A thriller fantasy?? I’m here for it. The first few chapters had me locked in. I was so confused about the berries and really into all the intrigue, but then it slowly lost me. The dialogue got cheesier and cheesier, the romantic interest turned into insta-love, and three major events happened at the end that needed more space to breathe. The plot and characters were great, but the dialogue and pacing were so off that it was louder than the good parts. It felt as through the first 25% were really workshopped and then it all just slowly unraveled.

I received this from net galley in exchange for a review.

I have to say that there is something quite delicious in reading books about women who kill the worst of humanity, especially in these times.

First, thank you to Net Galley and St. Martin's Publishing Group for giving me the honour of reviewing this novel in exchange for an honest review.

The Bane Witch is a novel about a woman faking her death to run away from her abusive husband, then realising that she, like other women in her family, has the ability to use poisons by ingesting them to kill men.

Morgyn details a stunning setting and cast of real characters. There is a lot of plot, but the pacing surprised me by being genuinely not being too fast or covering some aspects too quickly/not enough. I really did enjoy seeing the growth and the changes in the characters from their first to last appearance.

I haven't read anything else by Morgyn, but I look forward to doing so! Definitely would recommend this for lovers of Emilia Hart's The Sirens and Layne Fargo's They Never Learn.

Thank you NetGalley and the publishers for the chance to read this book. A bit of a darker witchy read than usual for me but I really enjoyed it all the same.

I really enjoyed this book. The MFC was written amazing. The rate of her growth was what I really enjoyed. The plot was good as well. This was something different from what I normally read but it was still fantastic.

Both dark and cozy. A fast paced romp about a witches with poison for power and the absolute pleasure of killing the worst kind of men, all while living in small town. God, love the small mountain town vibes. The writing was spectacular and I can't wait to dive into more from this author. The characters all felt real but also had that touch of fantasy about them. Gritty and fun. Going to the top of the list of one of my faves of the year.

Piers is truly just that girl. I love her. I mean god forbid a woman have hobbies (eating poison, hunting serial-killing men down and killing them after faking her own death). I loved the Corbin’s. Myrtle and Azalea especially. This book is much more than I expected. It talks of rape, of how sometimes justice is best found in our own hands outside the court.

“A very little poison can do a world of good. It’s all about how you apply it.”

“Bad things happen to good people all the time, we just don’t like to think about it.”

This book is everything!!! I seriously couldn't put it down. Piers, the main character, is like a total badass witch with a knack for eating poisonous plants (yes, you read that right) and using them to take out evil dudes. Like, can we just appreciate how cool that is? Also, she's kind of on the run from her terrifying husband, and yeah, things get real dark real fast.

This book is the perfect mix of creepy and empowering. We're talking female rage turned into action (and not in the cute, fluffy way). There's revenge, justice, a little romance (which is, like, totally secondary to the whole death-by-poisoning thing), and I just couldn't get enough of it. The lore is so unique and interesting – like, where do I sign up for this kind of witchcraft?

But seriously, there are some triggering themes (abuse, violence), so like, heads up. It's dark, but honestly, it's also a total ride. The suspense, the mystery, the revenge – I'm obsessed. I’m already hoping for more stories from this world.

Totally 5 stars, because this book does exactly what it needs to do: it grabs you, holds on tight, and doesn’t let go. Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest opinion! 💀✨

Such a good story it gave me practical magic and gone girl vibes - the story felt very complete and there was so much depth to all the characters.
Despite some of the very questionable choices that Piers makes I still really enjoyed her and I absolutely loved Myrtle. I even shed a few tears throughout

Thank you to Netgalley for giving me an advanced copy in exchange of my honest review.

While not my typical read, something about the blurb peaked my interest. A Bane witch can take poison into herself without any side effects and dispense it to others. Piers is looking to escape in a Gone Girl-esque plan from her abusive controlling husband. Having lost most of herself over time she has one chance to get dead. Her plan, while executed well, left a couple loose ends when her powers kick in unexpectedly. Those clues lead multiple people to Piers and her new life, sone good and some bad.

I enjoyed most of the plot twists but do feel like the conclusion left more to be desired. I wish it didn't wrap up the way it did, but it makes sense to set up a future.

The Bane Witch is a wild modern day mystery thriller. It’s an action film but if you added a layer of witches akin to Practical Magic. This was a good surprise. Most witch themed books I’ve ready this year have leaned more towards cozy or romance but this is a serial killer themed novel. There are woods and mushrooms and tea but there is also plenty of tension and violence. Don’t let the mushroom cottage type cover fool you.

