The Witch Who Chases the Sun Review

Whoa! Where do I begin with this one?

The Witch Who Chases the Sun by Dawn Chen is a high fantasy book set mostly in the country of Inabri (inspired by Great Britain) and partially in another country called Aixauh (inspired by China). The story follows two witches (well, one oracle and one alchemist) named Anne and Chely (real name Cai-Li). Chely has returned to her old lover Anne after finding out that people from the town nearby Anne's castle are starting to disappear. Chely tries to find out what the whole deal is while trying to rekindle her relationship with Anne.

We find out that Inabri (where Anne is from) and Aixauh (where Chely is originally from) have had two wars back to back with each other, and both girls appear to have trauma from it all. The story also has a ton of other flashbacks to times before, during, and after the girls were with each other. Other people from their pasts also come into the picture: a close friend of theirs named Cole, a notorious pirate named Ark Li, and an orphan they saved named Maev.

Well, let's just say we discover so many twists, turns, and secrets that end the story in a bittersweet way. 

This book was not what I expected, and in a good way! There were so many discussions on discrimination, how war impacts people, different values and beliefs, and generational trauma. It deals with a lot of heavy stuff, but it ultimately has a message of hope. The magic system is also really cool! And of course, our main characters are a sapphic couple. 

I gave it 5 stars. This book needs more love!