Shadow-wielding monsters with red eyes who flay the skin from the bones of any magical being that dare cross their path. A story Lightlace witches told to their children to ensure they didn't stray. Be good, or the Darkwing will steal your magic.
But that’s all it was. A nightmare. A legend.
Until I meet him.
Vane.
Born in darkness, enshrouded by shadows. He is on the hunt, searching for something that could alter the very fabric of my family’s magic. If I was smart, I would run in the other direction.
But I was born in darkness too.
Under a solar eclipse, robbing me of the Lightlace magic I so desperately wished I had. The magic my family punishes me for not possessing.
Darkness is something I’ve become accustomed to, calling to me like an old friend, but if I’m not careful, I could vanish in Vane’s shadows forever.
The Darkwings are real, and I may have just found the most dangerous one of them all.
TROPES Witches and shadow shifters Shadow dragon daddy x sunshine sad girl Magicless FMC Forbidden romance Who did this to you? Parental trauma & abuse anxiety rep
This was an easy read with witches, magic, gods, shape-shifting dragons, a shadow daddy, and two unlikely parties turning into allies to complete a quest.
I liked the idea of the five kingdoms being bestowed with different magical abilities by the five gods. There was a lot unknown about what happened to the gods and what led to things reaching where they had, and we see the characters question the past and try to piece things together. I feel that very little was explained about these gods and their history, and there wasn't a lot of clarity about what gift each god had granted to their chosen kingdom. Maybe this will be explored in the next books. Also, I feel like the world building could've been worked on more as I didn't get a good understanding of it.
Saoirse had been through hell growing up. She was looked down upon for her lack of powers and was treated terribly all her life until she was able to flee from her home. But now she was back in the midst of the very people who had traumatized her. Her fear was justified, and her reaction to them was brutal and hard to read, but it gave a better understanding of just how much she had endured (check the trigger warnings).
Her character did have some growth as the story progressed; however, I wish we'd seen her character slowly come out of her shell and start taking control of her life, realizing her strength and value gradually as the story progressed instead of her being helpless, scared, distressed and feeling sorry for herself for the majority of the book. It was understandable why she was terrified given her past, but I feel like it might've been a better progression for her character to slowly build her confidence and strength and train to defend herself and use said skills when the time came.
Vane's character had the traits to be the perfect sarcastic, mysterious, and dangerous enemy/ally but didn't quite meet that expectation. He was still likable, and I loved the moments when he let his powers out and the moments when he went feral for Saoirse, but I wish there was more to him. His character didn't exactly stand out to me. There is very little known about Vane, and I'm hoping the next book fills in those blanks.
The romance between Vane and Saoirse, although kind of sweet and cute, seemed to build up out of nowhere and too suddenly. I wish there were more conversations, banter, mentions of attraction, or something between them before one sudden kiss later; they feel more towards each other. There was some pull and push due to their circumstances, but I couldn't feel the connection too strongly. I did like the moments when Vane made Saoirse try to see herself the way he did and always told her how amazing he thought she was, which did help her to see herself as more than the failure that her family had made her believe all her life.
I liked Xan and her role in the entire book, and I'm invested in knowing what happens with her next. Apart from Xan, very little was known about the side characters and their motivations, especially when they had a vital role to play. I was also not a fan of them disclosing their top secret mission to anyone and everyone.
Things get more interesting in the last 25–30% of the book, which I thoroughly enjoyed. I loved the chaos and everything else that followed. Which also has me excited for the next book to find out what happens.
This book had the elements and the potential, but for me it felt like something was missing. The concept was intriguing but was lacking when it came to execution. It was fast-paced, and a lot was happening too quickly, but I felt like the way in which the storyline progressed seemed a bit stilted. That being said, I did enjoy this book, and it was an easy read.
Thank you, Savannah Lee and Sunny Babe PR, for providing me with the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Saoirse should be heir to the throne. Instead, she was cast out and shunned because her powers never manifested at the Awakening.
Years pass and she’s made a humble life for herself, until one day she’s brought back to the castle for her sister’s Awakening. There, Saoirse meets a powerful and dangerous stranger and an alliance is formed to help save his people. But as events unfold, they realize that they might just need to save each other.
