Thank you to Netgalley and the publishers for providing me with a digital copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

Iris Gray has been a witch for her entire life and has always adored her magical powers. Through her magic, she can connect with the earth and the animals and feel at peace. But ever since a magical accident occurred to her best friend, stripping her of her magical powers, Iris is wary of trusting people. When one day, Iris accidentally lets loose a curse, she has to embark on an adventure with the infuriating intern Pike to stop the curse whilst trying to hide the secret of her powers from him.

This book features beautiful whimsical writing, which transports you into the woods Iris and Pike wander. The author has truly a way with words, and the atmosphere she could create through them astounded me. I loved the characters, which faced their own fears and insecurities, but ultimately grew so much during the book. I immediately felt a connection with our both protagonists and adored the kindling romance, especially since they started as somewhat enemies. The magic system was well-crafted, and I loved the way it was rooted in nature. I loved every second of this intriguing book and can't wait for the author's next book.

This book started out so strong! Loved the premise and world building. Around the 1/3 mark though I felt like the book plot started to stagnant. I wanted more adventure and exploring the world, but this is definitely more of a character driven novel. Also, this is not a drawback, more romance than I expected. I loved the writing and I am interested in trying more from this author.

Interesting take on the power of witches and how they use their powers.
Iris Gray knows the ramifications of misusing her powers, after a tragedy in her previous town, she leaves with her mother to start fresh. Keeping her magic a secret is not easy, especially when the young man she works with, Pike, infuriates her no end. When a curse goes wrong, Iris must do everything in her power to stop it from unleashing and it's Pike who helps her along the way.
Wild is the Witch was an interesting and easy read and perfect for readers who love nature.

Wild Is the Witch is a great YA book about a witch named Iris who accidentally curses the guy she works with. Iris has a unique ability with animals which comes in handy at the rehab center she works at with her mom. Pike also works there and constantly bothers Iris. One day he mentions his hatred for witches and she takes note. When her frustrations reach a boiling point Iris has a ritual where she creates curses but gets rid of them, however, this one is snatched by a rogue owl and flies away. If the owl dies the curse will come true and the owl is an amplifier meaning that it jacks up the curse to a super curse so anyone in the vicinity will also be cursed. A big problem. So she sets off with Pike to find the owl. I really liked the chemistry between the two mains, they really despise each other at the start but that changes as time goes on. Iris is a strong character who is thoughtful and caring, I really loved her right from the get-go. I also loved the whole witch component. The witches in this book seem so natural and real, it's like it is the way they are supposed to be in nature helping those who need it. It all felt perfect. The atmosphere was fantastic, I could really picture the storm's power and the relentless rain as they hiked up the mountain. All in all, this is a great story with awesome characters that you won't soon forget.

Enemies to lovers, nature vibes, and witches. I mean, what more could you ask for?

Rachel Griffin is queen of nature-witchy vibes. THE NATURE OF WITCHES, Griffin’s debut novel, featured witches with magic that was tied to nature. WILD IS THE WITCH features a similar concept and I wondered if I’d find myself reading a similar story, but the magic and witchy-ness in Griffin’s sophomore novel is unique and equally wonderful.

Iris Gray is used to hiding herself, especially her identity as a witch. She spends her days working at a wildlife rescue, where she can use her magic in secret. When her emotions become too much, Iris writes curses, like her grandmother taught her, and this happens all too often thanks to intern Pike Alder. The system works until one day, an owl swoops down and steals the curse Iris cast for Pike. To make matters worse, the owl is a powerful amplifier, which could not just turn Pike into a witch, but everyone in the entire region! To capture the owl and avoid terrible consequences from the Witches’ Council, Iris must enlist Pike’s aid to track the bird and retrieve the spell before everything is destroyed.

This lovely novel features loathe-to-lovers, forced proximity, and there’s only one tent tropes. It’s lush Pacific Northwest setting and visceral atmosphere provide a perfect backdrop for slipping into this story. It’s a story that feels new and familiar at the same time.

In typical Rachel Griffin fashion, romantic elements transcend surface level attraction and digs deeper to an attraction that comes from spending time with another human. This story explores vulnerability, forgiveness and what it means to grieve and move through pain of loss.

WILD IS THE WITCH is a perfect read for anyone who enjoys atmospheric stories that pull you in and tug at your heart, all while including light magic.

Thank you to SOURCEBOOKS Fire and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

*eARC provided through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*

I adored Rachel Griffin's Nature of Witches, and while Wild is the Witch isn't quite the same level of fantastic, it is still very good.

The rivals to lovers romances is absolutely fantastic!

