The Hedgehog Child is an enchanting prequel to The Witch Ways series. Hettie Way and her granddaughters live in Havoc Wood, when one day a cursed child arrives. As Hettie seeks to protect the child, she also worries what the future holds for her granddaughters. The Hedgehog Child is a delightful taste of the spellbinding, but dangerous Havoc Wood. Drawing on elements from Sleeping Beauty, the story introduced personable characters and villainous fairies alike. The writing style reminded me of Robin McKinley. This is my first experience with Slavin’s work, but I feel completely intrigued! I will definitely pick up the first book in the series, Crooked Daylight, to see what happens next. The Hedgehog Child releases June 18, 2020. Thank you to Helen Slavin, Agora Books, and Netgalley for a free ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I was spellbound from the opening! I always read a few pages of every new book I start to get a feel of the mood, so I know when I'm the mindset for the tone. With this book I read those few pages and looked up a little over an hour later when I was finished, having been so fully entranced I hadn't moved more than to swipe my finger flipping pages.

The lyrical style with its visceral descriptions were really a remarkable, irresistible blend, perfect for a story about magic. There were a few places that really just grabbed me, the sounds and movements of dresses etc served to ground me in the fantasy.It had a fairytale flare that speaks my heart. I hope to get to the rest of the series very soon.