Piers Corbin always had an affinity for poisons, and when she fakes her own death to escape her volatile marriage, she discovers it's a legacy within her family. She is Bane Witch, eating deadly plants and using their magic to rid the world of evil men. Piers learns about her family legacy while working at her Aunt Myrtle’s cafe and flirting with the sheriff. She wants to limit his suspicions about the rising body count, but she instead gets the attention of a serial killer. It's time to use her power.

We begin with Piers preparing to fake her death and escape her abusive husband. She suffered under the abuse and decided to go to her aunt, who she last saw as a child. The way was dangerous, and soon Myrtle explains the family legacy. Magic has her eating poisonous plants, concentrating it within her body until she can release it into her mark, someone who preys on women and children. It's a legacy hidden from her until now, and she has to reconcile the need to protect innocent women and her desire for an ordinary life. Relatives she never knew will enforce the secrecy if they must.

Piers feels helpless in the beginning, especially when she doesn't know what happened and why. She reacts in disbelief when she finds out the truth, just as we would if we heard such a thing. Her introduction into her family secret is rapid and she has a short time limit to prove herself. At the same time, police look into her disappearance, which she deliberately did to make it look like she had been murdered by her abusive husband. All of it comes full circle until we see her not only accept this gift but try to hunt the serial killer that was in the news. While she isn't a professional by any means, she has grown from the fearful woman she was in the beginning of the novel. Hers is a painful and dangerous story, one that makes me wish bane witches were real.

Ubfortunately, this was a DNF for me. This book contains some pretty graphic themes of rape and domestic violence which I am not comfortable reading about

This book took me on a journey I didn’t expect. The Bane Witch is a perfect mix of eerie, small-town supernatural drama and deeper themes of female rage and reclaiming power. At times, there were moments that felt campy—one character in particular had that fun, over-the-top energy—but overall, the book leans into something darker and more emotionally intense.

It’s like Twin Peaks meets True Blood, but it also has the emotional depth of Virgin River, especially in the way it explores the tension between Piers, a woman trying to start over, and the local sheriff, who challenges both her past and her future.

Piers was such an interesting protagonist, and I loved following her story. But with so many threats closing in on her, it sometimes felt like a lot to juggle emotionally. Just when she overcame one challenge, another would immediately take its place. It kept the tension high but also made the book feel relentless at times.

That said, this book completely delivered on both the atmospheric, witchy vibes and the deeper emotional weight. The abuse and violence were hard to read at points, but they felt essential to the story rather than gratuitous.

Overall, this was an immersive, gripping read that stuck with me. A dark, compelling take on witchcraft and power. 4 stars.

The Bane Witch by Ava Morgan is a captivating, darkly enchanting paranormal romance that pulls readers into a world of magic, danger, and irresistible chemistry. Set against a backdrop of witches, ancient curses, and simmering tension, the book offers an enticing mix of romance, action, and supernatural intrigue.

The story follows a strong-willed and complex protagonist who is a witch with a powerful curse tied to her magical abilities. Morgan does an excellent job of establishing the stakes early on, weaving a narrative full of suspense and mystery that keeps you hooked from the first page. The world-building is rich and immersive, with a well-crafted magical system that feels both original and grounded in familiar tropes. The author skillfully balances the supernatural elements with the emotional arcs of the characters, creating a dynamic and engaging atmosphere.

The protagonist, who is both fierce and vulnerable, is incredibly relatable. Her internal struggles with her curse and her place in a world full of supernatural threats make her journey emotionally compelling. The romance in The Bane Witch is slow-burning and full of tension, with the chemistry between the leads palpable throughout the novel. There’s an undeniable attraction that builds gradually, making the moments of connection all the more intense and rewarding.

Morgan’s writing is evocative, drawing readers into the story with vivid descriptions and well-paced action. The book doesn’t shy away from darker themes, creating a gritty, immersive world where danger is always lurking. The emotional depth of the characters and their relationships adds weight to the narrative, making it more than just a typical paranormal romance.

One of the standout features of The Bane Witch is its ability to balance action and romance. While there are plenty of thrilling moments filled with danger and suspense, the emotional and romantic elements never feel overshadowed. The stakes are high, and the tension builds throughout the story, culminating in a satisfying and thrilling conclusion.

That said, some readers might find the plot a bit predictable at times, especially if they're familiar with the genre, but the well-executed character development and world-building more than make up for it.

Overall, The Bane Witch is a spellbinding read that will appeal to fans of paranormal romance with a darker edge. Ava Morgan has created a world brimming with magic, mystery, and heart-pounding tension. The book delivers an engaging, emotional, and thoroughly enjoyable experience, making it a must-read for anyone who enjoys a strong heroine, steamy romance, and supernatural suspense.

This book was really hard to read at times. It has some difficult topics. It is a little slow to start although a lot is happening but you can get invested quickly.

