WILD IS THE WITCH, by Rachel Griffin, Sourcebooks Fire, Aug. 2, 2022, Hardcover, $18.99 (young adult, ages 14 and up)
A young witch is forced to face the past and her own fears in Wild is the Witch, new YA novel by Rachel Griffin.
After a night of magic turns deadly, Iris Gray vows to never let another person learn she’s a witch. It doesn’t matter that the Witches’ Council found her innocent or that her magic was once viewed as a marvel ― that night on the lake changed everything. Now settled in Washington, Iris hides who she really is and vents her frustrations by writing curses she never intends to cast. And while she loves working at the wildlife refuge she runs with her mother, she loathes Pike Alder, the witch-hating aspiring ornithologist who interns with them.
When Pike makes a particularly hurtful comment, Iris concocts a cruel curse for him. But just as she’s about to dispel it, an owl swoops down and steals the curse before flying far away from the refuge. The owl is a powerful amplifier, and if it dies, Iris’s dark spell will be unleashed not only on Pike but on everyone in the region.
Forced to work together, Iris and Pike trek through the wilderness in search of the bird that could cost Pike his life. But Pike doesn’t know the truth, and as more dangers arise in the woods, Iris must decide how far she’s willing to go to keep her secrets safe. —Synopsis provided by Sourcebooks Fire
You might remember Rachel Griffin from The Nature of Witches, another fantasy that explores how witches living among us use their powers to manipulate climate for the greater good. Wild Is the Witch also explores witches living among us, but it stands alone.
Wild is the Witch stands out among the two books. In it, Griffin’s writing is more relaxed. Nothing feels rushed or out of place. There’s a sense of confidence that runs throughout, allowing you as the reader to get lost in the words.
Most of Wild is the Witch takes place in the wilderness with only Iris and Pike to keep readers company. And yet, that’s where the book feels the most expansive. The wilderness itself becomes one of the characters and its interactions are just as important as those between Iris and Pike.
Speaking of Iris and Pike, the two play well off each other. Their growing connection is compelling, and the angst Iris goes through is visceral. Neither of the characters are perfect and both have moments that make them less than likeable, but in the end, you find yourself rooting for them nonetheless.
Wild is the Witch is a fast-paced contemporary fantasy that you won’t want to put down. I read it in one sitting.
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