Witch's Lair by Joe Carter

Elrik Torstal is an aspiring young apprentice alchemist living with his strict father, hoping to someday take over the shop. Always striving to improve his alchemy skills, but frequently failing, he faces challenges that push his resolve to the limits as he and his companions struggle to survive in the wondrous magical medieval realm known as Teril. With fierce monsters, powerful magic, memorable characters, and riveting stories, readers will surely be entertained as they are transported into a fantastic and believable new fantasy world.

In Witch's Lair, book one of the Alchemist Chronicles series, Elrik is starstruck by a lovely traveling musician. But a jealous necromancer obsessed with Elrik has plans of her own, stopping at nothing to have him for herself- leading to a surprising and exciting story climax