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

Rule them. Win. Become Grand High.

My name is Hector Briar, and I live for revenge. It's been eighteen years since Witch Hunters murdered my parents, and still, the night haunts me. A part of me died that night when six-year-old me was forced to listen to their brutal murder. Since then, I've gone from prey to predator. I spend my nights stalking Oxford's streets for those who'd see me slaughtered for being what I am. A witch. And more than that, the son of the last Grand High.

I've spent the last years hidden in the shadows, not only from Witch Hunters but also from my own kind. But one fateful night lands me directly in the hands of the people I've been evading my entire life—the Coven. Whereas the Witch Hunters want to destroy me, the Coven wants me for a darker fate. For my blood. It's the key to starting the Witch Trials, a contest to find the next Grand High, a contest where witches battle to the death—or madness.

Thrown into the middle of the very contest my mother died trying to prevent, I must make allies with my enemies if I wish to survive the first night. Not so bad when my ally so happens to be an attractive blue-eyed, six-foot-something, tattooed from neck to navel, bloodthirsty rival: Arwyn Morgan.

I soon discover that not is all as it seems. Dark forces are lingering in the shadows, and the truth is a hard pill to swallow. The Witch Hunters seek a Champion of their own. Enemies and allies lose all meaning when a wolf invades the flock.

Surviving the Witch Trials quickly becomes the least of my worries when ancient forces reveal their true natures. Something dark stirs within me, waiting for its inevitable freedom. I'm the key to keeping it locked away—or freeing it.

The Witch and His Crow is the first book in an MM paranormal romance series of witchcraft and bloodthirsty enemies, perfect for fans of The Serpent and the Wings of Night and Her Soul to Take.

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...