A witch and the stolen curse she made for a boy who has hurt her. Iris Gray is a witch, she loves animals and nature... but when her best friend tried to turn her boyfriend into a witch and ended up killing him instead, Iris has vowed to never let another person find out she’s a witch. After moving to a new place and making a home for herself at the animal refuge her mother runs, Iris hides who she is and vents her frustrations by writing curses she never intends to cast... except there is Pike Alder. Pike is an intern who works at the refuge, he’s cruel, constantly annoying and getting under Iris’s skin... and above all else he hates witches. After a particularly hurtful comment, Iris has had enough, she decides to vent her frustrations and concoct a cruel torment for him for all the things he’s said and done to her... the worst thing ever... she is going to curse him into turning into a witch, the one thing he hates the most. However, before she can dispel the curse, the owl that has been watching her and following her all week suddenly swoops down and steals it. Now Iris has to find it and try and fix it, the owl is a powerful amplifier and if it dies, Iris’s dark curse will be unleashed on not only Pike but everyone in the region. With the trailing on a ticking clock Iris needs to go out and find him but her mother won’t let her go unless she goes with someone, and who better than the resident ornithologist, Pike. Will Iris be able to keep her secret the entire trip without alerting Pike, or will things only get worse? The more time they spend together the more they get to know another another.. and maybe there is more to Pike than the arrogant and mean person... and maybe theres a reason for all his egging and comments to Iris. With an owl to hunt, these two will have to go into nature with only each other to depend on, but with secrets and possible feelings coming out... who knows what will happen by the end of the trip. This was a beautiful read, the way Iris is dealing with anxiety and trying to just get by, her love of nature and animals, and most of all, her determination to do what is right was beautiful to read. At first I really disliked Pike, and it took some time to grow to like him but in the end I was charmed. He has his reasons for acting and doing what he does, and getting to know him, just as Iris did, he turned out to be a great love interest. The magic and the nature in this book just felt like I needed to go on a camping trip myself, or go visit an owl because it just immerses you into the feeling. This was a wonderful read and I would definitely recommend it!

*Thanks Netgalley and SOURCEBOOKS Fire, Sourcebooks Fire for sending me an arc in exchange for an honest review*

Beyond amazing! This book was an incredible read and I can't recommend it enough. This is a book you'll want on your shelf and to give as a gift. Everyone needs to read it.

First of all, wow! What a beautiful and original work. I absolutely love how magic is described and how the main characters are incredibly relatable and real. Iris and Pike do NOT get along, but when Iris makes a mistake and the situation forces Iris and Pike to work together, secrets come out. Wild is the Witch by @timesnewrachel releases August 2nd and I’ve already *added to cart* ✨

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC of this book. I look forward to purchasing.

Rachel Griffin is one of my all time favorite authors and she definitely didn’t disappoint with Wild is the Witch. Rachel has such an amazing way of captivating the reader from the very beginning of the story, and keep you hooked until the end. The magic in this story is great, the characters and plot were very well thought out and written!

Thank you to NetGalley and Sourcebooks Fire for allowing me early access to this eARC in exchange for my review

This was actually a pretty solid book and I had a lot of fun reading it. While it was a simpler plot (no catastrophic climax) I appreciated that the plot driven issue was mendable. It’s a nice witchy vibe stand-alone, but I wouldn’t quite call it an enemies to lovers. The chemistry between the characters was okay, but I honestly thought that they would make better friends first. The romance felt a tad too quick to grow from a few days camping. I’m also surprised that it was a whole new world and magic system from The Nature of Witches in that this magic was much more subtle (in the uses we saw) and wasn’t defined by seasons but rather People vs. Animal.

Really liked this one. Moody, atmospheric, gothic - so many words to describe this luscious tale of a witch trying to not fall in love with a boy who hates witches! She must go on a journey with him to save his life, but will he end hers when he finds out what she truly is? Read and find out! You won't be sorry!

Rachel's writing is again beautiful. I enjoyed her debut a bit more, but thats only because I am not fond of enemies to lovers trope in romance. I loved the nature descriptions, Iris and her journey and of course Pike (even if I wasn't fond of the *way* they got together lol). This is such a beautifully written story and journey for the characters. I know teens will love this one as much as Rachel's debut

I requested this book in hopes of loving it. As I sadly couldn't get into A Nature Of Witches but unfortunately this book wasn't for me either. It was well wrote and the characters well developed well. I just struggled getting into the story.

I’m having a hard time putting together my thoughts for this book. I really enjoyed reading Wild is the Witch, and I again loved the world Griffin crafted. She has a way with words when it comes to describing nature! But the angst of Iris and the angst between them was…it got on my nerves more often than not. And their seemingly insta love is not something I was a fan of. So while the story and world were interesting to me, the characters didn’t draw me in as much as I’d hoped. I’m just not a fan of insta love or extreme angst, but that doesn’t mean someone else won’t absolutely adore it, and I would recommend giving it a try if at least to enjoy the world!

