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Glunda The Veg Witch
“A witch’s boots told the story of her life. They showed you where she’d been, where she was going, and what kind of a witch she would be when she got there. And, most importantly, they were proof that said witch was not someone to be trifled with. She was to be listened to, and obeyed, and yes sometimes even feared, because her wisdom was hard earned and her wrath swift and mighty. They would have to be, for her to have lived in such boots for so many a year. No one trusted a witch in brand new boots, and rightly so as far as Glunda was concerned.”
Glunda Ashwillow is on top of the world. About to become head witch, and the youngest ever Guardian of the Golden Key, the only thing standing in her way is her old enemy, the Drupe Mages. They have the key, and they're not willing to give it up without a fight.
With a coven of quarrelsome witches to contend with, and a fief full of farmers on the verge of revolt, can Glunda beat the mages and get the key before she runs out of veg? Or is there a cold, hard, carrot-less winter ahead for all concerned?
A tale of heroism and hotpots, Glunda The Veg Witch is a fun fantasy adventure everyone can enjoy.
Glunda Ashwillow is on top of the world. About to become head witch, and the youngest ever Guardian of the Golden Key, the only thing standing in her way is her old enemy, the Drupe Mages. They have the key, and they're not willing to give it up without a fight.
With a coven of quarrelsome witches to contend with, and a fief full of farmers on the verge of revolt, can Glunda beat the mages and get the key before she runs out of veg? Or is there a cold, hard, carrot-less winter ahead for all concerned?
A tale of heroism and hotpots, Glunda The Veg Witch is a fun fantasy adventure everyone can enjoy.
149 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 31, 2023
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
January 13, 2025
Originally posted on my blog
Note: I was a panelist for the Book Bloggers’ Novel of the Year Award (BBNYA) and this was one of my reads for the final round, hence the delay in the posting of this review. This won 7th place.
This was a fun, fast-paced read. Glunda is an interesting character to follow, but all the other witches have their own personalities too. Plus Alar grows on you, which surprised me. This book is definitely a cozy fantasy and I'm glad to see that reflected in the cover as well.
I didn't find anything particularly mind-blowing about the story, but I appreciated the lore that distinguished the witches from the mages, and how the slice of life elements were presented without the whole thing ending up being boring. I certainly didn't expect to enjoy reading about a magical farming village that much, or that there'd be a lot going on to keep everyone occupied for a year!
Note: I was a panelist for the Book Bloggers’ Novel of the Year Award (BBNYA) and this was one of my reads for the final round, hence the delay in the posting of this review. This won 7th place.
This was a fun, fast-paced read. Glunda is an interesting character to follow, but all the other witches have their own personalities too. Plus Alar grows on you, which surprised me. This book is definitely a cozy fantasy and I'm glad to see that reflected in the cover as well.
I didn't find anything particularly mind-blowing about the story, but I appreciated the lore that distinguished the witches from the mages, and how the slice of life elements were presented without the whole thing ending up being boring. I certainly didn't expect to enjoy reading about a magical farming village that much, or that there'd be a lot going on to keep everyone occupied for a year!
June 19, 2025
4.5
Book source ~ BBNYA
I really wish I had written this review when I finished the story for BBNYA 2024 back in December. Because this many months from reading it I’m only left with impressions. Although, impressions can be a decent review, right? I remember just falling right into the story. There was no need to gradually wade in. The wonderful writing allows the reader to just jump in with both feet and be there. Glunda is a great character even if some of the others are decidedly not. It’s a cute story. Ok, maybe cute isn’t the word I’m looking for. Charming? Yes, charming. And humorous. And there is greed. Greedy little turds, the Drupe Mages. This is a great book to pick up if you just want an escape from the real world for a while. When things settle down around my home (renovations are creating chaos) I'm going to re-read it. And I only re-read favorite stories. So that should tell you something. Grab your copy now and let me know if you enjoy it as much as I did.
Book source ~ BBNYA
I really wish I had written this review when I finished the story for BBNYA 2024 back in December. Because this many months from reading it I’m only left with impressions. Although, impressions can be a decent review, right? I remember just falling right into the story. There was no need to gradually wade in. The wonderful writing allows the reader to just jump in with both feet and be there. Glunda is a great character even if some of the others are decidedly not. It’s a cute story. Ok, maybe cute isn’t the word I’m looking for. Charming? Yes, charming. And humorous. And there is greed. Greedy little turds, the Drupe Mages. This is a great book to pick up if you just want an escape from the real world for a while. When things settle down around my home (renovations are creating chaos) I'm going to re-read it. And I only re-read favorite stories. So that should tell you something. Grab your copy now and let me know if you enjoy it as much as I did.
