An addictive read and exciting characters.

Actually, this book caught my attention because it was co-written with the author Sara Raasch. Since I read it in Snow on Ashes, I liked her work a lot, so I said I'm from here and I'm going to read this ARC thanks to Netgallery and I must say that I made a very good decision because I loved this story.

I love that this fictional world is closely intertwined with reality, with its historical places, but above all with that part of the story where the burning of witches was real and well, innocent people suffered these actions by the church, and I I like it above all because this mixture of fantasy and reality makes me get closer to such a situation, but in a way that I enjoy reading about it.

Also, the main characters, Fritzi, Otto and Liesel, made a divine trio and I had a lot of fun with them. But I highlight how good a couple Friz and Otto are, a lot of chemistry there, the romance 10/10.
But I must admit that my heart was stolen by Otto, he is the kind of protagonist that makes me want to hug him and pamper him because he is an angel and I just want him to be happy.

4.5⭐️

“A witch and a hunter. Vengeance is their mission. Love is their destiny.“

This book follows Fritizi only of the only surviving members of an attack on her coven of witches and is on a mission to find her only other surviving family member and get revenge on the hexanjägers (witch hunters). Otto is a hexanjäger captain but it’s a cover for his true motives of seeking justice for the burning of his mother. Fritzi and Otto are unexpectedly forced to work together and as they do their feelings only grow towards one another as they battle everything that comes their way.

I absolutely loved this book, it was fast paced, exciting, funny and I love the romance between Fritzi and Otto, you could feel the tension and angst between them which only made their relationship better. He was always trying to protect her from the beginning and she didn’t want him to sacrifice himself for her; they were both such strong characters that always fought to help others despite struggling with feeling like they weren’t doing enough. I could not get enough of this book, I’m really hoping there’s another book coming!!

This novel gave the same vibe as Serpent and Dove, witch and witch hunter bound together, altho while Serpent and Dove was an arranged marriage trope, this was more of a forced proximity with reluctant allies to lovers trope. It definitely took time for me to get into it because the way the story is told is a bit slow, as it took a good 17 chapters until the main plot of the novel was put into place. Overall, I did enjoy the premise of the novel and the entirety of the story. I liked the cute and witty chemistry that the protagonist has with Otto, but it felt a bit rushed. This felt like a weird retelling of Lou and Reid from Serpent and Dove but nonetheless, I still enjoyed the novel and the worldbuilding

About a 3.8 rating. I enjoyed that it was face paced, however, I wish there was more to the love bond. It felt like it just suddenly happened versus a growing love. I did like the story and I'm looking forward to book two. Some of the information seemed to be one thing and then change in another chapter but then go back to what was initially said. So that did make some of the pertinent information seem inconsistent

The Night of the Witch blends history and fantasy to create an adventure built around a unique magic system and a familiar conflict. Fritzi is a young witch who struggles with survivor’s guilt after the destruction of her village, which included her coven and most of her family. Otto is a witch hunter with a similarly traumatic backstory and an elaborate plan to bring down the systems that are tearing his community apart. Although they start out as enemies, they quickly discover that their goals align and almost immediately begin working together to save first the wrongfully accused and then the world.

Although the villain of the book is an unchecked megalomaniac, organized religion (both Catholic and pagan) and politics share the blame for most of the damage he does.

The world building, which combines German history with Gaulish and Celtic mythology develops fascinating cultures that acknowledge the complexity of belief systems, even within a closed community.

I just wish the male protagonist were as multidimensional. Otto is a great guy. He’s sensitive, strong, trustworthy. He is (possibly anachronistically) active in seeking consent and open in his acceptance of love in all its forms. But since he doesn’t seem to have any faults, there’s no room for him to grow. Most of the conflicts he faces in his relationship with Fritzi are early on and due to misunderstandings.

That said, although the enemies-to-lovers arc is quicker than I would have expected, the romantic tension between acknowledging their feelings individually and admitting them to each other is no less satisfying. (A couple of scenes are swoon worthy!)

