Reviews with content warning for Child death - Wild is the Witch

I did like the story and the atmosphere was great. The magic system was interesting and really drew me in, I wanted to explore more of it, just like with The nature of witches, which shows how good Rachel Griffin is at writing magic into normal, contemporary settings. Though I liked how the relationship between Iris and Pike developed, I had a hard time with how it started. For most of the book Pike seemed like a really sweet and funny side with a touch of sarcasm, however at the beginning of the book there were times when he was fairly rude to Iris for no reason other than it seeming he had a problem with her mum owning the animal refuge and Iris having a job there without going to college. This made it slightly jarring when having to see him be something which shows no hint of the guy at the start. Now I get that they needed to have a conflict in order for Iris to curse him, but I feel like not enough time passed for him to have switched personalities like that. Overall, this was an easy and enjoyable read, but just nothing I would rave bout or remember in a few days time.

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blissofalife's review against another edition

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adventurous tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

In the first place, the cover art is GORGEOUS so I had to read it. Iris was the perfect character, we obviously know that everything is kind of her fault but you can relate to her and are conflicted with her. Should she be punished? Does she deserve forgiveness? Would I forgive her if I was in the situation? A good amount of banter, my only complaint is

I didn't love how quickly (or at least it felt quick?) Iris and Pike go from dislike (or literal terror on Iris' part) to romantic interest. It didn't feel like Pike's character pre-trip and during trip were the same. It felt like two totally unrelated people. Maybe it was supposed to, but I wasn't a huge fan. I LOVED her grandmother's ritual, I wish we had gotten to see more! My heart broke for Iris when it was taken away from her. Fire wishing does not fill the same hole.

I did love the mother-daughter relationship, their interactions were some of my favorite parts. If ever there were a sequel, I would respectfully as for more of that and more of Sara (Sarah? Unsure, I had the audiobook).

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czoltak's review against another edition

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adventurous emotional lighthearted sad medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

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spygrl137's review against another edition

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adventurous emotional mysterious fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

I have a really hard time rating this book. My opinion is very divided. I like the idea of magic and witches as a normal part of the world. And I love the idea that magic doesn't create or destroy, and that you can't use magic on someone without them knowing. I think that's an important piece that most books overlook. The book would be more understandable if the whole Amy story hadn't happened in the prologue, bc then by placing the curse she wouldn't know how bad the consequences could be. I get that she didn't intend for it to get out. But she literally saw her friend burn from the inside out. NO WAY would you mess with that spell again. That would fuck you up. But she still did?! Bc of some arrogant guy at work?

I don't understand how everyone so easily forgave her. It makes for a cute ending, but no.

I really disliked many of the choices she made, all while liking Pike more and more throughout the book. The reason I'm hesitant to write it off as a book I just didn't like, is because it made me think and examine my own thoughts on forgiveness. We all make some terrible mistakes in our lives.

and she almost killed herself to save Pike and ended up seriously burned and scarred. It's the ultimate sacrifice, right? I just can't get over her caring that spell at all after what happened in the beginning.

And I appreciate books that make me think long after I put them down. So while I can't say I liked the book, despite it supposedly being a cute fantasy romance, I also want others to read it so we can discuss it and rant about it.

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