I enjoyed this but it may not be what some people expect. Content warnings include serial killers, domestic violence, rape, abuse, infant death and similar themes.

It was fairly fast paced. I would consider it a page turner with a few lulls. I feel like some character motivations are a bit inconsistent but overall this was a great thriller read. I haven’t read a book that combined these genres yet; so bonus points for that.

This is for you if you like dark psychological thrillers and deadly magic!

I’ll admit, I’m guilty of picking books based on their covers and the vibes alone. A few months ago, I started seeing Ava Morgyn on TikTok promoting The Bane Witch. At that point, I didn’t know much about the book itself, but the cover was absolutely stunning, and there was a mushroom-themed giveaway (which I regret not entering, it looked amazing). As she shared more about the book, it immediately made its way to my TBR list. Even after I got approved for the eARC, I still didn’t know exactly what I was in for—but honestly, I think that was the perfect headspace to dive into this story.

The Bane Witch is described as Gone Girl meets Practical Magic, and I’d also throw in a dash of Belladonna and American Horror Story: Coven (I kept imagining Myrtle’s last words: “BALENCIAGA!!”). From the very first page, I was hooked. The suspense kept me on my toes, and the characters pulled me in. I loved the way Morgyn layered in so many elements—suspense, found family, a little romance, and even some practical tips on how to poison someone (seriously, there’s something for everyone here).

If I had one minor nitpick, it’s that Morgyn gave all the witches floral names, which felt a bit cheesy at times. But, she pokes fun at herself in the book when another character comments on how strange American witches are with their naming conventions, which was a nice touch.

This was such a fast, fun read, and I really appreciated how interactive the author is with her readers on social media. Even before I followed her or received the ARC, she was always quick to respond to comments, which I think is a lovely, down-to-earth trait. I’m definitely excited to read more from Ava Morgyn in the future.

Big thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press | St. Martin’s Griffin for the advanced eARC of The Bane Witch!

Piers Corbin has always had a knack for poison. Desperate to escape her volatile marriage, she fakes her own death and hides out with her estranged great aunt. But she quickly learns that her affinity for poison isn't just a quirk. She comes from a long line of Bane Witches, women who ingest deadly plants and use their magic to rid the world of evil men. Embracing her gift, she works at her Aunt Myrtle's cafe and tries to stay under the radar. However, things get even more intense when a local serial killer takes an interest in her and Piers knows it's time to use her skills.

I really enjoyed this book and was captivated by its unique magic. The strong female presence, using their gifts to neutralize problematic males, added an element of female empowerment that I loved.

I was quickly engaged by the story, and Piers made for a compelling and sympathetic lead. The narrative moved swiftly, with plenty of intriguing elements, including Piers's relationship with the sheriff, to keep my interest. The book was suspenseful and intense at times, and I loved the psychological aspects woven into the story. The author does an excellent job explaining Bane Witches and the history behind their magic, making the story even more immersive.

Thank you, Net Galley and St. Martin's Griffin for the advanced reader copy. This is my honest review.

3.75/5 <3
WOW this book was dark, in a good way. As a woman myself, I felt so so seen by the strong female themes here: female empowerment and rage. The nasty bits were not sugarcoated. It is dark. The writing could’ve been better in my opinion, but I have never written something as lengthy as this, and I know how hard writing is. Overall, good book.

What an opportune time for a book about witches that target the unsavory men of the world! This book follows Piers as she flees an abusive husband, only to return to her roots and find that she had the answer to her problem inside her the whole time.

Are you unsatisfied and angry with the current state of the US as far as women and their bodies are concerned? This might be the perfect revenge novel for you. A story about a woman going in search of her lost family, and discovering their magical secret might not be a new idea, but Ava Morgyn flips it around in a new way. This family has a secret that’s just a little bit cooler than your normal magic.

I found the women of the Venery so interesting, I hope there is more to come concerning this family. There are many stories hiding in this family of women and we need to read them! The book ended in a way that made me think it could be a possibility, so I will just keep my fingers crossed.

Thanks so much to Ave Morgyn, St Martin’s Griffin/St Martin’s Press for the advance copy, I loved it!

I really really enjoyed The Bane Witch. It was a thrilling ride from start to finish. The writing built a strong sense of urgency and appropriately reflected the story's themes. I liked the magical element, which will appeal to fantasy fans but I don't think will turn off any readers who are averse to the genre. Primarily a thriller with a feminist, magical twist, I was hooked. The ending/reveal didn't play out exactly how I wanted it to in my head but it was still satisfying and I was guessing the whole time.