May 20, 2026
Glunda the Veg Witch is a delightful little cozy fantasy novella which focuses on two magical factions fighting over their power over the local villagers and the food that will sustain them through the winter months. I found Glunda and her coven-mates reminiscent of Terry Pratchett’s witches. The book has a similar tongue-in-cheek humour and light heartedly pokes fun at its main characters.
The Veg witches and the Drupe Mages are fighting over the village farmers’ bounties. The Mages just want to get everything they can for the cheapest amount of money no matter what winter hardships this brings to the townsfolk and the witches. The witches want to help the villagers but have to survive winter themselves, and require some form of payment for their help.
The unlikely alliance of Glunda, her old schoolmate Clem, the farmer’s son and the handsome Drupe Mage, Alar Reeve (who finally sees the error of his group’s ways), comes up with a solution in the form of a People’s Council.
Maybe the author has found a solution for bipartisan politics everywhere:
“No one over thirty will be allowed to stand for election. The council is for those that want to make a difference, not those who are only interested in safeguarding their tiny little piece of the pie.”
Glunda the Veg Witch is a quick and cozy light-hearted read which I thoroughly enjoyed. The inclusion of a recipe for Glunda’s veggie soup at the back of the book was a nice touch.
I received a complimentary copy of this book through the SFINCS3 novella competition, for which I am grateful!
The Veg witches and the Drupe Mages are fighting over the village farmers’ bounties. The Mages just want to get everything they can for the cheapest amount of money no matter what winter hardships this brings to the townsfolk and the witches. The witches want to help the villagers but have to survive winter themselves, and require some form of payment for their help.
The unlikely alliance of Glunda, her old schoolmate Clem, the farmer’s son and the handsome Drupe Mage, Alar Reeve (who finally sees the error of his group’s ways), comes up with a solution in the form of a People’s Council.
Maybe the author has found a solution for bipartisan politics everywhere:
“No one over thirty will be allowed to stand for election. The council is for those that want to make a difference, not those who are only interested in safeguarding their tiny little piece of the pie.”
Glunda the Veg Witch is a quick and cozy light-hearted read which I thoroughly enjoyed. The inclusion of a recipe for Glunda’s veggie soup at the back of the book was a nice touch.
I received a complimentary copy of this book through the SFINCS3 novella competition, for which I am grateful!
June 13, 2025
Glunda the Veg Witch was the 7th place finalist in BBNYA 2024!
About BBNYA
BBNYA is a yearly competition where book bloggers from all over the world read and score books written by indie authors, ending with 15 finalists (16 in 2024) and one overall winner.
If you want some more information about BBNYA, check out the BBNYA Website https://www.bbnya.com/ or take a peek over on Twitter @BBNYA_Official. BBNYA is brought to you in association with the book blogger support group @The_WriteReads.
Book Details
Length: 149 Pages
Genre: Fantasy
Age Category: New Adult
Date Published: October 31, 2023
Amazon Link: https://a.co/d/0PuM2ij (USA) https://amzn.eu/d/g53yea8 (UK) https://a.co/d/3rEJIWd (Canada)
Goodreads Link: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/1...
The Story Graph Link:
https://app.thestorygraph.com/books/b...
Blurb
“A witch’s boots told the story of her life. They showed you where she’d been, where she was going, and what kind of a witch she would be when she got there. And, most importantly, they were proof that said witch was not someone to be trifled with. She was to be listened to, and obeyed, and yes sometimes even feared, because her wisdom was hard earned and her wrath swift and mighty. They would have to be, for her to have lived in such boots for so many a year. No one trusted a witch in brand new boots, and rightly so as far as Glunda was concerned.”
Glunda Ashwillow is on top of the world. About to become head witch, and the youngest ever Guardian of the Golden Key, the only thing standing in her way is her old enemy, the Drupe Mages. They have the key, and they're not willing to give it up without a fight.
With a coven of quarrelsome witches to contend with, and a fief full of farmers on the verge of revolt, can Glunda beat the mages and get the key before she runs out of veg? Or is there a cold, hard, carrot-less winter ahead for all concerned?
A tale of heroism and hotpots, Glunda The Veg Witch is a fun fantasy adventure everyone can enjoy.
Author Bio
Born a stone's throw from the Lake District, Keith studied film making at university before moving to London to work in film and TV. After twenty years of doing other people’s bidding he went around the world, trained as a yoga teacher, rode a camel, got a tattoo he doesn't regret, and was finally able to publish his first novel, DEXTER & SINISTER: DETECTING AGENTS, something he has dreamed of since he was eight years old and asked for a typewriter for Christmas.
Currently residing in Leeds, when he’s not up a mountain Keith can be found trying to get his foot behind his head. He hasn’t managed it yet, but he’ll get there one day.
