3.5 stars

This was a quick entertaining read with lots of Welsh magic and a quest-like plot. But I was left wanting a lot more from the characters. Ffion is a fiery hedgewitch that refuses to join her power-hungry coven. I definitely understood her reasoning on that, but what was iffier to me was her insistence on being alone. Prince Taliesin is the charming and wily second son of the king. He desperately wants to be king, but he also isn’t so sold on bringing magic back to Wales. And when we finally ferret out the reason for his hatred of magic it feels incredibly weak. Prince Daffyd is his father’s favorite, but rejects his inheritance. Again, his reasons for this seem super flimsy. We also get a bit of a love triangle between the three that honestly lacks heat.
The parts of the story involving restoring magic and how the “evil” coven shouldn’t operate the way they do—that was probably the best part. But the motivations behind all of our characters needed more work and fleshing out. And Ffion’s mother at the end was fairly baffling to me too.
I will say there was a scene at the end that reminded me of a final scene in The Last Unicorn and I really loved that part. So there’s that at least.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the preview. All opinions are my own.

This was cute! Welsh folklore, wild magic, a love triangle, and a determined female main character.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the arc! Opinions are my own.

The Hedgewitch of Foxhall is a historical fantasy filled with sass, secrets, and really awesome magic. Although the pacing is a bit rough at times, and a guide to the mythical creatures would've been helpful (may be included in the final book), this book is otherwise a win. The characters, while fitting many of the typical YA tropes, are still unique and have great and realistic relationships, and their various journeys are complex and wonderfully set up the stakes for the story. The settings are vivid and beautiful, and the uniqueness of the magic makes it stand out from other magical YA books. It's also interesting that different people work magic in different ways, further setting Hedgewitch apart.

There's definitely a cozy or cottage vibe to this book, but that doesn't mean there isn't action. There are battles, betrayals, and sacrifices that will pull at readers' heartstrings, although there is certainly more slower moments overall, thus the pacing issue. Nonetheless, those slow moments allow the characters to really develop, and I love the various POVs that allow readers to dive deeper into everyone's motivations.

The Hedgewitch of Foxhall won't appeal to all fantasy readers, but for those looking for things more along the lines of Howl's Moving Castle or Flowerheart, this is the book.

Also, the cover is absolutely lovely and I would totally buy this book just to have that picture on my shelf.

Where do I apply to become a hedgewitch?

The magic system in this world is so well constructed and heartbreaking.

Ecocriticism is communicated through fantasy at its finest here. I've never been one for historical fiction but the way it is written here is really compelling and enjoyable.

Each main character has a tightly written and satisfying arc which makes each perspective feel necessary.

I had a really fun time with this book!

"In this gorgeous stand-alone fantasy romance perfect for fans of Margaret Rogerson and Allison Saft, a rebellious witch undertakes a last-ditch quest to restore magic to medieval Wales - as two princes vie for her heart.

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 useless 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."

Love me a good hedgewitch.

Two things I really appreciated about this book, the ties to Welsh lore and history and the fact this is not another series. I mean, I REALLY appreciate when authors can give a whole magic system and world with just one book. Sometimes, a series is just too much to commit to. The ties to Welsh lore and history made this story feel like something new I havent seen before, but I wish there was a little..more. Especially since this is just one book. Another 50-100 pages would have made this perfect.

4.4 rounded down to 4/5.

Anna Bright's "The Hedgewitch of Foxhall" offers readers a cozy and charming fantasy set in medieval Wales, where a rebellious hedgewitch, Ffion, embarks on a quest to restore fading magic. While the novel has its strengths, including a gorgeous cover and the inclusion of Welsh folklore, it also has moments of dragging plot and difficulty in connecting with the characters.

The book's standout feature is its inclusion of a pronunciation guide and terms to know, enhancing the reader's engagement with Welsh mythology and creating an immersive experience. The cottagecore vibes, dragons, and the overall cozy atmosphere contribute to the novel's charm. The slow moments are balanced with high-stakes scenes, creating a well-rounded fantasy narrative.

