"Begone the Raggedy Witches" is a jaunting foray into an unknown world of magic - one where a few wield their magical power while most are suppressed. The main character, Mup, is a young girl devoted to her family, protecting the vulnerable, and pursuing justice at all costs. After her beloved Aunty's death, Mup is thrown into a magical battle where her mother is at the center of it all. Unbeknownst to her, Mup's "mam" is a witch, and not just any witch, but the heir to the throne of Witches Borough. Mam returns to her homeland with Mup, Aunty's ghost, Mup's baby brother, Tipper, and the family dog, Badger, to unseat the evil queen, who just happens to be her mother.

"Begone the Raggedy Witches" was a wild ride from beginning to end. I loved the constant action and sense of foreboding that lurked throughout the story. Mup's discovery of her magical heritage unfolded beautifully as she learned about her powers along with their inherent advantages and responsibilities. Mup learns that magic has the ability to help people, unite them, and inspire joy and creativity. However, she also sees firsthand the damage and destruction that magic brings when it is used carelessly and for selfish gain.

Overall, I loved this first installment in a new magical fantasy series; I can't wait to explore Witches Borough through Mup's eyes in future books!

I found this book somewhat enjoyable and I once I started reading I found myself entranced within the book, . However, there wasn’t much character development and I found that the only likable character was crow. I found the parent and auntie very unlikeable. The plot was sort of interesting but I think it could use more depth or maybe even a backstory to why the Queen was ‘evil’. I understand that it’s only he first book of the series but I don’t feel like, after reading the first book, wanting to read the rest of the series. Overall, a pretty good book if you like anything magical or adventurous.

Yes, it’s another book about crossing into a hidden world to save a family member or discover powers. However, it is not the least bit tiresome. It is an utter delight. It’s the witty, no nonsense way the story is told. It’s the characters. Brave Mup who does what is right, stands up for what is right, and never really considers something horrible could happen. Her baby brother, who for a baby in diapers has a surprisingly large vocabulary when in dog form, is a joy to read. And poor Crow, an unwanted boy who just wants to be loved. Then there is Crow’s mother who doesn’t want Crow yet helps but not fully as a mother should. This was a breeze to read and so fun. This first installment in The Wild Magic Trilogy ends on a will she, won’t she note. Can Mam be content is this world or is she destined to rule the Witches? I will eagerly read the next in the series! Highly recommend

Raggedy witches kidnap her father so Mup, her little brother, her mom, and her ghostly aunt cross over into the magical land where Mup's evil grandmother rules with fear and tyranny. Loyal to new friend, Crow, who had never know loyalty, Mup fights for her family --to get her dad back and protect her brother. I loved the messages of fairness, equality, and family as well as the excellent adventure.

A big thank you to NetGalley and Candlewick Press for the ARC. I am voluntarily reviewing this book. Well this is not something I would want to read to my kids. It wasn't for me. I felt like this was book 2 and I was playing catch up on the world. I disliked the. nicknames sorry just ugg. I skimmed most of it. Maybe it was my mood. I wouldn't recommend but can acknowledge that others might like it. I rate it a 3.

With witches, magic, shapeshifting and more, this is an exciting story to read. You're not sure how it's going to turn out until the very end...

Candlewick Press and Net Galley allowed me to read this book for review (thank you). It will be published tomorrow.

Mup sees witches in the trees on the way home from the hospital. Her Mom's aunt is dying and the witches have come for Mom.

It seems her mother is the Queen of the witches and she wants to retain that power. She's kidnapped Mup's father, intends to jail Mup and her brother, and then she'll capture her daughter. She underestimates Mup, though.

This was an entertaining read with lots of action and a very fitting ending. I'd read more in this series. It's good!

This is a really engaging story that I think middle grade readers will very much enjoy. The story is fast paced, and it will be loved especially by fans of fantasy tales such as Narnia and Wonderland.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the E-Arc copy of this novel.
I first must say that this novel is a gem. It is written for middle grade ages, but all ages will love it. It is a fantasy that is unique and has depth for this age group. It is part of a trilogy so be prepared to wait for the next one!

