The witch hunter system was a dark chapter in history that occurred across Europe and North America during the 15th to 18th centuries. It was a period characterized by widespread fear, paranoia, and hysteria surrounding the belief in witches and their alleged malevolent powers. This time saw the development of a systematic approach to identifying, prosecuting, and ultimately executing those accused of witchcraft. The origins of the witch hunter system can be traced back to the publication of a treatise called "Malleus Maleficarum" (The Hammer of Witches) in 1487. Written by Heinrich Kramer, a German inquisitor, the book provided a guide for witch hunters on how to identify, interrogate, and punish witches. It outlined various methods for detecting and proving witchcraft, such as the infamous "swimming test" in which an accused witch would be bound and thrown into water.
"The authors sustain tension via Fritzi and Otto’s alternating perspectives, and harrowing descriptions of body horror and trauma alongside quiet, tender moments of connection round out this beguiling series opener" - Publishers Weekly, STARRED review
Set against the backdrop of the Medieval German Witch Trials, Raasch and Revis weave a fantasy and heart-pounding tale full of history, love, witchcraft, and war that will have you gripping your book, waiting for the next shocking twist. Sara Raasch has known she was destined for bookish things since the age of five, when her friends had a lemonade stand and she tagged along to sell her hand-drawn picture books too.
It outlined various methods for detecting and proving witchcraft, such as the infamous "swimming test" in which an accused witch would be bound and thrown into water. If she floated, she was deemed guilty of witchcraft. The witch hunter system gained momentum during the Reformation period, as religious tension and social unrest fueled suspicions of witchcraft.
Night of the Witch (Witch and Hunter) (Hardcover)
New York Times bestselling authors Sara Raasch and Beth Revis weave a tale of romance, vengeance, and magic in this start to the Witch and Hunter duology, an epic enemies to lovers fantasy romance.
Fritzi is a witch. The lone survivor of a brutal attack on her coven, she's determined to find her only remaining family member and bring the hexenjägers—zealot witch hunters—to justice for the lives they ended. To do this, she will need to take down their leader, the merciless and enigmatic Kommandant Dieter Kirch.
Otto is a hexenjäger—but that's just his cover. Years ago, the hexenjägers burned his innocent mother alive, and he has been plotting his revenge against the people who tore apart his family ever since. And now the time has come for them to pay for what they've done.
When Fritzi and Otto are unexpectedly thrown together, neither is sure they can trust the other. The reluctant truce fueled by their common enemy takes them from the city at the heart of the hexenjägers' power to the wild and mysterious Black Forest. As old truths come to light and new dangers are revealed, Fritzi and Otto uncover a horrifying magical plot at the center of the hexenjäger attacks that leads back to Kommandant Kirch . . . but their own growing feelings for each other may be the most powerful magic of all.
Praise for Night of the Witch:
"Set against the backdrop of the Medieval German Witch Trials, Raasch and Revis weave a fantasy and heart-pounding tale full of history, love, witchcraft, and war that will have you gripping your book, waiting for the next shocking twist." — #1 New York Times bestselling author Jennifer L. Armentrout
"Night of the Witch is an irresistibly compelling page-turner, distinguished by vivid descriptions, a fascinating magic system, and crackling chemistry between the two leads. Best of all? When I finished reading, I wanted more. Bring on the next book!" — Claire Legrand, New York Times bestselling author of Furyborn
"A breathtaking adventure from beginning to end. Full of wild magic, stunning twists, and a romance that burns on the page,Night of the Witch is an addictive read that will leave readers desperate for more." — Rachel Griffin, New York Times bestselling author of The Nature of Witches and Bring Me Your Midnight
"Raasch and Revis have brewed a brilliant novel that combines history and fantasy in the best of ways. Be prepared to stay up late reading this one. If it isn't the action keeping you on the edge of your seat, then it'll be the sizzling romance." — Tricia Levenseller, New York Times bestselling author of Blade of Secrets
About the Author
Sara Raasch has known she was destined for bookish things since the age of five, when her friends had a lemonade stand and she tagged along to sell her hand-drawn picture books too. Not much has changed since then: her friends still cock concerned eyebrows when she attempts to draw things, and her enthusiasm for the written word still drives her to extreme measures. She is the New York Times bestselling author of the Snow Like Ashes series, These Rebel Waves, and These Divided Shores. You can visit her online at www.sararaaschbooks.com and @seesarawrite on Twitter.
Beth Revis is a New York Times bestselling author with books available in more than twenty languages. She writes science fiction, fantasy, and contemporary novels, including Across the Universe, Star Wars: Rebel Rising, Give the Dark My Love, and A World Without You. A native of North Carolina, Revis lives in a rural corner of the state with her son and husband.
