5 star romantasy series.
I read this book and it has an epic plot, the most multi-layered morally grey characters, and tons of emotional damage. I love how this author writes the gothic landscape. There is tons of banter and a cast of characters that you will learn to love.

If you are a fan of strong female characters and books like One Dark Window, Anathema, pick this up. The FMC Seraphina reminds me a lot of Helena from Alchemised!

First off, kudos to G.V. Hext for such a compelling story. I was completely immersed in this book by the first chapter. It was like a full cinematic movie was going on in my head.

The story is about a witch named Sera, who has a dark secret that very few know about: forbidden magic. On the day of her sister's trial, tragedy strikes and she accidentally unleashes said magic. This results in her magic mixing with her sister's, and a portal is created. Who walks through? None other than their greatest enemy, the ruler of the underworld. Her sister is then kidnapped, and Sera has to go before the council to appeal to them to send a squad to go after her sister. However, they have decided that before they'll grant her sister's rescue, she must find the doorways to the underworld. She is then paired with none other than Alistair, her childhood crush.

On this journey, Sera comes face to face with a demon lord who happens to have the same magic as her. He offers to train her, but of course, nothing is free. He offers her a bargain. She is then stuck with her growing attraction to Alistair, but also from a pull that she keeps feeling from this demon lord.

And oh, how I fell in love with Sera and Dominick's friendship. Watching Sera being belittled by her mother and not knowing her self-worth, to becoming the badass that she was always meant to be. Dominick, who started off wearing a mask, only to rip it off and be his true self when he finally found someone he truly cared for.

And the ending... it'll make you CRAVE more!

•Love Triangle
•Fates Mates
•Found Family
•Morally Grey MMC
• "One horse"
• Creature sidekick/animal familiar

LOVED the world she has built. Her writing transports you right into this world, and you live there. It is that good! She has made a good magic system, characters and world building is strong. I have nothing to compare this with, it felt like a truly uniqe story. I loved the characters, I loved their journey and their relationships. I am sitting her baffled, because where do I go on from this? One simply does not, I will sit here staring holes in the wall until she releases her next, I truly care where we go on from here. This book will give you all the feels, I laughed, I cried and one really enjoys the steamy tension and buildup. I literally can not find anything I did not enjoy in this ride, nothing about this book is lacking, and trust me when I say I will rave about this book until every soul I meet on my path read it!

The world building in this book is amazing. There is a lot of plot twists which makes you going and all the main characters have depth and character development. The different POV tells you a lot about ongoing circumstances of current situation in different locations! Also you can see real friendship!!! I loved ever second of this book and will always recommend it!

The Vatra Witch pulled me in from the very beginning. I loved the world G.V. Hext created, especially the magic and how it always felt like there was something more to uncover.

I really enjoyed Sera as a main character. She's strong, but she's also vulnerable and still trying to understand her own power and everything happening around her. I loved watching her grow as the story went on.

One of my favorite parts of this book was actually the friendships. I loved that those relationships were given just as much importance and weren't pushed aside for the romance. Sera and Dominick's friendship especially was one I really enjoyed. There's something about a strong platonic friendship in a fantasy book that I absolutely love, and theirs felt genuine. I also really enjoyed getting the different POVs because it gave me a chance to connect with more than just one character and see more of what was happening in this world.

There is A LOT going on in this stor, in the best way. Witches, demons, dangerous magic, artifacts, secrets, family, friendship, romance. There were plenty of moments where I thought I had something figured out only to realize I definitely did not.

I think what really made me love this book though, was how invested I became in the characters and their relationships. I wasn't just reading to find out what happened next, I genuinely cared about what happened to them.

And that ending?! I was absolutely not ready to be done with these characters. I need book two!

“We don’t get to choose our lot in life, Seraphina. Prophecies, fate – it has all been written. The only control we have is how we use it.”

The Vatra Witch was one AMAZING read! I was initially attracted to the book because it was about witches and witches are my favorite fantasy characters. But the witchlore of this fantasy novel is far more than your typical broomstick and cauldron type. The Vatra Witch portrays a world where witches and demons are at war and angels are suspicious allies of the witches. This is a story where political intrigue and greed for power test the boundaries of love, friendship, and family. In the midst of it all is our reluctant heroine Seraphina Wildrick who must go on a mission to save her little sister with the man who once rejected her. On this journey, Seraphina meets Vasso, a demon lord, who somehow helps her come into her power and accept who she is. A tale of hidden identity, hidden powers, demons and witches, love and fate, The Vatra Witch is a story that keeps you at the edge of your seat while also immersing you in this dark, fantasy world. An easy five star read!

I can foresee The Vatra Witch becoming the next epic Romantasy series. I gave it a 5 stars rating, but wish I could give it a higher one. The story building was excellent, the characters were intriguing, and emotional turmoil had me hooked through every chapter. The use of different POVs allowed the author to fully showcase the complexity of the characters, allowing the reader to connect with the story at a deeper level.

