The Never Witch

In a world of witches and warlocks, the deadliest magic might be the kind never meant to exist. 

Adeline Thorne was born to a witch. But when the magic that should have been her birthright never came, rage and humiliation drove her into a reckless rebellion. She lost everything: her coven, her pride, and her marriage.

Years later, she's built a quiet life in the Pacific Northwest, distant from all things magic. She's a portrait painter, a big sister, loving aunt, and ex-wife. And that was enough. It had to be.

Until a convicted warlock, desperate to escape his fate, forces his magic into her. But warlock magic is lethal to witches, a slow death. As the power manifests, Adeline knows she's running out of time. With no other option, she turns to the last person she ever wanted to face again: the priestess who exiled her. A woman she despises.

But the priestess's help comes at a price. Assigned to protect her is Luke Churchwell, a brooding runecaster with his own secrets—secrets that tie him to the warlock who cursed her. The deeper Adeline is pulled into the coven's hunt for the rogue warlock, the more she realizes her greatest threat may not be the magic inside her… but the man assigned to guard her.

If you love the dark magic of Rachel Griffin, the sharp dialogue of V.E. Schwab, and the emotional landscapes of Alix E. Harrow, you'll be spellbound by The Never Witch.

McLean's writing has never been more stylish and powerful—this book raises the bar on craft—Ottawa Review of Books

Original, unique, clever, deftly crafted, and a simply riveting and fun read from start to finish—Midwest Book Review

The Never Witch is perfect for readers who like their fantasy grounded in emotion and their magic served with a side of grit—Literary Titan