I enjoy enemies-to-lovers tropes in YA and NA books and this one did not disappoint. Iris and Pike are fantastic characters who just misunderstand one another. Iris suffers from anxiety and has issues with abandonment and trust. She is written in such a way that is realistic, yet she is a witch. Pike is distrustful of magic for reasons that unfold in the book. The setting in the PNW is so beautifully written that you can imagine being there. I love the magic in Rachel’s book. Intertwining Nature and magic are such a beautiful thing.

Thank you to the publisher, Rachel Griffin and NetGalley for the ARC of this book.

This one wasn't for me. I'll start with the positives: I really loved the depiction and connection to nature. There were some beautiful descriptions that really transported me. The "action" kicks off quite quickly and I enjoyed the cohesive world of witches and humans. The enemies to lover trope was nice towards the end.

But that's where the enjoyment ended for me, unfortunately. I found it repetitive, the couple dynamic frustrating, the action slow and I didn't connect with the characters.

However, I'll still return to this author as I do love her writing style and the aforementioned nature theme. I've no doubt others will enjoy this, it's quite cosy and easy to get through.

Rachel Griffin writes the best witches. They feel so natural but also different from novel to novel. For that reason alone Griffin has become an auto buy for me.

In Wild is the Witch, Iris doesn't mean to curse her full time co-worker and part time nemesis, Pike, but when things go wrong she must team up with him to hunt down her errant curse and a special bird.

I absolutely adored this book and the character of Iris. Her feelings of anger and frustration with a world that distrusts her simply for being who she is reminds me of being a teenager myself. Thankfully I never had the ability to accidentally curse anybody over it! But you also see her grow so much throughout the book as she learns to deal with the tragedy in her past and the consequences of what she's done in the present.

I have enjoyed everything Rachel Griffin has put out, and this one is no exception. My teenage daughter and I read them together. Stories about normal girls with magical gifts are our favorites.

I loved this book. I really liked The Nature of Witches but I LOVED Wild is the Witch. The romance was so so so good! And the writing was rich and atmospheric. Rachel Griffin writes in a way that feels so connected to nature and the way she describes settings and the world building in this story we’re so immersive. Also, major shout out to my new fave, the only one tent trope.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I cannot get enough of Rachel Griffin’s book, I fell in love with her first book and continue to love her stories. Wild is the Witch follows Iris as she works to undue an accidental curse and deal with the fallout of what could happen if she does not succeed.

One of the things I enjoy about Griffin’s writing is the stories feel real, they don’t take place in a fantastical setting but instead in a place that could be your own neighborhood and yet they have a magic to them that keeps you captivated and reading to the end.

4/5 ⭐️
After reading “The Nature of Witches” which I enjoyed but didn’t love, I was browsing NetGalley and this sounded like my speed. And boy was it!
Iris is a witch living in a wildlife sanctuary her mom owns, who’s magic is connected with nature and the animals in the area. Iris is living in total bliss, aside from one thing. Her coworker Pike is the bane of her existence. He’s annoying, always up for an argument and shirking his chores constantly! And he isn’t afraid to voice his complete loathing of witches. In a fit of anger… or is it fear, in a ritual passed from her grandmother, Iris tries to create a curse to release her feelings and give it to the earth, an amplifier swoops in and Carrie’s the curse off with it. This flying time bomb can release the curse and effect many if the amplifier dies. After letting her mom know that the injured amplifier has escaped, and leaving out the curse part, her mom says she can go but only if she brings Pike! Begrudgingly these two have to team up and the fate of many may be contingent upon these two getting along. Despite the bickering, misunderstandings and kind bars, these two end up actually maybe liking each other. But when things take a turn for the worse, Iris needs to decide if she can trust Pike and possibly loose him to do the right thing.

Rachel created a very dense and rich world that is so realistic I wish I could live in it. I found her characters more relatable and I loved all the nature descriptors in her writing. It was great to get more insight into the witches and different kinds. Her improvement from Nature to Wild is palpable and I can’t wait to read her next book!

Griffin tells such a unique story. I would've liked to see a bit more witchy elements, but overall this was an incredible tale.

"Wild Is the Witch" by Rachel Griffin, the New York Times bestselling author of "The Nature of Witches," takes readers on an immersive journey into a contemporary fantasy filled with high stakes and captivating characters. This novel explores themes of grief, forgiveness, acceptance, and the delicate balance between humans and nature. While slightly predictable, the book remains highly entertaining and offers a fresh perspective on the world of witches in the Pacific Northwest.

The story revolves around Iris Gray, an eighteen-year-old witch who inadvertently triggers a curse with potentially dire consequences. Determined to prevent her magic from wreaking havoc, Iris embarks on a perilous adventure through the untamed wilderness of the Pacific Northwest. Her reluctant companion is Pike Alder, an aspiring ornithologist with an intense dislike for witches. Together, they must locate an owl that has taken possession of the curse, as its death would unleash Iris's dark spell on the entire region.

Iris's character is compelling, driven by her determination to hide her identity as a witch following a tragic incident. Rachel Griffin skillfully portrays Iris's internal conflict, as she grapples with the fear of revealing her true self. The author also emphasizes Iris's passion for nature and her work at the wildlife refuge she runs with her mother, effectively integrating themes of nature and conservation into the narrative.

Pike Alder, on the other hand, represents the antagonist-turned-ally trope. While initially harboring animosity toward witches, his journey alongside Iris forces him to confront his prejudices and reevaluate his beliefs. The development of their relationship, from enemies to reluctant companions, adds depth to the story and underscores the book's overarching theme of forgiveness and acceptance.