Overall, it’s a well-paced magical adventure with a (mostly) sweet romance.

I started off liking the book then I started to fade but I push forward, and I have to say it's an interesting book yet a little like other books I've read. The plot was very predictable and a little rushed at times. World building was spot on and great.

Exciting and engrossing. I couldn't put it down! Characters had depth and the world building was on point. Recommended!

This ARC was provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review that you will find below! Thank you again for this opportunity and can’t wait to get my hands on more books in this series.

Night of the Witch was a book that genuinely took me by surprise. When I had first read the synopsis, the witchy concept itself got my attention but the witch x hunter dynamic wasn’t anything new. And surprisingly, I think that’s exactly why this book excels! Raasch and Revis took a tried and true dynamic and did it so well with their spectacular writing.

The story is fast paced and quick and A LOT happens across the span of one book. I personally enjoyed the action packed read, but by the end of the book, it felt as though the main plot in the first half of the book had gotten lost. I do think it would have made the story more impactful if the second half of the book had been a separate novel in itself with more expansion on the magical systems and lore. While I would have liked the first half to focus more on the aftermath of the character’s elaborate plan. Nonetheless I devoured this book and wholeheartedly enjoyed it!

Fritzi and Otto are obvious enemies to lovers' romance and I was thrilled with how this was done. I have a bone to pick with some enemies to lovers I’ve read and my biggest issue is how quickly it goes from very toxic enemies to pressed-up-against-walls lovers. In contrast to that, Fritzi and Otto aren’t slow burn but their dynamic works and feels safe. Their interest in each other does seem relatively quick but there’s no immediate ogling or internal monologues about how attractive the other person is (my bookish pet peeve). Instead, they’re both put in urgent situations and are appropriately focused on that for the most part. Their banter in the beginning is sharp and witty, and I missed it in the latter half of the book where it seems to fizzle out.

Fritzi is an incredible character. She faces great loss in the opening chapter of this novel and I love how this book explores her grieving. The authors recognize that the grieving process is a long, complicated and unpredictable journey and allow Fritzi to feel her emotions without coming off as wallowing in her misery. It doesn’t take away from the quick witted and strong character she is. Instead, it adds a layer to her characterization and makes her more real. I have nothing to say about Otto except that I’ve had this boy for a day and I’d kill for him. He’s an incredibly respectful male main character and is a refreshing take on how a male lead can be dark and brooding but also respect women both platonically or romantically.

For the majority of the story the magic is not as whimsical or fantastical as other books but it falls more into traditional witchcraft (potion brewing, spell casting, herbs, etc) which I thoroughly enjoyed. It feels fitting with the historical setting of the witch trials that the story is based in. When we do get a taste of the magical system in the books, it did leave me with more questions than answers. So I’m hoping and anticipating that future novels will expand on the lore!

All in all, this was a very fun and well written read, and I look forward to the rest of the series! I would recommend this to anyone who enjoys a fast, fantasy read and has a love for all things witchy. A special shoutout to Liesel for stealing the show within mere minutes!

I wanted to like this but instead found myself drowning in a watered down version of a story we’ve read before.

“Night of the Witch” blazes through trials and cleansing to rid the world of magic as Fritzi grieves the loss of her coven and sets off to find her remaining family only to be met by the very people responsible for their fate.

I could not get through this book without comparing it to Serpent and Dove and not in a fun if you like this you’ll enjoy that relationship but rather a “we’ve already done this” type way that hurt my experience in trying to enjoy this book. The plots are similar but the character less memorable as we move from enemies to allies and all the while I found myself reaching over to a better written original version of this same tale.

I did enjoy some of the historical takes on the witch trials through the lens of German culture and how it relates to other instances of this persecution especially when it came to something as simple as beer and how the silliest tasks of daily living can be twisted when those in power have a vendetta.

The characters were fine if not a bit plain I was surprised at how quickly they moved around as I found myself checking the progress tracker finding it all so sudden. I wish we had gotten more the feminine trinity as their mentions were the most impactful overall but alas I can only review on what I was presented and not what I’d hope for.