When I first saw this cover I thought it was a cozy witchy book. THIS IS NOT THAT. It is dark and has many trigger warnings. Be sure to check them out.
The Bane Witch is a hypnotic blend of dark magic, feminine rage, and pulse-pounding suspense.
Piers Corbin is no ordinary witch—she’s a poison eater, a Bane Witch, trained in the deadly art of ridding the world of evil men. After she fakes her own death to escape her abusive husband, she stays with her Aunt Myrtle where she learns the ways of being a Bane Witch. And when a serial killer sets his sights on her, it becomes an electrifying game of predator and prey.
With every poisonous kiss, The Bane Witch leaves you hungry for more.

I was unsure how to rate this one. I really enjoyed the first half of this, but felt the second half ended up falling kinda flat. I felt the pacing was a bit odd and that ended up being quite distracting. Overall, I think this one was a bit of a miss for me personally, but i did enjoy the beginning!

This kept me intrigued and guessing until the last page. Empowering, heartbreaking and tense, The Bane Witch is a fantastic read.

Wow- I could not stop reading this book! An incredibly dark fantasy that follows bane witches, a specialized group of women who can ingest poisonous plants to kill deserving men. This book had me on the edge of my seat. It has magic, murder, and female empowerment. Thank you NetGalley for this ARC!

CW: sexual assault, abusive relationships

From the title I had an entirely other idea of what this novel might be, but it delivered in a very different and fantastic way. Piers, the main character, fakes her own death and from there we descend into a complex twisty thriller full of revenge and feminine rage with a matriarchal hereditary line of ‘bane witches’..

Pitched as Practical Magic meets Gone Girl - I would offer it could be also Weyward meets Mayfair Witches. I loved the looming danger in the darkness, the kiss of an impossible romance, the clock ticking on the pursuit, and the overarching politics of the organization of witches. Bane Witch has a slower pace, close to the main character Piers but not a ponderous one. From the initial jump out of her bad situation, the layers of the story reveal more complexity as she gets closer to her self-awareness and discovery of who she really is and what that means.

The sprinkle of poison really adds a great dimension to the book, giving these witches a specific heritage and making the book rise above with uniqueness. Not to give too much away, when the abilities of the witches are revealed, it’s not so much an ah-ha as a heck-ya, let’s go. I’m equal parts cheering and concerned for Piers, and as much as I’m concerned I’m also afraid of her. The blend is such bliss. 

The writing too, is lovely, with lush descriptions and close thoughts. The botanical elements take it to the next level. There is an obvious deft hand creating the immersive world.

If you’re looking for an innovative thriller with a healthy dose of unique magic and witch-lore this is your book.

Fans of Mayfair Witches, Discovery of Witches, and Weyward should not miss. 

Thanks to @Netgalley and @StMartinsPress for an advanced reading copy.

THE BANE WITCH is a dark, angry, violent take on the green witch story and I loved all of those things about it. Female rage is a powerful thing and especially in this time, this space, we need to embrace it not only in reality but also in fantasy if we are going to stay strong and keep ourselves, and one another, safe.
Piers is a survivor in every sense of the word and while we may not all share her experiences we share the result: social and emotional trauma wrought upon women by men and the hopelessness that comes with knowing we may never see justice. In the world of the novel, however, there is justice and it is brought by a group of special women on behalf of other women and that’s both a very powerful symbol and a powerful motivator; those of us stuck here in the US in 2025 may not be able to convert toxins into a weapon but we can have one another’s backs, speak up for those in danger, and say something when we see something.
There were a few times throughout where I felt a little slammed over the head by the exposition and a couple of places where there was room for trimming but this an ARC so that very well may have happened prior to the book going to print. I would have also liked to see a couple of trans women included in the family but not every book can fight all the battles and internet. Overall an excellent read, Do recommend.

This should have trigger warnings. I liked the premise, I just feel I was completely struck by the detailed amount of abuse in this book.

Thank you NetGalley and St Martin's Press for the ARC!

Ava Morgyn, in my opinion, writes a mixture of magical realism, fantasy and suspense/thriller all wrapped into one. In truth, this is traditionally not the combined genres I gravitate towards. Although, there is something to the raw, vulnerable power in the two Morgyn books I've read. I am hooked by the brutal candor of her writing and the way Morgyn puts into words the horrors and weight of how women must live. I love that she finds dark and twisted power and makes it beautiful in all it's toxicity.

'The Bane Witch' is a glorious story about revenge, justice, and a social commentary about the threats women continue to face in this advanced age. Such innocuous looking men leading to the destruction of generations of women, without penalty. As it relates to specific elements of the story, I wish we had more introspection around Piers confinement between being Henry's wife and then a member of venery. There was opportunity to draw greater parallels to the limitations each party was wrapping around Piers. The books feels unsettled with Piers and the venery's relationship. There will inevitably be future clashes with how Piers envisions her progression and the outdated, traditionalist mindset of her venery. I can also imagine Piers setting out to make individual connections with venery's across the world.

One final element I wish we could have seen resolution with is in regards to Henry. There is finality in that scene in the woods, but the reader's triumph is abruptly interrupted with a quick resolution to the story. For a character to have such dominance over the narrative, I'd have liked more of a bow on his end.

