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Witches Aren't Wicked: A coven's fight for female equality.
Six witches, six perspectives, one coven.
In the Delgosi Isles, magic was outlawed for witches years ago, and the girls want nothing more than to use their powers freely. The coven have been practicing in secret, right in the depths of Eastfall woods, and they have a plan. A plan to change the way the world works.
All they need to do is convince the current king that they're not dangerous. With an invention and a great speech in their grasp, the six girls start their journey to Fairpoint, the capital city in which the royal family resides. If only things were that straightforward.
Their deadly quest for equality brings a crusade of trickery, corruption and loss. The plan is simple, they just have to fight the royals and win .
In the Delgosi Isles, magic was outlawed for witches years ago, and the girls want nothing more than to use their powers freely. The coven have been practicing in secret, right in the depths of Eastfall woods, and they have a plan. A plan to change the way the world works.
All they need to do is convince the current king that they're not dangerous. With an invention and a great speech in their grasp, the six girls start their journey to Fairpoint, the capital city in which the royal family resides. If only things were that straightforward.
Their deadly quest for equality brings a crusade of trickery, corruption and loss. The plan is simple, they just have to fight the royals and win .
308 pages, Paperback
Published March 23, 2021
1 person is currently reading
466 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
March 26, 2021
Big thanks to the publisher for my gifted copy.
Rating: 3.5/5. Set in the Degosi Island, 𝘞𝘪𝘵𝘤𝘩𝘦𝘴 𝘈𝘳𝘦𝘯’𝘵 𝘞𝘪𝘤𝘬𝘦𝘥 follows six young girls on their journey and quest to fight for equality. Because they are witches. And in their world, women aren’t allowed to perform magic. If discovered, witches are to be killed, and the danger comes even from those closest to you. Flo, Addy, Ottie, June, Dru and Clydia form their own family, and are determined to survive against all odds.
𝘞𝘪𝘵𝘤𝘩𝘦𝘴 𝘈𝘳𝘦𝘯’𝘵 𝘞𝘪𝘤𝘬𝘦𝘥 is told in 1st person, with each of the girls taking turns to narrate the story and their struggles. I felt at moments like it was a little distracting, seeing the main story from so many point of views, especially as it’s middle-grade book, but it was nice to meet all the characters throughout the book. All of them had sad and heartbreaking backstory, and while I didn’t necessarily feel like I needed to see the whole backstory initially, the action picked later on in the book and their stakes and goals were intensified by their traumatic past.
But it is Laurence who has been my favourite character. While I won’t get into details here to keep this review spoiler-free, he’s such a cinnamon roll, honestly! But still has to make hard choices...
Overall, I’d recommend this book to middle-graders and those enjoying children’s books. 𝘞𝘪𝘵𝘤𝘩𝘦𝘴 𝘈𝘳𝘦𝘯’𝘵 𝘞𝘪𝘤𝘬𝘦𝘥 has an important message at its heart - with all the characters essentially fighting to equality for women!
Rating: 3.5/5. Set in the Degosi Island, 𝘞𝘪𝘵𝘤𝘩𝘦𝘴 𝘈𝘳𝘦𝘯’𝘵 𝘞𝘪𝘤𝘬𝘦𝘥 follows six young girls on their journey and quest to fight for equality. Because they are witches. And in their world, women aren’t allowed to perform magic. If discovered, witches are to be killed, and the danger comes even from those closest to you. Flo, Addy, Ottie, June, Dru and Clydia form their own family, and are determined to survive against all odds.
𝘞𝘪𝘵𝘤𝘩𝘦𝘴 𝘈𝘳𝘦𝘯’𝘵 𝘞𝘪𝘤𝘬𝘦𝘥 is told in 1st person, with each of the girls taking turns to narrate the story and their struggles. I felt at moments like it was a little distracting, seeing the main story from so many point of views, especially as it’s middle-grade book, but it was nice to meet all the characters throughout the book. All of them had sad and heartbreaking backstory, and while I didn’t necessarily feel like I needed to see the whole backstory initially, the action picked later on in the book and their stakes and goals were intensified by their traumatic past.
