What is power without control?
All Auroraâs life, sheâs had one dream- to defeat the strongest race on Earth, the Demi-Gods. Too bad the one thing holding her back is her destructive, unstable magic abilities. She lives a life of crime to draw powerful adversaries, but that comes to a halt when sheâs discovered by Princess Polaris, the daughter of one of the most notorious Demi-Gods to grace the earth. Aurora has to go with Polaris to the far west or risk the secrets of her magic being free to the world. While sheâs fought powerful opponents before, terrorists, vampires, and demons may be more than she bargained for. To make things worse, if Aurora's magic gets claimed by her enemies, the fallout could result in a war great enough to destroy the world. Who will Auroraâs magic destroy first? Her enemies, her allies, or herself?
What is power without control?
All Auroraâs life, sheâs had one dream- to defeat the strongest race on Earth, the Demi-Gods. Too bad the one thing holding her back is her destructive, unstable magic abilities. She lives a life of crime to draw powerful adversaries, but that comes to a halt when sheâs discovered by Princess Polaris, the daughter of one of the most notorious Demi-Gods to grace the earth. Aurora has to go with Polaris to the far west or risk the secrets of her magic being free to the world. While sheâs fought powerful opponents before, terrorists, vampires, and demons may be more than she bargained for. To make things worse, if Aurora's magic gets claimed by her enemies, the fallout could result in a war great enough to destroy the world. Who will Auroraâs magic destroy first? Her enemies, her allies, or herself?
If you had all the magic in the world, what would you do with it?
Eight-year-old Aurora was asked that question constantly by her older god sister, Blair. The two witches gained a habit of improving their magic and strength by getting in as much trouble as they possibly could.
Whether it was stealing, starting public brawls, or going after people on the wanted list, the two thrived in magic combat. It was through combat that Aurora was raised, and there was nothing she enjoyed more.
It was a clear evening in the forests of Eden, the stars twinkling brightly in the dark sky. Aurora and Blair sat in front of a blazing fire, where they roasted the meat of a wild boar they had just killed. A light breeze rustled the leafy trees above and sent a light chill down Auroraâs neck. The young witch chose to ignore it. She was far too ecstatic about the successful bank heist Blair and she had just pulled oďŹ, in which they managed to defeat thirty armed guards with ease. That and the savory aroma of the meat she couldnât wait to tear into. Once the pork was ready to eat, they each tore oďŹ a piece, put it on sticks, and raised those sticks to the sky in cheers. Aurora wasted no time, chomping away at the steaming boar meat with a smile on her face.
âTo another successful heist!â Blair cheered.
Aurora swallowed her food, then giggled. âWe didnât get any money, silly.â
âWe kicked ass, though!â Blair shredded the meat with her teeth and chomped away. âEspecially you, kiddo! Seven guards by yourself, and all with your elemental magic? Someoneâs getting stronger.â
âI didnât even pass out this time!â she said with sparkles in her eyes.
Blair stopped munching and blinked twice at Aurora. âRight, right.â She swallowed and cleared her throat. âYou may surpass me one of these days. I was never that strong at your age!â she smiled back.
âWhaaat? Come on, Blair, youâre just being nice. You were in the Third Great War at eleven, right?â
Blair looked away; her smile now gone. âNot by choice, kid, I can tell you that.â
Aurora realized the sensitive topic she had brought up. âOh... I didnât mean... Iâm sorry.â
âOh, donât apologize, kid, it ainât your fault,â Blair said as she ran her hand through Auroraâs thick, scruďŹy scarlet hair. âThe war definitely toughened me up. I wouldnât be worth eighty million had I not. Donât worry, one day youâll get your own wanted poster.â
âYeah, but... your parents would still be here.â
Blair sighed. âTrue. But they werenât strong enough, kid, thatâs why Medusa took âem out. Then someone stronger than Medusa took her out. See where Iâm goinâ with this?â
âI thought you said your parents were strong magic users like you!â
âThey were. But they werenât soldiers, and there will always be someone stronger. The road to the strongest ainât easy. Even with all the traininâ and sparrinâ in the world, itâs hard to surpass beings like the Demi-Gods. Even with rare magic like ours.â
Blair opened the palm of her hand and placed it upon the ground. A translucent, purple mist-like fixation known as aura surrounded her hand as the ground beneath caved in. A thick cluster of shiny purple crystals spawned in the palm-sized curvature. Blair picked the small, crystalized structure from the ground and tossed it to Aurora, who marveled at the sparkly object.
