The Ink Witch

by Steph Cherrywell

For fans of Amari and the Night Brothers and The Okay Witch comes a hilarious and affirming cozy fantasy about the adventures of a girl who discovers she is the descendent of a powerful witch coven.

Becca Slugg is bored. It’s the tail-end of summer and it feels like she’s done nothing but run errands for her family’s Cape Disappointment Beach Inn, argue with her frustratingly overprotective mother, and have one-sided conversations with the giant spider living by the dumpsters out back.
 
But Becca’s wish for anything to happen backfires when her mom receives an unwelcome visit from her sinister and estranged sister Malatrice. While hiding, Becca overhears the two of them quarrel and discovers that she’s the niece of one of the most powerful witches in the country – and the daughter of a powerless one. When her mom refuses to help Malatrice take control of the family throne, Becca is left with a mindless puppet for a mother and a whole lot of questions – like, can I cast spells with the ink in my veins, too?

With the help of Natalya, her mother’s tarantula familiar, and Oddvar, a friendly troll living in the motel’s ice machine, a distraught but determined Becca sets out to uncover her own magical abilities and find the ingredients of a potion that will cure her mother. Besides, how hard can it be to find mermaid eggs, troll teeth, and the most precious possession of a Witch Queen?

Genres: Fantasy, Middle Grade, LGBT, Childrens, Magic, Witches, Queer

274 pages, Paperback

Published September 16, 2025

Reviews

[Annie Sullivan · Rating 5 out of 5]

THIS BOOK IS SO GOOD!!!!!! I love thoughtful details in regard to representation and this did that a million times over. The characters were so charming and enjoyable, and I would happily recommend this to anyone looking for a fun magical adventure!

[Sue Oshin · Rating 5 out of 5]

5⭐️‼️

Becca who is finally found out that her family was a witch when her aunt, Malatrice suddenly arrived at the motel and talk about something magical related and force her mom to sign an agreement about something.

Becca eavesdrop their conversation and see what her aunt do bad things on her mom after she spell something. Her mom cant move anymore like a paralyzedperson and just listen to instruction. Okay, this part when Becca has no intention to wish if her mom stop nagging and told what to do for her. What she wished for, finally become a reality.

Now, Becca needs to find a way to cure her mom back to normal. She needs to learn how to use magic with her friend, a tarantula spider, Oddvar and Troll that lived in the fridge at their motel.

This book was a relaxing read and have a much stuff funniest moment between them on their adventure.

[Hoover Public Library Kids and Teens · Rating 4 out of 5]

2026 Stonewall Honor! "There is danger and humor, kindness and cruelty, terrific twists and moments of quiet contemplation. A spellbinding story that reminds readers of the particular power found in embracing your truest self." [Booklist]

[Mar 🧡🤍🩷 · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Delightful story about being brave enough to live your life authentically.

[Whitney · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a fun, adventurous Fantasy book! I loved it from start to finish.

The book follows Becca, a trans teen who finds out she is a witch. She goes on an adventure to save her mom after her aunt turns her into a being that can't think for herself with a tarantula familiar named Natalya and an ice troll named Oddvar.

First off, I have to say: I don't like when people ask me about "funny" books. I think that's very subjective and the idea that any book is marketed, especially to kids, as "funny" or "humor" is a weird thing to me. You really can't know if a book is going to be funny before you read it for the most part. Having read this, I personally found it hilarious, ESPECIALLY Natalya. The tone of the book does a nice job of balancing the more serious parts of the story with some levity.

Becca is a very relatable character and one I think kids would enjoy. I love that the story is about self-acceptance and her learning more about her mom, which helps strengthen their relationship. I really enjoyed the writing and the characterization in this book.

I would recommend this for anyone who has a middle grade reader or who is building a collection for middle grade readers. It's full of fun and heart.

[Molly · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an absolute delight! This is exactly the kind of coming-of-age, magical adventure, middle grade book that I ate up when I was younger. This one reminded me of so many of the best ones I read when I was in middle school, which is a high compliment. It has an excellent combination of witty humor, relatable and memorable characters, and a fun magical quest -- that at times is not so fun. The darker themes are balanced with humor and heart in a way that I think will really appeal to younger readers. I also loved the exploration of the magical community paralleled with Becca's identity as a trans girl. It was explored really deftly and is so important to include right now. This is a bingeable, entertaining, moving read that has something for readers of all ages. I hope that Natalya (a talking tarantula/witch's familiar) will be a fan favorite -- she was definitely a highlight for me!

