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Hedgewitch #2

Woodwitch

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Step into the magical world of Hedgewitch, where the land of Faerie lies just beyond our own . . . The enchanting new series continues.

Cassie has settled into life in Hedgely when, out of the blue, her troubled cousin, Sebastian, comes to stay for Hallowe'en. Sneering and scornful, Sebastian trails after Cassie and her friends, interfering with their coven projects and belittling the dangers of the faery world.

But Cassie, Rue and Tabitha have bigger problems - as the nights grow longer, a dark shadow creeps out of the Hedge and villagers start behaving strangely, possessed with the desire to find a mysterious object.

When the Hedgewitch is called away, the girls decide to investigate and discover that whoever is controlling the villagers is seeking a faery relic: an ancient and dangerous weapon, hidden somewhere in the village. Their magical training will be put to the test as they venture deeper into the Hedge and race to find the faery treasure before it falls into the hands of the Erl King.

400 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 2, 2023

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About the author

Skye McKenna

5 books95 followers
Skye McKenna grew up in a mining town in the Australian outback. Surrounded by the red dust of the Pilbara, she developed a healthy respect for wild things and wild places at a young age. Seeking adventures of her own, she travelled to the UK and fell in love with the British countryside.

Skye now lives in Scotland and works for a heritage charity, with whom she recently curated an exhibition on medieval magic. When she’s not reading and writing, she goes looking for stories in the hills and forests of her new home.

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5 stars
180 (52%)
4 stars
123 (35%)
3 stars
36 (10%)
2 stars
4 (1%)
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1 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews
Profile Image for Rosemary Atwell.
454 reviews38 followers
October 12, 2024
What a rich array of rabbit holes reading ‘Woodwitch’ invites you to tumble down, if only to linger in Hedgely for as long as possible!

Lovingly crafted for all entranced by folklore, magic, ancient customs, traditions and legends, this is a wonderfully rewarding read, shining with the beauty and absolute timelessness of great children’s literature.
Profile Image for :¨·.·¨:  `·. izzy ★°*゚.
400 reviews75 followers
August 22, 2024
It just has to be a five star!

I love these books so much, I think this is going to be my favourite middle grade series. They’re so comforting and nostalgic! They sort of give The Worst Witch vibes. The illustrations and the maps at the front are gorgeous too.

The writing is gorgeous and these are exceptionally written middle grade books with wonderful characters, brilliantly executed plots and amazing cosy vibes.

This second book lived up to the high standards of the first book. It was such a cosy read and really put me in the Autumn mood.
I would have loved to see more of the dangerous creatures from the hedge, especially the ones mentioned as they sounded spooky and cool! I also would have loved a little bit more of the tense scenes, it did feel like they wrapped up a little quickly.

But I couldn’t not rate this five stars! Cosy, fun, comforting, whimsical, lovely…agh.
I love these books so muchhhh.
Profile Image for Soňa.
779 reviews54 followers
October 10, 2024
PODCASTové zamyslenie je tu
...

Lepšie ako jednotka, takže 3,7 mačiatka

Prvá veta: Cassandra Morganová pripravovala elixíry v kôlni.
Posledná veta: Cassie, Rue a Tabitha ruka v ruke zamierili späť k teplým žltým svetlám dediny a nechali za sebou Hraničný les aj jeho tajomstvá.
Goodreads Challenge 2024: 91. kniha
Profile Image for Bee.
429 reviews26 followers
September 14, 2024
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.
Profile Image for cecereads23.
146 reviews35 followers
December 24, 2022
Review time
Title Woodwitch
Author Skye McKenna
Rating ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
Release date 2nd March

This was a fun read full of whimsy and magic that I can see why this series has been compared to Nevermor, Witches are a plenty in this story as well as fairies. I really enjoyed this book and the whimsy it had, children I think would love this series especially how this one plays out which is still going towards an arc which I think is end game but also a story of what happens when you find out about the world. I am greatly looking forward to telling people to read this book because it deserves all the love. Cassie is a strong character with a great ensemble of cast to help her navigate what it is like to be a witch.

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.