The MFC was the perfect mixture of soft and strong, she is not afraid to kick ass even if she is scared at times. To me she was giving a mixture of Maevyth (Anathema) and Diem (Spark of the Everflame) vibes. The MFC having curly hair sealed the deal for me because I have curly hair and we are not represented enough.

I am not the reader that gives out spoilers so I will keep it short and simple. If you love witches, demons, magic, and cute creatures that will steal you heart add this book to your TBR. If you are looking for a Romantasy were the MFC is a person of color add this book to your TBR. If you support the LGBTQ community add this book to your TBR. Also, buy the indie cover now so you don’t regret it later.

Ps. When it says that it’s perfect for readers of Throne of Glass believe it. One of the characters reminds me of Chaol and Kingdom of Ash is my Roman Empire.j

4.75 ⭐
Honestly, I loved this book and cannot wait for the second to come out. I always enjoy different POVs and thought the author did a good job of picking and choosing when to do the alternate POVs as I was annoyed with one character for awhile and when his internal thoughts came out, it did help alleviate some of those frustrations. There are plenty of twists and turns to keep you intrigued and an ending that both makes you face palm and grieve with the characters.

G. V. Hext will break your heart & leave you wanting more!

Fantastic world building and excellent pace. If morally grey, fated mates & slow burn romance is your thing...get on this train!

Loved the dual POV between the FMC & her best friend. Such a different perspective than is normally used.

Vasso is a love to hate character for the morally grey lovers!

Sera is an amazing FMC with empathy & an unwavering love for her sister. Appearing weak & low magic to begin with we follow her story of growth & realisations.

Good level of spice.

This is an epic story & a must read.

This was my first ARC read and also my first book of 2026, and it was such a strong way to start the year. I was immediately drawn into the atmosphere and the author’s writing style - immersive, emotional, and rich with world-building that feels both dark and intentional.

Seraphina is a standout protagonist. Her determination to find her sister, her internal struggle with self-worth, and the weight of the choices she makes really stayed with me. I also enjoyed how the story follows parallel perspectives, which added depth and kept the tension high throughout.

The pacing kept me invested, and the character moments really resonated. With the official release coming up soon, I’m genuinely excited to see where the story goes next and can’t wait for Book 2. Please keep writing, I’ll definitely be continuing this series.

This book had me absolutely hooked—I could not put it down.

Seraphina Wildrick is a young witch desperate to earn her mother’s approval, especially as her sister prepares for a dangerous trial. When Sera’s hidden magic accidentally interferes, opening a doorway to the underworld and leading to her sister’s capture, guilt drives her to do whatever it takes to save her. Forced to complete a perilous quest first, Sera sets out with Alistair, the boy she’s loved for years, only to stumble into even greater danger—one that leads her to a witch’s tunnel, a demon lord named Vasso, and a bargain that binds her to a power unlike anything she’s ever known.

What stood out to me most was Sera’s emotional growth. As she travels, survives near-death encounters, and confronts the truth about her magic, she begins to understand herself in ways she never expected. The tension between duty, love, destiny, and war is constant, and Dominick’s quiet determination to stay connected to Sera adds another deeply touching layer. This story is packed with adventure, self-discovery, and stakes that feel personal and world-altering all at once.

If you love fantasy filled with quests, demon bargains, emotional tension, and characters discovering who they truly are, this one is absolutely worth your time.

Would you make a deal with a demon to save someone you love?

I am CAPTIVATED by the world G.V. Hext has built. I imagine every room, every walkway, oracle pool, underground manor…down to the little bits like the CHANDELIERS.

I fell in love with all her characters. Especially Seraphina’s best friend, Dominick (DUAL POV BTW). The character development is phenomenal. I ached for every single one and laughed when they had their witty banter.

You have witch trials..not THOSE trials. But even better ones. Explosions, fighting, horse riding and unbelievable magic. I'm hoping to see alliances and despair in the next book.

I’m so glad to have tumbled upon this author. Definitely adding to one of my favorites and I can't wait to see what else is in store for us.

This book was absolutely incredible. I was obsessed. Dark magic, witches, demons, tension everywhere, & that constant feeling that something BAD is going to happen at any moment. It got me, hook, line & sinker. Sera was exactly the kind of FMC I love. Also… Vasso. New book boyfriend unlocked. Every scene with him had me hooked in because you never fully know what he’s going to do. He has that dangerous, obsessive energy that makes every interaction feel intense. Also heavy on the "touch her & d!e" vibes (But also, can I be on the receiving side pls) Meanwhile Al, I didn’t trust him at all & was fully prepared to have him as my villain, but his character arc had me respecting him so much. The difference between him & Vasso made the emotional tension so much better, I do like a good love triangle. And then we have lil Snik, who honestly deserves his own fan club because I would do anything for that little creature. TEAM SNIK

If you love darker fantasy books with amazing morally grey characters, brilliant lore & world building, dangerous dark magic, & romance that has you kicking your feet but also stressing you out, I can't recommend The Vatra Witch enough!!