Song of the Hell Witch

Rekindled romance spreads new wings in this atmospheric romantic fantasy, where magic empowers women trapped inside an oppressive patriarchy.

This striking debut novel is perfect for fans of the feminist ideals in When Women Were Dragons and the unique magic system in One Dark Window.

Once a vicious street rat, Prudence Merriweather has clawed her way to the top of society and now enjoys newfound power as the Duchess of Talonsbury. All she has to do to protect her fragile position is maintain the act of gentility, make her husband happy--and keep her monstrous magic a secret.

Puck Reed, the Thief Lord of Talonsbury, once delighted in taking risks and humiliating the social elite at any cost but now lives a quieter criminal lifestyle. With a daughter of his own to protect, Puck tries to lay low and stay safe for her benefit. His daughter, Bea, suffers from a mysterious illness bent on killing her, and Puck will stop at nothing to find a cure.

When Prudence's magic betrays her, she has no choice but to flee--and who better to smuggle her out of the city than her childhood best friend and former sweetheart, Puck Reed? With the help of old friends and new allies, they learn about Stormlash, a safe haven miles beyond the city walls where women and their magic can flourish beyond the oppressive eye of Leora's religious fanatics. Stormlash may also hold the key to curing Bea's illness. The challenge? Keep her alive long enough to get there.

With Bea's illness claiming more of her strength, Puck and Pru must work together to reach Stormlash and, in the process, confront a growing evil threatening to devour the country they call home.

Perfect for fans of Carissa Broadbent and Hannah Whitten, this second-chance romantic fantasy features monstrous women stepping into their full power, a father who will do anything to save his daughter, and the rekindled flame of an old, enduring love.

Author: Taylor Hartley
Publisher: Alcove Press
Published: 09/09/2025
Pages: 352
Binding Type: Paperback
Weight: 0.74lbs
Size: 8.19h x 5.43w x 1.10d
ISBN: 9798892421775

About the Author
Taylor Hartley graduated from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill with a bachelor's degree in English Literature and a minor in creative writing. Inspired largely by Tamora Pierce and Madeleine L'Engle, they've been writing stories since before they could speak (or so they've been told).

When they're not reading or writing, Taylor can be found in a high school classroom but, most preferably, rewatching Interview with the Vampire, working out their rage on the rowing machine, or drinking a cup of coffee and cuddling with her two chunky cats. An eternal lover of the em dash and the Oxford comma, Taylor lives in Charlotte, North Carolina, with their partner Aaron, who also teaches English.