I loved the first novel— The Nature of Witches and was so excited for this one! This novel is completely different but written in the same style that I love from this author. It was a simple comforting read in all the best ways. I felt immersed in the PNW — the setting of the sanctuary and the forest really came to life for me. A great story, with elements of romance and adventure— this is a great YA read for anyone interested in witches, fantasy, or the environment. Thank you NetGalley and SourceBooks Fire for providing me with an ARC in exchange for my honest review.

From the first pages, I was transported back to the atmosphere of #TheNatureOfWitches : the moody Pacific Northwest setting which Rachel Griffin's spell brings to life.

Iris Gray is a witch, a teenager, and a girl living with anxiety and trauma- all of which combine to set up a story that keeps you glued to the pages. The love interest, Pike, is in many ways Iris's mirror image, down to his backstory- which makes for an interesting dynamic. This book might also be a new trope-variant namer because, you guys...there's ONLY ONE... TENT! 🏕 In the wild! In the storm!⛈️

I especially connected to the anxiety representation, which is amazingly well done. I found myself nodding along to Iris's anxious thoughts over and over again. 💙

First I have to say I was absolutely blown away by the beautiful prose in this book. The author has a gift for writing vivid imagery that makes you feel like you’re actually walking through the woods after a spring rain, feeling your way boots sinking into the dirt and pine needles, smelling the earthy scent of the Forest.
Secondly, the magic system is simple and easy to understand with explanations and exposition woven seamlessly into the narrative. This isn’t always the case especially with contemporary fantasy and I feel like it makes this book more accessible to a wider audience than many others.
I was surprised to find that this turns out to be primarily a love story set in a world do magic which isn’t really my thing even if I think it was done fairly well. I also struggled a bit with the believability of the main conflict and wondered if it couldn’t have all been avoided if a certain character hadn’t been so reckless BUT then we wouldn’t have had a story!
I would recommend this book to readers who enjoy fantasy romance, enemies to lovers and twists on the only one bed trope.

"That's the thing about anxiety, it doesn't care if something is rational or not. It takes hold of your mind and it squeezes, tighter and tighter until it can't be ignored, demanding your undivided attention. It turns from insignificant to all-consuming in the span of a breath, a fog so thick it's impossible to see through, and no amount of breathing or counting or visualization undoes it."
By: Rachel Griffin
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That's one of the parts I highlighted in the book because I relate to that a lot.
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First off I want to thank @netgalley and @sourcebooksfire for this arc of Wild is the Witch by Rachel Griffin.
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QUICK BLURB:
When eighteen-year-old witch Iris Gray accidentally enacts a curse that could have dire consequences, she must team up with a boy who hates witches to make sure her magic isn't unleashed on the world.
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MY REVIEW:
I don't think I ever been sad about a book to end since The books in the picture. This book was well written, beautiful and I could really see this as a movie. I've never been so submerged in a ebook/book in a long time. It was a rollercoaster of emotions and never a dull moment. Brought to tears, that's the best kind of book to read. I'm not sure what more I can say without giving spoilers.
This book comes out 8/2022 Definitely a must read and be sure you pick this one up.
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Rating:
🐕🐕🐕🐕🐕

It's such a pleasure to read Rachel Griffin's magical writing. I instantly felt like I was in the Pacific Northwest in Wild is the Witch because the descriptions are so detailed and unique. And she has incredible characters that feel deeply and have wonderful growth throughout the story. Everything Rachel Griffin does is magic!

This book has so many wonderful elements to it: loathe to love, witches in an urban setting, spring in the Pacific Northwest, secret identity, and a quest to break a curse before it destroys everything. I couldn't put it down!! I read it until after midnight, and that's saying something because I don't have much sleep with a newborn as it is. Everything about this book was perfect: the slow burn romance with a great conflict, the setting/atmosphere, the magic, and the character growth.

Basically, READ THIS BOOK AND PREORDER SO YOU GET THE BEAUTIFUL LIMITED-EDITION HARDCOVER!!!!!

Writing Aesthetic/Style: 5
Plot/Movement: 5
Character Development: 5
Overall: 5

Thank you, Sourcebooks, for the ARC!

I didn't have time to finish it before my NetGalley arc expired as life got in the way, unfortunately, but I did read over half of it and was really liking what I read. I was intrigued by the plot of this and was pleasantly surprised. I also really liked the banter between the two main characters. I will definitely pick up a copy of the book when it comes out so I can finish it.

A big, big thank you to NetGalley, Source Fire Books and the author, Rachel Griffin, for granting me an advance copy of this book in return for my honest opinion.

Rachel us one of my must read authors, so when I saw this book offered on NetGalley, I immediately requested a copy. I was so very happy to be granted the privilege to read and review this magnificent book.