âPretty amethyst! You live up to your name, Blair! Please, please, please teach me how to use crystal magic!â Aurora begged.
Blair chuckled. âI dunno if ya can kiddo. Most elemental users manipulate forces around them using their aura and can only wield a single one. My earth magic is a⌠kind of mutation since I can refine it to create crystal. Mutations like mine canât be taught.â She reached over and rustled little Auroraâs hair, who was frowning at her. âWe need ya to focus on controllinâ ya own rare abilities.â
Aurora sighed. âFine.â She took another chomp at her meat. Blairâs face tightened. It was as if she was made of solid stone.
âUnless we have all the power in the world, weâll always remain bottom feeders or targets. And if war breaks out again between the Allied Nations and the Magic Nations, it will be open season. Anyone could die, and all for nothinâ. But with the Divine Sorcererâs Stones, thereâs no question weâd be untouchable. Which is why weâre gonna try to find them all.â
Aurora stopped and stared at her. âWhoa, wait. I thought you already tried to steal one before. Queen Euryale nearly killed you, right?â
âShe did. The bitch left me a nasty scar that even nevma shards couldnât heal,â Blair said as she pointed to the side of her neck, where a dark red scar with stitches spread down into her shoulder. âBut I didnât have you with me. Youâre a one-of-a-kind witch.â
âI... I am?â
âLike I said, element users manipulate forces around âem. Ya donât need to though, your elements come from your own aura, as if they come from nothinâ! Plus, you can use all of âem! In a few years, you should be strong enough to handle your own without passing out. Once you do, weâll go after them together.â
Aurora beamed at the sound of that. âYou really think I can?â
âI know you can, kiddo. With your badass all-element magic and my crystal magic, weâll steal one of the jewels of infinite magic.â
Aurora jumped and cheered, excited for an adventure like that. âWhy wait? I'm plenty strong now. We can take on anyone!â
âNo, no, kiddo. Were you listening? You still canât control your aura that well. Ya use way too much of it at once. I saw you grabbing at your chest again. A big order like that is too dangerous still.â
Aurora fell back down to earth. She bowed her head in disappointment. âBut I can do it... you said I could.â
âWith traininâ. Donât worry, just be patient. Weâll get there.â
Blair placed her arm around Aurora and pulled her in. The young witch blushed and leaned into her, never feeling so warm before.
Aurora heard rustling in the bushes nearby and jerked her head around. âWhat was that?â
âProbably just a rabbit or a dwarf. Hurry and finish your dinner, Aurora. Tomorrow weâre gonna work on your elements again. Speakinâ of which, summon water and put this fire out. Remember what I taught you.â
âOkay!â Aurora closed her eyes and focused her aura, which surrounded her body, appearing like a green mist. She felt a tightness and burning in the middle of her chest, right beneath her scorpion tattoo. Her aura converged on her hand as she felt a surge of energy travel from the center of her chest, through her arms, and to her hands. Keep the aura flow steady, like water. Convert the aura, then release! The green aura circled around her hands, condensing into a sphere of water the size of a marble. Suddenly, water sprinkled out of her hands like a spigot.
