Synopsis
Caught in a scandal with Lord Arle that draws the attention of King Harald’s Inquisition, Shenagh is forced to flee her home into the Dark Wood. The young hedge witch, pursued by Master Macon den Lough and his henchman, Cobb, is tested by the forest’s rugged terrain, dangerous predators, and legendary monsters.
Review
When you pick up an E.L. Montague story, you know you’re in for something a little different. A little darker. A little more visceral. Montague doesn’t shy away from the brutal, the sexual, or the violent, and if you’re not prepared for that, this isn’t the book for you, but if you are prepared, what you’ll find is a story that is extremely well written, carried by prose with a steady rhythm where each word bleeds seamlessly into the next.
The best way I can describe the vibe is this: reading E.L. Montague feels like watching a Quentin Tarantino movie. There’s that same blend of unflinching brutality, sharp dialogue, and dark, crass humor that somehow makes you laugh even when you probably shouldn’t be laughing. It’s a specific wavelength, and Montague is tuned into it perfectly.
The true highlight of To Catch a Witch is the banter and relationship between Cobb and Master Macon. It’s genuinely funny, deeply relatable, and like everything else in the story, unafraid to dip into darker territory when the moment calls for it. Their dynamic kept me turning pages even when the story went to places that made me wince.
The descriptions throughout are concise and poignant. Montague doesn’t waste words, and the result is prose that paints vivid pictures without ever overstaying its welcome.Montague’s work isn’t for everyone, and that’s not a criticism. It’s a feature. If you like your fantasy dark, sharp, and unapologetic with humor that bites as hard as the violence, To Catch a Witch is well worth your time.
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