Member Reviews

It was so good returning to Hedgely where Cassie and her friends find themselves embroiled into another mysterious adventure and oh boy what an adventure it was.

Skye sure knows how to make this book atmospheric going from light to dark and I wish I could go and stay there as the places seem so real and that is down to Skye's amazing writing skills.

For all the above reasons Woodwitch receives 4 stars

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Skye McKenna may have written this series for middle-grade readers but I'm happy to say I love to curl up with a cup of tea and enjoy the innocent joy these books filled with magic and mystery bring me. It takes me back to the happiness I found with the Worst Witch books and similar gave me.


If your reader enjoys Nevermoor, then they're going to love these because McKenna brings so much life to the fictional world of Hedgely and the witches and magical beings that live there. I love how book two draws you back into the world smoothly from how we left Cassie and her friends behind. For anyone who may struggle with recollecting what came in book one, the characters jog the readers memory by bringing up key events which I thought was genius.


Woodwitch gives the reader everything and once again Skye McKenna will have you unwilling to put the book down. There's the wonder of magic, the joy and strength found in friendship and the mystery of what lingers still beyond the Hedge and in the wood where all sorts of magical beings linger both good and bad. There's also a more hard and mature element of the vulnerability found in fearing you're alone or the possibility of being left behind.


The story itself is engaging as I said, the twists and turns of the adventure Cassie is once again thrust into and often ones you don't catch onto and I loved it. These to me are new classics in the making and many young readers will love them, and what adds to that feeling, is the stunning pen and ink style artwork that appears throughout the book alongside the map of Hedgely. Every book that needs it, should have a map because they're often so beautifully done and this one is no exception.



I have a feeling Cassie and her friends will face more chaos in the upcoming Seawitch because I didn't see the outcome of this one for a fair bit and how Skye McKenna weaves these little details together is mesmerising to read and realise.

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Another great instalment of the lives of the residents of the most magical village. I loved it and I'm sure all lovers of Witches and magic will too. I'll be recommending it to all in KS2 through assemblies and Twitter

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The second book in the Hedgewitch series, this book is even more cosy, exciting, and full of love for it's characters, even better than the first.

Anyone who loves A Pinch of Magic by Michelle Harrison, or reading witchy tales with a mug of cocoa, and a plate of baked goods will utterly love this series. Cassie is such a lovely heroine with enough empathy for those around her to see when enemies need help, and friends need a push in the right direction. Her friends are all well-rounded characters, and Sebastian is a great addition, he reminded me a bit of Eustace from The Voyage of the Dawn Treader, but with more established motivations and agency.

The girl guide style magic is great and something that I can imagine children latching onto by having their own hedgewitch clubs, earning witchy badges and learning about the land, the wild, and generally exploring hedgerows and nature. The natural imagery and lore is just fantastic in these books, and I think really aims to put into magical context the disappearing language of the land. (see also The Lost Words by Robert MacFarlane and Looking and Finding by Geoffrey Grigson). Alongside that cosy magic is the darker, wild, fae magic beyond the hedge. Shadows and the dangerous erl king and darker beasts and forest watchers all provide enough threat and danger for the stakes to remain high. The darker wilder magic that seems rooted in British folklore reminds me of Alan Garner's books, but aimed at a slightly younger audience, so if you like Alan Garner's books and want to introduce younger readers to similar folklore and adventures, these books would be a great place to start.

I think there's so much in this book to discover for all ages, it has enough depth and research to provide interest for Adult readers, enough mystery, pace, and prose for YA, and enough magic, friendship and family for younger readers, what's not to love?

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Woodwitch is the sequel to Skye McKenna’s exciting and magical first book in the Hedgewitch series. Set in the world of Faerie, Woodwitch delves deeper into the world of witches and magical relics as Cassie, Rue, and Tabitha investigate strange events happening in their small village. As their magic is tested, the trio embarks on an incredible adventure filled with suspense, friendship, and fantastic magical creatures.

