Okay, this book BLEW ME AWAY and I'm really surprised I haven't seen it mentioned much!

Night of the Witch is a historical fantasy retelling of the German Witch Trials, which I really loved as this isn't a historical event I knew as much about before now. It moves FAST, but somehow not so quick to feel underdeveloped or rushed. Every chapter had something to draw me in, and I read about 60% in one sitting without even noticing.

I loved both Fritzi and Otto so much. Our first few chapters spent with Otto paint him in a light that is so incredibly different from who he ends up being at heart, and this is definitely a purposeful and impactful things for what he is trying to achieve. Fritzi is fiery but not impulsive to a fault. She gets herself into trouble at times, but it is always for a good reason that I don't think she would change even if she did slow down. The authors did a great job characterizing her even throughout a lot of action, as we can feel her guilt about her mistakes as well as find a deep connection to the reasons why she made the decisions she did. We can tell that she cares deeply about justice for her people and protection of those she loves, just as we know that Otto cares about righting wrongs and examining whether his role in the witch trials could ever be forgivable, even if he has been playing a long game to make a net positive impact.

I also loved the CHEMISTRY with these two. This is YA, but it does include a lot of violence and even some pretty graphic torture scenes, as well as an intimate scene that is more than I'd normally expect from a YA book, but not so much that I find it inappropriate (plus, these two are 18+ in age). This being said, the heavier aspects of this book were handled SO well, and really had my heart pounding. Similarly, the romantic scenes had me swooning hard and rooting for the main couples success. The villain in this book absolutely terrified me & the way their motives intermingled with the magic system was so interesting (and the magic system was just awesome in general).

I just really, really enjoyed this and would definitely recommend it to people who are looking for a historical fantasy witchy read that moves fast, packs a serious emotional punch, and helps you learn real aspects of our world history that you might not already know. It also features a lot of beautiful writing, swoony romance, heart pounding action and a beautiful little found family. I'll definitely be watching like a hawk for news of book two after that epilogue! Thank you so much to Sourcebooks Fire for this eArc, I can't wait to investigate these authors other works while I wait for the sequel!

This YA fantasy is the perfect blend between historical fiction and witchy fantasy. The story is set against the medieval witch trials in Germany and the world-building was done extremely well.

Fritzi, a witch who lost her coven, plans to take down the leader of the witch hunters. Otto, a witch hunter, unexpectedly wants the same thing. Thrown together, they must figure out how to trust each other in order to find their revenge.

The plot was very interestig and some surprising twists kept me on the edge of my seat. The idea of wild magic gave a unique spin to the story. I was also very impressed by the fluent writing-style as it was writen by two authors!

I loved both characters but Otto definitely stole my heart! I also very much enjoyed their blooming connection. The beginning of their relationship felt a bit rushed but I loved how it turned out. The dual POV definitely added an extra layer to the book, which I always appreciate.

If you're looking for a YA fantasy filled with witches, historical elements, vengeance and a tad of enemies-to-lovers romance than I definitely recommend this one!

I loved the changing points of view of our enemies... Fritzi and Otto. Quickly they turn to allies after learning to lean on each other and building trust. There is a lot of world building and who doesn't love a witchy book?!

There's not a lot of book set in Germany during the XV century and there's not a book that refers to the Holy Roman Empire (that's the name, the Roman Empire ended in 486 cd).
That said i liked it but not loved it. The story it's a bit filmsy and the romance very fast.
I will try again to read it.
Many thanks to the publisher for this ARC, all opinions are mine

•Witch and Witch Hunter

•Duel pov

•Enemies to Lovers

•Historical Germany


Some parts were kinda confusing the first 15%. I had to reread parts. When it still didn't make sense, I just moved on and kept reading. The worldbuilding got better as the story went on. Fritzi was likable, though portrayed as a very weak witch. The hexanjägers are interesting. I liked the duel pov. It's an enemies to lovers romance. Otto is my favorite, honestly. I also really enjoyed the historical aspect of this. Religion is a very big topic in the book. It was overall a 3 star read. I enjoyed it and am curious to see how the next book goes.

Thank you to Netgalley for giving me the opportunity to read and review this book.

I was really excited for this - I've been a Sarah Raasch fan for years. I've read a few of Beth Revis' books and enjoyed them, and the premise to this book had me sold with WITCH + WITCH HUNTER ROMANCE.

I struggled with this book. The romance was disappointing and very Insta-lovey. It didn't help that I spent the beginning of the book not really liking Otto at all. Fritzi seemed really ill-equipped for anything. Like at no point did I have faith in her ability to accomplish anything. And the two of them together left so much to be desired. I couldn't find the chemistry between them.