Praise For…
"Set against the backdrop of the Medieval German Witch Trials, Raasch and Revis weave a fantasy and heart-pounding tale full of history, love, witchcraft, and war that will have you gripping your book, waiting for the next shocking twist." — #1 New York Times bestselling author Jennifer L. Armentrout
"Night of the Witch is an irresistibly compelling page-turner, distinguished by vivid descriptions, a fascinating magic system, and crackling chemistry between the two leads. Best of all? When I finished reading, I wanted more. Bring on the next book!" — Claire Legrand, New York Times bestselling author of Furyborn
"A breathtaking adventure from beginning to end. Full of wild magic, stunning twists, and a romance that burns on the page, Night of the Witch is an addictive read that will leave readers desperate for more." — Rachel Griffin, New York Times bestselling author of The Nature of Witches and Bring Me Your Midnight
"Raasch and Revis have brewed a brilliant novel that combines history and fantasy in the best of ways. Be prepared to stay up late reading this one. If it isn’t the action keeping you on the edge of your seat, then it’ll be the sizzling romance." — Tricia Levenseller, New York Times bestselling author of Blade of Secrets
"Night of the Witch is the most original fantasy I've read in a long while, full of stunning worldbuilding, fierce heroes, and bewitching romance. I am not exaggerating when I say it's a knockout, unputdownable story by two of the best YA authors today. " — Evelyn Skye, New York Times Bestselling author of Crown’s Game and Damsel
"The authors sustain tension via Fritzi and Otto’s alternating perspectives, and harrowing descriptions of body horror and trauma alongside quiet, tender moments of connection round out this beguiling series opener" - Publishers Weekly, STARRED review
- Young Adult Fiction / Fantasy / Romance
- Young Adult Fiction / Fantasy / Wizards & Witches
- Young Adult Fiction / Fantasy / Historical
Nevertheless, it did not come without its own benefits.
It was believed that witches had made pacts with the devil, and through their occult practices, caused harm to others, crops, and livestock. These fears were further intensified by natural disasters, such as famines and plagues, which were attributed to witchcraft. Witch trials became a spectacle, attracting crowds and garnering public attention. Witnesses, often coerced or incentivized, would testify against their neighbors and acquaintances, leading to a snowball effect of accusations and subsequent trials. The accused witches faced intense scrutiny and were subjected to various forms of torture to extract confessions. Methods of torture included the use of thumbscrews, the rack, and the strappado. Once an individual was deemed guilty of witchcraft, they would face execution. The methods of execution varied, but common practices included burning at the stake, hanging, or drowning. The accused person's property would be seized and their reputation tarnished, leaving their families in ruin. The witch hunter system eventually subsided as skepticism grew and rational thinking prevailed. Scholars and intellectuals began to question the validity of the evidence and the reliability of witnesses. Famous trials, such as the Salem witch trials in 1692, exposed the flawed nature of the witch hunter system, and the public's perception started to shift. In retrospect, the witch hunter system stands as a dark and tragic period in history. Countless innocent lives were lost to fear and superstition. It serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of mass hysteria and the consequences of blind belief. The lessons learned from this era have contributed to shaping a more enlightened and rational society today..
Reviews for "How the Witch Hunter System Has Shaped Historical Events"
1. Name: Alex - Rating: 1/5
Review: I found "The Witch Hunter System" to be incredibly disappointing. The concept was intriguing, but the execution fell flat. The characters felt one-dimensional, and the plot was predictable. Additionally, the writing style was lackluster and didn't engage me as a reader. Overall, I wouldn't recommend this book to anyone looking for a captivating and well-written witch-themed story.
2. Name: Sarah - Rating: 2/5
Review: I had high hopes for "The Witch Hunter System," but unfortunately, it didn't live up to my expectations. The pacing was slow, and the story dragged on unnecessarily. The dialogue felt forced and unnatural, making it difficult to connect with the characters. While there were a few interesting elements, they were overshadowed by the overall lackluster plot development. Overall, I was left feeling underwhelmed and wouldn't recommend this book to fellow readers.
3. Name: James - Rating: 2.5/5
Review: "The Witch Hunter System" had the potential to be a great read, but it fell short in several aspects. The world-building was minimal, leaving me with unanswered questions, and the magical system felt underdeveloped. The main character lacked depth, and their actions often felt illogical or inconsistent. Although there were some thrilling moments, they weren't enough to redeem the overall lack of cohesion in the story. I might consider giving the author another chance in the future, but for now, I can't recommend this book to others.
4. Name: Emily - Rating: 2/5
Review: I found "The Witch Hunter System" to be an uninspiring and predictable read. The plot followed the typical tropes of the genre without offering any unique twists or surprises. The writing style was mediocre, lacking depth and emotion. The character development was lacking, and I couldn't form a connection with any of the individuals in the story. Overall, it felt like a missed opportunity to create an engaging and memorable witch-themed novel. I wouldn't recommend it to fellow readers seeking a captivating read.