Tropes: ✨ witches 👤 shadow daddy 🐉 dragon shifters 🥐 powerless/shunned FMC ❤️🩹 anxiety rep / mental health rep 1️⃣ one bed ⚠️ who did this to you? 🚫 forbidden love 🌶️ mild - moderate ⚠️: Please review author’s TW/CW
The premise and tropes sold me immediately but actually reading the book? I was completely *bewitched* and nearly read it all in one sitting. The characters are multidimensional and I am so invested in Saoirse and Vane’s story.
Saoirse still harbors the pain and trauma from a life devoid of love and filled with abuse. Vane is definitely a morally grey MC that will not hesitate to destroy whatever stands in his way but there’s a tenderness he shows only for her. Both are fiercely loyal to those they love and as much as they want to keep each other at arm’s length, their connection is electric and undeniable. I loved witnessing the snarky quips, stolen glances, and longing for acceptance and love. With the threat of war and betrayal, will the darkness consume them both?
Witches? Shadow daddy? Dragon shifters? Pastries?! Find all these and more in this exhilarating new high-stakes fantasy romance series! I cannot wait for what awaits these characters.
Huge thanks to the author and @bookofmatchesmedia for the ARC opportunity! This is my honest and voluntary review
I absolutely love this book. There's so much the author packs into this one story and the way they address mental health and self harm is by far the most authentic way I've seen it portrayed in a book.
First off we have Saoirse, born a witch without magic she's hated an abused by her parents for being 'useless' to the point she up and leaves the castle to become a baker. She stays close by only for her little sister, and as the eldest daughter myself I totally understood Saoirse's struggle here. As the oldest she doesn't want to trauma dump on her little sister, and shields her from the abuse their parents rained down on her. From the first interaction where Xan is begging her big sister to come to her coronation I knew I loved her.
Of course she's going to say yes, of course she's going to go even though it might make their parents mad and bring up all the trauma from before, but as the oldest you suck it up and you do it because they need you. I don't blame Xan for begging her to come, she's a kid still at 18 and all she wants is her big sister there and possibly for the family to get back together. But that doesn't happen, and enters our actual dragon shadow daddy Vane.
Vane is a darkwing and should be Saoirse's enemy since he weilds shadows and her people weild like magic, but he saves her from a brutal attack and though they are forced to work together after in order to save both kingdoms from a plague, they slowly become friends and maybeee more lol
The biggest plus for me was the anxiety rep and self harm rep here. Saoirse obviously has a lot to deal with and she's turned to cutt.ing to deal with the emotions. The scenes of this were done so beautifully and were so raw you could really understand why she would turn to this as a coping mechanism. And when Vane finds out about it and tells her to stop? And she lies and says she will? I can't tell you how realistic this is. Of course Vane tells her to stop, he cares and of course she lies and says she will because it doesn't work like that lol anyone who has dealt with self harm and has a partner who goes on the healing journey with them will understand that both sides have to figure it out, that no one says rhe perfect thing that will magically make the other be healed, and that mental health is a long journey to healing.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
A witch without magic, a shadow daddy dragon shifter and a forbidden romance. This is the recipe for a Romantasy I will devour. And devour I did.
The Useless Witch is the first book in a New Adult Dark Fantasy Romance duet following Saoirse, a witch without magic who meets Vane, a shadow-wielding Darkwing she’s learned to fear all her life who is searching for the half of an artifact in her family’s possession that could stop the spreading of a plague and could alter the very fabric of her family’s magic.
The pages simply FLY as we follow Saoirse and Vane on their quest. The two are definitely the strength of this book. With everything she endures because of her lack of magic, it’s hard not to love and root for Saoirse. The title of the book is very telling of what her life looked like. She’s literally been shunned by her family and has also been hurt by them. I loved seeing her growing connection to shadow dragon daddy Vane. He’s the one that gives her the most support, the one who wants to protect her in spite of her being well capable of doing it herself and I think that is beautiful. Theirs is a forbidden romance complete of angsty kiss-to-avoid-detection scenes and powerful “who did this to you?” moments.
The final part of the book leading up to the finale was both frightening and exciting and it feeds my theories about Saoirse and her magic. I’m also excited to explore Vane’s world in the sequel!
Spice: 3 peppers 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Thank you to the author for gifting me a copy. Opinions are my own.