Thank you to netgalley and welbeck flame for the opportunity to review this.
27 reviews
February 28, 2023
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.
Profile Image for Lisa.
269 reviews3 followers
January 20, 2023
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.
Profile Image for Noah Ullrich.
25 reviews
January 4, 2024
A maneira que desenvolveram o livro prende desde o início, não dando vontade de parar até terminar! Vários fatores foram bem inseridos neste volume, a participação de Sebastian e Aoify sendo pontos importantes na história, assim como a dor de Ivy, apesar de seu orgulho atrapalhar o processo e impedir ajuda.
Gostei muito de como aprofundaram ainda mais sobre a Floresta e o Mundo das Fadas, mostrando mais adentro tanto seus perigos quanto como nada é 100% ruim dentro destes. A aparição do Rei Elfo contada e calculada, adorei.
A história da mãe de Cassandra sendo explicada, a revelação de quem era seu pai e seu crescimento como bruxa pontuando os maiores momentos do livro. Não vejo a hora de desvendarem ainda mais mistérios e que as dúvidas sejam respondidas!
5 reviews
May 3, 2023
Cozy read. Sit with a warm cup of tea or whatever you like and just sink into the vivid descriptions of hedgley and adventures of 3 bright young 🧙‍♀️ witches. Absolutely loved the story telling and description of the magical town. The story is good, but I loved the first part more than the second. Nevertheless a lovely book to read and I'm waiting for the third one to be out!
Profile Image for Dan Chapman.
32 reviews
June 27, 2023
Great book continuing the story of Cassie Morgan trying to find her lost mother. I love that the witches coven works like a scouts group in these books, earning badges for their witchcraft, etc!

My only gripe is that this book doesn't have a beautiful design hidden under the dust jacket like the first one (Hedgewitch) did!

Looking forward to Seawitch' realease next year 😍
Profile Image for Amanda  Ramírez.
64 reviews1 follower
December 1, 2024
“People think books are safe, tame things nowadays. Always encouraging their children to read, they are. But books can change you, change the way you see the word, and then there’s no going back.”

This series makes me so happy and just makes me feel soooo warm. Might be falling for Aunt Miranda though.
Profile Image for Mary Judy.
588 reviews16 followers
March 29, 2023
Magic! Pure magic! Woodwitch continues the story of Cassie, in search of her mother, expanding her magical abilities and venturing into the dangerous depths of the Hedge to thwart the efforts of the Erl King in his quest for power. Insightful characterisation and brilliantly imaginative twists to the tale make this an extraordinary adventure. Well-described landscape allow the reader to journey through this world with ease, but the tension built in the storytelling keeps us on guard. The bond between Cassie, Rue and Tabitha is lovely, growing stronger. The three girls play off of each other well, each bringing a different aspect and awareness to the plot. Cassies’ (somewhat) nemesis in the Coven, Ivy Harrington, has a bigger role in this story, and it is one that allows us to glimpse more of her character. The inclusion of the Watchers, ancient guardians o the land lend a different wisdom to Cassies’ growing knowledge and some tenuous reassurance. Is nice to know someone is watching…or is it? (It depends on the particular Watcher…) Add Cassies’ cousin, Sebastion into the mix and you have a broad spectrum of issues, concerns and perspective. He brings a hint of family drama that has not been previously explored. And, of course, he simply gets in the way until the moment when his boldness and intelligence rise and offer a solution to the most pressing question, where is the mysterious and sought-after faery artifact. The social relationships and dynamics throughout the book are exceptionally crafted and instantly relatable for all of us. The beautiful black and white thumbnail drawings and a map (oh yes! There’s a map) gives this book the timeless feel it deserves. Is there anything ground-breaking or new in this novel? Or in the first? No, not really. It is a familiar trope. But the story is astounding in it’s telling. Gripping with pockets of humour scattered throughout, exceedingly well-written, fast-paced, filled with heart and adventure…and utterly magical in every sense of the word.
154 reviews
April 20, 2023
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.

(Also the cover and illustrations are absolutely stunning! Check out the Amazon 'look inside' or any other previews you can find, Tomislav Tomic has done an amazing job!)

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?
September 7, 2024
This book was so good. It mixed folklore and old tales with the author's own ideas and I absolutely loved reading it. X
Profile Image for Emily.
131 reviews28 followers
September 4, 2024
What an exciting, action-packed follow-up to the beautiful middle grade novel, Hedgewitch, bringing readers back into the fold of Hedgeley and reuniting us with its curious, courageous witches as they attempt to solve (and haphazardly create ... sometimes) more trouble as their world clashes once more with faery folk.

