The Reading Bud

Book Details:

Author: Tony Jaehrling
Release Date: November 12, 2024
Series: Betrayal (Book #2)
Genre: Fantasy, Magic, Witchcraft, Demons
Format: E-book 
Pages: 438 pages
Publisher: Peter Anthony Jaehrling
Blurb:
In her first few months on the Lorynthian throne, Tamyr Thimpor survived internal assaults to her reign, including two assassination attempts.
Just when the internal difficulties have been brought under control, an external threat manifests. Tamyr is kidnapped and transported to the Badlands where she is held captive by a witch and seven demons who intend to take her to Nyv’ral, the mountain city, where she is to be executed.

Val Telt and the Loyal Guard, along with the Meghian witch, Zinoeth, ride in pursuit, but they are a long way behind and there are numerous enemies intent on barring their way. Can Val and his allies win their way through? And even if they can, will Tamyr be alive when they arrive?
There is one factor that can change the odds in Tamyr’s favor: her enemies are unaware that she is a witch. If she can keep this secret, that is her advantage.
How is she to do this when she is surrounded by powerful witches and predatory demons? Her own survival, and Lorynthia’s, depend on her solving this problem.
The Reluctant Queen must become the Hidden Witch, or all will be lost.

Review

Hidden Witch by Tony Jaehrling picks up right where Reluctant Queen left off, thrusting us into the Badlands with Tamyr, a protagonist who is rapidly evolving from reluctant monarch to formidable force. What struck me most in this installment is how Author Jaehrling expands the worldbuilding with detailed magical systems, various witch factions, and yes, demons that are both terrifying and compelling.

The pacing is brisk, the action scenes tight, and the emotional threads are handled with care. Tamyr’s inner turmoil of her self-doubt, anger, and resilience, feels authentic and hard-earned. There’s also a layered richness to the supporting cast. Lowen especially is a standout being a pale-haired witch walking a moral tightrope.

Author Jaehrling does a great job of making this a darker, more introspective middle chapter. If Reluctant Queen was about legacy, Hidden Witch is about survival, and preparing to fight back. I knocked off one star only because I wanted slightly more breathing space between high-stakes scenes, a moment or two more for emotional reflection and character interaction, but honestly, this is a gripping, propulsive read.

If you’re a fan of morally complex fantasy with strong female leads, Hidden Witch absolutely delivers.

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