Press/Reviews

• "The Butcher and the Bard" is a Chrysalis Brew Project award winner, receiving their 5 Star Seal of Excellence! You can read their entire editorial review here.

  • "J. E. Harter has built an enthralling world in her book, The Butcher and the Bard. The culture, style, and dialect of each of the kingdoms are distinct. People have differing characteristics. Even the history of the land is well-crafted. I, especially, love the faerie aspect of the tale. I hope we get to know more about it in the next book. Also, I love how Harter blends magical elements with the political intrigue of the land. I have to say the action sequences are vividly depicted. Both Marai and Ruenen are skilled fighters. Harter’s words made me feel like I was there with them as they confronted their adversaries. Overall, I truly enjoyed reading the first book in the Dark Magic Series, The Butcher and the Bard. I am beyond eager to get my hands on the next book in the series. I really want to know the rest of Marai and Ruenen’s story. I highly recommend J. E. Harter’s The Butcher and the Bard to fans of the fantasy genre. People who love character-driven romance novels will love this book as well."

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• "Without being dramatic... how is the hype for this book not more?! I very luckily received this book as an ARC from @j.e.harter and when I say this book was everything I needed right now to get me out of my slump, I mean it. Marai is one of the coolest and crazy badass female characters I've read in a while! She's got power, skills, and so much sass that she was an absolute delight to read. Her past had my heart hurting, and although she'd probably gut me like a fish, I'd still love to hug her. Then you have Ruenen, what a funny sunshine indeed. He truly made me laugh through the book, and his sunny disposition worked so well with Marai. I found myself loving his honesty with his current position (can't give it away because spoilers) and how well he concealed parts of himself. I genuinely wasn't expecting his talent, especially as Ard the Bard 🤣👌. One character I thoroughly enjoyed but was very unsettled by was Rayghast. I am so fascinated by him that I can't wait until more is revealed; especially when it comes to Rhia. There seems a lot more to discover there 👀 This book was described as the witcher meets Throne of Glass, and whilst I have never read the witcher, I can 100% vouch for the TOG vibes! It's definitely good if you are having a book slump after it 😭 This is one of the best fantasy books I've read to date, and i can't wait to see how the series progresses. So far, this book is in the top 5 books I've read so far this year and why I can easily give this 5⭐️'s. If you're looking for a new book to add to your TBR, then make sure to make room for this one!" ~@sweeneyreadsbooks

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• "HOLY HECK was this an amazing, sweeping fantasy. I just. I was so enthralled with this book. From the first page, I was engaged with the world-building and I think it was done so incredibly well. There were no questions left about how this person had magic, where this person came from. There were multiple POVs which is normally a "no no" from me but this book made it so they were easy-to-follow and not confusing. There wasn't information overload and I was begging for more by the end." ~Taylor (Read With Tay)

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• The butcher meets a bard and together they set off on the most dangerous , life changing journey they could have ever imagined. Secrets are revealed, feelings are caught and tragedy strikes more than once. Reading this book I was constantly on edge, so much happens in those 320 pages , and honestly I don’t know how certain characters are still alive it was nail biting in some parts! 
  Highly packed with action, story telling , world building and characters that you either loved or hated. Our bard in the story Ruenen, is much more then he starts off as , as we delve deeper into the story his layers are peeled back and we are left with a man trying to find himself whilst also trying to run away from himself and I hope book 2 sees him well. Marai out butcher ,is the biggest of badass’s I clapped and cheered and I was In awe of her ( I know I was not the only one) the way she is written brings vengeful feminism to the forefront and I am here for it . I cannot wait for her to explore her magic and her identity further ! The connection that these two characters have is amazing what starts off as friendship and starts to develop into more but is stopped before anything can happen is torturous! Side characters in this novel were amazing I’m watching out for a certain vampire and all his knowledge ! The authors use of imagery is honestly second to none I can picture everything perfectly and it really gives this book a certain feel! The style of writing is captivating and page turning you have a real gift for sure. This high fantasy book could honestly rival big names like the hobbit , the Witcher etc it’s up there and I cannot wait for more. Speaking of more Excuse me ma’am … that ending ? I am too stunned to say anything I reeling over what happened when I say I need book 2 like right now it is not a joke ! Fans of the Witcher , game of thrones and empire of the damned will seriously love this book. Seriously an amazing read and I cannot wait to see what’s in store for our bard and butcher 5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️" ~Author Charlotte Ashby

 

• "This book *dramatic pause* …this is the kind of book I love. Fantasy with slow burn romance. This novel was so well written and such an easy fun read. Kept me at the edge of my seat. I felt every emotion the characters felt and was completely captivated. Amazing for a debut novel, standing ovation. The plot development and pace: 5 stars. It was easy to follow and action packed. The war among kingdoms and the magic being a mystery is so intriguing. Every character was well written and interesting, even the villains. I was able to immerse myself in the story and that is all I ask for. I got lost in their adventure and I need more. The trope of grumpy x sunshine was perfect! The thrills of a slow burn romance *sigh* I AM SO INVESTED IN MARAI AND RUENEN 💗 A cliffhanger of an ending! I teared up and just when I accepted the ending, the bonus chapters had me tearing up again. SO GOOD🔥❤️ I am very very excited for book 2. I really don’t understand how this book doesn't get more hype. No spice. It was a slow burn with some swoony vibes. Honestly it was perfectly written without spice, the focus on the journey these two characters had and how their relationship developed into a companionship was extremely enjoyable. It made their connection more realistic and the reaction to their feelings for each other more believable. Something Indie authors are just so good at." ~Jess (@romantasyarchives)​