The book did not disappoint. It is full of dark moments, but always gives a glimpse of hope. Iris and Pike are my favorite characters. I carried the book with me everywhere and when I was done, blocked out time to reread it in one sitting. I love the romance, fantasy, and magic if the book.

This is one of those books you find yourself wanting to read more than once.

A definite 5 stars from me..

Highly recommend.

I loved this. I have now read a couple books in a row that take place in the PNW and I’m hooked! Especially ones like this with a misty, magical, nature vibe. This book was another great fit for me. I don’t always love and connect with YA but this one stole my heart. It is a wonderful YA Romance/Sci-Fi & Fantasy that has great characters and the most perfect descriptions and magical settings. I loved the writing itself and the story really held my attention. It is described as an enemies-to-lovers contemporary fantasy. The characters are really enjoyable and have a fun sarcastic banter with each other. The magic and powers of the witches and how they work in alignment with nature is very intriguing. This is my first book by our author and I already pulled up information for the pre-order campaign of the physical book and her previous book and placed my order!

Goodreads tells us “Iris Gray knows witches aren't welcome in most towns. When she was forced to leave her last home, she left behind a father who was no longer willing to start over. And while the Witches' Council was lenient in their punishment, Iris knows they're keeping tabs on her. Now settled in Washington, Iris never lets anyone see who she really is; instead, she vents her frustrations by writing curses she never intends to cast. Otherwise, she spends her days at the wildlife refuge which would be the perfect job if not for Pike Alder, the witch-hating aspiring ornithologist who interns with them.

Iris concocts the perfect curse for Pike: one that will turn him into a witch. But just as she's about to dispel it, a bird swoops down and steals the curse before flying away. If the bird dies, the curse will be unleashed―and the bird is a powerful amplifier, and unleashing the curse would turn not just Pike, but everyone in the region, into a witch.

New witches have no idea how to control their magic and the consequences would be dire. And the Witches' Council does not look kindly on multiple offenses; if they found out, Iris could be stripped of her magic for good. Iris begs Pike to help her track the bird, and they set out on a trek through the Pacific Northwest looking for a single bird that could destroy everything.”

Many thanks to our author and Sourcebooks Fire for providing me with an advanced eGalley copy of the book on NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. This will be published on August 8th, 2022. I hope if you choose to read it you love it also.

Wild is the Witch is a ya contemporary fantasy by Rachel Griffin (author of the Nature of Witches). Iris is a witch. She’s finally found somewhere she feels like she belongs after being forced to uproot her life. Working at a wildlife center she butts heads with intern, Pike Alder. In order to vent her frustrations, Iris creates a curse for Pike: to turn him into a witch. But she never meant to cast it. When the curse is stolen by a bird. And if this bird dies the curse wouldn’t affect just Pike, but an entire area and possibly hundreds of people. Iris can’t afford another indiscretion on her record and what’s more, newly turned witches can’t control their power. The outcome would be catastrophic. Iris sets out with the boy she hates and who hates what she is in order to find the bird that could destroy not just her life, but everyone’s.

This book caught my attention from the start. It was very easy to get wrapped up in the world within these pages. It can always be daunting to enter a new fantasy world that you don’t understand but the magic was explained very well. Griffin used a lot of metaphors to help explain the magic and it was very helpful to crucially understand the novel.

This book really struck me somewhere because in some ways, Iris is a lot like me. She works at an animal refuge (and that’s honestly my dream) and she deals with challenges that Griffin describes so eloquently on the pages. I resonate with these challenges she faces and if was nice to see them addressed in a story. It was really nice to see myself within the pages.

I’d recommend Wild is the Witch to really anyone who loves fantasy and some contemporary romance. I’m mainly a fantasy reader but I love to dip my toes into romance so this novel was right up my alley.

I think Rachel Griffin may just be a new auto-buy author for me.

Rating: 5/5 stars

Release Date: August 2, 2022

I want to thank Netgalley and Sourcebooks Fire for the eARC of this book. All opinions and thoughts in this review are my own.

FIRST, I WOULD LIKE TO GIVE MY BIGGEST THANKS TO SOURCEBOOKS FIRE FOR APPROVING MY REQUEST FOR AN ARC FOR THIS MAGNIFICENT BOOK AND NETGALLEY FOR BEING THE MEANS TO READ THIS ARC.

The book is soooooooooo gooooood!!!!!!!!!!!! It's magnificent, adorable, relatable, impressive, and splendid. Rachel Griffin did a good job writing this book. The book has an interesting premise and as the story unfolds it is even more interesting. The book made me feel all kinds of different emotions ranging from apprehensive, anxious, scared, happy, giggling, touched, and saddened to pure sorrow.

