Night of the Witch

Starred review from August 28, 2023
A witch and a witch hunter must work together to vanquish a common enemy in this captivating tale of tragedy, romance, and revenge by Raasch (Snow Like Ashes) and Revis (Across the Universe). Fritzi, an 18-year-old witch, has lived a peaceful life with her coven in a village that is hidden by her mother’s magic—until witch-hunting hexenjagers, led by brutal Kommandant Dieter Kirch, find and purge her community. The sole survivor of the massacre, Fritzi sets off to the hexenjager stronghold, intent on finding her captured cousin and exacting revenge on Kirch. A chance encounter with 19-year-old hexenjager Kaptain Otto Ernst, who has spent years plotting to bring down the corrupt organization from the inside, intertwines their fates. As the pair race to foil Kirch’s plans, their reluctant alliance, which is initially plagued by mutual distrust and prejudice, develops into romantic attraction. Liberal use of German cultural references, history, and language render a believable and intriguing interpretation of 16th-century Trier, once part of the Holy Roman Empire. The authors sustain tension via Fritzi and Otto’s alternating perspectives, and harrowing descriptions of body horror and trauma alongside quiet, tender moments of connection round out this beguiling series opener. Characters cue as white. Ages 14–up. Agents: (for Raasch) Amy Stapp, Wolfson Literary; (for Ravis) Merilee Heifetz, Writers House.