Review: The Moorwitch by Jessica Khoury

The Moorwitch by Jessica Khoury
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I was provided an ALC of this book via Netgalley, all opinions are my own.  In full transparency I also own the kindle version as it was the book I picked as part of my Amazon Prime FirstReads for October 2025.  I was excited to receive the audiobook and read along with the kindle version, it has become my new favorite way to consume books.  I very much enjoyed the narrator and though she did a great job with all of the characters.

This fantasy romance follows Rose, a witch who at a young age made a bargain with a fairy when she didn't understand the terms or the consequences.  She was only trying to escape a terrible situation and protect herself.  Now 12 years later she has dedicated her life to teaching other young orphaned witches about their powers in a controlled environment, but as her 21st birthday approaches she is finding it harder and harder to channel her own magic.  She comes to find that her bargain with the fae is slowly killing her, and until she repays the debt she will continue to experience pain and loss of her power until her death in mere weeks.  Conveniently she is placed on leave from her order and as instructor until she can rest and regain control of her magic and is able to help Lachlan, the fae she owes the debt, on a mission to re-enter the world of faerie and save her magic and life.  

To repay what she owes, Rose must journey to Scotland and find a way into the fae realm and retrieve something for Lachlan.  To succeed in her mission she must act as governess for a grumpy Laird and his hellion of a younger sister.  Conrad is not keen on magic, but his sister Sylvie finds it fascinating and wants Rose to teach her everything.  Conrad loves his sister and wants to protect her and Rose threatens the walls he has built with her magic and her pretty face.  As she spends time with the family she not only bonds with Sylvie, she begins to melt Conrad's icy heart and learns that he has many secrets he's been keeping.  Her own secrets threaten their budding romance as well as her deal with Lachlan as she discovers the true nature of the fae's plans.  

I very much enjoyed this as we get some lore, a sweet romance, action, banter, and magic.  Sylvie adds humor to the book with her little sister antics and curiosity, which I thought was a nice touch.  The world building was well done as the author does a good job describing the Scottish moors as well as the magical aspects of the world.  The magic system was unique and well crafted, I always appreciate understanding how a magic system works.  This book does start out a bit slow as things get set up, but things pick up as Rose learn more about the fae and as the stakes get higher.  

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