This book was absolutely fantastic. I've already added it to our list for order this year and will recommend it to students.

Wild is the Witch is just as enchanting and atmospheric as The Nature of Witches. Rachel Griffin is immensely gifted at writing.

Another book by one of my favourite auto-buy authors. I had requested this ARC from the publisher and I was overjoyed when I got the eARC! My first one and wow.. loved this book as my first ARC! Thank you Sourcebooksfire and NetGalley for allowing me to read this book early! 💜
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As with her last book, Rachel Griffin’s writing is poetically beautiful. She gives you the sense to be surrounded by nature. Even when you’re sitting in the comfort of your home you’ll be surrounded by trees, fog, mountains, the fresh forest smell after rain and hearing the birds whistle their tunes. It is an atmospheric book with strong and raw emotions described through the world of the main character, Iris. I would’ve loved a chapter from Pike’s perspective as well though.
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The beginning felt a little bit flat. Or well, I was searching for more meaning towards the enemies trope. This became clear later on in the story. It didn’t quite feel as a true enemies-to-lovers. Yes, the main characters didn’t like each other at first, but it’s more as if she didn’t like him purely out of fear of what Pike could say, do or think of her once he finds out she’s a witch. I loved their dynamics. I really felt as if they were both in pain from their past trauma’s and once those were shared and explored, they could truly find themselves and each other. It's a beautiful way to show how anxiety and trauma work and how much of a block in life they can be. This book had me go through so many feelings that at one point I just started crying….
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This story was much more than a witch, a curse, a love.. It’s about dealing with anxiety, daring to be yourself, trusting someone after trauma, letting go of past regrets and grudges, accepting and moving forward, how an animal (owl in this case) brought together two people who seemingly didn’t like each other.
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Wild is the Witch comes out August 2nd!
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Favourite quote:
“I’m as wild as the magic in my veins and the dust of the stars, and so I run”

♪ Soundtrack:
Sia - Bird Set Free

Rachel Griffin does it again—I can already tell that when she comes out with a book I will ALWAYS read it. I adore her descriptive language, and her main character’s internal struggle.

In The Nature of Witches her witches were connected to seasons, but in Wild is the Witch her witches are connected to nature. It cannot fully act, but it can support and help tether people to nature. I absolutely loved it. No surprise there.

THIS.BOOK.IS.AMAZING.
I loved the feel of this book, the atmosphere and witchy, nature vibes were perfect. I loved that the Iris, the main character, has asthma, which isn't something I've seen much, especially for an adventurous, nature loving character who spends her days out in the wilds and caring for animals. I loved the unique magic system here, and the bond Iris has with animals.

The family relationships are beautiful, and I love the way the romance in the story builds. The ending was immensely satisfying, and the writing style was both gorgeous and gripping. This was an immediate new favorite for me and I've already pre-ordered a hardcover.

This book is written so well, I was hooked from the very beginning. I felt very comforted by this book, which made it the perfect read for a rainy day.
the book has a subtle enemies to lovers trope which I found myself loving.
This book is full of amazing quotes - I just wanted to highlight ever single word.
The way Rachel Griffin writes is so captivating, I couldn't but the book down.
I love the way she wove witches and magic into everyday life. A must read for YA lovers.

I received a free arc through NetGalley

This is a unique concept for a magic based book, magic is everywhere, flowing through the air. There are different types of witches that are more attuned to animals, people, etc. The normal people can be turned into witches/mages by witches.

Iris and her mother moved to the PNW to start over after a terrible tragedy shakes their lives. Enter disgruntled boy and a conundrum and Iris and Pike go on an adventure together. Enemies to lovers, shared “bed” tent scenario, and suddenly love blooms. The first half or so of the book felt slow to me, but once I reached the later portion the story moved much faster.

I really liked this!! I’ve read Rachel Griffin before and really enjoy the writing.
The storyline is fun to follow and the magic system is easy to understand. I loved the characters. LGBTQ+ representation. Iris’s mom cracked me up with her addition to the hiking backpack 😜😆

Pike and Iris!! I am totally here for the banter and tension!

The relationship between witch and earth was described so beautifully. So many good phrases that really touched my heart and made me think. I felt like a developed a connection with several characters and I felt for them throughout the whole book.
Iris is so strong considering everything she has gone through. I often find myself thinking about the worst case scenario just like her. I really liked her.

Mom friendly (I would recommend this to my mom- no explicit spice).

Always check content warnings.

Special thanks to Netgalley and Sourcebooks Fire Publishing for this digital ARC.

Thank you SourceBooks Fire and NetGalley for this eArc.

Rachel Griffin is slowly, but steadily becoming one of my favorite authors. After loving Nature of Witches I wasn’t certain another witch book is what I would enjoy, I worked it would be too similar.

