Feeling a bit mixed on this one but I'll start with the positives. Great cast of characters! I got very emotionally invested in these girls (Holly was my fave) and loved that the story felt, to me, ultimately about freedom of choice. It focused a lot on power in oneself, in friendship, and in women supporting women, all of which I love! I think it’s clear from this novel and Grady’s body of work that he appreciates & respects women and is aware of our strength and the issues we have fought and continue to fight against, which I absolutely adore him for!! 😭🫶 The witchy scenes were fun and exciting and I absolutely loved the added insertions throughout the book from How to Be a Groovy Witch. That said, I wouldn’t say this is one of my fave Hendrix novels. My main complaint is that something felt missing for me, and I think it was that the book lacked the playfulness I look forward to and have come to expect in his books. I would have LOVED more witchy scenes and more horror that wasn't birth. There were a couple good ones but they felt few in comparison to the girls just living life, and most of the horror seemed to come from the horrible situations the girls were in and multiple gnarly birthing scenes. I get this book had a more serious topic but I know Grady can explore that while retaining his sense of fun and playfulness, and I just didn’t feel that in this. Unfortunately I’m left feeling quite a bit unsatisfied because of that. Overall I still think this is a good book, just not one of my faves of his. Still a solid read though and recommend to fans of stories about motherhood, female empowerment, & teens.

3.5 Stars

Thanks so much to Netgalley & Berkley Pub for the arc!

I just finished WitchCraft for Wayward girls by Grady Hendrix and these are my thoughts.

Being sent to Wellwood house away from your family, is how pregnant teens are dealt with in the 70s. No body autotomy for these girls. No say in their futures.. Frightened and alone, their choices do not matter and their babies… Put up for closed adoptions.. All their meals are planned down to the calorie. Made to drink disgusting drinks for their health.

It's no wonder that when a book of spells lands in their laps and their first spell works that these girls have something that cannot be taken from them…. But magic always comes at a cost…

This book threw me right into the middle of a fight these girls could not win. They don’t get to keep their babies.. They are gaslit and borderline abused.. My heart broke and my blood boiled.

I'm a Hendrix fan. I am totally biased already but this book was a touch away from his normal writing. It was less horror than normal but it felt more serious too. It was some beautifully well crafted writing and I felt a kinship with these girls who had no voice and no choice. It was a gamble for a male author to tackle a heavy subject like this but he did it with true class and for that I salute you!

The adults were all the baddies in this book in my opinion. I know the cook helped in her way but she still kept her distance from these neglected girls. These girls were treated like criminals for something that happened to them. The social worker was more for the parents collecting their stolen babies than the welfare of those poor girls. Horrible and you feel every single blow.

The girls don’t even get to use their own names. The owner of the home picks them. They work while they are there or the parents pay for their stay and it makes you wonder how much she makes off the adoptions. The witchcraft was the least scary thing in this book and that was epic in itself.

I found the girls all had these wonderfully written personalities and their bravery knew no bounds. I enjoyed the witchcraft parts the most. I was enthralled the most when Fern got that book from the mobile library. I had more questions about the group of witches but the ending of the book was done so well that I forgot I had questions.

It was a really clever way of writing a horror book with social concerns we as women have today.

4.5 stars. Brilliant! Bit more on the witchy stuff and it would have got 5.

CHECK THE TRIGGERS!!!

Thank you @berkleypublishing and @netgalley for my gifted copy! Out now.

#witchcraftforwaywardgirls #berkleybooks #gradyhendrix #horrorbook #horrorreader #newreleases #bookreview #bookblog #bookalorian #readervlog #bookreader #amreading #bodyhorror

3.75-4? idk im conflicted by the rating. i had a lot of problems with this. the witchcraft was unnecessary and underdeveloped. the horror was what these girls went through in the home and the coven and witches were thrown in just for fun. definitely the weakest element of this book. he did not do everything i wanted him to and fern was a really flat character but I want to believe it was on purpose. i liked the epilogue, but i can understand anyone who thinks it was too happy. i really liked the first third, it dragged a little in the middle and muddled some things up, and then the end moved quick as grady usually does. it was not what i wanted, but i don't dislike the book. i genuinely will never understand why he threw in a coven that he didn't explain whatsoever. the witches could have been so much different and so much better. still above final girl support group for me, and i think above horrorstor.

