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The Sibylline Saga #1
The Forest Witch
Gwenna was born the Child of Prophecy, a plague of coercion and telepathy to be unleashed upon the world. But this fate was thwarted long ago. She was sent away, under the care of an elderly scholar named Michael, to grow up in isolation in the Sacred Wood – far from anyone she might hurt with her heinous abilities.
Gwen has known only happiness in the Wood, content to run wild forever beneath the ancient, gnarled trees. But when a band of travelers are ambushed by thieves, Gwen and Michael are caught in the fray. On that dark night, Gwen’s isolation comes to an abrupt and violent end.
Injured and afraid, Gwen must rely on a group of emissaries traveling north to the capital, led by the enigmatic John, who seems to know her. And so with every step she takes away from her beloved Wood, Gwen grows more certain that there is more to her history – and her prophecy – than Michael ever told her.
No more lies. No more decisions made for her. Gwen is the Child of Prophecy, and the time has come to take control of her own story.
Gwen has known only happiness in the Wood, content to run wild forever beneath the ancient, gnarled trees. But when a band of travelers are ambushed by thieves, Gwen and Michael are caught in the fray. On that dark night, Gwen’s isolation comes to an abrupt and violent end.
Injured and afraid, Gwen must rely on a group of emissaries traveling north to the capital, led by the enigmatic John, who seems to know her. And so with every step she takes away from her beloved Wood, Gwen grows more certain that there is more to her history – and her prophecy – than Michael ever told her.
No more lies. No more decisions made for her. Gwen is the Child of Prophecy, and the time has come to take control of her own story.
ebook
Published July 25, 2025
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About the author
Anna Cackler
10 books45 followersAnna Cackler is a lover of story – and a sucker for drama, romance, and dark beauty. Which is odd, considering how generally unserious she is most of the time. She’s married to her best friend, and they have a lovely little family in Arkansas. They have two dogs, a cat, a slew of chickens, and a pond in their front yard that won’t hold water. She’s pretty sure there’s a metaphor in there, somewhere.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
July 18, 2025
4.25⭐️
my first ARC read!!!
from the opening scene through the end of this book, this author had me totally captivated.
i absolutely loved the magic concepts that she explored.
i loved the constant internal battle of morality & how it was demonstrated - there was one scene in particular where i literally highlighted two full paragraphs because it was just the perfect description of the character's mental struggle.
i also love when a story has a creepy edge to it & this author has a talent for describing those types of scenes in great detail 👌🏻
one of my only complaints is that although the tension & buildup of the main ending scene was executed very well, the resolving act of the scene felt a little abrupt/rushed.
really looking forward to the next book!!!
my first ARC read!!!
from the opening scene through the end of this book, this author had me totally captivated.
i absolutely loved the magic concepts that she explored.
i loved the constant internal battle of morality & how it was demonstrated - there was one scene in particular where i literally highlighted two full paragraphs because it was just the perfect description of the character's mental struggle.
i also love when a story has a creepy edge to it & this author has a talent for describing those types of scenes in great detail 👌🏻
one of my only complaints is that although the tension & buildup of the main ending scene was executed very well, the resolving act of the scene felt a little abrupt/rushed.
really looking forward to the next book!!!
July 4, 2025
Very grateful to have received an ARC of this book and the story captivated me from the first chapter.
This is a fantasy with a romance subplot. The story follows Gwenna who was raised by Michael in the Sacred wood when her live takes a turn when they get caught in a fray between a band of travellers ambushed by thieves. Injured, she has to rely on a group for emissaries where secrets of her past starts to unfold.
I found the story unpredictable and unique. It kept me on my toes and always wondering where it would go. The characters were relatable and some really likeable.
This is book one of a series and I'm exciting to continue the journey into this world.
This is a fantasy with a romance subplot. The story follows Gwenna who was raised by Michael in the Sacred wood when her live takes a turn when they get caught in a fray between a band of travellers ambushed by thieves. Injured, she has to rely on a group for emissaries where secrets of her past starts to unfold.
I found the story unpredictable and unique. It kept me on my toes and always wondering where it would go. The characters were relatable and some really likeable.
This is book one of a series and I'm exciting to continue the journey into this world.
August 1, 2025
4.5 ☆
Was so excited to read my first ARC and was pleasantly surprised with how well written this was!
The pacing of this is perfect and if I weren't so busy this month, I probably would have read it in one sitting. It is honestly such a refreshing, easy read. It also gets a bit creepier than I was expecting, which I LOVE.
Enjoyed getting to know all of the characters! I wish the MMC didn't have the same name as my dad and brother, but what can you do? 😅
There were definitely some surprises along the way, while others I kind of saw coming. Even so, I'm still not sure how the series will unfold and I'm excited to jump into the next book because I'm hooked!
Was so excited to read my first ARC and was pleasantly surprised with how well written this was!
The pacing of this is perfect and if I weren't so busy this month, I probably would have read it in one sitting. It is honestly such a refreshing, easy read. It also gets a bit creepier than I was expecting, which I LOVE.
Enjoyed getting to know all of the characters! I wish the MMC didn't have the same name as my dad and brother, but what can you do? 😅
There were definitely some surprises along the way, while others I kind of saw coming. Even so, I'm still not sure how the series will unfold and I'm excited to jump into the next book because I'm hooked!
July 5, 2025
This is YA/NA fantasy coming-of-age, but not as we know it. Our Chosen One isn't keen on fulfilling her "destiny" (unsurprising when you know what said destiny is), it does not shy away from morally gray territory, and it's not all about the romance.
