I’m reading When Women Were Dragons as the synopsis really intrigued me. I haven’t read much yet, but has really caught my attention. I think this will be a fantastic book on empowerment for women, and I’m really looking forward to seeing where it leads. I’m listening to Utterly Dark and the Face of the Deep which is wonderful. I think this is the first book by Philip Reeve I’ve read, and I’m really enjoying the lyrical style. It feels like it is steeped in myth so I’m looking forward to finding out what happens. I’m reading an e-book of Secret of the Shadow Beasts by an author whose previous books set in Scotland I’ve really enjoyed. This one feels very different – much more fantasy rather than historical based – but I’m loving it.

I’ve finished listening to Between Shades of Gray which is the most incredible story which taught me so much about a period of history I wasn’t familiar with. The author’s note at the end was a great addition. Its definitely a harrowing read that brought lots of tears and anger. I am in awe of the strength and resilience shown by so many as they fought for survival in such harsh and cruel conditions, searching for hope in a hopeless situation. I’ll definitely be reading more from this author. I also finished The Secret Wild which was a wonderful environmental story. I’ve posted my review.

I’m hoping to read Our Sister, Again next.

What are you reading? Have you read any of these?

The Secret Wild is an exciting, action-paced eco-adventure, rooted in friendship and courage, that completely captivated me as I became enveloped in the wonder and mystery of this enchanting adventure.

10-year-old, plant-loving Fern Featherstone spends her time travelling all over the world with her botanist parents as they hunt for rare plants for medical research.  However, when her natural curiosity lands her in danger in the Amazon Rainforest, her parents decide to send her to stay with her uncle as they assume that she will be safer in London than going with them on their next trip … how wrong could they be?

On the flight to London, when a crate opens, a tiny plant rolls towards her.  It seems to understand her, so she decides to keep it:  surely no-one would miss one little plant?  She hides the plant from her eccentric, kind-hearted Uncle Ned, and names it Special.  Special isn’t the only unique plant in London, but the others are much larger and are taking over famous London landmarks.  Many believe this is the work of the Guerrilla Gardener, but who is the Gardener and what is their goal?

When Special becomes unwell, Fern is determined to seek a cure for her friend, and that involves finding out more about where Special has come from … so begins a brilliantly fast-paced, gripping adventure as Fern and her new friend, Woody, find themselves at the heart of an intriguing mystery … a mystery brimming with danger, tension and unexpected twists and turns.  Someone is intent on rewilding London, but will London survive the rewilding?

I really enjoyed the environmental message that was woven throughout the story where we are given a fascinating insight into the awe and wonder of plant life, and the importance of looking after our plants and trees, maintaining balance between humans and nature so that both can thrive. 

I really liked both Fern and Woody, who find a bond through their loneliness, despite their very different upbringings and interests.  Fern has been uprooted from her life travelling the world with her family, and has to navigate both friendship and settling in to a new life in London. Woody has also had upheaval in his life, and is finding it difficult to deal with these changes.  I really enjoyed the tentative and natural building of their friendship which felt really authentic.  They both face their fears and find the courage to stand up for what they believe in, and to help each other when desperately needed.  I just have to add that I absolutely adored eccentric Uncle Ned – a real knight in shining armour!

This is an exhilarating, heart-warming nature-inspired adventure that is sure to delight children of 9+.

Thank you to the Publisher and NetGalley for an e-ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

Thank you so much to Lorraine Keating and Kids Welbeck for inviting me to be part of the Blog Tour for Hedgewitch.

Giveaway

As part of my stop on the Blog Tour, I am hosting a #Giveaway over on my Twitter account (@marysimms72)where you can find entry details. The prize is a gorgeous hardback copy of Hedgewitch which will be posted from the Welbeck Office. The Giveaway is open to anyone in the UK and Ireland. Good luck to all those who enter!

Review

Hedgewitch is a gorgeously bewitching adventure that completely enthralled me:  an adventure brimming with witchy delights, Faerie tricks and nature-inspired magic.

Twelve-year-old Cassandra Morgan is not allowed outside the boundary of Fowell House, a boarding school where she is unpopular, bullied horribly and alone.  Cassie’s mother had left her there seven years previously, asking her to wait for her return.  When she is called to the Headmistress’s office, Cassie is informed that she is being sent to an orphanage the next morning as her mother is presumed dead.

Booklover Cassie has always found adventures from between the pages of her secret library of books, but is now determined to seek her own adventure by escaping from Fowell House and finding her missing mother.  However, could she be entering a world of danger as children from all over London, including a first former from Fowell House, have gone missing?

It is not long before trouble finds Cassie when she is chased by a gang of creatures carrying knives and nets.  Just as she is about to be kidnapped, she hears a voice telling her to get on the broom she has lifted to defend herself.  Imagine her surprise when she discovers that the voice comes from a cat who has been sent to find her, and that the broom is a witch’s broom which flies them both to safety.  Montague informs Cassie that he has been sent by her aunt, Miranda who has only just learned of her existence.  Oh – and her aunt just happens to be a witch.

Cassie soon finds herself in the village of Hedgely where her aunt is the current Hedgewitch, protecting humans from the faeries who live on the other side of the Hedge, the largest and oldest wood in Britain, situated at the edge of the village.  Whilst Cassie is welcomed by the friendly housekeeper, Mrs Briggs, her aunt Miranda is unfriendly and cold and sets out some rules she is expected to follow, including not entering the Hedge alone.  When she asks about her mother, it is clear that her aunt is not willing to help, so Cassie determines that she will search for her mother on her own.

So begins an incredibly exciting, action-packed adventure as Cassie is drawn inexorably towards the Hedge which holds both nature-filled magic and mesmerising danger.  She finds both friends and enemies in the local coven where she begins her witch-training.  In her search for her mother, will Cassie uncover the truth behind the missing children?  Will she find something that has been missing in her life:  a home, friends and family?  In searching for what she has lost, can she find herself?

Just wow!  This is an utterly captivating story that completely entranced me, reaching the tendrils of its magic from the pages and drawing me into a world that felt irresistibly real.  I adored that the magic was imbued with the beauty and wonder of nature; and, I loved that the Faerie creatures were tricksy and deliciously dark. The unexpected twists and turns had me on the edge of my seat; the danger and deceit gripped me; and, the revelations – oh my goodness:  the revelations!

Cassie is a wonderful young protagonist.  She is determined, curious and courageous.  She is prepared to break the rules for what she believes in, and take risks to help others.  Her kindness towards others is rewarded when she needs help.  I loved the friendships that she forms with her coven friends, Rue and Tabitha. And what can I say about Montague – tetchy, sarcastic – and brilliant! 

The chapter header and interior illustrations are absolutely stunning and really capture the symbiosis between nature and magic, complementing the story perfectly. 

Hedgewitch is a thrilling, magical adventure that is sure to become a firm favourite with readers of 9+.  I absolutely cannot wait for Cassie’s next adventure, Woodwitch.

Do check out the other stops on the Blog Tour: