The characters are so fantastic and full of personality that even in the first chapter it's hard to not simply adore them, but there seems to be real depth that is yet to be explored as the chapters continue.

The (rightfully) pessimistic Moodie and the flamboyant yet caring Alabrasta are in my opinion the stars of the show, though I am a bit biased on that, but the adorably chaotic fae faun Faylie and the blunt paladin Tegan are quite interesting in theur own right.

The story and setting are fascinating, a unique look at a fantasy time period not typically explored. A real mystery is afoot from the very beginning, and it dragged me in immediately.

Even if you don't connect well with gender related drama, I believe this story is more then worth your time.

8 Likes · Like

Ivory-Valynor

Status: c(1-22) lilium

Aug 9, 2024

A well written story with a curious but fun setting blending fantasy and what I can only describe as 1908 mudpunk.

The main character, 'Oscar' (name pending, read for details), is a complicated character *full* of negative thoughts and.. On one hand it's frustrating but on the other I GET it. The characters, with very few exceptions, feel real. Ambitions and pasts and those desperate attempts to hold onto yourself and your ideals in the face of change, in the face of threat and fear.

It's good. You should check it out.

4 Likes · Like

Crashley

Status: Finished

Nov 22, 2024

Witch Hunt is, in my impression, the best a microgenre can get and an extremely rewarding read.

Among the microgenre of eggfics, this leads the race by no slim margin. Eggfics are stories whose main or primary arc is focused on a transgender character recognizing that they're trans. Most eggfics romanticize the process, portraying the process of self-actualization as a smooth, frictionless, saccharine experience in a manner I find idealistic to the point of being unrealistic. While you personally may enjoy and are entitled to stories of an idealized transition, one that never requires deep, gritty introspection and personal growth, I personally am exhausted by how bloated the microgenre is.

Witch Hunt is, beyond a shadow of a doubt, the perfect answer to my complaint. We are given a thorough look through the warped perspective of one Oscar Bromley. We experience the slow, gritty process of someone deeply trapped in layers of incorrect rationalization and self-loathing slowly unlearning those very-much-learned character flaws from his interactions with the charming and entertaining core cast. To put it simply, it makes for an extremely rewarding read. This goes doubly so for trans readers seeking a breath of fresh air after the ubiquitous portrayal of easy, unrewarding character development the microgenre is overinflated with.

For non-trans readers, Witch Hunt is still a very entertaining read for fans of the fantasy genre. While it relies on plenty of tropes and recognizable fantasy races and creatures, Joobie incorporates them quite fluidly into its incisive narrative. What was once a bunch of disparate fantasy races becomes the core of a political mystery-thriller that holds no punches in its allegory to our reality.

Spoiler

One aspect of the political narrative I feel is rewarding to sit down and digest is how fascist political narratives demonize minority groups and how, in the fascists' perspective, this leads to a very perceived fear of a marginalized communities particular vulnerabilities and needs.

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Overall, Witch Hunt feels like a thorough character study, intrigue-laden political thriller, and fun fantasy romp all mixed together into a wonderful story that keeps you on the edge of your seat. This is genuinely one of my favorite reads in the past few years, and I heartily recommend it.

Spoiler

I chose to misgender the protagonists to avoid the many spoilers that properly gendering her and Fear would lead to.

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3 Likes · Like

jwin

Status: (1-28) lunafaction

Sep 6, 2024

Best writing on the site, they just need a good editor. I'd sign them if I could.

3 Likes · Like

Seiba

Status: c1-43

Nov 13, 2024

I've never had a story chokeslam me into a wall hard enough that I pay for the patreon for more, yet here I am.

Witch Hunt is a beautiful story that sometimes hits wayyy too close to home, while having such a full and vibrant world. Each character just feels so real that you can't help but fall in love with every single one. It's so easy to see how much love and care has been put into this story, and I can't help but want more.

It is so rare for a story to get me to feel as strong of emotions as this story has.

Spoiler

When Moodie finally starts to think things were ok, but has the big argument before storming out with the watch I felt a pit open in my stomach. Watching Moodie be stuck in the loop of the watch, and be unable to forgive and move on, the constant spiral of self hatred hit me in the soul. When Moodie finally cast aside their selfish desire and cast the watch off the tower to save Allie, I just about jumped out of my chair out of excitement.

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I love this story, and very few stories even come close. Nay, few written works regardless of genre or medium come close to this story. If you haven't read this, this is your chance.

2 Likes · Like

anticode

Status: Finished

Nov 27, 2024

I tend to rate things harshly, with 3 stars being "passable but not extraordinary." Had I the ability to rate higher, I genuinely would. Take my at my word when I say that I think this is truly a fantastic book worth reading.

Many people talk about the trans themes throughout the book and, yes, there are a lot of that and they're fantastically executed, but even if those kinds of stories aren't for you I would recommend this. The story is incredibly progressive and has very well-thought out and nuanced stories.

There's a decently long stretch that's hard to read (you'll know it when you get to it), in a train crash way, but even that is still a good read and once you get to the other side of it, it's well worth it.

I've currently read the epilogue (chapter 47, which, at the time of writing just came out on Patreon - which was well worth it, by the way), but there is another book on the way and I'll be reading it when it comes.

For the author; genuinely, thank you for such a good read.

1 Likes · Like

Xaio

Status: current

Nov 7, 2024

I have followed this story since the start, and I cannot give it anything but my wholehearted recommendation.

Witch Hunt not only delivers on its synopsis, but also completely exceeds it, because the author, joobie, is legitimately an emotional poet. What is so beautiful about this story is that, like Alabastra, it is unabashedly flawed. In fact, it revels in its imperfection, and by doing so, reveals the neglected humanity and struggle amongst its contradictory yet lively cast. Every chapter is full to the brim with character, and like a boat cruising the waves, it carries you along through its high-highs and low-lows with incredible storytelling.

Whether you come for a deep introspection of identity and love, or for an adventure of a lifetime, I sincerely believe that this story will have something for you, doubtlessly in more ways than you may initially expect.

1 Likes · Like

Laxx

Status: (1-36) witch’s ash

Oct 12, 2024

This series is very good. It deals with a main character and the relationships he has with his, companions, but no other aspect of the story is ignored. Good world building, atmosphere, interesting side characters, you name it. In a sense there is a part of the story that I would classify as 'drama', and that's not normally what I like but it's well done here. You should read this

1 Likes · Like