Clara is an Everwitch, whose power is rare, dangerous, and vital to controlling the planet’s increasingly erratic climate. While most witches have power that ebbs and flows with their dominant season, Clara’s power remains strong and evolves throughout the year. This book follows Clara as she learns to trust her magic and use it to help her fellow witches save the world from destruction.

I really enjoyed this book’s take on magic and witches. Rather than potions and spells, the witches in The Nature of Witches have strengths that align with a particular season. There’s a huge focus on weather and the seasonal cycle, with celebrations on the equinoxes.

I’ve always been fascinated with the seasons and have wanted to be more in tune to them, eat what’s in season, etc. I would love to read more about this kind of magic!

I loved that Clara was open to loving anyone and didn’t focus on anything other than who the person was and how they made her feel. Let’s see more of this in books!

What a phenomenal debut novel! Rachel Griffin is an exciting new voice in YA fiction and I am so delighted to have been able to enjoy the excitement of her first release. While I know she does not (yet) have plans for a sequel to THE NATURE OF WITCHES, I'm going to remain hopeful! I will eagerly anticipate the release of her next novel and highly recommend her debut to anyone who enjoys a great escape - YA, fantasy fans and even those who may not think either of those genres is their "cup of tea."

Rachel Griffin is a debut to watch. Her prose it atmospheric and she has a true talent for turning world into an additional character. The premise of climate controlling witches is both beautiful and heartbreaking at times and Griffin wields the potential with a deft hand that does not feel like a newcomer to the scene.

“But I like winter. Winter is the truest of the seasons. It’s what remains after everything else is stripped away. The leaves fall. The colors fade. The branches get brittle. And if you can love the earth, understand it when all the beauty is gone and see it for what it is, that’s magic.”

CW: death of a loved one, grief, loss.

The Nature of Witches is a young adult fantasy stand-alone about a world where witches help with the climate; their magic depending on the season of their birth. When it is their season, their magic is strongest and they have abilities attributing to that season. As the climate deteriorates and becomes more frantic over time, the witches lose control they previously had. But Clara is an extremely rare witch known as an Everwitch who possesses the magic of all seasons. However, she struggles with the power of her own magic after traumatic events that happened in the past as a result of her power. The fate of the world’s atmosphere is in Clara’s hands - if she can control her powerful magic and use it to help the planet.

This was an enjoyable, quick read. I sank into this atmospheric story and sped through it due to the easy writing style. For a standalone, it was good and I enjoyed it for what it was. It was evident that the author has a lot of knowledge about nature and weather and did a great deal of research for this book. I also enjoyed how much the author wrote about each season and the beauty in them all.

The premise of the book is better than the actual book, unfortunately. The characters in this story felt flat to me. I found the main character frustrating, stubborn and melodramatic. Her reluctance throughout the story despite being a once in a century Everwitch that the world is depending on was totally infuriating. In terms of other characters- they didn’t feel fleshed out, their connection to Clara felt forced and I think their only purpose was to drive the narrative forward. Some parts felt totally unbelievable and there was no chemistry whatsoever.

The atmosphere was arguably the best aspect in this book, something that felt tangible and immersive through the author’s writing. But the world seemed very limited, with only a few places in North America being mentioned. This felt at odds with the fact the subject matter of the story was about worldwide climate change. It’s only towards the end of the book that larger world implications are inferred. However, I liked the real world tie in to our reality when it comes to a declining climate and global warming. It was a close to home subject that created an emotional tie with the book.

The actual plot of this book was predictable and I was frustrated with the way we kept going back and forth and in circles particularly with the main character. There was a lot of repetition that I found unnecessary. The pacing was also really off in my opinion; the pivotal moments were over in an instant. The stakes didn’t feel that high to me at the points when they were meant to. But I was interested enough to keep reading; I was invested in what was going to happen even though I felt I could predict it. A lot of what happened in the book felt very convenient to propel the story forward. The ending felt rushed, cheesy and unbelievable.

There were plot holes that I couldn’t ignore, and I also struggled to fully understand the magic system and how the seasonal magic actually worked. Despite the magic in action being described, I still found myself confused and unable to grasp the magic by the end of the book.

There’s a big romance subplot which I wasn’t expecting, which again felt predictable and extremely convenient. However it was one of the more interesting elements to this story.