This is an intense, fast-paced fantasy that explores complex themes like abuse, mental health, and personal strength. And it's all wrapped in political intrigue with a charming romance story. The story centers around Saoirse who has been branded as "useless" by her own family for her lack of magic.
Saoirse's journey is one of emotional depth, with the portrayal of her abusive relationship with her father being especially hard-hitting. Lee approaches the topic of trauma and harming oneself with sensitivity. The impact of Saoirse's pain and her coping mechanisms are respected and given appropriate weight. It’s rare to see a fantasy novel that tackles mental health with this level of honesty and depth, and it grounds the otherwise magical and fantastical elements in a way that feels real and raw. Vane, the dark, mysterious love interest, has his own complicated past and was a favorite character of mine.
Their chemistry is full of tension and slow-burn yearning, as both characters struggle to deny their attraction, all while their fates seem destined to intertwine. It’s the kind of romance that’s equal parts dangerous and magnetic. The push-and-pull dynamic and the emotional walls they put up make their eventual connection all the more satisfying.
I also appreciated how the sisters were written. I love siblings in fantasy! Saoirse is supportive of her sister and despite being caught in the same web of family expectations and magical politics, their interactions with their parents are completely different. The sisterly bond is both complicated and heartwarming.
This doesn’t waste time but still manages to build a world of magical politics and intrigue. The Darkwings are fascinating. Overall, this is a powerful, quick, and impactful read that blends dark fantasy with important discussions on mental health, trauma, and healing. If you're looking for a story with complex characters, high-stakes politics, and a romance that burns bright, this one’s for you!
Thanks so much to BOMM and the author for the opportunity to read and review. This is based on a complimentary copy and it is voluntary. All opinions are my own.
ARC Book Review: The Useless Witch by Savannah Lee: 4⭐️
𝑷𝒍𝒐𝒕: “My entire life, I’ve feared the Darkwings. Shadow-wielding monsters with red eyes who flay the skin from the bones of any magical being that dare cross their path. A story Lightlace witches told to their children to ensure they didn't stray. Be good, or the Darkwing will steal your magic.But that’s all it was. A nightmare. A legend. Until I meet him.Vane.Born in darkness, enshrouded by shadows. He is on the hunt, searching for something that could alter the very fabric of my family’s magic. If I was smart, I would run in the other direction. But I was born in darkness too. Under a solar eclipse, robbing me of the Lightlace magic I so desperately wished I had. The magic my family punishes me for not possessing. Darkness is something I’ve become accustomed to, calling to me like an old friend, but if I’m not careful, I could vanish in Vane’s shadows forever. The Darkwings are real, and I may have just found the most dangerous one of them all.
𝑹𝒆𝒗𝒊𝒆𝒘: I really enjoyed this book and can’t wait for the sequel! Vane is officially one of my book boyfriends. I loved how protective he was over Saiorise. He supported her and was able to make her believe in herself. We love that kind of MMC! I think Saiorise is a relatable FMC; she has been taught that she is worthless for all these years and she believed it. With the help of Vane, she grows into her true self. Additionally, this is a dark Romantasy so please check the trigger warnings!!
This book had me at the tropes and the number of pages. It was such an interesting read and short one with witches, magic, shifters and mental health rep. The characters are multi-dimensional and action packed in this one had me read in 3 days!!!!
The author addresses mental health & self harm in such an authentic way which I have not seen for a long time. The characters going through anxiety and how they overcome that is such a beautiful journey to go through. It was such a fast-paced story that I cannot stop recommending it!
It was a good easy read. The storyline is so intriguing and interesting. The blurb itself was very catchy and the book didn't disappoint.
The story is about two types of witches, both are enemies. Saoirse, the fmc has no magical powers since birth so her parents, the King and Queen declared her as useless and banished her off the castle. She runs a bakery where she meets a mysterious, handsome yet dangerous man named Vane, who has a greater motive to be there.
When Vane saves Saoirse from her attacker and gets hurt in that, she with the help of her sister, takes care of him and then Vane reveals his true identity of being a witch, a darkling who can shape shift. After knowing his motive, Saoirse decides to help him and thus the story unfolds.
