Member Reviews

Disclaimer: I am not a witch, so I can’t totally comment on this from a craft perspective. But I am interested in different forms of spirituality and religion, especially those that fall outside the ‘mainstream’, and if you’re interested in witchcraft, Kelly-Ann Maddox has put together a really encouraging, easy to understand guide, whilst continuously reminding the reader it’s all about your own, personal journey.

This feels like an excellent starting point. It explains things clearly, and gives plenty of ‘tasks’ to help nudge you to start your journey. Maddox encourages the reader to have a go, but consider why they’re doing what they’re doing, and to think outside the box. Nothing here says you have to do certain things to be a witch, and it doesn’t keep you locked into doing things in specific ways. It puts witchcraft in a fully modern context, and doesn’t shy away from explaining why some things associated with the craft might be problematic.

The explanations behind and for certain things are engaging while laying it out clearly. Maddox never says don’t do this, but offers reasons why some witches do and why some don’t, along with regular reminders that self-care is always important and just because you’re not following the exact path as someone else doesn’t make you any less of a witch.

I’d encourage anyone interested in witchcraft to pick up this book, but I think it could also reignite a love for it for anyone who has fallen off a little and wants to rediscover it. Maddox’s language is inclusive, encouraging, and easy to understand, with an acknowledgment that everyone is different, with various comfort levels and ability, but none of that should exclude anyone from starting or continuing their witchcraft journey.

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I always enjoy a book that looks at witchcraft and spirituality a unique way, and this is definitely that kind of book. Not everything resonated with me, but overall I was able to take some good things away from it. The best thing about this book was that it emphasized the importance of following your own path in spirituality.

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Rebel Witch is a book by Kelly-Ann Maddox that inspires readers to embrace their inner power and embrace their unique path as witches. This book is a powerful guide for anyone who wants to explore their spiritual side and discover their true calling.

The book is filled with personal stories, practical advice, and magical practices that empower readers to tap into their own intuition and embrace their unique gifts. Maddox emphasizes that being a witch is not about conforming to a specific set of rules or traditions but about embracing your own path and finding what works for you.

One of the most inspiring aspects of Rebel Witch is Maddox's emphasis on self-acceptance and self-love. She encourages readers to let go of shame and fear and embrace their true selves, even if it means going against societal norms or expectations.

Maddox's writing style is both engaging and easy to understand, making it accessible to readers of all levels of experience. She provides clear and practical guidance on how to connect with your intuition, work with energy, and create your own magical practices that align with your unique beliefs and intentions.

The book also includes a comprehensive guide to magical tools and practices, such as tarot cards, crystals, and meditation, making it a valuable resource for anyone interested in exploring different modalities of magic.

One of the most powerful messages of Rebel Witch is that magic is not just about spells and rituals but about personal growth and transformation. Maddox encourages readers to use their magical practices as a tool for self-discovery and healing, and provides guidance on how to use magic to release negative thought patterns and cultivate a more positive mindset.

Overall, Rebel Witch is a powerful and inspiring book that empowers readers to embrace their inner power and live life on their own terms. With its practical advice, personal stories, and emphasis on self-love and acceptance, this book is a must-read for anyone interested in exploring the world of magic and finding their own unique path as a witch.

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I liked Rebel Witch, because it encourages you to step outside of the parameters of other people's rules for witchcraft and make it something meaningful and powerful for you. The author is down to earth and sassy. I imagine her being like a best friend or favorite aunt giving advice. I plan to reread and use the concepts in this book regularly.

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Sorry not my cup of tea. I thought it was a fictional story or a spin in the term witches. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the book.

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I wasn't a big fan of Rebel Witches. While there were aspects that were thought provoking, I did expect more in regards as to how being a rebel witch looked in practice. I was expecting more examples from Kelly-Ann Madox from her own practice, to illustrate exactly she meant. Without those examples, I didn't really get it. I don't understand how you can use the energy of someone living in your practice. What does that look like? How does it work? How, if possible, is it not problematic? I just found it confusing, and didn't really add anything to my own practice.

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Absolutely loved this. I really liked how it forces the reader to look inside to make their own path. I think it's great for beginners and those already experienced.

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The best witchcraft book released this year!
Maddox asks us to dig deeper than most authors and while some parts might feel uncomfortable as we look at our reflection, shadow, and practice - the growth is amazing.
Highly recommend for any witch no matter where on the path you are.

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A great primer for those just entering the craft, or dabblers who are interested but unsure where to start. It's also a love letter to anyone who's ever felt ostracized from the practice because of the expectation of behaving a certain way or following certain customs. Make your own path and follow your inner guidance -- that's what this book is all about. It provides neat ideas of how to find your own way in your practice, and different options for implementing those ideas.

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I am not Wiccan but have read many Wiccan books and this was one of my favorites. I enjoy the writer's voice and her wisdom. It's an enjoyable read and will be very freeing for people who want to learn about this path but also create one that's theirs alone.

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I don't follow Youtubers so I didn't know Kelly-Ann Maddox.
This is an interesting book, I don't always agree with the author but I found this book interesting and thought provoking.
It's a good read for beginners and those who have been on the Path for a long time.
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine

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Fun and thought-provoking guide, that covers a lot of concepts and common questions from the "witch-curious." I liked Maddox's conversational style, her creativity when suggesting ideas, and her constant reminders to trust your own instincts.

