I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
A woman seeking any job she can get after being released from a magical prison finds herself the unwitting new owner of a spellbound bank and faces untold danger in author Kathrin Hutson’s urban fantasy novel, “The Witching Vault”, the first in the Accessory to Magic series.
The Synopsis

Run the witching vault. Protect the Gateway. Say please. And don’t get killed.
After her release from magical prison, Jessica Northwood can’t hold a job to save her life. So when an apprenticeship opens up at a spellbound bank, no questions asked, she can’t exactly say no… But she definitely should have.
Her new boss is an eccentric scryer witch who can read Jessica’s mind but can’t remember her name. Winthrop & Dirledge Security Banking can think for itself and has a serious attitude problem. But after Jessica’s previous line of work, this should be a piece of cake—until a murder in the bank takes things to a whole new level. Now her contract says she’s the new owner, Jessica has no idea what she’s doing, and the bank won’t let her leave.
For centuries, the bank’s owners have stood between the Gateway in the upstairs hall and the occult syndicate who want it for themselves. As she deals with magical clientele who know the stakes far better than she does, Jessica must decide just how far she’s willing to go to keep this job. Because if she doesn’t, she’ll end up as dead as the body in the lobby. Or worse.
Illona Andrews’ Inkeeper Chronicles meets The Magicians in this snarky, fast-paced Urban Fantasy Adventure from International Bestselling Author Kathrin Hutson.
The Review
A fantastic start to a new fantasy series, author Kathrin Hutson does an incredible job of crafting a larger than life, fantastic world. What stands out immediately is how the author writes in an authoritative voice that showcases how the world around the protagonist is already well-established. It gives the sense that this world is already fully lived in and allows the story to flow more smoothly.
The tone and character growth shine brightly in this book. Typically this type of novel approaches the narrative with a very dark tone with light or almost non-existent humor, but the author flips the script wonderfully by crafting an atmosphere and fantasy world where magic is not only the norm, but witches, necromancers, and more all interact with one another.
The protagonist is by far the true star of this novel, however, as Jessica brings the charm, the wit, and the mystery to this novel. Jessica’s backstory is hinted at, but the author does a great job of keeping most of it a mystery, allowing the character and story to speak for themselves while hinting at the larger world the author is crafting. What makes her interactions so humorous is when the established witch finds herself interacting with forces even she has trouble comprehending, including a sentient building and so much more.
The Verdict
A compelling, engaging, and evenly-paced read, author Kathrin Hutson’s “The Witch Vault” is a must-read urban fantasy novel. A fresh adult spin on the fantasy genre reminiscent of the acclaimed series The Magicians, the author perfectly cements this larger than life world with charming and relatable characters, action, and magic that all fantasy fans won’t want to miss. If you haven’t yet be sure to grab your copy today!
Rating: 10/10
About the Author

International Bestselling Author Kathrin Hutson has been writing Dark Fantasy, Sci-Fi, and LGBTQ Speculative Fiction since 2000. With her wildly messed-up heroes, excruciating circumstances, impossible decisions, and Happily Never Afters, she’s a firm believer in piling on the intense action, showing a little character skin, and never skimping on violent means to bloody ends. Kathrin is an active member of SFWA and HWA and lives in Vermont with her husband, daughter, and two dogs.
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