Overall, it was okay but it absolutely felt as though it was lacking something. It’s not a new favourite as I thought it would be and I am a little disappointed. I did like the bisexual representation and the subjects surrounding grief and trauma. There were also a number of beautiful lines; I’d be interested in reading more of Griffin’s work.

A timely, romantic read, but not what I expected. And I am conflicted by that.

At Eastern school, witches learn how to best use their magic against weather events that arise. Witches possess magic based on the seasons they were born in, and it is during that season that they are at their strongest every year. Clara is a rare Everwitch, able to use each type of seasonal magic. The problem is she has barely any training, little control over her magic, and she wants nothing to do with it. She simply has to make it to the full eclipse next summer so she can have her powers stripped and be able to love again without hurting anyone. When a graduated student takes over her training, Clara's determination to hate her magic fades as she falls in love against her better judgement.

As I said earlier, this contemporary fantasy was a timely read, given the current climate change situation with weather extremes and that the people who can make a difference simply ... don't. This actually hit a little too close to home for me, since my region has seen some very uncharacteristic and historic weather situations over the last six months, with heat waves, flooding and snow. I don't think Griffin intended for the extremes she wrote about to be seen quite so quick after publishing this, but it certainly added some gravitas to the story. I really liked how it integrated with the seasonal witch magic to show that too. For example, Winter witches are useless against heat waves in December, and Summer witches are at their least powerful at that time. Really clever world-building to up the stakes for the story.

I quite like Clara. Her plight was rather heart-breaking. She believes that her magic is so volatile that she will accidentally kill anyone she loves with it, and it has happened. Once with her parents when she was younger, and last year with one of her best friends. As such, she has chosen to isolate herself from anyone who might care about her and is counting down the days until she can get rid of her magic, even though an Everwitch is the best hope they have to counter the awful climate situations. I think her character development over the year the book takes place in was well done. It was very believable and relatable as she shifts through each season, different types of magic rising within her, and it was interesting to read about how they each change her personality.

I think what kept me from enjoying this book was the romance. I was not expecting this to be so heavily-romance based. Don't get me wrong, Sang is a wonderful love interest! A true cinnamon roll with a nerdy obsession with plants and the best personality. Book Boyfriend material hands-down. However, much of the book revolves around him and Clara and their growing relationship, and it's very soft. For fantasy romances, I need there to be a bit of an edge, some stakes that hit hard, to keep me interested, and I didn't find myself wanting to read large chunks of this. It made the pace feel a little slow, even if I did want things to work out between them. So yeah, I'm conflicted.

Despite that, I'm not finished with this author just yet and am absolutely looking forward to her sophomore novel. It looks like it's another witch book so I am totally interested!

THE NATURE OF WITCHES is a beautifully written story exploring nature, magic, and love. Griffin weaves together a tale that uniquely addresses the issue of climate change while still grounding the tale with human interactions and the desire for companionship.

This was an absolutely gorgeous novel and a whole new look on the climate crisis. It put it into terms that everybody can understand and in a way where maybe people some people might not be able to ignore it anymore and also bringing it to light to younger people who may not not the seriousness of the situation.,

Witches and non-magical people work together in harmony to stave off climate change. Witches are most powerful in their season. One very rare witch is powerful in all seasons. Climate change is getting so bad that the witches aren't able to help as well as they used to. The witch that has full power in all seasons might be their only help but can she learn to control her power and stop putting her fellow witches in danger?

I was given a copy of this book in return for an honest review by the publisher via Netgalley.

A season of witches, each season on the chance witches are born and have the affinity to manipulate the element they're born into. Clara is born on the Fall Equinox but she's not an Autumnal witch she's an Ever. Ever witches are rare and can control all four seasons. The last ever was born well before Clara. The problem with being an ever is you aren't in control of your magic it's in control of you or so Clara thinks. At 17 she's accidentally killed her parents and get best friend. So she becomes a recluse at her school and distances herself from anyone she could possibly care for.

This story follows Clara for a year as she learns to control her magic with a new tutor and a few secrets her old tutor was researching. She gains knowledge through her experiences, the last reverse journal and conquering her fears learning to fight for things that matter to her instead of running away.

I honestly really liked this book. Though I could've done without one specific teacher. Clara learns to speak for herself, fight for what she believes in and hopefully how to harness her power. It's a solid 4⭐. Though there were times that adults take child endangerment and pushing limits too far. Almost like a mild Professor Umbridge, but not as detestable. The writing keeps you engaged the story is delightful. I'd recommend you read it.

