Oooooh this was so much better than I was expecting!! Khana is a concubine (against her will) for an immortal tyrant of an Emperor. In the Reguallian Empire anybody who shows any magical ability must be surrendered to the emperor, who either tries to breed with them (again no consent required) or create soldiers from them. Khana was given up by her parents when she was 14 and sent to the emperor, Yamueto. Magic in this world can be controlled by witches by taking life energy from somebody else and using that power to heal or hurt. The emperor keeps a constant supply of civillians around just in case he fancies a top up he can drain a stranger to the point of death if he fancies. Well thankfully after a series of unfortunate events, Khana anages to escape and head across the empire where she tries to build a home and get further away from the monster who has abused her for the past 6 years. BUT! The evil emperor is obsessed with conquering the entire world and keeps expanding his territory until it encroaches on the new home of Khana. Enter the ragtag band of militia members who become found family and are all WONDERFUL!! Without going into depth about the storyline this is such a perfect dark fantasy with an excellent cast of supporting characters who I grew really attached to and was rooting for the good guys to win! The narration was excellent, as I mentioned the cast was LARGE and the separation of character voices and accents was perfect.

review for The Witch That Deals with Death by C.M. Alongi,

Review: 4.5 Stars

The Witch That Deals with Death is a beautifully paced story with strong energy and a compelling premise. The portrayal of Death as a playful, bartering figure was a standout element—I really enjoyed how Death took on various forms and how each interaction carried a cost, not just in magic but in meaning. The necromancy aspect added an intriguing layer, handled with thought and creativity.

The themes woven throughout—particularly the fear and mistrust of a healing witch—were powerful and well executed. It felt like a modern spin on a darker fairytale, with a heroine both revered and reviled. The village and surrounding world were richly imagined, making the setting feel lived-in and immersive.

I listened to the audiobook and found the narrator to be clear, engaging, and easy to follow. The voice of the main character had the perfect balance of strength and vulnerability, which added emotional weight to the story.

Overall, this was an atmospheric and thought-provoking read that I’d recommend to fans of witchy fantasy, folklore-inspired tales, and morally complex magic.

New Author, New World, New Adventures
So far, I had not heard of the author or the book before stumbling upon it on Netgalley. The cover, the synopsis, and the overall aesthetic drew me in immediately. The book itself took me a bit longer to get excited about it once I started, but with every passing chapter, I grew fonder of Khana and more emotionally attached to her new-found allies. Even before we start her story, Lucy Walker-Evans reads out content warnings that I am immensely grateful for. Especially the experience of sexual assault keeps haunting Khana and shapes her reactions and actions. Thankfully, she gets to know people who listen and respect her boundaries. This representation felt so healing and wonderful next to all the trauma and the terrifying reality that Khana is still experiencing.

Death Doesn’t Discriminate
The world and powers that C.M. Alongi thought of had caught my attention within a few chapters. Step by step, we get to know what witches in this universe can do, how they come to be, and how they are abused. Khana’s escape from her oppressive life and journey into a hopefully better one shows her lack of options as much as her bravery. She is a burnt child when she finds a place to rest for the first time and to earn some money to eventually start out a new life somewhere far off. While working for a little money, she finds something that is way more important than any treasures of the world: people to rely on. I loved, loved, loved Khana’s slowly emerging found family and how she gradually grows with it, daring to be herself and share her past with them.

War and Sacrifice
The first small part of the book shows Khana’s initial life, then her escape and arrival in a small mountain town she will learn to call her home. The second bigger part depicts her life and new connections there, still often resembling a game of deceit to hide her past from her new acquaintances. Eventually, Khana won’t be able to escape her past and the war that her former oppressor rages on her new home. The pacing was well-balanced so that we could get familiar with Khana, her reasonings and backgrounds, then her new surroundings and friends, before fearing for it all on the final battlefield. Due to the long build-up, we were really engaged in the final battles and sacrifices to be made to free herself. Throughout the book, we are also allowed to not only closely follow Khana’s experience but also other characters’ encounters and decision-making. I fell for Khana’s close circle as much as for her as our protagonist herself.

Conclusion
A book I did not expect to move and engage me as much as it did. Alongi’s world- and character-building was great and made this story an intriguing adventure of facing one’s horrible past experiences but also moving on and allowing new memories and connections to form—all spiced up with fascinating fantasy elements.

This book was really intriguing! I liked the characters and how their relationship grew. Sava was really sweet and gentle which was quite nice to see. I really love any story with found family so this was no exception! I enjoyed that part about it immensely. I did find the pacing a bit choppy though, especially at the beginning. I wish there was more faster sequences to have a balance. Overall though, it’s worth checking out this one!

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for an advance copy in exchange for my honest review!!