Mup is a biracial girl living in Ireland with her family. On the night her Aunty dies, though, things change. The raggedy witches come for her mother; they've come to bring her back to their world, the Glittering Land, where an awful queen reigns: and who just happens to be Mup's grandmother. When Mup's mother holds them off the first time, the witches take more drastic measures, kidnapping Mup's father. Mup, her mother, baby brother, and dog set off to the Glittering Land to save Dad, but will her Mam want to come back again, if she gets a taste for power - or survives her own mother?

Fantasy readers are going to be drawn right into Celine Kiernan's mystical, magical tale. There are talking animals, shapeshifting kids, golden forests, and an evil queen to be reckoned with. Celine Kiernan creates a magical world beyond our imaginations, bringing to mind Narnia and Wonderland. The enchanted worldbuilding will keep your fantasy readers thrilled, and Mup's heroine's quest is thoughtful and intriguing. This is the first of a planned trilogy, so get your readers hooked now.

Beggone the Raggedy Witches has a starred review from Kirkus.

Thank you to NetGalley and Celine Kiernan for allowing me to read and review Begone the Raggedy Witches (The Wild Magic Trilogy, Book One). This book is fabulous! I plan to recommend it to all of the children I know.

Begone the Raggedy Witches, first in the The Wild Magic Trilogy, was the mix of magic, spirit and witches with quirky funny characters. Importance of family, compassion, and conscience was the center theme of the book.

Characters

Main character Mup was sweet, innocent, brave, good-hearted child who kept her conscience in situations where adults failed. Adults acted more childlike than Mup. She was much more developed than I thought but her understanding grew a lot by the end of the book. Her attire was funny, colorful and quirky, the reason behind her rainbowy attire was cute. She was strong character that I loved to read.

Development of secondary characters, mostly adults, was tremendous. Mam/Stella (Mup’s mother) was reckless and temperamental because of her Aunty (Stella’s mother’s sister who literally raised her and her kids). Her situation was bit understandable looking at the all secrecy and lid Aunty kept about the world she was born into and the powers she held but I didn’t like that she acted childishly before her kids. Tipper and Mup handled things better than her but her love for her family won everything. The new mam that Mup got to see in the new world was fierce, determined and powerful. She surprised me at the end by making a wise decision. At the end I like her.

Aunty was supportive, caring, lovable old lady unlike her sister, The Queen, who was mean power-hungry villain of the book. She protected this little family of Mup even after her death and I liked all she did for them. I wish I could read more about her in the book.

Tipper (Mup’s little brother) was cutest of all. I adored that little kid in his new form. His childish dialect was funny, innocent and sweetest. That little one so brave, he could be fierce like his mother when it comes to saving his family. The Crow was also a character for whom adults and kids alike will feel sympathized. He was rebellious because of adults in clan and their unfair treatment.

What I liked

Loved that cover! It’s so beautiful.

Characters, world, concept and plot was different. I haven’t read any book like this before. It was not the usual witch book that you might have read. Writing was exquisite, I liked it more in second half of the book.

The beginning of the book was intriguing, had a haunting feel with Mup and mam chased by Raggedy witches who were bad scary witches she was warned about by her great-aunt who died just few minutes ago. The terrifying scene of Mup seeing her mother in clutches of witches and seeing her mother losing the recognition of her own kids had a dark effect. Spirit, magic, evil witches, lot of things were going on in first few chapters. It took little time for me to immerse in the story because characters and world was not introduced the usual way. It was the-more-you-read-the-more-you -figure-out-what’s-going- on style in third person narrative.

It was a proper middle grade book as the view point of Mup was portrayed like kids from today’s world. She saw the points from all the aspects which felt unbelievably remarkable for such young child but she also asked questions, held the innocence, and had her own doubts which was believable.