Bane Witch by Ava Morgyn

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

A perfect witchy thriller for the fall season! Our main character peers enjoys eating, pokeweed berries, all her life. When she was a child, a man died after she ate them. As an adult, Pierce fakes her death to get away from an abusive husband. She goes to her Aunt Myrtle’s home. She hasn’t seen her in years after Myrtle had a falling out with her mother when she was a child. She learned she comes from a long line of bane witches, who can keep poison in their bodies and use them on bad men. She has to deal with her ex-husband, who knows she is alive, a serial killer who is drawn to her, and a sheriff who is investigating the poisoned men.

I really enjoyed this one. It is a unique story that captured my attention and didn’t let go. It has a little bit of romance, but not much. I love the premise of women who stand up against bad men. Highly recommend.

This novel is full of feminine rage and revenge, wrapped up with self-discovery and magic. In this story we follow Piers Corbin, a woman who has always had an affinity for poisonous things, as she flees an abusive marriage. She starts over with a distant aunt in upstate New York, and learns more about the family she was born into and what that means for her. I loved the creepy woodsy setting, and the avenging feminist vibes. Overall this is a good, darker, witchy read and the revenge aspect was perfect for my mood.

Thanks to @netgalley for the ARC and for @maryreadsandmakes for putting it on my radar with her spoopy guide.

Don’t be fooled by the charming, cottage-core cover—The Bane Witch is anything but whimsical. Beneath its cozy aesthetic lies a gripping and unapologetically dark story that blends thriller, mystery, and magical realism into an intense exploration of abuse, death, and grief. Think Gone Girl meets Dexter, with a dash of magic to spice things up.

The story centers around Piers, a woman who fakes her own suicide to escape her abusive husband and rebuilds her life with her estranged Aunt Myrtle. As she uncovers her family’s dark and deadly legacy, she finds herself drawn into a twisted tale of feminine rage and vigilante justice. Witches who wield poisonous plants to take down abusive men? It’s as compelling as it sounds—dark, twisted, and powerfully satisfying.

The worldbuilding is rich and immersive. The magical realism, grounded in a modern setting, strikes a nice balance for readers who like their fantasy subtle yet impactful. The magic system is fresh and inventive. The balance between thriller, mystery, and magical realism worked perfectly.

That said, there were a few things that didn’t quite work for me. While Piers’ journey is undeniably gripping, her childish tendencies at times made her a frustrating protagonist. The romance subplot also felt underdeveloped, lacking the emotional depth to make it truly compelling. And while the story’s resolution is satisfying, I felt it wrapped up a little too perfectly for my taste.

Despite these minor issues, The Bane Witch is a beautifully written and potent tale of justice and empowerment. Its unique blend of dark themes, inventive magic, and feminist undertones makes it a standout for readers who enjoy thrillers with a touch of the supernatural.

4.5 stars

Don’t let the cutsie cottage-core cover fool you!! This was a dark magical mystery that had my heart PUMPING!

I still can’t get over how this story was behind that cover. I’m SO glad I went into this book blind bc I don’t think I would’ve picked it up had I known what it was about. I loved it though!

The lore behind how the bane witches got their magic was fascinating along with how the venery operated. I think Piers made some VERY questionable decisions that frustrated me, but the feminine rage and justice that ensued was so satisfying!

I do think it would have been way cooler if the Strangler was who I wanted it to be. The climax felt…anticlimactic? It happened 93% in, so there wasn’t as much detail in the climax as there was build up to it. I wish it had been fleshed out just a littleeee bit more.

Ultimately it was such a good read with amazing writing! .It’s perfect if you want magic threaded into a thriller!

I was lucky enough to get an Arc through NetGalley and let me tell you….. this book is to die for.

This, from the moment i began reading it, was tantalizing, thrilling, exciting, and i finished reading it within one day—that’s how hooked i was. the sweet taste of feminine rage and taking justice into our hands (especially at such a time in the US) was divine. i love the way the author wrote the prose, world built, and tied everything together.

at so many points in this story i was on the edge of my seat, excited and scared and spellbound.

gone girl + poison + small mountainside town + magic…. literally what more could you ask for?

if you are considering even for a moment to read it, YOU ABSOLUTELY SHOULD. i will be purchasing a physical copy once released and i can’t wait to read more by this author going forward.