This just wasn't for me. There's a lot of exposition but it doesn't add up to rich world building. We don't get to know the MC enough to root for her or be intetested in her before she does magic involving animal death (yeah, you might have wanted to add that to your list of trigger warnings since you believe so strongly in them). Overall, I just wasn't interested in the characters or the plot. There was nothing I hadn't seen in fantasy before.

Thank you for providing me with a copy of The Witch Who Trades With Death.

This was a great fantasy with a bit of romance on the side that covers a wide range of complex themes and unique concepts.

I loved the idea that magic comes with a cost as too often it is the ‘easy’ way out in a fantasy novel so this provided a unique perspective, especially with the beautiful execution of Death as a character within this.

The found family feel to this book was amazing and I loved the growth that all of the characters are able to experience. The personality of each character is executed so well that they jump off the page and I loved that the darker themes in the book were balanced out by the hope and camaraderie of the group which was really effective in the exploration of the range of darker themes.

I would say that the pacing is a little slow to begin with but is worth sticking with as this definitely picks up and is worth the wait.

I loved the narration of this book and thought it perfectly excecuted the writing style and enhanced the experience of the story!

While I liked the premise of "The Witch Who Trades With Death", the actual novel fell somewhat flat for me. While I liked the characters and the build-up of the first half of the novel, the second half felt rather unrealistic with the protagonist being vastly overpowered and the ending being way too convenient and saccharine for my tastes.

The messaging of the book is very important, but I think it could have been a lot more subtle.

Trigger warnings for The Witch Who Trades With Death include: sexual assault, domestic violence, explicit war scenes, explicit scenes of death (violent & peaceful), racism & xenophobia, and explicit consensual sex.
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“How did we get from me teasing you about your obvious crush to you both making me feel feelings?"
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I am loving the storytelling. I loved everything about this novel. It made me laugh. It made me smile. It made me cry. Several times.
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"You don’t want to conquer this kingdom – it gets so cold your tiny balls would freeze off!”
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I really liked the relationship between Haz and Khana. I always enjoy books where the main relationship isn't romance. I love books where romance and relationships aren't the focus. There aren't nearly enough of them for my liking. I also really enjoyed the relationship between Khana and Sava. The way Sava always gave Khana space and time, didn't push her and let Khana take the lead with everything.
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I also thought that the representation of the traumas that various characters went through was done really well. I fell in love with these characters and I'll be sad to leave them behind now.
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Thank you to NetGalley for sending me an ARC copy of this book.

CW: war, death, torture, gore, sexual assault

I enjoyed this book! My teen told me to read it, so I got an ARC, and really liked it. I found it a little bit confusing at parts, because it goes from almost a solely single POV to more POVs, and that was a bit tricky when I was listening to the audio. But once I figured it out I was all set.

I really loved the found family in this story, how Khana escapes her imprisonment and finds a home in a small mountain town. Not everyone in the town warms to her, as they don't trust her being a witch, despite taking advantage of her powers to heal their sick and wounded.

I also loved how Khana's found family really comes together for her, during her biggest battle.

The ending was kind of abrupt, so I do hope there is a sequel or some sort of follow up, so that I can see how everyone is doing.

What a deliciously clever, witchy little fantasy! This book cast a slow, subtle spell and I was here for it. The premise alone had me hooked: a witch who can trade with Death itself? Come on. That’s catnip for fantasy lovers. The whole concept of magic being life-based and bartered? So good. Slightly haunting. Definitely fresh.

And don’t even get me started on the romance. Slow burn? Yes. Satisfying? Double yes.

Tropes & Vibes:
Witchy vibes with a sprinkle of darkness
Literal deals with Death
Slow burn romance
Found family, but make it magical

Would I Recommend?
Absolutely. This is a must-read for fans of unique magic systems, thoughtful world building, and witches who don’t just stir the pot—they own it. If you like your fantasy to feel cozy, a little creepy, and emotionally layered, you’ll love this one.

Thank you to Bolinda and NetGalley for allowing me the opportunity to enjoy this ALC review.

4.75 stars for The Witch who Trades with Death by C.M. Alongi

"𝘎𝘪𝘷𝘦 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳𝘴𝘦𝘭𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘬𝘪𝘯𝘥𝘯𝘦𝘴𝘴 𝘰𝘧 𝘩𝘦𝘢𝘭𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘰𝘯 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘰𝘸𝘯 𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘮𝘴.”

Thank you for an ARC copy of this audiobook.

The Witch who Trades with Death is a unique standalone romantasy about a witch named Khana who had lost everything in life except her love for music thanks to the immortal king ruling over many lands.

Definitely read the trigger warnings on this one because Khana has it rough. Some events unfold leading to her escape to avoid death at the hands of the king. She ends up in a small town where she finds friends, community, family and herself.

Something about this story just absolutely resonated with me. Khana as the timid and scared witch, finding people who accept her for who she is and what she is able to bring to the table, growing into a strong woman who can confront the demons from her past.
It all seems so cliche but this book is such a fresh take on this story.