Keith has four books out, THE HAMMERSMYTH TALES, a steampunk series that includes two novels and a collection of short stories, and GLUNDA THE VEG WITCH, his first foray into cosy fantasy.
My Review
This is such a fun book to read. The writing is beautiful, and it was so easy to read that I raced through the chapters.
I was happy for the change in genre and heaviness.
You follow the life of glunda she is a veg witch, sourcing her power from vegetables (who knew they could be so powerful). She is about to become keeper of the cauldron a big honour in the witch community, but when she is about to receive the golden key to gain control over the winter periods, the mages have other plans. They want control all the time....
This book takes you on a journey of comprising, listening to others, and putting other's needs above your own pride. It light, heart warming and a little silly but it's a perfect combination.
I would highly recommend if your in a reading slump or have been reading a lot of heavy, same kind of genre books as its so refreshing.
About BBNYA
BBNYA is a yearly competition where book bloggers from all over the world read and score books written by indie authors, ending with 15 finalists (16 in 2024) and one overall winner.
If you want some more information about BBNYA, check out the BBNYA Website https://www.bbnya.com/ or take a peek over on Twitter @BBNYA_Official. BBNYA is brought to you in association with the book blogger support group @The_WriteReads.
Book Details
Length: 149 Pages
Genre: Fantasy
Age Category: New Adult
Date Published: October 31, 2023
Amazon Link: https://a.co/d/0PuM2ij (USA) https://amzn.eu/d/g53yea8 (UK) https://a.co/d/3rEJIWd (Canada)
Goodreads Link: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/1...
The Story Graph Link:
https://app.thestorygraph.com/books/b...
Blurb
“A witch’s boots told the story of her life. They showed you where she’d been, where she was going, and what kind of a witch she would be when she got there. And, most importantly, they were proof that said witch was not someone to be trifled with. She was to be listened to, and obeyed, and yes sometimes even feared, because her wisdom was hard earned and her wrath swift and mighty. They would have to be, for her to have lived in such boots for so many a year. No one trusted a witch in brand new boots, and rightly so as far as Glunda was concerned.”
Glunda Ashwillow is on top of the world. About to become head witch, and the youngest ever Guardian of the Golden Key, the only thing standing in her way is her old enemy, the Drupe Mages. They have the key, and they're not willing to give it up without a fight.
With a coven of quarrelsome witches to contend with, and a fief full of farmers on the verge of revolt, can Glunda beat the mages and get the key before she runs out of veg? Or is there a cold, hard, carrot-less winter ahead for all concerned?
A tale of heroism and hotpots, Glunda The Veg Witch is a fun fantasy adventure everyone can enjoy.
Author Bio
Born a stone's throw from the Lake District, Keith studied film making at university before moving to London to work in film and TV. After twenty years of doing other people’s bidding he went around the world, trained as a yoga teacher, rode a camel, got a tattoo he doesn't regret, and was finally able to publish his first novel, DEXTER & SINISTER: DETECTING AGENTS, something he has dreamed of since he was eight years old and asked for a typewriter for Christmas.
Currently residing in Leeds, when he’s not up a mountain Keith can be found trying to get his foot behind his head. He hasn’t managed it yet, but he’ll get there one day.
Keith has four books out, THE HAMMERSMYTH TALES, a steampunk series that includes two novels and a collection of short stories, and GLUNDA THE VEG WITCH, his first foray into cosy fantasy.
My Review
This is such a fun book to read. The writing is beautiful, and it was so easy to read that I raced through the chapters.
I was happy for the change in genre and heaviness.
You follow the life of glunda she is a veg witch, sourcing her power from vegetables (who knew they could be so powerful). She is about to become keeper of the cauldron a big honour in the witch community, but when she is about to receive the golden key to gain control over the winter periods, the mages have other plans. They want control all the time....
This book takes you on a journey of comprising, listening to others, and putting other's needs above your own pride. It light, heart warming and a little silly but it's a perfect combination.
I would highly recommend if your in a reading slump or have been reading a lot of heavy, same kind of genre books as its so refreshing.
June 12, 2025
Rating 4.5/5
This was such a fun read; it's definitely what I would call a cosy fantasy, with a simple yet effective story. The witches and the mages are in power in different seasons and when the time comes for the mages to hand that power over to Glunda and the witches they decide not to. What follows is an amusing story of the fallout of that choice on the community which I managed to lose myself in very easily.
There was something a little underdog about Glunda which I liked immensely, the witches seemed to be a bit more chaotic and expressive and weren’t afraid of giving their opinions to each other. By comparison, the mages seemed to favour clear power structures and had a superior vibe to them.
The farmers and townsfolk were all quite varied and the small-town attitudes made for some interesting scheming; I liked the addition of the local accent too because it gave the story a good sense of place.
