Rating: 4.5⭐️
I stumbled across this author and duology recently and am absolutely thrilled with the discovery.
The Witch Roads is the first book in Kate Elliott’s completed epic fantasy adventure duology and it’s incredible.
Stretching across multiple continents, with a universe of diverse cultures and characters, the author focuses her narrative upon a world where the political ruling system and mythology mirrors ancient Chinese culture, so there’s a framework for the tightly packed royal infighting and conflict that’s important to the story.
Elen, her background, that of her nephew and deceased sister are slow to be revealed here. And actually a huge part of Elen’s character is never fully explained at all by the author.
That’s part of this novel I feel are frustrating. There’s gaps in the book that remain unexplained and then, for things I think are wonderful, there’s elements that, like cthe nephew having a voice in deciding what gender to be, is a very interesting part of the story. And it’s just a thread that weaves into his role here as his part and journey develops.
Elliott has a great cast of characters whose relationships with each other develop and deepen as they journey forward, including one of my favorite characters, a certain “haunt”.
This does end with a cliffhanger. But the second book is available and it picks up immediately after the end of this one. Grab both novels up at the same time and read seamlessly right to the end of the series like I did.
So satisfying. Except for the fact I now want a third book.
Highly recommended and I’m now looking into this author’s other work.
Love the covers.
Cover art by Raja Nandepu
Cover design by Jess Kiley
The Witch Roads Duology :
The Witch Roads #1
The Nameless Land #2
Buy link
Blurb
Book 1 in the Witch Roads duology, the latest epic novel by fan favorite Kate Elliott.
Status is hereditary, class is bestowed, trust must be earned.
When an arrogant prince (and his equally arrogant entourage) gets stuck in Orledder Halt as part of brutal political intrigue, competent and sunny deputy courier Elen—once a child slave meant to shield noblemen from the poisonous Pall—is assigned to guide him through the hills to reach his destination.
When she warns him not to enter the haunted Spires, the prince doesn’t heed her advice, and the man who emerges from the towers isn’t the same man who entered.
The journey that follows is fraught with danger. Can a group taught to ignore and despise the lower classes survive with a mere deputy courier as their guide?
Tor Books
Publication date
June 10, 2025
Language
English
Print length
439 pages
Book 1 of 2
Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words 