Hex of the Witch

The Other Witch #1

by Heather G. Harris

It’s not paranoia when they are really out to get you…

I’m Amber, potion and rune mistress and all round witch extraordinaire. I’ve spent half my life building my career and I finally feel like greatness is within my grasp. I’ve been working on a special potion, a potion that could change everything for witches and wizards everywhere. Unfortunately some people are allergic to change and will stop at nothing to keep the status quo.

A price has been put on my head – and my enemies are coming for me. Vampyrs, ogres and black witches are gunning for me, and they want me dead by any means necessary. In their infinite wisdom, the coven council assigns me my very own griffin bodyguard – and of course, the one they assign is none other than my most hated enemy, Bastion.

Bastion comes with his own baggage. He has a black witch’s curse upon him and it is slowly killing him. To save myself, I’m going to have to lift the curse and work with him – because another black witch is circling and she has me in her sights…

I need to save my enemy, finish my potion, and hunt down the black witch – if she doesn’t kill me first.

Don't miss this witchy series if you like humour, heart and a strong heroine with a slow burn, enemies to lovers, fade-to-black romance.

Written in British English.

Don't miss all the books in the Other Realm (Listed in optimal reading order)!

The Glimmer Series - a Jinx Sharp adventure
Glimmer of the Other
Glimmer of Dragons
Glimmer of Hope
Glimmer of Christmas
Glimmer of Death
Glimmer of Deception

The Other Wolf Series - a Lucy Barrett caper
Protection of the Pack
Guardians of the Pack
Saviour of the Pack

The Court Series - A Jinx Sharp tale
Challenge of the Court
Betrayal of the Court
Revival of the Court

The Other Witch - An Amber DeLea grimoire
Rune of the Witch
Hex of the Witch
Coven of the Witch
Familiar of the Witch
Destiny of the Witch

Genres: Urban Fantasy, Fantasy, Paranormal, Action, Witches, Magic, Young Adult

337 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 19, 2023

Reviews

[Ronda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I knew I was going to enjoy side stepping into Amber's story but I didn't think it would be as enjoyable as this!

I love the characters, many of which (pardon the pun) surface in Jinx and Lucy's books but the one character that fascinated me from book 1 is Bastion! And I'm definitely getting my fill of him now!

I've read the books in reading order and I love how they intertwine but Amber is by far my favourite character. I've loved her from Jinx's books! To see her in her own pages is definitely worth the wait!

The great and unexpected surprise with this book was the extra bonus scene from Bastion's POV... Loved it!

Next!!!!!

[TJ · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5/5.0
I think I am well on the road to devouring every single book this author has written - and that should be proof enough of what I think of Ms. Harris’s books! They are on the lighter side but still contain enough action and romance to keep a reader completely involved and enjoying a delicious escape. This particular book is the first in a brand new series that, while new and definitely stand-alone, is set in the same world as her previous Jinx and Lucy series.

Bastion is a side character I have adored in those previous series, so I was super excited for him to get a storyline all to himself! Amber… not so much. She is an awfully hard character to like. She is completely closed-off, often harsh, an exacting perfectionist with both herself and everyone she is around and basically a right B#*$% (the reason for the 3.5 rating). Through this book, we watch her start to thaw ever so slightly and we do see that there is something underneath Bastion’s protection and demeanor that promises good things to come. But, getting Amber there might be a challenge.

The overall story is a great one and it sets up all kinds of intriguing possibilities to be explored in coming installments, so I will definitely be reading on!

[Eve Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

"I'd put up with the devil himself if he kept me alive."

How can a book by Heather G. Harris be even better than the last? With enemies-to-lovers!

This was a satisfying tale, brimming with possibilities. With black magic, assassination attempts, potion discoveries, prophecies, and a slow-burn enemies-to-lovers romance, where could you go wrong?

From beginning to end, I was captivated by the twists and turns. And our main characters, Amber and Bastion, have stolen my heart with their complex personalities. I can't wait to delve deeper into their lives as we navigate this crazy, amazing storyline.

[julia ☆ [owls reads] · Rating 3 out of 5]

I think my expectations were too high for this one. Amber's perspective was very difficult to get into at the beginning and she frustrated me a little with some of her decisions during the first half. Her relationship with Bastion also didn't capture my attention right away and I'm not sure I enjoy them being near each other just yet.

