Thanks to NetGalley for providing an eARC in exchange for an honest review.

4.5 out of 5 stars

Sorry I am late reading this book/posting this review.

Someone asked me what I was reading and I said "The Witch in the Woods. It's a middle grade book, but it's so interesting." I proceeded to explain it was about a pair of siblings, who are the great-great-great whatever grandchildren of one of the Grimm brothers, whose parents moved them to a town where they (the parents) worked at a think tank. The think tank/town was in danger due to a nexus of alternate universes bleeding out of experiments at the think tank. The universes were overlapping and they got trapped in one. I found the relationship between the siblings honest and touching.

I swear I explained it better than that.

The truth is, I was captivated by the story. I wish I had had this book when I was younger, I think it would have been one I carried with me. Like Old Eli's cabin, it exists at the intersection of science and magic, fantasy and reality. It was dark but touching. I was excited to find the end of the book seems to suggest this is the first in a series.

This book... it has such a great premise but it was a little too bizarre for me.
Basically, my main issue was that it felt like we have two completely different stories that each had a decent bit of world building, that were then stick glued together. I got a little bit of whiplash. We began the story by moving into this very unique town that was very mechanical and technologically advanced. The kids' teacher was quite mean to them for no reason. (there was technically a reason..) then we are thrust into forests and fairy tales which felt like polar opposite.
I feel like the town at the beginning or fairy tale side would have been fine on its own, but sticking them together just didn't;t work for me.

Don't get me wrong, I thought the world building for both sides was good, and the characters were good. I think some people will absolutely love this book for the same reasons I didn't care for it.

Huge five star for Grimmworld- The Witch in the Woods. I have been seeing this book all over social media, especially on Bookstagram and I am so happy that I read it. It completely pulled me in from page one. It’s full of adventure, magical creatures, an incredible set of protagonists and of course adventure.

We meet twins Willow and Jake Grimm, they are not too happy to be moving to a new town with their parents. To their surprise the town is full of surprises, as they start adjusting to school and trying to make friends, they notice that there is something off about New Marburg. The twins try to tell their concerns to their parents, but they oddly seem disinterested or too busy to listen. One school day, there is a terrible thunderstorm and everything changes for the twins. They come to discover they are descendants of The Brothers Grimm and they have been transported into a fairy tale world.

It’s so hard not spoil this story, one of my all time favorite Brothers Grimm tale is Hansel and Gretel and this absolutely won my heart. Not only the twins get to see fairy tale creatures, they will have work together to bring down an evil witch. I cannot wait for the sequel coming next year. Definitely one of the middle grade books I’ve read this year.

3.5 stars for The Witch in the Woods. It reads like a cousin to Fablehaven, Adventurers Wanted or the Janitors. The reading level is easy enough for middle readers, but the story won't bore parents who read along with their children. There is a lot of world building in this book as we have to be introduce to not only the characters universe, but also to Grimmworld. I love that the setting goes from futuristic fantasy to medieval. It was a great story but really picked up for me the last half of the book. The characters are likeable and relatable....although Willow and Jake are way nicer to each other than I was to my brother. Their dad's puns are great. I can hear my husband telling my kids some of the same bad jokes. Overall, a great start to a series. I look forward to reading more books set in this universe with my tweens.

A wonderful middle grade fantasy. I was initially drawn to it because it reminded me of two of my favorite tv shows, Eureka and Grimm. And it did not disappoint. I've already added it to my library's collection, and will be recommending it!

"The Witch in the Woods" by Michaelbrent Collings is a delightful yet unexpectedly dark middle-grade novel that captivated me from start to finish. Though my kids are now 16 and 21, I couldn’t help but think how much they would have loved this book as a read-aloud when they were younger.

Collings has masterfully crafted an enchanting and thrilling story, making it a perfect choice for readers aged ten and older. The narrative has atmospheric descriptions and an engaging plot that keeps you on the edge of your seat. However, parents should be aware that some parts of the story are quite scary, so I'd recommend it for slightly older children who can handle a bit of suspense and dark themes.

The characters are well-developed and relatable, effortlessly drawing readers into their world. The witch herself is a complex character, and the woods are described so vividly that they almost feel like characters in their own right. Collings’ ability to blend the whimsical and eerie makes for an unforgettable reading experience.

