With echoes of a 'Six of Crows' vibe, 'To Drown a Witch' was a perfectly paced fantasy mystery full or unexpected twists that kept you hooked right to an ending that makes you gasp. The world-building was excellent, and the characters well-developed with all the flaws and foibles you'd expect from those forced into situations out with their control, where every move they make is one in a battle to survive.

This is a book perfect for fans of Leigh Bardugo, V E Schwab and Samantha Shannon, which is (in my opinion) suitable for older teen readers as well as adults.

To Drown a Witch has such a strong, dark atmosphere that really pulled me in. It’s the kind of story that feels a bit heavy and tense in the best way, and I found myself really drawn into it.
I especially liked the emotional side of the story and how it explored things like fear, power, and identity without feeling overcomplicated. It’s quite moody, but still easy to follow, which I appreciated.
Not the lightest read, but definitely a gripping one. A great pick if you’re in the mood for something a bit darker and more atmospheric

I was incredibly riveted by the book from the first page. The characters were well developed and the flow of the story was beautifully executed, and so poetically written that I don't quite have words to describe it. And not to mention the romance, and the betrayal and the plot twist, oh my goodness yes, just a beyond wonderful book.

✨ Book Review ✨
This book completely pulled me in from the very first page and did not let go. Dark, atmospheric, and filled with tension, it delivers everything I love in a romantasy.
The world of Gadore feels rich and dangerous, where magic is feared and the stakes are constantly rising. The mystery surrounding the Witch keeps you hooked throughout, with just enough twists and reveals to keep you guessing.
Toran and Nes absolutely made this story for me. The forced proximity, the distrust, the slow build of tension… it’s everything you want from an enemies-to-lovers romance. Their dynamic is sharp, emotional, and addictive to read, with chemistry that simmers beneath every interaction.
I also loved how the story balances action with emotion. The hunt for the Witch is intense and gripping, but it’s the secrets, the shifting loyalties, and the deeper truths that really elevate this book.
If you love: ✨ Enemies to lovers
✨ Dark fantasy worlds
✨ Magic, mystery & high stakes
✨ Slow-burn romance with tension
…then this is definitely one to add to your TBR.
A gripping, magical read that blends danger and romance perfectly. I’ll be thinking about this one for a while.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
@Donna’s Book Addiction

This one pulled me in more than I expected.
At first, I was just curious about the concept, but it did not take long before I was fully invested in the story and the dynamic between the characters. There is something about the mix of mystery, magic, and tension that keeps you wanting to know more without it feeling over the top.
I especially liked the relationship between Nes and Toran. It starts off with that clear distrust and forced proximity, and I found myself really enjoying how slowly that shifts. It is not instant or easy, and I liked that it felt a bit uncertain at times. The tension sits in the smaller moments, and those ended up being the parts I looked forward to the most.
The atmosphere also really worked for me. It has that darker, slightly heavy tone, but it never felt hard to follow. There is always something just under the surface, whether it is the mystery around the witch or the characters’ pasts, and it keeps things interesting the whole way through.
I also liked how the story balances the plot with the emotional side. There are twists and reveals, but it is really the characters and their choices that kept me invested.
Overall, I ended up really enjoying this. It is a darker, more atmospheric read with a slow-building romance that pulled me in more than I expected, and I am definitely curious to see where the story goes next.

*thank you to netgalley and the publisher for an early copy of this book in exchange for an honest review*

Thank you NetGalley for providing me with an ARC for an honest review.

This was absolutely incredible. The twists, the turns, the betrayals! I demolished this in a day and already chomping at the bit to get the next.

“Or safety could mean being in the arms of someone you love, someone who loves you. There might not be real, physical protection there, but you could still feel safe in their embrace. Because the threats of the world fade away when they’re there.”

I am distraught in the best way. This was such a refreshing read. The plot was wonderful, the characters well rounded with depth and edges. I absolutely adored the prose, Lindsey Olsson is a beaitiful writer. But most importantly, I am UNWELL after that epilogue. I need the next book and I need it YESTERDAY.

This book delivers everything I want in a romantasy and more.

The world feels dangerous in the best way. Magic is feared, the stakes are constantly rising, and there’s this underlying sense of dread that keeps you hooked the entire time. The mystery surrounding the Witch?? I was INVESTED. Every reveal just made me need to know more.

The forced proximity, the distrust, the slow build of tension... It’s the kind of enemies-to-lovers that actually earns it. Nothing feels rushed or easy, and the chemistry sits in those quiet, charged moments that make you feel EVERYTHING.

I also loved how well this balances plot and emotion. You’re getting action, twists, betrayals… but also depth, vulnerability, and character growth that hits.

And the twists?? I was not prepared. Like at all.

If you love:
✨ enemies to lovers
✨ dark, moody fantasy worlds
✨ magic + mystery + high stakes
✨ slow burn with REAL tension

…this needs to be on your TBR immediately.

This was such a gripping, addictive read, and I will absolutely be thinking about it for a while. I need the next book ASAP.

Still having to recover my brain cells from the floor after reading this book, here is my very non professional BUT very much honest review of To Drown a Witch:


Definitely a 5 ⭐️ because this book grabbed me and shook me senseless like an olive tree and I’m still processing WTF happened??!

It’s witty, gripping, with layers and layers of secrets and twists!!

Look it was all sunny today - I should have gone for a walk or anything productive - but I COULDNT PUT THIS BOOK DOWN and I ended up hours reading this on my couch like the fat seal that I am. And I have ZERO regrets.

Now Lindsey, don’t make me wait eons for the sequel or I might combust, please 🙏🏻 .

Okay now THIS is exactly the Romantasy I’ve been wanting for so long!!!!!! The twists & turns. HELP!!!!! I’ve just finished it now and I am speechless. I need book two immediately as I fear I may not cope. This is one of my favourite reads of this year, I absolutely loved it. The ending?!?!?!?!?!?! MY jaw has still not been picked up from the floor. WHAT?!??

The plot and the magic system was so different to what I’ve read before, a much welcomed fresh take on one of my favourite tropes. I really enjoyed that aspect of the book, as you find a lot of Romantasy has similar plots or magic systems but this was so different, in the best way and I was invested from the prologue. I also felt throughout reading I couldn’t trust the characters POV of everything (if you’ve read it you know exactly what I mean) and was weary of everyone, and the style of writing has you on the edge of your seat, but in the best way, I was almost nervous because I kept thinking hmmmm?!

This is a stand out Romantasy of 2026 for me and I absolutely will be recommending to everyone.

* screams *

If I could only pick three words to describe To Drown a Witch those words would be; incredible, exciting, and devastating.

I was really drawn in by the description of this book, and from the opening chapters I could tell I would love it. The main characters, Nes and Toran, are so interesting from the start. Both with mysterious and tragic pasts, they easily captivate readers. I guess I have a slight bias here because while I do like first person pov I prefer third, so this book being third person dual pov was absolute perfect for me. The banter and yearning in this book is wonderful.

The world building is fantastic, and I hope in the sequel that we get to see some of the other places that are mentioned. I read a lot of books that include Witches and magic and felt that they were so unique in this book.

There is so much mystery in To Drown a Witch. I had so much fun coming up with theories and trying to work out what was going on. So many of the secrets and revelations blew my mind, and I love the amount of unanswered questions I'm left with. The ending of this book is easily one of the most exciting but devastating cliffhangers I've ever read. I won't spoil anything, but it made an already amazing book even better. I have no doubt that the sequel is going to be just as amazing.