But it is Laurence who has been my favourite character. While I won’t get into details here to keep this review spoiler-free, he’s such a cinnamon roll, honestly! But still has to make hard choices...
Overall, I’d recommend this book to middle-graders and those enjoying children’s books. 𝘞𝘪𝘵𝘤𝘩𝘦𝘴 𝘈𝘳𝘦𝘯’𝘵 𝘞𝘪𝘤𝘬𝘦𝘥 has an important message at its heart - with all the characters essentially fighting to equality for women!
March 22, 2021
*I received a free copy of this book with thanks to the author and to Stuart Debar of SRL Publishing. The decision to review and my opinions are my own.*
Witches Aren’t Wicked is a middle grade magical adventure novel, featuring six young witches in a kingdom where witchcraft is forbidden.
The story is told from each of the girls’ points of view in turn – Clydia, Dru, Addy, Ottie, Flo and June – filling the reader in on their various backstories to explain how they met each other and joined the coven. Each girl brings different magical – and non-magical – skills to the group, and each has had to overcome their own hardships and struggles to make it as far as they have when the story begins.
Woven between the background histories is the ‘current day’ thread, which sees the girls heading to an audience with the King, where they intend to put on a display of their talents, then plead for their right to practice magic freely. Their plan is a complex one, involving all of the skills they have learnt this far, plus a fair amount of natural cunning and plenty of luck.
Along the way, the six witches practice their skills, deepen their sisterly friendship bonds, and make a few new allies which they will desperately need if they hope to succeed in their ambitious plan to change the whole of their society in one confrontation.
I did find that it was a little difficult to keep the girls separate in my mind at times to begin with, and I wondered whether we needed to hear from each of the characters individually, but I soon got the hang of them all once the story really began to unfold.
After all the build-up of their journey, the climax of the story was shockingly explosive and wrapped up the main plot quite neatly. I think Minishine (at 8 years old) would find some of the action a little too much yet, especially towards the big confrontation scene, but am sure she would love reading about these magical heroines in a few years time.
Suited for older middle-grade, or teen, readers who love reading about strong female characters and magical escapades, Witches Aren’t Wicked is a tale of equality, determination and sisterhood.
'I’m a witch, or so I’m often told, but I’m not dangerous. I’m not wicked. I’m just a girl with an ability. An affinity for magic, if you will. The issue is, magic is outlawed for women in the Delgosi Isles, which is where I live. Wizards are common amongst the villages around us, but we must hide. If we don’t, we could be imprisoned. We could be killed.
My sisters and I slowly found one another, drawn to the missing elements in our own magic. The elements we control are part of us, coursing through our veins like blood. Something that started with just two of us has grown into a coven of six strong witches. We nourished it, made it our own. Our strengths, our weaknesses, our bonds, our powers. Everything between us shaped what is not only a coven but now a family.'
– Hannah Baldwin, Witches Aren’t Wicked
Review by Steph Warren of Bookshine and Readbows blog
https://bookshineandreadbows.wordpres...
Witches Aren’t Wicked is a middle grade magical adventure novel, featuring six young witches in a kingdom where witchcraft is forbidden.
The story is told from each of the girls’ points of view in turn – Clydia, Dru, Addy, Ottie, Flo and June – filling the reader in on their various backstories to explain how they met each other and joined the coven. Each girl brings different magical – and non-magical – skills to the group, and each has had to overcome their own hardships and struggles to make it as far as they have when the story begins.
Woven between the background histories is the ‘current day’ thread, which sees the girls heading to an audience with the King, where they intend to put on a display of their talents, then plead for their right to practice magic freely. Their plan is a complex one, involving all of the skills they have learnt this far, plus a fair amount of natural cunning and plenty of luck.
Along the way, the six witches practice their skills, deepen their sisterly friendship bonds, and make a few new allies which they will desperately need if they hope to succeed in their ambitious plan to change the whole of their society in one confrontation.
I did find that it was a little difficult to keep the girls separate in my mind at times to begin with, and I wondered whether we needed to hear from each of the characters individually, but I soon got the hang of them all once the story really began to unfold.