Happy book birthday to the latest mind-bending story from the strange but brilliant mind of Hendrix! 🔮✨🫣

This was not your typical Grady Hendrix book, which frankly made me love it even more! I’m a huge Hendrix fan, so I was elated to get my hands on his newest book early and I read it during spooky season, which is arguably the best time to pick up one of his books. If you’ve read Hendrix before, then you know that you’re typically caught somewhere between feeling uncomfortable and in awe of his storytelling capability. He is the horror master, after all. This one took me by surprise because it shed some of the gore and horror elements (read: some, it still had some squeamish stuff if you’re into that) and focused more so on women empowerment, motherhood and tackled important and timely topics seen in today’s conversations. While this was witchy, don't go into it expecting a magical tale (even though there IS a witchy librarian). More importantly, this story spotlights the mistreatment of mothers in the years before Roe v. Wade and the general sentiment around "wayward" girls and how they handled it at Wellwood House. In the way that flowers and plants bloom, so does each character in this story, which has powerful parallels. Hendrix did a great job at weaving horror with historical fiction and he really set the tone for the time period -- it's May 1970, even including a Kent State reference (which is one of my alma maters!), to emphasize the worldly pressures and thoughts during that time and ultimately created a story that's part fantasy, part horror and part historical fiction.

I’m excited that it’s officially out into the world for others to enjoy it as much as I did. Thanks so much @berkleypub for the digital copy!

Oh Grady - your description of birth is so spot on. Especially for decades ago. Teenagers - children, left terrified and alone. Dumped by their parents to become someone else's problem.
Digging deep to find their power. A community. Solace and support. Desperate to help a 13 yo girl not return home.
The last few pages made me weep. Weep.
Brutal in honesty and passion.

Grady Hendrix is basically an auto-read author for me and Witchcraft for Wayward Girls did not disappoint. I must admit that I was a little apprehensive about an adult male writing about teenage girls and their reproductive rights but Grady Hendrix has done the research and handles it in a real, relatable way. I appreciate that he took the time to do the work. All that aside this book was instantly gripping and interesting right from the hop. You feel real emotions for the girls in the story and the situations they were in. It was heartbreaking, it really captured what it was like for these girls to feel powerless and unable to control their own lives and bodies. Though Hendrix did what he did best and made the book absolutely creepy and the gross scenes were SUPER gross, I felt like the first half of the book read more like historical fiction than horror. Which honestly, was fine by me. I feel like the true horror of this book was what the girls in these types of situations had to endure, and maybe that was the point. Overall I thoroughly enjoyed Witchcraft for Wayward Girls and I look forward to whatever Grady Hendrix comes out with next.

Kudos for this male author to write a story featuring teen girls, pregnant teen girl nonetheless!
I went into this story blind and wasn’t sure what kind of reading experience I was in for. I read How to Sell a Haunted House and it was alright kinda unrealistic for me but hey, I read it cover to cover. Witchcraft for Wayward Girls blew my expectations not just out of the water but out of the universe! Like whatttt- my mind was blown. I was crying, I was covering my eyes, I was ashamed, I was empowered, I was mad, and I felt what these poor children endured !!! What an incredible journey. The year has just begun and the bar is set really high here!!!

I imagine this must be a nostalgic trip for some readers over a certain age, but even for my generation and younger, the oppression and disregard and abuse these characters face in their time isn't completely unknown in ours. The characters in this novel shine, despite their tragic circumstances, and are what will keep you reading to the end.

Fern is just fifteen and pregnant when her parents ship her off to Wellwood House, Florida, a "home" for expecting girls to be hidden from the public, have their babies in secret, give them up for adoption and then go home and pretend nothing ever happened. Fern is so ready to behave and get back home... until a travelling librarian gives her a book about magic, and suddenly following the rules doesn't have the same appeal.

I'll start with my one hangup: I'm not sure how I feel about a white cis man writing a book about pregnancy, sexism, racism & witchcraft. I went into this one warily, because I've only read one Hendrix before (Final Girls) and it wasn't my favourite.

