Witch Queen Rising - Savannah Stephens 4/21
Release Date: April 21, 2026
For New Orleans witchkin, there is no greater honor than to become the Prime—chosen to rule. But the title is meant to pass between two rival Houses of magic, not to the wayward daughter of the former Prime who died under mysterious circumstances.
As a girl, Seraphine Barreau was dubbed the Tick Witch for her ability to feed on magic and make it her own. Even among those who alter fate and manipulate reality, she was a powerful outcast feared and misunderstood by her people. Now dragged back to continue the legacy that nearly destroyed her, Phine has her work cut out for her. She must earn the respect of her people, navigate the politics of the paranormal communities residing in her city, and heal a broken heart, all the while battling a parasitic curse poisoning witchkin. Between her werewolf ex, power-hungry vampires, and the skeletons in her family’s closet, Phine must learn to make peace with her past to save her—and all of witchkin’s—future.
As someone fascinated by paranormal fantasy stories, I found the premise of "Witch Queen Rising" incredibly compelling, especially the idea of Seraphine Barreau, known as the Tick Witch, who is both feared and misunderstood for her unique ability to feed on magic. This layered characterization adds depth beyond the typical hero, making her journey to sovereignty in the world of New Orleans witchkin a captivating exploration of identity and power. The setting itself, a city with thriving paranormal communities, offers a rich backdrop, blending elements of magic, political intrigue, and supernatural rivalry. I appreciate how the story promises to delve into complex inter-species dynamics, including werewolves and vampires, which suggests a diverse and textured fantasy universe. Moreover, the presence of a parasitic curse adds an urgent, suspenseful element that heightens the stakes, reflecting real struggles masked within fantastical storytelling. It highlights themes of resilience and healing as Phine must confront her past and familial secrets. From personal experience reading similar fantasy novels, characters wrestling with both internal and external conflicts tend to offer more emotional engagement and relatability. The narrative’s emphasis on legacy and the burden of leadership is also noteworthy. Phine’s challenge to earn respect and navigate the politics of her community resonates with anyone who has faced obstacles in stepping into a role shaped by tradition yet complicated by personal history. Lauded as "Utterly captivating" and crowned "Outcast, Forever a Queen," this novel seems poised to deliver a multifaceted story that combines fantasy thrills with heartfelt character journeys.
