Witchkiller, by Ashlee Latimer

dark fairy-tale retelling • Hansel and Gretel reimagining • fake engagement • witches • forbidden magic

She was raised to fear witches. She was taught to kill them. But what if the monster was never the witch at all? In this dark, enchanting reimagining of Hansel and Gretel, Gretel is haunted by the witch she killed and trapped by a family determined to control her future. When a chance encounter with Prince Wilfried leads to a convenient fake engagement, Gretel sees a way to escape an unwanted marriage. But an unexpected connection with a community of witches challenges everything she has been taught. As dangerous family secrets come to light, Gretel must confront the truth about the past, the power she has yet to claim, and whether the Witchkiller can become something entirely different.

Spice Level: 🌶️ 1/5

The Vibe

Gretel is a determined, haunted heroine struggling to reclaim control of her life after being shaped by violence, family expectations, and fear. Prince Wilfried offers a charming escape from an unwanted future, while Katharina, a beautiful and mysterious witch, opens Gretel's eyes to a world beyond the stories she has always believed.

With a gothic fairy-tale atmosphere, a slow-blooming romance, witchy sisterhood, and questions of identity and belonging, this is a dark yet empowering fantasy for readers who love familiar fairy tales turned upside down.

Tropes & Tags

• Dark Hansel and Gretel retelling

• Fake engagement

• Royal romance

• Witches and witchcraft

• Found family

• Hidden truths

• Strong heroine

• Feminine empowerment

• Gothic fairy-tale fantasy