Blair raised an eyebrow. âSomeone must be spent today. You usually can fire water like a hose. Aura reserves must be pretty low.â
Aurora growled, âItâs been a long day, okay? Lay oďŹ!â
Blair laughed at her. However, the campfire wasnât dwindling at all. It appeared to be growing warmer. Blair got up and decided to kick some dirt on it. It did nothing. The fire grew larger, taller. Then, it boomed into a bright, blue flame. Blair swiftly pushed Aurora out of the way and shielded her before the flames struck Blair in her back. She shrieked as the flames singed Blairâs jacket.
âBlair!â Aurora yipped.
Aurora sprayed some of her magic water to put out the small flame on her back. Blair sprang to her feet and assumed a fighting stance. Realizing they were under attack, Aurora did the same.
Four beings emerged from the bushes, with dragon wings and horns sprouting out of their heads. Other than those features, they looked like ordinary men. The tallest one lashed his long orange tail around and grinned, sporting his jagged, pointy teeth. His pasty skin had spots with shiny orange scales.
He pulled out a flyer with Blairâs face on it. âAmethyst Witch. Says here youâre worth a small fortune. Thanks for the fire, the smoke made you easy to track.â
âHalf-dragons? Don't you reptiles belong in the Magic Nations? What are you doing here in Eden?â Blair asked.
âYou could say weâre running errands. The nameâs Shoto, and weâre here to oďŹer you a job.â
âA job? What, you want me to be a Pendragon slave like you guys? Iâll pass.â
Shoto whipped his heavy tail into the ground. âWe donât work for that ass-clown of a king, or any of the Magic Nationsâ Demi-Gods. Weâre more of a... freelance group. Also, you donât have the luxury of refusing now that youâve seen our faces.â
Blair folded her arms. âThat right?â
âYouâve built quite the name for yourself over the years, Blair Salem. First a respected soldier of the United Military Alliance, now a rampant criminal that canât be stopped, even by the military you once worked for. Your talents needn't be wasted being on the run and sleeping on the streets. You can work for us and use your magic freely! Maybe even get a little payback on the Gorgon Queen one day.â
Aurora wasnât entirely sure what this Shoto guy was getting at, but Blair hurled over with laughter.
âThatâs really tempting, dragon boy! But thatâs not a life I want to bring my sister into. I decline, but you wonât have to worry about finding a replacement.â She cracked her knuckles. âYour bosses, whoever they are, wonât be able to find you once Iâm done. Youâll make some nice purses though.â
Shoto sucked on his teeth. âYou refuse? Fine. Our organization can at least use the money for your head.â
Full of excitement, Aurora threw up her dukes and jumped in front of Blair. âBlair, Iâve got your back!â
âStay out of this one, kiddo. Youâre too exhausted from earlier. I can handle it,â Blair whispered to her.
âWhat? But Iâm plenty strong, too! Itâs four on two, anyways.â
âDonât worry. We have no need for the kid, and Iâm your only opponent. My boys are just here to watch. But, if she gets in the way, Iâm hacking her for fun.â Shoto drew his katana.
Blair pushed Aurora out of the way and evaded Shotoâs strike. âDonât worry, kiddo, Iâll protect you!â Blair dug her fists in the ground and her aura, being as purple as her hair, surrounded her. Soil and pebbles engulfed her fists before hardening to solid rock, liquifying to appear magma like, and cooling again to form crystals. She ripped her hands out and they were surrounded in a spiky amethyst crystal cluster.
Aurora dusted herself oďŹ, then watched in awe as her god sister blitzed the half-dragon.
She especially loved watching Blair use her crystal-fists to brutalize Shoto. She dodged gracefully, moving like the wind but striking him like lighting. Shoto put some distance between them and blasted her with flames from his mouth, but Blair evaded with no issues. She dove to the ground and dug her crystallized hands into the ground again. In mere moments, the ground beneath her caved in again, this time around her entire body. Crystal shards grew up her arms and covered most of her body except her face, appearing like armor. Her aura flared around her as she jumped out of the hole in the ground and put her fists up.