4.5 Stars! My first impression after finishing this book is - WOW!

Piers is the main character in this story, and it starts by her escaping her turbulent and dangerous marriage. A recurring theme in her life is her draw to pokeweed berries, and her ability to consume them without getting ill. She stages her own death, and flees to the Adirondacks causing a mysterious and accidental death in her path. She reunites with her Aunt Myrtle who she remembers from her past, after an unexplained pokeweed incident. Aunt Myrtle takes Piers under her wing and reveals to her she’s a Bane Witch - a witch assassin able to consume poisons and rid the world of evil men.

I love a book with great lore, and this one definitely takes the cake for that. The lore and world building around the Bane Witches in this book is top notch. The magic system is well thought out, while still being unique and captivating. The conclave that takes place about halfway through the book was one of my favorite parts. I am also now Bart the dog's number one fan.

I’ve truly never read a book that combined two genres so well, and in such a satisfying way. This book took me on a rollercoaster of emotions. I am an avid reader of Thrillers and Fantasy, and this book combined both of those genres to create this unique and captivating story.

Piers Corbin barely survives a violent marriage by faking her own death and running toward the only family she knows, and the secret they guard with their lives.

I very much enjoyed the Gone Girl intrigue of Piers plotting her escape and fleeing from a marriage that turned out to be much darker than I expected.

On the other side of that is Piers coming to terms with her family legacy and the power she wields as a Bane Witch.

There is a typical back and forth between her being unable to outrun her magic and struggling to accept it, which was grating at times.

I felt for Piers as she was pulled in so many directions, nearly all of them trying to take her away from a romance that she so deserved as a young woman recovering from a violent marriage.

Overall, I enjoyed the magic and other Bane Witches Piers encounters. I also loved seeing flashes of angry/powerful Piers.

I do think the last few chapters suffered from too much going on at once. But it was a unique read with an intriguing premise.

Thank you so much to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for the ARC.

I won't be reading this. I've tried multiple times and haven't gotten into it. Thank you though for the opportunity. If I read it in the future I will come back and change this review.

The writing was incredible, the story was amazing, and i am absolutely obsessed. I can't wait to reread this in the fall time for the perfect vibes. I can't wait to recommend to people!

If you need a book to put you on the edge & induce feminine rage— you’ve got that with The Bane Witch.

A story about terrible men & the women destined to end them.

It was downright hard to read about some of these awful people & the things they were willing to do to women 😮‍💨

I loved the suspense of it all, will he/wont he find her? Will she/won’t she end him?

One thing that I found difficult to get into was how the more fantasy / magic aspects of this book blended (or didn’t blend) into a very modern setting. I also found it interesting how it immediately reminded me of the book Belladonna with the poisoning/death aspect, & then there were sisters named Bella & Donna. But I understand it’s a book that heavily relies on botany.

Definitely a darker book than I typically read, but I found it to be well written. Descriptive in a way that was easy-to-digest & also easy to visualize, which I loved.

Piers fakes her own death to escape her abusive husband. She flees to her great aunt’s place, that is in a small secluded town. Piers eventually finds out about her witchy lineage and her deadly power.

I really enjoyed this book. It was a pleasant surprise. I didn’t think I would enjoy it as much as I did. I think the cover and the synopsis made me think it would be more of a cozy fantasy read. However, it was more of a mystery/thriller with fantasy elements, and a little romance. I loved the atmosphere in this story. Most of the story takes place in this small forest town. The setting felt very isolated and eerie. There is a little romance that I didn’t mind. I loved the strong female characters!

I loved the writing and I definitely want to read this author’s other books now!

"The Bane Witch" is the story of Piers, a woman of Charleston, South Carolina, who's been married to her abusive, controlling husband for two years. She understands that if she doesn't flee the marriage, she's gonna die. Piers also seems to have a gift, which she is slowly coming to grips with. She can see her husband's future victims, and knows that he will continue killing women after her.

I especially liked this first half of the story, when Piers is plotting to leave her husband, and then again when she is on the run, trying to vanish without a trace and find her way to the secluded mountain town in the north where her mysterious aunt lives.

It is here, as Piers slowly learns and accepts her gifts as a bane witch, that I feel that the story begins to unravel, at least for me. The love scene with the local sheriff is completely ruined in my mind when Piers' boobs are likened to candied apples. Completely ruined the sexy mood for me and took me to places that had nothing to do with romance. Additionally, Piers makes some dumb decisions that puts the lives of her aunt, her boyfriend, and herself in jeopardy, and then pleads like some sniveling, snot nosed, entitled kid that she will never do it again! Ugh. Hadn't she learned from her mother's mistakes, as her mother had accidentally poisoned her father, and then had her own tragic life? Piers' arrogance in her own decision-making process, one she never completely confronts, is one of her tragic flaws. Her arrogance in her rightness will even inevitably lead to her aunt's death.

So, awesome first half, annoying as hell second half. Still, this was an engaging read, one that revved up my emotions, definitely. My thanks to Netgalley and the powers that be (author, publishing folk, etc.) for the opportunity to share my bookish thoughts.