This was such a fun cozy fantasy read! I loved the characters and I thought the whole thing was very unique and engaging. Will for sure recommend and will be adding to our library!

This was such a cute team up of a novel! I enjoyed the characters and their adventures but honestly...I read this two weeks ago, saw it on Libby today and almost requested it because I had already forgotten about it. So it might have been a bit too surface level to be a remembered read but it was a fun palette cleanser!

A delectable fantasy for fans of Juliet Marillier! I did struggle with the pacing a little bit, maybe due to the story jumping in POVs, but the book hit its stride halfway through.

Thank you to the publisher for my arc.

This story seemed super interesting to me but unfortunately, I just wasn’t engaged at all. It felt like many other books I’ve read before and didn’t stick out.

3 stars, but DNF at 40%

I'll be honest I was drawn by the absolute gorgeous cover, however I was not able to get into the story at all. The love triangle felt really awkard the way it was done cause I could not compreend what Dafydd's role in the story was and where he was most of the time when his POV appeared. Overall I do not think it is a bad story, it just could not grasp me enough to care to continue at this point in time.

E-arc kindly provided by the publisher, Harper360YA and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

I liked the setting and use of Welsh mythology. I don't know enough to determine if the author put her own spin on any of the creatures, or if they are standard representations but they were well done. A bestiary or even a simple glossary would be a great addition to the pronunciation guide rather than having to find previous mentions.

I liked the idea of Ffion as an independent young woman forging her own path in life. The descriptions of her connection to nature and the land were compelling. The contrast to the methods of the Foxhall coven were clear and I liked the parallels to environmental conservatism. She did suffer from being a bit of a brat although this could be partly due to her age as I think she is supposed to be about 15. There was a little too much secretkeeping and shouting at her family members even before we get on to the love triangle. But, away from that, I enjoyed reading about how she utilised her magic. However it seemed strange that she wasn't able to figure out the mystery herself through her sensitivity to magic, as I felt it was immediately clear to the reader what had happened.

I didn't enjoy the love triangle which felt forced, as did the resolution. There wasn't enough development of the characters and their relationships for it to feel authentic. The other characters suffered similarily from lack of development as we don't see much of them beyond acting as antagonists. Ffion's Dad, in particular, commits some very questionable acts, even after she confronts him about it. Then the ending suggests that all is forgiven which I was sceptical of. A little more exposition, or a scene showing how he was forgiven would have made the epilogue less jarring.

There were some aspects of the story that I wanted to learn more about such as the bonding, Mam-gu and Arianrhod's stories. I'd have loved to read more about that than some of the princes' actions or the love triangle.

Overall, I liked it but felt the romantasy aspect was too contrived and took away from what could have been a really good fantasy story.

First I would like to thank Netgalley and Harper Collins Publishers for sending me this arc in return for an honest review.

I was jumping out of my seat when I got this arc, definitely one of my most anticipated reads of the year... And let me tell you it did not disappoint. I loved the different povs, and how it really helped to keep the story flowing and understanding why certain events happen the way it does, and just all the Welsh magic and lore was exciting for me. I love a good history book that is delved deep in ancient folklore and magic, and this satisfied that craving I have been having for a book exactly like this. This book will stand as one of my favourite books of the year, and suits for another reread in the future. I love it that much!

Thank you NetGalley and HarperCollins for the e-arc!
Look at this cover! Absolutely stunning, it definitely pulled in to check out the story and I am so glad I did. I was hoping for cottage-core romance vibes and that is exactly what I got. I also really enjoyed the perspective changes in the different kinds of POVs throughout the story. It definitely enhanced the storytelling and I didn't find it too confusing.
So my favorite things about this book I love the kind of magic and creatures throughout the story. I love seeing fantasy books with these ties as it just makes the book feels so much more real and full flush. Love triangles for me can be very hit or miss and I enjoyed this one especially because it is very clear when picking up the story there's gonna be a love triangle. Ffion was still my favorite character in this book; she is just so strong and compelling to read about.
Definitely going to check out any new works by this author!

I loved the look of this book SO much - I knew I had to read it, it's got the cottagecore vibes DOWN. There's a huge emphasis on magic, the wild and Welsh lore. I loved feeling so immersed in it as the book went on, and I felt myself in awe at Ffion's magic and her connection to the earth.

The first half had me entirely hooked, the banter between Ffion and Taliesin was some of the best I've ever read. They're both SO stubborn and fierce, but in a way that's tied to their honor and morals. They truly would do anything for those they care for, but it doesn't close them off to growth either, and we see Taliesin come around to loving magic again as well.

I wish the book had just featured these two because the love triangle thing between them and Dafydd was one of the worst parts of this book. It absolutely took the spotlight from the atmosphere of the book and ruined it imo because it became front and center. I hated how her dad bonded the two of them, and I think she forgave him WAYY too easily.

This was great!

