I... really struggled with this book. I found myself wanting to skim a lot of it, and honestly if I hadn't been reading it for Netgalley, I'd have seriously considered DNFing it. It just felt... lifeless, honestly? I didn't care for the plot or for the characters. I liked the magic system and the nods to Welsh folklore, but that was about it. I really did NOT like the love triangle - it felt so unnecessary and the main romance would have been so much stronger if the other side had just been friendship. Sadly such a miss for such a gorgeous cover.

Having a hard time following all the shifting perspectives and names of things. We decided not to finish and not to include in our box.

Taking place in magical medieval wales from the view points of a hedge witch, an heir and a spare. Ffion is a hedge witch who has separated herself from the coven in her town. She prefers to work magic by putting in physical work and channeling from the earth, she also believes in helping everyone who needs it. After a run in with Tal, spare to the throne but fighting to become king, they team up and work together to destroy a neighboring kingdoms wall. However neither of them has a plan and they are both withholding information from each other. The additional viewpoint of Dafydd the prince who is Tal’s brother and who is tied to the hedge witches quest despite his refusal to ever want to be king adds more secrets. I really enjoyed this standalone and all the additions of welsh folklores magical creature.

I thought this was a nice fantasy, but I honestly found the plot a little slow at times, and quick at others. The pacing just felt off to me. The story overall was a nice read and it was interesting, but underwhelming!

Unfortunately, I think this is more of a case where this book just isn't for me. I am not a big fan of love triangles and I don't think I ever will be. Some authors can do them well and it works well within the plot enough that I don't knock the book for having it in there, but I just couldn't stand it. I also didn't really care for a lot of the characters, and I'm a big character focused reader as opposed to a plot focused one. I'll still recommend this to my patrons, but this just wasn't a favorite of mine.

3.5*

You shouldn't judge a book by its cover, but this was so beautiful that I had to read it. The fact that it was based on Welsh folklore and history also helped.

Bright weaves a sweeping landscape of myth and romance, with feisty Ffion and the princes. What she lacks in depth of character, she makes up for in story intrigue and the vibes of the story.

I was eager to learn more about Ffion, and I think that we really missed the true character of the princes, but it remains a great introduction to the genre for those who are seeking less of a deep dive into the Celtic history back catalogue.

Ffion is willing to literally sleep under hedges to maintain her integrity. She refuses to become a part of the powerful coven Foxhall with her mother and sister, both former hedge witches themselves. But Wales is becoming less and less magical. Ever since the kingdom of Mercia built Offa’s Dyke, effectively sealing off the small country between the dyke and the sea, magic has been dwindling. No longer are dragons seen, or the sighted ravens, or the Mari Lwyd. There’s a sickness on the land, and Ffion is furious that Foxhall uses up what magic is left to increase their own coffers, rather than help people.

Meanwhile Prince Taliesen is fed up himself. He’s King Bran’s second son and technically illegitimate, but he is sure he should be king, if for no other reason than to protect his mother. His older brother Dafydd is too weak and mild! So when his father challenges each son to a quest to save the remaining magic, Taliesen heads to the south, in search of a hedgewitch who’ll help him. He and Ffion form a most unlikely duo, but nonetheless they team up to walk the length of the dyke in an attempt to return magic to the land.

The Hedgewitch of Fox Hall is in some ways a coming of age story as Taliesen learns to accept his limitations and accept his brother’s strengths and his father’s limitations, and as Ffion grows in self confidence and knowledge. I enjoyed the tautly-drawn familial relationships that both of the duo have to deal with, as well as their own developing relationship. The fate of their country rests on them both, and they do not disappoint!

3.5 stars

The Hedge Witch of Foxhall is an incredibly charming YA fantasy inspired by Welsh folklore. The story is filled with strong-willed characters and whimsical magic in a world where greed is driving magic out of the land. I really loved the first half of the story, but the introduction of a love triangle completely ruined the second half.

I love Ffion as a main character. She is feisty and determined to do what is right. I loved exploring how her relationship with magic contrasted with the coven witches of Foxhall. The princes Taliesin and Dafydd are both intriguing characters and I think there was a lot of potential to explore their relationship as brothers and their attitudes towards the crown. These themes are present in the story, but they are overshadowed by an incredibly bizarre love triangle.

The love triangle completely derailed the second half of the story. It made no sense, caused illogical conflict between the characters, and led to some extremely out-of-character behavior. It took away from the story to have something so ridiculous, and ultimately pointless, dominate the plot.

Though The Hedge Witch of Foxhall kind of went downhill as it progressed, I did love the two finale moments. They were really touching and suited the characters well.

I would highly recommend this to people newer to YA fantasy, but if you are typically bothered by love triangles it may have to be an avoid for you.

This book is pure magic and whimsy. I love how rich and detailed the world is. The characters are vibrant and complicated.

excellent book. was so excited to receive this ARC. it became one of my top favorite reads. cannot wait to read more from this author.

