Witches, Boys, and Other Monsters

Self-Published

Community Rating

Description

Beware of Old Witch Scraggsies!A pact with the darkness left her twisted and deformed. Strange noises and flashes of light have been coming out of her basement at night, and her pet monster stalks children from the shadows.Lies. All lies.Eliza Scaggs (not Scraggsies, thank you very much) is tired of all the rumors about her. Sure, she’s looking a bit haggard as of late, but she’s been working herself to the bone on a secret government project to prove that she, the only woman in the wizard’s guild, actually belongs there. So, maybe she’s got some gray in her hair, but she’s not old, not old-old— and the only thing she’s made a pact with is her purveyor of rot brew tea.Okay, the pet monster thing is true, but Throat Ripper hasn’t caught anyone, not yet.She’s even taken on a new apprentice...Mentoring a teen, that’s not something a twisted hell spawn would do, right?Still, there is something off about the boy, Oliver. He’s a good kid, but he’s quiet, too quiet, and she’s worried that when he asks if she can “fix” people, he means himself... ⬥New Chapters weekly, featuring human drawn art!⬥Magic is Science, driving the industrial revolution.⬥ An evolvingEpictale ofWars and Gods.⬥ Character arcs ofRedemption and Found Family.⬥LGBT:Trans, lesbian, and gay main characters.⬥Straightmain characters too!⬥ Book one is 49 chapters around 450 pages

Information

Status: Ongoing
Year: 2025
Author: blugail

Royal Road Stats

Rating: 4.8/ 5.0
Followers: 1,881
Views: 184,383

Chapters(50 total)

What readers say about Witches, Boys, and Other Monsters

“The opening blurb of Witches, Boys, and Other Monsters roped me in with its dry humor, and the book itself did not disappoint. Woven throughout the story is the constant, subtle wit of the author. And that wit is needed because the subject matter is grave i…”
Ayela ArcanaRoyal Road5.0 / 5
“This is a story that I started on a whim, quickly caught up with, and then promptly bought the full copy just so I could finish it now. I did not expect to be so taken with a cozy, heart wrenching, well written adventure that made me feel a bit too much. Th…”
Dame AlannaRoyal Road5.0 / 5

Reviews

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Community Reviews(10)