Wild Is The Witch is like a soothing blanket of comfort and coziness; it's all so atmospheric and whimsical, emotionally raw and filled with depth and vulnerability.

"Magic is always present, always close."

Iris and her mom are comfortable and happy where they live. As witches running an animal refuge center, they can help calm animals they encounter and help heal them. When Pike, an intern working at the refuge, expresses his hate for witches, Iris emotions run rampant with fear, which leads to creating a curse for Pike that will never see the light of day. Unfortunately, an owl takes the curse and sets loose. If the owl dies, the curse gets unleashed and it will be life-threatening for anyone around.

"Being a witch isn't just casting an occasional spell. It's seeing the world differently than the way others see it. It's living in the same space but experiencing it in a totally singular way."

Rachel Griffin's writing is one of pure comfort. I felt like I was in a foggy and misty forest, surrounded by magic, with a cup of tea in my hand. As with her debut novel, she crafts a beautiful narrative that is filled with lessons and wonders about nature, all while inspiring readers to be conscious about climate change.

I found Iris to be so relatable, especially with her anxiety; it was conveyed so perfectly and authentically. I saw myself in Iris, in her train of thoughts, her anxiousness over situations she couldn't control.

"But that's the thing about anxiety, it doesn’t care if something is rational or not. It takes hold of your mind and squeezes, tighter and tighter until it can’t be ignored, demanding your undivided attention. It turns from insignificant to all-consuming in the span of a breath, a fog so thick it’s impossible to see through, and no amount of breathing or counting or visualizations undoes it."

Onto our love interest. At first, I was so wary of Pike. His arrogance and cockiness was getting to me, but once we got to know more of him, I couldn't help but be entirely charmed. He brings out a side of Iris that, without her knowing, helps her to get out of her head and become present.

"When I say something that annoys you, you give me an expression I’ve never seen you give anyone else. So I keep annoying you, just so you’ll make the face you only make for me."

Their dynamic while on the rescue mission of the owl was highly entertaining. They cannot stand each other and are constantly butting heads, but it's in this mission through the forest that they start opening up and revealing layers of themselves, reaching a level of vulnerability they weren't expecting.

"You're special, Iris. You’re strange and surprising, and I’m endlessly curious about the things that take up space in your mind." [...] "Effortless," he says, reflecting someone who can't possibly be me. "You're effortless."

Overall, Wild Is The Witch crafts a page-turning, thought-provoking, and remarkable story-telling that is eloquent and magical with beautiful imagery that brings comfort, peace, and hope.

IF YOU LIKE:
- Loathe-to-love
- Enemies-to-lovers
- Contemporary Fantasy
- An unruly and meddling owl
- Forced proximity
- Major Pacific Northwest vibes
- There's only one tent
- An ill-fated curse
- Nature in all its glory
- Wolves as pets

I was given an ARC copy of this book in exchange for my honest review!

I read this book in one sitting. I just could not put it down!

The story follows Iris who is a witch and Pike who is a human she works with.

One thing leads to another and Iris’ curse meant for Pike gets carried away by an owl. This story is their journey of coming together and healing all while tracking the owl through the forest before the curse gets unleashed on the town!

I highly recommend this book! Easy read and definitely one of those feel good stories!

Although this is a book written for teens, and I am far from a teen, I really enjoyed it. The characters are well developed and have an honesty to their actions. I love their interactions with animals. The story is set up all about correcting a mistake, and the adventure taken is full of emotion, revelations and peril for all. It is a love story, but not just between a boy and a girl; the love encompasses the nature of others and one's place in this world. The magic is more of an enhancement of nature than fantastical, and that makes the story more endearing. 'Loved it! This is a story that can be enjoyed by anyone!

Wild is the Witch is a dazzling story of love, understanding and family, thought witchy means. The story is one of enemies and lovers, found moments, misjudgments and growing up. I loved the magic system and the characters development. The author has a way of making the story come to live in a believable way. There were times I thought that the characters might pop off the page and manifest in my living room. I also really felt the magic in the pages. The story line is great and has a story to tell and the ending... Well, that ending is one that will stay with me for quite some time. Thank you to NetGalley and Sourcebooks Fire for the ARC.

I enjoyed this tale of adversaries forced to work together and in the process discovering common ground.

I was pleasantly surpised by this, knowing absolutely nothing about the book or author before going in.

Iris Gray, a witch with an affinity towards animals works in an animal sanctuary with her mother and Pike, her workplace adversary. Iris inadvertently sets a curse into play against Pike, and has to do what she can to stop the curse from going into fruition, which would ultimately put Pike’s life on the line, as well as Iris’s ability to practice magic.

Pike, hating witches and not knowing Iris is one, goes on an owl expedition in the woods alone with Iris. Iris of course has her own plans for the trip.

Really enjoyed the characters, the subtle magic use, and the growing relationships between Pike and Iris. Nicely done.

Disclaimer: eArc provided by Sourcebooks Fire via NetGalley in exchange for a review.