The plot was a bit too slow in the beginning. Things picked up when the black witch element came into play again and I very much enjoyed how that particular subplot was developed here. We got a few answers about certain things, but also more questions! That left me curious about what's to come. Same thing regarding the potion subplot! I hope that's explored way more from here on out.

The ending was so underwhelming, however? I expected way more from it than what I got and didn't find it a satisfying conclusion in any way whatsoever. I do understand that this is a series, but I wish there was more of a sense of completion here than there was.

[Sarz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great series

The start of another great series from Heather Harris, she writes my favourite sort of FMCs, quite different from each other, but all have a backbone, intelligence, and compassion in spades. Looking forward to the rest of this series!

[Starfire · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved Jinx's books, and I grew to love Lucy's books too... but I think the series with Amber might be my favourite of the three.

Partly, it's because I'm convinced that Amber is coded autistic (which is why I've given it an ND-rep tag above). This isn't just someone who's socially awkward - her passion for justice combined with her utter bafflement and lack of patience with small talk and social norms, plus some of the sensory stuff she mentions and her need for routine, all combined definitely give me autism vibes.

Partly it's the fact that we're getting to see beneath the surface of Amber's persona, which we've seen from the outside in both the Jinx and the Lucy books (and we knew there was more than that too her, but we - or at least I - had no idea of just how much more)

Partly, it's the sheer competence!pr0n from both Amber herself and from Bastion.

And partly, it's the enemies-to-lovers journey we can see Amber and Bastion on, which is often done very, very badly, but I which could really buy into in this book. And no, they're not technically 'lovers' by the end of this book, but that's very much the direction we're heading in, and I for one am here for it. .

I'm definitely looking forward to Book 2 in the series.

[Rebecca · Rating 4 out of 5]

Heather G Harris' books are enjoyable and this one starred Amber DeLea, an abrasive and aloof witch with a kind heart under her cynicism. She's quite different from Jinx and Lucy and it was interesting to read from her perspective. The romance was very slowburn and I'm looking forward to the next book.

[Imee Benzon · Rating 5 out of 5]

***AWESOME WITCH***

I loved this book so much, i want to read book 2 immediately haha
Witty and brilliantly written. Fantastic story****

[Beth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting beginning to a new story arc

4.5 stars…I really enjoyed this first book in a new series/story arc that is part of an existing universe. For maximum enjoyment these books should be read in the recommended reading order starting with The Other Realm series.

Amber DeLea is the witch we know from the previous books. A very talented and ambitious witch who seems cold and aloof but isn’t really. In the prequel to this series and in this book we get much more insight into her character. She is working on a new potion that could threaten the balance of power between the human side and the creature side. Amber believes it should help stem the animosity but frankly I think she’s being pretty naive there. Evidently others think so too as someone has put out a contract on her. The witch council turns to the griffins for protection but Shridal won’t agree unless Amber agrees to break the witch curse that is slowly killing Bastion, she initially refuses but is ultimately forced to change her mind. Thus Amber and Bastion end up working together setting up the foundation for an enemies to lovers story (which is cheekily mentioned when describing the romance books Amber likes to read!) There are also more secrets to be discovered of course.

A lot of threads are left dangling here, in fact most of them. I’m anxious to see what the next book holds.

[WonderWomanNZ · Rating 1 out of 5]

1.0

Sadly had to DNF, reason pretty much this so more not my taste.

personalized preview in StoryGraph,

“strongly with your frequent enjoyment of enemies to lovers dynamics (16 high-rated matches) and magic-driven plots (7 matches). The mysterious, adventurous mood matches your positive responses to dark, tense stories with magical stakes. However, its fade-to-black romance diverges from your higher-rated books, which often emphasize explicit spice. Consider whether you’re in the mood for a slower-burn, less sexually explicit magical conflict versus the gritty, high-heat romances you typically favor.”

And that’s exactly the problem. The fade-to-black romance and lack of grit is to be its downfall for me, since my reading taste leans heavily toward darker, more intense stories these days.

[Margueritte · Rating 2 out of 5]

DNF, stopped halfway through. Too slow. The world building was confusing and the main character a shrew. I did learn some British slang, though.