This world and the magic system is so unique to other's I've read. The way everything interconnects, the way people have lost part of the art of their magic because of the king, and the way Khana accidentally stumbled upon death within it all.

All the characters are absolutely amazing and I can't say that I didn't love a single one. The romance between Khana and Sava is slow and timid and there is a singular spicy scene, although it's not what you'd expect. The intimacy and growth between them mean so much more than the spice.

Overall, this book just gave me all the good feels while reading it and I highly recommend people read it if you like the premise.

𝕿𝖗𝖔𝖕𝖊𝖘:
Found Family
Consequences of Magic
DV rep
Disability rep

Dark bargains, deadly magic, and one witch who’s finally had enough! The Witch Who Trades with Death by C.M. Alongi, is a wild, emotional ride through a world where every spell costs a piece of your soul.
After escaping a cruel emperor, Khana finds herself caught up in deals with Death itself and hiding in a mountain village full of wary warriors. But what starts as survival slowly turns into something more… healing, hope, and a new kind of family.

I wasn’t sure this would be my thing, but I flew through it and really enjoyed it. A mix of magic with consequences, reluctant hero vibes, and a slow-build found family makes this a solid read.

Also, I have to give a shoutout to Lucy Walker-Evans, who absolutely smashed the narration. She brought Khana’s emotions to life with such clarity and nailed the darker, more intense moments without ever overdoing it. Her pacing, tone shifts, and distinct voices made the entire audio experience a pleasure; especially Death, who had just the right mix of menace and charm. Honestly, a great choice if you’re after a well-produced audiobook!

'A young witch forced to play concubine for her impirical captor, finally breaks free to find a life of her own, but even those with the power to call Death cannot outrun their past…'

Khana is free and finds how to trade with actual death....and it leads to all sorts!

Read this book if you like:
~ Cozy read!
~ Lyrical writing
~ Unique magic system
~ Witchy powers
~ Little bit of romance/spice

I really enjoyed this read and look forward to reading more from this author.

The most wonderful found family story that had me SOBBING.

The way that this book handled non consensual/dubious consent and the recovery after it was so touching.

The friendships turned to family was heartwarming and a joy to be part of. The road from stranger to worker to friends to family was amazing.

It was an enjoyable time overall. I liked the characters and their journey, I thought that was quite well executed. The plot was also quite interesting but the pacing made everything a bit shaky. The ideas were there and the way some points unravelled were honestly very good and well thought out.

I enjoyed listening to this fantasy story audiobook, a story for all fantasy lovers. Living for the Immortal Emperor’s pleasure brings absolutely none for Khana. Forced to flee she kills the Emperor’s favourite concubine, but in so doing Khana learns a secret which will either get her killed or save her. Some of the themes within the story are dark, but a lot happens off page, and humour romance keeps light for the reader. Thank you to Belinda audio and NetGalley for the audio ARC. The views expressed are all mine, freely given.

I really enjoyed this more than I thought when I first started it.
Khana is a concubine for the emperor, enforced sex slave more like, as all the witches he finds are because only witches can give birth to witches and he really likes to have a palace full of witches by his side to use and abuse to make more monsters.
Well Khana ha had enough and when one of the Emperor's sickest wives skins her best friend just for fun, she kills her and takes her head so she cannot be resurrected. She flees on foot after buying a disguise and a guide with some stolen jewels. She sets up home with a pub that is known for taking in refugees. The sweetest family who befriends her and trusts her no questions asked. But when the emperor discovers Khana has fled, he will stop at nothing to get her back.
Now, I didn't think there was a lot of dealing with Death in this book. I did expect a little more but the story won me over enough to make this a 4* book

"The Witch who Trades with Death" is a really engaging book with a strong female lead and a unique storyline. It tells the fascinating tale of Khana, a witch who meets Death and trades parts of her soul for magical powers. Watching Khana's personality change with each trade she makes is truly intriguing. This original concept kept me hooked.

The romance subplot wasn't the main draw for me, but it added a nice slow-burn element that brought some positivity and light to the story as it got darker. Overall, the book's originality and Khana's compelling journey make it a great read.

The narration was good, but some of the dialects threw me off a little bit.

A fantasy standalone with high staked, an amazing set of characters and great world building.
This book was absolutely a gem to read! I truly loved the plot and the characters so much.

The magic was so interesting and the found family was so heartwarming 😭 you should all go run to buy this book and LOOK AT THAT COVER!!!

This was an interesting take on this kind of genre, an escaped concubine who is also a Witch who can communicate with Death!

The story starts off with a bang and you get sucked into Khana's world pretty quickly, however I did feel that once she settled in the Town things slowed down and pacing felt stilted at times.
The narrator did an incredible job, especially with the accents! A good mix of characters and easily distinguishable while listening.

Thank you to the publishers and Netgalley for the chance to read and review this book.