Seawitch

As part of taking her ‘Sapling’ test and moving a step closer to becoming a fully trained witch, Cassie Morgan must take on the challenge of training a new witch; however, when one arrives, Robin Kendrick is not what she- or the rest of 1st Hedgely coven- were expecting. When a letter arrives from her cousin, Sebastian, asking for her help in solving a mystery, Oak Patrol- with their new member, head off to the Faerie border town of Porthmorven whose protector the Seawitch is nowhere to be found, leaving the town vulnerable. Can Cassie and her friend work out what is going on and foil the Erl King’s plans before it’s too late?

‘Seawitch’ is the third book in this magical series about Cassie- and each seems better than the last! Wonderfully atmospheric, both characters and scenery are vividly portrayed, offering a very satisfying and immersive read.

With the support of her friends, Cassie is gaining in confidence, determined to become a witch and find her parents. Level headed and fair, she still has some qualms about the acceptance of Robin- a boy- into the coven so that he can train to be a witch- something seen as a female role. Skye McKenna explores the young witches prejudices really well - ‘You’ve got to be resourceful and observant and well… they [boys] just aren’t.’- challenging stereotypical gender roles.

‘Seawitch’ moves at a very pleasing pace, with plenty of action and Cassie learning more about her parents whilst leaving tantalising clues and paving the way for more stories to come. Although magical stories, this series has so much to recommend it to any reader that those who claim not to be fans of this genre will find themselves enjoying the books just as much as those who are!

Seawitch

Skye McKenna, illustrated by Tomislav Tomic

Welbeck ISBN: 978-1801301282

You can read my review of ‘Hedgewitch’ here and ‘Woodwitch’ here.

Woodwitch

Cassie has settled into life in the village of Hedgely. Her broomstick riding is improving and has found loyal friends in Rue and Tabitha, fellow members of Oak Patrol at her school. As Hallowe’en approaches, some of the villagers start behaving strangely, possessed with the need to locate a missing object. Although the Hedgewitch has been called away and her sneering cousin Sebastian has reluctantly come to stay, Cassie and her friends decide to investigate and discover whoever is controlling the villagers is in search of an ancient faery relic. Soon, they are in a race to locate this treasure before it falls into the hands of the Erl King.

I loved ‘Hedgewitch’ and so started reading this with high expectations- and I was not disappointed. Skye McKenna’s world building is second to none and it is easy for those who have read the first book to quickly find their feet in Hedgely once more. Who wouldn’t want to wander down Loft Street and visit Widdershin’s Bookshop, Marchpane’s bakery or the Bramble and Bloom Tea Room? This attention to detail is also shown in Skye’s use of beautifully descriptive language, bringing this world vividly to life.

Cassie continues to be a very endearing character. Courageous and resourceful, she is also a loyal friend. The girls make an excellent team with their characters and skills complementing each other as they bravely face the perils of the Hedge and the threat of the Erl King. The story is pacy and offers just the right amount of peril. Cassie continues to search for her parents and the reader learns more about her past and that of Ivy, the ‘thorn in Cassie’s side since she’d arrived’.

The story reaches a very satisfying conclusion, allowing different characters to find resolution whilst making the reader long for Cassie’s next adventure!

Woodwitch Skye McKenna

Welbeck Flame ISBN: 978-1801300414

Originally reviewed for Reading Zone. You can read my review of ‘Hedgewitch’ here.

Hedgewitch

The FCBG Conference is rapidly approaching, offering an author-packed weekend of book-ish fun. I was delighted to notice that the first event is to be tea with Welbeck Flame, celebrating ‘Hedgewitch’ with author, Skye McKenna. Lucky enough to be sent a copy of this most enjoyable book to review for Reading Zone, I am looking forward to this event very much! ‘Hedgewitch’ would make a fantastic class read, offering much to discuss and enjoy along the way. I will write more about this after conference, but for now, here is my review for Reading Zone!

Cassie Morgan has been waiting for her mother to return for her for seven long years. Now her mother has been declared legally dead and she is faced with going to the orphanage, Cassie decides to run away from Fowell House, the awful boarding school she has been attending, whatever the danger. She finds herself chased by a pack of goblins, but escapes their clutches with the help of a talking cat called Montague on a flying broom to the village of Hedgely. Here, she learns that she comes from a family of witches who protect Britain from the Faerie and that she is the niece of the Hedgewitch herself.

What a fabulous read! Skye McKenna balances the real and magic worlds with skill, creating a rich and well developed story. Cassie is subjected to bullying at her school, victim of the hockey team and their leader, Lizzie Bleacher, who make her life miserable. These pages are uncomfortable reading as Cassie tries to become ‘invisible’, isolated from any hope of friendship or support from a seemingly complicit staff, yet suffers verbally and physically at the hands of her tormentors.

Determined to find out what happened to her mother, Cassie shows herself to be determined and resourceful, making firm friendships as she navigates her new life. There is plenty of action and adventure to keep the reader on the edge of their seat. Montague is a wonderful character, delivering advice in the most cat-like manner and ultimately proving the most faithful familiar!

A great read for those who love magic and mystery!

Hedgewitch Skye McKenna

Welbeck Flame ISBN: 978-1801300087