This book was so good!! There are times when you need a long, winding, and detailed journey. The Witch Roads is a book that you have to take your time reading. It was such a journey, and I adored my time with it. 

The Witch Roads is the type of fantasy that you have to take your time with. There is a lot of world-building. I never felt like I got "info-dumps," but everything flowed so nicely. Elliott has created this massive world with many beliefs. Yet, I still wanted more! I am dying to know more about the haunt! The pacing is slower but in a good way. This book is much more character-driven than plot-driven. Elen has been running her whole life. She's finally content with the life she has made, and a prince ruins it. She enters a new journey, and we learn so much about her along the way. I loved that our MC has lived a life, and her wisdom makes sense. She's not a teenager figuring things out, but we do have several younger ones as supporting characters! 

The characters in this book are so good. We have several relationships that form throughout that I adored. The relationship-building is what had me turning pages. I'm not the biggest fan of a journey spanning a whole book. The slow pace helped a lot. We get to see El grow and build relationships with those around her. She's more of a lone-wolf type and protects her nephew at all costs. Now, she's making friends and learning about the world. The relationship between her nephew is not great when they start on this journey. It took much longer for the resolution than I would have liked. In the end, it allows her to build deeper connections elsewhere rather than just sticking with Kem the whole time. 

The haunt was very fascinating! I need to know so much more about him and what happened before. We get little glimpses, but there are so many questions. The power and magic do need more explanation. I am hoping that happens in book two, which I am excited about! The haunt's relationship with El was so good. It's the slowest burn but also a deeper relationship. They understand each other, and I love how they spend the whole book learning from one another. It wasn't anything close to instant love, and I appreciated that! 

The Witch Roads is my first exposure to Kate Elliott, but it will not be the last. I've already mentioned that I can't wait for the second book! She has created such a unique, fascinating, and expansive world. The characters are fantastic, and so are the relationships she built in this book. I thoroughly enjoyed my time with this book. 

Thank you, Tor, for the ARC and finished copy!! All thoughts and opinions are my own! 

 

I enjoyed this book just as much as the first one- The Wolf King. I listened to the audio (thank you, Simon Maverick Audio), and it was so good. This audio has three narrators- Zara Hampton-Brown, Shane East, & Sean Masters. They all did a fabulous job!!

I have seen numerous polarizing reviews regarding this one. Is it the best-written book? No. Is it the best time? Yes! I have a few things that I didn't love about the plot and relationships, but it did not take away from my enjoyment. It's so messy but in the best way. I ate up every minute of this audiobook! The pacing is so fast because there is so much going on. I loved all the chaos!

There is something I want to point out. I’ve seen some debate about a particular moment, and I’d like to share my perspective. There is a point in this book where she makes a choice that people hate. I think they are missing the point that it was her choice. I don't necessarily agree with it, but I do understand it. She was forcing a moment that felt like a decision she was making. Throughout both of these books, nothing has been her choice. She has been forced into so many situations and relationships by the people and circumstances around her. It's why she makes the decision she does.

I have thoroughly enjoyed this series and I need book three now!! I cannot wait to see where this goes.

Thank you, Simon Maverick Audio, for the audio arc. All thoughts and my opinions are my own.

 Wow, this was incredibly informative and deeply important. I want to start by saying this: I’m not here to argue about politics. I firmly believe that everyone deserves basic human rights, and nothing will change my mind on that. Don’t even try.

Jimenez shares her personal story and her work advocating for immigrant rights. With everything happening in the world right now, this book couldn't have come at a better time. I beg you to read it and truly listen to what these human beings endure. They’re not here to "steal jobs" or "be criminals." They’re trying, often for many years, to navigate legal channels in search of a better life for themselves and their families. Cristina's story touches on just a portion of what it was like living through Trump's presidency. I can’t imagine the fear she must feel, not only for herself, but for her family and friends.

She recounts her journey with raw honesty, describing how every obstacle felt like an uphill battle. The constant fear of deportation when all she wanted was to go to school, and live a normal life, is heartbreaking. This country was built by immigrants, and I will die on that hill. Immigrants are vital, valuable, and necessary. The racial profiling happening today is both disgusting and terrifying. Please, take the time to listen to her story. Try to put yourself in someone else’s shoes.

Cristina has dedicated her life to speaking out and helping immigrants. She’s an organizer and the co-founder of United We Dream. I’m linking it here --> United We Dream --< so you can learn more. The work they’re doing is more important now than ever. Cristina didn’t plan for her book to be released during such dark times, but I think it's here at the perfect time. I highly recommend picking it up.

Thank you, St. Martin's Press and Netgalley, for the e-arc. All thoughts and opinions are my own! 

This was overly descriptive. The info dumps and the extra use of a lot of prose was too much for me. It sounded like such an interesting premise, but the writing style is not for me.