin. Wont that cause conflict between solar. The story has potential hence the 3 stars but that moment really caused me to dislike her. Im gonna keep reading but i wont change the 3 star rating her reaction pissed me off so much. Like that is all i think of. She seems like a bit*h to me no lol.
I didn't even finish the book. I stopped liking nilsa after she disrespected Nos's efforts to be independent. There was a scene where he says that his brother became his caretaker and not his brother and he didn't really like that. Though he was disabled he wanted to be able to do things himself. And while i don't really understand the plight of those who are disabled. Her reaction was so rude. Instead of supporting him She rolled her eyes and played his issues off as his male ego. Like what? He wants you to see him as more and you roll your eyes. He is struggling with hus powers amd its cost and you roll your eyes. She demeaned the vulnerability he showed her. Also why do the lunar witches need an assassin. Wont that cause conflict between solar. The story has potential hence the 3 stars but that moment really caused me to dislike her. Im gonna keep reading but i wont change the 3 star rating her reaction pissed me off so much. Like that is all i think of. She seems like a bit*h to me no lol.
November 3, 2023
Okay WOWWWWW.
No but this book was fucking phenomenal.
A witty assassin witch with a vengeance.
A sassy familiar kitty.
A crew of supernatural pirate mates.
A mysterious siren who visits in her dreams.
A slow burn relationship with the harem.
Including an enemies to lovers vibe with one of the pirates.
Incredible and detailed world building.
And an intriguing as fuck plot????
YES. YES. 100x YES.
I seriously couldn’t have asked for more.
This book single-handedly pulled me out of a long and dreadful book slump and for that I’m so grateful.
I mean I couldn’t put it down for a single second and was captivated from the very beginning.
In fact, I loved how the book started by describing the relationship between the moon and the sun giving way to an entire backstory for us to hold on to.
Absolutely phenomenal.
Also, THAT CLIFFY????
I can’t wait to see our girl fight her way out of this one.
It’s going to be epic.
Also some grovelling from Val is in order.
Just sign me up immediately.
<4.5 stars~
No but this book was fucking phenomenal.
A witty assassin witch with a vengeance.
A sassy familiar kitty.
A crew of supernatural pirate mates.
A mysterious siren who visits in her dreams.
A slow burn relationship with the harem.
Including an enemies to lovers vibe with one of the pirates.
Incredible and detailed world building.
And an intriguing as fuck plot????
YES. YES. 100x YES.
I seriously couldn’t have asked for more.
This book single-handedly pulled me out of a long and dreadful book slump and for that I’m so grateful.
I mean I couldn’t put it down for a single second and was captivated from the very beginning.
In fact, I loved how the book started by describing the relationship between the moon and the sun giving way to an entire backstory for us to hold on to.
Absolutely phenomenal.
Also, THAT CLIFFY????
I can’t wait to see our girl fight her way out of this one.
It’s going to be epic.
Also some grovelling from Val is in order.
Just sign me up immediately.
<4.5 stars~
August 20, 2024
3/5 stars
....ehhhhhh. This book had me until around 82%. Like it started off SO strong. And i mean it was GOOOODT. Then all of a sudden it started DRAGGINGGGGGGG. Theres little to no spice (it pulled a here are two more books you have to read in order to find out what happens!) and I am just not willing to sit and read a story just for some spice. I may continue this at a later date, but this let me down in the long run.
Also....I HATE fantasy books that do a 3rd act extreme plot twist where all of a sudden the lil white girl in thrown in a dungeon and in distress. Like baby wrap this uppppppp PUHLEASE. Thats mostly what knocked it down to a lower rating for me, because i just dont care for 3rd act struggles. Wrap the book up or just end on a cliffhanger and put the drama in the next book lol.
Overall eh. This was a really unique concept and i think it still has potential to get better in the next two books, I just dont care to find out currently. (This took me 10 days to read 😭 )
....ehhhhhh. This book had me until around 82%. Like it started off SO strong. And i mean it was GOOOODT. Then all of a sudden it started DRAGGINGGGGGGG. Theres little to no spice (it pulled a here are two more books you have to read in order to find out what happens!) and I am just not willing to sit and read a story just for some spice. I may continue this at a later date, but this let me down in the long run.
Also....I HATE fantasy books that do a 3rd act extreme plot twist where all of a sudden the lil white girl in thrown in a dungeon and in distress. Like baby wrap this uppppppp PUHLEASE. Thats mostly what knocked it down to a lower rating for me, because i just dont care for 3rd act struggles. Wrap the book up or just end on a cliffhanger and put the drama in the next book lol.
