The Witch Who Trades With Death is the newest fantasy novel by local author and internet sensation C.M. Alongi. It is due to arrive at DreamHaven in March.
The book is about a young woman named Khana who escapes a nasty life as a witch in service to the immortal emperor Yamueto. Not only is she forced to be his concubine; she must also participate in the emperor’s magical workings, which drain life from his enemies and channel it into the formation of terrible, mindless magical creatures. She wishes for a different life, but no witch has ever escaped Yamueto’s clutches, for long anyway. His empire is vast and powerful and ever-expanding.
Most of the magic in the book is based on the use and transfer of “âji,” a life force very similar to Qi (Chi). On the verge of her escape, Khana discovers a remarkably simple addition to the magical system, previously known only to the emperor. She learns that any witch can make deals with Death, trading pieces of their selves for extended life. Using this new, costly magic, Khana is able to make her way out of the empire, to the small mountain town of Pahuuda.
Despite the horrific things she has seen done with magic, and the abuse in Khana’s past, Khana remains oddly innocent. She sets about making a new home with nothing but determination and kindness. She uses her âji to heal, asking nothing in return. She finds people who are supportive and kind, even though they are suspicious of anyone from the empire. She starts to fall in love. Unfortunately, Pahuuda is directly in the path of Yamueto’s next expansion, and war is inevitable.
Like Khana, the book refuses to dwell on the gruesome magic or eventual terrible battles. The book remains upbeat throughout, concentrating on kindnesses between people and the camaraderie of found family. Khana’s past psychological trauma is acknowledged, but overcome fairly easily with the help of new friends. Even the deals with Death carry an innocence and helpfulness, which allows the story to count as a comfort read even though the plot contains rape, war, and trauma.
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