The contemporary setting of the Pacific Northwest serves as a vivid backdrop for the tale. Rachel Griffin's descriptions of the wilderness immerse readers in its beauty, capturing the essence of the region and lending an authentic atmosphere to the story. The author successfully intertwines elements of low fantasy into this modern-day world, seamlessly blending the supernatural with everyday life.

While the plot of "Wild Is the Witch" follows a somewhat predictable trajectory, the book remains highly entertaining throughout. Griffin's engaging writing style and well-paced narrative keep readers invested in the story, eager to see how Iris and Pike's journey unfolds. The exploration of Iris's internal struggles, combined with the external dangers they face in the woods, creates a sense of tension and excitement that drives the plot forward.

In conclusion, "Wild Is the Witch" by Rachel Griffin is a captivating contemporary fantasy that weaves together themes of grief, forgiveness, and acceptance. The author skillfully integrates the world of witches into the Pacific Northwest setting, highlighting the importance of nature and conservation. While the plot may be slightly predictable, the book remains highly entertaining and engaging, making it a worthwhile read for fans of low fantasy and captivating characters.

Rachel Griffin s second book is a fantasy standalone with enemies to lovers romance and magic. Iris Gray , a young witch and her family has been forced to flee their home when she accidentally bear witness to a crime. She has found a new home, one that she would sell her soul for; and a new life amidst the wilderness.One fine day , an owl harbours the curse Iris meant to bury her fury with and is once again on the threshold of losing her home and more.
This is a lighthearted contemporary romance book with interspersed magical elements. The magic system with connection to the nature was an interesting plotline and could have been explored more. The romance in this book was pretty fine with vulnerable moments, genuine love and enemies to lovers trope. The writing style was pretty Ok with some phrases being repeated, which hindered with reading experience. The storyline is predictable and lags in certain areas- like we know what's coming, but why does' nt it happen fast?
Overall , this is a pretty fine read for anyone interested in a romance book with some magic. Had there been more exploration of magic, I would have had liked it better.
Rating:3.5/5
Tw: death / bleeding animal

Here’s what I’ll say about this book - I knew that it was a fantasy romance, heavy in the romance. I’m a smart lady, I know the conventions of the genre, I knew I would give a HEA. I was still EXTREMELY anxious about the resolution of the plot. Griffin gave real weight to the characters and their choices in a way that a lot of people don’t.

I DID absolutely hate her bisexual witch mom though, and it’s really hard to make me hate a bisexual witch, so it loses a star.

Rachel did it again with her second novel! This is such a beautiful, atmospheric story of personal growth and change. Our 2 main characters change as they learn about each other as they journey to found the owl. I loved the magical word and I wanted to go to it (or at least the PNW)!

Wild Is the Witch is such a beautifully written fantasy. The world-building is outstanding. The story is well written with an enchanting storyline and well-developed characters that engage from start to finish. The world is atmospheric and feels real with vivid descriptions and rich imagery. I cannot get enough. Highly recommended. Be sure to check out Wild Is the Witch today.

I wanted a little more worldbuilding/development, but otherwise a solid witchy read! This book has it all -- an intriguing magic system, high stakes, and enemies-to-lovers goodness.

4.5 ⭐️ This audiobook was so delightful! I loved the setting in the woods, the enemies to lovers banter, the magic system, as well as the animals involved. It was adventurous and all characters were lovable in my opinion. I’d love to revisit this same world and characters in a spin off. Especially to meet Amy!

I have been wanting to read The Nature of Witches since I received the arc for it way back when. But for some reason I never got to it. When it came time to request Wild is the Witch I knew I had to have it because the covers were stunning which had to mean the books were amazing. And I’m here to say that neither book disappointed.

Getting approved for Wild is the Witch was the motivation I needed to read The Nature of Witches and I really enjoyed it. It was a solid 4 stars for me. So I was excited to read the next book, even if it was different characters.

I absolutely loved Wild is the Witch. Iris was such a fun character to follow and here and Pike together was my fave. The way magic works in this world was really interesting and I liked how different it was to other books with magic and witches. This read like a really good YA contemporary with magic to make it even better.

If you like witches, magic, and enemies-to-lovers you need to read both these books. I gave Wild is the Witch ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

Another amazing book from Rachel Griffin. I was immediately taken by Iris' story and couldn't wait to read more about what happened that fateful night. It reminded me of the Harry Potter but not as fantastical or tacky. I really enjoyed reading this one and am proud to have it purchased and placed on my shelves alongside The Nature of Witches.

Loved this book. Rachel Griffin has never disappointed me with her novels, and this one was no different.

I really enjoyed this one. Somehow reading this story unfold just felt cozy. The mother daughter relationship was probably my favorite part. There are popular tropes here but the story still felt different than anything I've read in the best way. I'm always looking for books that just draw you into their world and this one does just that!

Griffin’s writing is captivating and immediately draws the reader into the story. The protagonist, Iris Gray, is a witch who witnessed her best friend commit a terrible act of witchcraft. Iris is learning to manage her trauma and losses in the aftermath. In an attempt to start over, Iris and her mother moved to the Pacific Northwest to run a wildlife preserve. Pike, one of Iris’ co-workers, drives Iris crazy, and in her frustration, Iris creates a curse, which an owl swoops up. Thus, Iris and Pike must search for the owl in the backwoods before the curse is unleashed and devastation ensues.

This book is more about relationships than magic; all prominent characters cope with trauma. I enjoyed this book once I could look past Iris’ idiocy in crafting the curse in the first place. I had difficulty believing she would have prepared that specific curse after what she had witnessed. She was still recovering from the emotional trauma from that event, and I doubt she would have so carelessly made a devasting curse.

Once I got past my hangup, this was a nice romance. I loved the setting and the animals. Griffin’s writing was lovely, as were her characters. This was a solid YA read.

Thank you to NetGalley and SourceBooks Fires for the ARC.