Overall eh. This was a really unique concept and i think it still has potential to get better in the next two books, I just dont care to find out currently. (This took me 10 days to read 😭 )
July 18, 2022
This was great.
Really easy to read. I got irritated with people not letting me read because I just wanted to continue reading this book at the weekend when I was meant to be socialising.
Cannot wait for the next.
Really easy to read. I got irritated with people not letting me read because I just wanted to continue reading this book at the weekend when I was meant to be socialising.
Cannot wait for the next.
December 22, 2022
kier my beloved i love men who can't speak I will truly be in despair when she lifts his curse :(
October 2, 2024
• magic & mayhem •
| paranormal fantasy | reverse harem | witches | fae | vampires | mages | familiars | quest | adventure | pirates | sirens | mythical creatures | shifters | numerous POV | slow burn romance | banter | humorous | assassin | the sun & the moon | cliff hanger |
This story has so many amazing elements. My friend Anna recommended this series to me, and I am so thankful for the recommendation because I am completely blown away.
This story has endless potential moving into book two. I am completely consumed by this story because the adventure/quest has very high stakes, and I am deeply invested in the romance.
This story was not only exhilarating but also hilarious. I can’t wait to see where this story goes. This is my first pirate romance and it is bursting with magical and mythical elements that make my fantasy-loving soul oh-so-satisfied.
Being that book 1 ends on a cliffhanger, I have already started book 2 and I plan to devour this series completely.
Happy Reading, Friends xx
| paranormal fantasy | reverse harem | witches | fae | vampires | mages | familiars | quest | adventure | pirates | sirens | mythical creatures | shifters | numerous POV | slow burn romance | banter | humorous | assassin | the sun & the moon | cliff hanger |
This story has so many amazing elements. My friend Anna recommended this series to me, and I am so thankful for the recommendation because I am completely blown away.
This story has endless potential moving into book two. I am completely consumed by this story because the adventure/quest has very high stakes, and I am deeply invested in the romance.
This story was not only exhilarating but also hilarious. I can’t wait to see where this story goes. This is my first pirate romance and it is bursting with magical and mythical elements that make my fantasy-loving soul oh-so-satisfied.
Being that book 1 ends on a cliffhanger, I have already started book 2 and I plan to devour this series completely.
Happy Reading, Friends xx
December 10, 2020
She did it again
Okay so my kindle is through my fiancé so this is Megan and I first read Marie Mistry’s Demons series as a beta when I was going through a hard time medically. They pulled me out of my funk and just gave me the escape I needed. I loved every moment of them and was so happy to be one of her readers.
Unfortunately I could be a beta for this book due to just having a baby and not having the time to devote to it like it deserved but I knew it was going to be amazing!
I bought this book fully believing it would take me a good week or so to read it between nap and feedings but nope took 3 days after the day I started it.
She’s done it again. Writing one badass female and a plot full of twists, turns, and mystery. I highly recommend it to anyone and when your done with it while you crave the next one with every fiber of your being go read her Demons series. (If you haven’t already)
Thank you Marie for another wonderful escape from reality! Hurry with book 2 please!!
Okay so my kindle is through my fiancé so this is Megan and I first read Marie Mistry’s Demons series as a beta when I was going through a hard time medically. They pulled me out of my funk and just gave me the escape I needed. I loved every moment of them and was so happy to be one of her readers.
Unfortunately I could be a beta for this book due to just having a baby and not having the time to devote to it like it deserved but I knew it was going to be amazing!
I bought this book fully believing it would take me a good week or so to read it between nap and feedings but nope took 3 days after the day I started it.
She’s done it again. Writing one badass female and a plot full of twists, turns, and mystery. I highly recommend it to anyone and when your done with it while you crave the next one with every fiber of your being go read her Demons series. (If you haven’t already)
Thank you Marie for another wonderful escape from reality! Hurry with book 2 please!!
August 9, 2023
Not what I hoped for.
This wasn’t bad.
In fact, it was really well written.
However, for my personal tastes, it didn’t quite work.
I like a slow burn, especially when it’s developing the relationship and personalities.
This wasn’t doing that though. It was more hinting at things to come, arguing, and creating fillers.
Plus, the plot itself was a total slow burn. We spent an entire book, just making it barely a third of the way through.
Action scenes were very few, brief, and very lightly detailed.
The world building is another very low build, dragging things out more than necessary, and making parts confusing [clearly meant to be mysterious and suspenseful, but just frustrating and aggravating for me].