Shoto scoďŹed. âThe infamous crystal-armor. They donât call you the Amethyst Witch for nothing. Fine, show me what it can do!â
Auroraâs grin grew. She knew once Blair surrounded herself in the crystal armor, there was no one who could touch her. As expected, she put the pounding on Shoto, tearing through his clothes and cutting him up with her crystal fists. The armor, despite it being dense and bulky, didnât compromise her speed. She was still a blur as she rocked the half-dragon.
Shoto couldnât keep up or land a blow. Yet, something was oďŹ. Shotoâs onlookers were all smiling like she was. She even heard a few of them laugh. There was also the weird, black snake-like tattoo going up Shotoâs chest.
Shoto flew back, catching his breath and readying his sword. He was covered in deep gashes and blood steamed down his face. âYouâre as strong as your price implies. That ability of yours, creating crystals from even soil as soft as this, must take a lot of aura, especially making it as hard as diamonds. That armor probably makes you invincible to most, but youâd have been better oďŹ not using it against me.â
Blair caught her breath, smiling and putting up her dukes. âTalk is cheap cominâ from a half-dead fire-breather. Letâs get this ovaâ with!â Blair zipped towards him.
Shoto slashed his sword through Blairâs armor. Blood leaked out from the slit in her crystal armor. Aurora felt a chill go down her spine. Shotoâs sword glowed red, as if it had an aura of its own.
Blair stumbled backward, appearing distraught. âHow did you do that?â
âMaybe Iâll tell you after I've pealed that annoying crystal oďŹ you.â Now Shotoâs scales covered all of his skin, except for the front of his neck and his abdomen. His face stretched out into a snout. His nails grew sharp and his wings extended. His orange aura flared around him before erupting. Shotoâs speed picked up out of nowhere, and he sliced oďŹ a large chunk of Blairâs armor.
Auroraâs mouth dropped. No sword, blade, or strong magic ever could pierce Blairâs armor, yet Shotoâs sword did it easily. Blair lost ground quickly, unable to attack, and was forced to dodge and try to defend. Even his punches would put cracks in Blairâs armor. Each slash would leave a bigger gash in Blairâs armor, and the witch began to slow down. Soon, all her armor was oďŹ, and he stabbed her shoulder. Shoto slowly revolved the blade in her shoulder. Blair just stood there, staggered, and unable to move. Her blood seeped down her jacket and onto the ground.
âAs I said, youâd have been better oďŹ without it. Tsk, to think you lasted this long on your own!â Shoto remarked.
Aurora could see Blairâs aura dissipate and the sword glow even redder. Blair was out of breath and her knees were wobbly. Aurora never saw Blair so exhausted and never expected to see her aura run so low that fast. Blairâs face grew pale, and her breaths shortened. Watching the blood stream from her wound down Shotoâs sword ignited Aurora. Aurora refused to stand and watch her die.
âBlair!â Aurora charged at Shoto.
One of Shotoâs onlookers jumped in her way. Aurora swiftly jumped up and kicked him in the jaw, knocking him out cold. Shoto saw her and his eyes widened.
âWhoa! So strong at that age? She could be a problem...â Shoto mumbled.
âStop, Aurora! Stay back!â Blair yelled.
Aurora weaved around the other dragons before reaching Shoto. Just as she raised her fist, Shoto yanked the blade out of Blair and stabbed Aurora straight through her stomach. Blood spewed out her mouth, and instantly, her body felt cold. Aurora felt her own aura being zapped from her as she grabbed onto the blade. âMasamune is a hell of a sword, isn't it, kid? Should take some pride in dying at the hands of a celestial weapon. Don't worry, your friend will be next.â
She saw Blair call out to her in a cry, but only heard the ringing of a white noise. Aurora blacked out.
