Oh geez. I loved this book. I was so sad to learn that Rachel Griffin’s other witchy books were unrelated. They even had different rules to witchery. I do very much enjoyed Griffin’s writing though.

I know this wasn’t her first book, but it was the first I read, and I was deeply invested. I really enjoy the grumpy/sunshine type of trope, and this isn’t necessarily that, but could almost be. It’s always nice to see not-so-nice characters that are just misunderstood, especially if the not-so-nice traits are kind of just taken out of context and aren’t actually horrid.

I found the story to be unique in its premise and I loved the PNW setting. I appreciated the characters’ willingness to get to know each other, learn, and grow. There was just some really great development throughout the story, and by the end, I was sad the story was over. It was just a really great book!

I didn't like it as much as the authors debut but it still held me enough. I will keep an eye out for more from her.

This might be my favorite Rachel Griffin book. This was fast-paced with high stakes, a touching romance, a bit of magic, and lush, atmospheric writing. My biggest complaint is that it read more like a novella. I would have liked to spend more time in this setting and with these characters and relationships. It had all of the makings of a perfect book, but fell just a bit short. Overall, very enjoyable and devoured easily.

This book offers a captivating premise with its enchanting setting and intriguing magical elements. The story follows Iris, a young witch grappling with the repercussions of a curse gone wrong, set against the lush backdrop of the Pacific Northwest. While Griffin’s evocative descriptions and world-building shine, the plot occasionally feels predictable and lacks the depth found in her previous work. The romance subplot, though sweet, doesn't quite reach its full potential. Despite these shortcomings, the book’s themes of forgiveness and self-discovery are compelling, making it an enjoyable, if somewhat uneven, read. Wild Is the Witch is a pleasant, though not groundbreaking, follow-up novel.

DNF @ 40%

Another case of just not vibing with an authors writing and it took me out of the story. I really wanted to like this one but after its sat on my currently reading shelf for over a year I have to call it quits. I did like the way magic was incorporated into the story but I could not get into the characters.

Wild Is The Witch is a fast-paced, witchy romance that I loved. Iris is content with never finding love and just sticking with her and the animals, and I respect that! Until she accidentally sets a curse that may turn everyone in her region into a witch. Including, Pike Alder, a college intern, who hates witches, and gets on Iris's last nerve.
This story and original idea is so much fun. I was super excited to dive into this book and see where the author took the plot and the characters. After reading it I think people should definitely read this for the romance. I think the focus on the witchy side is there, but not as hyped up in the actual story, as it was in the synopsis. I still loved the book, but I think the romance is where this story hits it's mark. This story is perfect for the enemies-to-lover trope enthusiasts, and the extra witchy elements are just a bonus.

This is such an amazing book. I read it immediately after The Nature of Witches and it was so well done. It had such a cozy setting but with a little suspense and the unknown.

Rachel Griffin books and I have an interesting relationship in that I read all of her stuff and even if I don't love love them, they're so beautiful I still have a good time. The Nature of Witches was a powerhouse debut that was always going to be hard to live up to, but this is a solid effort. There's already some things that are becoming clear trademarks for Griffin - particularly climate/nature/conservatorship.

Also as a PNW native, I always love a book with that setting .

The perfect blend of magic and nature intertwined with a romance that will have you interested to read more.

Wild is the Witch is an enemies-to-lovers romance that takes a hike into the wilderness and builds up that romantic tension from beginning to end.

Rachel Griffin is excellent at combining fantasy with contemporary storytelling. For that reason, I liked Wild is the Witch, but The Nature of Witches is still my favorite.

Storytelling
The Nature of Witches had an intense and thoughtful narrative, allowing it to be layered (see review here). Now, that is not to say Wild is the Witch was a disappointment; it just wasn’t as good, in my opinion.

Wild is the Witch follows Iris, a natural witch who works at an animal preservation facility using her gift and magic alongside her mother to care for the animals. Witches are not a kept secret; the world is aware that they exist, and while they are mostly accepted, there are those who shun them.

Pike is one of those people. He doesn’t know that Iris is a witch, but his comments and attitude grate on Iris, sparking her to do something she never thought to do: curse him. Iris sets the curse to let go of her anger, but before she can dispel it, a snow-white owl, a natural magical amplifier, swoops down and steals the spell. Should the owl die, the curse will be unleashed and affect everyone around her, possibly killing hundreds.

Now Iris, alongside Pike, has to embark deep into the Washington wilderness to find the owl before it’s too late. A lot of tension develops between the characters, as well as a sense of urgency.

A Lot to Unpack
Both Pike and Iris have a lot of baggage they have to unpack. Pike has reasons for disliking magic and witches, but one rotten apple does not make them all bad. As for Iris, her past haunts her, leaving her a hollow version of herself who refuses to let others get close to her.

Their relationship was well-developed, but there was too much instant physical attraction. They are not friends, and for a girl who has worked alongside this boy for the better part of the year, all of a sudden, she finds him attractive. It didn’t fit well early on in their dynamic. It works later on; the more the tension shifts, the more their relationship changes, but it feels out of place at the beginning of their journey.

That was the biggest downfall of the novel.

