Picture a Canadian storyteller who spun a cozy world of witches, royal kitchens, and mischievous cats—meet Delemhach! This bestselling author burst onto the fantasy scene in 2022 with the beloved House Witch series, blending domestic magic, romance, and humor into tales that feel like a warm hug. Writing under a pseudonym inspired by a Gaelic word for hard work and reward, Delemhach has enchanted readers with her vivid imagination and relatable characters.
From her kitchen-inspired stories to her quirky online presence, Delemhach’s unique blend of whimsy and heart has made her a rising star in cozy fantasy. Whether she’s crafting spells or cooking up a storm, this author’s magic lies in making the everyday extraordinary.
The Making of Delemhach
Born and raised in Canada, Delemhach—also known as Emilie Nikota—discovered her love for fantasy at a young age. As a child, she was either lost in books or weaving wild stories in her head, dreaming of becoming a novelist by age five. Her pseudonym, Delemhach, came from a long-lost article about Gaelic words, symbolizing the effort and passion she pours into her craft. Before her literary success, she taught music privately, a creative outlet that shaped her rhythmic storytelling style. Her early writing journey began on Royal Road, where her short stories gained traction, paving the way for her breakout novels.
Delemhach’s Unforgettable Stories
Delemhach’s House Witch series, starting with The House Witch (2022), follows Finlay Ashowan, a house witch and royal cook whose domestic magic stirs up courtly intrigue and romance in Daxaria. With over a million views on Royal Road, the series is praised for its heartwarming blend of fantasy, humor, and feminist themes. Its sequel, The House Witch and The Charming of Austice (2022), sees Fin juggling espionage and family drama, while The House Witch and When The Cat Spells War (2023) dives into daring rescue missions.
Her Burning Witch trilogy (2023–2024) expands the universe, focusing on Katarina Ashowan, with a fiercer tone but the same cozy charm. Delemhach’s standalone The Princess of Potential (2023) weaves a slow-burn romance, showcasing her knack for character-driven tales. Her style—snappy dialogue, vivid settings, and a touch of culinary magic—draws inspiration from her cats, Kraken and Pina Colada, and real-life moments, like cooking during the pandemic, which sparked the House Witch concept.
Currently, Delemhach is crafting The Ether Witch trilogy, following Tamlin Ashowan, and a new project, The Delicacy of Magic Debt, set for 2025. Her ability to churn out interconnected series while maintaining a playful, accessible voice has cemented her as a cozy fantasy favorite.
Why Delemhach Matters
Delemhach’s impact lies in her ability to make cozy fantasy inclusive and relatable. Her stories tackle themes like found family, gender dynamics, and personal growth, resonating with readers seeking escapist yet meaningful tales. By centering domestic magic—think hearth spells and enchanted meals—she elevates everyday tasks into acts of heroism, appealing to fans of authors like T.J. Klune. Her feminist lens, seen in characters like Finlay challenging toxic masculinity, adds depth to the genre.
With a growing fanbase on platforms like Patreon and TikTok, Delemhach’s interactive approach—sharing drafts and engaging with readers—has built a loyal community. Her rapid output and innovative storytelling signal a bright future, proving that cozy fantasy can be both comforting and groundbreaking.
- Pen Name: Delemhach (Emilie Nikota)
- Key Works: The House Witch series, The Burning Witch trilogy, The Princess of Potential
- Hobbies: Cooking, reading, hiking, and wrangling her cats, Kraken and Pina Colada
Ready to escape into a world of magical kitchens and witty witches? Snag The House Witch and dive into Delemhach’s cozy fantasy universe today!