The House Witch: A Humorous Romantic Fantasy: The House Witch, Book 1

The cozy feeling of this story had all of the aspects of a cozy cottage and bubbly cooking pots. The main character, the kitchen witch was very lovable and witty. The supporting characters were enjoyable and I liked their positive personal achievements brought about by their association with the kitchen witch. Fun and fabulous read!

Fin Ashowan has just arrived at the castle in Daxaria where he has been hired to be the new cook. Fin is an excellent cook but takes control the minute he arrives and puts up the back of the other servants and the knights who like to hang out in the kitchen. He makes it clear that the kitchen is his domain and no one is allowed that he doesn't approve of. Fin is a house witch and he doesn't like others to know that. When someone knows you are a witch, they expect that you will be able to help them whenever they are ill or in a fix and sometimes no one can help. Soon Fin is in command and making progress. Everyone loves his food. He is able to start teaching the knights how real men behave, not the boorish behavior they are used to. He doesn't get along with the royal mage as witches and mages are like oil and water but each agrees to stay out of the other's way. Fin also meets a Viscountess that he immediately is drawn to and soon loves wholeheartedly but a member of the royalty and a cook are not a romantic pairing that would ever be allowed. All is not good however. War is threatening and his Viscountess is in danger as a spy for the country. The Queen is pregnant and has a long history of miscarriages and Fin saves her life one night when another threatens. Soon the King is using Fin and his magic as a resource and perhaps the love affair will work out. Who knows? This is my first work by Delemhach who is a Canadian author. The work is humorous and a romance fantasy so light and enjoyable. Fin can't believe in his powers or his ability to make others' lives better but as the days go by, he starts to realize his power and the gift of the chosen family he makes in Daxaria. The only thing I didn't care for was the abrupt ending that left everything up in the air with the main plot points unsettled until the reader gets the next book. This work is recommended for fantasy readers.

I devoured all 3 House Witch books in under a week. They made me laugh and cry and unlike so many books today I had no idea what was going to happen next. They are truly a fun, charming series and I can’t wait until the new book is published. As for the readers who had issues with the usage of them and they when referring to a singular person the only confusion is the reader’s grasp of grammar. In those instances the author was describing someone but didn’t want to state the sex so used them or they to keep the character’s identity a mystery. Unfortunately the readers who complained are just advertising their own ignorance as this is proper grammar. In fact according to the Little Blue Book of Grammar, arguably the most respected authority on grammar, they state: “Rule 11b. When rewriting is not practical and gender-neutrality is desired, use they, them, their, themself, or themselves with singular nouns, proper nouns, and pronouns. (This is sometimes referred to as the singular they, which has a long history in the English language.)” So if you are thinking of buying these delightful books please don’t let the reviews about “poor grammar” stop you. The grammar is just fine.

I'm absolutely shocked. I've now read several "cozy" books, and each has had it's flaws. But it usually revolves around lack of interesting or intense character personalities or stakes that are just too low. They aren't bad, per say, just not great either. I was expecting that with this book, given it's marketing and description. I was delightfully wrong. This was an entertaining read from the very first chapter. Each character is so well written, wonderfully complex, and enjoyable. The banter is fantastic. And the main character, Fin, is refreshingly unique, as well as a spot on depiction of a chef - trust me, after two decades in the industry, I would know. The witty, sarcastic bite of some of the banter is delicious. I was surprised by how well fleshed out the world was, and how delicately the reader is fed important information. There are no info dumps or sections of the book that feel like recap. My biggest complaint is that I wanted MORE. I was shocked when the book ended! Don't get me wrong, it was a good ending, but there were so many threads I was still fully wrapped up in that I don't have answers to now! I didn't even realize this was a series (totally my fault) and now I have to figure out where I'm going to fit the sequels into my TBR! GENUINELY, this was such a delightful, funny, engaging read with a refreshingly unusual cast of personalities. I can't wait to read the next book!

Finn is so used to being in the background that the attention of others is uncomfortable. He keeps people at a distance. Finding his home in the castle and finding those who care about him and want to help him is a new thing for him. I loved watching him open up and learn his strengths. Annika is his perfect match! This story was lovely!!

Fans of Ilona Andrews will love this. The main character feels like a male version of Kate Daniels with the way he tends to put his foot in his mouth and grates on everybody's nerves with powers that are reminiscient of the Innkeepers (being limited to the house and all). But instead of a dystopian or contemporary setting everything is mediaval. The narration is rather slow progressing but there are many heartwarming scenes and a lot of loveable characters as well as funny moments. I especially loved Kraken's perspective (yes, the cat) and all the shennanigans going on there. So, if you are looking for a light read, with adorable characters and a good portion of hilarious moments, this is for you.

I enjoyed this book very much! It is difficult to find a story that isnt dark and depressing and this was just what I needed!

Love Fin and Annika so much! The book was slow to get fully into but I'm so glad I kept reading. Fin had me laughing a lot, as did many of the characters. I disliked the trio of knights at first, then they grew on me the more the worked in the kitchen. Great character development with each of the characters. Hannah is amazing and surprisingly feisty. The queen was really sweet as was Kraken. I loved Reese's performance at the end, that was amazing and fun. The final chapters were amazing and incredibly sweet. Looking forward to reading the rest of the series and other books.

I wish all books were this good! I got all 3 books in the continuing story. Very funny but with a very good story well told. Absolutely loved the Emperor Kraken! Like all good books this was very well written and no explicit sex scenes! Suitable for almost all ages, although some very mild swearing, which was part of the comedy. A lovely series of 3 books.

Apesar de ter humor no título, não achei o livro extremamente engraçado. Ainda assim é uma leitura boa, suave, sem muita angústia nem muito suspense. A história é bem contada e cativante, e achei o enredo bem original. No geral é um livro bom para relaxar.