The Witch Collector (Witch Walker Book 1)

This is the first book in the romantasy series, Witch Walker, about a young woman who intends to get revenge for kidnapping of her sister but finds the division between good and evil is not what it seems. Tropes include enemies to lovers (one sided), morally gray MMC, witches, unique magic system, medium burn, forced proximity and maybe my second favorite micro-trope, cuddling for warmth. There is some spice, as well as some dark themes, so please review the list of trigger warnings.The Lovely: I love the main characters and how their relationship changes over the course of the book. The FMC is tenacious and brave, and uses sign language to communicate. She’s spent the last eight years hating the Witch Collector and the King, and plotting her revenge against them for the kidnapping of her sister. The MMC is a bit of a cinnamon roll (or burnt cinnamon roll - gruff on the outside, doughy inside) and has a scarred and tortured past.Also Lovely: I also loved how the author writes the imagery of scenes, especially in the Frostwood. It’s not just the visual imagery but incorporates all the senses. It becomes quite vivid and haunting, leading to an immersive reading experience.Rating: 5/5 Stars 2/5 FlamesRecommendation: I’ve had this book on my TBR for over a year and have had so many of my friends recommend the series to me. While this book does leave off mid-adventure with things to be resolved, there is not large, dramatic cliffhanger, which I appreciate (mostly because it’s a change from what I’ve been reading lately). I also loved the pacing of the story - something is always happening that maintains interest and keeps you guessing as to what comes next. For me, this book has it all, great main characters, beautiful imagery and a stellar plot, leading to this being a five star read.

4 - ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐"There is darkness inside me, Raina. Darkness you will not like.""There is darkness inside me too," I sign. "Perhaps our darknesses can be friends."The Witch Collector is the first novel the the NA Fantasy Romance series, Witch Walker, and follows the journey of the witch Raina Bloodgood and the mysterious Witch Collector. In the land of Tiressia, legends of gods and powers of kingdoms clash and what started for Raina as a quest for vengeance against the man who took her sister during the infamous Collection day eight years ago turns into a much larger battle to protect her empire and, in turn, her sister. The black and white world Raina once knew fades to grey as the man she once yearned to kill becomes the mean she starts to yearn for...Raina is a character that really draws in readers. She is a non-speaking person but the beauty that her character provides highlights the power of words no matter how they are communicated. Her magic is beautiful. She is headstrong and loyal; she is cognizant of her flaws, and willing to change. I appreciated how she handled each challenge she faced and there is a kindness and compassion to her that had me rooting for her. Raina's journey from seeing one small facet of the world to embracing the empire as a whole was a fascinating journey and she has become strong from it.The Witch Collector, Alexus, is a man of mysteries and watching those unfold over the story was extremely fun. He was confident but not cocky and I loved seeing the distinction as it made the story more receptive to Raina accepting his help despite his part in taking her sister away. He is a character you quickly end up loving and he has all the aspects of a love interest willing to do whatever it takes to help his partner. Also...he has dimples!This book is a slow burn as both characters have a lot to navigate in their own relationships in addition to the conflict rising around them. There is sexual tension but it's mild as it builds. There is some spice in the last 15% of the book so I would give this a 1.5 pepper out of 5 at this stage. It was a perfect way to cap off the end of the book and I cannot wait to see Raina's and Alexus' relationship grow in the second book."You're doing it again," he says, the smallest of smiles tipping one corner of his mouthI frown. "Doing what?""Looking at me like you want me to kiss you."The world is this book is growing and I anticipate it to become so much bigger. The lore around it was shared so well but admittedly I did got lost between the powers of east and west but the story of the gods stuck with me even after reading. The world is shared over time as the character encounter new challenges and I loved this approach to the evolution of the story. At the beginning I loved reading about the witch's magic and their tattoos and the evolution of that lore gripped me. I felt some of it was timed so well in the story. There are some pretty good reveals to lore and magic and these provided some perfect hidden gems in the greater world we are unravelling.In terms of story, this book provides a good balance of plot and character. The setting was well established and we got to get a sense of the character for the inciting force hits. I enjoyed the action, the tension of the fighting, and the fact no one was truly safe. This risk made the story more impactful even with Raina's powers. The development of the villain was done incredibly well and I love the tidbits that were left at the end that give us so much promise for the text book. This was a book I easily consumed in a day and I am eager to pick up next and this is even without a big cliffhanger. The layering of twists and reveals was spread throughout the ending and for my mental wellbeing I greatly appreciated that...though I hear the next book is not as kind.Overall, this was an enriching fantasy with danger, love, and a unique form of magic that set this apart for me. I thoroughly enjoyed my time and will definitely pick up the next book!

I really loved this book- strong yet relatable female character and good world building.Most of all the romance feels earned and special. The writing is a step up from many other romantasy series. One of my all time favorites. This series should be more well-known!!The second book especially is hot.

I loved the story and the characters are fantastic! Raina is awesome and I love her. Alexus is all the things you want in a book boyfriend. This book is slow burn, but worth the wait. Book 2 will set you on fire.The magic is awesome, the world building is easy to understand without having it dumped on you.

The tension building is beautiful, I am a massive fan of Scarlett St Clair so I could have been expecting something way spicier. But beware, you do get some spice and it may leave you hungry for more 😅I have found my book boyfriend in Alexus. That character is so intriguing and not a basic archetype, which is a gift.The lore is crafted enough to make you highlight some passages. A bit like GOT meets romance IMO.Mysteries and emotional buildup are brilliant.Can’t wait to follow up on the rest of the characters’ journey.

Terrible quality book. The print on the cover is very blurry.

A great, well written, fantasy story with beautifully scarred characters who wear their pain as armour 💪Its also made wonderfully unique by having a FMC who does not speak (out loud)!Patiently waiting for the nextbook...! Hopefully soon 🤞

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