It took me a couple chapters to realise that this was not a sequel to Rachel Griffin's The Nature of Witches. Once I understood that, I was all in! This book hit all the right notes for an enemies to lovers YA romance. A fun, quick read, perfect for fans of fantasy, animals, and first love.

Wild is the Witch by Rachel Griffin
Standalone
YA Fantasy
Publication Date: August 2, 2022

Not since my Twilight phase as a teenager has a book made me want to escape to the Pacific NorthWest this badly. This book is super atmospheric and if I had been listening to the audiobook and closed my eyes I wouldn’t for a second doubt the setting.

I find magical realism in general to be a hit or miss for me because often the magic system just doesn’t seem like it could exist in our world. Yet the magic system Griffin has created feels like it really could exist. It operates in a way that feels natural and never asks you to suspend your disbelief. The story unravels so flawlessly that you find yourself suddenly at the end of the book in utter contemptment.

The story is set amongst an animal sanctuary and rescued animals, or rather one particularly naughty owl, who becomes a catalyst for the events that unfold. Be still my beating heart.

While initially I was a little confused by what appears to be the strong dislike Pike and Iris have towards each other it becomes evident once their back stories unfold and I became their biggest cheerleader.

I think any fans of Adrienne Young will find Rachel Griffin’s novels to be equally enchanting. This was such a great follow-up novel and I’m really excited for what Griffin publishes next.

I’d really like to thank NetGalley and Sourcebooks Fire for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Wild is the Witch was a delightful read! The story was compelling, the pace was tight, and the stakes were high. I was gripped in the first chapter. And literally devoured the whole book in one sitting.
Magic and wolves and owls in an ancient forest—say no more! Highly recommend.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an advanced ecopy of this novel. Opinions are my own!

What an absolutely breathtaking story full of raw emotions, love, loss, nature and Rachel's absolutely brilliant magic system of Witches from a purely naturalist perspective.

I read this in one sitting. I didn't want to put it down.

Thank you to the publishers and NetGalley for an eARC of, Wild is the Witch, in exchange for an honest review.

A big thanks to Rachel Griffin, Netgalley and Sourcebooks Fire for letting me read and review this book.
I absolutely adored this story. It shows how everyone has secrets and are vulnerable but also how there is a way and hope through it. The setting was so atmospheric and almost whimsical for me. It makes me want to take a trip to the northwest and look for that owl myself.
This is a character lead story even though it had the supernatural element. The way Rachel writes her witch history is one that I adore. To have their powers more steeped in nature and that they work with the universe instead of taking advantage of it.
It also had just the right about of romance in it between the two teens. It felt more real than others Ive read. They grew to know each other. The good, bad, and heartbreaking truths of who they both are. Great character development.
The only critic I have is that throughout the book there are times where it seems repetitive. That may just be my own opinion but because of that little nuance in the writing bumped it down to a 4.5 stars for me.

I received this book for free from netgalley in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

“If my dad taught me anything, it's that a person who doesn't have magic will never choose to weather the storms with a person who does. It will always become too much for them, sooner or later.”

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5

wow! Rachel Griffin is becoming a new fav author! I totally loved the nature of witches and was so excited to read this and it didn’t disappoint!
I always enjoy a great enemies to lovers story and this one felt so real and liked Iris and Pike’s relationship development. Also only one tent 😉 These character were so realistically flawed and and portrayed so well.
I could completely envision the wooded landscape as griffin’s writing is so beautifully descriptive, I was immersed. I loved Iris’s connection to the nature + animals around her. 🦉🌲

There was magic, a mischievous owl, curses, secrets, an adventure, atmospheric writing and romance. If these are things you like you need to pick this book up on release!

✨Wild Is the Witch releases 2 August 2022 ✨

Thank you to @netgalley, @sourcebooksfire & @timesnewrachel for this ARC of Wild is the Witch.

I received an eARC of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

I loved this book! I read a few pages on Wednesday night and then ran home from work Thursday and finished it. I did not want to put this down!

This story focuses on Iris: a witch with an animal affinity who has experienced some trauma in her recent past. This trauma follows her and her mom when they move away and causes Iris to have some interpersonal issues. Iris and her mom run a wildlife animal rescue and employ a witch hating snarky guy named Pike.

Maybe it’s just me but I thought it was pretty obvious from the very first interaction that Pike has feelings for or is being flirty with Iris. I say this because I’ve seen a lot of people call this an enemies to lovers trope but I think the argument can be made that it’s also an unrequited love trope.