The world is filled with those who lack empathy or any real sense of compassion. Which doesn’t add, considering the whole ideology behind their belief system.
Moreover, a few plot holes I suspect are planned to be resolved [I hope], in upcoming books. But leave me wanting to shout at the story, or swear at how it doesn’t make sense.
Basically, I found the whole experience an unending exercise in frustration.
I liked the story idea, but not the execution.
I loved the writing, but not how slow it all was.
I liked the suspenseful parts, but there wasn’t enough.
I liked so much about the characters, but large chunks seemed missing.
I liked the flashes of humour, but again, not enough.
This is a really good book, but I think, just not for me.
Spoiler Alert 🚨🚨🚨🚨🚨
Just addressing some other review comments that may confuse….
She hides her identity because Solar witches are well loved, thus most are more inclined to help them.
Luna witches are often feared, plus the authorities are looking for a ‘Luna’ witch. She doesn’t know the pirates, or if they can be trusted.
She transforms bits of the ship, because she wasn’t provided most of the basics, only a hammock minus coverings, in a storage room, despite agreeing to work for her passage [including feeding the vamp].
She’s jaded as she was orphaned at age 6, isolated by her status as an assassin at 9yrs, and made to first kill at age 16.
She isn’t trained as a fighter, but an assassin. She isn’t going to be kick-ass, because these are 2 very different techniques.
Plus, being overwhelmed by large numbers, is hardly having your ass handed to you.
The plot holes I mentioned - the Moon goddess affects the ageing of one witch to control her actions, but not the others betraying their deities? Okay, they’re either part or whole Solar witches, but still…Sun Goddess what gives?
Also why can’t Moonie control-affect the Luna powers being used?
This wasn’t bad.
In fact, it was really well written.
However, for my personal tastes, it didn’t quite work.
I like a slow burn, especially when it’s developing the relationship and personalities.
This wasn’t doing that though. It was more hinting at things to come, arguing, and creating fillers.
Plus, the plot itself was a total slow burn. We spent an entire book, just making it barely a third of the way through.
Action scenes were very few, brief, and very lightly detailed.
The world building is another very low build, dragging things out more than necessary, and making parts confusing [clearly meant to be mysterious and suspenseful, but just frustrating and aggravating for me].
The world is filled with those who lack empathy or any real sense of compassion. Which doesn’t add, considering the whole ideology behind their belief system.
Moreover, a few plot holes I suspect are planned to be resolved [I hope], in upcoming books. But leave me wanting to shout at the story, or swear at how it doesn’t make sense.
Basically, I found the whole experience an unending exercise in frustration.
I liked the story idea, but not the execution.
I loved the writing, but not how slow it all was.
I liked the suspenseful parts, but there wasn’t enough.
I liked so much about the characters, but large chunks seemed missing.
I liked the flashes of humour, but again, not enough.
This is a really good book, but I think, just not for me.
Spoiler Alert 🚨🚨🚨🚨🚨
Just addressing some other review comments that may confuse….
She hides her identity because Solar witches are well loved, thus most are more inclined to help them.
Luna witches are often feared, plus the authorities are looking for a ‘Luna’ witch. She doesn’t know the pirates, or if they can be trusted.
She transforms bits of the ship, because she wasn’t provided most of the basics, only a hammock minus coverings, in a storage room, despite agreeing to work for her passage [including feeding the vamp].
She’s jaded as she was orphaned at age 6, isolated by her status as an assassin at 9yrs, and made to first kill at age 16.
She isn’t trained as a fighter, but an assassin. She isn’t going to be kick-ass, because these are 2 very different techniques.
Plus, being overwhelmed by large numbers, is hardly having your ass handed to you.
The plot holes I mentioned - the Moon goddess affects the ageing of one witch to control her actions, but not the others betraying their deities? Okay, they’re either part or whole Solar witches, but still…Sun Goddess what gives?
Also why can’t Moonie control-affect the Luna powers being used?
July 23, 2022
Let me start with stating that quite often pirate stories and I don't mix well. I'm not a sea person. I'm not a pirate girl and I rarely enjoy reading stories taking place in "one spot". However, as soon as I saw the cover for another series set in this world I knew I wanted to get to know the entire world and that meant also reading this series. I found this first book in a thrift store for a very nice price and decided to give it a go.