Well, let me start by saying i was wrong. I loved it. This book is simply soothing, like a balm, like a salve, for your soul. Griffin has managed to write characters with such wonderful emotional intelligence, amazing level of maturity, openness, vulnerability and pure of human flaws yet very self-aware. While the story does go in a typical enemies to lover style, there isnt a right and wrong side between the two main characters and this story gives them both time to reflect and grow, And nature, my favorite character in this book. While at times i wanted a bit more from the actual plot line, i wont hold it against this book. It’s a character driven story 1;1 and I’m here for it, so should you, let it hit you in the feels, because it will!

Seriously couldn’t recommend this more, add it to curriculum for everyone to read, we can all learn a thing or two from Iris and Pike!

Wow, wow, wow! I loved this book. I typically don't like YA books because it's not my age bracket but I loved this novel! It was great from start to finish. Immaculate character and world development! Great read... only complaint, no steam but it's a YA book so that's Ok!

<i> It isn't magic, per se. But then again, maybe it is, </i>

I. LOVE. EVERYTHING.
I like Nature of Witches by same author and requested early copy of Wild is the Witch in a heartbeat. AND WHAT A JOY. It exceeded all my expectations. Nature was good, but Wild is AMAZING.

I love how Iris and Pike's relationship progressed. I love their banters and all the cute and also angsty moments. Love that Pike was not usual YA hero, as in tall dark and mysterious, instead he is not tall and scrawny and infuriating but he is a match for dear headstrong Iris and I love these two dorks with all my heart. THE OWL!! I always love owls and this one is such evil matchmaker I adore him. Oh and Iris's mom and Sarah are so cute together!

Like in Nature, the world building and writing was impeccable. I love how Griffith always made her witches tied with nature power and how they pulled their magic from their surroundings, creating beautiful things from it (well, maybe sometimes curses but hey this one ended up beautifully!). I also love the sanctuary and saving animal bits. It was soooo good.

It was wholesome, adorable, and warm story. I love it so much and wouldn't change a single thing about it. A masterpiece!

Atmospheric and spot on with its anxiety representation. If Wild is the Witch were a person they'd want to hold your hand as you walk through the forest and listen as you talked about life.

A quiet tale, Wild is the Witch is 100% character growth as we watch the two main characters skirt around each other and slowly reveal their hurts and misunderstandings.

What this book does well is understand and accurately convey what it's like to struggle with anxiety. I truly felt seen.

"But that’s the thing about anxiety, it doesn’t care if something is rational or not. It takes hold of your mind and 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 visualizations undoes it."

But ultimately I found myself wishing for just a little more magic or quirkiness. I found it hard to connect with the characters beyond a surface level and I found them shallower than the characters in the authors' previous work.

I left this book liking what I was given, but just needing something more to seal the deal.

3.75 stars.

Thank you NetGalley and Sourcebooks Fire for this arc in exchange for an honest review

“Magic is an innate part of the world, an extension of it. It works in tandem with things like medicine and expertise and experience. It honors the natural world by working with it.”

Sometimes you’re in the mood something that will just bring you some cozy vibes and happiness, and I feel like this is what Rachel Griffin’s writing does for me.

Wild Is The Witch has gorgeous, atmospheric writing that made me feel like I was hiking through my favorite woods. There is adventure, but not in a loud way, if that makes sense. It’s almost an introspective sort of adventure where you learn a bit about human nature and yourself in the process.

Griffin also makes me feel things; for a book that mostly felt light and quiet, there were parts that overwrought me with emotion (in an excellent way). I loved peeling away the layers of the two main characters, seeing them learn how to be vulnerable and open with each other as they process new feelings and old traumas. The characters are mature in a way most older teenagers probably aren’t; however they’ve both had things happen that have made them grow up more quickly than they should have had to, and there’s a lot of emotional depth and maturity because of it.

The magic, of course, was also lovely. I really enjoy that each of her books has a unique take on the rules and uses of magic, typically having something to do with nature. The ties between nature and humans make animals (and even weather patterns) feel like characters in their own right.

While I felt like most of the book took on a predictable pattern, I didn’t feel like it detracted from the story. It was almost like knowing what to expect helped me to slow down and enjoy it even more.

One big bonus is the anxiety representation. I’m not sure if the author deals with anxiety or if she has known/worked with people who do, but her depictions of it were spot on and incredibly relatable.

“But that’s the thing about anxiety. It doesn’t care if something is rational or not. It takes hold of your mind and 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 visualizations undoes it.”

Overall I found this to be an enjoyable book that I’m sure I’ll revisit in the future!

Thanks so much to NetGalley and Sourcebooks Fire for the e-arc!

Rachel has delivered another amazing read. Wild is the Witch is atmospheric and mesmerizing. This story about self-acceptance and forgiveness is amazing for everyone to read. If you loved The Nature of Witches, this is definitely a must read. With these two books, Rachel has cemented herself in my must buy authors list.

