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oldandnewbooksmell's review against another edition
4.0
The Girl in the Witch's Garden is about Piper Peavey, a young girl who goes and lives with her estranged mother, who she really hasn't seen since the divorce, and grandmother in their mansion for the summer while her dad goes through chemotherapy. Mallory Estate is the last place Piper wants to be. The grounds are always cold, the garden is dead from a fire long ago, and a group of children are now being fostered by her Mother there. The place holds many secrets though and Piper is set to figure them out - especially since it might even save her father.
The story had blunt truth in it, especially when it came to Piper's father and his diagnosis. But it was also very heartwarming as well. Piper, Julius, Camilla, Kenji, and Teddy all had their own personalities and were pretty strong (though I do wish the foster kids were given a little more).
The main plot twist wasn't unexpected, but it was still presented in a way that worked well with the story. Though I do feel like the riddles at one point were just a bit too easy, it again, still worked.
I wish we were able to see more of the magi world side, but the ending of the book was a bit open-ended to where the author could (and I hope) write more about it. It's definitely a fast pace, middle grade read. I read it all in one day it was so cute and enjoyable.
The story had blunt truth in it, especially when it came to Piper's father and his diagnosis. But it was also very heartwarming as well. Piper, Julius, Camilla, Kenji, and Teddy all had their own personalities and were pretty strong (though I do wish the foster kids were given a little more).
The main plot twist wasn't unexpected, but it was still presented in a way that worked well with the story. Though I do feel like the riddles at one point were just a bit too easy, it again, still worked.
I wish we were able to see more of the magi world side, but the ending of the book was a bit open-ended to where the author could (and I hope) write more about it. It's definitely a fast pace, middle grade read. I read it all in one day it was so cute and enjoyable.
familyandbooks's review against another edition
adventurous
hopeful
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
booksteaandchocolate's review against another edition
emotional
lighthearted
mysterious
sad
fast-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? No
4.5
So sweet, yet so sad. Definitely worth the read.
cre8tivebeauty's review against another edition
adventurous
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
sbloxham's review against another edition
3.0
3.5 stars. A fun, entertaining middle grade fantasy. Certain plot points were easily predictable but overall it kept my attention the whole time.
asphodelic's review against another edition
1.0
This book was teetering dangerously on tokenism and white savior.
Throwing a bunch of super powered kids of varying backgrounds is nothing new, and it's a base concept that I happen to enjoy.
The first issue is that out of all five main children, only two are specified to not be white (Camilla and Kenji), and the second issue is that two of the white children (Piper and Teddy) have much more agency in the book. Only in the last fourth did the others have any involvement, where Piper got called out on her shit. There was barely enough to make Camilla, Kenji and Julius more than just stock characters. (Camilla got the most mileage out of the others.)
Piper's "eleventh hour power upgrade" was really bad. It's a shame that the author couldn't have either: A. made Piper rely on her brains or B. have the other children work together with their powers in a strategic way. Nope. We went for the bad old fashioned deus ex machina power upgrade.
I can't say I was particularly fond of the last minute reveal involving Piper's grandmother either.
Throwing a bunch of super powered kids of varying backgrounds is nothing new, and it's a base concept that I happen to enjoy.
The first issue is that out of all five main children, only two are specified to not be white (Camilla and Kenji), and the second issue is that two of the white children (Piper and Teddy) have much more agency in the book. Only in the last fourth did the others have any involvement, where Piper got called out on her shit. There was barely enough to make Camilla, Kenji and Julius more than just stock characters. (Camilla got the most mileage out of the others.)
Piper's "eleventh hour power upgrade" was really bad. It's a shame that the author couldn't have either: A. made Piper rely on her brains or B. have the other children work together with their powers in a strategic way. Nope. We went for the bad old fashioned deus ex machina power upgrade.
I can't say I was particularly fond of the last minute reveal involving Piper's grandmother either.
kirstiereads's review against another edition
4.0
3.5/5 rounded up
Really enjoyed this middle grade read featuring 12 year old Piper Peavey who must go live at her grandmother’s eerie Mallory Estate after her father has fallen ill. As she arrives, not only is her grandmother away, but her mother who abandoned her is there and still wants no part of Piper. Add in a bunch of other kids who live there claiming to be Mrs. Peavy’s foster children and a cat who spies on everyone. Weird! Something is not right at Mallory Estate and maybe Piper is in for more than she could have ever expected.
Really enjoyed this middle grade read featuring 12 year old Piper Peavey who must go live at her grandmother’s eerie Mallory Estate after her father has fallen ill. As she arrives, not only is her grandmother away, but her mother who abandoned her is there and still wants no part of Piper. Add in a bunch of other kids who live there claiming to be Mrs. Peavy’s foster children and a cat who spies on everyone. Weird! Something is not right at Mallory Estate and maybe Piper is in for more than she could have ever expected.
mamanda_ru's review against another edition
4.0
So cute, and real and raw. I even teared up at the end.
megangold's review against another edition
4.0
Sweet, magical story. This is definitely something I would have loved when I was younger and read more middle grade. It was a quick and easy read and had a really intriguing plot, even as an adult. The magic and world-building, in general, felt pretty special and unique.
I appreciated the serious undertones a lot, too. The main character Piper’s parents have been divorced since she was little and now her had is struggling with cancer. It’s the kind of situation some kids need to read about. Although, Piper’s mom was kind of hard to read. Her character was just so cold and without understanding why, it seemed kind of unnecessary at times.
I had a few other small problems, but I think that just comes with the territory of being older and reading a book meant for children.
Overall, a fun read for anyone.
Thanks to NetGalley for providing me with an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
I appreciated the serious undertones a lot, too. The main character Piper’s parents have been divorced since she was little and now her had is struggling with cancer. It’s the kind of situation some kids need to read about. Although, Piper’s mom was kind of hard to read. Her character was just so cold and without understanding why, it seemed kind of unnecessary at times.
I had a few other small problems, but I think that just comes with the territory of being older and reading a book meant for children.
Overall, a fun read for anyone.
Thanks to NetGalley for providing me with an eARC in exchange for an honest review.