Review: The Witch Hunter by Virginia Boecker

The Witch Hunter

Author: Virginia Boecker

Release Date: June 2, 2015

Publisher:  Little, Brown Books for Young Readers

The Witch Hunter Book #1

ISBN:   031632700X

ISBN13: 9780316327008

Genre: Young Adult Fantasy

Review Copy Source: NetGalley

The magic and suspense of Graceling meet the political intrigue and unrest of Game of Thrones in this riveting fantasy debut.

Your greatest enemy isn't what you fight, but what you fear.

Elizabeth Grey is one of the king's best witch hunters, devoted to rooting out witchcraft and doling out justice. But when she's accused of being a witch herself, Elizabeth is arrested and sentenced to burn at the stake.

Salvation comes from a man she thought was her enemy. Nicholas Perevil, the most powerful and dangerous wizard in the kingdom, offers her a deal: he will save her from execution if she can break the deadly curse that's been laid upon him.

But Nicholas and his followers know nothing of Elizabeth's witch hunting past--if they find out, the stake will be the least of her worries. And as she's thrust into the magical world of witches, ghosts, pirates, and one all-too-handsome healer, Elizabeth is forced to redefine her ideas of right and wrong, of friends and enemies, and of love and hate.

Virginia Boecker weaves a riveting tale of magic, betrayal, and sacrifice in this unforgettable fantasy debut.

THE WITCH HUNTER features an interesting cast of characters, unique dilemmas and lots of danger.

I didn't love Elizabeth Grey from the moment she was introduced, it took me time to connect with her. I found her to be super tough, but way too set in her ways and beliefs. That is to be expected in the way she was raised, but I was pushing her to be more open to things way before she finally was. She is SO stubborn.

I wasn't that pulled into the reason as to why Elizabeth was arrested. It didn't feel real in the sense that I was expecting MORE to happen for her to get sentenced to burn and the reason's behind her actions were a pretty good excuse.

The romance in THE WITCH HUNTER was very light, but sweet. Elizabeth has always loved her best friend Caleb, but John changes things for her. There is a lot of love hate going on for all involved due to who Elizabet is/was, but I was rooting for the same person for the whole book.

THE WITCH HUNTER was a fun read. There were a few slow parts and I wish some things would have been explored more, but I had no problem staying interested in the story. I'm not 100% sure that I would read more of this series, but it's on my radar.

I gave it 3/5 stars

* This book was provided free of charge from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.