Wild Is the Witch

Iris Gray is a witch hiding in plain sight. After a traumatic incident in her past caused by her magic, she lives in fear of her own power. When a local bully pushes her too far, she casts a curse that manifests as a deadly owl, threatening to expose her and harm the town. She must trek into the rugged mountains of Washington state to undo the magic, accompanied by Pike, a boy who hunts witches. SENSITIVE TOPICS: The book deals with trauma and social ostracization. The approach is metaphorical, using magic as a stand-in for repressed emotions and past 'sins.' The resolution is realistic and hopeful, emphasizing that while we cannot erase our pasts, we can choose how we move forward. EMOTIONAL ARC: The story begins with high-tension anxiety and heavy secrecy. It builds into a survivalist thriller that mirrors Iris's internal breakdown. It ends on a note of self-acceptance and cautious optimism. IDEAL READER: A high schooler who feels like an outsider or who is paralyzed by perfectionism and the fear of making a visible mistake. It's for the 'quiet' kid who has a lot of internal turbulence. PARENT TRIGGER: A parent might see their child withdrawing from social circles or expressing deep self-loathing after a social fallout or academic failure. PARENT PREP: There is some romantic tension and moderate peril. Parents should be aware of the intense focus on self-harming thoughts regarding one's reputation and identity. AGE EXPERIENCE: Younger teens will focus on the survival adventure and the 'enemies to lovers' romance trope. Older teens will resonate more deeply with the nuance of Iris's guilt and the ethical dilemma of hiding one's true nature. DIFFERENTIATOR: Unlike many fantasy novels where magic is a gift to be celebrated, Griffin treats magic as a volatile extension of the psyche that requires immense emotional maturity to handle.