Member Reviews

When I read the first book in this series, I did not know if I would necessarily continue reading the series. Then I ended up getting eARC copies for books 2 and 3. Although, in my opinion, the series lulled in book two, the momentum returned in this entry. In this entry, Anna and Colin venture away from the magical house, Ravenfall, that they call home to visit Anna's paternal aunt and cousin so that she can learn more about her Jewish heritage. Of course, they end up discovering a mystery involving Anna's family and prejudice against Ravens, guardians of the supernatural world of whom Colin is one. I think that Josephson struck a perfect balance between Anna and Colin's perspectives with each fully growing into their unique types of magic. I do not know how many installments Josephson plans but I am invested now.

Was this review helpful?

The third book in the Ravenfall series follows Anna and Colin to a lake-side town, Witchwood, where there have been a series of mysterious disappearances. I would recommend reading the other books in the series first since there are some spoilers from previous books. I enjoyed the mystery storyline, which reminded me a bit of a cozy mystery, but I didn't feel like the town setting had the same charm as the inn. Guess I just REALLY enjoyed the inn setting, which does appear in the beginning and end of the book.

Was this review helpful?

The Ravenfall series returns with its third book, and I enjoyed it just as much as the previous books!
Great for fans of magical realism and fantasy, adult and children both. This book continues to see Anna and Collin grow into their powers and themselves. Which makes this feel believable even with the magic, as thus is an age where teens are discovering who they are. We are introduced to a new cast of characters, who are also delightful, and another magical house. I just love a good magical dwelling! Also Max, he's such a fun character.
I'm really excited that it appears there will be another book, because I have really enjoyed this series!
I also loved the PNW setting as that's where I'm from.
Thanks to Random House Children's and Netgalley for a copy of this ARC!

Was this review helpful?

Another enjoyable installment of the magical teen series. Colin and Anna visit Ravenfall, a community where no one has to hide their magic. Colin is one his first "solo" Raven trip as he tries to figure out what has happened to several witches that have just disappeared. Anna is visiting her aunt and cousin she knows little about and in the meantime learns a bit more about her Jewish heritage that she grew up being disconnected from.

There is magic and adventure but so much more. Colin struggles with trying to make the right moral decisions when fighting magical creatures: is it ok just to destroy them or should he try to take another path? What about when fighting supernatural sentient beings who threaten the magic secret and perhaps have hurt humans in self-defense? He also struggles with his confidence. Is he really ready to take on missions by himself? Anna struggles with her sisters going off to college and trying to get along with her cousin who seems to resent her. Is it her fault that her father never taught her things about the Jewish faith? And what does it mean to be Jewish? And to face the prejudice that goes along with that?

Colin and Anna are wrestling with growing up, family and friendships. Throw in big danger of the magical type and you have an exciting book that has substance. But there is also plenty of wonder too.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest opinion.

Was this review helpful?

This so far has been my favorite of the series. I cannot wait to pick up book 4 and find out more about our characters! This series has been nothing but a good time, with great vibes, and has a very atmospheric fall setting that makes it perfect to read during this time of year!

Was this review helpful?

Content warning: kidnapping, talks of antisemitism, loss of parent/family member

I love that there was a new Ravenfall book to curl up with as the weather gets colder and the leaves turn colors. This series is meant to be read in the fall under a blanket with a warm drink in hand. Kudos once again to Josephson and the publisher for having a recap of the series so far at the start of the book. Louder for those in the back: ALL BOOK SERIES SHOULD HAVE THIS!

While I'm a little sad that the third book in the series takes place mostly outside of the Ravenfall Inn (because I adore the house and its magic), it was great to have Anna and Colin out on the road solving a magical mystery on their own. I spent most of the novel annoyed by Leah, but she redeems herself.

Josephson does a great job of giving middle grade readers a fun, heartwarming magical series while also tackling some serious topics like cultural heritage, self doubt, and how the concept of good/evil or right/wrong isn't exactly a clear either/or with a solid line drawn between the two.

I'm looking forward to Autumn 2025 and the next installment in this series to see what these kids get up to next! Also, I'd LOVE to live in a house that would make me pumpkin hot cocoa when I needed it.

Advanced Reader’s Copy provided by NetGalley, Random House Children's, and Delacorte Press in exchange for an honest review.

Was this review helpful?

This is one of my favorite middle-grade series!
I love the world, and the characters, and the story always keeps me entertained and on the edge of my seat.

In Witchwood, Anna and her best friend Colin are on their own investigating some disappearance in the Witchwood. They are staying with Anna's aunt and cousin and I loved learning more about Anna's heritage and the different kinds of magic. I love seeing Anna and Colin work together along with growing as individuals and in their abilities. The mystery of the missing witches was a good one, and I really enjoyed seeing the kids investigate and uncover what no one else has been able to figure out.

I love the side kicks, like our favorite jabberwocky turned kitty cat, and the sentient house is my favorite character of them all.

I can't wait to see where this series is going to to next!!!

Was this review helpful?