***
Feeling delirious, Aurora sat up and rubbed her eyes. âWh... what happened?â she mumbled to herself, feeling groggy âOh no... did I pass out again?â
Thatâs when she remembered what happened. She immediately felt her stomach. There was no wound, as if she had never been stabbed at all, but her hands were drenched in blood. Aurora jumped up. She took in her surroundings, and her eyes widened. The surrounding trees and forestry had been torn down as if a tornado came through. The crackles of burning firewood filled her ears. She also saw the half-dragons, lying down in pools of blood. All of them, even Shoto, had deep scratches in their necks and abdomens as if they had been attacked by a beast. While standing over him, she saw. his snake tattoo in full. Seconds later, it vanished.
Aurora shivered. âBlair, you couldâve held back a little...â
She looked around for Blair, and her heart sank when she found her in the same condition. Aurora screamed and ran to her side. Blairâs eyes had lost color and were halfway shut. She was covered in deep claw marks. Aurora cried and tried to shake her awake.
âBlair, wake up! Please, Blair! Donât go!â
Blair slowly turned her head towards Aurora. She gave a small smile, with blood steadily flowing out of her mouth. âYâyouâre okay. Iâm... glad. My... Aurora.â
âWho did this to you? Blair, tell me! Who did all this?â
âYou... donât remember? That... maâmakes me happy.â
âBlair, what are you talking abouââ Aurora took another look at her hands, noticing them for the first time. Her bloody hands had claws that slowly retracted back to normal nails. âWhat... what the?â
âI couldnât stop you this time. I... wasnât strong enough. Aurora... donât die weak like... like I did. Tâtake care of Aunt Ria. Mâmâ make sure everyone remembers the name I gave you. And never stop fighting...â
âBut I... did I...?â Auroraâs hands shivered, and her scorpion tattoo glowed. Her head thumped, and her entire body felt as if it were on fire. âNo... no. Youâre the strongest, you canât die! Blair!â
As Blairâs head fell to the side, Aurora wailed to the heavens.
CW: this book contains mentions of explicit violence, gore and death.
Aurora trained all her life to reach one goal only: become the strongest and defeat the Demi-Gods. But her magic is unstable and there is a darkness hidden within her that threatens to destroy her and all those around her. When Princess Polaris, daughter of one of the most notorious Demi-Gods alive, tries to kidnap Aurora, the witch is faced with some serious problems. Add to that being chased by a bloodthirsty vengeful vampire, a network of terrorists, and powerful demons, and Aurora may just start to find that she's in over her head...
The Crimson Witch was a highly entertaining read and definitely had fun subverting expectations and playing with classic fantasy tropes. The world the author created was rich and complex, very well constructed without becoming too heavy.
I loved the mix between different creatures such as vampires, demons and half-dragons, and the Demi-Gods, who in their ranks could sport big names like Medusa or King Arthur and Mordred. This added depth to the world and really helped me get on board with it, as I slowly understood the complex environment as well. I did think that some aspects could have benefited from slightly more detail, but this is only the first book in the series, so I expect we'll get more of that in the next book.
The cast of characters was wide and varied, and they were key in my enjoyment of the book especially since I found the main character, Aurora, to be extremely annoying - at least at first. Aurora benefits from a strong growth arc as she quite literally battles her inner demons and strives to move on from a traumatic past and find her place in the world. Polaris was also a really interesting character to follow, and I really liked how her bond with Aurora developed. The secondary characters were also very well crafted and all memorable in their own way.
One thing I struggled with was the style. The author has a very distinctive voice (which is a good thing!), but I found that often there was little difference between the narrator and the various characters' voices, which led to some dialogues feeling unnatural and stilted. The book could also have benefited from slightly more editing as several passages appeared quite repetitive in language and descriptions, especially the fight scenes, and this happened just too frequently to gloss over.
There is quite a lot of violence and explicit gore in this book, so it won't be suitable for younger or sensitive readers. Despite that, The Crimson Witch was a really entertaining read, and I look forward to seeing what Aurora and Polaris get up to next.