Ayela ArcanaRoyal Road
★★★★★ 5.0
The opening blurb of Witches, Boys, and Other Monsters roped me in with its dry humor, and the book itself did not disappoint. Woven throughout the story is the constant, subtle wit of the author. And that wit is needed because the subject matter is grave indeed.
Oliver’s life is not easy, and blugail hits us with emotional scenes that get the heart racing. The portrayal of abuse is quite unlike most of what I’ve read because the villain forces Oliver to self-destruct; an apt metaphor for what the tormentors in our lives cause us to do to ourselves. It’s not easy to read those scenes, but they are written with such a unique perspective that I have to give blugail my praise.
And in the way of this very masterful writer, every time I got distressed by the terrible things that happened to Oliver and Eliza, there was a juxtaposition of kindness and humor that helped to soften the blows.
That’s part of what makes blugail stand out as a storyteller: the balance of light and dark. The dualities are playing with each other throughout each chapter and throughout the book. And in the middle of that, the characters grow individually and into each other.
blugail explores poignant identity issues throughout Witches through the art of weaving a tale of exploration: both the individual exploration and the characters playing off each other and developing as they go through life together.
I’m discussing all of these facts in a way that is so boring you probably don’t want to keep reading this. Go read this story instead! blugail is a fantastic story teller!
There’s feelings! And cool magic! And action scenes! And so much droll humor! Go, people!
* Note: I received an ARC and reviewed at Chapter 45.
Dame AlannaRoyal Road
★★★★★ 5.0
This is a story that I started on a whim, quickly caught up with, and then promptly bought the full copy just so I could finish it now. I did not expect to be so taken with a cozy, heart wrenching, well written adventure that made me feel a bit too much.
The main characters and side characters are filled with life, have clear motivations, painful weaknesses, and make me care about them while heartedly. In kind, the antagonists are the kind of villain that just makes you want to reach through the pages and strangle them. Which is exactly what a good villain should make you feel.
The story is a fairly straightforward coming of age/adventure story, but through a lense of lgbtq+ issues and fears. We follow an ostracized wizardess and her new apprentice as they are sucked into a plot to destabilize the nation they both reside in. There are twists and turns, but for the most part the story is fairly straightforward. Now this isn't a bad thing, it allows the author more time to focus on the internal and external emotional struggles that both of our main characters are going through, while still having enough tension to make you want to know what happens next.
There are very few, maybe none, spelling/grammar issues. The writing is concise, flows well, and the action is well paced and easy to get a picture of in my head. The overall pacing is good and the couple of perspective shifts away from our main characters feel appropriate.
Please please please give this story a look. Sometimes it can be a struggle to find good representation in media and it would be a shame to not support such a well written example.
CaptainGuyRoyal Road
★★★★★ 5.0
This book is well written and the characters feel real in a surprising way, as if you are being allowed to witness the lives of people in another world. I really enjoyed that aspect of it. I love the dialogue and interactions and just how real everything feels. Eliza and Oliver are presented with honesty that makes their reactions and choices feel natural.
The narrative gives attention to small actions and private thoughts. The pacing is steady and does not create frustration. It lets the characters exist in their moments. This makes the world feel grounded.
The prose is polished. The movement between description and dialogue flows naturally. The chapter illustrations give the book a distinct look and add to its personality. Grammar and word choice are clean and controlled.
The story has a dreamy flow that works well and makes it very easy to read. The relationships starts with tension and develops into something that helps each of them heal. Oliver’s struggle with his father’s cruelty is handled with care. His growth feels steady and believable. Eliza’s presence is different from the rumors around her, and what we have seen of her so far suggests more to come.
The magical world feels imaginative. It avoids the usual school model and focuses on the relationship between apprentice and mentor. Heavier subjects are handled with seriousness when needed and with gentle humor at the right time.
I really enjoyed this, I found myself getting swept up with each chapter I read. It’s just damn good really well written. The author shows a very strong talent for storytelling, I’m not surprised there’s consistent readers across stories. I’ll be following, most definitely recommend
EdenCRoyal Road
★★★★★ 5.0
I wasn’t sure what to expect when I started reading this but I get the idea of something light with a bit of magic but, I was surprised by how emotionally it was.
The story begins about the MC taking a boy in and suspect the boy was her rival spy. The story itself is a slow, steady story with multiple POV pivot. From the MC's and the Boy's slowly turning into survival and gried and hesistant trust.
Style is great! I hate story with dumping info of lore and prefer the one with we slowly discover it together with the character inside. The Author just did it like that. Instead of directly explaining things she tweak it for example: The MC interview with the Boy, you will know what I mean when you read it.
The character is very human, not just a character created by the author who does whatever the author writes. There is a 'human' feel you can see it directly. Like that time the boy was caught dazing by the MC; the MC thought he was just gazing at girls and didn’t like it. But later, she found out he was actually looking at their 'good clothes,' which he didn’t have, and the MC felt sorry after that.
Grammar very well polished and little issue, the story reading experience was very smooth.
Overall if you're into a slowburn story, try this one and a tiny details about the book, the Author did put some illustration for the chapters which for me was a gold.
EnernaxRoyal Road
★★★★★ 5.0
This is a compelling fantasy story that skillfully weaves together themes of identity, belonging, and the courage to be oneself. It´s story of two people—the wary wizardess Eliza and the abused boy Oliver—who find an unexpected and subtle connection. Their dynamic is masterfully done, avoiding a straight-forward master-apprentice relationship in favor of a cautious and slow-blossoming bond.
Eliza, having been betrayed before, is caring without being soft. Her acts of kindness, like giving Oliver a blanket and a shed to sleep in, are subtle, showing her consideration while still maintaining a safe distance.
Oliver, on the other hand, has internalized the shame from his stepfather's abuse. He is reserved and quiet, but his intelligence and empathy shine through, making him incredibly easy to root for. Their similar personalities mean that the exploration of their personal issues will be a slow and rewarding process. He is also particularly well-written as a transgender character whose struggles feel authentic and nuanced, dealing with both magical inadequacy and gender dysphoria without either feeling forced or overly explained.
The story handles discrimination thoughtfully - Oliver's experiences with his abusive stepfather, Eliza's reputation as a "witch," and the prejudice both face feel grounded in real social dynamics.
