Iris Gray is a witch. She’s a careful witch, a thoughtful one. An annoyed one, when her coworker, the witch-hating Pike Alder, gets on her nerves. So Iris concocts a curse, one that will turn Pike into a witch himself – but she never plans to cast it, just release it into the earth as a means of working through her feelings. But when a spotted owl swoops down and swallows the curse at exactly the wrong moment, Iris must rely on Pike’s help to track down the owl and retrieve her curse before it’s accidentally cast – all without revealing the secret that will make him hate her forever.

I flew through this read in one night. It’s a very small scale story with much wider-spread ramifications should things not go to plan. Iris is a beautifully fleshed-out main character, whose decisions are always justified, if not the most well thought out. Pike is a wonderful foil to her, his own choices entirely understandable given his previous history. Their ever-shifting relationship is gorgeous to watch unfold. I am a fan in all ways.

I love Rachel Griffin’s writing and her choice to write stories that tell of the magic in nature – and how the loss of nature results in the loss of said magic. Her prose unfolds naturally and draws you in more and more with every chapter. The growing conflict and ever-increasing stakes keep you turning pages and wonderful how the hell can this end happily?

I love how the antagonist in this book is a situation, a direct result of the protagonist’s actions. It’s a choice I don’t often see in novels, especially in those geared towards a YA crowd like this one, but a very powerful one, that has a lesson to share and learn from. I’m excited to see what Griffin writes next.

Content warning: animal death, blood, bullying, anxiety, death.

What an incredible story! This book portrays witches in the best possible way. I loved Iris and her connection to the animals and the land around her. I love that the obnoxious owl took her on a journey to free herself. I love how her anxiety is brought to life and so completely relatable. Just an all around fantastic read!

Thank you Netgalley for the ARC! This is a fast paced story about a mom and daughter with powers. After Iris’s friend’s attempt to turn her boyfriend into a witch goes horribly wrong, Iris and her mother move away to a town where no one knows the truth about them, and Iris vows to never share that truth with anyone. But then Iris decides to curse someone and when it doesn’t go as planned, the boy she’s attempting to curse has to help her put a stop to it. Does the owl carrying the curse meant for Blake know what he’s doing? It’s he trying to protect him? Will they be able to save the owl from harm before the curse is exposed? A fantastic, magical read!

This was another amazing story from Griffin. She has such a beautiful way with words, and her descriptive writing brings the story to life! I loved the magical system and the characters!

OBSESSED! How could someone write so beautifully with an enchanting prose like Rachel Griffin? Whenever I read her books I am instantly transported in the magical world she has created! I absolutely loved this one, even more than Nature of Witches. It says a lot if you know how much I was gushing about it.
Only one “bed” trope is superior, just saying!

This is a stunning love letter to the PNW.
At first I thought this was a continuation of her first novel- but it’s an entirely new set of witches and elemental magic .

With Washington as the backdrop, we have Iris, who can communicate with animals . Her and her mother run a wildlife refuge and live a simple life .
Al of that is out in jeopardy when Pike (nod to Seattle much ? 😂 love it ) an intern, expresses openly how much he hates witches .

As you can imagine, there’s some tension and teen angst here, and a lot of magic . When they have to set off together in the woods to save an injured owl, everything comes to a head .

I loved this atmospheric , lushly written novel. Highly recommend

I absolutely adored this book. It was fast-paced and held my attention completely. I love a good witchy story and this did not disappoint.

Iris and Pike!! I loved Grifin's debut and had hoped this one would continue that story somehow, but I'm totally ok that it didn't! I loved Iris' story and journey, her connection to nature was beautiful and compelling, and I loved her snark. Pike grew on me as he grew on Iris, I actually felt like I was getting to learn about him and see him through her eyes. Great young adult story with heart, magic, and a little romance!

I can't wait to see what witchy fun Griffin releases next!

Loved the natural take on magic! Very keen on there only being the three types of magic and it's rooted in nature.
Vivid, realistic characters with unique powers. Romance and adventure, a perfect mix.

Iris Gray is a witch. In her previous town, that wasn’t a secret. But her connection to a situation that led to the death of another teen caused her and her family a lot of problems. Now that she and her mother have moved to Washington state, she keeps to herself and doesn’t share much about all she is. At 18, Iris has finished school, and she just works with her mother at their wildlife refuge. Their magic connects them to the natural world and more deeply to the animals they save. In fact, her only real friends now are the animals.