[Janice Mahn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fun

I am so happy Amber got her own story. I love this universe so much and they way the MFC's support each other and how their stories intertwine. This has become one of my most favorite series.

[JJ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyed every bit of it 😝

[Megan (lost among the stacks) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Heather G. Harris continues to pop up on my recommendations list and this book struck my fancy so I started it immediately. The book is clearly set in a pre-existing world and some of the characters must have either series of their owns or appear in other books because they aren't given much introduction. However, this does not deter from the story at all. The characters are given enough of a backstory to understand their relevance but it doesn't make the reader feel like they are missing large chunks of information to understand what is happening.

Amber and Bastion are *chef's kiss* and I cannot wait to see where this enemies to lovers plot line ends up. His purchase of something so simple was the cherry on top for me; I truly melted at the simple action. Bastion isn't the perfect man but he's damn close. They work so well together and there is definitely some history that I cannot wait to explore.

I enjoyed the mystery and was actually surprised by the outcome. I'm not sure who I thought was going to be at fault but the actual culprit was definitely not on my radar. I am already anxiously awaiting the release of the second book at the end of October. Had I thought to look at the release dates I would have waited to start this book and jumped first into the earlier series. So to hold me over until the end of the month, I am jumping into the older series to catch up on all the other players in the series.

So as always, find your favorite snuggle blanket, a perfect reading spot and enjoy! Happy Reading.

[Mariela · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amber has an interesting life!!!

It was easy to get attached to Amber. We women are so often our worst critics. She works hard but doesn't take time for herself. Self care is important Amber. How nice that she has a yummy Griffin around to protect her body. Lol! Almost feel like I should have played some Whitney Houston while reading this! Glad I don't need to wait for the next one!

[Traslan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Listened September 28, 2024.

Audiobook narrated by
Alyse Gibbs
⭐️⭐️⭐️

This book is a cauldron of happiness 🥰

If you haven't read any of Heather G Harris' books yet, you're a lucky shit because now you have so much awesomeness to read.

Start at the beginning, and enjoy!

You're welcome 😘

[Jas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hex of the Witch follows Amber as she is trying to create one of the most important potions of the age, and at the same time, survive attacks from multiple angles. Chief amongst these is at least one black witch, possibly more, and her main hope for salvation, is her worst enemy.
In the prequel novella, Rune of the Witch, we were introduced to The Other Witch Series, in which Amber is asked by Bastion to find his daughter Charlize, who is missing. It is in this book, we learn that there is a black witch on the prowl.
Amber’s potion will allow those that have to recharge (all of the human born Other Realm Magic users), to extend their time in the Other without having to recharge. It will put them more on an equal footing with the creatures of the Other Realm who don’t have to recharge.
Amber has also requested that she have a leave of absence from her position as Cover Mother so she can focus on completing her potion. This comes with its own challenges when the person chosen is someone who is in the running for the Symposium position for the Witches as well.
Hex of the Witch is a multi-faceted story, as all of the ‘Other Realm’ series books are, and we find our main character Amber, moving through multiple simultaneous challenges. Although we have met Amber DeLea in previous Other Realm books, this series takes an in-depth look at the character, taking us into her life as a witch, a Coven Mother, a Potion and Rune Master and as one of the potentials for the next Symposium Member for the Witches.
Amber’s character has been previously very strong willed, with a sharp tongue, and seemingly quite tough walls to break down if you want to get close. But as we delve into her character in the Other Witch Series, we get to see a different side of her, one in which although she is still incredibly strong willed, and somewhat sarcastic, there is also a very soft side to her, one in which she cares deeply for all of those under her care. She has these walls up because of the loss of her love Jake, her mother’s mental illness, her father leaving when she was only six, and as a witch, because she has never been able to get a Familiar, something unheard of in the Witching World.
Despite all of this, she is one of the most powerful potion and rune masters around, and one of the first people think of when they need a witch.
Hex of the Witch takes us into the Home Counties Coven, where we get to meet Amber’s driver, protector and close family friend, Oscar. Oscar is Amber’s Mum’s partner, before she became ill with dementia. He helped raise Amber, and so they are very close. We get to meet multiple other Coven members as well.
We also get to see inside the Coven Council, introduced to all sorts of workings of the Witches, which is something we haven’t seen in the Other Realm series yet.
This is a really fantastic addition to the Other Realm series, with the exceptional character work we have come to know and love from Heather G. Harris as well as her outstanding world building that creates this amazing realm you can get completely lost in. Harris has this wonderful ability to tell a story that one minute you are tearing up at because something is so heart wrenching, and a page later, you have to put the book down, because you are laughing so hard.
There is a wicked sense of humour running right throughout this book, and an amazing connection between the two main characters that really brings the story to life.
The Other Realm series, and The Other Wolf series were brilliant, but The Other Witch series is something special again, Amber DeLea’s story is captivating, and once you start, it is impossible to put down

