Book Review: James: Witch-Hunter by K.S. Marsden

Book Review: James: Witch-Hunter by K.S. Marsden (published by K.S. Marsden)
 
This paranormal / urban fantasy book is a prequel to the author’s Witch-Hunter series and focuses on one of the characters from the trilogy called James. It can be read as a standalone, but, in my opinion having never read the series, is also a great warm up to the main event. ​

It details James’ move from the north to Oxford University, how he settles into life there, makes friends, finds his feet and meets his nightmare of a roommate – the aristocratic, arrogant and womanising Hunter, who is a bit of an arse, but also a tad mysterious. All seems to be going well until James witnesses a murder on Halloween and gets dragged into the world of evil witches and witch-hunting.
 
James is a typical student, spending most of his time in the pub, trying to pull girls and playing rugby. He’s intelligent, studying engineering, but has a bit of a troubled past. He’s also a cheeky chappy with a lot to say and I found him funny and charming.
 
This book moved along at a fast pace. The characters were believable and the world of witches and witch hunters was intriguing. There is a long history and a secret, ancient council that works with the regular police to track down dangerous witches. Many witches live alongside humans in hiding but sometimes they get out of hand, and the witch hunters are called in. The prologue hints at BIG trouble coming to the witch community in the form of a super power witch, who I’m guessing appears in the trilogy, and her coming power is stirring up the witches.      
 
This was an enjoyable, quick read, my only niggle was how readily James and his friend Charlotte accepted that witches exist and that there’s a secret council with highly trained hunters that track them. I also wanted more from the final witch fight scene, as it seemed to be over too soon.
 
Definitely a book for anyone who likes witch stories, although in this one the witches are the bad guys, and a great way to ease yourself into the trilogy and build suspense – what will happen with the super witch?!
 
I received a free review copy from the author.
 
My rating: 4/5
 
Goodreads | Author website 
 
 
**My debut novel, an epic fantasy called MELOKAI, is out now! Available from Amazon, Kobo, iBooks, Google Play Books, Barnes & Noble and Smashwords. Read more about my books here.**
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