Can't wait for Seawitch to finish the trilogy!
Profile Image for Lisa.
269 reviews3 followers
January 31, 2023
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.
Profile Image for Tracy Wood.
1,122 reviews14 followers
February 2, 2023
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.
Profile Image for Jacq.and.the.readstalk.
339 reviews15 followers
July 26, 2024
3.5 stars.

The series continues into the whimsical world of the Hedge.

The author has added a good dash of mystery into the mix, which added intrigue to the story. The addition of the cousin was very reminiscent of Narnian vibes which I thoroughly enjoyed. And I loved the combination of Fairy lore and witches, *starts singing....these are few of my favourite things... I love the friendship between the trio of witches, each has their own bright spark and personality.

Also, if I go missing, it's because I am moving to Hartford hall! What an amazing and enchanting place, it reminds me a bit of Howl's Moving Castle And the tea shop! McKenna continues to create a vivid, whimsical world of Witches!

My only issue was that I felt this book was a little bit longer than what it needed to be, but otherwise I enjoyed it, especially the twists and turns!

It is fun, and full of magic. An easy and cosy story to soak up on a crisp, autumn day with a hot cup of tea.
210 reviews1 follower
March 7, 2024
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.
Profile Image for Janine.
226 reviews
October 19, 2023
I enjoyed this, though not as much as the previous one.. perhaps because I read them back-to-back and the buildup of the story is very similar. We follow our heroine Cassie, again trying to gain some additional badges in witchcraft and getting into trouble on the way with her trusted friends and foes. Again, lack of communication to but also by her aunt, the Hedgewitch, ensures things get a little more dangerous than would be advisable for this young group of witches. The overarching story plot of her lost mother develops a little but not enough to make me care about that a lot. Also, her cousin joined the household, but his character fell very flat and didn't add much to the story. Enjoyable, but not outstanding.
Profile Image for Claire.
2,949 reviews39 followers
July 5, 2023
Enjoyed this more than the first one. Good mystery here as well. And I really did end up caring at Morpeth. I liked the Tabitha suggested many times that these events were over their heads and they should speak to an adult. I mean, they didn't listen to her but I'm proud she is saying these things. A really enjoyable story.

People think books are safe, tame things nowadays. Always encouraging children to read, they are. But books change you, change the way you see the world, and then there's no going back. Indeed, some have a will of their own.
Profile Image for Me Christine Crawley.
96 reviews1 follower
December 22, 2023
Woodwitch by Skye McKenna
This is the sequel to Hedgewitch, whereby you can follow further adventures of young witches Cassie, Rue and Tabitha. Book 2 also introduces you to Cassie’s cousin Sebastian, as well as new magical creatures from the kingdom of Faerie.
It’s now autumn in Hedgely, the coven are looking forward to Halloween and Midwinter. Think toffee apples followed by snow.
Thoroughly enjoyable capers as the witches battle through the Hedge and try to protect the people in the border town of Hedgely. Fans of Hedgewitch will not be disappointed.
Profile Image for Emma.
14 reviews
April 9, 2024
Wow! What a book! Personally, I think this was even better than the first book in the series! Much more twists in this one, which I adored and I found that I couldn’t take my eyes off the pages!!

Main plot:

🌺Cassie’s back!! But this time her cousin has come to stay.
🌺The Earl king is still a risk and Cassie still thinks about what happened to her mother
🌺Will the mystery of rose Morgan be uncovered!?

In three words:
🌺magical
🌺intriguing
🌺captivating

Age: primary and secondary

I’m looking forward to the next book in the series!
Profile Image for Anastasia fua.
48 reviews1 follower
March 16, 2024
hedgewitch is the beginning / forming of adventures of Cassie Morgan - which i adored.

Woodwitch - is a brilliant follow up and it just gets better and better.

Skye’s series give me Pullman, a bit of Terry Prachett (Tiffany aching) vibes - it’s endearing, colourful, easy paced novels! absolutely recommend to read - pleasant!
195 reviews2 followers
January 4, 2023
This was a good sequel, Cassie’s back and collecting more badges and unraveling more mysteries surrounding her mother. I thoroughly enjoyed, I just wish it had a bit more peril and less sniping from Ivy. Thank you to the publisher for this ARC via NetGalley.
565 reviews19 followers
January 21, 2023
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.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews

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