[Darin Roodman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amber DeLea is arguably one of the most powerful and feared witches in all of the “Other” side of Europe. She’s beautiful, dangerous, intelligent, and very, very alone. But she doesn’t need anybody! She’s a self-made Coven Mother, one of the greatest rune-casters the Other has seen in generations, and the witch everyone calls when they NEED it done right the first time. It’s good to be the queen!

Life in the coven is always busy. From putting out fires (both literal and figurative), engaging with other member races of Other society, and showing she is one bad witch who’s not to be trifled with, Amber’s got her hands full to be sure. She takes it all in stride though, a model of female strength and rock-solid willpower that has earned the respect of the races throughout the Other. For the past six months, Amber has been working on a potion to extend the “human side” of the Other’s (vampires, werewolves, witches, etc.) time available before needing to port over to the Common for a recharge. This research has tremendous possibilities associated with it, including possibly beginning to ease the tensions between the Creature and Human sides of Other society. Like all research, however, the time for slow tinkering has come to an end and the time for full focus has begun. Amber DeLea knows she can’t balance this and her duties as Coven Mother at all, so she’s applied for a temporary Coven Mother substitute with the Witch’s Council.

After another surprise visit from The Crone (a woman who had a very involved hand in raising her but whose position now dictates a different kind of interpersonal relationship with Amber), it is revealed that someone/s may be targeting Amber while she’s focusing on her research. To that end, the griffins have been tapped to provide extra security for Amber through this dangerous time; despite the Crone knowing full well how Amber feels about griffons, especially after one had carried out a contract on Jake, the man she’d loved secretly for years (see “Glimmer of Death”).

Bastion is one of, if not the, deadliest assassins in the world and has been hanging around Amber’s periphery for quite some time. But now, he’s been tasked with keeping her alive through this threat to her life. Bastion, who’d been the assassin who completed the contract against Jake. And now Amber needs to remove the Black curse on Bastion before he’ll officially start keeping her from an early grave. That’s going to foil her plan to watch him die slowly from the curse without getting her hands dirty… damn. No way that’ll happen! Never!

But to deny the Other’s “human side” this opportunity? To deny the DeLea name a chance at eternal glory? To skyrocket her chances for a spot on the council that she so dearly wants? Guess it’s time to undo a curse…

Brilliant, well-written, engaging, and fun, this first novel of “The Other Witch” saga FINALLY brings fans of “The Other Realm” novels something they’ve been begging for for ages, an Amber Delea standalone series in gorgeous audio! Beautifully narrated, engaging, and something that simply cannot be put down/put on pause, this book is a must-listen for any Urban Fantasy reader! Enjoy!

I received a free copy of this audiobook and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[CarolKat · Rating 5 out of 5]

While not necessary I recommend reading the Other Realm, Court, and Other Wolf series before this one. The characters within these pages are introduced there and give some background. The Prequel also gives some insight into the rest of this series.

This book opens with yet another fire at the training center, Amber is frustrated with Sarah who is responsible for the blaze since she didn't cover her crystal ball. Now the young witch has been demoted to acolytes until she learns the proper handling of potions and crystal balls. The training center is fortunately near the water elementals, Amber is sure that was planned by some clever coven mother, as they can respond to a fire far quicker than the authorities.

When she calls Jeb who's responsible for Coven maintenance he's a bit upset since they just finished renovations there. He also informs her that the Crone has returned. This is a surprise since the Triune, Maiden, Mother, Crone had just left this morning.