World building was good but not too descriptive which was both plus and minus point. It was like author made readers to use their brain to understand this new world which is called Witches Borough.

Rhymes by rebel males were interesting part of the world building. The rules were different for different people including male and female. Witches turning into animal who are talking, Crow’s hapless efforts of rhyming his thoughts was amusing. Contrary to first book of trilogy, this book focused on the plot and character than the world itself. There was only brief details about the world, not all rules or the different clann were introduced. Those who were important to mention were described that is also briefly. It was nice and had potential that I’m sure will be developed in the next books of the series.

The book was insightful for both adults and kids. The untoward consequences of the wrong doing and control over one’s life, whether with good or bad purpose was represented thorough adults of the book while things have different aspect which depends on view point of the person and one should not lose their conscience no matter how bad the person or situation is, was best told through Mup’s character. It’s a kind of book both parents and kids can enjoy together and can open up a family discussion for them.

Climax was amazingly action packed and exciting. End was nice with lots of possibilities but I liked the way author gave it a different and hopeful turn. No cliff hanger which was a relief. I’m excited to read the second book, I hope it will release soon.

why 4 stars

Some things I wanted in details regarding the world building, like- spirit concept for witches, characters’ power and their ability, and past of characters- what happened before Aunty whisked away Stella to mundane world and what made her to do so, why the Queen was so delusional about her daughter whom she hardly knew (I think, a chapter long Prologue would have been great for this).

conclusion

Overall, it was fast paced, unique, insightful witch book. As an adult I enjoyed it so readers aged 9 yrs – 12 yrs will surely love it.

This book is amazing! I read it basically all in one sitting, and it kept me entertained for an entire plane ride, which I greatly appreciated. It's a quick, entertaining read that is perfect middle grade fantasy.

This is a story about the importance of duty, family, and sticking together against all odds. It has a spooky atmosphere--Kiernan's worldbuilding is incredible; she has created alternate world full of fantastic and amazing things. In some ways, this book actually reminded me a lot of the movie Kubo and the Two Strings in its feel and themes.

Mup, the main character, is absolutely wonderful. She's smart, independent, and just the right amount of cautious and brave. Throughout the book, she has so much heart, and that gives her the bravery to do what she needs to do. What the author does well is have flawed characters that are incredibly relatable and who are just trying their best; I felt such a connection to them because of that, and the story felt much more genuine.

I love that the main conflict is a setup for two people who have the same personality characteristics, but use it in different ways. Mup's grandmother is brazen and wants to have complete control over her domain, even to the point of telling people that it's against the law to not speak in rhyme; Mup's great-aunt, on the other hand, also wants complete control, because she wants to keep people safe. This quality of wanting to dictate for others what they need to do is a major problem, even if it's for good reasons, and I like that this book addresses that the Auntie made mistakes, too. It's up to Mup and her mother to try to fix them.

Overall, this story is heartwarming, funny, and just the right amount of scary. It's a wonderful middle grade fantasy that introduces an interesting new world full of magic. I'm excited for the next books to come out.

Irish author Celine Kiernan has created a delightful middle grade series that shows the importance of being a good friend and the importance of family. The action begins almost immediately with the disappearance of Mup's father. It is on the same night that Mup learns that her mother has a magical past. Plenty of colorful characters and an interesting world. I don't read very many middle grade books, but I felt it was light and airy with plenty of kid friendly humor. Gorgeous cover too!

I read a lot of children's fiction and this was the first book I've read in a long while that felt totally fresh and original. Great heroine who is not the Chosen One but the daughter of the Chosen One. I adored the little puppy-brother and the themes of standing up for those who can't do it themselves.

I would like to thank NetGalley, the publisher and the author for my advanced copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.