I loved this! Such a unique concept and done really well. I loved the setting and the main character and I look forward to anything else this author writes.

I adored this book! I was immediately intrigued by the plot, characters and magic system. I found myself constantly wanting to take every spare minute I had to pick the book up and read just a little bit more. There's a dash of suspense which keeps the reader eager to find out what's going to happen next. Definitely recommend this book to fans of YA Fantasy and books that have elemental magic. I look forward to reading more of what Rachel Griffin writes.

*DNF @ 17*
This is really hyped due to it being a book about witches and having messages about climate change and nature. I like the idea honestly about different witches keeping the earth balanced. But the writing is very flat and the protagonist is very boring. She suffered a traumatic event but I only felt some of that trauma. Other than that, she just felt like a dumb teenager who has a ton of powers but doesn't bother to use it and not care until it becomes too late (of course). Either I'm too impatient or something but this never pulled me in enough to keep going.

I can't even begin to describe how BEAUTIFUL this book was. It tackled so many important topics like climate change, depression, found families, self-care, and even self-sabotage. The way this book talks about each subject is thoughtful and intuitive. I loved every single page.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CR6v-Qzgke7/

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/4132396747?book_show_action=false&from_review_page=1

I have to say that this book is stunning. From start to finish. There are not many books that I receive arcs of that I actually go out and buy hardcover but this is on my shelves and it is stunning. In a world where witchcraft is to the season, she was born in. Clara was born an Everwitch and is now able to use the magic of all seasons which is very rare. With such magical ability comes the power that is immeasurable and hungry seeing as if Clara doesn’t control her powers, they tend to go after the ones she loves most. The solar eclipse is fast approaching and all witches are required by law to flee the path of totality, for being in the eclipse’s path will strip a witch of her powers permanently. If Clara can’t find a way to get her powers under control before the eclipse arrives, she has vowed to strip her powers to prevent hurting anyone else she loves.

That is all I am giving away from the story. I think. Now it’s time for some honesty. I don’t read enough YA to be a professional in this genre but I can tell you that I really did enjoy this. I am actually hoping that there might be a book two. I loved the magic in this book and thought it was a very unique take. The nature and weather that the author ties into each season in the book are just simply beautiful. I also loved that the author had a bisexual main character and managed to write it without it being complicated or questioned or over-explained or rationalized. There is so much beautiful character growth in this novel. There are not enough novels that express that love is love no matter who you chose to love. . Griffin elegantly explores risk and trust and believing in yourself. This was just an outstanding feel-good read. Thank you NetGalley for my arc I am truly sorry for my delay.

For centuries, the witches of the land have used their powers to help combat the ever changing climate. The power a witch possesses is tied to the season they were born in. The magic the witches have strengthens or weakens with the changing of the seasons. When the atmosphere begins to fight back, people begin to turn to Clara, the first Ever witch in 100 years for help. Being an Ever witch means that Clara's power is strong in every season, making her the most powerful witch alive. But Clara doesn't want to help and continues to fight her magic, as memories of those she's accidently hurt during her short lifetime are always on the forefront of her mind.

I really enjoyed this! I thought the magic system was unique, and intriguing. I was so interested in learning more about it as the story progressed. I loved how the story was sectioned off into the changing seasons, I thought that was a great way to outline the different way Clara changed throughout. I will say that Clara annoyed me at times, she spent so much time feeling sorry for herself it got annoying rather quickly. Although, understandable with the immense pressure and helplessness she must have felt in her given situation. I liked the romance and thought it was very sweet, I liked watching Clara learn to trust her magic and her ability to control it as she got closer with Sang. I loved the character development of Clara and how she learned to accept herself and her magic, no longer hiding herself away from others. I also really enjoyed that the underlying message of this was climate change and the danger our world is in if we don't change our habits now. It was portrayed in a way that wasn't preachy in the slightest, and I think got the point across beautifully.

Overall, a wonderful character-driven story! Also, if you happen to have the hardcover, I'd recommend looking under that dust jacket ;)

The Nature of Witches just ended up being a painfully middle-of-the-road read for me. The book description/blurb thing above gives you a pretty good idea of the story and honestly, it doesn’t really get any deeper than that.