I do have to say though, now that I've read it, it really felt like Hendrix did his research. I didn't find the characters stereotypical or cookie cutter, and the story remained respectful to their experiences. They faced horrific treatment during their pregnancies, and Hendrix does not shy away from that, but it didn't feel gratuitous or inauthentic. I think he did a great job of humanizing these girls and taking their plight seriously.

This read a lot like a historical fiction horror, which worked for me. Some of the scenes (like the birth of Fern's baby) were so horrifying, in part because of the visceral imagery and partly because of how realistic the treatment of these girls was. I was enraged over and over for them, and while the ending felt a bit too neat, I'll allow it for the sake of my sanity.

I couldn’t help but think to myself while reading this book “could this happen again?”. Not so much the witchcraft but the sending of pregnant out of wedlock girls (I wanted to say women, but our protagonists are girls. Heartbreakingly so.) to homes to await the birth and subsequent adoption of their children.

When you have no agency, no power, how far might you go if the chance for power and revenge was in front of you?

This gripped me from the first page and I couldn’t put it down. Highly recommended for older teens and up.

When the Spell Breaks: A Witch's Rant

Enchanted Beginnings, Disenchanted Endings

I had such high hopes for this one—I really did. The first half had me completely enchanted like I’d stumbled upon a hidden grimoire full of promise. The world-building was captivating, the atmosphere was thick with magic, and I was utterly bewitched. But then… oh, then it took a turn, and let me tell you, that turn brought out some serious female rage of my own.

A Hollow Spell

Now, I don't call myself The Book Witch for nothing. While I might not cast spells, or wield a staff (I do have one) there's definitely a lot of witch in me.

It felt like the witchcraft was conjured up by someone who had only glanced at a few tarot cards (I read them) and decided they were an expert.

So when the whole witchcraft storyline started unraveling, it was like someone had cast a bad spell over my reading experience. And that rage? It’s because the author’s version of witchcraft felt… hollow. Like it was conjured up with no real understanding or respect for what being a witch represents.


Winging It Doesn't Work

I even read on the author’s website—he said witches are complicated. Not really! He even admits "I invented a whole lot of it out of thin air." You can tell!

Well, dear author, the magic of storytelling doesn't work that way. You can't just wave a wand and hope for the best; it shows in the story, and it's hard not to feel a little betrayed when you can tell someone’s just winging it.

The spell… it fizzled.

I keep reminding myself, "It’s horror," but it’s hard to ignore the heavy history tied to using witchcraft as a weapon against women. That name—witch—carries so much weight, but we’re reclaiming it, transforming it into a symbol of power and resilience. That's the direction I thought it was going with the themes.

Themes That Almost Cast a Spell

Now, I’ll admit there were some themes the author was reaching for that I loved. But because the author got so much about witchcraft wrong it felt so flimsy. It was like the story couldn’t decide where to land on those themes.

Closing the Grimoire

Anyway, I’ve said my piece. There’s so much more I could rant about, but honestly? I think it’s best to close this book, toss it into the ether, jump back on my broom, and move on to my next read.

Sometimes, you just have to leave a dud spell where it belongs: in thin air.

A Witches Word Buddy Read with Norma and Mary Beth

Before I get into a synopsis and my thoughts, Grady Hendrix always surprises me with his ability to understand and write about the female experience, particularly the power of friendship for young girls. He handles the story of unwed teen pregnancy and the systematic oppression of women with understanding and grace.
Young girls who find themselves unwed and pregnant are sent to Wellwood Home in St. Augustine, Florida, where they are hidden away from their families to have their babies in secret, give them up for adoption, and then return home like nothing ever happened. In the summer of 1970, fifteen-year-old Fern arrives terrified and alone after making bad decisions that alienate her from her family. When she comes under Miss Wellwood's stern, watchful eye, she encounters a dozen other girls in the same "condition," all going by floral nicknames given to them by Miss Wellwood. The girls don't talk about their families or the fathers of their children, nor do they share their real names, and each has a story that is unique to each girl.