What Griffin does really well is include mysticism, nature, and wildlife with such emotion. She sets up the scene and transports the reader to the forest of Washington. It is a magical read, and the way Griffin unpacks Iris’s past trauma and helps her come to terms with it allows her to grow and develop into a wonderful character.

Final Thoughts
As much as I liked Wild is the Witch, I wanted more. Griffin told a story without flourish, imbuing it with heart and magic, but compared to her debut, I found it lacking.

This was a pretty good YA book, with all the teenage angst. It did take a minute to get into the story but once I did I couldn’t put it down. There is an animal death though that I know will upset some people. Especially if you weren’t expecting it.

4/5 Stars

I had a great time with this book. There is something about Rachel Griffin's books that just pulls me in. I found that with her books I tend to enjoy the overall story and magic more than any of the romance that's included. In this book, it was the mother-daughter relationship that I really liked reading about. I will admit I wasn't the biggest fan of the animal deaths that take place here and it was a turn-off for me, but that's just me personally. Overall I'm glad to add another witchy magic book to my list! I would recommend giving this a read.

So boring and so painfully YA. It was supposed to be full of magic but it was just boring. I don’t know if I’d try with this author again.

There are some books that I really enjoy because I read them at the exact right time. Wild is the Witch is definitely one of those books (don't get me wrong I definitely would have liked this book regardless). I really liked this story; it was magical throughout and the romance was really well developed. Iris lives in the Pacific Northwest with her mom who runs a wildlife rescue. She hides her and her mother's magic from the world, especially from Pike, the intern at the rescue who she cannot stand. When she casts a curse on him after a particularly frustrating interaction and an amplifier owl steals it and flys off, Iris and Pike set off on a trek through the woods to find it and stop the curse. The enemies-to-lovers and forced proximity tropes were employed so well in this book! I loved reading about how Iris and Pike's love story unfolds. The central conflict between them was actually well developed and while there is some natural miscommunication, it didn't rely solely on that trope (which is one of my least favorites tropes in romances). I found that by the end they both understood each other much better. I also loved how Iris's character was developed throughout as she learns to trust her magic and not hide it from the people close to her.

The writing in this book is completely atmospheric. I was definitely transported to Washington and felt like I was in the trees while reading this book, which was a feat considering I was on vacation in a very different climate when I read this book. I was fully immersed in this story throughout and was rooting for Iris and Pike the whole time. My only gripe about the book was that I wished there was more of the magic itself. I wanted Iris to be able to use her powers and to get more explanations on how the magic works. However, I think the plot and the writing make up for that and that overall, I really liked this book! I enjoyed this witchy book with an adorable romance. I would definitely recommend to fans of YA romances and books with witchy vibes.

I loved The Nature of Witches so I was very excited to get the chance to read Rachel Griffin's second book. The magical yet realistic world she's built is so consuming, I love that the source of the witches magic is always related to nature and the elements. Such an enchanting read, I can't wait for her next witchy release.

A wonderful magical realism story that is so well written that it almost makes you completely believe that the magic and witches could actually be real! I loved it so much, I read it in a day! Great book to escape the everyday!

I loved this story about a small family of witches and how they deal with their powers after something traumatic happens in the place they live. There are themes here that are super relatable - moving somewhere new and starting over, being unsure of your place in the world, discovering your own power during times of great stress - that I think other people will definitely love, even if witchiness isn't necessarily their cup of tea. I'm eager to read other books by Rachel Griffin, especially ones with magical realism as a big feature!! This would be perfect to read around the end of the year, when the air is crisp and feels magical.

I did want to like this book but it took too long to get into the plot. I did not finish this book but do not put it against the author. There are times when I think a book will be perfect for me, but it turns out not to be the case. That said, I always give authors another chance, so I'll look forward to her next work.

I loved Rachel Griffin's previous book: there's something about witches and general natural setting being used as the source of their power. I just love witches that derive their powers from flora and fauna, seasons, weather, etc. This one just didn't hit the mark as well as her first book. I felt less of the magic in this one and more of the relationship tension between the main character and her love interest and more focus on her internal conflict with herself. Which honestly would be fine and all, but I couldn't really connect to the love interest or read much chemistry between them. Rachel Griffin's prose and description of the setting is beautiful as always, making me want to take a vacation out to the PNW. But the characters just didn't vibe well with me.

This book captivated me with its beauty, extending from the cover to the enchanting writing style. I found immense pleasure in the characters, especially the captivating journey of enemies-turned-lovers, and the eloquent portrayal of magic throughout the narrative.

The story revolves around Iris Gray, an 18-year-old witch, who, alongside her mother, tends to a wildlife refuge. In their former hometown, a tragic accident involving Iris’s best friend, Amy, shatters their lives as Amy unintentionally causes the death of a boy who seeks to become a witch. Fleeing the harsh judgment of their community, Iris and her mother embark on a fresh start in the Pacific Northwest, aiming to keep their true nature as witches hidden. However, life takes unexpected turns, and their path is far from smooth.

This narrative is a profoundly atmospheric and emotionally charged exploration of themes such as forgiveness, vulnerability, and the arduous journey of healing. It delves into the intricacies of moving forward in the face of profound pain, offering readers a deeply resonant experience.

The themes and the conclusion of this story left an indelible mark on me, making it a truly memorable read.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for sending a digital ARC in exchange for an honest review.