Iris’ past trauma is brought back up and Pike makes some unkind remarks about witches. This causes Iris some inner turmoil that she tries to cathartically cleanse via a curse on Pike that she can destroy before it can work. Unfortunately, a cheeky owl steals the curse leading her and Pike into the forests to find the thief.

The situations that Pike and Iris find themselves in give credence to the saying love and hate are two sides of the same coin.

The ending had my emotions all in turmoil with the secrets revealed and the chaos. I wasn’t even sure how I wanted it to end but I was satisfied with the ending we got. I would have liked to see some symmetry with the closing scene of the book and the prophetic vision mentioned earlier.

I think this book is well written and compelling. I immediately had my library order it so I can recommend it to patrons when it comes out.

I loved The Nature of Witches so I was excited to see Rachel had put out a new book. This one did not disappoint! Well written with a storyline that tugs at your heart but keeps you interested and invested throughout the story! I loved seeing the soft side of Pike come out and watch as Iris learned to deal with the emotions of her family as well as learn to trust again. Very enjoyable and highly recommend!!

If this was a mystery, Id call it a cozy mystery but it's not but the elements are the same. It's a contained story, limited characters and setting and a meta MacGuffin reference that showcased the awareness of the author for plot device. It's an extremely quick read, with good pacing (that aligned to the story and the pressing need) and it was a lovely take on magic, connection to nature and the world and with beautiful descriptions of the Pacific Northwest.

"Magic is always present, always close"
"I cursed him, and yet I want him to understand. Impossible"
"Grudges are a lot to carry - I try to be discerning in the ones I hold"
Saying that this book surprised me would be a huge understatement. I absolutely loved it !
When I first came to read it, I thought I'd find some sweet but complicated story where a witch fell for someone she couldn't be with ... maybe with a little bit of action and mystery.
And I was right ... but at the same time I wasn't! This book was just so much more.
Yes, there was romance. Yes, there was action and mystery. But there was also magic, curses, kisses, secrets, fragility, trust, getting to know one another despite the differences... and such a great banter between the two main characters!!
A witch and a young man who hates witches, forced together in a hunt for an owl she needs to find and save because it holds the curse she created for him in the first place,
The amount of trauma they both experienced, both in so may different circumstances, made them so hard to rely and trust each other ... but also drawn to one another.
And when the attraction becomes too much to bear then ... well you may imagine.
I loved hoe the story developed from the beginning up until the very end. I was so enraptured I just couldn't stop reading and I am so glad I had the chance to live this!
This book is made with some of the best tropes ever: forced proximity, one bed, rivals to lovers, endless banter and a deep need of acceptance running deep in our badass main character.
I love the representation happening , even if just on the side!
But if I have to select THE theme I absolutely loved ... I think Iris' need to be chosen by someone ... seen for who she really is, completely ... well that made it for me !!
Read this one and check it out as soon as it is published because you won't regret it!!
"Because this world is fucking brutal, and laughing is the only way I know how to deal with it"
"You looked ... free ... Wild ... Beautiful"
"Missing someone is just a form of grief"

Just as amazing as the first book! I could read her books every day and not get tired of it. The writing is smooth and transitions well. I can easily remember what I was reading if I have to put the book down for the day to go to work. I laughed, I cried, I will be recommending this book to everyone, even if they do not like witches ;)

Thank you to Sourcefire Books and NetGalley for the ARC. I loved this book more and more as it went on and the fact that it brought a few tears to my eyes toward the end bumped up my rating. It mostly takes place over the span of a few days in which a witch named Iris, along with her co-worker/nemesis Pike, journeys though the woods in search of an owl which is carrying a curse that Iris accidentally released. If the curse is released it will turn Pike, a witch hater, into a witch himself as well as have dire consequences for the entire area.

I loved the whole earthy setting of this book and the fact that Iris and her mother run a wildlife refuge. The fact that Iris has anxiety and is an animal lover made me feel like I could relate to her in a lot of ways and Rachel wrote her story beautifully. The romance was very sweet and developed very naturally (and there was only one tent!) I will admit I haven’t read The Nature of Witches yet but I’m definitely going to make it a priority now.

