Gutterwitch

A scullery maid with forbidden magic. A fallen star with an impossible promise. A war that will change the fate of witchkind forever.

'Magnificent storytelling and a tremendously well-realized world . . . Esmie Jikiemi-Pearson has breathed new life into the genre' Chloe Gong, No.1 New York Times and Sunday Times bestselling author of These Violent Delights _____________________________

MAGIC WILL NOT BE CONTROLLED – AND NEITHER WILL SHE.

Scullery maid Joan has always known her place. Bound in service to a powerful witching house, she is maid and companion to Belinda, their treasured heir. But when she stumbles upon a fallen star and makes an impossible wish, she becomes a most fearsome and forbidden thing: a witch with wild magic.

When Joan and Belinda are invited to study at an elite university, Joan is swept into a world of ancient academia, ruthless politics, and intoxicating power. Shunned for her lack of lineage, her magic nonetheless flourishes – and she is drawn to Silas, her enigmatic mentor, and Caspar, a fellow outcast and the bastard son of a faerie queen.

As Joan’s powers grow, she is thrust into a web of secrets that threatens the fragile peace between witches and fae. With her heart and loyalties divided, Joan stands at the front lines of a war that will shape her destiny – and the fate of witchkind forever.

Gutterwitch is the first book in a sweeping romantic fantasy duology about wild magic, found family, and the price of power. Perfect for readers of Naomi Novik's Uprooted, Wicked, and dark academia fantasy. _____________________________

‘Lyrical, dreamlike, and enchanting . . . this was an unforgettable read – and my favourite book of the year.' Imani Erriu, Sunday Times bestselling author of Heavenly Bodies

'Extraordinary and enchanting . . . Reading this book feels like finding real magic' Katherine Webber, Sunday Times bestselling author of Twin Crowns

© 2027 Bloomsbury Archer (Audiobook): 9781037200328

Release date

Audiobook: 25 March 2027