I feel like there could have been a little more depth to some of the characters and I would like to have maybe known a little more about the motivations of some of them too. I think because this is a short story it feels like you only really scratch the surface but it does also feel as if there is more to these characters than what we get in this book.
The message in this story was fantastic, that some changes can be good and not everything has to stay the same, it feels like a message that can apply to any part of life. I liked how it all came together in the end, with Glunda and Alar putting aside their differences to work together for the betterment of everyone, even though it wasn't the popular choice among their own.
Glunda The Veg Witch is an enjoyable, light and entertaining read, it did all go by without too much conflict and the critical side in me wonders if maybe it wrapped up a little too easily. However, on the whole, I had a good time reading this book and that's all I can ask for.
Originally posted on everywhere and nowhere
This was such a fun read; it's definitely what I would call a cosy fantasy, with a simple yet effective story. The witches and the mages are in power in different seasons and when the time comes for the mages to hand that power over to Glunda and the witches they decide not to. What follows is an amusing story of the fallout of that choice on the community which I managed to lose myself in very easily.
There was something a little underdog about Glunda which I liked immensely, the witches seemed to be a bit more chaotic and expressive and weren’t afraid of giving their opinions to each other. By comparison, the mages seemed to favour clear power structures and had a superior vibe to them.
The farmers and townsfolk were all quite varied and the small-town attitudes made for some interesting scheming; I liked the addition of the local accent too because it gave the story a good sense of place.
I feel like there could have been a little more depth to some of the characters and I would like to have maybe known a little more about the motivations of some of them too. I think because this is a short story it feels like you only really scratch the surface but it does also feel as if there is more to these characters than what we get in this book.
The message in this story was fantastic, that some changes can be good and not everything has to stay the same, it feels like a message that can apply to any part of life. I liked how it all came together in the end, with Glunda and Alar putting aside their differences to work together for the betterment of everyone, even though it wasn't the popular choice among their own.
Glunda The Veg Witch is an enjoyable, light and entertaining read, it did all go by without too much conflict and the critical side in me wonders if maybe it wrapped up a little too easily. However, on the whole, I had a good time reading this book and that's all I can ask for.
Originally posted on everywhere and nowhere
April 4, 2024
A good book for when you want to leave a stressful day at the door and just fall into a cozy world for a little while. Thoroughly charming.
October 1, 2025
This review is available on Grimoire Ink Reviews
For my first novella of the Speculative Fiction Indie Novella Championship (SFINC3), I have to say I think I started this competition well.
Glunda the Veg Witch is a cute read with what I would like to call ‘low stakes’, except that does kind of go into abuse of power which results in lesser crop yields, which could lead very serious food scarcity consequences. But also ‘high stakes’ doesn’t feel right.
Let me explain.
There’s Glunda, she’s a veg witch. This is not a spoiler, it’s the title of the book. The veg witches are Guardians of the Golden Key for six months of the year — the autumn and winter. During this time they are responsible for blessing the fields and using their magic to help those around them grow their vegetables to sell and also not starve. In return, they are provided with some offerings of veggies to keep their powers strong.
Who holds the key the rest of the year? The Drupe Mages. They get their power from fruit and with this new discovery of how to grow delicious fruit year round, they get too big for their boots and as the blurb said, refuse to give up the key without a fight.
But it’s all for the good of the people, right? No matter who holds the key, they get the blessings for their fields, right? That’s a big ol’ wrong. And from that we have the internal and cross magic politics of the story.
Glunda, being the youngest ever to have been named Guardian of the Golden Key, is also the witch in charge when they lose it. And there are some old biddies keen to let her know that she is at fault for that. Because obviously they wouldn’t have backed down without a fight. Pipe down, old biddies. Except the one with the brick, Jemima. She had some ideas. They may have also been crimes but let’s hear her out.
Several townsfolk, namely Farmer Miggins, also have some ideas for Glunda. They are not helpful ideas but they certainly help to drive the divide between young and old, veg witches and Drupe Mages/farmers. Until everything goes wrong and the farmers are shocked that they’re getting the short end of the stick now.
Now overall, I enjoyed this. It was cute. It was humorous in places. It was well thought out and well rounded. If I had to name a complaint it’s the ages. Glunda is the youngest ever witch to hold the Golden Key. But we never actually find out her age. We know it’s above 16, but that’s about all we get.
Clum, the son of Farmer Miggins, is apparently old/young enough to have gone to school with Glunda but his dialogue is particularly young. Particularly when he’s trying to explain to Glunda why the farmers may have turned on them. I would have expected him to be like 12, and I have no idea if that’s right.
Normally the ‘what’s their age now?’ wouldn’t be such a thing but because of the confrontations and resolution, it really stood out to me in a way that meant I couldn’t fully be certain if it was believable. Veg witches with powers supported by vegetables, and Drupe Mages with fruit fuelled magic? I’m there, no problem. Age aligned shaking of the status quo? Also fine with that. But give me a rough age beyond ‘I know the MC is more than 16.’