Saoirse is being abused by her parents since birth but with Vane, she stands for herself and fights back her abusers which is impressive. The side characters and their involvement in the plot is also praiseworthy.
It was a very fast paced and easy read with short chapters, which kept me engaged. But somehow the romance between Saoirse and Vane started abruptly, they were good together but it was a bit faster than expected.
At last the book ends in a cliffhanger, as it's a part of a duology. Can't wait to read the next book, the story is too engaging and has potential to become great.
Why did I give this a 4? Because it was incredibly easy to read—honestly, the ultimate definition of a "breezy" book. It was also filled with all my favourite magical and bookish elements: dragons, witches, deception, betrayal…you name it!
I also want to take a quick moment to call out this book cover... Absolute chef's kiss! The moody dragon on the front is everything, and I can't wait for a perfect matching book two.
≻ PACE & WRITING This book had a strong start; I was hooked right from the first page! The short chapters were exactly what I needed, keeping the pace fast and pages turning. There was a bit of personality-swapping, which gave good depth and context without getting too complicated. I loved that most of the story stayed grounded in one perspective; it kept the flow smooth and immersive. Overall, it was a solid, engaging read.
≻ CHARACTERS This is the first book in a while that didn't have too many characters to focus on, which was apreciated. The characters explored some deeply resonant themes of mental health, so check the trigger warnings before reading. I've read books that touch on mental health, but none have gone to the depths this one did. I truly appreciated the representation and the awareness it brings, though it might be intense or triggering for some readers.
≻ PLOT I really enjoyed the plot—it was straightforward to follow, yet intense, with a unique coziness. The epic feel of the castle contrasted beautifully with the warmth and safety of the bakery, creating this perfect balance. I sometimes wanted a bit more, but the ending delivered everything I could hope for. It wrapped up key parts of the story, served up some great surprises, and ended at just the right spot to set up a sequel.
"I would let the entire world burn before I let him harm a hair on her head."
Saoirse is a Lightlace witch born without magic. An outcast and alone with a traumatic life as her family punishes her for not obtaining the royal magic she was born into. Darkwings are a tale told to children to ensure they follow the ways of the Lightlace witches. They don't truly exist, just in stories, until Saoirse comes across Vane. Vane is on a mission and in search of the one thing that could possibly change and help his people.
Forbidden romance and dragon shifter shadow daddy? I was totally submerged in this Romantasy read. What an adventure. The magic system is unique, and I enjoyed the world building throughout the book. This is an easy read, and I was mesmerized in that first chapter.
Saoirse has a traumatic life, and I was feeling all those raw, extreme emotions she was going through. I hate the pain she endures and hate who causes that terrible pain as well. What a strong FMC, and she is struggling with so much, and her only way to cope and escape her darkness is with more pain. I can't wait to see how much more this character develops in Book 2 because she has already come a long way than where she was before. Saoirse's sister, Xan, plays a big role in her strength and courage throughout this book. I love her sister. She is the perfect image of a lovely baby sister who just loves her big sister no matter what. Her character is a sweet touch to this dark fantasy read. Vane, the one person she was told to avoid at all costs, has become this important image in her life, and I LOVED every moment of it! He's mysterious, charming, and protective. I love the chemistry between Saoirse and him. The romance and the cute banter are what I love in a Romantasy, and Savannah Lee does deliver that. The hate I have for her father is real. I am still upset at how terrible he is. There are such complex and great characters, both bad and good. They each play an important role in Saoirse's life.
Savannah Lee writes this intense, fast-paced fantasy with a lot of detail and raw emotion. I was taken on a whirlwind of emotions, and I love every moment of it. This is lovely writing, and the romance is charming. I can't wait to see how this story unfolds in Book 2. I would recommend reading the trigger warnings if you are sensitive to any listed at the start of the book. I started this book and read half of it in one day. When I picked it back up, I consumed the rest in a day. The plot is easy to follow and, overall, a wonderful and fun fantasy. I could not stop reading!!
Darkness wasn't the enemy; it was my comfort. This was my power, my strength, and I would no longer be afraid of it.
4.25 stars
Ever since Savannah announced her new series, I've been so excited to dive into her new world. And although her Darkwing duet is very different from her Clover Pack series, I found myself falling into the story effortlessly and anxiously reading until the end.