Wild is the Witch is a magical story with rich writing which transports you to the magical forests of the Pacific NW. I felt at home in the spongy moss, tall evergreens and moody weather. The story is centered around Iris who is working and living next to a wildlife preserve. Iris and her mother live a simple life, focusing upon their relationship with each other and the animals in the world around them. It's been a peaceful place until a new ornithology intern starts. Pike is a mystery to Iris, he is cracking jokes at her expense and seemingly views her as competition at the preserve. How will Iris get over Pike's frustrating behavior?

Rachel Griffin's writing hooked me right away. I really enjoyed the magical world she created. Thank you to Source Books Fire and NetGalley for the DRC. This is my honest review.

After months of not being able to get The Nature of Witches out of my head I just knew Wild is the Witch was going to be a new favourite too and Rachel Griffin did not disappoint! Ever since I was about 5 I have wanted to live the picturesque cottagecore life in a cabin in the woods, surrounded by animals and Wild made my soul so hungry for that dream.

Griffin's writting style is so magical and atmospheric that I find myself forgetting I am actually reading. The magic systems she creates are so unique, which I absolutely love! I love how easily Griffin writes in issues of bisexuality and anxiety in a way that is so openly accepted and natural. The real world needs to hurry up and get on the same page. I also love the way I find myself mourning for character we never get to meet.

The banter and tension between Iris and Pike was perfection and so well written. I loved the development of Iris' character as an individual as well as the development of her relationship with Pike from frenemies to lovers.

The only thing stopping me from giving this book 5☆ is the timeline. Not the pace of the plot, that was spot on for me, but how quickly time went in the story. I don't know how much sunlight they get in a day in the PNW but it constantly felt like days were incredibly short.

Overall I am rating Wild 4.5☆ and I can't recommend it enough! Rachel Griffin has easily become a new favourite author of mine and I cannot wait to be able to add a physical copy of this book to my shelves!

Many thanks to Netgalley and Sourcefire books for gifting me this advanced copy.

as a fan of rachel griffin's previous book, 'the nature of witches', i was highly anticipating this one. i was overall not let down, i loved how atmoshperic the writing was!

I really enjoyed The Nature of Witches so I was delighted to receive a copy of Wild Is The Witch for review. I loved this magical story just as much! A curse that has gone terribly wrong leads to a race against time to save the boy she is falling for.

When eighteen-year-old witch Iris Gray accidentally enacts a curse that could have dire consequences, she must journey through the Pacific Northwest wilderness with a boy who hates witches to make sure her magic isn't unleashed on the world.

Iris is such a likable character. She's a good person who tries her best. I love how the writer humanize her anxieties... I love how she grows and deals with stress. I love her banter and chemistry with Pike as well. :) What a sweet romance.

Thanks to the publisher for the arc.

I loved Griffin’s first book Nature of Witches, and I was so excited when I was granted a copy of her newest release that comes out in August.

Iris is a witch, but she and her mother have moved to the west coast where no one knows them and they can hide the fact that they are witches. Pike works with Iris and has made it very clear that he hates witches.

Iris creates a curse on Pike, but in a ritual gone wrong the curse is released into the wild and she must find the Owl that holds the curse high in the forests. She along with Pike seek out the owl, in hopes that Iris can unbind the curse before Pike or anyone else finds out.

This was a great book and Griffin is becoming one of my new favorite authors.

Gorgeously written setting in the pacific north west, Wild is the Witch takes on a different kind of witch story I have never read before. Griffin has a way with her writing that had me transported into the woods with her characters. All my sense were heightened and that is what I love about Wild. Iris and Pike's chemistry was quirky with a fun banter between them. I have to say, the tent in the woods had me blushing and makes me want to go camping. My favorite aspect in the book, was how an owl was incorporated along with the magic. Through out the book I was on the edge of my couch wanting to know what was going to happen. Along with how Griffin wrote the use of magic, I did also like how she used Iris as a way for the reader to identify with with having anxiety. Having Iris find a non harmful way to diverge it and also how she pulls herself together in situations that heightens it. Pike coming in to be aware of Iris and her anxiety, and finding ways to help be a sense of security to her, made their relationship even more connected.
Wild Is the Witch is one of my top reads for the year and a story that is appropriate for everyone to enjoy from YA to Adult.

What a cute, fast paced book! I loved that there wasn’t a lot of extra stuff that wasn’t needed to tell this story. The story was about a witch who has to go into “hiding” because of something her friend did. Now that her mom and her have a great new life, she’s worried that a boy will make her family need to run away again.

Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for the advanced copy in return for my honest opinion.