A SPELL FOR HEARTSICKNESS The Rune Tithe, Book 1

James Joseph narrates a queer romantasy about a young witch who is searching for his path in life. After he completes his magical apprenticeship, a prophecy sends witch Briar Wyngrave to the tiny island of Coill Darragh to start his magical career and to find his destined love. Joseph captures Briar's flighty and somewhat twee personality but also digs deeper into the emotional pain that his flippancy hides, making for a nuanced depiction of contrasts. Several frightening scenes allow Joseph to give emotional heft to his narration, making them stand out in his notable performance. Unexpected moments of humor, often from Vatii, Briar's acerbic magpie familiar, round out Joseph's satisfying narration. K.M.P. © AudioFile 2025, Portland, Maine [Published: FEBRUARY 2025]