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If you're familiar with Kelly-Ann's work then you know you're in for a delightful time. If you're not familiar with her then, to borrow from her lexicon, buckle up babycakes!

This is a beautiful collection of helpful and inspiring advice. The journal prompts at the end of each chapter are perfect if you want to go deeper into anything mentioned.

As a "fizzy permission slip" kinda book, this is the best one you're likely to find. Go forth and live your sovereign life with the blessings of the divine Ms Maddox.

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This is a lovely book, that is both a practical and emotional guide. I loved the variety of topics that were covered and the different approaches, and the way that it made everything individual. While this may be of most use to those who are new to the craft, I think it is excellent reading for anyone of any experience, because it makes you think and feel. Would highly recommend, and it's one I will be dipping back into again and again.

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Title: Rebel Witch
Carve the Craft That's Yours Alone
By: Kelly-Ann Maddox
Publisher: Watkins
Watkins Publishing
Genre: Religion & Spirituality
Pub Date: 13 Apr 2021
Goodreads:https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/3967789178


In this book Maddox teaches the reader what it really means to be a modern day witch. With chapters on everything you could imagine. Not all just about spells and potions but the foundation work that goes into being a witch.

Unlike most books that talk about one specific belief system Maddox tells the reader that they do not have to give up other belief systems to be a witch. In fact they encourage the amalgamation of beliefs. Maddox dispels the idea that there is a one-size-fits-all kind of witchcraft and that it should be as varied as each person.

In this work Maddox tells the reader that the things they hold most dear or that make them feel at peace or even excited are things they can add to their alter. There is no set requirements to what should be placed there. Even if that includes a childhood toy.

We are told that there are no have-to's. Some witches use tarot cards some don't, Some use spells and potions, some don't. Maddox takes the time to teach us what they think we should know and then tells us to take what we think will work for us and leave the rest behind.

I felt that this was a very open and honest work. There was never a feeling of pressure or gate keeping. Maddox made it easy and safe to understand the community they are a part of. It showed real internationalist and I was pleasantly surprised at that.

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This book was downright fantastic!

Every imaginable aspect of the practice of applied to every possible aspect of modern life.

Down to earth, practical, feasible tips and easy to follow steps to include the practice in many different ways to every area of your life, All the information is relevant to real life situations and tailored to every possible style of practitioners: from those who heavily rely on tools or external help, to those that mostly use their own energy. And all this while stamping your own personal mark!

And it has journaling exercises so you can document every experience!

This book really has it all and it’s definitely a book to keep handy because you will use it over and over again!

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I’ve always been intrigued by Wicca, Witchcraft and Pagan religious practices. There is something beautiful about religions that focus on the natural order and the power all around us. I’ve dabbled with the peripheral practices of some of these religions in terms of trying to be in tune with nature and natural cycles etc. I found ‘Rebel Witch’ by Kelly-Ann_Maddox totally spoke to me, as I love the idea that you can practice your beliefs in a completely personal way.

The book imparts so much knowledge about witchcraft practices but combines it wonderfully with activities and questions to get the reader to understand their own needs and wants. The writing style feels like a conversation with a friend who is just helping me figure a few things out, which I enjoyed immensely. The chapters and parts of the book are broken down into easy to follow sections that roll easily into one another but don’t bog the reader down in unnecessary information or confuse with lengthy explanations of history and ‘how things have been done before’. There is just the right balance of knowledge, instruction and insight to help any reader start on the path if they wish to.

I thoroughly enjoyed the content and writing style of this book and would recommend it to anyone that would like to think about beginning their witchcraft journey. Or anyone who simply want’s to gain knowledge about the subject. It covers all the foundation needed to begin and points the way to further investigation. And the cover is absolutely beautiful!

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Rebel witch is a contemporary take on witchcraft and how to be a witch. I really like how the book is organized. It isn't your normal magic book. The author is not afraid to make things modern. I have been practicing for over a decade and I learned a lot from this book. It helped me see things from a different perspective. But my absolute favorite part about this book is that she does not try to explain things that are out of her own cultural experience. So things like smudging and spirit animals are not used. I love that she discourages cultural appropriation. Sometimes when you read magical books they come across as two ways, cheesy things that you will never actually use or it reads like a boring textbook. This book doesn't do either of those. It is like having a discussion with a mentor. It is that easy to read. I cannot wait to add this book to my personal library so I can read it again and again.

5 stars.

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I was hoping this book would have many more practical elements but it's basically just theory for beginners. There's no potion making, no use of herbs, no spell casting, nothing like that. Most of the practical exercises are meditation and journal based, which is not what I was looking for. It's honestly more frustrating than anything - it tells you what you need and all the things you can do, but not actually how to do them.

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This book doesn't go into detail about any particular practices because its purpose is to encourage the reader to explore and create their own practice that is meaningful to them, rather than following a prescribed path. It does this well, with just enough information to stimulate further research into areas of interest. The 'Write it' and 'Try it' prompts include lots of helpful questions to encourage thought about what resonates and what doesn't.

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