Saoirse and Vane's story is so much darker and grittier than Rowan's story of vengeance. I don't know why I thought this book would be more of a road-trip/adventure type of journey when I first started reading, but even though the action of this story was pretty sedentary, the emotional turmoil and conflict experienced by our characters--especially Saoirse--were monumental. My heart absolutely broke for Saoirse and everything she has endured her entire life. She was not a perfect character, but I loved her authenticity and determination in the face of everything she has survived. The slow burn between Saoirse and Vane was deliciously steamy and forbidden, but I cannot wait for their complete surrender to their attraction. I'm excited to see what's coming in the next book, especially after the twists at the end🖤
Tropes: forbidden love, royal politics, shadow shifter hero, tortured outcast heroine, 'who did this to you' vibes, secret realm, search for magical object, dark themes, found family, slow burn, mild cliffhanger (part of a duet), steamy🔥
My Vane, the shadow wielder who would do anything to protect his love...
Trigger warning: continued verbal/physical abuse by a parent, attempted sexual assault (not by hero), detailed depression/anxiety by MC, descriptive self-harm by MC
*ARC provided by the author, and I voluntarily reviewed it*
The Useless Witch is the first book in the Darkwing Duet by Indie author Savannah Lee - and wow, I devoured this page-turner!
Set in a world of witches the FMA Saoirse is the eldest daughter of the King of the Sol Kingdom - but she has no magic. Meanwhile the MMA Vale is a Darkwing (more like a hot shadow daddy) on a mysterious mission in Lanthus, the capitol of the Sol Kingdom.
* Witches * Shadow shifters * Enemies to lovers * Forbidden romance * One bed * Angst * “Who did this to you?” * A dash of 🌶️
I won’t spoil too much, but Saoirse’s journey is one of survival. She has endured so much abuse, leaving her with many insecurities, trauma and anxiety. I appreciate how the book didn’t shy away from exploring those darker, raw emotions. As someone who has dealt with anxiety for many years myself, her inner dialogue was deeply relatable. It was refreshing to read about a heroine who isn’t perfect, who doesn’t have any powers, who isn’t the “chosen” one like in so many romantasies.
“Control was something I needed, something I craved, and I had none of it.”
Vane on the other hand was not your typical shadow daddy either. He isn’t rude or dislikable at all and actually really sweet and not afraid to show his emotions. He supports Saoirse in her darkest moments but isn’t afraid to give her some tough love when needed.
"You can’t lose yourself if you don’t even know who you are in the first place."
The book also has many great side characters, particularly Saoirse’s bond with her sister, Xan. She matured so much in the book. And Maeve, the bakery owner, who helped Saoirse find a new life outside the castle, teaching her ways to cope with her anxiety—serving as the mother figure Saoirse truly deserves. The cozy bakery setting was a charming touch and added some lightness to the story.
If I had one critique, it’s that the pacing felt a bit rushed. Everything unfolds within a few weeks or months, which could’ve been stretched out to give more time to certain plot points. But it was great how the book got straight to the point - no unnecessary dragging! It’s packed with yearning, tension, a great plot twist, and a cliffhanger that left me craving for book 2!
Be sure to check the trigger warnings before picking this up, as there are some graphic scenes that could be upsetting and/or triggering to some.
Thank you to NetGalley and the author for providing an ARC of this book! All opinions are my own.
The Useless witch follows Saoirse and Vane. She is a witch without magic, shunned and mistreated by her family (who are royals!). He is a shadow dragon daddy, a rare kind of magic wielder that has been considered nothing but a story for the longest time. He's searching for an artifact that supposedly belongs to Saoirse's family, the only thing that can help him cure a sickness that is spreading through the kingdoms, and Saoirse offers her help!
This is definitely a character driven book, and I fell in love with the characters indeed! It's impossible not to feel for Saoirse. She's a kind-hearted woman who has gone through literal hell and abuse, but who is still able to make a life for herself and keep an open mind and heart. I especially loved the relationship with her sister, who was the only member of her family to not be completely horrible! Another important relationship was, of course, the one with Vane! He's completely enraptured by Saoirse from their first interactions, and he takes on the mantle of her protector. Perhaps I would have been even more invested if the feelings had been slowed down a bit, but I loved how he supported her, and everything he was willing to risk for her!