This delightful novel will draw you in from the start and never let go. McKenna’s attention to detail is impeccable and the characters are alive and endearing. Her imagery and descriptive scenes will take you right into the magical realm of the Hedge, where danger lurks around every corner. The twisty and unexpected plotlines keep readers on their toes as the characters venture ever closer to the Erl King.

For any reader looking for an epic, suspenseful tale, Woodwitch is the perfect choice. With compelling characters and an incredible story, you won’t be able to put this book down. Skye McKenna has created a world filled with thrilling action and incredible magical wonders. Don’t miss this spellbinding book, perfect for both fantasy and YA fans alike!

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A beautiful written story with great character development and lots of fantastic elements.
The main characters have a strong bond and I think it’s done so well regarding their connection and acceptance of how different people are and how they should just accept themselves as they come.

We haven’t read the previous book in the series but it can easily be read as a stand-alone.

The interactions were hilarious at times and the few suspenseful moments kept me engaged throughout the story.
It’s a great book that i would recommend to anyone looking for a beautiful story.


Very grateful to the publisher for my review copy

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A great sequel and as immersive as the first - this is fantasy at its best. I loved how the friendship between Cassie, Rue and Tabitha continued to develop and Miss. Early is a wonderful mentor figure for Cassie. It was interesting to explore the character of Ivy more and the differences and similarities between the girls, despite Ivy's refusal to recognise that.
In my personal opinion, the missing parent scenario is becoming quite tired in middle grade fantasies at the moment but does provide the motivation and stakes to drive the story and gives the main character a strong emotional arc and reason to complete her training. The world-building is full of creativity and imagination and the dangerous scenarios the Oak Patrol encounter keeps the reader hooked. I would recommend it for fans of The Apprentice Witch by James Nicol and would any lovers of fantasy and magic who is looking for a world and story to remember.

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This books picks off after book one and only builds on it. If you like Magic, whimsy, witchy and fairy lore you will love this book and I cannot recommend it enough there were times I was like nooooo, times where I was like yes and the fact that I stayed up till 1am to finish reading this book should tell you how good it was.

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With thanks to Netgalley and the author Skye McKenna for allowing me to reivew this brilliant bool,

Woodwitch is the second book in Skye's Hedgewitch series of books. The first book was published last year and I loved it. Woodwitch is just as good if not better than the first one. It is full of magic, fairies, talking and walking trees and tea.

Skye Mckenna has created a brilliant world of magic, witches and friendship.

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A spectacular second book -- imaginative and cosy, like a cup of tea after a rainy walk! I adored Woodwitch and can't wait for more Cassie adventures.

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Thank you Net Gallery for the Advance copy of this for an honest Review.

This Book is the Follow on from the Woodwitch, Following Cassie, Rue, Tabitha, on their Adventure to Gain the their Badges with in the witches coven. Cousin Sebastian arrives and causes all sort of issues for Cassie after her Aunt get Called away.

The winter I drawing in, and some strange events are happening in the village people are becoming on fixated on finding a magical spear.

The Erl King is determined to find it so he can take control of the Hedge.

This story is Fantasic follow on from the first Instalment, I am Really hoping we go back to Hedge and have more adventure with Cassie, Rue, Tabith.

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I didn't read the first book in this series but i can say this one is brilliant. Great world building and characters, excellent storytelling.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this arc, all opinions are mine

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I loved this Middle-grade mystery with the friendships which individuals rely on to build themselves and find out who they are. This story revolves around the 3 friends, Cassie, Rue and Tabitha looking into the mysterious being who has come to the village as well as dealing with the arrival of Cassie’s cousin Sebastian who arrives to spend time. They have to venture into the Hedge to find out what is happening in their village and try and find the hidden relics before they are used against the villagers. I enjoyed the sub-story of Cassie finding out more about her mother and the identity of her father. This mystery will put the young witches' magical talents to the test and will take all of their talents to the test. I loved the character development and the relationships of the main characters and how the things that they find out develop them. The author deals with some very difficult subjects and puts them into easily understandable situations which children will be able to relate to and can learn from.