And what an amazing story is this! I was captivated from the very first page and the story refused to let me go even after reading the last page. Mistry gives the story the best possible start by explaining us the myths of the Solar and Lunar witches and most of all the differences between them. Even though there is still a lot of explaining to do afterwards, things start making sense from the very start because of that captivating bit of context.
Yes, the biggest part of this story takes place on a ship. But the ship never felt small or cramped and since the ship was going from destination to destination I still got the feeling we were seeing this world, its beauty and its ugliness. Apart from that, when the ship is magical and therefore always adapting it already becomes a million times more interesting to begin with and then we're not even talking about the crew!
Because the characters were my absolute favorite part of this book. Even though some have gotten more attention than others it's clear that they each have their own story to tell, they each have their own personality, they each are their own person. Our witch is not just a girl finding her harem, she has her own journey and goals and wishes and history. Our guys are also so much more than simply love interests. I can't wait to get and read the next book!
And what an amazing story is this! I was captivated from the very first page and the story refused to let me go even after reading the last page. Mistry gives the story the best possible start by explaining us the myths of the Solar and Lunar witches and most of all the differences between them. Even though there is still a lot of explaining to do afterwards, things start making sense from the very start because of that captivating bit of context.
Yes, the biggest part of this story takes place on a ship. But the ship never felt small or cramped and since the ship was going from destination to destination I still got the feeling we were seeing this world, its beauty and its ugliness. Apart from that, when the ship is magical and therefore always adapting it already becomes a million times more interesting to begin with and then we're not even talking about the crew!
Because the characters were my absolute favorite part of this book. Even though some have gotten more attention than others it's clear that they each have their own story to tell, they each have their own personality, they each are their own person. Our witch is not just a girl finding her harem, she has her own journey and goals and wishes and history. Our guys are also so much more than simply love interests. I can't wait to get and read the next book!
dnf
October 6, 2022First I want to say as an aspiring writer I don't have any patience for piracy. However starting your book off with a dedication to hoping ebook pirates get shot in the face (oh, with a cannon so I guess that's supposed to make it funny) was seriously disturbing. I've seen plenty of authors hope for those people to be punished without going as far as hoping for their execution.
I'm not going to rate this book since I can't be unbiased about the author and I dnf this book anyway so I don't think that would be fair. Here's my review of what I managed to read.
FMC was described as a badass while not doing anything to really show that. And it's like the author wanted to handicap her as much as possible so witches are the only immortal race that doesn't get any kind of boost with their immortality (which as the special assassin of the lunar goddess she should get something) and they are also the smallest, most dainty delicate of the immortals. Also she has to pretend to be a proper solar witch. And she's terrified of water. While stuck on a large boat. These aren't necessarily terrible things if the plot is decent, but it really wasn't to me.
Then she got bored and decided to scry on her old coven and nearly got herself killed. So she's apparently not going to be outsmarting her opponents. To be fair, this where I stopped reading so maybe it gets better. I'm not interested in finding out.
I'm not going to rate this book since I can't be unbiased about the author and I dnf this book anyway so I don't think that would be fair. Here's my review of what I managed to read.
FMC was described as a badass while not doing anything to really show that. And it's like the author wanted to handicap her as much as possible so witches are the only immortal race that doesn't get any kind of boost with their immortality (which as the special assassin of the lunar goddess she should get something) and they are also the smallest, most dainty delicate of the immortals. Also she has to pretend to be a proper solar witch. And she's terrified of water. While stuck on a large boat. These aren't necessarily terrible things if the plot is decent, but it really wasn't to me.
Then she got bored and decided to scry on her old coven and nearly got herself killed. So she's apparently not going to be outsmarting her opponents. To be fair, this where I stopped reading so maybe it gets better. I'm not interested in finding out.
June 21, 2021
I would've given this 3.5 stars, but decided to round down since I ended up skimming towards the end of the book.
That aside, there were many things about this novel that I enjoyed. The MLs didn't blend together (which is always a concern in this genre), the world building was interesting, and the plot was initially somewhat compelling.
However, it went downhill as the story went on. I found myself annoyed by the FL, and I personally didn't feel any real chemistry between the FL and the MLs. The plot itself also degraded into a somewhat stereotypical, juvenile storyline—and while there isn't anything inherently wrong with that, I was disappointed. By the end, I wasn't even interested in where the story was going and thus decided against picking up the next book.
All said, this novel was still a solid read, and there's nothing at all wrong with the writing itself. For those without my particularities, this book may very well garner a higher rating!
That aside, there were many things about this novel that I enjoyed. The MLs didn't blend together (which is always a concern in this genre), the world building was interesting, and the plot was initially somewhat compelling.