The Crone, who she also calls Aunt Abigay, is her mother's best friend and help raise Amber when her father left them. The news the Crone imparts has to do with the grant she has for developing a potion to allow an extended time before visiting the Common. She's requested a temporary Coven mother so she can concentrate on the potion. Amber also hopes the completion of it will help her become the witches Symposium Member. However, her correspondence with the Witches Council has leaked and they fear she could be targeted. Much to Amber's dismay, they have assigned a griffin to protect her while she works on her potion.

There's a requirement attached to that as well, they have chosen Bastion to protect her, and she must remove the black witches curse from him. If she refuses, she loses the grant and permission to create the potion.

This is a huge test for Amber, can she put aside her personal feelings and do what's best for the greater good. She refuses but after consulting with her grimoire, and a good night's sleep, decides she really has to create that potion. She sends a summons to Bastion and lets Aunt Abigay know of her decision to accept the protection and clear the curse.

Amber removes the curse from Bastion and once he's slept he assumes his position as bodyguard.

First an attack by a vampire, that leads to the discovery of necromancy, then a bomb planted under Amber's bed while she's sleeping in the Common protected by the fire elementals at Rosie's.

With all that going on the Coven Mother selected to watch over Amber's coven while she works arrives. It's Kassandra Scholes a rival and also a contender for the Symposium position. She arrives with her assistant Becky Chose ready to take over the daily responsibilities so Amber could dedicate her time to the potion.

It's one thread twining with another in this intricate tale. There's betrayal, alliances, disappointments, successes and a romance begins that I didn't see coming at all and so many interesting creatures.

I am already reading the next book!

[Motive of the Witch · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amber was my favorite character from Jinx and Lucy series. Now, when I'm reading her own series, I'm even more certain that she is my favorite.

In "Hex of the Witch" we are going deeper into Amber's potion skills, knowledge and potion's market. From another hand we are following the covens policy, intrigues and rivalry between different Coven's Mothers...and let me tell you not everybody here have a good intentions. Amber's life is in danger, so witches hired the best protection, Bastion, but...Amber hates him so much and blames him for some crimes from the past. The tension between Amber and Bastion is the best, the sarcastic comments which they are exchanging are hilarious.

Amber DeLea changes a lot in this book. She learns how to work with Bastion and understand the different items from more than one, her, perspective. We see her in different roles here: Coven's Mother, who is always on the first line to support her witches; Daughter - when she interacts with her Mum or Oscar; Potion Master - totally devoted to her mission to create the potion which can change witches and wizards life; Woman - when she has a normal emotions, blushing when a handsome guy shows up only in the boxers.

Bastion is here showed as a protector, deadly killer, but as well man. He has a lot of feelings to Amber and Fehu. He knows how to make Amber happy because he is observing her constantly. This last part sounds a little bit creepy, but it isn't in the book.

I love the dynamic, tension between Amber and Bastion. The last part of the last chapter was killing me. Heather, seriously, I totally scream. This slow burn relation is killing me!!

Heather's writing style is so good. We have here a bunch of different tropes: political games, romance, a lot of intrigues, world building and potion making. All of them are perfectly balanced in "Hex of the Witch". I was reading it in one sit because I needed to know what will happen in all areas.

I can't wait for "Coven of the Witch". I need it ASAP!

Just read it Guys! It will destroy you in all the ways, but in the good way. If you need a sassy witch, deadly griffin and a lot of intrigues, it's for you. Everything covered in the beautiful urban fantasy world, where magic is real and dead is waiting all the time for her chance.

[Marci · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am leaning towards changing my rating to 2 stars because I find the way Amber’s plot line is being revealed to be problematic. I can see where things are headed and being a few chapter into the next book, I’m quite certain I know where things are going and I am pretty sure I’m not going to like it.

1) How in the world is it possible Amber was just ready at the drop of a hat in Lucy and Jess’s stories based on how Amber’s life as a Coven Mother is being portrayed?

