Rating: 5⭐️
When I find a new author and a series that makes me swoon as a reader, well, let me tell you, it can keep me up at night thinking about all the amazing stories in my future!
And there are many, many stories ahead of me. I’m so happy.
But first let’s talk about Delemhach’s The House Witch. It’s a no spice , richly crafted humorous fantasy romance. The author’s has an amazing ability to bring this fantasy kingdom to life, with all it’s meriad variety of beings , human and otherwise , pand, as we find out, very compelling problems while simultaneously creating a magical world that has such a unique and wonderful character like Finlay Ashowan in it, was incredible. I was so captivated immediately by everything that was happening.
Fin arrives at the royal castle of the King and Queen of Daxaria. He’s the new head cook. However, he’s hiding the secret that he’s a kitchen witch, perhaps the only known one in the world. And the situation he’s coming into is a tumultuous one. A perilous political time of potential warfare, a royal beloved couple facing a heartbreaking time they’ve faced before, and hidden enemies lurking around in their shadows.
Fin is, also, a prickly personality, but one who, in every sense, fights for those who need him while trying to keep his powers hidden.
What’s truly remarkable is this story deals with topics that require sensitivity and understanding. Women who are being harassed and targeted, miscarriages, horrific physical parental abuse, and even widespread species violence. But the author, instead of focusing on the raw material or specific details, instead uses these storylines as subtly important parts of each character‘a development or another facet of the entire story.
And when it’s revealed, it’s as an impactful moment for the characters and readers. I can’t stress enough how fantastic this element is here.
Not only for Fin but also for many other characters. Ones that end up being characters that the reader will hold just as close to their heart as the main characters, Fin and Annika. And Kraken the Kitchen Cat.
This is witty, hilarious, heartbreaking, beautifully written and a fantastic read. It captures your imagination and heart.
I’m immediately headed to book 2. Read this and follow me there.
One of my finds of the year.
These richly detailed covers! I love them!
Cover design by Podium Publishing
The House Witch series:
All three books of the same title!
Plus semi sequel :
The Princess of Potential series
The Burning Witch trilogy
The Ether Witch trilogy that is due to release it’s final volume in 2026
Buy link
Blurb
A heartwarming and humorous blend of fantasy, romance, and mystery featuring a witch with domestic powers and the royal household he serves . . . dinner.
When Finlay Ashowan joins the staff of the King and Queen of Daxaria, he’s an enigma. No one knows where he comes from or how he came to be where he is, which suits Fin just fine. He’s satisfied simply serving as the royal cook, keeping nosy passersby out of his kitchen, and concocting some truly uncanny meals.
But Fin’s secret identity doesn’t stay hidden for long. After all, it’s not every day a house witch and his kitten familiar, Kraken, take to meddling in imperial affairs. As his powers are gradually discovered by the court, Fin finds himself involved in a slew of intrigues: going head-to-head with knights with less-than-chivalrous intentions, helping to protect the pregnant queen, fending off the ire of the royal mage, and uncovering a spy in the castle. And that’s only the beginning—because Fin’s past is catching up with him just as his love life is getting complicated . . .
Filled with fascinating characters, courtly intrigue, political machinations, delicious cuisines, cuddly companions, magical hijinks, and will-they-won’t-they romance, The House Witch is the first in a captivating new series, guaranteed to satisfy the tastes of any reader.
- Publisher: Podium Publishing
- Publication date: June 21, 2022
- Language: English
- Print length: 474 pages
- Book 1 of 3: The House Witch
Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words 