Ffion, the strong female protagonist, brings a touch of temper to the story, adding depth to her character. The soft magic system and the incorporation of Welsh folklore add a unique flavor to the fantasy genre. The novel serves as a great introduction to young adult fantasy, providing an accessible entry point for readers new to the genre.

However, the plot does suffer from moments of dragging, making it challenging for readers to stay fully engaged. Connecting with the characters proves to be a bit difficult, with Ffion's temper and the evolving love triangle contributing to a lack of emotional investment. The two princes, while integral to the plot, could have been fleshed out more to allow readers a deeper understanding of their motivations.

The novel's strength lies in its exploration of Welsh mythology and the inclusion of elements like dragons, but it could benefit from more extensive world-building to fully immerse readers in the magical realm. The love triangle, while present, lacks the depth needed to create a truly compelling romantic subplot.

In conclusion, "The Hedgewitch of Foxhall" is a cozy and charming fantasy that introduces readers to Welsh folklore in a delightful way. While the novel has its shortcomings, including pacing issues and difficulty in connecting with characters, it provides an enjoyable entry into the world of young adult fantasy, offering a mix of soft magic, mythical creatures, and a touch of romance.

I decided to read this because I enjoy witches. Especially when witches take from nature for their powers. So I really liked the way witchcraft worked in this book because the powers were held accountable by nature. Magic needs to have balance otherwise why don’t the characters just go on crazy rampages. So for me this was a well done magic system.

I’m not sure how well I actually pictured the world and the kingdoms. Some areas I understood very well. Like Foxhall and the pyke but some of the other kingdoms. I’m not sure I was invested in even caring if I knew about them. Which is not an insult to the book, I was just more invested in the characters and the mythology/magic aspect. For me I got the vibe of the Welsh setting and that is all I needed.

I don’t know a whole lot about Welsh mythology but I would definitely like to look up more. Again I really like the vibe it gave me.

There is romance in the story but it’s not overpowering. I also really liked having multiple POV that are not happening in the same place. So when they converged you had a little bit more of a robust story. Also the characters didn’t just pour all their information out in the beginning. Even with the multiple POVs it’s not like I knew too much to take away the interest of finding it out.

I liked the growth of Ffion and the other characters too. She was very much still herself, just more mature by the end.

Overall I really liked this book. I really enjoyed it and the fact that it is a standalone. As much as I like the series it’s always nice to have a book like this one. I forgot how much I do like Anna Bright’s writing style. I need to go back and read a couple books that I haven’t gotten to.

Super cute! At times I found it kinda weak in character / generic in character, but the plot was absolutely gorgeous and the ideas were fantastic. Thanks for the arc.

This was very fun! I enjoyed it a lot, especially the world and magic building! I was so intrigued by the magic, and I loved getting all the glimpses of it. Ffion was such a great character, too! She was strong and knew what she wanted, and I loved that she defied the norm of the Foxhall witches.

I've really enjoyed this author's other books, and I can't wait to see what's next for her!

The Hedge Witch of Foxhall feels like a warm hug on a cold evening. Under-represented in the genre, the Welsh mythology and magic is refreshing and easy to understand and connect with. The motivations of each character are unique, yet relatable. While we have a love triangle, we are (so, so thankfully) not subjected to the kind of love triangle that leaves us rolling our eyes and frustrated at questionable romantic decisions. Recommended to any YA fantasy fan in need of a comfortable read to get you out of any reading slump.

This was a lovely YA fantasy romance. I loved the welsh influences, and the historical references (Offa's Dyke!).

But I think the thing I loved best was shockingly the love triangle, and how well the author demonstrated that two people can be fairly alike in ways they think it counts, but when it comes down to it, they may not be right for you.

So fun and sweet. Loved it.

3.5 stars

Ffion has refused to join the Foxhall Coven because she believes they’re power-hungry witches who take too much power from nature. When one day, they go too far, Ffion has to figure out how to get back when they’ve taken from her. And fast. Since the magic in Wales is disappearing.

Meanwhile, Prince Taliesin is looking for a witch to help him restore magic to his kingdom. Ffion begrudgingly agrees to help him–while also possibly working with his brother, Dafydd, behind his back. Will they complete their quest in time to save Wales?