After all the build-up of their journey, the climax of the story was shockingly explosive and wrapped up the main plot quite neatly. I think Minishine (at 8 years old) would find some of the action a little too much yet, especially towards the big confrontation scene, but am sure she would love reading about these magical heroines in a few years time.
Suited for older middle-grade, or teen, readers who love reading about strong female characters and magical escapades, Witches Aren’t Wicked is a tale of equality, determination and sisterhood.
'I’m a witch, or so I’m often told, but I’m not dangerous. I’m not wicked. I’m just a girl with an ability. An affinity for magic, if you will. The issue is, magic is outlawed for women in the Delgosi Isles, which is where I live. Wizards are common amongst the villages around us, but we must hide. If we don’t, we could be imprisoned. We could be killed.
My sisters and I slowly found one another, drawn to the missing elements in our own magic. The elements we control are part of us, coursing through our veins like blood. Something that started with just two of us has grown into a coven of six strong witches. We nourished it, made it our own. Our strengths, our weaknesses, our bonds, our powers. Everything between us shaped what is not only a coven but now a family.'
– Hannah Baldwin, Witches Aren’t Wicked
Review by Steph Warren of Bookshine and Readbows blog
https://bookshineandreadbows.wordpres...
October 29, 2021
I couldn't really get on with this book. I feel like it would have been much better coming from just one or two perspectives rather than 6 as all the 'voices' sounded the same and it got pretty confusing as to who was narrating. There was no time to feel any kind of real connection to the characters (for me anyway).
I also felt sorry for poor old Larry the horse, pulling 7 people, a carriage, all their food and equipment all that way.
I feel like my much younger self (10-12) would have enjoyed this a lot more than grown up me.
I also felt sorry for poor old Larry the horse, pulling 7 people, a carriage, all their food and equipment all that way.
I feel like my much younger self (10-12) would have enjoyed this a lot more than grown up me.
October 21, 2021
This was incredibly cute! The real strength of the story lies with the characters and the connections they build over the course of the book. I loved all of their individual personalities and their tight sisterhood. My personal favorite witch was Addy and her ability to combine science with her magic. This really was an enjoyable and easy character driven tale about sisters with an incredible theme about womanhood and defining one owns destiny outside of societal expectations. Too cute!
February 14, 2022
The storyline was ok however it didn’t flow and it was quite confusing having six character perspectives running throughout the book. It’s a shame as it could have been an amazing debut novel.
March 7, 2024
I rather enjoy this book the different sides of what happens between the girls was very well written it was a Lovley story and had the ending I wanted despite the death which I didn’t really want to happen but all great characters different personalities so it would make a good book for most to read as their will be atleast one person you can relate to and the positive message at the front was Lovley and the book looks so beautiful it’s what first drew me to buy this was how pretty the cover was
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 31, 2021
I was sent a copy of this book for review.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~.
In the Delgosi Isles the practice of magic by women is outlawed. Witches are hunted, imprisoned and even put to death. Parents turn on their children and neighbours spy on their friends. It is not a safe place for a witch to live.
In the village 6 women gathered together to form a Coven with a mission to craft and perfect spells to create something powerful to impress the King and persuade him to change the laws regarding witches. Florence, Drusilla, June, Ottilie, Clydia and Adelaide each have their own sad and distressing personal backstory that made them the women they are now and brought them together to fight back. When their spells are ready they set out on the long journey to the Palace. Along the way they meet new friends and dangerous witch hunters, both adding to their determination to succeed in their task. One such friend turns out to be a powerful ally who, after spending time with the Coven, is determined to help them in their cause and secure an audience with the King. Will they manage to change the fortunes of all witches or will they be arrested on sight at the palace, only time will tell.
I give this book 🌟🌟🌟🌟. It has an interesting concept and I loved the strong message of women empowerment that was at the heart of the plot. Each of these women has had a hard life with a few having heartbreakingly tragic moments in their lives but they were all able to overcome those hardships, band together and strive for a better life for themselves and for all women. It is a very important subject at the moment especially for girls and younger women to give them a sense of self-worth from an early age. I did find the swapping of POVs across the 6 women a little confusing to the plot at certain moments. I wasn’t sure what era this was set in as it seemed to include modern day terminology while using historical references which was a little jarring. Overall I felt connected to the plight of these women and in awe of their vivacious and courageous plan.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~.