The job would be just fine if it weren’t for Pike, the college student who is doing an internship at the refuge. He’s pretty much always annoying, and one day he makes it clear he hates witches.

Her grandmother taught her a way to reduce stress by crafting curses but then releasing them. It’s a harmless practice, like writing emotion-filled letters one won’t actually send. When she gets upset learning about Pike’s feelings about witches, she crafts a spell that will turn him into a witch. But then as she’s about to dispel it, an owl swoops in and steals it. That means if the owl dies, the spell will actually work on Pike. That could be really dangerous, in part because it’s very possible he could burn up and die from a sudden influx of magic. But to make it even worse, owls are natural amplifiers, which means a whole bunch of people in the area, not just Pike, could end up in the same situation if the owl dies.

Iris is in dire straits. She’d be responsible for a huge curse and for potential deaths, and then she would have her magic taken from her. So she takes off into the wilderness to find the owl. She has to find it and remove the curse. Her safe and quiet life, the magic that makes her who she is, could all be ruined.

In the meantime, though, her mother insists she take Pike with her on the journey (her mom has no idea what she’s done or why it’s so urgent she find the owl). That complicates matters, for a number of reasons, and makes it more frustrating and difficult.

Wild Is the Witch is ostensibly about magic, but it’s really more of a romance story. It uses the trope or setup of making two characters who supposedly dislike each other spend time together. Here, it’s an adventure in the Pacific Northwest. Nearly all of the book takes place as Iris and Pike camp and hike, seeking the owl. Because of the trope, one knows that of course they will slowly get to know each other better and see past what is on the outside. In this case, romance is on the table, but it’s threatened by danger.

The book is also very much a story set in the outdoors, about being connected to the world around us and respecting the environment. Magic works in tandem with natural laws. So the book isn’t a flight of fantasy; it is grounded in nature and the real world.

I enjoyed both aspects of the book and appreciated its messages.

Wild is the Witch follows the adventures of Iris and Pike as they trek through the mountains as they try to track down an endangered owl. This owl isn't just any bird, however, but an amplifier for Iris's magic; magic that she used to create a curse aimed at Pike. Pike, not even knowing Iris is a witch, gamely aids Iris in finding the illusive owl. The two become closer despite the secrets between them, and a relationship starts to blossom. I enjoyed this book, although, like most books that are written around a large secret, I was constantly wishing Iris would just come clean before everything got worse. This book was definitely set up for a sequel which I think could end up being better then this one as it felt a bit like a set-up for an even grander adventure. 3.5 stars

Wild is the Witch explores the wilderness in the Pacific Northwest with a young man who hates witches. Unfortunately for Iris, she is a witch who wrote a curse that could be unleashed on everyone if they do not find the owl who swooped it up and took off with it.
This journey is about so much more than the curse written in haste. Wild is the Witch explores secrets and anxiety while Iris and Pike journey to save something much bigger than themselves. Their enemy to lovers story is based on very young adults/ teenagers that still have so much to learn about communication. I loved the nature - animals and trees in the forest. The setting was written so well, it is my favorite part! Definitely an enjoyable young adult read!

This is a story about wilderness.

I really enjoyed this one. It’s definitely YA (not a criticism!) so if you’re looking for a steamy romance, this is not the book for you- but the plush landscape and exploration of prejudice were well done. I’m also interested in reading more books where the world is as it is, but with the addition of magic as something everyone is aware of. Also the naked hardcover is beautiful!

Thank you so much @netgalley @sourcebooksfire & @rbmed_ for the e & audio copies.

I truly enjoyed Rachel Griffins writing in this book. The imagery was great and I was able to imagine myself there with the characters. The story was sad at times, but it also had moments of hope and joy. I do wish there was a bit more magic throughout the story, but I think the book was more focused on Iris and Pike and their growth (rightfully so). I loved the banter between them and seeing them go from foes to more. I liked the twist at the end because it showed that actions have repercussions.

Wild is the Witch was a thoroughly enjoyable read. It started darkly as Iris was exonerated from the crime her best friend accidentally committed. Although she was declared innocent, the stigma that followed her was excruciating to she and her family. Seeking a fresh start, she and her mother moved to Washington State and created a wildlife rescue sanctuary, leaving the past - and her father- behind. Iris is a witch, and in this magical of fantasy, witches are widely accepted, but Iris feels the sting and stigma of being uniquely a wtich. In Washington she and her mom create a new life for themselves, and Iris embraces their quiet new undercover life until Pike begins his internship at the sanctuary; Iris cannot stand his laid-back, seemingly half-hearted approach to his duties.