The connection between Iris and the owl felt like I also have a connection with them, especially for the owl. I had grown too fond of him. The characters in this book are all likeable and you can relate to them in some ways, but I relate more to Iris. The way she views herself and the world is somehow like how I view mine. She is raw and honest and that made me love her even more.

As for Pike??? My dear Pike Alder. I love him. I love how he is also raw and honest, and how he slowly reveals himself to iris is so touching and vulnerable and sweet. And he is so understanding, like can I also order a Pike Alder in real-life??????? And he's hot???? Guys with glasses and brown hair are so hot. And pike isn't an exception to those.

The pacing of their relationship is a nice one. They started with being barely tolerable to each other’s presence. Pike is annoying Iris, and Iris is annoyed at Pike. Then they became allies to friends to semi-lovers to enemies to full-on lovers. I wouldn’t call this an enemies-to-lovers book because they didn’t really start as enemies, but if we’re looking past all that and consider their past first, they’d definitely be enemies. Nevertheless, the pacing of their relationship is a nice one. It isn’t dragging or rushed, but just the perfect amount of average pacing.
What I wished also happened was a scene with Iris and Amy seeing each other again, talking, laughing. I would want to witness that.

The writing is also beautiful. It evoked many emotions in me. The use of imagery in this book is also vivid because it really transported me to one of the places I really love: the beauty of a forest. The book has this effect on me that sucked me all in. I can’t get out but I’m not trying to get out, either. It’s unputdownable.
This book is a journey one must ride. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience where an adventure awaits, and this is that book.

ONCE AGAIN THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU SOURCEBOOKS FIRE AND NETGALLEY FOR APPROVING MY ARC REQUEST!!!!!

A witch and the stolen curse she made for a boy who has hurt her. Iris Gray is a witch, she loves animals and nature... but when her best friend tried to turn her boyfriend into a witch and ended up killing him instead, Iris has vowed to never let another person find out she’s a witch. After moving to a new place and making a home for herself at the animal refuge her mother runs, Iris hides who she is and vents her frustrations by writing curses she never intends to cast... except there is Pike Alder. Pike is an intern who works at the refuge, he’s cruel, constantly annoying and getting under Iris’s skin... and above all else he hates witches. After a particularly hurtful comment, Iris has had enough, she decides to vent her frustrations and concoct a cruel torment for him for all the things he’s said and done to her... the worst thing ever... she is going to curse him into turning into a witch, the one thing he hates the most. However, before she can dispel the curse, the owl that has been watching her and following her all week suddenly swoops down and steals it. Now Iris has to find it and try and fix it, the owl is a powerful amplifier and if it dies, Iris’s dark curse will be unleashed on not only Pike but everyone in the region. With the trailing on a ticking clock Iris needs to go out and find him but her mother won’t let her go unless she goes with someone, and who better than the resident ornithologist, Pike. Will Iris be able to keep her secret the entire trip without alerting Pike, or will things only get worse? The more time they spend together the more they get to know another another.. and maybe there is more to Pike than the arrogant and mean person... and maybe theres a reason for all his egging and comments to Iris. With an owl to hunt, these two will have to go into nature with only each other to depend on, but with secrets and possible feelings coming out... who knows what will happen by the end of the trip. This was a beautiful read, the way Iris is dealing with anxiety and trying to just get by, her love of nature and animals, and most of all, her determination to do what is right was beautiful to read. At first I really disliked Pike, and it took some time to grow to like him but in the end I was charmed. He has his reasons for acting and doing what he does, and getting to know him, just as Iris did, he turned out to be a great love interest. The magic and the nature in this book just felt like I needed to go on a camping trip myself, or go visit an owl because it just immerses you into the feeling. This was a wonderful read and I would definitely recommend it!

*Thanks Netgalley and SOURCEBOOKS Fire, Sourcebooks Fire for sending me an arc in exchange for an honest review*

Beyond amazing! This book was an incredible read and I can't recommend it enough. This is a book you'll want on your shelf and to give as a gift. Everyone needs to read it.

First of all, wow! What a beautiful and original work. I absolutely love how magic is described and how the main characters are incredibly relatable and real. Iris and Pike do NOT get along, but when Iris makes a mistake and the situation forces Iris and Pike to work together, secrets come out. Wild is the Witch by @timesnewrachel releases August 2nd and I’ve already *added to cart* ✨

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC of this book. I look forward to purchasing.

Rachel Griffin is one of my all time favorite authors and she definitely didn’t disappoint with Wild is the Witch. Rachel has such an amazing way of captivating the reader from the very beginning of the story, and keep you hooked until the end. The magic in this story is great, the characters and plot were very well thought out and written!