Arguably the most interesting part of this book, the magic system is centered entirely around seasons and the delineations between them are extremely rigid. Using modern day America as the scene cleverly allowed Griffin to use our existing equinoxes and solstices as the hard borders between seasons. As soon as an equinox or solstice passes, the next season of witches gains their power and Clara’s magic and personality shifts regardless of what the weather is actually doing. Going along with that, the book is divided into 7 parts for each of the seasons, starting in summer, cycling through all the seasons twice (except winter) with the ending taking place in autumn. Every part explores the corresponding season’s magic through school lessons, private tutoring, and lectures, which is exactly as exciting as it sounds. There are some practical/real-world applications, but they’re mostly centered around her inner turmoil at controlling her overwhelming power and not on how the actual magic works. Griffin unfortunately relies too heavily on vaguery and non-specifics to describe the mechanics and inner workings of the magic, choosing to focus more on interpersonal relationships and dramatics.

The story falls perfectly into the exact tropes you would expect from the description: massively over-powered Mary Sue, insta-love relationship, one-dimensional “villain,” and a sacrificial lamb of a main character. I won’t spoiler the ending, but it was pretty disappointing (much like the rest of the book for me). While the concept and worldbuilding sounded extremely promising, the setting and execution suffer from a lack of originality and the author’s heavy leaning into tired tropes. The book reads as though Griffin browsed TV Tropes for a few hours, picked out some stereotypes, then wrote a book strictly within those parameters. I’m all for a trope, but this book doesn’t take any risks and ends up being quite boring because of it.

Another problem I had with this book was the cast of characters. There are a few notable tropes people – Clara the Everwitch who can use magic from all 4 seasons, Sang the insta-love interest magic tutor, and Paige the former-best-friend-now-antagonist. Each of these three are the exact embodiment of their TV Tropes entries: Sang and Clara resent each other at first, but get over it fast when they realize they’re both ~attractive~, Clara and Paige used to be friends and later partners until Clara accidentally killed their mutual best friend, and Paige and Sang interact very little as most of their characterization is only shown as it relates to Clara. Outside of how the cast of characters interacts with Clara and their place in the immediate present, we don’t really learn too much about any of the other people in the story. Clara has literal, actual PTSD regarding her magic and the destruction it’s caused, but she also makes rash, last-minute decisions that result in deadly consequences and doesn’t seem at all bothered by it. Mild spoilers: when she tries to divert the course of a storm, she ends up accidentally killing the only teacher she likes with a tornado spawned out of the storm. Though the scene plays out in shocking detail, it’s brought up very little through the rest of the story compared to how often she talks about the other accidental murders she’s committed. The whole conflict and consequence ends up feeling more like offhand flavor showing how powerful she is and a minor device to get rid of a convenient character than an actual event with real, traumatic consequences. End mild spoilers. Honestly though, the biggest issue I had with this book is that Clara is absolutely, horribly unlikeable and awful. She’s selfish, self-centered, melodramatic, overdramatic, stubborn, and just…annoying. Unfortunately, this book ends up being much more character-driven than plot-driven due to the lack of concrete worldbuilding so most of the story revolves around Clara and her interactions with other people. This, more than anything, is what ruined the book for me. A younger reader probably won’t have as much of a problem with it, making this book a true Young Adult book aimed at a Young Adult audience. I definitely would not recommend this book to anyone past their teens.

All in all, this was a decent book with a unique premise that fails to live up to expectations. It’s a very solid debut and I may check out other books by Rachel Griffin if she decides to write more in the future, but I would not recommend The Nature of Witches to most readers.

5 starts. I cannot believe how much I ended up enjoying this book. The entire atmosphere of the book was really what I was looking for when I read it. It was a nice change from thrillers and high fantasy while still giving me something to bite my teeth into. I will 100% continue to read from this author

The Nature of Witches was a really fun read! I really enjoyed the unique take on the witches and their abilities. It also shows a vulnerable side to the main character Clara, as she struggles with her power and fearing the consequences of what will happen with it. A truly unique read that I breezed right through!

The magic system in The Nature of Witches reminded me so much of Tamora Pierce’s work. Reading this book felt like nostalgia and excitement for a new adventure all in one.

Did not get to this book in 2021.
My review is not a reflection of the work or the writing/plot itself, but rather speaks to other books that caught my attention more.
Hate I didn't manage to squeeze this one in, but there are so many books and only so much time.

I would look to Goodreads or other reviewers on Netgalley who read the title and will offer their unbiased opinion.