I enjoy both of these authors but unfortunately feel like their talents were lost in a sea of parallels and for that I have to leave this series on the shelf though I hope the next reader enjoys their time!

*special thanks to the publishers and netgalley for providing an arc in exchange for a fair and honest review*

My journey through this book was an odd one. For the first 10-13 chapters, I couldn’t say I enjoyed it. But I did not dislike it either. It was an odd feeling, knowing that I neither like nor dislike this book, but I still kept reading it. By the novel's end, I can say I enjoyed my time with it, although it was rushed.

Night of the Witch is a stand-alone historical fantasy novel that takes place in the period of Germany’s Trier Witch Trials. Fritzi is a young witch who has just seen her whole coven massacred at the hands of Kommandant Kirch, a witch Hunter. Otto Ernst is a young Kapitän in the witch hunters guild who has yet to actually kill a witch. When Fritzi and Ernst meet, their goals become one: to take down Kirch and free the captured witches.

By the end of the novel, I liked what I read. It definitely got better towards the middle and the end of the story. It follows the first-person POV of Fritzi and Otto which I appreciated. I can’t tell you how many times I get the POV of one character and I’m left asking for the POV of the other. The one thing that stood out to me was the villain. I think Kirch was a pretty diabolical little guy and I enjoyed how the authors made him cruel, vicious, and downright evil till the end.

Although the magic system isn't really fleshed out in any way, it plays an important role in the story and there was a decent attempt at the end to make it look cool. Aside from that, there’s nothing else too special about the novel. It’s a good read, but I wouldn’t put it at the top of my recommendations list. Congrats to Sara Raasch and Beth Ravis on the first novel in the series! Thank you to NetGalley and SOURCEBOOKS Fire for the opportunity to read this early!

Night of the Witch is a beautifully written historical witch novel with some really unique magical lore. I absolutely adore enemies to lovers and tis did not disappoint with a witch and a witch hunter. I do think this leans more towards YA than adult but this is an amazing story and a really fast paced read so you won't want to put this down. I think this will be a big hit for any fantasy lovers.

This book simply did not catch my interest the way I thought it would. I've been reading a lot of witch books and thought it'd be interesting to go on a bit of a historical fantasy journey.

I read Sara Raasch's debut when it first came out and I extremely disliked the book. Though I wanted to give her another shot especially working with Beth Revis who I learned about from her contribution to Star Wars.

The concept really had my attention. I liked the idea of Otto wanting to destroy the witch hunters only for the daughter of an actual powerful witch to come into his life. I really thought the enemies to lovers was going to spark something but this may not be the trope for me, and that's on me.

Neither character really drew me in and something about the world building truly felt lacking. Not once did I fall back in time and maybe it's for the better because I'm unsure how I feel about the real life witch hunts inspiring this book.

It is fast pace and an easy read, welcoming to individuals so I hope it'll capture some more attention and is a book I'd want to talk to more people about to see how they feel and if it's similar to my disappointment. I kept wanting to not finish it and honestly nothing about the book really stuck in my head. By the end I forgot most of it, personally. But I know the trope of enemies to lovers and snark is fairly popular right now so I imagine a lot of people may enjoy this one.

"Night of the Witch" is a quick-paced, dark little YA fantasy that doesn't reinvent the wheel, but succeeds due to its strong writing and character work. A few chapters in, and you pretty much can spell out the plot - a plucky, traumatized witch, a witch-hunter who's secretly heroic, and a madcap adventure delving into the heart of magic - sure! Why not? Although I usually knew exactly where it was going, it scratched the itch for action-packed supernatural historic fiction. I particularly enjoyed the attention to detail when it came to worldbuilding, even if this version of the 1500s didn't really look like *our* 1500s. Still, it was fun.