Pronunciation was super difficult, but the chart in front was so helpful. After a while my brain kind of zoned out (wasn't actively translating/remembering perfectly) and had a general grasp or recognition of words, so the frequency of Welsh terms didn't bother me. I enjoyed the way the author shifted perspectives at just the right pivotal moments, to snap to a different character and experience how the other is reacting through a different lens aided much in the storytelling.

The main characters were likeable, their motives understandable albeit very different from each other. Fion is feisty, justice driven, and calls it like it is, Daffyd unwilling, hesitant, but loyal, and Tal is protective, flirtatious, and tactful. Their dynamic creates some tension, but ultimately a great team. The different magic systems were based in Welsh folk magic. I haven't read much hedge witch style novels and it was great to see it portrayed more positive than "hag magic". The overall story galloped along and was pretty fast paced, lots of cliff hangers at chapter ends.

Things I didn't like. The absolutely unnecessary pseudo love triangle. Ugh. Stop. In some circumstances I can get with it, but this was just weird and forced. I didn't like how it was used to kind of show one person "choosing" to have honor, instead of them just being true to their already kind and honorable character? There were a few other plot points and twists that were way too convenient. Which is why I categorize this as a cozy fantasy- the turmoil and conflict are generally easily resolved without too much strain or violence.

Fair warning- there is an incredibly heartbreaking event towards the beginning. Normally, this specific thing is a deal breaker dnf for me, but the rest of the book is worth it. The end had me in big ugly happy sobs.

Some good kissing, but not much else, so I'd grade this YA. I think it would be safe for Middle Grade too, but cussing is so engrained in my vocab that I don't catch it in books anymore. I don't specifically remember any happening... so parental discretion advised?

Thank you Netgalley for approving me for an ARC.

A big thanks to NetGalley and HarperCollin's for providing an eARC in exchange for an honest review.

Margert Rogerson meets Allison Saft (aka two of my all time favorite authors)? yes please!

The Hedgewitch of Foxhall by Anna Bright is a YA fantasy novel that ties back to Welsh history. Magic is fading from Wales—choked off by King Offa’s Dyke, the enemy earthworks that spans the entire border. Even the dragons have disappeared. And now an attack is imminent. Prince Taliesin would love to watch magic die. Prince Dafydd fears it, and the throne. But when their father promises the crown to whichever son can destroy the dyke and restore magic to Wales, the brothers are forced into an uneasy rivalry. Ffion works hedgewitch magic for poor folk, not princes. Unlike the power-hungry Foxhall coven, she uses only what nature can spare. But when the coven’s greed costs Ffion everything, she will need power beyond her wildest dreams to get back what she’s lost. So when Prince Taliesin arrives, begrudgingly seeking a witch’s aid, Ffion agrees to help him—even if it means walking from one end of Wales to the other with the most use-less peacock she’s ever clapped eyes on. Even if it means striking a bargain with Dafydd behind Tal’s back. The fate of Wales depends on their quest . . . and so might the fate of Ffion’s heart.

I LOVED this book, so much so that I think Anna Bright might be another favorite author. It has all the things I love: sassy protagonists, random dragons and unicorns, cottage-core vibes. It's just *chef's kiss*. Though I do admit some of the pacing was off, and I felt like Ffion was a bit of a nuisance at times.

The Hedgewitch of Foxhall was a lovely historical fantasy full of Welsh magic and creatures. I really enjoyed the main characters connection with the earth and magic compared to the coven. The writing was very descriptive, and the setting seemed cozy despite all the upheaval happening. I was able to imagine the scenes very well. I think I got a little lost in the passage of time while the characters were wandering, and the revelation of magic seemed to come out of nowhere. Overall, the book was enjoyable but a little confusing and slow.

Weird pacing and a love triangle where I felt like the loser. I loved the cover and the peak at Welsh mythology but this one didn't hit for me. Also, I understand that Ffion needs to be connected to the earth for her magic to work but the constant focus on and her reveling in how dirty she was was just a sensory nightmare for me.

A very near cozy book to read, I think that it needed a touch more work to keep me engaged the whole time but I still really enjoyed the book

"A Spartan's Sorrow" by Hannah Lynn is a gripping historical fiction novel that immerses readers in the world of ancient Sparta, where honor, duty, and sacrifice reign supreme. Lynn's vivid descriptions and meticulous attention to historical detail bring the ancient city-state to life, transporting readers to a time of epic battles and fierce loyalty.

The protagonist's journey is both poignant and compelling, as he grapples with the weight of his responsibilities and the sacrifices demanded of him by his homeland. Lynn expertly captures the spirit of Spartan culture, exploring themes of duty, honor, and the cost of war.
What sets "A Spartan's Sorrow" apart is its exploration of the human experience amidst the backdrop of war and political intrigue. The characters are well-developed and multi-dimensional, each with their own motivations and struggles. Readers will find themselves emotionally invested in their fates, rooting for them even as they face impossible odds.

While the pacing may be slow at times, particularly during exposition-heavy sections, the overall story is gripping and thought-provoking. Lynn's prose is lyrical and evocative, drawing readers deeper into the heart of ancient Sparta with each turn of the page.