This is a book that can't miss on the tbrs of romantasy readers. There are so many interactions that readers will love, complete with "who did this to you" moments and unexpected kisses. I cannot wait for the sequel, which promises more romance, more Vane, and more answers! I have a theory on Saoirse that is keeping me on my toes.
Spice rating: 2 (on page steamy scenes)
Thank you to the author for sending me a copy for review. Opinions are my own.
The Useless Witch is the first book in the Darkwing Duet, which follows Saoirse an heir with no throne and a witch without magic as she overcomes her past and battles her trauma to help Vane, who should be her enemy.
I loved this book and Saoirse & Vane’s story. I thought the magic and the history/origins of that magic was really unique and interesting; I really enjoyed learning more as the book progressed. Vane is the MMC who we can’t help but love and I adore a man that falls first. Saoirse really grows as a character throughout the book and I really liked that she didn’t need that all to be down to another person, she wants to figure herself out and decide who she is. I think all of us can relate to both Saoirse and Vane as characters.
Savannah Lee has left me wanting more with that ending and I already can’t wait for the next book so I can see what happens next.
The Useless Witch by Savannah Lee is the first book in The Darkwing Duet! This is a forbidden love romantasy with a shadow daddy MMC, powerless FMC, witches, and dragon shifters! I absolutely devoured this entire book! I could not put it down. The characters and plot were all amazing. This was action packed and I was never bored. I thought the world building and magic system was easy to understand. Saoirse was a great FMC! I loved that even though she is powerless she was still badass and fought back! Shadow Daddy Vane was amazing! I loved his character. Vane and Saoirse had good chemistry and I loved watching their relationship progress throughout the story! The side characters were also really likeable! I loved Saoirse and Xan’s sister bond! I am so looking forward to the next book in this duology! I highly recommend this book.
This was a very fast paced story! Super quick read. I very much enjoyed the backstory about the gods, and I hope we learn more details about that in the future!
Vane is a very intriguing character. I feel like we only got a hint of what he can really do, and I can’t wait to learn more about him and his family in the next book. I love that he grew to care for and be so protective of Saoirse.
I also really loved Saoirse’s character! She went through a lot of growth just in this book, and I’m really looking forward to seeing how much of a badass she becomes! I can feel it.
Read this if you like: •Witches •Shadow Shifters •Forbidden Romance •Anxiety Rep •“Who did this to you?”
Thank you so much to Savannah Lee and Sunny Babe PR for sending me a copy for an honest review. 💖
This book had a very interesting premise. Saoirse comes from a line of powerful witches but has no power. Be sure to read trigger warnings on this because there is some parental abuse on the page.
This was a fast-moving story, and it ends on a cliffhanger. A part of me wanted Saoirse to be more bad@ss, but I understand why she wasn't. She harbored a lot of trauma that was often revisited. But Vane? If you love shadow daddies, you will love Vane.
This has all the elements you would expect from a paranormal/fantasy romance. Damaged FMC, Shadow Daddy, Touch her and d!e, forced proximity, who did this to you. The pacing was just a little off for me, but otherwise, I really enjoyed the story. I feel like there may be more to Saoirse than meets the eye, and I hope I'm right!
Thank you to Savannah Lee and Sunny Babe PR for sending me an early e-copy of this book. This is the first book of the Darkwing Duet and I loved it so much. I couldn’t put this one down and wound up devouring it in a day. Our FMC, Saoirse, is a witch whose powers never manifested during the Awakening, causing her parents to disown and abuse her. Her story was definitely a heartbreaking one and her journey is one of survival.
Vane, our MMC, is a Darkwing and is supposed to be an enemy of the witches. He ends up saving Saoirse after being attacked in the woods and the two of them make an instant connection. The Darkwings are said to be the enemies of the witches, but Vane is quite the opposite. He is so supportive of her and helped her through many dark moments.
This did end on a huge cliffhanger and I can’t wait to see what happens in the second book.
This is a dark fantasy romance, with witches, strong sisterly bounds, dragon shifters and unlikely alliances!🖤 I read a lot of Romantasy but this book was quite unique. The FMC is powerless, with no magic, as opposed to most books in this genre! Not only that, she is also mid-size and suffers from severe anxiety. It’s refreshing to read a Romantasy with a more relatable lead with real representation. Check the trigger warnings though since there is strong mention of abuse and self harm.
