I am truly convinced at this point that everything Rachel Griffin writes is perfect. As a fan of her debut novel, The Nature of Witches, her newest novel is no exception.

Wild is the Witch is a fantastic adventure with strong themes on nature, love, and self-love. The forest setting that takes up the majority of the story is magical and well-developed. It is so immersive that, as a reader, I easily was able to find myself lost in.

Iris and Pike are phenomenally developed characters. Both complex and self-reliant, the reader is able to easily fall in love with them individually and as a pair. Their journey together through the forest to retrieve an important owl from their refuge allows them to grow individually, together, and through their grief.

Truly, this novel is absolutely magical and deserves a read. I highly recommend it. Many thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for allowing me a previous ARC for my review.

Wild Is the Witch is a wonderful book! Iris has learned to deal with her turbulent adolescent emotions by writing them into spells which she releases to the Universe to deal with. Unfortunately, an owl steals one of her spells and threatens everything she holds dear.

This book had amazingly realistic characters and great situations. I think it will appeal to lovers of magic, young adult adventure, and anyone who enjoys a great tale in nature. I loved it and read her previous book right away! I will definitely be reading any future books by Rachel Griffin.

Thanks to Rachel Griffin and NetGalley for a review copy of this e-book!

Wild is the Witch is an atmospheric, vibrant story following Iris Gray in her attempt to find the owl that stole a curse she never intended to actually cast on her annoying, but cute coworker Pike Adler.

Rachel Griffin is one of my favorite authors not only because her writing is absolutely gorgeous, but because her characters resonate so well with her readers. Her characters are complicated, they face hardships, they make mistakes and they are so, so real. I love that Rachel combines beautiful imagery with such deep and interesting characters. This novel is female driven with a supporting male role that helps the heroine discover and come to love herself without compromising who she is to “get the guy” in the end.

My heart ached with this book because it deals with so much loss, but also so much forgiveness and love. I will carry this book with me for a very long time and anything Rachel writes you can bet I will buy without a second thought.

As a huge fan of Rachel Griffin's debut novel, The Nature of Witches, I was beyond excited to see where she would take us with her next book. Griffin stayed true to her roots with a book centered around the power of nature and how young people cope with trauma. Wild is the Witch explores grief and anxiety against a magical and ominous backdrop. If you are picking this book up for an introspective new adult romance with a dose of magic and woodland creatures, you are certainly in the right place. I really enjoyed this read and will continue to follow Griffin's career, however Wild did hit home for me in quite the same way at Nature did.

Wild is the Witch takes place in an atmospheric Pacific Northwest forest setting and it was everything I could have asked for and more. Griffin's love for the natural world and her home state shine through this novel with the environment taking on a character of its own. In a similar fashion to Nature, the magic system in this story is closely tied to the natural world, though I did wish we got a deeper dive into the magic system. There were some elements that confused me and some questions I had floating around in my head that I didn't feel were ever answered about how the magic worked.

Iris, our main character, was once again incredible. Griffin writes her leading ladies in a way that feels so vulnerable and authentic. The reader gets a close look at Iris's trauma and anxiety. As someone who also struggles with mental health issues, I felt very connected to Iris and really enjoyed her growth and discoveries about herself throughout the book. Character development is a strong suit of Griffin's and I am certain that we will continue to see main characters with lots of depth come from her works.

Pike is a delightful love interest and his character was so fun to read about. The issue I had with the romance in this story was simply the timing. This book takes place over the course of a few days and I personally prefer a slower burn romance. I have a hard time caring about a couple when their relationship has only had 24 hours to develop. It was sweet but I honestly might have been more invested had it not been romantic and had they just developed a sweet friendship during their adventure.

A few other qualms I had with the book were the timeline and the dialogue. There were points where I did not understand how full days were supposed to have passed with so little movement or action (not to mention meals). As far as dialogue, it just felt stilted and unrealistic at points, like the dialogue was not differentiated from the narrative language and it didn't feel natural. These are things that very easily could change by the time the final version of this book is out in the world.

