Rachel Griffin Wild is the witch. She is known for her unique and mysterious abilities, which have captivated the imaginations of many. Rachel's connection with nature is strong and evident in her every action. In the depths of the enchanted forest, Rachel can be seen conversing with the animals, understanding their language effortlessly. It is said that she can even communicate with the trees, hearing their whispers and advice. The forest itself seems to respond to her presence, as if acknowledging her as its protector.
I consider myself lucky that I was able to read the ARC of this novel during a really difficult time in my life. While the rest of the world felt as though it was being turned on its head around me, I was able to truly escape into Wild is the Witch. I’ve struggled with getting into a lot of fantasy books lately, especially low fantasy. However, that was definitely not a problem I faced with this. It wasn’t confusing, cyclical, or lacking ingenuity. Instead, it was creative, relatable, and absolutely magical.
The imagery painted throughout the story was so vivid that I could practically feel the rain on my skin, smell the woodsy scent of the forest in the air, and hear the call of the northern spotted owl in the night. 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.
The forest itself seems to respond to her presence, as if acknowledging her as its protector. Rachel's magical powers extend beyond her connection with nature. She possesses the gift of foresight, allowing her to see glimpses of the future.
ARC Book Review: Wild is the Witch by Rachel Griffin
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.
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.
Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for an audio ARC.
TAKE ME TO THE WILDS.
I was craving a witchy read and this delivered. Wow do I love how atmospheric and moody Griffin is able to create in a setting. I felt like I was out in the wood with Iris and Pike. The vibes are all there to bring about the best things in paranormal reads.
A ridiculous meddling owl caused all sorts of problems leading to an adventure that brought our couple together. There were solid loath to love nods and I definitely felt the initial animosity between Iris and Pike. I liked the development of their relationship and the trust they formed together. And even when things fell apart the admittance of a connection had my heart swelling.
It’s a very fast paced read with the big focus on Iris righting her wrongs. The tumultuous events lead to declarations of feelings and powerful magical moments. I liked the choices made for the story including how the curse was resolved and the relationships in general. There’s great exploration of forgiveness and working through grief too.
All in all, a vivid read filled with perseverance and hope that the sun really will rise in the morning. I love the sense of learning to let go and let be and the many aspects of growing up.
Audiobook notes: I have none! I LOVED the audio and the narration. It was well done and definitely enhanced the story for me.
Overall audience notes:
- YA Paranormal Romance
- Language: a little
- Romance: make-outs
- Violence: medium
- Trigger/Content Warnings: parental divorce mentioned, PTSD & trauma, anxiety, panic attacks, blood & injury depiction, cancer mentioned, fire, animal death and injury
A huge thank-you to NetGalley and the publisher for this advanced reader copy of Wild is the Witch by Rachel Griffin.
This ability has both fascinated and frightened those who have witnessed its effects. Through her visions, she has a deep understanding of the world and the events that shape it. Along with her powers, Rachel is known for her kind and compassionate nature. She uses her magic for the greater good, often aiding those in need. Whether it be healing the sick or helping lost travelers find their way home, Rachel's presence brings comfort and solace to all who encounter her. Despite her magical abilities, Rachel remains grounded and humble. She never seeks recognition or praise for her actions, content to quietly carry out her duties as guardian of the forest. Her humility is a testament to her pure-heartedness and dedication to protecting the natural world. In summary, Rachel Griffin Wild is a remarkable witch with an affinity for nature and a gift of foresight. Her kind-heartedness and unwavering commitment to the well-being of others make her a beloved figure among both humans and magical creatures. Her actions speak louder than words, and her presence has a profound impact on all who cross her path..
Reviews for "Conquering the Wild: Rachel Griffin's Heroic Quest"
1. John - 2/5 stars - I was really disappointed with "Rachel Griffin Wild is the Witch". The plot was confusing and hard to follow, and the characters felt flat and uninteresting. The writing style was also lacking, with repetitive language and weak dialogue. Overall, I struggled to stay engaged with the story and found it to be a waste of my time.
2. Emma - 1/5 stars - I couldn't finish "Rachel Griffin Wild is the Witch" as it just didn't capture my interest. The pacing was incredibly slow, and the world-building felt forced and underdeveloped. The protagonist, Rachel Griffin, came across as a shallow and unrelatable character. The writing itself was also lackluster, lacking descriptive language and failing to create an immersive experience. I had high hopes for this book, but unfortunately, it fell far short.
3. Mark - 2/5 stars - "Rachel Griffin Wild is the Witch" was a letdown for me. The story felt disjointed, with random plot elements thrown in without much explanation. The pacing was uneven, with rushed action scenes and long stretches of dull dialogue. The world-building was also inconsistent, leaving me confused about the rules and dynamics of the magical world. Overall, I struggled to connect with the story, and it failed to leave a lasting impression.