2) The Griffins are supposed to be assassins, not bodyguards. Shirdal and Bastion have both indicated it takes different skills to guard than to hunt and execute kills, and Bastion reiterates it in this book. I was already struggling with Shirdal’s role with becoming bodyguard for Jess and really not buying the notion of Bastion kept such an eagle eye on Jess and Lucy as kids, and now you want me to believe Bastion is going to drop everything else in his life to guard Amber? Even giving up keeping an eye on Jess and Lucy after watching them their whole lives? It’s changing the characters of Griffins as a whole, like doing a 180° of your own world building. I get there is more to Griffins than even what the characters realize, but when you have these characters even saying their skillset isn’t one place but another yet you constantly put them in this role it’s confusing af. Could it be a ploy by the Griffins to keep people guessing about them, much like how Shirdal’s common realm look is always disheveled? Sure, and maybe that will make for a great reveal later in the series, but this is what the basis for this race of beings has been from the start, so it’s knocking me off kilter with just how different Griffins are vs perception.

3) I am kind of tiring of hearing these little quirks about the main characters repeated. Amber hasn’t had sex in years, Amber, Jess and Lucy all blush and respond in stereotypical prudish ways. Amber didn’t realize the name of her potion could be misconstrued as naughty. Amber likes dirty romance books. Lucy, Jess and Amber are all put off by nudity

[Angela (Angel's Book Nook) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Hex of the Witch is book one in The Other Witch sereis by Heather G. Harris

I felt like I was out of the loop when the story starts and that is; because this book is part of the Other Realm world and the first book that starts the world is in The Glimmer Series. I had this feeling because Amber mentions Jinx and Lucy plus she has a previous issue with Bastion. Though once the story got going I was pulled into the mystery and danger surrounding our heroine Amber.

The story can stand-alone in the world and is a decent start to The Other Witch sereis. I’m curious about the friendships Amber has since she mentions past characters, so I might go back and read those later. For now I’m going to finish The Other Witch sereis.

Amber is closed off, harsh, and a perfectionist. It was hard to like her at first; especially with her heart closed off and her dislike of Bastion for his part in something he had to do in the past. As the story progress we see Amber thaw ever so slightly and change her outlook.

Bastion is a griffin and part of an assassin guild. He’s been hired to protect Amber from those that want her dead. We see Bastion’s protectiveness and actions that show that he’s more than what Amber thought.

The story is full of assassination attempts, black magic witches, prophecies, mysteries and a slow-burn enemies-to-lovers romance.

Hex of the Witch was a satisfying tale brimming with mystery, danger, and possibilities. I was captivated by the mysteries, twists, and turns. I’m looking forward to seeing how the romance blooms and where the story goes.

Rated: 3.5 Stars

[Leigh · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Hex of the Witch” opens with a house afire and continues on like one. Amber DeLea, an already overworked Coven Mother, gets very little time to sleep in between working on her new potion, reacting to various emergencies, being assaulted by unknown black witches and hired ogres, and having to cope with her worst enemy - who, incidentally, she is being forced to work with. No pressure.
Harris does a masterful job maintaining the pace of the action while developing the characters. And these characters are WONDERFUL. Too many authors make saccharine protagonists that just ring false. Amber DeLea is a believable person, realistically human with all the faults and virtues one might reasonably expect. Her snarky sense of humor is refreshing and lightens what could otherwise be some quite dark passages. The uncertainty she feels towards her longtime enemy, Bastion, as their relationship shifts to… something else… while she is forced to work closely with him is perfectly drawn. The interactions she has with her family and her patients range from touching to heart-rending - and they all ring true.
I’ve read most of the other books in this particular fantasy universe, and I find myself liking the abrasive and snarky Amber DeLea the best of all the female main characters. Maybe I recognize a kindred witch-with-a-b; maybe I respect her gift with the sacred art of sarcasm. I especially like that she is capable of making a mistake - even a really awful one - admitting it, and working to do better. This makes her at once profoundly human as well as better than most people (in my humble opinion).
I can hardly wait for the next installment of this exciting series!
I received an ARC of this book.

[Macah · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Oh wow, I really really loved this one, which is saying something, cos I love everything Heather's written.

Amber as a main character is special. She has a tough as nail image she has taken pains to cultivate, yet in this book we see her vulnerable side and it's so relatable, and also proves you can be a strong, confident woman and still have insecurities that plague you. It just paints a very realistic and multi faceted female main character.
The scenes with her mother are moving and heart breaking, yet another side to Amber which shows her humanity.

