The Witch


Young Adult - Fantasy - General
224 Pages
Reviewed on 06/25/2023
Buy on Amazon

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    Book Review

Reviewed by Pikasho Deka for Readers' Favorite

The Witch is a young adult fantasy novel by Shay Casper. Born a witch, eighteen-year-old Harper Grim spends her days healing people in need alongside her best friend Juniper in their village of Westfall. Harper and Juniper hide their natural magical gifts from others due to the persecution of magical folk under the orders of King Gallin of Idrudelia, who banned all forms of magic use. Struggling to avoid the unwanted attentions of a man named Marius, Harper unwittingly finds herself a silent guardian in the form of Kole, a deadly assassin who fell from the king's good graces. Meanwhile, a terrible threat is rising from the East, named the Dark Sword. With King Gallin refusing to heed the warnings of the people about magic and nature, can Harper and Kole find a way to protect those they love?

The Witch is a stellar first installment in what seems to be the start of a promising new young adult fantasy saga. Author Shay Casper has built a fantastical world rich in imagination and wonder, filled with witches, faes, warlocks, romance, and much more. Casper takes her time introducing the characters and setting up the plot, but from the halfway point onwards, it's a blistering ride to the finish line. The characters have well-defined story arcs and compelling relationship dynamics you are invested in from the get-go. I really enjoyed the scenes featuring Harper and Kole and the friendships between Kole and Benjamin and Harper and Juniper. Overall, an entertaining fantasy story.