This book was magical! Iris loves being a witch and the magic that comes with it. So when her coworker says he hates witches, she decides to curse him. Unfortunately for her things get out of hand and now she must retrieve her curse before it destroys everything.
I really enjoyed the story and her interaction with the animals. I would like to see what happens with Iris and Pike.
Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for the early copy

Characters: 5/5
Setting: 4.5/5
Writing: 4/5
Steam: none
Plot: 3.5/5
Overall: 4/5

Favorite quote: “But that’s the thing about anxiety, it doesn’t care if something is rational or not. It takes hold of your mind and 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 visualizations undoes it.”

First, thank you to NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!
Wild is the Witch is a beautifully crafted YA fantasy about a witch who curses her rival and then goes on an adventure with said rival to prevent the potentially disastrous consequences.
There were so many things I loved about this book. The hate to love romance is this book is so cute and it was executed very well. I would say it’s a slow burn, but not excruciatingly slow. The perfect balance of insults and kisses. Also, I absolutely adore Iris. She is very strong and I relate a lot to her struggles with anxiety. I rarely see main characters with anxiety in fantasy novels. It’s not usually the most convenient thing when one is fighting dragons and breaking curses. Iris proves she, and anyone else with anxiety, can achieve any goal and overcome any obstacle.
While I don’t like Pike’s name, I love everything else about him. He’s shy, sweet, and not your typical tortured macho love interest. Don’t get me wrong, I love those, but this is a welcome change of pace. The last half of Wild is the Witch had me wishing it was socially acceptable to abandon my family for a few hours to finish it. But alas, I had responsibilities.
The first half, however, was not as gripping. I found that the catalyst for this novel did not feel organic. Also, in Rachel Griffin’s debut, The Nature of Witches, the protagonist lost her best friend to magic. I didn’t like how similar this was to Iris’s backstory. Given that these novels are already similar in other ways, such as the personality of the love interests, the setting, and that they are both about witches, I would have preferred to not have double BFF trauma as well. Though I did read The Nature of Witches recently, so this would likely be less of an issue for someone who did not read them back to back or who hasn’t read TNOW at all.
All in all, Rachel Griffin is now one of my auto-buy authors. Seriously, this book is incredible. Make sure to get your hands on it on August 2nd!

Spellbinding. If I had to use one word to describe this book, that would be it. From the moment I started reading, to the second I turned the last page this book had my full and undivided attention. I knew Rachel was an incredible author, her book The Nature of Witches was a favorite of mine last year. This further solidified her place on my list of auto-buy authors.
The pace of this book was so fast, one chapter just falling into the next, and I loved and hated it. I loved that it just kept pulling me in. At the end of each chapter I would think, 'I can't stop here, just one more...' and before I knew it, I was at the end. And I hated that cause I wanted to keep going, to remain immersed in this story and these characters and the emotions it evoked in me.
I'm not normally a fan of a fast paced enemies to lovers, I think those sorts of things need time, and if they don't it's usually because the focus isn't in the right place. This book might be the first little baby step in changing my mind. I wasn't 100% on board with it, but I also wasn't mad at it.
I loved the raw honesty of the main characters, and the growth that both Iris and Pike had through out. It didn't end the way I expected, but it did end the way it needed to.
This is one you will definitely want to add to your TBR, so mark your calendar for August 1st or preorder a copy.

I can not properly thank Netgalley and Source Books Fire enough for giving me the opportunity to read this beautiful story. I can't wait to hold a physical copy in my hands.

All thoughts are my own.

Trigger Warnings:
Language, People are burned, Animals are hurt, Sexually suggestive scenes, Death of family member, a compound fracture is described

4.5 Stars
Rachel Griffin has done it again. I loved reading this witchy story!

She brings characters to life who don’t usually get to be main characters. The real, flawed humans we see ourselves in. Iris has a kind, anxious heart. Sometimes that gets her in trouble, like when she curses Pike. The boy who does nothing but annoy her.

Together they will trek through the forests of the Pacific Northwest and find more than they bargained for.

In this book you will find atmospheric writing, enemies to lovers, animals, nature, witches, banter, and romance.

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Rachel Griffin is back again with a heartwarming story full of magic and romance! Wild is the Witch is a cozy contemporary fantasy about grief, forgiveness, and healing and it captured my heart from the very first page. Pick this up if you’re looking for a quick standalone to read and love!

WOW. This was easily one of the top 5 books I'll
read this year. I'm confident in that.
Goodness, I can't say enough about
this beautiful story of magic, nature,
wildlife, love, grief, and healing.
Reading this book was like being
transported to the PNW, and finally having
the space to take a satisfying and
desperately needed deep breath. It has
excellent anxiety rep, and Iris' words
tugged on my anxious little heart strings
time and time again. I felt seen and known
and safe within these pages, and that's a
special kind of book magic. I loved
everything about the characters. The
growth, vulnerability, healthy
communication,
*chefs kiss*. My heart
rose and fell in tune with them throughout
the entire book, which I read within a day
because I just could not stop. I don't want
to say too much more, because I want you
to experience this book with your own
fresh perspective and absorb all the
goodness for yourself.