The adventure and plot of this book were super unique and fun. It was full of many extremely memorable moments and my new favorite trope: only one tent. The premise of this story sounded so exciting and fresh, and Griffen certainly delivered on that front. I loved the idea of an owl carrying off a curse and two people going on a backpacking adventure to track it down. I also really enjoyed that these characters were college aged. I think that was a perfect choice for this story and we don't see enough literature for that age range.

Overall, I would highly recommend this book to any fan of NA fantasy and/or romance. Rachel Griffin has once again delivered an atmospheric witchy story complete with romance and emotional depth!

Rachel Griffin is a magical writer and I love to escape in the worlds she has created! „The Nature of Witches“ was my favourite book of 2021, so I had high hopes for „Wild is the Witch“. It did not disappoint!
„Wild“ is a beautiful book about finding your place, accepting yourself, overcoming prejudices and most of all, loving nature! I loved to read it. Rachel writes in such a unique way, you simply cannot escape the beauty of her words. She creates atmosphere like no other and I would love to live in a Rachel Griffin book.
Iris Gray is a wonderful protagonist. She is a Witch and has a special connection to animals, from which she can profit working at her mother’s wildlife refuge. Magic is her second skin and she loves it deeply. Iris never sees magic as normal – it is a gift to her, that she cherishes and loves. But the world is cruel and Iris has made some bad experiences, so that she grew to trust nobody and hides the fact that she is a Witch.
Working in the refuge with Pike Alder makes her life complicated, because Pike really doesn’t like Witches. He is a student and wants to become an ornithologist, so working in the refuge helps him to get the experience he needs. Iris and Pike together are a burning mixture, because they can’t stand each other. There is a lot of teasing and you can quickly tell that beneath all the comments, Pike really likes Iris.
When Iris makes a mistake and and owl steals a ure that was meant for Pike (not really for him but more for herself to release some of her anger), Iris must find this owl to prevent the worst from happening. Pike joins her on this adventure and together they have to spent several days in the woods, trying to find the owl.
This journey was so lovely! You culd grasp the deep love for nature that not only Iris but the author as well feel on every single page. I was as if I was there beside Iris and Pike, seeing the woods through their eyes! I really loved the main characters and I could totally understand Iris‘ worries for Pike. He is such a sweet person – the little things he does for Iris and the way he beahves made my heart jump! He ist just adorable. And Iris is a very self-reflective caracter that I loved a lot. She does not want to depend on anybody, she really wants to do everything herself. It was awesome to see her character growth! To achieve her goel she learns that trusting other people is important and that you simply cannot control everything.
Rachels writing style is so beauiful, I could’t put the book down! I devoured it within a day. It ist he little things she captures brilliantly, the silent moments in the wood, the beauty of a smile or the breeze that carries a scent. Honestly, I can’t really put into words how much I loved this book! I connected with Iris from the beginning, because her struggles (even if they have a magical component) are everyday struggles! And the relationship between her and Pike was so sweet! I loved to see it unfurl. There was no haste, just two young people falling for each other.
There aren’t a lot of characters in this book but that is exactly what makes it so special: every character is unique and you can feel the thought Rachel put into everyone. I loved Iris‘ mother Isobel so much! She is such a cool mom and the way she loves the ones surrounding her just made me smile a lot! I also loved the setting, not only in the woods but especially the wildlife refuge! That was absolutely fascinating.
All in all, let me tell you something real: „Wild ist he Witch“ is definitely a new favourite book of mine! I loved everything about it and cannot wait to see what the future holds for Rachel Griffin!

Wild is the Witch broke my heart and put it back together, all in the span of one afternoon.

Iris is starting a new life with her mom, after an incident with her best friend. When one of her co-workers becomes vocal about his dislike for witches, Iris panics. When a ritual her grandmother taught her goes wrong she ends up unleashing a curse onto Pike, the coworker.

I devoured this book in one sitting, and couldn’t put it down. I was completely consumed by this world, feeling like I was right along side Iris as she goes on her journey. This book has a soft little romance story (and even just one tent *internal screams*)! But it was also so much more, Iris embarks on a mission to help reverse the curse but instead discovers so much more along the way.

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.