Thanks to HarperTeen and NetGalley for an advanced copy of The Hedgewitch of Foxhall by Anna Bright to review! Standalone fantasy can be difficult to find in YA fantasy, so it’s always a breath of fresh air when you find one. Especially when it has a gorgeous cover like this one.

This is a historical fantasy based on Welsh folklore, which I haven’t seen a lot of in YA. The folklore/magic aspect is pretty well developed for the most part, as well as the world itself. Historical fantasies lend themselves well to that, immersing the reader into this magical world Bright has created.

Splitting the narration into three different voices took away from the overall story, though. The characters themselves felt a little flat, leaving me wanting more from each of them. Focusing on just one of the princes would have helped Bright to better develop the characters’ voices, and would have made me more invested in the novel itself.

Despite that, it was an enjoyable read, especially if you like learning about different kinds of folklore. There is a bit of a love triangle, so be warned of that. It will be a good fantasy to curl up with when the weather is cold outside!

This was really sweet. I wasn't sure what to expect going into this, but it ended up being a pretty cozy read. I enjoyed the atmosphere and cast of characters we were introduced to, however I would have liked to connect to the characters more. The cover is also STUNNING!

I loved this book. The fierceness and magic of Ffion was wonderful to read. I loved the historical mixed with the fantasy. This was a beautiful story. Lovely ending.

atings:
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️

Review (no spoilers):
What a change of pace to read a historical fantasy that had a minor romantic element to it. I loved that this story focused on Ffion and her growth as a person, as a hedgewitch, and in her relationship with others. There was a hint of a love triangle, but with only one kiss given to each of the men, it was definitely not a main focus of the story.

Ffion, Tal, & Dafydd each had their own personal struggles and pasts to work through and I was so excited to get 3 POVs so that I could understand their trauma, experiences, and marvel at their growth.

Ffion’s dedication to her beliefs about doing no harm was so impressive and commendable when that led to her living on her own at a young age and having to stay away from those that she loved. I was so happy to see her relationship with her family improve as her mother finally chose to understand her.

I was definitely surprised about Ffion’s parents and how their roles impacted the story and brought about some significant surprises.

Overall I would recommend reading this for a cozy historical fantasy with a minor romance element.

Thank you for the ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

The Welsh words like chocolate chips in a cookie add depth and mystery to the magic and love growing naturally in the story. I honestly expected Tal to be left behind. I imagined a completely different story than the one that unfolded. This made the book excellent. It was not cookie-cutter style or brash. It is beautifully written. You should read it!

This has all the feelings of old Disney movies like Sleeping Beauty, The Sword in the Stone, The Black Cauldron.

I absolutely loved this and will recommend it to anyone who loves YA, a medieval setting, Welsh folklore, and the feeling of a unique fairytale.

Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for the opportunity to review this complimentarily ARC

This is a cozy cottage fantasy based on historical events. I can see how it's comparable to Allison Saft and Margaret Rogerson- it has mythical creatures and lush nature and magic everything I love in a good soft fantasy. It had everything I love- just not quite enough of it. It fell a little flat in some places and really just left me wanting more.

Want a feisty, headstrong FMC who is incredibly loyal and stands for what she believes in almost to the point of insanity? You got it. I love Ffion and all of her hard edges. You want a complicated competition for a throne between brothers? This right here. Tav has the biggest chip on his shoulder and Dafydd is straight running from responsibility. Both have a very toxic relationship with their father. Oh, and throw in a slow burn romance with a love triangle. Yes, it is messy. But the banter is incredible, just *chef’s kiss.

Now on to the world-building, which was done so well and was so easy to just dive into. The welsh forest-core setting just envelopes you in cozy, magical comfort. The politics and history of welsh kingdoms intermixed with coven politics and renegade, singing hedgewitches kept me interested. The vibes are full on Hobbit: walking, singing, sleeping outside, eating good food wherever they can get it. This story was so much fun, so cozy, and full of lore. I honesty want more of it!

Thank you Goodreads for a free digital ARC in exchange for an honest review.