Review: Into the Witchwood by Méabh McDonnell

Enter the Witchwood – if you dare!  Into the Witchwood is a dark, thrilling, magical adventure that took me on an incredible journey through the Witchwood:  a story that utterly enthralled me from start to finish.

Rowan is peering through her Nana’s window, watching her using magic, rather than attending her 13^th birthday party.  She is grieving the loss of her mum who disappeared in the Witchwood surrounding their home six months before, a wood that she is forbidden to enter as she has been told there is a malevolent witch at the bottom of an ancient well at the centre of the wood.  But Rowan is determined to enter the Witchwood and bring her mum home … hoping that being a witch will help her succeed.

What she is not expecting is that her younger sister Lila and her neighbour, Farid, will follow her into the wood; what she is not expecting is that she has been tricked by the witch; and, what she is not expecting is that she has to make a terrifying bargain …

And so begins a dark, dangerous and twisting tale as Rowan, Lila and Farid must follow the rules of the woods to try to escape the clutches of the witch.  They face terrifying challenges, trickery and danger as they learn to work together to overcome the obstacles in their path, but can they outwit the witch in the well, or will she trap them in the Witchwood?

I really enjoyed the allusions to folklore and fairytales from the witch in the woods luring children into her lair to the dangerous enchantment of a fairy ball and the mystical nature of the trees.  I just also have to mention one creature in this story who stole my heart:  Tali!  I’d definitely like a Tali to be on my side – even if I might not always be prepared for the acerbic wit!

The Witchwood is a perfect setting, richly described, and really enhances the ominous, at times chilling, atmosphere which permeates the adventure as the tension builds irresistibly, making this an unputdownable read.  I really felt the sense of danger and uncertainty every time one of the children broke a rule of the woods, not sure what to expect, and eagerly turning pages to find out what would happen.

Rowan is an incredibly sympathetic young girl who is grieving the loss of her mother and struggling to accept that she has gone.  This grief manifests itself in her lashing out at her family, especially her younger sister Lila, and in her making a decision that puts herself and others in danger.  She shows tremendous courage in facing her fears, in taking steps along the path of healing and acceptance and in keeping memories alive – even when they hurt. 

A mesmerising, magical and transformative adventure, with family and friendship at its heart, perfect for readers of 9+. 

Thank you to The O’Brien Press for providing me with a proof copy in exchange for my honest opinion.