In this story, Amber is developing a potion that could be a game changer for the creature / non creature enmity that we've seen increasing in the previous series. This in turn could be a moment of crowning glory for Amber, whose objective is to become the witches' representative in the Symposium, not because she's ambitious (although she is, and one has to respect that), but because she wants to create change from within.

However not everyone is happy with her new creation and it's potential to do good, and it seems some people are so attached to the status quo that Amber is forced to work together with the Bastion, the one Griffin she wants nothing to do with, who has been hired as her bodyguard and protector.

Will she get over her aversion to Bastion? Will she manage to produce the potion before the violent attacks finally get her? And what is going on with her coven?

If you've read the Other Realm series before, Amber's story will not disappoint you.
If you haven't read the Other Realm before, I urge you to do so, ASAP.

[Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just finished reading Hex of the Witch, by Heather G. Harris. It’s the start of the Amber DeLea books, another character in the Other Realm series (although there is a prequel called Rune of the Witch). This was as great as I’ve come to expect from Heather Harris, and for those who like the genre, it’s also a slow-burn, enemies-to-friends, to maybe something more in the future?

Amber DeLea, witch extraodinaire, is on the verge of creating a ground-breaking potion which will change life in the Other Realm, but somehow the news has leaked and someone wants to prevent this. Attempts are being made on her life in order to stop her, so the Witch Council hires a bodyguard to keep her safe. Unfortunately, the bodyguard who shows up is the one person she hates most in the world, and there is absolutely no shaking him off. So now she’s tied to her worst enemy 24/7, and her feelings make it hard for her to even be grateful when he actually does save her life.

The story delves into Amber’s personal story, and the cranky, irritable witch starts to reveal a deeper, caring side, while the usually cool and snide assassin/bodyguard begins to show some humanity and tenderness. Cracks develop in their frosty “hate you” demeanor, and while they will strongly deny any attraction to each other, by the end of the book they agree they are friends. With several more books due in this series, we can imagine where that will go!

Quickly, grab this new book and immerse yourself in the Other Realm! It can be read as a stand-alone, although you will get the most enjoyment out of it if you have already read the Other Realm and Other Wolf series.

[Alex · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ehhh maybeee 2.5 stars

I really just did not like the FMC :( She's in her 40s, but she kind of acts like a teenager?? But like a millennial teenager. Idk man she was just kind of... lame... which doesn't make any sense because her magic and her job and everything are super cool! But she was just really cringey idk I'm not saying that women in their 40s aren't allowed to be insecure, but it just got annoying after a while. The humor just wasn't for me I guess.

The writing style was fine, though sometimes it would get weirdly formal (like we'd randomly stop using contractions), and the plot was... okay... I'm annoyed by the ending though. The book was over 300 pages long and we didn't actually solve the mystery at the end. We got a scapegoat person who isn't even a villain, so we never even get to find out who did all the crazy evil shit! I understand that this is a series, but you need to give me something at the end of this! Her potion working was like... insignificant... because she knew it would work... like there was no doubt it would work so that didn't feel like a resolution to the overarching plot.

The enemies to lovers 'romance' wasn't really a romance yet (which is 100% fine!! I much prefer realistic slow burn to insta love); however... I don't like when the 'enemies' part is one-sided. She hates him, but he doesn'ttttt really hate her (which she's oblivious to of course). I liked how their... friendship... progressed though. It was nice.

All in all, an easy read with some very nice slow burn romance potential. I just wish the FMC was a little less embarrassing.

[Sandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Normally I would give a first book 4 stars so the series has somewhere to go but i just loved, loved, loved this first full-length book in Amber's story (there is a prequel novella). It is utterly delicious. While have seen serious, gruff, ambitious witch Amber DeLea in both Jinx & Lucy's stories there is sooo much more to Amber. She is also kind, compassionate, caring, funny, lonely and extremely driven. In Hex of the Witch she is still angling for the Symposium position, juggling her duties as Coven Mother, trying to find a black witch in her coven and finish a potion which could shake up the Other world and lead to peace between the Creature and Anti-Cree factions. But not everyone wants her to succeed so the when the Witch Council finds out about a contract on her life they hire the Griffin's as her Bodyguards so they can't take the contract. And guess who gets the contract to protect her. That's right - its Bastian the one Griffin in the world that Amber absolutely hates. And Bastian takes his job very seriously so Amber is stuck with him until she can finish her potion & find the black witch. But the more time they spend together and the Bastian saves her from multiple assassination attempts the more Amber realises that maybe he isn't so awful. I cannot wait to see how Amber & Bastian's relationship will develop, especially given what is between them - that is no small thing to overcome. I love Amber's relationship with Oscar, her driver/ stepfather and I was very upset about poor Cindy.

