My rating: 5 of 5 stars
There was a reason why I had decided to wait for the entire series to be readily available before I begin reading it. Patience has never been my forte and after having struggled with waiting for Harry Potter books, I had made my decision and stuck to it, but lately, with Net Galley and the alluring cover images, my decision has gone for a toss and here I am in turmoil having begun another trilogy for which I cannot wait another single day for the next book.
Charissa Weaks’s The Witch Collector is a world beyond imagination. Having a protagonist unable to speak but whose magic is waiting to burst is sure to leave you enthralled. There are many characters in the fantasy tale each with their own background story that is waiting to be explored. But The Prince of the East is one of those antagonists that is gonna stay with you for a long time. His mere presence and the entire spectrum of evil shadows oozing out of him gave me goosebumps.
I was totally smitten by Alexus, his morally greyish shade adding an extra appeal to his gentle and caring love towards Raina. But Raina is a protagonist that I absolutely loved, the sign language that counter her muteness, her courage in dealing with the truths that open up in front of her eyes, the loyalty towards her sister and showing mettle every time a crisis looms forth and finding ways to escape the dangers without any help, each segment of the story was entirely captivating. The enemies to lovers romance is always a favorite trope of mine and this story had that in abundance. The mystery elements especially the past that unfolds about Alexus keep the reader glued to the pages.
Charissa Weaks creates stunning imagery, the word building so beautiful that traveling thru the magick enclosed woods felt like eons with the biting icy cold. In fact, the parts in the Winter road and Winterhold enclose the reader in a bubble of enchantment. The story doesn’t end in a cliffhanger, the crux of the plot is cleared up but a major plot development about Alexus is kept in the dark, and therein lies my problem about waiting to grab the next one in the series.
Many thanks to Net Galley, Victory NetGalley Co-Op and the author for a chance to read and review this book. All opinions are expressed voluntarily.
“If you like your fantasy with complex magic, an intriguing protagonist, a powerful romance, and a great cast of supporting characters, I highly recommend The Witch Collector. Charissa Weaks’s high-stakes storytelling will leave you waiting eagerly for the next installment.” — Juliet Marillier, award-winning author of the Warrior Bards series
Every harvest moon, the Witch Collector rides into our valley and leads one of us to the home of the immortal Frost King, to remain forever.
Today is that day—Collecting Day.
But he will not come for me. I, Raina Bloodgood, have lived in this village for twenty-four years, and for twenty-four years he has passed me by.
His mistake.
Raina Bloodgood has one desire: kill the Frost King and the Witch Collector who stole her sister. On Collecting Day, she means to exact murderous revenge, but a more sinister threat sets fire to her world. Rising from the ashes is the Collector, Alexus Thibault, the man she vowed to slay and the only person who can help save her sister.
Thrust into an age-old story of ice, fire, and ancient gods, Raina must abandon vengeance and aid the Witch Collector in saving the Frost King or let their empire—and her sister—fall into enemy hands. But the lines between good and evil blur, and Raina has more to lose than she imagined. What is she to do when the Witch Collector is no longer the villain who stole her sister, but the hero who’s stealing her heart?
The Witch Collector is book one in a thrilling romantic fantasy trilogy, perfect for fans of Naomi Novik, Sarah J. Maas, and Jennifer L. Armentrout.
“The Witch Collector is a magical, enchanting, fantasy romance whose pages are filled with threads of love, loss, and healing. Highly, highly recommended for anyone who loves fantasy romance, fantasy with strong female leads, unique magic systems, and beautiful writing.” ~ Alexia Chantel/AC Anderson, Goodreads Author of The Mars Strain
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This sounds like a fantastic book. I have dipped my toes in a few magical, fantastical book and am still getting used to that genre. Check out the books by D. Wallace Peach!
I haven’t read any by the author, would surely give a try Noelle. Somehow my current TBR seems to be packed with fantasy books more than mystery thrillers, usually it is the other way round!🤷
First off – that cover is gorgeous! 😍😍😍 I love your description of how vivid the imagery is. I’ll definitely be marking this trilogy down. Wonderful review!
Yeah, Tessa I fell for that cover but the story was totally engrossing❤️
Nice review! I didn’t know the protagonist was mute, I’m definitely interested in picking it up to see how things turn out
Yeah, it became more interesting because of the hand signing. Hope you enjoy it Kate❤️