A Blog of Books and Tea

(ARC Review)

Tropes:

• Witch X Witch Hunter
• Forced Proximity
• Dark Fantasy
• Start of a War
• Arranged Marriage
• Fire
• Betrayal

Stars – 🫖🫖🫖🫖🫖

Synopsis –

For generations, my family has hunted witches, claiming to protect the world from their dark magic. I was born to follow in their footsteps — the next in line to carry on the legacy. But I am not like them. I hear the trees whisper in song, and I feel the wind pulse with energy through my veins.

Does that make me a sinner, instead of a savior?

Lately, I’m not sure what’s right anymore — or if I’ve been standing on the wrong side all along. And now, this wedding I never asked for, this life carved out for me like a cage.

What will become of me if I keep walking this path?

Will they burn me?
Or will I finally learn to live?

Thoughts –

This novella is very different from what I’ve read from Amaya previously as it leans more into a fantasy, but I am loving it! She has a way with words that truly captures the reader, pulling them into an intricate world filled with rich characters and evocative settings. Amaya’s ability to weave together emotion and tension is exceptional, and I find myself eagerly anticipating what comes next in this enthralling tale.

From the moment I started reading The Scorned Maiden, I was intrigued to learn more about this world she had created. It left me wondering “when” the plot took place, and if it was around the same time as The Salem Witch Trials of 1692 (I think that’s the right date 🤷‍♀️) but with a fantastical twist. I loved the idea of the community being quite isolated from others as it helped build the sense of mystery I got while reading this book.

I found the general population of the community to be somewhat hypocritical considering they received magical marks at the age of 25, but they hated and feared witches to the point of condemning them to torture and death.

As we follow the FMC, Morwenna, we come to realise that she isn’t like the rest of the people in her community. She seems to be shunned by all, including her own family. As she is forced into a marriage she doesn’t want, strange things start to happen. I cannot wait to find out more about Morwenna.

I enjoyed seeing how Morwenna became enamoured with Damien, and it’s easy to see why she does! The man is an absolute swoon fest! I’m also really happy that there were a couple of chapters from his POV as well, as it answered some of the questions that readers were left with as the plot unfolded. I hope this couple get the happy ending they deserve!

Overall, I think this novella was brilliant. The plot moved along really well, and I thoroughly enjoyed the characters. I was left wanting more, like right now! I’m (not so) patiently awaiting the next installment of this series!