Prepare to be captivated by an enthralling and high-octane journey as witches and witch hunters collide, ushering in a world on the brink of transformation. The pages of this book unravel with a breathtaking pace, offering a thrilling exploration of a world where familiar boundaries blur, and the destinies of both witches and non-witches hang in the balance. What sets this tale apart is the infusion of German words, which not only adds a fresh layer to the setting but also imbues the narrative with a delightful fairytale vibe.

At the heart of the story is Fritzi, a devoted green witch who faithfully abides by her coven's rules, steadfast in her belief that their ways are just and righteous. However, her unwavering faith is shattered when her coven is ruthlessly decimated, and her cousin is cruelly snatched away by the relentless witch hunters. Driven by an unyielding determination to find and rescue her cousin, Fritzi embarks on a perilous journey, vowing to stop at nothing to reunite their shattered family. Yet, in a world where the lines between friend and foe are blurred, rescuing a witch from the clutches of the witch hunters is a treacherous path fraught with unexpected twists and turns.

Enter Otto, a witch hunter—or at least, a masterful pretender posing as one. Otto skillfully walks the tightrope between two worlds, secretly working to aid and rescue those he is meant to hunt down. When Fritzi unwittingly stumbles upon Otto and his sister staging a false arrest as part of their ultimate rescue plan, a chance encounter forever alters the course of their lives. In a remarkable twist, Fritzi inadvertently saves Otto's sister, triggering a chain of events that will challenge their beliefs, ignite a passionate camaraderie, and forge unbreakable bonds between them. This is not a mere enemies-to-lovers story; it is something far more profound and extraordinary.

As their fates intertwine, Fritzi and Otto find themselves embarking on a joint mission to defy the oppressive forces that seek to keep witches and witch hunters apart. Together, they navigate treacherous terrains, face menacing adversaries, and unveil a web of secrets that will shatter everything they thought they knew. The dynamic between Fritzi and Otto transcends traditional labels, blossoming into a partnership built on trust, understanding, and shared purpose. Their bond, forged in the crucible of adversity, holds the power to reshape the destiny of both witches and witch hunters alike.

This gripping tale weaves together elements of danger, resilience, and sacrifice, propelling readers on a breathtaking ride that challenges preconceived notions and delves deep into the complexities of love and loyalty. Prepare to be enchanted by a story that surpasses the limitations of its genre, offering a narrative that is as compelling as it is exhilarating.

Night of the Witch is the perfect blend of fantasy and historical fiction! I loved how the story highlighted how the Catholic Church was willing to burn anyone who spoke out against them and and as a way for men to rid themselves of unwanted wives and daughters. I really enjoyed the magic system and the defined differences between "good" and "bad" witches. I liked how the conflict went beyond just that between the church and their witch hysteria, and instead became a story of good magic (The Well) versus Wild Magic - it added so much more nuance to the plot.

The romance was so-so and the world building was slightly lacking, but the atmosphere was spot on. Overall, this was a fast-paced story with a perfectly flawed MC trying to come into her power. I enjoyed the dual POV - it was refreshing to have a male lead who already saw through the machinations of the church and his fellow hexenjägers. The story's villain had the best characterization by far - there is so much more to his ambition than originally let on. I'm excited to read more of this series!

Read if you enjoy:
-Historical fiction blended with fantasy
-Stories inspired by true events (Trier, Germany Witch Burnings)
-Dual POV
-Serpent and Dove (by Shelby Mahurin) and/or Wild is the Witch (by Rachel Griffin)
-Series starters with completed arcs, but teasers for more stories

I loved this book. I was very impressed with the qualities that Otto possessed instead of trying to entice readers with making him morally gray he is very good even when dealing with situations when one might excuse his behavior. Within the main plot their are many smaller things happening within the background parallel to the main. I find this type of writing very stimulating and helps me to stay entertained. I cant help but wonder what will happen after more and more witches decide to bond or use wild magic.

While the book does claim to be YA I think it is more on the New Adult side as it does have some sexual content as well as religious and dark witchcraft. Some of this content may be too much for a less mature reader.

