The House Witch by Delemhach: A Cozy Fantasy Book Review
Spoilers inside, read with care
Did you know that a witch can be a house witch? After reading this delightful book, I am wishing that I was a house witch or maybe was blessed to live with one.
To get us started, please take a moment to enjoy the cover! I would like to climb right on into this kitchen to visit and maybe even cook something up. It is enchanting and cozy before even turning a page.
The House Witch is the story of Finlay Ashowan adventures in becoming the cook for the King and Queen of Daxaria along with all the people who live in the castle. This story is wonderfully told from various perspectives including a grouchy house witch, a fluffy kitty, and a noble lady. It is filled with the daily intrigue of castle life Fin’s struggle to make a place for himself in his new role as cook, intriguing romantic interludes, and of course descriptions of tasty meals.
Life in such an abode is complicated as the people involved form relationships with one another and navigate social norms as well as expectations. We find out that war is afoot along with a steady influx of impending festivities. As cook, Fin must provide three meals a day for all of these. It seems to be a grind that he is mostly happy to endure.
I loved the way the characters grew out of their societal masks and at times mis-lead behaviors to show their true hearts. It was a beautiful nod to how each of us can grow as our hearts open, let down our guard, and be more of who we truly are.
In addition to making delicious food all day long, everyday, Fin fiercely protects those under his care. Often with a whole lot of gruffiness that is easily softened as he faces the humanity of the people involved.
Beware that you will find some silly, kind of slapstick moments in the book as well!
This book is very cozy in moments but it does have some triggers to be aware of such as child abuse and bullying. Happily these are brought into the story with the context of working through them.
Herbs In This Book
Fin the house witch, has a healer for a mother, and so like many in the herbal tradition, herbalism has likely been passed along to Fin as part of his childhood. Also, being a house witch, he is drawn to help those who live in his home helping to soothe those folk. Mainly occupying and operating from the kitchen, we see Fin employ a lot of herbs in his recipes (after all cooking with herbs is a great way to use them every day) including teas specially brewed for the castle’s occupants. There are quite a few herbs touched on in this book.
Basil (Ocimum basilicum) is growing in the garden and surely used in Fin’s tasty dishes.
Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla, M. recutita) used as a tea to soothe stress in the castle.
Dill (Anethum graveolens) is part of a delicious egg recipe served to the young prince.
Garlic (Allium sativum) also part of that tasty egg dish for prince Eric.
Lavender (Lavandula officinalis, L. latifolia) this lovely herbs shows up in tea and in my favorite herbal moment shared below!
Pepper, black (Piper nigrum) flavoring for eggs and yummy food.
Peppermint (Mentha x piperita) used as a tea in many instances in this book.
Roses (Rosa spp.) make up a maze where people fall in love and the symbolism is used a few times in the story.
Rosemary (Salvia rosmarinus) is referenced as a scent. Rosemary often symbolizes remembrance.
Sage (Salvia officinalis) part of my favorite herbal moment shared below!
Spices—unspecified, used in the flavoring of a soothing milk and a delightful scent of a lady.
Did I miss any? Let me know!
Favorite Herbal Moment
Fin’s mother, Katelyn. I was so, so happy to get to meet her on the pages in this book. The author brought in her comforting presence through aroma. There is something so comforting about the smell of a beloved person. Fin’s mother smells of lavender and sage.
“Kate let out a loud shriek and, without a second glance at her traveling companion, ran straight toward her son.
She threw her arms around him, laughing joyously, and squeezed him with all her might. Fin towered over her, yet her arms still felt comforting as he hugged her thin body back. He breathed in the familiar scent of his mother: lavender and sage. His old home.”
Both sage and lavender are from the mint family. Mint family herbs tend to be nervines that help to comfort and stimulate all at once. Lavender is well-known for its calming and centering abilities. While sage brings in a bit more grounding and earthiness. Sage imparts the symbolism of wisdom while lavender is said to symbolize devotion. What could better represent a mother who deeply cares for her son and is a healer?
All in all
This book is a bit of a romp with a good bit of character growth, kindness, and cozy fantasy elements. Give it a read!