Overall, "The Witch in the Woods" is a fantastic read that perfectly balances magic and mystery. It will surely become a favorite for many young readers, sparking their imagination and perhaps giving them chills. If you're looking for a captivating story that offers more than the usual middle-grade fare, this one is worth picking up.

The Witch in the Woods by Michaelbrent Collings was such a fun read! It was a nice blend or realism and fantasy weaving fairy tales into the story in way that makes sense and leaves so many options for future novels. There were plenty of times that I chuckled The twins are great to read about, they both have their strengths and challenges. Its an excellent representation that shows that not everyone is the same and that anyone can overcome challenges. I cant wait to read more books in this series and see the other fairy tales represented in them.

This book was a spine-chilling tale that delves into the darkest corners of human fear and superstition. Set against the backdrop of a secluded forest, this novel takes readers on a terrifying journey where ancient evils lurk and secrets are unearthed. From the very first page, I was drawn into a world where reality blurs with the supernatural. The protagonist's descent into madness is both compelling and harrowing, as they confront their deepest fears and confront the malevolent force that haunts the woods. While the novel delivers plenty of scares, it also offers deeper themes to ponder. From the nature of evil to the resilience of the human spirit. Overall, this book is a must-read for fans of horror and dark fantasy. With its evocative prose, compelling characters, and relentless thrills, it's a book that will haunt readers long after they've turned the final page.

This was a cute, but somewhat silly book. If you're a young, fantasy lover, than this is likely to be right up your alley!

I was transported into the realm of fairy tales as I read this book. I love the relationship between siblings Willow and Jake and how together they are a united force, both at home and in the world of the Grimm; Grimmworld. Willow has always been able to adjust to new schools and new situations, but she finds herself at odds when she and Jake begin school in an obscure location far from the world they have always known. As life in the world becomes stranger and scarier, they learn they have only themselves to rely on as Jake and Willow find themselves more and more immersed in the fantastical world of The Tank. Discovering they are descendants of the fairy tale world is both a blessing and a curse; a world where fairy tales come t life, and they are not always they happy ending kind. Together they realize they have to save their parents and the future of the world.

The plot is complex and it twist and turns darkly, as it does in the world of the Brothers Grimm. Grimm tales were not often cheerful and light, and this book is much the same, but fun, also, and super intriguing. Very much worth the read to readers of all ages.

In a Nutshell: A middle-grade fantasy that combines the modern with the medieval, with a smattering of fairy tale components as well. A bit cluttered in its approach but has some amazing moments. Gets a bit dark, so not for sensitive kids.

Plot Preview:
Twins Jake and Willow Grimm, almost 11, are moving to an isolated town called New Marburg as their parents have found a new “top-secret” job with a tech company known as “Think Tank.” They are stunned to see that the town, disconnected from all other places and not even on the map, is a futuristic place, with robots working as traffic cops and senior citizens indulging in lightning-sword battles for fitness.
However, the one place in New Marburg that is not at all modern is their new school, where, for some mysterious reason, their teacher hates them and does her best to make their lives miserable. Just as they wonder how to tackle this situation, there is a freak lightning storm, and their world changes… literally. The twins find themselves in a medieval castle, and their friends have been transformed into fairy tale characters, not necessarily good ones.
Now Jake and Willow have to figure out not just how to get home, but also how to rescue their best friends, who are Hansel and Gretel in this new world, and in the captivity of the wicked witch. Will Jake and Willow be able to navigate the Cursed Forest and save their friends? Will they be able to return home safely to their parents? What caused this upheaval of the universes?
The story comes to us in the limited third person perspectives of the twins.

Bookish Yays:
🍦 The twins: Contrasting characters, with Willow being an art and sports lover and Jake being a science and video game nerd. So between the two of them, they cover all the skillset needed by fantasy characters. Loved their sibling bond as well.
🍦 The other characters are also a mix of interesting and complicated. The twins’ dad with his “punny” jokes was hilarous. The fantasy characters seem to pay an ode to various beloved children’s stories even beyond fairy tales. The wicked teacher reminded me of Miss Trunchbull from Matilda while ‘Old Eli’ was like Doc from the ‘Back to the Future’ movies.
🍦 The story can be called a ‘fantasy for the nerds’, with many geeky scenes that delighted the inner nerd in me. The multiverse angle also is appealing. At the same time, I love how the book doesn’t elevate the nerds while criticising the “cool” kids such as musicians or sports lovers.
🍦 There are a few life lessons incorporated into the storyline. Some are subtle; the rest are direct. Almost all offer good advice.
🍦 The Grimm connection, as evident in the title and the siblings’ last name, is strong. I enjoyed the inclusion of the Grimm fairy tale elements, especially as these are as dark as the original tales and clearly dismiss the sanitised Disney versions.
🍬 The worldbuilding is fabulous. A bit too much for a single book, but still, very creative.
🍦 As someone who loves riddles, my favourite part of the story was the *challenge*. It was creative, thrilling, and the main reason my rating is rounded up.
🍦 The author's note is sweet and amusing. Enjoyed reading it!
🍦 A shoutout to that fabulous cover art!


