I love standalone fantasies, and really wish more of them existed. It feels like most books nowadays have at least two others. But not The Witch Who Trades with Death. This was a fantastic standalone that I really enjoyed. It has everything I like: found family, unique magic systems, and strong world-building. I found myself going back to pick up the book frequently and I suddenly found myself making more time in the day to read.

The magic systems were very unique and enjoyable; I was constantly intrigued to figure out the balance of what could happen next and how aji could be used. Something else I love: Death personified. This is such a unique piece of the book, and I love when authors take the risk to do this. It paid off so well.

My one dislike was the pacing. I felt like it was not thoroughly even, but it wasn't a massive issue for me, just a hinderence.

Thank you to NetGalley and to the publisher Angry Robot for the digital ARC, it has not affected my honest review.

This was a DNF for me, I really loved the idea and liked the main character but there's certain aspects that made me feel deeply uncomfortable and like I couldn't continue reading.

Alongi’s writing is immersive, with vivid descriptions that bring the world to life and characters that feel deeply real. The protagonist’s journey is gripping, full of tension, moral dilemmas, and unexpected twists. The magic system is unique and well thought out, adding depth to the story rather than just serving as a plot device.

What truly makes this book stand out is its emotional depth. Alongi weaves themes of sacrifice, destiny, and resilience seamlessly into the narrative, making it not just an exciting read but a thought-provoking one as well.

I couldn’t put this book down, and I already know I’ll be thinking about it for a long time. If you love dark, immersive fantasy with strong character development and high stakes, The Witch Who Trades with Death is an absolute must-read

I wanted to love this one so bad, the premise was so promising. The things that i did like were first and foremost the world building. The writing was beautifully done and the world building was a true testament to the authors love of detail and ability to bring the scene to life. I really enjoyed the characters and thought that they felt fleshed out and written with a good growth arc throughout the book. The magic system was interesting, i would have liked to see it more expanded on and explained a little more, but the concept was great. My issue with this one was a hundred percent the pacing. This is a slow slow burn and there were times where it seemed like it was going to pick up only to bog back down. I don't know if it was because it was so dialogue dense or if there was another reason for my continuing to become distracted and setting it down. This is one that I will absolutely still recommend as I know a lot of readers are going to fall in love with this story.

Thank you Angry Robot and Netgalley for the ARC!

This was a beautiful story about healing and moving forward, but also needing to confront the demons of your past. I loved the magic system in this one, the concept of life force and moving it from one person to another. I also really loved the deals with death and how it impacts a person. I do wish we could have seen more of how the FMC changed from losing parts of her memory. But overall, I couldn't put this book down and I would so read another book set in this world.

Khana, a witch and former concubine, escapes the emperor after learning how he obtains power. She finds refuge in a quiet village, where she bonds with an innkeeper’s son and joins the military to protect him. Her unit of lovable misfits gave Mulan vibes with their banter and bond. Although the story explores some pretty heavy themes, Khana’s journey of growth and healing is handled really well.

Loved how author C. M. Alongi explored healing, found family, and inclusivity in The Witch Who Trades with Death! I really started to care for the characters and enjoyed the ending. The magic also was simple but convincing, and added depth to the story.

Refreshingly different fantasy world, set up in the cold mountains and grumpy villagers. The heroine is a magic-user but that doesn't bring as many blessings as you might think, and the whole fight to get the approval of the tribe AND then help them defend against a mighty empire is enchanting to read.

This is a good found family romantasy with an emotional core and a strong lead in Khana. I don’t usually reach for this genre, but the cover and synopsis drew me in. The story had moments of real impact, especially as Khana tried to find her place after escaping the empire. However, the pacing felt uneven—it dragged in places and rushed through others, which affected my overall engagement.

The characters were easy to root for, and the ending wrapped things up in a satisfying way.

Thank you NetGalley and Angry Robot for the e-arc in exchange for my honest review.

There were things I really liked about this one, but overall it just didn’t quite land for me. The writing is super pretty, and there are definitely lines that feel made for annotating. But the pacing was all over the place. The beginning hooked me, and the ending felt strong, but the middle dragged with way too much sitting around and training scenes that didn’t feel like they were leading anywhere.

I really liked how it handled physical touch and trauma. That part felt real and made me care more about how the love interest. Sava, was so patient and gentle with Khana, and I appreciated that. That said, I was kind of expecting something bolder? The synopsis made me think she’d be falling in love with Death or something like that, which would’ve been way more interesting. Sava was sweet, but the choice felt like the safe option.

My biggest struggle was feeling distant from the main characters. Khana and Haz just never fully clicked with me emotionally, and I honestly found the side characters more compelling. The worldbuilding also felt uneven with the way things were sometimes underexplained, other times way overexplained. And the stakes didn’t always feel real. Too many things just worked out too easily, which made the story lose some of its weight.

Also, yes, we know Khana is small. You don’t have to remind us every chapter. We couldn’t forget.

Honestly such a great read. If you’re looking for a standalone, found family, witchy book… then this is definitely for you!