I received an ARC but all views expressed are my own.

[M Lowe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heather G Harris' stories are eminently rereadable and with an opening line like "The building was on fire. Again." I had no doubt that Hex Of The Witch would be another book to fall in love with.

We've known Amber peripherally through other books by this author, as they always include fun character crossovers, and have been in awe of her control, ambition and skills. It is a surprising revelation to peek beneath her cool veneer to find someone who has the uncertainties and worries we all carry. But we also see a leader, a determined and caring teacher, a healer who freely shares her skills when she is able.

Hex Of The Witch lays a framework for continuing story arcs built around mysteries, layered grief and budding friendship, while it entertains us with the beginning of each. Watching the endorsed relationship between Amber and Bastian develop slowly and ever so carefully into something with healing potential for both is a real joy. They have always been reader favourites and this nascent energy will ensure continued fascination with the development of their relationship.

This author is a born story teller, with innate wordsmithing skills. She builds vibrant and unforgettable worlds, then fills them with colourful characters. Like me, I'm sure you'll be powering through this book, wanting more without wanting it to end.

I always recommend Heather G Harris as an author to be trusted to consistently deliver amazing stories.

I received a free copy of this book as part of an ARC campaign.

[Sarah Leenart · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've loved everything this author has written so far so it is no surprise to me that this was just as wonderful as everything else. This is a general non spoilery review for the whole series.
The world is so rich and well developed. I loved Amber's character, her inner voice is so different from the slightly cold and unbending version we get of her in Lucy and Jinx's books, although we were beginning to see her soften as she was offered unconditional friendship from these two. Hearing what she thought of the other two and how much she valued them was everything I want to read about. I love platonic friendships in books as much as if not more than romantic relationships as it makes the world so much more believable and richer. And Bastion is every girls version of a hero, I loved the romance of these two and the adventure/mystery. I got so completely invested in the mystery and adventure itself, it was a rollercoaster with a satisfying climax, bringing together events from other books and further making this a world I love and is on my autobuy list. But to me the things that make these books stand out head and shoulders above so much other urban fantasy is the character dynamics and the 'little' details. Amber's sense of humour coming out in her mug collection for example, the little laughs, the moments of introspection and learning, and the touch of true friendship. They feel like my friends now and when I put down a book it is with a sense of loss. This author deserves to be shouted from the rooftops.

[Mary · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good book, good characters. 3.5 stars. I reserve 4 stars for stuff I would reread, and while I enjoyed this and will be continuing the series, not enough happened/developed for me to want to reread it (unless the series improves in later books and I need to reread 1 to get to 2–4).

Like the authors other series, this is a very slow burn. The two are barely friends by the end of book 1. He’s just her bodyguard. But, as a reader, you can tell there’s something more there. He’s gorgeous and he cooks, so she’s obviously attracted. And he’s discovered there’s more to her than just a witch who sells her services. And every time she’s threatened or injured on his watch, he gets so angry and frustrated—disproportionately so for “just a bodyguard”. I love those scenes. Hehe.

This is a spin-off from several other series, so there will be mention of past events and other characters off page. I’ve read most of the other series, but it’s been a while so I can’t really remember them. The start of this book took me a while to get into because of this, but it didn’t hold me back. I just took the author’s word for it when she’d say something like, “I knew I could trust him because of this thing we went through last year.” I don’t really remember that thing, but okay, if you say so.

That said, I do think it helps to read the prequel before this book (0.5 of this series). It’s not strictly necessary, but I think it helps.

I really want to see their relationship develop, and I’m curious to learn more about some of the ongoing plots and some hidden secrets that have been hinted at.