Bookish Mixed Bags:
🍬 The title tells you that there is a “witch in the woods”. But to encounter this witch, you need to have a lot of patience because she doesn’t pop up until about 40% into the story.
🍬 The first half is a bit slow. Once the big reveal happens, the action amps up.
🍬 The darkness was great for me but some of the content might be too scary for younger or sensitive kids. Those comfortable with books such as Neil Gaiman’s Coraline will be able to manage this one easily.
🍬 The story feels somewhat cluttered and disjointed because of the number of varied plot points it tries to include. There is futuristic scifi, a nightmarish teacher, a medieval castle, a wicked witch, a riddle-based challenge, a talking animal, a multiverse, fairies, a time-jumping weirdo,… While some of these are handled well, having all in the same book is an overkill. The jump from sci-fi to medieval takes the most time to adjust to as it is almost instantaneous.
🍬 There is some foreshadowing in the initial part of the story, but I am not sure how I feel about it. It creates suspense but it also reveals major plot elements. I prefer foreshadowing to be softer in approach.

Bookish Nays:
🍭 Many plot points are left unexplained. This might be because this book is the first of a planned series, but the number of incomplete arcs is too many to be satisfactory. The ending is not exactly a cliffhanger, but it does tell us where the next book will take us. I hope it resolves the unanswered questions as well.
🍭 Personal preference: I don’t like MG books to talk about attractions and crushes. It is relatively minor in this book, but it is still annoying,
🍭 Why are there no illustrations in this book? MG fantasy books work so well with illustrations, and this one has plenty of illustrative opportunities because of that plotline.


All in all, a semi-satisfying experience. The first half was way too chaotic for my liking, but the second half, especially the challenge scenes, saved the book. I am still interested in reading the next volume of this series, mainly to answer my curiosity about how the incomplete tracks are resolved.

3.5 stars. (3 stars for the first half, 4 stars for the second half. Averaging the two and rounding up because a good ending is always better than a good beginning.)

My thanks to Shadow Mountain Publishing and NetGalley for the DRC of “The Witch in the Woods”. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.

"The Witch in the Woods" by Michaelbrent Collings is a captivating blend of Grimm fairytales and modern-day wonder. Twins Willow and Jake embark on an adventure filled with sci-fi elements, mysterious technologies, and a fairy tale forest. Their bond, clever storytelling, and unexpected twists make this middle-grade novel a delightful read. With its imaginative blend of genres and engaging plot, I think it deserves a solid 4 stars!

Thank you NetGalley for allowing me to read this ARC in exchange for an honest review!

(4.5*)

I absolutely ADORED this oh my god

Jake and Willow are exactly the protagonists I love to see in middle grade novels, they know their strengths and weaknesses and lean on each other through it all to get the outcome they need. I loved their sibling dynamic as well and how much they cared about each other.

The world was also spectacular. I absolutely love fairytale’s, especially Grimm’s Fairytales, so seeing them retold in this whimsical way was so amazing. I felt like i was actually there in Grimmworld with these characters and felt goosebumps at the stakes.

I can’t wait for the next book!

I’m going to preface my review with the fact that I was able to read an advanced reader ebook copy of this novel in exchange for honest feedback. Thank you to #NetGalley

I really liked the idea behind this book and feel that it may have potential as a series. However, I’m not entirely certain which age group this fits into. The novel is written with the genres of fantasy and science fiction woven together with fairy tale elements sprinkled in. There are a lot of details and there was an overwhelming number of events thrown into one book. The concepts would best fit an upper elementary or middle school reader. The classification problem is that the writing style of short, simple sentences best fits the younger age group - think “Magic Tree House” books age range. This book didn’t contain any illustrations, which was disappointing as I think they would enhance the reading experience. The niche for this book and the series to follow would most likely be older, reluctant readers. I hope that some black and white illustrations can be added. I’m definitely interested to read the next book in the series to see where it goes.
-3 stars

I would like to thank the publisher for providing me with an ARC.