[Sails and Scales · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sometimes I want a magical adventure that has familiar elements while adding a fun new spin. This book, with witches using ink, tarantula familiars, and a few trolls does just that. It’s witch coven but make it fun instead of spooky. The magical community works beautifully with the revelation that Becca is a trans girl.

The humor is a little silly, but there’s no end to the creativity and adventure in this book. It’s a nice fantasy world that is parallel to the real world, making it seem like just maybe we should all be looking to see if there is a troll in our ice machine.

While I don’t think it’s particularly memorable overall, it’s a delightful magical adventure with new twists on classic elements of fantasy that I think many readers will enjoy.

[Sherry · Rating 3 out of 5]

2026 ALA Stonewall Children’s Honor book.

Becca Slugg lives with her over-protective mother in their rundown Cape Disappointment Inn having one way conversations with the huge tarantula Natalya, who lives by the dumpsters. Rhubarbara, Becca’s mom accepts that Becca is trans, but hides that she herself is a failed ink witch and older sister to very nasty, self-centered, powerful Malatrice who wants to be the Witch-Queen. Oddvar, a troll who lives in the motel’s ice machine, and Natalya, Rhubarbara’s familiar, help Becca and her bewitched mother when Malatrice shows up with evil intents.
High fantasy, lots of humor and weird creatures unseen by humans, and thoughts about modernizing the Pact that controls their lives to include having a say in what happens.

[Lora · Rating 4 out of 5]

This quick moving fantasy was hilarious and kept the reader guessing what was to come next. An action-filled road trip follows the day to day hum drum existence of living and working at her mom's motel. Becca heard just enough of the banter to wonder whether she comes from a lineage of witches when her aunt shows up at the motel. The woman renders her mom close to lifeless. Becca sees her mom needs help, leaving her with no choice but to go on a trip to make sure she gets back to normal. The twists and turns that follow are all in good fun. Our main character, Becca is growing into who she is meant to be, a girl, with principles and savvy which she can unleash to save her mom.

[Lisa Cain · Rating 3 out of 5]

Becca’s mom owns a motel in a quiet beach town, but Becca wants to have adventures and act in the school play. When Becca’s unknown aunt shows up and casts a spell on her mom, Becca learns that she is a witch who can cast spells with ink from her fingers. She works with her mom’s familiar to find the ingredients for a spell to save her mom. Some good stuff about inclusivity, letting people define themselves and learning to appreciate what you have. I love that the MC is trans and that her name holds power (like real magical power), because she chose it.

[Amanda Shepard (Between-the-Shelves) · Rating 4 out of 5]

A delightful middle grade fantasy, all about finding your voice and having the courage to be yourself. Of course, set with a magical backdrop. The world that Cherrywell creates is intricate, but not so complicate that it's difficult to follow along. I did sort of see the twist coming towards the end, but I think the target audience will be thoroughly engaged and surprised. If you like middle grade fantasy, definitely check this one out!

[Kaite · Rating 4 out of 5]

This queer friendly middle grade reader is all about standing up for what’s important and having the confidence to do what’s right, even if it’s hard.

In the adventures of a lifetime, Becca must step up save her mom. Even when the world is rapidly growing and she is obviously inexperienced, Becca demonstrates true character in this fast paced, playful book.

[Ana · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks to Netball and the publishers for this free ARC!

This was a lot of fun! I loved the world and the adventures that Becca went on to get her mother back. This was a brilliant mix of mythology and modern times. I really liked the characters and had fun reading this one.

[Adria · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a clever, silly, yet poignant book! I loved the characters (especially Natalya) and the world building was phenomenal - I was fully onboard for the ride and enjoyed every twist and turn. Highly recommend for some seasonal fun!!

[Ms. Yingling · Rating 3 out of 5]

E ARC provided by Edelweiss Plus

Review to come closer to publication.

[Art · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this very cute and amusing book. Clearly meant for younger audiences, much of the humour is rather goofy or silly, and reminds me a bit of Mel Brooks. As you can imagine, much of what happens in the book has to do with witches, so it's magical. I intend to read more books by this author and in this genre.

I am grateful to have received this book in a Goodreads giveaway. Peace be with you.

[Jess · Rating 5 out of 5]

Funny and full of heart.

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

A fun and charming witchy story. Obvs the best character is the tarantula familiar, Natalya.

[Elizabeth Johnson · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fresh take on generational magic that is quick-paced and so much fun. I love a book that makes me laugh, and this is that.