1. I am so glad that we are getting another book; I know that I was not ready or this series to be finished [especially when this book was finished], so the knowledge that another one is coming makes me smile whenever I think of it.

2. It was LOVELY to be back in Ravenwood, even with the House still trying to reset itself [the cookie and challah incident was hilarious, as was Nora's reaction to it], and the twins leaving for college, and Gran and Co being in Ireland. I did miss those players quite a bit, but the story was still very good with new additions [see below].

3. I enjoyed the introduction of Witchwood [a fully magical town] and how different it is from Ravenwood. I really liked the introduction of Anna's aunt Miriam and cousin Leah as the really add depth and understanding to Anna's family story. I liked how realistic Anna and Leah's initial relationship was [they clash and bad] and then how they have to figure their ISH out to get stuff done and make positive things happen.

4. Forget all you know about Mean Girls and gird yourself for the the next generation. IYKYK. [YIKES].

5. I knew where the "mystery" part of this book was going [well, not where it was going, because that was OH HOLY COW, but I knew who was orginating it all], but thankfully, it never took away from the overall story and I totally enjoyed seeing it all play out.

6. Ahhhhh, young love. ;-)

7. A lovely conclusion that leaves it open for the next book, but doesn't leave you hanging - I LOVE when this happens in series books.

8. The synopsis of the previous book that starts each new book. THIS. IS. GLORIOUS. and should be in every books series; can we make that happen?? ;-)

9. Absolutely fantastic narration. Michael Crouch and Keylor Leigh really bring Colin and Anna to life and they make it so easy to settle into the story. I am so glad they are still on board.

I love this series and I am so glad that I took a chance on it - I have not been disappointed. Highly recommend this one!!

Thank you to NetGalley, Kalyn Josephson, and Random House Children's/Delacourte Press for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Was this review helpful?

I didn't realize this was a series (I believe 3rd book in the series) but I still had fun reading! Great read and would love to go back and read the other books in the series.

Was this review helpful?

I think this is my favorite of the three books in the series (so far I hope). I really liked Ravenfall, I liked Hollowthorn a. little less and I absolutely loved Witchwood. Now to tell you why...
First, new characters that will stay with the story (now I know there will be a fourth). I really like Leah and Aunt Miriam and I love the inclusion of the Jewish aspect of family life and magic. And they are part of the family which is. what I loved so much about the series - I just love all the characters and their interactions with each other and the relationships they form.
Second, a new location that can be revisited. Witchwood is a town much the opposite of Wick. While is Wick magic is hidden to protect the non-magical people, in Witchwood everything/everyone is magical and the town protects they from non-magical people. The story uses this idea to drive the plot.
Third, the relationship between Anna and Colin is less awkward, and although Colin is less self-critical and doubting he seems to be evolving. The addition of Anna's cousin Leah eventually makes Anna's personality a little less black and white and softens the character just enough that I didn't want to slap her silly all the time.
This really is a good series and I hope it continues. There is a lot of room for additional stories.

Was this review helpful?

i've been following this series since release and i had assumed that a book centered on halloween would be my favorite. unfortunately, this one fell a little flat for me. perhaps it's that much of this book was centered away from our favorite characters and magical house, frazzled by the previous book's events and overmaking food and haranguing the guests. perhaps i expected more autumnal atmosphere - i don't know.

anna and colin have left ravenfall and after getting attacked, end up in the magical town of witchwood where she meets her aunt and cousin, who is standoffish for no real reason. i found this a pretty frustrating part of the book because anna has no respect for boundaries and constantly foisted herself in her cousin's face while simultaneously complaining about how she wasn't liked. i get it, it's a children's book, but i thought the characterization was so strange here. there was also a little bit of a girl vs. girl situation as anna's cousin has a thing for colin and it was just... i don't know.

witches start to go missing in witchwood. i don't want to give the plot away, but it felt very... overdone plot of a cw episode. i feel like a lot of what i loved about this book - the wide-eyed wonder, the atmosphere, the culture and how it wrapped up in identity, the cozy little magical elements - was swept aside for dramatic teenaged antics which frankly isn't really what i've been looking for from this world. so ultimately: fine, but i miss the pure joy i got from reading the first book.

Was this review helpful?

Anna is feeling overwhelmed and sad. Ravenfall just won't be the same once her sisters leave for college.
So, when Colin and Liam ask her to help them on a Raven mission, she can't pack fast enough. Since they'll be close, she asks them to stop off at Witchwood to visit her aunt.
Before they reach her aunt's, they are attacked. Anna seems to have been the target.
When they tell her aunt, they find out that witches have been disappearing in Witchwood. And so begins their next adventure.

I love this series! It is one of my favorite middle grade series of all time. I love the characters, especially the sentient houses. So much fun. Sad that I have to wait a year until the next one.

Was this review helpful?

If you enjoy books about magical adventures then this is the perfect book for you!
This is the third book in the Ravenfall series it follows Anna and Collin, two friends with magical powers who work together to discover the truth regarding missing witches in their town of Witchwood.

Was this review helpful?

