The Return of the Sorceress by Silvia Morena-Garcia

by MK French

Yalxi is the deposed Supreme Mistress of the Guild of Sorcerers, betrayed when her lover stole the diamond heart fueling her power, and her throne. Yalxi must regain her magic and find a weapon capable of destroying the usurper. To do that, she'll have to turn to unlikely allies and relive unpleasant memories. She once forged her path in blood, and it's time to deal with the consequences.

Amazon affiliate links are used on this site. A free book was provided for an honest review.

June 2021; Subterranean; 978-1645240303
ebook, print (96 pages); fantasy

The Return of the Sorceress was an amazingly fast read for me. There is so much vivid description, from the colors of items to the way magic pulls at the sorcerers using it for spells. Magic is something that takes incredible willpower and often sigils, words, items, or blood. Often sorcerers have spirits called nahual helping them, and the strongest have apprentices helping them. Long ago Yalxi, her lover Xellah and their friend deposed Teotah, their abusive master sorcerer. Yalxi took over from Teotah, and was almost as bad a despot as he was when Xellah seized power from her. He isn't as bad as Teotah was, and Yalxi wants revenge. It's vividly felt, from the first page to the last, and her journey is a visceral one. Magic isn't a lofty ideal in this book, but a skill honed with practice and blood.

Yalxi isn't exactly a friendly or fun kind of character, and she knows exactly what she is. She's a survivor, and the wrongs she did in the past gradually haunt her. There are consequences, ones she's willing to pay, and I really enjoyed seeing her story through to the end.

Buy The Return of the Sorceress at Amazon

Born and raised in New York City, M.K. French started writing stories when very young, dreaming of different worlds and places to visit. She always had an interest in folklore, fairy tales, and the macabre, which has definitely influenced her work. She currently lives in the Midwest with her husband, three young children, and a golden retriever.

Get even more book news in your inbox, sign up today! Girl Who Reads is an Amazon advertising affiliate; a small commission is earned when purchases are made at Amazon using any Amazon links on this site. Thank you for supporting Girl Who Reads.