Thank you NetGalley for providing me an e-arc in exchange for my honest review

Found family and healing, while still touching on a subject like death. It’s hard to have all of those together and still have a well rounded, good story. At least in my opinion. However, this book does it very well. Khana goes through a lot, and it tugs at your heart in all the best ways.

I honestly was expecting more trading with Death and fewer military training montages.

This book also confused me by starting in the present, then going back a year and staying there until the 16th chapter. I had completely forgotten about the time jump by then. It could have easily started in the past and moved in a linear fashion.

There were some cool moments, and the friendships the MC made were sweet to read about, so I enjoyed this book, but it wasn't what I was expecting it to be.

Thank you to NetGalley and Angry Robot for the ARC.

- Slow burn to “I would burn the world for her”
- Slice of life cosy read

If you like the vibe of A Court of Frost and Starlight, the first 2/3 of the book gave me a similar feel. I thoroughly enjoyed how thought out the trades with death were, and the questions it explored of what these deals would require if it were possible; how far is too far? And mortality.
The ONLY thing, if anything, was that the “backstory” was a bit rushed; you’re told Emperor Yamueto is fearsome and commits atrocities, but the beginning happens so fast that you don’t really build the emotional connection that is required to drive home he’s a monster.
This was only really minor though, I would definitely re read, the last 100 pages absolutely gripped me.

Slightly spicy New Adult romantasy
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Given that death is so prominent in the title, please be prepared to see your new favourite characters snuffed out. Whether or not they’ll come back, well, that’s the point of the book. In this standalone New Adult romantasy, we follow Khana as she tries to navigate the poisonous court of the Immortal Emperor and is eventually forced to escape with only the clothes on her back, and the knowledge of the Emperor’s secret to immortality. When she finds refuge, her powers are all that stands between safety and exile, and when the Emperor discovers that she’s survived her escape, the stakes are ratcheted up exponentially. Will Khana and her new unwilling allies be able to defeat the Immortal Emperor and his countless hordes of made monsters? Or will Khana the witch be able to trade with death for victory?

Not a perfect book by any means, but plenty good. Khana is a brilliant creation and her allies are formed into a team in time-honoured ‘throw them in the deep end’ style. The magic at the heart of the book is really driven by the trade with death, and the denouement is fresh and deserved. The romance, which is only a little spicy, is really well considered, and explores PTSD in a respectful but hopeful way. But don’t let these serious themes put you off as the plotting, while a little flabby in the middle, sets up a distinctly rousing third act.

Four and a half stars.

C.M. Alongi’s The Witch Who Trades with Death is a poignant standalone fantasy that masterfully intertwines themes of trauma, resilience, and the transformative power of found family. Set against a tundra-inspired backdrop, the novel follows Khana, a young witch who escapes the clutches of the immortal Emperor Yamueto by forging a perilous pact with Death. Her journey from subjugation to self-discovery is both heart-wrenching and empowering.  

The magic system is notably inventive, allowing witches to trade memories or emotions with Death in exchange for healing or power. Khana’s evolution and emotional and physical journey is central to the story. Her relationships highlight the novel’s emphasis on healing and the strength found in communal bonds. While the narrative delves into heavy themes such as abuse, racism, and PTSD, the author handles these topics with sensitivity - The pacing is focused on character development and emotional depth and the plot is quite slow:. some readers might find the initial chapters difficult, but the emotional payoff in the latter sections is well worth the investment. 

In conclusion, The Witch Who Trades with Death is a beautifully crafted tale that balances dark themes, a slow put interesting plot and lot of remarkable moments, all in one standalone books perfect for those who don't love series.

This was an amazing standalone fantasy that I enjoyed.
This had a few of my favourite tropes of found family and making deals with death.
There was a bit of spice in this however this focussed more on the FMC and built her character.

I thought this was very good and I will have to add this to the shop shelves. Thank you for the chance for us to review.

The Witch who trades with Death first got my attention due to the author's presence on tik tok and then kept my attention through its wonderfully paced plot. Fans of darker themes in their fantasy looking for a story unafraid to look abuse, identity, and power in the eye will be in for a good time with this stand alone novel .

-excellent pacing
-diverse representation across the board
-natural dialogue
-dynamic and relatable character interactions.

*content warning for violence and sexual/sensual trauma

Khana is just one concubine witch among many in the service of the Immortal Emperor. She struggles to maintain the tiniest bit of control in her life through little rebellions - hiding in the library and using smuggled birth control to keep from bearing a child. When she figures out how to make a deal with Death, she desperately flees across the mountains to a town of warriors and refugees. As she tries to survive her trauma and hide who she is, she slowly makes friends. But when she instinctually saves a man with her magic, the emperor turns his eyes on her new home, setting off a war that will call on the courage and strength she didn't think she had. A beautiful story of found family, healing, and surviving abuse, this fantasy is a must read. Alongi writes beautifully and authentically, weaving a novel you won't want to put down and bringing to life a cast of misfit characters you'll root for.