The romance is a slow burn, forbidden romance with forced proximity 🔥 He is a Darkwing, a shadow witch faction that was thought to be extinct. She is a “lost-heir”, shunned by her royal parents for her lack of magic. Also, this book made me HUNGRY😂 Saoirse is a baker and my mouth was watering when she preparing her pastries 😍
What you can expect: 🍂witches & dragons 🍁shadow daddy 🍂mental health rep 🍁sad girl FMC w/ trauma 🍂forbidden romance 🍁Who did this to you 🍂touch her and I’ll 💀 you
I struggled to get into this. The first chapter took me three tries and then, when I was pretty sure I was going to DNF, I went to check the author’s backlog. There is another shifter fantasy series in her library that I read previously and didn’t think poorly of. They were declining star reads and I remembered them being stumbling and poorly paced towards the end. I never finished that series because the quality of the second book declined so sharply.
So, to save myself the same frustration, going to put this down now.
The way the author handled difficult themes like mental health and self injury on the page is honestly real and well done. The bond that grew between Saoirse and Vane, the two main characters, was something I truly liked. I was engrossed with them, and I'm excited to follow their journey. Reading about the sisters and their bond was quite interesting. The first book in a duet is The Useless Witch, and I can't wait to see where the plot develops in book two!
The Useless Witch is a charming and whimsical tale that pulls you in with its unique premise. Savannah Lee crafts a relatable, quirky heroine who may lack magical prowess but makes up for it with heart and determination. The world-building is enchanting, offering a blend of familiar fantasy elements with a fresh, lighthearted twist.
While there were a few slower moments, the pacing overall worked, allowing room for character growth and fun magical mishaps.
"Embrace your shadows." - I am loving those shadows, especially when wrapped around Vane! Give me more of him, please and thank you!
A FMC with deep scars and a MMC who falls first. There is some serious trauma to unpack in this story, which will send you into a righteous fury. This story will take you down a dark road only to come out shrouded in shadows where love and a new found family dwell.
This book has a very cool magic system with tons of twist, turns, and betrayals. It has beautifully depicted anxiety and depression representation throughout. Loved the characters and their growth! And that ending!!!! Very much looking forward to book 2 🙂
I received this book as an ARC (thank you sunny babe PR) and it was as amazing as I hoped it would be! It is the first book in the Darkwing duet series and i absolutely loved it. I loved the storyline and the banter between the 2 main characters saorise and vane. I loved the fast pace of the story and the action throughout the book, the romance and spice was just enough to make it not to spicy but kept the romance between the 2 characters alive making you want more and to see what happens next. I enjoyed reading how the FMC discovers herself and how she overcomes her childhood trauma with that said I do recommend reading the trigger warning before starting the book as it does touch a tough topic but it is done in a way that was respectful. I loved reading about the magic and fantasy with the dragons/ shadow shifters and witches and the history of the magic and learning bits about it throughout the book. I can’t wait for the sequel to come! Definitely a book I recommend reading
Thank you so much to Savannah Lee for my arc copy of The Useless Witch!! I love that the main character is a magicless witch, she's an amazing baker AND she lets the villain wash her hair 🫧 But can we also talk about the posessive shadow/dragon daddy?! This book has it all, and you don't want to miss out! I can't wait for book 2!
You'll love this if you like...
🖤Shadow daddy ✨️Who did this to you 🖤Witches ✨️Dragon shifters 🖤Powerless FMC ✨️One bed 🖤Slow burn ✨️Metal health rep
I was fortunate enough to get an arc copy of this book :) I loved this book, it has witches, a dragon shapeshifter, a new shadow boyfriend, gods, a kingdoms fighting for power! This was a great read & really enjoyed it!! Happy reading :)
Wow! What an amazing adventure! This book had lots of magic. The story had me going through a lot of different emotions! It had me wanting more! Amazingly written by a very talented author!
Thanks to sunny babe pr and also the author for this arc I feel like this book was well written and I also love how I was at the edge of my seat while reading this. If you are starting to get into fantasy this is definitely something I recommend pick up asap