Beautiful, cosy, whimsical and now one of my favourite comfort read!
The Hedgewitch of Foxhall has everything you need for an adventurous, forestcore and hilarious adventure that is steeped in Welsh mythology, folklore, songs and the love of nature. It has a great message about fate, spinning the wheel to your advantage, fighting for what you deem worthy and for the truth, the twisted threads of love, relationships and friendship.
Each character was well-thought out, having their own purpose and their own voice.

This was delightful, if only a little bit long.

While it is a YA title, the writing is eloquent and timeless. I really enjoyed everything about it.

Thanks to NetGalley & HarperCollins Children's Books for the early copy in exchange for an honest review. Sadly, I DNF'ed at 20% of the way through.

Ugh. I should've realized this heavily involved a love triangle. None of the protagonists were really appealing to me and they all read as incredibly immature kids. I would've liked the magic but it was more about the politics than the magic, so, snore.

This is a long-overdue review of "The Hedgewitch of Foxhall”, a cozy fantasy book that I actually loved! The best way I can describe the vibe is if Merida was combined with A River Enchanted and The Last Unicorn. The story itself was super cute, easy to read, and full of mythological creatures. I enjoyed it from start to finish and had to buy a copy for my library.

This book is definitely worth checking out if you’re into:
🦊 whimsical, witchy fairytales
🦊 animal companions
🦊 historical fantasy
🦊 funny bickering as banter

Also, can we talk about this gorgeous cover art?? It’s giving The Unicorn Tapestries, and I want it as a wallpaper.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!

Unfortunately I did not finish this book, I didn’t realize it was a love triangle and I gave the book until 25% but I was not hooked. This is super sad for me as I loved the premise and this book was a really highly anticipated read!!
Thank you the e-arc in exchange for an honest review!

I DNFed this book at 42%. I’m not sure if I just read it too close to Where the Dark Stands Still or what, but this book just isn’t for me. I could see myself coming back to it later on and possibly enjoying it, but I know my students would love it.

Multiple POVs, a quest, magic is dying. These are great qualities. I just found the one prince a bit insufferable (beyond the normal insufferablensess) and the hedgewitch wasn’t the most inspiring heroine to me.

(I absolutely love this book, it has become one of my favourite cosy reads ever! That’s it, that’s the review)

If I could, I would give this book more than 5⭐️! I adored this book so much!

We follow Ffion and Prince Taliesin on this journey that will change their lives, through the ups and down of trusting and letting new people in, of love and family. Let me start by saying I absolutely love her standing up for what’s right - and not do things just because “that’s how it’s done”. Just like Ffion, I am a believer that you don’t need to step on anyone to achieve your goals, no matter how long it takes. She is absolutely lovely and it’s amazing to see her grow during the story and the outcome of her hard work. Prince Taliesin is a bit of a mischievous character but he definitely has a good heart and I felt that him and Ffion brought the best of each other and were needed in this journey not only to save the kingdom but also to find themselves and their place in the world. And then we have Prince Dafydd, who’s not interested in the throne and just wants to live a humbling life.

The way all these characters’ lives intertwined was magical. The writing was very lovely and easy to get into, the world was simple but interesting and easy to get yourself immersed. We have fantastic tropes such as found family, second chances, a well done love triangle, slow burn and a personal favourite, a one bed inn! I wouldn’t say there’s enemies-to-lovers as I don’t think they start as enemies, they’re simply strangers in need of each other help to achieve their own goals that slowly become friends and gently something more.

I super super recommend this book if you like YA witchy cosy fantasies with a sub genre of romance and family relationships. This was extremely heartwarming and beautiful and I am definitely reading it again next spooky season! I would say this is a lovely blend between Emily Wilde by Heather Fawcett, Sorcery of Thorns by Margaret Rogerson, The Nature of Witches by Rachel Griffin and A Far Wilder Magic by Allison Saft!

Such a great fantasy book, the world building is great and the character are likable, enjoyed every second of it and very exited about more books from this author . Definitely will recommend

I enjoyed this read so much!! Not only is the cover stunning but the description of magic and the welsh lands were stunning as well. I loved the way magic was portrayed. It gave me a feeling of wonder & foreboding, as did the wildness & welsh lore! Ffion I was drawn, I liked her connection to nature & her unwillingness to let others judgements effect her! I can't say I was the biggest fan of Tal or the whole love triangle in general. I felt it took away from the main adventure & I just didn't connect or follow it well. Other than close proximity I didn't really understand their feelings for each other and once Dafydd was in the picture it just seemed like Tal wanted Ffion because he saw her first. It felt like he just wanted to claim her so his brother couldn't have her, it just didn't sit well with me. That was my biggest qualm with the book but the atmosphere made up for it and rest of the story made up for it! I thought the ending was wrapped up very nicely! I do recommend for cozy magical cottagecore vibes the book really fits the bill! 4/5 stars!!

A Welsh fantasy novel that young adults will enjoy. I liked the characters and the setting. I will buy this book for our school library.