I didn't enjoy this one. The writing didn't mesh well with me. Despite having an interesting premise, I didn't feel like I was drawn into the story at all. I didn't really feel drawn to the characters or world.

A bit slow in the beginning but well written with a good story. The anxiety of being the new kids with a grumpy teacher was one I could feel along with them. Kind of a weird premise but kids who like dark fantasy should enjoy it!

Collings, Michaelbrent, Grimmworld: Witch in the Woods

When their parents get new jobs in New Marburg, Idaho, 11-year-old twins, Willow and Jake Grimm find themselves in a strange, new town a concoction of a famous billionaire. Nothing is as it seems. They even see a car levitate. The cops in town are robots. At school, their teacher, Mrs. Houseman, hates them and forces them to obey weird rules. Hall monitors at their new school are aggressively mean. When their father makes a breakthrough at the Tank, where he works, during a terrible tempest, the twin’s universe starts to blend with Grimmworld. This parallel universe is a place where fairy tales are real and there are no happy endings. To return to their own standard dimension, the twins will have to pair up with Old Eli to delve into the mysterious origins of their current locale and how it ties to their family’s history. Will they ever make it home? How does their family’s past affect their present?

The plot is well-developed and engaging. The world building is intense, well portrayed, and draws the reader into the story. The characters are intriguing, well-rounded, and help bring Willow and Jake’s world to life. Fans of mystery, fairy tale retellings, Chris Colfer’s Land of Stories, and adventure will want to pick this one up. Recommended for most library collections. Gr 3 to 6, 5 stars

Please note: This was a review copy given to us by NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review. No financial compensation was received.

I enjoyed reading the first installment of Grimmworld, it was a different take on the Grimm’s fairy tales that most people know already. I liked how the main characters were descendants of the original Grimm brothers and they get wrapped up in a story of their own. The descriptions were so detailed, that it was easy to picture what was going on. I look forward to the next book in the series.

Mishmash of stories and adventures but it didn't flow well. Never really caught my interest and finally gave up on it.

Twins Willow and Jake Grimm are making a reluctant move with their parents to New Marburg, Idaho. Both dad, Phil and mom, Dorothy have new jobs at The Think Tank Company.

Weird things happen from the get-go. Before they even leave on their cross country road trip, Willow and Jake are attacked by a strange man. Their parents react like nothing happened. Next, when they arrive in New Marburg, it’s a town full of inventions like flying cars and robots.

Things getting even weirder when school starts for the twins. Their new 5th grade teacher is mean to them, always degrading the two for academic and behavior shortcomings. None of which are true. They don’t even get regular desks.

Soon enough, the school turns into a castle with a creepy hall monitor monster. They are suddenly in Grimmworld, where fairy tales live including Hansel and Gretel.

The wild adventure in GRIMMWORLD begins and without giving away anymore of this creepy plot, you meet a wizard, one nasty witch, and a naked mole rat. It all comes together in a “What’s going to happen next?” surprise from one chapter to the next. The ending sets up Book 2 making this series perfect for fans of fantasy and fairy tale plots.

FIVE MORE THINGS TO LIKE ABOUT: GRIMMWORLD-THE WITCH IN THE WOODS by MICHAELBRENT COLLINGS

1. The world building is an engaging accomplishment, giving you the sense of being alongside the main characters as they deal with this dangerous place.
2. The twins being so different. Willow is athletic, strong, talkative, and artistic. She loves to read fantasy and Sci-fi books. Jake is super smart, has a great memory, but is quiet and lacks confidence. Memorable characters that will carry the series forward.
3. If you like puns them get ready for a lot of them. They had me giggling many times.
4. The witch sends the creepiness scale to its maximum. She’s meaner than mean, likes to devour kids for a tasty meal, and always spins the tale in her favor. Middle grade readers will enjoy every aspect of the witch’s character arc.
5. This had a movie-like feel with the setting and strong characters. Here’s hoping one is eventually made.