I’m being ever so slightly nitpicky about this, because as I said, it’s overall a very enjoyable little story. I liked the magic structure, the handover ceremony, the resolution, the characters and supporting characters. It’s cosy, it’s cute. I also think it would make a very good Harvest Moon game.
And if nothing else, you literally end with a recipe at the back. After like 140ish pages, you end with a cute story and new plans for dinner!
For my first novella of the Speculative Fiction Indie Novella Championship (SFINC3), I have to say I think I started this competition well.
Glunda the Veg Witch is a cute read with what I would like to call ‘low stakes’, except that does kind of go into abuse of power which results in lesser crop yields, which could lead very serious food scarcity consequences. But also ‘high stakes’ doesn’t feel right.
Let me explain.
There’s Glunda, she’s a veg witch. This is not a spoiler, it’s the title of the book. The veg witches are Guardians of the Golden Key for six months of the year — the autumn and winter. During this time they are responsible for blessing the fields and using their magic to help those around them grow their vegetables to sell and also not starve. In return, they are provided with some offerings of veggies to keep their powers strong.
Who holds the key the rest of the year? The Drupe Mages. They get their power from fruit and with this new discovery of how to grow delicious fruit year round, they get too big for their boots and as the blurb said, refuse to give up the key without a fight.
But it’s all for the good of the people, right? No matter who holds the key, they get the blessings for their fields, right? That’s a big ol’ wrong. And from that we have the internal and cross magic politics of the story.
Glunda, being the youngest ever to have been named Guardian of the Golden Key, is also the witch in charge when they lose it. And there are some old biddies keen to let her know that she is at fault for that. Because obviously they wouldn’t have backed down without a fight. Pipe down, old biddies. Except the one with the brick, Jemima. She had some ideas. They may have also been crimes but let’s hear her out.
Several townsfolk, namely Farmer Miggins, also have some ideas for Glunda. They are not helpful ideas but they certainly help to drive the divide between young and old, veg witches and Drupe Mages/farmers. Until everything goes wrong and the farmers are shocked that they’re getting the short end of the stick now.
Now overall, I enjoyed this. It was cute. It was humorous in places. It was well thought out and well rounded. If I had to name a complaint it’s the ages. Glunda is the youngest ever witch to hold the Golden Key. But we never actually find out her age. We know it’s above 16, but that’s about all we get.
Clum, the son of Farmer Miggins, is apparently old/young enough to have gone to school with Glunda but his dialogue is particularly young. Particularly when he’s trying to explain to Glunda why the farmers may have turned on them. I would have expected him to be like 12, and I have no idea if that’s right.
Normally the ‘what’s their age now?’ wouldn’t be such a thing but because of the confrontations and resolution, it really stood out to me in a way that meant I couldn’t fully be certain if it was believable. Veg witches with powers supported by vegetables, and Drupe Mages with fruit fuelled magic? I’m there, no problem. Age aligned shaking of the status quo? Also fine with that. But give me a rough age beyond ‘I know the MC is more than 16.’
I’m being ever so slightly nitpicky about this, because as I said, it’s overall a very enjoyable little story. I liked the magic structure, the handover ceremony, the resolution, the characters and supporting characters. It’s cosy, it’s cute. I also think it would make a very good Harvest Moon game.
And if nothing else, you literally end with a recipe at the back. After like 140ish pages, you end with a cute story and new plans for dinner!
June 10, 2025
As soon as I came across this book it reminded me of the Discworld witches, and I knew I had to give it a go!
In this cosy fantasy, power is held alternately by the witches (who draw their power from vegetables in the winter months) and the mages (who draw their power from fruit in the summer months). This was such a fun and creative idea, that led to all these dichotomies between the characters. It also linked really nicely with the cottage-core ideas and the seasonal nature of the story and the setting. It’s such a simple idea but feels really new and fresh.
📚Blog📖YouTube📖Instagram📚
The Pratchett influences are very clear, and while the homage is sometimes a little heavy-handed, a deep love for the Discworld witches is obvious. In particular, the way the witches were a part of their community, and supported the people around them (no matter how reluctantly) felt very Pratchett-esque and was lovely to see. I also liked that there were moments where, for the witches (and especially Glunda), the ‘right thing’ to do wasn’t obvious, and it explored what to do in that scenario. I would have liked those themes to be fleshed out a bit more, as it was not just an important concept to explore, but also brought out lots of interesting character dynamics.
I really wish this book had been a bit longer, because it felt like there was so much more to explore in the world and the characters. It felt like a long short story rather than a short novel, and I would have loved a more novel-like approach, with more backstory, more world-building (which is something I rarely ask for!) and more character study. I have heard rumblings of a sequel so hopefully that will continue expanding these characters and this world.