In the Delgosi Isles the practice of magic by women is outlawed. Witches are hunted, imprisoned and even put to death. Parents turn on their children and neighbours spy on their friends. It is not a safe place for a witch to live.
In the village 6 women gathered together to form a Coven with a mission to craft and perfect spells to create something powerful to impress the King and persuade him to change the laws regarding witches. Florence, Drusilla, June, Ottilie, Clydia and Adelaide each have their own sad and distressing personal backstory that made them the women they are now and brought them together to fight back. When their spells are ready they set out on the long journey to the Palace. Along the way they meet new friends and dangerous witch hunters, both adding to their determination to succeed in their task. One such friend turns out to be a powerful ally who, after spending time with the Coven, is determined to help them in their cause and secure an audience with the King. Will they manage to change the fortunes of all witches or will they be arrested on sight at the palace, only time will tell.
I give this book 🌟🌟🌟🌟. It has an interesting concept and I loved the strong message of women empowerment that was at the heart of the plot. Each of these women has had a hard life with a few having heartbreakingly tragic moments in their lives but they were all able to overcome those hardships, band together and strive for a better life for themselves and for all women. It is a very important subject at the moment especially for girls and younger women to give them a sense of self-worth from an early age. I did find the swapping of POVs across the 6 women a little confusing to the plot at certain moments. I wasn’t sure what era this was set in as it seemed to include modern day terminology while using historical references which was a little jarring. Overall I felt connected to the plight of these women and in awe of their vivacious and courageous plan.
March 29, 2021
Witches aren't Wicked
By Hannah Baldwin
This is a story aimed at middleschool children about a group of young girls who each have different powers/strengths magical and non-magical who form a covern.
Each character (Florence, June, Ottilie, Adelaide, Drusilla, Clydia) is introduced individually and you learn about their backstories before they commence on their journey.
Their aim is to persuade the King to allow them to explore their magic freely and rain free!
One of their only form of protection is to 'glamour' which is a spell that makes their appearance change, in this case the safest disguse is to be a male, after all who would suspect a male of using magic?
The history of witch hunters is a threat to their existence but will they manage to pursued the King that...
Witches aren't Wicked???
🧙🏼Bravery
🧙🏻♀️Friendship
🧙🏼Sisterhood
A well written story that I think all 11-14 year olds would enjoy, any younger they may find the ending a little gory!
⭐⭐⭐ from me!🤓
Thank you to Stuart from #srlpublishing for my gifted copy in exchange for an honest review.
By Hannah Baldwin
This is a story aimed at middleschool children about a group of young girls who each have different powers/strengths magical and non-magical who form a covern.
Each character (Florence, June, Ottilie, Adelaide, Drusilla, Clydia) is introduced individually and you learn about their backstories before they commence on their journey.
Their aim is to persuade the King to allow them to explore their magic freely and rain free!
One of their only form of protection is to 'glamour' which is a spell that makes their appearance change, in this case the safest disguse is to be a male, after all who would suspect a male of using magic?
The history of witch hunters is a threat to their existence but will they manage to pursued the King that...
Witches aren't Wicked???
🧙🏼Bravery
🧙🏻♀️Friendship
🧙🏼Sisterhood
A well written story that I think all 11-14 year olds would enjoy, any younger they may find the ending a little gory!
⭐⭐⭐ from me!🤓
Thank you to Stuart from #srlpublishing for my gifted copy in exchange for an honest review.
May 31, 2021
This is the book little me would've loved to have had. And big me loves it now too.
I loved the rawness, the fierceness, the kindness, and the gentleness of all the girls. They showed that you didn't have to be less or hide yourself, or even make yourself different, to be who you wanted or to get where you needed to go. You could be you and that was more than enough.
We all know June was my favourite. Little June. Forever in our hearts. She was my favourite from the first moment I read this book when it was in its infancy, and she's still my favourite now.
Hannah writes exceptionally well (I am biased because she's ma bestie) and I cannot wait to read more from her, whatever comes next!!!