Every moment of every day for the girls is strictly controlled, even when they wake up and what they talk about. One day, when the bookmobile comes to visit, Fern meets a librarian who gives her an occult book about witchcraft, and she feels like she has power of her own for the first time. But power comes with consequences; it can be destroyed as quickly as it is created and often costs blood.

A certain whimsy is mixed into the horror of Witchcraft for Wayward Girls. Once again, Grady Hendrix perfectly captures girls' experiences and the power and knowledge of friendship in girlhood. This book isn't just scary, it's infuriating. Together the girls are thrust into one of the most challenging experiences of their lives where they're left alone "to learn a lesson" and quickly many of the girls learn and see things one would hope they never would - their friend bleeding out on the floor and struggling to give birth, the first who a person of power is abusing in her life and *no one* believes her (and punishes her). The girls feel utterly powerless in their situations and trying to help their friends - if you can't help yourself how can you help someone else?

While I wanted more witchcraft, the way the book is crafted is masterful and works just as it is. Especially when you're trying to endear your reader to a cast of delightful young ladies trying to get by and carefully share their stories as they find comfort in their shared experiences. The horror in this book isn't the witchcraft (though it certainly plays a part) the true horror is our lived existence and what we allow, permit, and disregard when it doesn't *affect us*. Hendrix reminds us that power is often in our mundane work, will, and ingenuity; it's in our defiance and what we are willing to do to protect ourselves and those we feel kinship with. I would love to know more about Hagar and Miriam's lives... I can only imagine. This is the first book that made me cry in 2025, primarily because of how touching and sweet (and forgiving) the epilogue was.

WITCHCRAFT FOR WAYWARD GIRLS by Grady Hendrix is a dark, deeply unsettling story that packs an emotional punch. I went into this expecting a fun, mischievous tale of teenage girls bonding over witchcraft, but what I got was something much heavier. This is a story about underage, pregnant teens trapped in hopeless circumstances, desperately trying to find a way out. It’s not an easy read, and most of the horror comes from the harsh reality of their lives rather than the supernatural.

Hendrix delivers a layered, thought-provoking narrative, but I’d be lying if I said it didn’t test my patience at times. The pacing moved in waves—there were moments that completely pulled me in and others where it felt like I was just waiting for something to happen. It takes about 25% of the book before the story really picks up, and even then, it ebbs and flows until the halfway point. Once the witchcraft elements finally kick in, the story becomes much more engaging, and I was completely hooked during those parts. I just wish there had been more of them.

What stood out most to me were the moments where Hendrix explored the power dynamics at play and the desperate ways these girls tried to reclaim control over their lives. The witchcraft itself, though not as central as I’d hoped, was fascinating when it appeared—woven seamlessly into the story in a way that felt believable and eerie. The Bookmobile and characters like Rose and Zinnia were particular highlights, bringing glimmers of intrigue and hope to an otherwise heavy narrative.

The ending was one of the strongest parts for me, pulling together the themes of the story in a way that added depth and clarity. However, I couldn’t shake a lingering question: Are we supposed to root for the witches or not? That ambiguity left me feeling a little unsure about how to process the final pages.

This is not a book for everyone—it’s bleak, emotionally intense, and requires patience to fully appreciate. Still, I can see it deeply resonating with readers who are drawn to stories of resilience, moral complexity, and slow-burning horror.

I received a copy from the publisher through NetGalley.

Oh my goodnessssssss! Grady does it again. This book was phenomenal. I love his sense of humor in the horror community. It always helps to relief that stress. I think this maybe may new favorite. The way he dives into topics that most men wont touch and handles it with such taste really blows my mind. Check your triggers but highly recommend this for the horror community

Oh Mr. Hendrix…. You are so talented. The way you weave your creations always ceases to amaze me. This is 100 % not what I expected. I did not read anyone’s review; I just saw a bunch of 5 stars and now I know why.

All of the characters were so vivid. Hendrix lets you get to know (and love) each of the main characters slowly. They all seemed like real life people. The topics this book covers are truly heartbreaking. The way these girls were treated, how alone they were and left in the dark must have been truly terrifying. I could not even begin to imagine. You MUST read the author’s note at the end of the novel. It really brings to light the reasons behind Hendrix telling us this tale and why. Also, the cover…. *swoon* Thank you @netgalley for my copy!