I received a free copy for an honest review.
In this cosy fantasy, power is held alternately by the witches (who draw their power from vegetables in the winter months) and the mages (who draw their power from fruit in the summer months). This was such a fun and creative idea, that led to all these dichotomies between the characters. It also linked really nicely with the cottage-core ideas and the seasonal nature of the story and the setting. It’s such a simple idea but feels really new and fresh.
📚Blog📖YouTube📖Instagram📚
The Pratchett influences are very clear, and while the homage is sometimes a little heavy-handed, a deep love for the Discworld witches is obvious. In particular, the way the witches were a part of their community, and supported the people around them (no matter how reluctantly) felt very Pratchett-esque and was lovely to see. I also liked that there were moments where, for the witches (and especially Glunda), the ‘right thing’ to do wasn’t obvious, and it explored what to do in that scenario. I would have liked those themes to be fleshed out a bit more, as it was not just an important concept to explore, but also brought out lots of interesting character dynamics.
I really wish this book had been a bit longer, because it felt like there was so much more to explore in the world and the characters. It felt like a long short story rather than a short novel, and I would have loved a more novel-like approach, with more backstory, more world-building (which is something I rarely ask for!) and more character study. I have heard rumblings of a sequel so hopefully that will continue expanding these characters and this world.
I received a free copy for an honest review.
June 12, 2025
🌱 Book Review: Glunda the Veg Witch by Keith Dickinson 🍆✨
Glunda the Veg Witch is a whimsical little romp through a magical world filled with vegetables, spells, and just the right dash of mischief. With its lighthearted tone and quirky concept, it makes for a breezy weekend read that feels a bit like sitting down to watch a quirky animated movie—fun, imaginative, and not too serious.
The writing is solid—technically clean and easy to read—but it left me wishing for a little more immersion. The world has so much potential, and I would have loved to see it built out with a bit more texture and magic. Give me the sounds, the smells, the veggie-spell chaos! I wanted to fall headfirst into Glunda’s garden and never come out.
As for the characters, they’re delightfully fun and playful, but don’t expect much depth. Glunda and her companions are more like sketches than portraits—amusing and enjoyable, but not especially memorable. I chuckled here and there, but I wasn’t exactly emotionally invested.
Still, there’s a unique charm to this story. The plot moves along with a clear theme and wraps up in a satisfying way. It's not your typical witch tale, and I appreciated that creative twist!
💫 Final Thoughts: This book is like a veggie stir fry—bright, quick, and full of flavor, even if it doesn’t quite stick to your ribs. If you’re looking for a whimsical escape and don’t mind a lighter touch when it comes to character and world development, Glunda the Veg Witch might be just your cup of herbal tea.
Glunda the Veg Witch is a whimsical little romp through a magical world filled with vegetables, spells, and just the right dash of mischief. With its lighthearted tone and quirky concept, it makes for a breezy weekend read that feels a bit like sitting down to watch a quirky animated movie—fun, imaginative, and not too serious.
The writing is solid—technically clean and easy to read—but it left me wishing for a little more immersion. The world has so much potential, and I would have loved to see it built out with a bit more texture and magic. Give me the sounds, the smells, the veggie-spell chaos! I wanted to fall headfirst into Glunda’s garden and never come out.
As for the characters, they’re delightfully fun and playful, but don’t expect much depth. Glunda and her companions are more like sketches than portraits—amusing and enjoyable, but not especially memorable. I chuckled here and there, but I wasn’t exactly emotionally invested.
Still, there’s a unique charm to this story. The plot moves along with a clear theme and wraps up in a satisfying way. It's not your typical witch tale, and I appreciated that creative twist!
💫 Final Thoughts: This book is like a veggie stir fry—bright, quick, and full of flavor, even if it doesn’t quite stick to your ribs. If you’re looking for a whimsical escape and don’t mind a lighter touch when it comes to character and world development, Glunda the Veg Witch might be just your cup of herbal tea.
June 8, 2025
I was immediately drawn to Glunda the Veg Witch because of the cute and cosy vibes the cover gives, and impressively it delivers in spades. The second thing that stood out was the humour. There is plenty in this to keep every type of reader entertained.
For those who enjoy a touch of fantasy, the witches versus mages plotline offers magic spells and mishaps in an amusing way.
I thought the idea of there being a vegetable witch to be very unique and wholesome, making the story a charming read.
I really like Glunda and wanted her to succeed. One of my favourite scenes was where she was selling things at the market and having to explain to the unimpressed normies that her items were ordinary and non-magical.
The resolution to the rivalry between the mages and the witches is resolved in a very heartwarming and hopeful way.