Fans of historical fiction with a focus on ancient civilizations will find much to admire in "A Spartan's Sorrow." Hannah Lynn has crafted a compelling tale of honor and sacrifice that will linger in the minds of readers long after they've finished the book.

I had high hopes for this one, but unfortunately it fell a bit flat. This is a quick read which short chapters and accessible language, which I always appreciate, and I enjoyed the world and the magic system it contained. The early chapters quickly caught my interest, and I particularly enjoyed Ffion as a character. However, I think my main issue with this story is that it switches between three first-person povs, and I didn't find the characters' voices to be that distinctive. I easily forgot whose point-of-view I was reading because they all generally sounded the same to me. I also generally feel like it's better to use third-person if we're following more than two characters, and even then I prefer first-person when we're only following a single point-of-view. I found I didn't care much about the princes in general and sometimes ended up skimming chapters.

I enjoyed this one a lot! I've been learning Welsh, so it was cool to be able to recognize words and phrases used in the book. I enjoyed the magic system, and the fact that which boy I was rooting for shifted throughout the book. Everyone has their own believable motives for going on the journey, besides saving their home, and I appreciated the family dynamics as well.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the eARC of this novel. 3.5/5 stars.

Yes, okay, I did finish this post publication date. I really wanted to like this more than I did, but I found myself reading to just finish it at the end. I love the Welsh mythology and the magical aspects of it. The prose was stunning. But...the craft issues. There's a love triangle that doesn't need to be there (and low-key gave me the ick on both sides of it). The world building is meh. It's a novel with court politics but not much is explained...and someone would be even more confused without knowing early English history.

Also, the short POVs changing.

Like....it wasn't bad but it wasn't like OMG READ THIS.

I was given this book by Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

The Hedgewitch of Foxhall by Anna Bright is a Welsh inspired fairytale that revolves around 3 characters- Ffion, the titled hedgewitch, and two brothers, Tal and Dafydd, who have been pitted against each other in a competition for the throne by their father, the king.

I love it when I can tell a book is going to be a five star after a few chapters. This book is a love letter to Welsh magic, and the characters' struggles were heartfelt and compelling. Magic is disappearing in the land of Powys, and it is believed to be caused by a dyke, or wall, built across the kingdom to separate them from their antagonistic neighboring kingdom. The point of view switches between the three main characters as they struggle with their personal goals and against outside forces such as bad parents and budding love!

This book brought tears to my eyes as I finished it. And I took my time reading it as I didn’t want it to be over. This stand alone has romantic pining, feisty heroines, dragons, secrets, surprises, and lots of Welsh names, so keep your search engine handy to look them all up.

𝓲𝓯 𝓽𝓱𝓲𝓼 𝓲𝓼 𝓱𝓸𝔀 𝓽𝓱𝓮𝓲𝓻 𝔀𝓸𝓻𝓵𝓭 𝔀𝓸𝓻𝓴𝓼, 𝓽𝓱𝓮𝓷 𝓘’𝓶 𝓰𝓸𝓲𝓷𝓰 𝓽𝓸 𝓯𝓲𝓷𝓭 𝓪𝓷𝓸𝓽𝓱𝓮𝓻 𝓸𝓷𝓮

𝑅𝑒𝓋𝒾𝑒𝓌: ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆

Thank you to Harper360YA for this arc. All thoughts are my own!

This book was a classic quest style fantasy. While some readers might have found it slow going, I enjoyed the pacing and the time spent with the main characters. It felt incredibly atmospheric and the world was absolutely beautiful. I did love it, but (once again) I felt like the love triangle aspect of it could have been removed. My favourite parts were the bickering between Tal and Ffion, and journey the two undertake together.

Dafydd was a nice guy but at times I found him irritating. He was very indecisive, which was unhelpful. It annoyed me how poorly he thought of Tal, especially after making no effort in speaking to him to understand Tal’s motivations. Despite Tal being presented as entitled, I actually thought Dafydd was the one out of touch with the world. He never seemed to understand how Tal’s illegitimacy impacted his life.

I absolutely loved Tal. I’ve always rooted for the underdog, especially as you could really see how desperate he was to make a place for himself. Tal is entitled, but it’s only on the surface. He has a real sense of how fickle his position and power is, and he’s holding on to it for dear life. His need to be king isn’t because he wants to the king, but because he wants security for himself and his mother. I loved how he schemed and how he was always thinking forward. Tal has a massive amount of development and growth, and I was rooting for him throughout.

Ffion was an incredibly engaging protagonist; she’s a little feral and stubborn, but her morality and strength was powerful. Ffion’s journey was well written and really reflected the history of medieval Wales. I loved how determined she was to help people, whilst also being a little selfish too. Her and Tal were a compelling duo, and I loved their dynamic. While at times I disagreed with some of Ffion’s decisions, I respected her desire to succeed.

Overall, this was a solid ya stand-alone fantasy. I would happily read more works by Anna Bright (just without the love triangle aspect).