I’ve never felt so unsure if I wanted to continue reading a book with a book. I had to quit reading, but I kept getting drawn back in to find out what was going to happen.
I found myself not paying attention and losing interest at some parts but I would put it aside and stare again later. The idea was intriguing and it really had potential but it just kept falling short for for me.
I really wanted to like this one more and be able to say I was looking forward to the next book, but I think I will pass on any further stories in the series.

A really good October read. Had some cozy charm but also the creepy/witchy vibes. I really enjoyed the book but struggled the entire time figuring what countries/regions the major players represented, which did leave me confused at times because the setting was never concrete. Each time I thought I had it figured out, a new comment or character would have me questioning it.
Thanks to NetGalley for an ARC. After the first chapter, the writing really flowed.

The world building made this as easy to slip into as a favorite old shoe, but, like those slightly too worn boots, it was thin in places and left the reader/wearer with unexpected cold spells.

A intriguing cross over between witches and WWI. Yep. I suspect fans of the WWI genre won't enjoy this as much as those who like stories with magic but it's well crafted and moodily atmospheric, Petra brings good vibes to the unusual plot which kept me turning the pages. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. A good read.

Enjoyed this read but definitely struggled around the halfway mark to keep going. I agree with most people that it’s the historical aspect that kept me hooked in. I wish Petra was a stronger FMC, she felt a tad boring in some parts. Overall, a decent read.

Loved reading the mesmerizing and engaging paranormal story. While Petra's husband is gone fight in the war, Petra takes pictures of ghosts, but Josef needs Petra's help and other people with abilities fighting paranormal forces. Read the highly recommended, wonderfully written, and a must read riveting story. Can't wait to read the next story in the series by the fabulous author, Luanne G. Smith!

I have received this ARC from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review. So thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this opportunity!

The synopsis was so intriguing.
And for the most part of it, it delivered but i just think that at certain times it felt a little dumpy.
I had trouble keeping up with the story and trying understand the world and that always happens with new fantasies.
I loved the storyline and the characters though.

I enjoyed this. It is unique and it drew me in and I wanted to see how it would end. The characters are really interesting and unique. I'm excited to read the rest of the series! Special Thank You to Luanne G. Smith, 47North and NetGalley for allowing me to read a complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you to NetGalley for sending me an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.

The Witch’s Lens by Luanne G. Smith was a hypnotic witchy tale perfect for the fall season. It was a fast-paced, action-packed, and highly enjoyable read that I couldn’t put down. The unique plot was fresh and new, combining historical fiction and fantasy in a beautiful way.

As I was reading, I found myself endeared to the main character, Petra, and the layers of her that the story slowly revealed over time. The author did a wonderful job of balancing world-building and character-building, and it made it easy to dive into this unique and lush story.

Overall, I gave this book a five-star rating because it was well-written, had an original plot, and nailed the pacing. As someone who prefers fantasy over history, I thought it was the perfect balance between the two. My recommendation: pour yourself a cup of tea, add this to your TBR, and soak up those witchy vibes!

This was an interesting tale about a woman realizing her power, finding her place in the world and losing the things holding her back. The author had a nice way of writing that you could easily imagine each scene as if it were happening on screen in front of you and the story kept you interested.
Things I didn't like was some photos taken were never explained or developed so those moments seemed unfinished.
All in all I enjoyed the storyline, lots of words were foreign to me though and I think we would benefit from a dictionary of sorts in the back that could be referenced.
3.75 rating

The Witch's Lens is a historical fantasy set during World War One featuring Luanne G. Smith's rich world building and beguiling characters.

When Petra Kurkova and her magical photography skills are recruited to join the war, her long hidden witch powers and secrets from the past become weaponized to fight something supernatural occurring on the Eastern front. Joining forces with other civilians who each possess their own magical skillset, Petra will discover a world hidden within a world with dark entities, greedy witches, and dangerous war games.

I really enjoyed this story for its setting, pacing, and characters. Prague is such a dark moody city drenched in old magic that it made the perfect location. The story incorporated Slavic folklore and mythology which is always so interesting to read about. The pacing was excellent as it kept the tension and high stakes of the war fully present throughout the entire story. I thought Petra was a fascinating character with a good backstory and journey, and her photography was such a unique idea that I have never come across before.

To reimagine the first world War as having a magical component was such an interesting idea and new take on the genre. While the story does have a political plot, the book never got bogged down by the details, it seemed to maintain a good balance between the fantasy and the historical. The magic was bewitching and the incorporation of Eastern European mythology was the perfect touch.

Overall The Witch's Lens was an action packed occult fantasy that maintained the dark mood of its Eastern European setting, high stakes of the war, and spellbinding characters throughout the entire story. I look forward to reading the sequel.

Thank you to the publisher for providing me with a free arc via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

Luanne G. Smith has once again demonstrated her talent by crafting another exceptional and captivating series.

This series is set against the backdrop of World War 1 on the Eastern front, depicting the events that ultimately lead to the dissolution of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. A group of unconventional witches embarks on a mission to cleanse the war-torn Carpathian Mountains of malevolent hexes and curses that are decimating the troops stationed there.

Petra Kurková, a witch with a unique ability to capture apparitions on film, is enlisted by the enigmatic and intense Josef Svoboda to join this eclectic team dedicated to combating magical malevolence on the front lines. As impending danger and destruction loom, the question arises: will Petra choose to embrace her powers and confront the looming threats, or will she continue to conceal her abilities?

One aspect I particularly appreciated about the novel is how it immediately plunges the reader into a whirlwind of action, allowing the intricacies of world-building and character development to naturally unfold within the narrative. Additionally, I found it satisfying that the story maintains an air of mystery, with numerous enigmatic characters whose depths are yet to be fully explored in future installments of the series.

Petra emerges as a compelling character, and it is evident that there is more to be unveiled about her in forthcoming books. She possesses strength, yet it's not overly pronounced. Her personal history and reluctance to wield her powers make her a relatable and human character, yet she displays unwavering resolve when duty beckons.

The character of Josef also piques one's curiosity, leaving readers eager to discover his eventual fate. His charismatic leadership qualities and the depiction of the ensemble of misfits working together are noteworthy elements of the narrative.

The antagonist in the story is portrayed with a striking degree of malevolence, adding a layer of complexity to the moral dynamics of the tale. In fact, the story is rife with shades of gray when it comes to the morality and complexity of its characters, including the heroes.

This book is basically… World War I, but with witches. And zombies! I don’t know a lot about World War I, but I liked it a lot. Petra is a complex and wonderful protagonist with a fascinating backstory to discover. It appears that this book is the first one in a series, and I do look forward to seeing what Petra and Josef get up to next!

Thank you Netgalley and 47North for the chance to read The witch's lens by Luanne G. Smith. I absolutely loved the author's first book, The Vine witch and with the premise sounding fascinating, I eagerly started reading. After a wonderful beginning, the book began to drag in the middle. I wish the book concentrated on Petra, and her ability to capture the dead in her photos. While I wasn't impressed with The witch's lens, others may, and I do recommend the author's previous books.

So the concept of this book really drew me in as I love photography and I have a huge thing for the supernatural and witches. This book is such a 50/50 for me as some parts were really good but I feel like I was often left wanting more of it. The overall plot is great but I missed some more depth for the characters and the world building. I loved the concept of the witches and wizards and the different powers they have as many of them felt very new to me. I also liked the writing. She is very good with words and it didn’t feel hard to read. I am not the biggest fan of war stories but I still found this one to be entertaining and I would overall give it a 3 with all the things mentioned. A little more fleshed out and it would have been a 4.