For a short novel, it packs all the essentials for a lovely story: lighthearted adventure with witty dialogue and endearing characters.
For those who enjoy a touch of fantasy, the witches versus mages plotline offers magic spells and mishaps in an amusing way.
I thought the idea of there being a vegetable witch to be very unique and wholesome, making the story a charming read.
I really like Glunda and wanted her to succeed. One of my favourite scenes was where she was selling things at the market and having to explain to the unimpressed normies that her items were ordinary and non-magical.
The resolution to the rivalry between the mages and the witches is resolved in a very heartwarming and hopeful way.
For a short novel, it packs all the essentials for a lovely story: lighthearted adventure with witty dialogue and endearing characters.
February 26, 2024
I really enjoyed this book. As a big Pratchett fan, there are certainly similarities, and one can't help but wonder if this book was inspired by him as well as the Brexit referendum and aftermath.
Either way, it was a fun, easy read with some hilarious characters and a cosy style that kept me glued to the pages as I read it in 2 sittings.
I just wish there had been a bit more of it. There isn't much scene setting at the start, and the ending chapter is very suddenly resolved.
Thoroughly worth checking out if fantasy is your thing though, and the northern english twang was a welcome addition to the genre!
Either way, it was a fun, easy read with some hilarious characters and a cosy style that kept me glued to the pages as I read it in 2 sittings.
I just wish there had been a bit more of it. There isn't much scene setting at the start, and the ending chapter is very suddenly resolved.
Thoroughly worth checking out if fantasy is your thing though, and the northern english twang was a welcome addition to the genre!
June 9, 2025
This finalist in the 2024 Book Blogers Novel of the year award deserves waaay more hype!!
Glunda The Veg Witch by Keith W. Dickinson is a charming, cozy fantasy novella. When I say novella, I mean it, it’s very short, you can read it in one or two sittings.
Glunda, a determined witch, navigates a quirky magical world where her vegetable-based magic is both her strength and her challenge. Facing off against the rival Drupe Mages and a coven of bickering witches, she fights to restore balance in her farming village.
It’s just a fun and enjoyable story. Highly recommended
Glunda The Veg Witch by Keith W. Dickinson is a charming, cozy fantasy novella. When I say novella, I mean it, it’s very short, you can read it in one or two sittings.
Glunda, a determined witch, navigates a quirky magical world where her vegetable-based magic is both her strength and her challenge. Facing off against the rival Drupe Mages and a coven of bickering witches, she fights to restore balance in her farming village.
It’s just a fun and enjoyable story. Highly recommended
November 2, 2023
Cozy fantasy at its best
This book had me hooked from the first page. The concept of different kinds of magic users fighting for control of the normies sounds like A Serious Book, but it doesn't come across heavy or preachy. Still, that's interesting parallels to be drawn to real life from the conflict between witches and Drupe mages (those jerks). The characters are fun and well- developed, and the prose reads quickly. I wanted more book! I hope a sequel is in the works.
This book had me hooked from the first page. The concept of different kinds of magic users fighting for control of the normies sounds like A Serious Book, but it doesn't come across heavy or preachy. Still, that's interesting parallels to be drawn to real life from the conflict between witches and Drupe mages (those jerks). The characters are fun and well- developed, and the prose reads quickly. I wanted more book! I hope a sequel is in the works.
January 21, 2025
A short, sweet, cosy, low stakes fantasy. I do get the comparisons to Pratchett, but Glunda does stand on its own merits and has a gentler feel to it overall than Pratchett. I really enjoyed it, and I'd like to see more of the main characters in a longer book, but unfortunately, it does read like a standalone...
November 23, 2023
Entertaining cosy fantasy heavily influenced by Terry Pratchett. My main complaint was that I would have liked it have gone on further and explored some of the relationships in more depth.
4.5 stars.
4.5 stars.
June 17, 2024
Laugh-out-loud funny – quite Pratchettesque. Clever premise too. Off to buy the next one :)
January 8, 2025
A delightful tale of decisions & consequences, & doing the right thing for everybody.
June 10, 2025
Great book I can see why it was a finalist
December 12, 2023
This is a fun novella for fans of cozy fantasy. Glunda is one of those characters you can't help but root for as she suffers one setback after another but never gives up. I loved the idea of the magical systems being based on the foods that were consumed and how that could lead to a very different kind of magical warfare. Even though this is not a heavy read at all, it does have some astute real-world observations about the state of human governments vs the people being governed that give it some extra relevance and weight. Overall, just an enjoyable read if you're looking for a lighter take on fantasy and magic.
June 11, 2025
Thank you to BBNYA, The Write Reads, and the author for providing me with a free e-book in exchange for an honest review! All opinions contained within are my own.