However, it went downhill as the story went on. I found myself annoyed by the FL, and I personally didn't feel any real chemistry between the FL and the MLs. The plot itself also degraded into a somewhat stereotypical, juvenile storyline—and while there isn't anything inherently wrong with that, I was disappointed. By the end, I wasn't even interested in where the story was going and thus decided against picking up the next book.
All said, this novel was still a solid read, and there's nothing at all wrong with the writing itself. For those without my particularities, this book may very well garner a higher rating!
February 18, 2023
Read
Rating: 5/5 ⭐
Spice: 1/5🔥 (slow-burn)
Open door /Closed Door
Romance: 2/5❤️
World building: 4/5 🌎
Plot: 5/5 📕
❌ I hope the MMC get more background information
✔️ strong FMC, interesting MMC
Will I continue this series? ✔️
Would I recommend? ✔️
Rating: 5/5 ⭐
Spice: 1/5🔥 (slow-burn)
Open door /
Romance: 2/5❤️
World building: 4/5 🌎
Plot: 5/5 📕
❌ I hope the MMC get more background information
✔️ strong FMC, interesting MMC
Will I continue this series? ✔️
Would I recommend? ✔️
November 29, 2020
Sooo soo so good
I loved this book! The premise was new and refreshing take on a world of paranormals and it just flew by while keeping everything interesting. I really cannot wait for book two!
I loved this book! The premise was new and refreshing take on a world of paranormals and it just flew by while keeping everything interesting. I really cannot wait for book two!
did-not-finish
June 26, 2022I just can’t do RH when some of the men are brothers. I’ve found I can only handle it when the men are involved with each other as well. And brothers skeeves me out. It’s an interesting start to a story but it’s not for me.
January 2, 2025
So I’m writing this review after finishing the series so it’s not really about this book but the series as a whole.
I read A LOT. Mainly, flicking between genres every few weeks or so. I’ve been on a romantasy kick for about two months now after a year break. Having read most, if not all, of the most celebrated/famous series that have been completed (I cannot with cliffhangers- I just don’t) I’ve moved onto the less popular books- this is the first time in genuinely forever that I have picked up a book and only put it down because I physically had to do life or couldn’t keep my eyes open.
The premise was super original. Basically nothing annoyed me - If I had to complain, maybe she was a tad slow on the uptake in the beginning, but it didn’t feel contrived so it didn’t really bother me. She did remain attached to a particular secret in the first book for longer than i thought was necessary. There was no: omg! I’m so badass!; she was special but not exceptional in a way that prevented the story from going deeper; there were no deus ex machina; also, no unbearable cliffhangers.
I don’t know why this series isn’t more lauded. I thought it was great. The journey throughout each book was one I genuinely wanted to follow. It felt a lot like how reading ACOTAR felt in that respect. Diversions still felt connected to the main journey and added depth, rather than feeling like filler.
I would instantly read anything written by the author again.
Thanks for writing this, I enjoyed it thoroughly!
Re: Smut,
Because I just actively didn’t want to read smutty scenes right now I can’t review them helpfully. However, I did feel the smut balance (I skimmed the scenes) was perfect.
I read A LOT. Mainly, flicking between genres every few weeks or so. I’ve been on a romantasy kick for about two months now after a year break. Having read most, if not all, of the most celebrated/famous series that have been completed (I cannot with cliffhangers- I just don’t) I’ve moved onto the less popular books- this is the first time in genuinely forever that I have picked up a book and only put it down because I physically had to do life or couldn’t keep my eyes open.
The premise was super original. Basically nothing annoyed me - If I had to complain, maybe she was a tad slow on the uptake in the beginning, but it didn’t feel contrived so it didn’t really bother me. She did remain attached to a particular secret in the first book for longer than i thought was necessary. There was no: omg! I’m so badass!; she was special but not exceptional in a way that prevented the story from going deeper; there were no deus ex machina; also, no unbearable cliffhangers.
I don’t know why this series isn’t more lauded. I thought it was great. The journey throughout each book was one I genuinely wanted to follow. It felt a lot like how reading ACOTAR felt in that respect. Diversions still felt connected to the main journey and added depth, rather than feeling like filler.
I would instantly read anything written by the author again.
Thanks for writing this, I enjoyed it thoroughly!
Re: Smut,
Because I just actively didn’t want to read smutty scenes right now I can’t review them helpfully. However, I did feel the smut balance (I skimmed the scenes) was perfect.
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