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absolutely brilliant book! I enjoyed the whole thing start to finish. It was great to revisit these characters, and i think i enjoyed this even more than the first book. I loved that there was more exploration of the Hedge (the woods), and that Cassie, Rue and Tabitha meet even more fantastic creatures within the woods. I especially loved Lailoken, a mysterious antlered man in the woods.
The story weaves together beautifully, introducing some new characters as well.
I really hope there will be another book in this series, hopefully where Cassie ventures further into faerie to hunt down her mother.
so i highly recommend this book, it was really fantastic! But I do recommend you read the first book in the series, Hedgewitch, first, as it introduces a lot of the important aspects and characters in the series.

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It's getting colder in Hedgely, and the nights are drawing in. Fledgling witch, Cassie Morgan is beginning to consider the village home and is enjoying life far more than she has done in a very long time. With friends Rue and Tabitha, she is part of the local coven's Oak Patrol and looking forward to a first Christmas in her new home even if she does have to contend with her annoying younger cousin.

When some of the villagers are beset by strange, almost obsessive, behaviour, the three young witches know they have to investigate further. What they discover shows how much danger they and everyone else could be in if they don't do something to rid Hedgely of a serious and potentially fatal problem. As the snow covers the land, will the friends succeed, or will this dilemma be too much for them to handle?

This is book two in Skye McKenna's wonderful series, and, having loved the first, I was anxious to read this as soon as possible. The story continues at the same frenetic pace as before with scene setting and jeopardy at every turn, all of which move the reader towards a very satisfying final chapter or two. It is worth noting there are major spoilers at the beginning of this, which give away most of what happened previously.

I was able to read an advanced copy of this thanks to NetGalley and the publishers, but the opinions expressed are my own. I loved this. It is a great continuation of a very special series and easy to recommend highly. The books do need to be read in order, however.

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This was a brilliant read, I loved the characters and the plot was gripping had me wondering what was going to happen next.

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What a fabulous follow on title. This really is an exciting read that follows Cassie and her friends as the danger surrounding the village gets stronger. With the arrival of her cousin Sebastian she should have added help, but he hates magic and being sent to stay with the Hedgewitch. This series just keeps getting better.

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An excellent sequel to Hedgewitch following and expending the story started in the first book of the series. The characters are much more fully drawn in this book and that makes us more involved and empathetic towards them. My youngest granddaughter says that this is better than the first book.

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Thank you to Welbeck publishers and NetGalley for letting me read an eARC of the second book in this spellbinding series - Woodwitch. I've just finished it and eager to get the next book in the series - I do hope we don't have too long to wait.

Although a book series you feel quite satisfied with each ending and it's not left as a painful cliffhanger. However, there are enough unanswered questions left to make you want more.

Woodwitch Synopsis

In Woodwitch the Erl King of the land of Fairie is searching for something, something deadly that will put everything Cassie and her friends and family hold dear. Temptation is rife and only the strongest will be able to resist. Will the ghosts of Cassie's past hold her back.

Woodwitch Review

Woodwitch sees the return of our favourite friends Cassie, Tabitha and Rue and it feels so lovely that this friendship continues to blossom and be a foundation for who Cassie is now after her harsh past in Hedgewitch.

We delve deeper into the character of Ivy this time and how Cassie and Ivy's families have a shared history that has sealed both of their fates.

I loved the character of Miss Early. Although she seems quite incidental in many ways I feel her views on magic, humans and creatures from Fairie have left a profound effect on Cassie that I believe will steer the rest of the series going forward.

I've tried very hard not to give much away in the way of spoilers. If you're looking for magic, adventure, friendship and a little bit of gentle peril then this is the perfect book series for you.

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My 8 year old co-reviewer and I found this to be an unusual read. We loved all the magical beasts, especially the Great Wyrm. This play on spelling/words really appeals to children who spell innately. We like the way Tabitha and Rue always supported Cassie and their friendship develop throughout the book. We'd love another book in the series please!

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