While I really liked the premise of this book, I found the magic system a little confusing. I’m still not sure what exactly the main character’s power was, along with many of the other witches. I liked the relationships in the book, and thought they were well developed. The ending felt a little rushed, but it was a happy ending.

A sweet historical romance with witches.

The 3rd person writing allows for you to be confused on everyones true intentions. This provides a good amount of manipulation and unknowing who truely should be trusted.

Without Words by Mae Thorn is a masterpiece! Mae is a genious! I loved everything about this book. The characters are fantastic and the story is immaculate.

When I first read the premise for this book, it sounded right up my street - a historical fantasy with hearing loss representation. However, despite being all of these things, I struggled to immerse myself in the story. It is by no means a bad novel, the writing is lyrical and very descriptive, however I found Cassandra’s perspective to be a little confusing. I think this probably had more to do with the pacing rather than the writing as I found things moved so quickly from setting to setting that I couldn’t focus fully whilst reading. I felt as if my attention was being pulled along by the prose but it became more jumbled the more I read. This meant that although I flew through the story, it was a little muddled at times, especially concerning the line of romance for Cassandra.

Overall, I really liked the descriptiveness of the writing in this story but found it a little confusing and felt that the speed of the plot left me a little breathless.

Thank you to the author, the publisher and to NetGalley for allowing me access to this story.

I really wanted to like this book, but I have to DNF at 27%. When I read the description, saw that this was an indie author who loves historical fiction, I was sold! Unfortunately, I ultimately couldn’t follow along with the story..

Without Words is a historical fantasy about woman named Cassandra who loses her hearing after a man touches her.

The narrative felt abrupt and confusing. After Cassandra loses her hearing she travels to a coastal town with her aunt to heal. Within the first 25% of this book, the MMC falls for her (with very little dialogue to explain why?), her aunt suddenly passes under suspicious circumstances , she realizes she can detect witches and she makes the decision to team up with a witch hunter.

The story was so confusing when Cassandra woke to a knock at the door and respond “I hear you!” Didn’t Cassandra lose her hearing?

Thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to provide this honest review. I really wish I could have gotten though this one.

I adored this book and was bowled over when I read that the author used this novel to help her come to terms with her own hearing loss. Mae Thorn’s Without Words is a captivating and emotionally charged fantasy romance that explores themes of trust, identity, and the power of love in a world where magic and morality collide. With its richly drawn characters and intricate plot, this novel is a compelling journey of self-discovery and the choices that define us.

The story follows Cassandra Poole, a young woman who loses her hearing after an encounter with an alluring stranger in her family’s apothecary. Along with her hearing loss, Cassandra gains the ability to detect witches—a gift that comes with a heavy price. Desperate to find a cure, Cassandra turns to the witch hunter, Lord Lyme, even if it means betraying her own kind.

Niko Moore, the stranger with powerful empathic abilities, is determined to protect witches and their freedom. As he falls for Cassandra, he must confront the difficult choice of standing against her or betraying his fellow witches. Their growing attraction and conflicting loyalties create a tension-filled dynamic, forcing both characters to question their beliefs and the lengths they are willing to go for love and justice.

Thorn’s writing is both lyrical and evocative, capturing the emotional depth and moral complexity of Cassandra and Niko’s journey. The novel’s exploration of themes like trust, identity, and the cost of power is both poignant and thought-provoking. Cassandra’s struggle with her newfound abilities and her desire for a cure makes her a relatable and compelling protagonist, while Niko’s empathy and determination add depth to the narrative.

The supporting cast, including the enigmatic Lord Lyme and the various witches Cassandra encounters, adds richness and tension to the story. The pacing is well-balanced, with each twist and turn heightening the emotional stakes and keeping readers engaged. Thorn’s prose is elegant and immersive, capturing the beauty and danger of the world with equal skill.

Without Words is a story of love and sacrifice, of the choices that define us and the power of trust. It’s a tale that will resonate with fans of fantasy romance and leave them reflecting on the true cost of power and the bonds that unite us. A perfect read for enjoyers of fantasy romance, stories of magic and morality, and narratives that explore themes of trust and identity.