4.4 (444 ratings)

The Witch and His Crow: The Witch Trials, Book 1

Name: The Witch and His Crow: The Witch Trials, Book 1
Rating: 4.4 (444 reviews)
Author: Ben Alderson
ISBN: B0DXLMSJLD

by Ben Alderson

witches

About this book

Eighteen years after witnessing his parents' brutal murder at the hands of Witch Hunters, Hector Briar has transformed from a traumatized child into a lethal predator. Living in the shadows of Oxford, he hides his identity as the son of the last Grand High, surviving by hunting those who would see his kind extinguished. But when Hector is captured by the Coven, his life takes a terrifying turn. They do not want him dead; they want his blood to fuel the Witch Trials, a deadly competition where witches battle to the death for ultimate power.

Forced into a cutthroat contest he spent his life avoiding, Hector faces a desperate choice: trust no one or form an uneasy alliance with Arwyn Morgan. Arwyn is his bloodthirsty, tattooed rival, and as they navigate the lethal trials, their forced proximity ignites a dark, simmering tension that blurs the lines between hatred and desire.

This gripping dark romance blends high-stakes historical fantasy with the intensity of an enemies-to-lovers dynamic. As Hector uncovers a conspiracy that reaches far beyond the arena, he realizes that survival requires more than just magic. Perfect for fans of found-family tropes and suspenseful paranormal trials, this addictive series opener delivers a pulse-pounding, cliffhanger-filled start.

Publication Date: May 25, 2026
ASIN: B0DXLMSJLD

Reader Reviews

so fun!!

January 19, 2026

This book was a lot of fun!! The trials were cool and different from most trial stories I have read. I loved the characters and the mystery woven in! Even when we didn’t realize there was a mystery happening it was still there throughout. I can’t wait to see what happens!! )

Great read, but

November 20, 2025

It is really only half the story and forces getting a second volume to learn how Alderson resolves the series. Thoughtfully scripted, but still a cliffhanger. )

Amazing start to this series!

March 10, 2025

I was able to read the ARC of the Witch and his crow and I want to thank Ben Alderson for allowing me to read before it comes out. Ben Alderson has done it again, I truly think this is the next hunger games and everyone needs to go pick it up when it comes out in March. Now onto what to expect with no spoilers! The Witch Trials were like if the hunger games met the Tri-Wizard tournament, the challenges were exciting, scary, and edge of your seat anticipation for what would happen next. Ben is...

WOW!

March 12, 2025

You know the problem with loving an author’s work and reading books right when they’re released? You have to wait a very long time for the sequel! But boy is it gonna be worth the wait, haha. The pieces come together so nicely, and even though the story isn’t complete, it was such a satisfying end to this book. Though I can’t exit to see more of Hector and Arwyn! So happy I got to read this, yet another fantastic work from Ben. :) )

Didn't seem like a finished book

May 7, 2025

I can get past some typos or grammatical errors, though that does make it feel like an unfinished book, but there were even a few moments where the author used the wrong name for the character he was describing, which is pretty confusing and a serious oversight. The concept was interesting, the story wasn't bad, the characters were all right. Although they did get a little repetitive after a while. And I do think I'll read the next book but this wasn't a read that felt like it was finished for...