I went into this book thinking it was a Medieval German inspired fantasy book - akin to a Grimm's Fairytale vibe. I definitely wasn't expecting a historical fantasy set in 1500's Germany with the Roman Empire being large and in charge. I don't really know why, but I had such a hard time reconciling Medieval Germany with peak Roman Empire. Honestly, it came across as one author wanted to write something dark and atmospheric and the other one wanted to write something featuring The Roman Empire. For me, they didn't mesh well at all. I feel like the medieval german vibes + witch hunters would have been perfectly fine on it's own.
Had it been a pure fantasy novel inspired by medieval Germany I think I would have enjoyed it a lot more. But for it being more of a historical fantasy, I guess it make's sense for the Church to be involved in witch hunts.

There were just so many aspects to this book and they all felt disjointed and disconnected. I saw the twist about the magic system almost from the beginning. I don't know if it's a 2022/23 theme in witchy books, or it's always been prevalent, but the twist is no longer a shocking reveal - it's starting to feel so incredibly obvious. Though, if it didn't exist, then there wouldn't be a story I guess.

Going back to the romance, this book needed to be New Adult/Adult. Up the ages a little bit, and just make it dark and graphic across the board. Having it be marketed and sold as a Young Adult book was the wrong move. I think so many of my issues could have been remediated if this book had been geared to an older audience. The romance would have made so much more sense as an enemies to lovers, versus the watered down version it was.
The world could have been darker and grittier and maybe there would have been more time to explain everything and make the world more in depth - which is insane since this is semi-historical. But overall, I think it should have been an entirely fantastical world - I think the historical elements tied the author's hands in what they could and couldn't do.

Overall, I had some high expectations for this book and I'm bummed I didn't enjoy it. I don't know if I'll be continuing on with the series.

In this dark and eerie tale of witches, hunters, religion, and magic, loyalties and morals clash as two unexpected allies uncover the truth behind the attacks plaguing their lands.

I loved the aesthetic of the witches in this novel, especially how our heroine had such a strong bond to the earth, herbs, and the balance of nature. I adored her fiery personality and how she complimented our unlikely hero and all his broodiness. Seeing them grow from enemies to companions to something more was just such an incredible journey.

While the pacing was a little slow at times, this was an enjoyable, festive fall read.

*Thank you to the publisher for gifting me an eARC in exchange for an honest review.*

3 stars

Big thanks to Sourcebooks, Sara Raasch, Beth Revis and NetGalley for a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinions!

Night of the Witch is an interesting blend of both historical fiction and fantasy. The authors took the real-life witch trials of Germany and turned it into a witchy fantasy that had a surprisingly deep level of world-building once you get into the book. Paired with a bit of enemies-to-lovers romance thrown in too.

I really enjoyed the romance parts and the ideas of this fictional but based-on-fact part of this book. Witchy books are always my favorite type of fantasy. This is YA level when it comes to the romance - note to the authors: please make the next one not YA because I would DIE for some enemies to lovers spice in this. Fritzi and Otto are perf.

The whole witchy fighting well in the forest aspect was interesting but I did get a little bit confused with all the names and ideas. We did get quite the cliffhanger in the end though. I will be interested to read the next book to see where the love story goes as well as what happens next for the witches.

What I loved:
Dual POV
Enemies to Lovers
Interesting World Building

This book was hit and miss for me. I found the world interesting but wanted more, and there wasn’t enough enemies-to-lovers lining and slow burn for my personal tastes. That said, the concept and world were really fun and kept me wanting more!

Unfortunately I didn’t like this book as much as I hoped. The plot had a lot of potential, but it was too fast paced for my personal enjoyment.
On the one hand, the language wasn’t really fitting the historical context. It felt too modern for a book set in the 16th century. Additionally, as a german person, it was quite off-throwing to read all these german words, which mostly weren’t used in the right context.
On the other hand, the setting of the novel was very interesting to read about. You don’t often get to read a book about older, germanic history. Especially one, that is fictional and not originally german. That was really fun to read, as well as the reason i kept reading until the end.

After surviving a hexenjäger attack on her coven led by Kommandant Dieter Kirch, Fritzi is left to fight to find her cousin and justice for the family they lost. Along the way, she encounters Otto, a captain and second in command to Kirch, who has secrets of his own. When Fritzi is thrown into his life, his own plans for vengeance are disrupted. This leaves the pair with only one option if their craving for revenge is to be quenched; they have to trust each other. When more secrets come to light, the witch and witch hunter find far more than the vengeance they desperately seek.

What a way to kick off a series! Fritzi is a force of nature and the transformation she endures throughout the book is incredible to experience as the reader. Her reluctance to trust and the journey of her relationship with Otto felt natural and not rushed. Otto's love for his sister was precious, and the plan they concocted was ingenious! Dieter was such a complex yet simple villain at the same time. There are so many layers to this man, but he is incredibly written. More than a few times I had unpleasant chills when I heard his voice while I read. Liesel was definitely my favorite though she is young, she is powerful and formidable. I cannot wait to see how she grows in the series.