In Night of the Witch, we meet Fritzi, a witch who narrowly escapes an attack on her coven--the last known coven of witches in Germany--by the hexenjägers: religious zealots hellbent on eradicating witches from the earth. Her beloved mother is burned at the stake, and the sight still haunts Fritzi, who is now on the run from the hexenjägers, trying to find her way to her ten-year-old cousin Liesel, who was taken by the hexenjägers. When she happens to hear a woman (and witch!) being attacked, Fritzi barges in to her aid and quite literally makes the woman disappear, much to her shock, and to the dismay Otto, the hexenjäger who'd been trying to arrest his own sister, Hilde. From there, we follow Fritz and Otto as they both learn that there is much more than meets the eye, that things are not always as they may seem, and that trust and security may sometimes be found in unlikely places.

I hate to say this, okay. I hate it. But this book did not live up to my expectations. I enjoyed reading it, don't get me wrong. But unfortunately, it was a bit too close to the Serpent and Dove trilogy without making enough changes for it to not feel like I was reading a Lou and Reid retelling. I truly enjoyed the world building, and getting a peek at what medieval life in Germany might have been like. I also loved the girl power in this woman doing whatever she has to to get the child that she loves fiercely back to safety. I also will always love stories that feature the Maiden, the Mother, and the Crone lore, which this had.

I didn't really enjoy the love story much at all; it felt far too rushed. I know that we all love a good slow burn, and this was the opposite of that: it was very nearly insta-love, which isn't my cup of tea. In that same vein, the pace of the book was all over the place. I was 75% into the story and still felt like it was in the rising action, setting up the story. Many of the "major" points in the plot felt rushed. On top of that, with the exception of one plot twist that I didn't see coming, the plot was very predictable. 

All of that being said, this book was beautifully written, and there were so many parallels to now that left me in awe. I "highlighted" (in my kindle) so many profound lines that I truly lost count. One thing Sara Raasch and Beth Revis absolutely know how to do is to make words into something totally gorgeous that really makes you stop and take them in. THAT is what kept me going, even at points where I felt like the plot was lacking. These women are truly talented, I just feel like this book could have been a bit more polished in the plot department.

Night of the Witch is the fist in the Witch and Hunter series (according to GoodReads) and I will likely pick up future books in the series, in the hopes that all of the pieces of this book that I loved remain, and the parts that I thought fell flat improve. I have faith that they will.

The writing does feel aimed toward YA readers without much crossover for adults, which is hard in our libraries, as it doesn't move much.

I personally have a tough time getting into stories about witches. It's never been my thing. I was really close on this one, making it to 10% mark quickly. We start off with a bang, and we move quickly through the setup of the story. I did find it gripping. Ultimately, I decided not to continue, because I just didn't find myself interested in the magic or mechanics of the world. But, it got close, and that alone deserves additional praise. Good writing. I'd be curious to pick up more from this author duo.

Thank you to NetGalley and Sourcebooks for the ARC.

Night of the Witch is the first in a new series by Sarah Raasch and Beth Revis. It follows the story of Fritzi, a witch who feels responsible for the destruction of her coven and Otto, a high ranking hexenjäger, a witch hunter who is secretly working to end the witch trials. Fritzi is determined to save her young cousin who was the only other survivor of the brutal coven attack and was captured by the evil Deiter Kirch, the head of the hexenjägers.
Obviously, since this is a young adult series, there is an instant attraction between Fritzi and Otto, but the story, itself, is fast paced with a lot of interesting glances into witchcraft and paganism from the viewpoint of the witches. There are twists and turns and the book actually comes with a warning about some of the topics that might not be appropriate for younger readers. Very much looking forward to the next installment.

I really wanted to love this book. However, I found that the characters could have had a bit more depth, and the story itself could have been deeper. That said, as a teen read, this is a great novel - it's entertaining and fast paced, with some interesting dilemmas faced by the characters. This is a novel I would recommend to students - particularly reluctant readers - but not one I would recommend to adult readers.