Plot
Iris Gray is a witch working in an animal rescue shelter owned by her mother, her co-worker Pike. When Pike expresses hatred towards witches (without knowing Iris is a witch) Iris is enraged and decides to do a ritual to curse him. Only problem? Instead of sending the curse into the land and leaving Pike none the wiser, she accidentally curses an owl. When the owl escapes she sets out on a rescue mission to undo the curse, with Pike along for company.

Thoughts
Actual Rating: 4.5 Stars

I absolutely adored Rachel's debut novel - The Nature of Witches - and was so excited when is was announced she was publishing another witchy book. This book is set in a different world to her debut, although there is similarities - witches powers appear to be rooted in nature, and the existence of witches is widely known throughout the world.

Iris is such an interesting character. Right at the beginning of the book we learn that Iris was a witness to a spell gone wrong when her friend tried to give her boyfriend power, which rescued in his death when he couldn't control his powers. After this event Iris and her mother left their home town, and her father, behind to set up an animal rescue centre. Both Iris and her mother's magic are classified as 'Stellar' meaning they have a natural affinity to healing and easing pain, which they use to help animals. Also, since that event Iris has kept the knowledge of her magic a secret.

Iris and Pike have a rivals-to-lovers style relationship, they dislike each other at the start of the book due to their preconceptions about each other. Their relationship slowly develops when the two go to rescue the owl. I really enjoyed their banter and how their relationship grew over the course of the book.

Overall, I think if you like Rachel's debut you will also like this book.

Representation: Irish's mother is in a relationship with another woman. Neither of their sexual identities are confirmed.

I had the amazing chance and opportunity to receive an ARC of Rachel Griffin's latest book, Wild is the Witch, thanks to NetGalley and SOURCEBOOK Fire in exchange for an honest review.
This book is, in all honesty, one of my favorite reads of the year and to me, it really deserves five stars. I read The Nature of Witches last fall, and completely fell in love with the characters, the world and everything in that story. And when I was finally done, I felt empty and really missed the characters and just reading the book! So when I heard of Wild is the Witch, I swear I almost cried! For real I couldn’t wait to get my hands on this book. And as soon as I started reading it, it all happened again. I fell in love with this new world and its characters. Let me tell you, I read it all yesterday, and went out with my friends the same night, and all I could think about was this book! That’s also one of the reasons why it deserves five stars.
So to tell you a bit about the story, you first meet Iris, an amazing young witch who is so passionate about who she is, her magic, nature and animals. She is still struggling with some events from her past and has her own little way of dealing with it and with the things that can stress or upset her. She works with her mother in their reuge where they help and try to heal and save wild animals with an intern, Pike. Pike is a normal human being who confesses to hating witches. He and Iris don’t really get along. But when she accidentally curses him, they have to go on a little trip together to try to fix it. I think you can guess where it’s heading; enemies-to-lovers, forced proximity, (after “there’s only one bed”, meet “there’s only one tent”...), tending to the other’s wounds… You get the picture!
I really, really loved Iris, her character was really interesting and really got to me, the struggles she has to face, her way of dealing with them, and her devotion to animals.. <33 I mean, I just love her so much.
The story was so well written, and the worldbuilding was just amazing. I loved everything about it and really plan on reading it again. I 100% recommend it! Please Rachel Griffin, I need another one already!!!!
I’m so thankful to have had the chance to read it. Can’t wait for the next book and most importantly for everyone to read it!

It was so good! I love Rachel's writing style and the character personalities were so relatable! The tension throughout the whole book and then the ending!!!! What! Literally and absolutely phenomenal.

I read and adored the book "The Nature of Witches" so was excited to see that Rachel Griffin had written another book. I am so lucky to have had the chance to read this amazing new novel, "Wild is the Witch".

After high school, Iris works at the nature preserve that her mother owns and runs. She loves spending time there with the animals, her Lunar magic connecting her to them. The only part of her job that she doesn't enjoy is having to work with Pike Alder, a college student who is interning there. When a spell that wasn't meant to be cast accidentally joins to an owl, and that owl flees the preserve, Iris know the only way to prevent a tragedy from happening is to get the owl back and remove the curse she unintentionally created. Iris and Pike set out into the mountains to find the owl and bring him back to the refuge, Iris keeping her secret that she's a witch and Pike having no idea what he's getting into. As both teenagers start to open up more to each other, they become connected in a way that neither could see coming.

This novel was beautifully written! The author's description of magic and the way it works was, in itself, magical. She gave magic a connection to nature - plants, trees, animals - that was simple, yet powerful. It was easy to connect with Iris, and with Pike, and to care deeply about them both throughout the story. My favorite part of the story though was Iris's connection to the animals - especially Winter. We all need a wolf like that!

Thank you to #NetGalley and #SourcebooksFire for an ARC of #WildistheWitch by #RachelGriffin in exchange for an honest review. The thoughts above are completely my own. I can't wait for #RachelGriffin to write more books!! She is now on my favorite YA authors list!!

I enjoyed reading this book. The atmosphere was beautiful, and I enjoyed the enemies to lovers. It's one that will immediately go on my recommendations shelf.