The writing style is clean and professional, with dialogue that carries weight and importance. The plot, while slow-burning, is perfectly paced to allow for a deep dive into the characters and the world. Overall, it's a super enjoyable read that I would recommend and one I intend to continue with. I will update the review as I read more chapters if needed.
Faedin V.Royal Road
★★★★★ 5.0
It’s been a while since I’ve read a book with witches in it, and I’m really glad I found this one. I didn’t know what to expect before starting the first chapter. I was half thinking it would kick off with some coven in the middle of a ritual, tossing fireballs around or something. It didn’t, and I’m honestly happy about it.
It starts off super grounded and natural, and right away I liked Eliza. But as I kept reading, I got pulled into the story more and more and suddenly I was completely in it.
And Oliver… man. At first I was just like “oh no, poor kid, he’s got it rough,” but then I started actually caring to the point where every time Messer opened his mouth, I found myself thinking “you absolute donkey of a man, leave Oliver alone, I hope in the next chapter Oliver unlocks some freakishly powerful magic and sets your hairline back another three inches while stealing your lunch and pushing you off the side of the boat.” Or, you know. Something worse. Anyway. I hate Messer. That’s all I’ll say about that guy.
Now, moving on to nicer things. The worldbuilding? Super cool. It’s got this industrial fantasy vibe where there are spark workshops and wizard rankings, and everyone kind of treats magic like it's just part of life, which makes it feel way more believable than a lot of books that go all sparkly and dramatic with it.
The style is honestly one of my favorite things. The dialogue is very natural, the pacing is slow in a good way, like slice of life but with mages, and the humor sneaks up on you in the best places. There are so many small moments that just work because the writing doesn’t overexplain or shout at you.
Also, the character dynamics are really solid. Eliza is grumpy and sarcastic in all the right ways but you can tell she cares, even if she pretends not to. And Oliver… he’s just one of those characters that gets under your skin in the best way. He’s shy but sharp, and you want him to succeed so badly it hurts.
Anyway, I’ll stop before I spoil anythi
Gats VIIRoyal Road
★★★★★ 5.0
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐Witches, Boys, and Other Monsters" is far more than a simple tale of magic; it is a profound exploration of trauma, identity, and the fragile nature of trust. After reading the first 12 chapters, I am struck by how masterfully Gail Blue balances a gritty Victorian-magepunk setting with deeply intimate character studies.On Characterization:Eliza Scaggs is a brilliantly flawed protagonist. She isn't your typical wise mentor; she is prickly, addicted to "rot brew," and defensive to a fault. Her internal battle between her cynical survivor instincts and her growing empathy for Oliver makes her incredibly relatable.Then there is Oliver. His struggle is heart-wrenching. Beyond the physical abuse he suffers at the hands of Messer, his internal conflict regarding his gender identity is handled with remarkable nuance. The scene where he holds Eliza’s dress against himself in the mirror isn't played for shock—it’s a quiet, devastating moment of a child longing for a self they aren't allowed to be.On World-building & Prose:Greatwen feels alive—smelling of soot, salt, and amber spark lamps. The "Spark" system is more than just a power level; it serves as a metaphor for hope and potential. Gail’s prose is "tight" and evocative, using a "Show, Don’t Tell" approach that makes the emotional stakes feel earned.The Climax of Chapter 12:This is where the story truly shines. The tragedy of the "Gold Coin" misunderstanding is a masterclass in dramatic irony. Eliza, blinded by her past betrayals, sees a spy and a thief, while the reader sees a broken child trying to survive. The ending of chapter 12—where Eliza finds the dictionary in the shed and reads the definition of "Aardvark"—is a gut punch. It’s a haunting reminder of how easily we can destroy the things we try to protect.Final Verdict:If you want a story that treats its characters with dignity while putting them through the emotional ringer, this is it. It’s beautiful, somber, and deeply human. I cannot wait to see h
Drunken Sailor822Royal Road
★★★★★ 5.0
Story & Character:This story hooked me in more and more as I read it. Ms. Scaggs, a wizardess, feels very pragmatic and firm, has a sensitive side, but also a soft side. Labelled as a witch and someone to beware of. The way she is introduced gives a feeling of hope that she'll be able to thrive and prove her abilities later in the story.Oliver, poor kid, has to struggle with surviving and not-so-fun issues with his family, his spark, and internal conflicts. Without spoiling too much, I'm already rooting for him to break certain ties and cut out some behavior. And as for his powers, there is a hope that he manages to grow and perhaps even become on par or surpass Ms. Scaggs.Grammar:I didn't spot any grammar issues. But I'm also not a stickler for it if the story is good.Style:It switches perspective multiple times, giving the story an extra layer of depth. The tone also changes at different points so it doesn't become stale or repetitive after a chapter or two. What is also really awesome is the art. A picture is worth a thousand words, and those art pieces add a unique feeling to the story and chapters.Overall, this story and its characters are amazing. I'd recommend it to anyone.
J.D. DedalRoyal Road
★★★★★ 5.0
From what I've read so far, this is a beautifully written, character-driven story which has a stylish but also kinda sad atmosphere. A really nicely crafted piece.
The style is great in my opinion. You can definitely tell that it's been revised, looked over, and perfected. Beautiful prose, awesome dialogue, and sick ass illustrations which really got me immersed in the story. If you put this in front of me and told me you had just pulled it from a shelf at Waterstones, I'd believe you.
The story is a slow-burn noir fantasy-esque thing with cults, cursed bureaucracy, and quiet emotional ruin. Not my personal forte, and a bit slow sometimes, but that is probably deliberate by the author so they can focus on the quiet interactions between the characters. This is 100% someone else's thing -- the fact that I enjoyed it without it being my personal favourite genre kinda tells a lot about the nuance and skill that this story has been crafted with.
No point in talking about grammar. Perfect from what I've seen.
The characters are where this story really shines. Both characters have issues, and they bounce off each other to heal these issues. Don't really want to say more, but just know that this is definitely the story's strong suit. If I could give this score more than 5 stars, I would.
Overall, if you're looking for a slow-burn type story, I'd encourage you to pick this up for a few chapters, and I'm like 90% sure you'll continue reading if this genre is what you enjoy.
JudgeImpalerRoyal Road
★★★★★ 5.0
I came here from the ad, stayed for the blurb and followed to see where it goes.
What really stood out to me is how polished the cover, ads and the blurb look. They feel professional. The same thing can be said about the story itself. I haven't noticed any repetition, typos or grammar mistakes, which tend to plague most new works here. It reads nicely and I haven't noticed anything that breaks the immersion. It gives me "Practical guide to sorcery" vibes in all the right kind of ways.
Main characters are interesting and I want to learn more about them.
Currently there are only 5 chapters available, so there isn't much of a plot to review, but it's shaping up to be an interesting read.
Overall this story has a lot of potential and I want to see where it goes.