Kalyn Josephson's Witchwood is a delightful continuation of the magical adventures at Ravenfall, blending mystery, magic, and emotional depth. The story follows Anna and Colin as they embark on another mission that leads them to Witchwood, a town where magic is openly embraced. The novel's autumnal setting adds a cozy yet eerie atmosphere, enhancing the tension as witches start disappearing.

Josephson’s ability to weave Jewish magic into Anna’s character development is a highlight, especially as Anna explores her family’s magical heritage. The conflict with her cousin adds a layer of family drama, making the relationships feel authentic. Anna’s growth as she navigates her complicated identity as a witch and her determination to protect her loved ones make her a relatable and strong protagonist.

The pacing is well-balanced, with enough suspense and intrigue to keep readers hooked. The mystery surrounding the missing witches is engaging, though it sometimes feels predictable. Despite that, the charming friendship between Anna and Colin and the richness of Witchwood’s magical world make this a rewarding read.

Overall, Witchwood earns 4 stars for its well-crafted characters, immersive world, and heartwarming themes of friendship and family, even if the plot’s twists don’t always surprise. It's perfect for readers who love magical adventures with a dash of real-world culture.

Was this review helpful?

I received an e-copy of this book for free from NetGalley, in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.

I loved this new installment of the Ravenfall series. Colin and Anna are such fun characters to get to know, and I have enjoyed seeing them grow a little more. I'm disappointed that I have to wait until next year to get the next book in the series! I love the Jewish mythology, and I love that antisemitism is addressed by the kids, because it makes it easier for kids to learn about (antisemitism is heavy, ya'll. And heartbreaking).

Was this review helpful?

Witchwood is another fun installment in the Ravenfall series. With more magic, more mythology, and more cozy aesthetics, this book only cements the fact that this is the perfect series to read in the fall.

I love that this book continues to expand upon the magic and mythology already introduced. It’s so cool to see the characters grow in their magic as well as their confidence in who they are, but the story also shows that they have a lot more to learn, too. I appreciate that this book explores more of Anna’s Jewish heritage and opens up conversations about anti-semitism. I’m continually grateful that Kalyn Josephson includes real life problems alongside the magical aspects. The themes about family and friendship are so powerful!

The addition of Aunt Miriam and Leah was lovely, and I’m looking forward to how they play a part in future books. I also adore that Aunt Miriam has a Baba Yaga-esque house on chicken legs. It almost makes up for this story not being set at Ravenfall.

It’s obvious that this book is starting to build toward a bigger conflict than book one and two had and I’m glad that there’s going to be a fourth book! I love this world, these characters, the compilation of magic and mythology from Celtic and Jewish lore. It’s such a fun middle grade series and deserves all the love.

Was this review helpful?

This was a quick, fun read! I really appreciated the “Last time in Hollowthorn” recap at the beginning to refresh my memory before diving into this book.

Anna and Collin are tackling their insecurities in really relatable ways, and even though they have magic at the foundation of their problems, they’re still really relevant issues.

This was a great continuation and I can’t wait to see what happens next! Thank you to Delacorte and NetGalley for the ARC! Now to just wait for the release date and my pre-order!

Was this review helpful?

The Ravenfall books are so much fun! I typically listen to them on audiobook but still loved this one. The third book in the series was just as entertaining as the rest of the series. Anna and Colin are back in the Witchwood to help find the witches that are going missing. However, they soon find themselves under attack and they much hide with Anna's Aunt and cousin. Anna and Colin have to work quickly because they realize that Anna could be next to disappear. This was a great addition to this series and I had a blast reading it!

Was this review helpful?

I had never heard of this series before when I got approved for this arc, but I immediately got the other books to read before I started this one and I must say I’ve enjoyed every single one of them! This is a perfect middle grade series while still being enjoyable for us adults who are still kids at heart.

Was this review helpful?

This has been one of my favorite middle grade series of all time. It's complicated without being over-the-heads of its target audience, has two protagonists that serve as a great example for younger readers, and is very entertaining. I also really like that Anna and Colin are just friends. The themes of growing up and finding your identity continue here with Anna seeking more information about her Jewish heritage while being made to feel like an imposter by her cousin and Colin trying to determine how to be the type of Raven who helps rather than harms. I love how Anna and Colin continue to develop as characters over the course of the novel and are starting to come into themselves. The introduction of Leah adds a new dimension to their friendship that I am looking forward to seeing unfold over future books. I'm especially interested in following Colin and Leah's friendship now that they both have an ancestor they are not especially excited to be associated with. I was so glad that Anna had the difficult conversation with Leah rather than letting things continue to fester - once they better understood one another they could let their animosity go and discover they had a lot in common. And Anna learning more about her powers was really interesting. The mystery here was interesting and the reason behind it a surprise. I never fully trusted that coven - their interest in Anna and willingness to help just came too easily. Once again it took both Anna and Colin to defeat the villains - I like this because it keeps the balance of power between them even. I'm always a little sad at the end of these books because it means it will be a while before I get to spend time with these characters again. I am definitely looking forward to the next book, something to look forward to next fall!

Was this review helpful?