I think this is actually a relatively good book but just wasn't for me.

The first half of this book was just too slow. It read as a coming-of-age story of some historical fiction or something. It just didn't intrigue me. The main character, Fern, also wasn't all that interesting or special. She comes more into herself much later in the story, but by then I already had my impression of her. It just felt like something was missing for me.

Thank you so much to NetGalley for the arc in exchange for an honest review.

“Some things are so small but they make all the difference: a ring on your finger, three little letters in front of your name, a couple of birthdays. Tiny things, but they changed our entire lives.”

Grady is such a phenomenal writer. Even though he is, admittedly, a “childless middle-aged man,” and it might seem strange for him to write a book like this, he tackled difficult topics and beautifully blended historical fiction with a witchy horror story.

Don’t go into this expecting a magical tale (though there is a witchy librarian to look forward to). Instead, prepare to read about the mistreatment of unwed mothers in the years before Roe v. Wade and to cry and rage with these fictional pregnant girls, forced to live in a home that will ultimately make them give their children up for adoption. It’s horrific to imagine this is how young girls were treated when they got pregnant—even in cases of rape. I never knew much about maternity homes in America and I’m just floored by the way things used to be. After reading the acknowledgments, I love this story even more.

I will always support this author. His research, care, and empathy shine throughout this novel. This was powerfully done, though it’s also difficult to read at times and will make you squeamish. Be sure to check trigger warnings if you’re particularly sensitive to these topics.

Thank you, Berkley, for this ARC!

What can I say other than: oh.

Witchcraft for Wayward Girls features many horrific moments, but nothing that is gruesome simply for the shock factor. There were times I couldn't believe I was still reading the book, as I feel like I read two separate books in one - which worked so well with this novel.

Reader, beware. There are moments where there are intense moments that are vividly described. It's so disgusting and painful, as in, I was really in the shoes of the characters.

This is definitely a powerful work from Grady Hendrix. The ending will sit with me for a while.

Witchcraft for Wayward Girls is absolutely perfect chaos that is impossible to stop reading - atmospheric, intense and gorgeously gothic.

@gradyhendrix is just brilliant. Period. However this man’s brain works, I am forever enthralled in the stories it spits out into the world. He has this unbelievable ability to create an entire world that is so fully tangible and real, with characters who are messy and relatable and hopeful and tragic all at once. Every time I start a book by him, it becomes impossible for me to stop reading it until I’ve devoured the entire thing.

This plot was no different - young, unwed, pregnant girls that were sent away to a home to wait out their pregnancies and have their babies taken from them whether they wanted it or not. A mysterious librarian offering access to a different kind of figure. Magic. Battling against a world that doesn’t understand them. All the ingredients for a story that will absorb you so fully you never want it to end.

Genuinely, this book is just fantastic and I’m still thinking about it a week later. It is a MUST for your 2025 reading pile, I promise you.

Many thanks to @berkleypub for the free copy, and to Grady for the phenomenal entertainment. Never change.

Short synopsis: It’s 1970 and 15 year old Fern finds herself pregnant and in a home for unwed mothers. She meets a librarian who gives her a book of spells and the girls find themselves with power.

My thoughts:
What I liked: I actually thought the concept was such a fun one. I like the idea of empowering women in general, and in this instance these young girls had all their rights and power taken away from them. It was so heartbreaking to see these girls have their babies taken away, when a lot of them wanted to care for them. They didn’t get the choice. I also thought even though the author is male, he did a really good job at depicting situations he’s never been in himself. He may have children of his own, but I think he did a decent amount of research into what a woman experiences during labor and childbirth.

I really wanted to like this. I knew going in based on previous books I’ve read by this author before that the boundaries would be pushed. I expected some uncomfortable and squeamish situations, so that wasn’t the problem. It felt too long in my opinion and took too long to actually get anywhere.

Read if you love:
- Women empowerment
- Witchcraft and spells
- Historical situations
- Found family and relying on friends