The dual POV between Fritzi and Otto allows the reader to delve into both of their minds. I loved that there were historical connections to the real witch trials in Europe. The writing was exquisite and made it feel as though it was unfolding before me, and it was easy to immerse myself in the story. This book has been added to my recommended list!

When I began reading the first chapter of this book, I honestly didn’t think I’d like it. We’re immediately thrown into a battle as the witch hunters (hexenjägers) are storming the witch village. I’m not big on battles in books (or, to be honest, TV/movies either) I find them overwhelming. I knew the whole book was unlikely to be one big battle, so I kept reading. But there was another thing nagging at me from the get go—Fritzi. I couldn’t gauge how old she was. The way she interacts with her mother, I assumed she was a child, 13 at most, this pulled me out of the story.

And that’s where my criticisms end. Once Fritzi leaves the remnants of her village in search of her cousin, who’s been captured by the jägers, I was fully engaged. (The authors also mentioned Fritzi’s age, so that nagging detail was finally put to rest, so I could form a .) 

The story alternates between Fritzi, the witch, and Otto, the witch hunter. When their paths collide, shortly after Fritzi leaves her village, and she becomes Otto’s captive, the real story begins. 

I love Fritzi. I love Otto. I love them together. I love them fighting or not. 

Ultimately they end up on a mission to save Fritzi’s cousin and magic on a whole. I loved the magic system in this book, the wild magic vs the magic of “The Well”. The goddesses and the sanctuary of the well. 

The end of the book? Amazing.

I need the next book in this series.

Content warning: Though this book reads like a YA, there is one sex scene.

This book was actually very surprising to me. While the description is what got me interested, I feel like the authors gave you much more than just a story about a witch and a witch hunter. I loved that they used some real life historical inspiration to serve as the backdrop of this story but at the heart was the relationship between Fritzi (the witch) and Otto (the witch hunter). It gave forced proximity, it gave pining, it gave enemies to lovers, it gave one bed all in a very appropriate for YA type of way. I think the romantic pining happened rather quickly, with him falling first it seems, but considering the circumstances the two main characters find themselves in, I think it would be hard not to form a bond and connection with each other. If I had one complaint, it was that I wish we had gotten more about Fritzi and her family/coven as well as the events leading her back to her lost brother, I'm sure however this will be dug into in book two. The only other thing I would have liked is that when terms or phrases were used in German, it would have been nice to get a translation. Some of it you can get from the context but there were times I wasn't 100% sure. It was a slow sort of lead up to the very exciting ending and needless to say, I am really looking forward to seeing where the next chapter takes them all with that ending.

thank you to netgalley for the advanced reading copy. I really enjoyed this and will be getting copies for my shop.

Night of the Witch is book 1 in the Witch and Hunter series.

I think this was the first time I read a book on European or specifically German witch trials. I liked the world-building and how Fritzi and Otto met. Their relationship gets built on trust and progresses to love pretty quick which was nice to see.

The Goddesses were I think quite ruthless and their priests and priestesses were selfish which was annoying; they didn't care about Fritzi and Liesel very much despite what they had to go throught and Liesel is only a child! And the Epilogue was frustrating but has me wanting more!

Thank you to NetGalley and SOURCEBOOKS Fire, Sourcebooks Fire for an eARC of Night of the Witch!

I immediately went and picked up a shelf trophy copy of this book on release day, that’s how good this book was. Enemies to Lovers Romantasy with witches and witch hunters set in Midieval Germany? Yes, please. Perfect to read anytime of the year, but the best time would be now in Spooky Season!!! Go pick up a copy!!

I really enjoyed this book! I feel like it was a good mix of history and plot. i liked that is was a witch perspective from another country. I wish the pacing was a little bit better, but maybe in the next book it will even out.

This was an anticipated read for me and I am not disappointed one bit.

A mix of history and fantasy, this is a retelling of the Witch Trials in Germany.
We follow Fritze and Otto through death and destruction, lies and deceptions, all while their relationship grows.
I loved a lot of the side characters as well.

Overall, I really loved this and after that epilogue, I’m hoping for more!

I think this book was well-written and overall an enjoyable book. Overall a good story anda nice fall read. However, I did find the book lacking in pace at times making it a bit boring. I would still really like to see the second book in the series and give it another go!

I just want to start off by saying that Across The Universe by Beth Revis was my favourite series when I was younger so it was such an honour to receive an ARC of the Night of the Witch and have a chance to read and review it.

I absolutely loved this book from the get go. The writing and the storytelling is impeccable and I loved the uses of the German history and culture. The pacing is perfect and all of the reveals and twists and turns had me wanting more every time.

We get both the MMC’s and the FMC’s POVs and Otto’s chapters made me smile and giggle so much. I love a bit of enemies to reluctant allies to lovers. The tension, the yearning, the burn, ugh it’s so good.

Sarah and Beth did an amazing job writing this book, the ending has me itching for the next one, and I am so thankful to @Netgalley and @sourcebooksfire for this ARC.