The fantasy world Rachel Griffin builds is rich in detail of the beauty and wildness of Washington state, and although the romance is predictable (highly independent girl meets annoying boy, they experience conflict, then grow to appreciate each other), it is enjoyable and not overly saccharine; how they get to the finish is interesting and anything but typical. The touches of witchcraft and how it is closely linked with nature truly add to the storyline.

This one started off a little slow, but I ultimately ended up really enjoying it! YA fantasy is a comfort genre for me, so this book was right up my alley.

I was a bit apprehensive going into this. The Nature of Witches wasn't my fave, but I really enjoyed this second book. I don't think these are connected - I could be wrong. But I definitely enjoyed this, I loved Iris and Pike - their banter and relationship was top tier.
I'm really glad that this exceeded my expectations and I really enjoyed reading it.

I don’t typically read YA but this book sounded interesting so I figured why not? And I was reminded of why I don’t like YA books or enemies to lovers books. Right from the start Pike is incredibly annoying but like annoying in an elementary school boy might annoy a girl so rather childish and always picking at Iris for no reason. I knew it would be a struggle to get through it or really even care about them getting closer through forced proximity. As for Iris who the story is technically about we start with her on trial after a tragic event happened with her friend. And though she is cleared of any involvement her life is upended she loses her home and security and father in the aftermath due to witch hate. And it seems rather obvious that she’s taken on the role of mothering her own mother who is incredibly annoying. Iris worries about everything and her mother worries about nothing. Seems like she needed some therapy after everything happened but nope her mother didn’t seem to worry about anything ever. Her daughter’s concerns about Pike’s feelings towards witches? No... she just brushed it off like it was nothing but what if it had been something?

Anywho to deal with life Iris writes spells and burns them so quite predictably when she writes one for Pike after he annoys her again and unnerves her with his hate for witches it gets stolen by a bird that’s been hanging around. So she has to try to find the it before the spell can be released and cause more damage than to just Pike. And naturally since Pike is studying to become an ornithologist he’s the perfect person to help her. So off into the forest they go.

I remember why I don’t read YA the characters were all irritating and I guess I just really don’t like the enemies to lovers troupe. To be fair it’s not really bad it’s just not for me.

Iris Gray is a witch, but she has vowed to let no one know. Magic can be deadly, and everything can change in an instant. After leaving her old life behind, Iris feels like she found the place she belongs. The only problem is Pike Alder. He interns for her mother, and he hates witches. When Pike says a hurtful comment, Iris conducts a ritual and performs a curse, but she never meant for it to get out. When it’s stolen by a powerful amplifier; a sacred owl, Iris ends up needing Pike’s help. They’ll track the amplifier and she’ll dispel the curse, and no one will ever find out. If they do, Iris’s secret will be in jeopardy and could threaten everything she loves.

I enjoyed Rachel Griffin’s debut novel so much, I immediately added Wild is the Witch to my TBR! Griffin does a wonderful job making readers see the power and beauty of the outdoors. Her writing is almost like poetry. It makes you fall in love with nature and everything it offers. Everything you read is almost like a movie scene unfolding in front of you. The magic and nature references captivated me, but I did not find I connected with the characters as strongly as in Griffin’s first book. Including stronger flashbacks could have enhanced the story. Plus, I wish the romance wasn’t predictable. I would have loved a twist to shake things up! Even though the ending did not blow me away; I’d still highly recommend this book! It touches on anxiety and finding coping mechanisms. Plus, Griffin is a powerful writer, and she can bring an entire world to life.

Thank you to Net Galley and SOURCEBOOKS Fire for the ARC!

If you want all the feels of Rachel Griffin’s first novel, The Nature of Witches, you will love this book. Her writing is lyrical and poetic in a way that flows through her narrative beautifully. I thoroughly enjoyed the banter between her characters and this novel feature a trope I really enjoy: enemies (somewhat) to lovers. I will not use the quote here without a final copy to reference, but there is a part where she talks about anxiety and I feel like she really captured the feel of it well. The only draw back to this book is that I wish there was more magic. The magic of this book intrigued me, but I feel like we didn’t see a ton of demonstrations of it. I enjoyed seeing a character that was driven to under her mistake at any cost to herself, even when the secrets she kept jeopardized her situation more. Even though I really wanted more, I still really loved this book. Rachel Griffin is an author I will return to time and time again. Thank you to NetGalley and Sourcebooks Fire for a chance to read an advanced copy and share my thoughts prior to publication.