Sometimes, when I’m feeling in a reading rut and have no idea what to do about it, I like to pick up a low-stakes novel that promises a good time. Glunda the Veg Witch is the type of book that scratches that itch! It’s short, sweet, and a delightfully good time. I’m so glad I got a chance to read this as a panelists for last year’s BBNYA competition!
This novel follows our titular veg witch, Glunda, as she prepares to become head witch and take the Golden Key back from the mages at the beginning of the fall season. Except, this year, the mages have a new invention and new ideas about who should be the Keeper of the Golden Key. Glunda must work with her fellow witches to bring her life (and those of the villagers around her) back into balance.
Though I love a low-stakes novel sometimes, I still need a plot, and this wonderful little book delivered! I was enraptured by the world that the author created. The magic system could have been very surface level, but Dickinson dives in a little deeper to give this world a bit more substance and I truly appreciated it! I also enjoyed the humorous tone that runs throughout this novel. The writing has a great flow and I found myself chuckling more than once.
I think my favorite aspect of this novel has to be Glunda herself. She was such a wonderful character to follow and I loved watching her work through her trials. I wish we could have spent more time with some of the other characters that ended up playing a bigger role in the story, but I still think the author did a good job of making them distinct and interesting.
Overall, this was funny, compelling, and just a great time. This is prime material for busting a reading slump if I ever saw it!
Sometimes, when I’m feeling in a reading rut and have no idea what to do about it, I like to pick up a low-stakes novel that promises a good time. Glunda the Veg Witch is the type of book that scratches that itch! It’s short, sweet, and a delightfully good time. I’m so glad I got a chance to read this as a panelists for last year’s BBNYA competition!
This novel follows our titular veg witch, Glunda, as she prepares to become head witch and take the Golden Key back from the mages at the beginning of the fall season. Except, this year, the mages have a new invention and new ideas about who should be the Keeper of the Golden Key. Glunda must work with her fellow witches to bring her life (and those of the villagers around her) back into balance.
Though I love a low-stakes novel sometimes, I still need a plot, and this wonderful little book delivered! I was enraptured by the world that the author created. The magic system could have been very surface level, but Dickinson dives in a little deeper to give this world a bit more substance and I truly appreciated it! I also enjoyed the humorous tone that runs throughout this novel. The writing has a great flow and I found myself chuckling more than once.
I think my favorite aspect of this novel has to be Glunda herself. She was such a wonderful character to follow and I loved watching her work through her trials. I wish we could have spent more time with some of the other characters that ended up playing a bigger role in the story, but I still think the author did a good job of making them distinct and interesting.
Overall, this was funny, compelling, and just a great time. This is prime material for busting a reading slump if I ever saw it!
November 20, 2025
My Rating: 3½ stars
“Glunda the Veg Witch” takes you on a delightful journey with a young witch named Glunda, who is on her way to becoming the head witch and the youngest Guardian of the Golden Key! But things don’t quite go as smoothly as she hopes when the mischievous Drupe Mages refuse to give up the key. Glunda’s determination shines as she sets off to find a way to reclaim it!
This cosy fantasy novel is wonderfully written and super engaging, with a fun concept that shows how differently witches and Drupe Mages use their magic. The witches focus on helping their communities, while the Drupe Mages often look out for themselves. While I really enjoyed the writing and the storyline, I did think some parts could use a bit more detail since some events felt like they zipped by too quickly. Plus, sometimes everything wrapped up a little too conveniently.
The characters are a real treat! They’re full of life and I loved their playful interactions, especially the little tricks they pulled on each other. I would have liked to know a bit more about Glunda’s background, but I still found her character to be charming and relatable.
All in all, “Glunda the Veg Witch” is a fun and cosy read that I recommend to anyone looking for a quick and enchanting escape into a magical world!
“Glunda the Veg Witch” takes you on a delightful journey with a young witch named Glunda, who is on her way to becoming the head witch and the youngest Guardian of the Golden Key! But things don’t quite go as smoothly as she hopes when the mischievous Drupe Mages refuse to give up the key. Glunda’s determination shines as she sets off to find a way to reclaim it!
This cosy fantasy novel is wonderfully written and super engaging, with a fun concept that shows how differently witches and Drupe Mages use their magic. The witches focus on helping their communities, while the Drupe Mages often look out for themselves. While I really enjoyed the writing and the storyline, I did think some parts could use a bit more detail since some events felt like they zipped by too quickly. Plus, sometimes everything wrapped up a little too conveniently.
The characters are a real treat! They’re full of life and I loved their playful interactions, especially the little tricks they pulled on each other. I would have liked to know a bit more about Glunda’s background, but I still found her character to be charming and relatable.
All in all, “Glunda the Veg Witch” is a fun and cosy read that I recommend to anyone looking for a quick and enchanting escape into a magical world!
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