I loved the rawness, the fierceness, the kindness, and the gentleness of all the girls. They showed that you didn't have to be less or hide yourself, or even make yourself different, to be who you wanted or to get where you needed to go. You could be you and that was more than enough.
We all know June was my favourite. Little June. Forever in our hearts. She was my favourite from the first moment I read this book when it was in its infancy, and she's still my favourite now.
Hannah writes exceptionally well (I am biased because she's ma bestie) and I cannot wait to read more from her, whatever comes next!!!
February 10, 2022
Witches aren’t Wicked - 2/5
By Hannah Baldwin
This was 100% a cover buy. The book is gorgeous. The binding is gorgeous. As an aesthetic, this book is absolutely perfect.
Sadly, inside was lacking. The editing in this book was so poor, I was getting frustrated whilst trying to read it. This story was told from the POV of 6 young witches, and honestly? All 6 POVs sounded exactly the same.
This story had so much potential but it just fell flat. I don’t want to be too critical of it as I did enjoy bits of it. But sadly, it just wasn’t for me.
By Hannah Baldwin
This was 100% a cover buy. The book is gorgeous. The binding is gorgeous. As an aesthetic, this book is absolutely perfect.
Sadly, inside was lacking. The editing in this book was so poor, I was getting frustrated whilst trying to read it. This story was told from the POV of 6 young witches, and honestly? All 6 POVs sounded exactly the same.
This story had so much potential but it just fell flat. I don’t want to be too critical of it as I did enjoy bits of it. But sadly, it just wasn’t for me.
May 11, 2022
Lets just start with what a beautiful cover this is? 😍
Witches aren't Wicked is a nice easy to read novel, definitely aimed for the younger readers. It's told in the POV of all six witches, which i don't mind but they all sounded very similar.
Could see this as novel condensed to be the intro of a much larger and detailed series of witch novels in the world of Delgosi Isles.
Witches aren't Wicked is a nice easy to read novel, definitely aimed for the younger readers. It's told in the POV of all six witches, which i don't mind but they all sounded very similar.
Could see this as novel condensed to be the intro of a much larger and detailed series of witch novels in the world of Delgosi Isles.
May 11, 2022
Like others I tried so hard to like this book but got to page 152 and decided to give up. Too many points of view. Unexpanded storyline. Not brilliantly written. Not sure what age group it is aimed at but just not very well written or edited. Sad as I thought I would live this book!
July 27, 2022
The plot of this book is great but the world building and execution of it is very lacking. It felt very rushed and basic. Was very much looking forward to this and feel it would of benefited from a lot more work and becoming a duology or trilogy.
September 18, 2023
A real witchy read! Absolutely loved this book, took me a little while to get into it and fall in love with the characters as it was told from 6 different characters. But I loved all the girls & their own little characters and powers. A book about female empowerment. Really good read
January 18, 2024
Very naively written. 6 girls go on a quest to the capital of their fantasy kingdom to petition the king in regards to making witchcraft legal again. I got a little bored partway through and struggled to finish despite it being a fairly easy read.
January 1, 2022
This is a quaint story and a nice easy read. I enjoyed it but wouldn't rave over it.
April 20, 2022
It was an okay read. Light reading but didn’t have too much action. Enjoyed it but probably won’t read again
October 28, 2022
Great witchy read. A bit confusing and simple at some parts but the world building and the descriptions of places and objects made the imagery very vivid.
May 12, 2025
Love a witchy book
February 22, 2024
I recieved this book at Christmas in a book advent calendar off my fiance. I have never read any of Hannah Baldwin's books so I was excited to try out a new author. Before I even read the book I was instantly drawn to it by the cover,I thought the cover looked really nice. The title of the book gave me excitement. Then I read the blurb and I instantly knew that it would be a good book for me to read. I had only read a few pages and I was hooked. This book is impossible for me to put down ,I'm on edge , it gave me joy ,excitement, it was full of twists and I just want more.
March 29, 2024
4/5⭐️. I enjoyed this book so much, it was perfect for autumn, this book was heavy and sad for the most part. However, the humour and pace/plot was really good and overall, I enjoyed it.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews