#WildIsTheWitch:⁣
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“My grandmother used to say that to hear the wind is to hear the earth breathe.”⁣
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Thank you @sourcebooksfire partner for my gifted copy. ⁣
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It might be August in the south, but in my mind, it’s autumn. I have been going through my backlist and Wild is the Witch sounded perfect. Turns out, it was.⁣
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This was such a cozy feel magical read. Honestly, it gave me the same feels as Taylor Swift’s Speak Now album when I first listened in 2010. ⁣
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We have two rivals on the journey to save a northern spotted owl. Cute, right? Well, what if I told you the MMC, Pike hates witches and the FMC, Iris, is one. She put a curse on Pike to become a mage intending to give it to the earth as a way to work through her emotions, but the owl grabbed it before she could get rid of it. Oh, the kicker? The owl is an amplifier, so not only would Pike become a mage, but it’s a high possibility a big group of folks would be one. BTW, he has no idea about any of the above. 😂⁣
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I loved this book because it was a true YA. You can’t fault Iris for working out her feelings. While she’s working those out the feelings between the two were perfect. The tension, the buildup, perfection. ⁣
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This was a hug of magical that I really enjoyed. The wilderness and animal aspect just made it 10x more enjoyable. I’m a fan and I’m glad I finally picked Wild is the Witch up.⁣
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QOTD: What do you associate with fall? For me, it’s flannel, pumpkin everything (like @nutpods pumpkin spice!), and scary movies. 🧡

Griffin feels almost more comfortable in her sophomore release. The story is just that little bit more atmospheric, the magical rules that little more developed, and her characters a little more real than her debut. I would absolutely read anything she wrote.

Wildly romantic and almost too sweet, this is whole book feels like you’re on a cozy camping trip while reading it. Although, I’m still curious about the sheer amount of stuff they had while backpacking.

My thanks to net galley and the publisher for this ARC. This is my honest review.

This was a great enemies to lovers story. Iris and Pike are unique, well rounded characters and the story is engaging and absorbing. The fantasy elements worked well and the drive to find their owl pushed the narrative along.

It felt immediate and fresh, easy to read and be immersed in the story.

Another wow by Rachel Griffin. When I was reading this book it was like nature and magic itself was swirling around me every time I was reading. I honestly felt like I was stepping into this world with every page I read.

I enjoy enemies-to-lovers tropes in YA and NA books and this one did not disappoint. Iris and Pike are fantastic characters who just misunderstand one another. Iris suffers from anxiety and has issues with abandonment and trust. She is written in such a way that is realistic, yet she is a witch. Pike is distrustful of magic for reasons that unfold in the book. The setting in the PNW is so beautifully written that you can imagine being there. I love the magic in Rachel’s book. Intertwining Nature and magic are such a beautiful thing.

Thank you to the publisher, Rachel Griffin and NetGalley for the ARC of this book.

This one wasn't for me. I'll start with the positives: I really loved the depiction and connection to nature. There were some beautiful descriptions that really transported me. The "action" kicks off quite quickly and I enjoyed the cohesive world of witches and humans. The enemies to lover trope was nice towards the end.

But that's where the enjoyment ended for me, unfortunately. I found it repetitive, the couple dynamic frustrating, the action slow and I didn't connect with the characters.

However, I'll still return to this author as I do love her writing style and the aforementioned nature theme. I've no doubt others will enjoy this, it's quite cosy and easy to get through.

Rachel Griffin writes the best witches. They feel so natural but also different from novel to novel. For that reason alone Griffin has become an auto buy for me.

In Wild is the Witch, Iris doesn't mean to curse her full time co-worker and part time nemesis, Pike, but when things go wrong she must team up with him to hunt down her errant curse and a special bird.

I absolutely adored this book and the character of Iris. Her feelings of anger and frustration with a world that distrusts her simply for being who she is reminds me of being a teenager myself. Thankfully I never had the ability to accidentally curse anybody over it! But you also see her grow so much throughout the book as she learns to deal with the tragedy in her past and the consequences of what she's done in the present.

I have enjoyed everything Rachel Griffin has put out, and this one is no exception. My teenage daughter and I read them together. Stories about normal girls with magical gifts are our favorites.

I loved this book. I really liked The Nature of Witches but I LOVED Wild is the Witch. The romance was so so so good! And the writing was rich and atmospheric. Rachel Griffin writes in a way that feels so connected to nature and the way she describes settings and the world building in this story we’re so immersive. Also, major shout out to my new fave, the only one tent trope.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I cannot get enough of Rachel Griffin’s book, I fell in love with her first book and continue to love her stories. Wild is the Witch follows Iris as she works to undue an accidental curse and deal with the fallout of what could happen if she does not succeed.

One of the things I enjoy about Griffin’s writing is the stories feel real, they don’t take place in a fantastical setting but instead in a place that could be your own neighborhood and yet they have a magic to them that keeps you captivated and reading to the end.

4/5 ⭐️
After reading “The Nature of Witches” which I enjoyed but didn’t love, I was browsing NetGalley and this sounded like my speed. And boy was it!
Iris is a witch living in a wildlife sanctuary her mom owns, who’s magic is connected with nature and the animals in the area. Iris is living in total bliss, aside from one thing. Her coworker Pike is the bane of her existence. He’s annoying, always up for an argument and shirking his chores constantly! And he isn’t afraid to voice his complete loathing of witches. In a fit of anger… or is it fear, in a ritual passed from her grandmother, Iris tries to create a curse to release her feelings and give it to the earth, an amplifier swoops in and Carrie’s the curse off with it. This flying time bomb can release the curse and effect many if the amplifier dies. After letting her mom know that the injured amplifier has escaped, and leaving out the curse part, her mom says she can go but only if she brings Pike! Begrudgingly these two have to team up and the fate of many may be contingent upon these two getting along. Despite the bickering, misunderstandings and kind bars, these two end up actually maybe liking each other. But when things take a turn for the worse, Iris needs to decide if she can trust Pike and possibly loose him to do the right thing.

Rachel created a very dense and rich world that is so realistic I wish I could live in it. I found her characters more relatable and I loved all the nature descriptors in her writing. It was great to get more insight into the witches and different kinds. Her improvement from Nature to Wild is palpable and I can’t wait to read her next book!

Griffin tells such a unique story. I would've liked to see a bit more witchy elements, but overall this was an incredible tale.

"Wild Is the Witch" by Rachel Griffin, the New York Times bestselling author of "The Nature of Witches," takes readers on an immersive journey into a contemporary fantasy filled with high stakes and captivating characters. This novel explores themes of grief, forgiveness, acceptance, and the delicate balance between humans and nature. While slightly predictable, the book remains highly entertaining and offers a fresh perspective on the world of witches in the Pacific Northwest.

The story revolves around Iris Gray, an eighteen-year-old witch who inadvertently triggers a curse with potentially dire consequences. Determined to prevent her magic from wreaking havoc, Iris embarks on a perilous adventure through the untamed wilderness of the Pacific Northwest. Her reluctant companion is Pike Alder, an aspiring ornithologist with an intense dislike for witches. Together, they must locate an owl that has taken possession of the curse, as its death would unleash Iris's dark spell on the entire region.

Iris's character is compelling, driven by her determination to hide her identity as a witch following a tragic incident. Rachel Griffin skillfully portrays Iris's internal conflict, as she grapples with the fear of revealing her true self. The author also emphasizes Iris's passion for nature and her work at the wildlife refuge she runs with her mother, effectively integrating themes of nature and conservation into the narrative.

Pike Alder, on the other hand, represents the antagonist-turned-ally trope. While initially harboring animosity toward witches, his journey alongside Iris forces him to confront his prejudices and reevaluate his beliefs. The development of their relationship, from enemies to reluctant companions, adds depth to the story and underscores the book's overarching theme of forgiveness and acceptance.

The contemporary setting of the Pacific Northwest serves as a vivid backdrop for the tale. Rachel Griffin's descriptions of the wilderness immerse readers in its beauty, capturing the essence of the region and lending an authentic atmosphere to the story. The author successfully intertwines elements of low fantasy into this modern-day world, seamlessly blending the supernatural with everyday life.

While the plot of "Wild Is the Witch" follows a somewhat predictable trajectory, the book remains highly entertaining throughout. Griffin's engaging writing style and well-paced narrative keep readers invested in the story, eager to see how Iris and Pike's journey unfolds. The exploration of Iris's internal struggles, combined with the external dangers they face in the woods, creates a sense of tension and excitement that drives the plot forward.

In conclusion, "Wild Is the Witch" by Rachel Griffin is a captivating contemporary fantasy that weaves together themes of grief, forgiveness, and acceptance. The author skillfully integrates the world of witches into the Pacific Northwest setting, highlighting the importance of nature and conservation. While the plot may be slightly predictable, the book remains highly entertaining and engaging, making it a worthwhile read for fans of low fantasy and captivating characters.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for granting me free access to the advanced digital copy of this book.

Rachel Griffin s second book is a fantasy standalone with enemies to lovers romance and magic. Iris Gray , a young witch and her family has been forced to flee their home when she accidentally bear witness to a crime. She has found a new home, one that she would sell her soul for; and a new life amidst the wilderness.One fine day , an owl harbours the curse Iris meant to bury her fury with and is once again on the threshold of losing her home and more.
This is a lighthearted contemporary romance book with interspersed magical elements. The magic system with connection to the nature was an interesting plotline and could have been explored more. The romance in this book was pretty fine with vulnerable moments, genuine love and enemies to lovers trope. The writing style was pretty Ok with some phrases being repeated, which hindered with reading experience. The storyline is predictable and lags in certain areas- like we know what's coming, but why does' nt it happen fast?
Overall , this is a pretty fine read for anyone interested in a romance book with some magic. Had there been more exploration of magic, I would have had liked it better.
Rating:3.5/5
Tw: death / bleeding animal

Here’s what I’ll say about this book - I knew that it was a fantasy romance, heavy in the romance. I’m a smart lady, I know the conventions of the genre, I knew I would give a HEA. I was still EXTREMELY anxious about the resolution of the plot. Griffin gave real weight to the characters and their choices in a way that a lot of people don’t.

I DID absolutely hate her bisexual witch mom though, and it’s really hard to make me hate a bisexual witch, so it loses a star.

Rachel did it again with her second novel! This is such a beautiful, atmospheric story of personal growth and change. Our 2 main characters change as they learn about each other as they journey to found the owl. I loved the magical word and I wanted to go to it (or at least the PNW)!

Wild Is the Witch is such a beautifully written fantasy. The world-building is outstanding. The story is well written with an enchanting storyline and well-developed characters that engage from start to finish. The world is atmospheric and feels real with vivid descriptions and rich imagery. I cannot get enough. Highly recommended. Be sure to check out Wild Is the Witch today.

I wanted a little more worldbuilding/development, but otherwise a solid witchy read! This book has it all -- an intriguing magic system, high stakes, and enemies-to-lovers goodness.