In this story, we get to know a parallel world full of witches and wizards. Mup wasn't aware that she, her mom Mam, and her aunty are witches until Aunty dies and Mam gets pulled back into the raggedy witch world where she has to face her own mother, the evil queen. This is a children's story of adventure, of friendship, of bravery, and of learning that not everything is as it seems. The plot is somewhat dark but the imagery is beautiful.

It took me a bit to get into the book. I found the naming scheme of the characters a bit annoying to be honest (Mup and Mam, for example, were hard to pronounce in the same sentence even in my head). But once I got the hang of it, I could dive into the plot, which ended up being fairly fast-paced. I specifically enjoyed Mup's interactions with the boy named Crow. They both behaved like children their age: full of naive optimism on one hand and full of rebellion against adults on the other hand. I am struggling to decide what age group this would be suited for. Because it being a bit darker, I was thinking it would be better for older middle-grade kids, but because everything sort of wraps up with a neat bow and things easily fall into place, it probably could also be read by younger children.

All in all, I think this will be a good series. Book 1 definitely got me interested.

This was an amazing, fast paced, action packed, magic-filled novel that I read all in one sitting. I can't wait for number 2.

The characters are well developed and as you read through the story you get to know them so well. The story moves along at a fast pace and it's hard to put down. I'm so excited for the next one!

The Raggedy Witches are my absolute new favorites! I love how they glitter, and I adore Mup and her love of color. Stories about witches and goblins and other fantastical creatures abound in juvenile (and adult) literature these days. Celine Kiernan has succeeded in creating a new type of witch and a new world that is reminiscent of some magical lands (I was actually most reminded of The Hazelwood), but full of lovely, imaginative details all her own. I adored the dance and vocal magic concepts, and even the “curse” of speaking in rhyme. The absolute best thing about this book, though, is Mup. She is a character to remember, and one who I hope to see in future stories. Mam is also a character to watch. She seems to waver between the “good” of The Duchess and the “bad” of The Queen, so her development in future stories could be quite entertaining. Recommended!

I received a copy of this book via Netgalley.

This utterly charming middle grade novel is bright and dark all at once, embodying a classic fairy tale vibe with a modern approach. Mup is a smart, compassionate young girl. As her aunt is dying in the hospital, she spies raggedy witches gliding from tree to tree to chase her family's car. It turns out her mother is the heir to the throne in the witch's realm--and her grandmother is a cruel tyrant. When Mup's father is kidnapped by witches, the entire family launches a rescue operation into a realm that is magical and terrifying.

There are so many things I love about this book. Foremost, Mup. She's a fierce, brilliant spark of a girl. Her chosen attire--a clashing rainbow of clothing, complete with tutu--feels realistic for a child her age. Her compassion is central. Her family sparkles with diversity, too. While her baby brother is pale and blonde like their mom, Mup takes after her father. As she describes it at one point, her father is Irish, too, but his parents came from Nigeria.

Mup's mom is awesome, too, a mother who is not defined by her motherhood alone. She's in an awful spot as she always felt ill-fit in the real world, but realizes much of what she was told about her mother's world wasn't quite right, either. She does take her two young children into a dangerous place and puts a lot of responsibility on Mup, but I like how she does trust Mup in that way. Mup thrives under that sense of respect and independence.

Kiernan has created something special in this book and I am excited that this is the first in a new series.

On the night that Aunty dies the Raggedy Witches come for Mup's mam. Pale, cold, relentless, they will do anything to coax Mam back to Witches Borough. When they kidnap Mup's dad, Mup and her mam must leave the mundane world to rescue him. But Mam is strange on this side of the border - striding, powerful, and distant. Even if they can save Dad, Mup is not sure anything will ever be the same again.
What I a magical, easy reading story! Full of twists, and surprises. Mup is an adorable girl, full of courage and hilarious comments.
The writing is simple but beautiful very appropriate for young middle graders, though at some stages might seem dark, I am sure children will love reading it.
The pace is fast and you cannot skip any line, as something is for sure going to happen.
Looking forward to the next book.