Our protagonist is Gwenna, a late teen living in the wilds with her mentor as she learns to control her powers. They're both Sibylline; they have mental powers that can be used to read minds and maybe even influence people. But unlike other sibyls, Gwenna's power is strong enough to actually physically control people. That makes her dangerous. It marks her as chosen by prophecy. Yet when strangers enter the Sacred Woods with violence in mind, Gwenna must face her hardest challenge: the use her powers to help protect the innocent victims of the attack, or to deny them and save her soul? Her decision whisks her far from the cabin she called home, uncovers many buried secrets about her past, and throws her so many morality questions that even she begins to wonder what is right and what is wrong.
Now I won't lie; the beginning had me thinking this was going to be a lot more YA-ish than I'd expected. It felt a little whirlwind to me, and at times I wished some characters had more of an introduction without leaving me guessing where they fit as I wasn't aware of the world lore yet.
The pace and world building soon settled down though, and by the time we'd left the Woods, I was more than hooked. The plot is built on intrigue, whether that's Gwenna's potential, the scheming of people around her, the love that's foretold, or the way she learns how to trust even as she doubts herself. There are time skips as we watch her grow from a wild child into something more.
The writing flows beautifully, painting scenes and characters so you can picture them. Told from Gwenna's POV, I could feel her bottled up frustration through her tone. No matter what she says, you can tell there's fire there. Her personality is the foreshadowing, and I really enjoyed that being the main key to understanding events.
A couple of things, specifically where big plot points are reported second hand, did feel a little less impactful than they could have (adorkable Aris plays messenger). But rest assured, there are on page shocks aplenty as the story reaches the final third. The ending is left open for more intrigues to be explored, though it does give the events of this book closure.
Regardless of issues I had, I really enjoyed this story. I found it a gripping, intriguing read that both met my expectations of a coming-of-age tale and expanded upon them in a world of magical history that hints at being so much more as the series unfolds. I'm really excited to see where the story goes from here and how the author's style evolves.
-I received an ARC e-book from the author. This does not influence my review-
Our protagonist is Gwenna, a late teen living in the wilds with her mentor as she learns to control her powers. They're both Sibylline; they have mental powers that can be used to read minds and maybe even influence people. But unlike other sibyls, Gwenna's power is strong enough to actually physically control people. That makes her dangerous. It marks her as chosen by prophecy. Yet when strangers enter the Sacred Woods with violence in mind, Gwenna must face her hardest challenge: the use her powers to help protect the innocent victims of the attack, or to deny them and save her soul? Her decision whisks her far from the cabin she called home, uncovers many buried secrets about her past, and throws her so many morality questions that even she begins to wonder what is right and what is wrong.
Now I won't lie; the beginning had me thinking this was going to be a lot more YA-ish than I'd expected. It felt a little whirlwind to me, and at times I wished some characters had more of an introduction without leaving me guessing where they fit as I wasn't aware of the world lore yet.
The pace and world building soon settled down though, and by the time we'd left the Woods, I was more than hooked. The plot is built on intrigue, whether that's Gwenna's potential, the scheming of people around her, the love that's foretold, or the way she learns how to trust even as she doubts herself. There are time skips as we watch her grow from a wild child into something more.
The writing flows beautifully, painting scenes and characters so you can picture them. Told from Gwenna's POV, I could feel her bottled up frustration through her tone. No matter what she says, you can tell there's fire there. Her personality is the foreshadowing, and I really enjoyed that being the main key to understanding events.
A couple of things, specifically where big plot points are reported second hand, did feel a little less impactful than they could have (adorkable Aris plays messenger). But rest assured, there are on page shocks aplenty as the story reaches the final third. The ending is left open for more intrigues to be explored, though it does give the events of this book closure.
Regardless of issues I had, I really enjoyed this story. I found it a gripping, intriguing read that both met my expectations of a coming-of-age tale and expanded upon them in a world of magical history that hints at being so much more as the series unfolds. I'm really excited to see where the story goes from here and how the author's style evolves.
-I received an ARC e-book from the author. This does not influence my review-
July 8, 2025
This is an absolute good read. Our FMC is engaging and draws you into her story, and keeps you turning pages. The world and this author’s twist on “magic” work really well. The plot lines and progression make for easy reading. Also, props for the editing, it’s rare to find zero immersion breaker errors. Voluntary review of an ARC.
July 18, 2025
Short summary: I loved this! This was a stellar story, with impeccable writing and a fascinating FMC.
More detailed thoughts:
This was an ARC I got interested in when the author said she had Juliet Marillier’s incredible novels in mind when writing this. I love Juliet Marillier and I was not disappointed. Definitely JM vibes here, but still very original.
This was a superbly written fantasy story that really hooked me from the start. The Little Owl, or Gwen, is described having a happy childhood in the Sacred Wood, with an elderly father figure, Michael, as her tutor and guardian. Gwen doesn’t know much about her real family or the world outside, so when she’s faced with having to leave the forest, it’s not in any way an easy path for her to take. Even if the path leads to family.
She’s a sibyl, a mindwalker, a telepath who can bend peoples’ minds to her will. Her kind are feared and hunted - in some parts of her world more so than in others. Her visions show her glimpses of future (or perhaps something else?) and they’re not all very nice, to say the least.
When some of her more horrific visions start to leak into her own reality, she’s forced to weigh her morals and her inner motives to protect the people she cares for. What does the Crone want? Is she herself the Child of the prophecies or does she have a choice, a say in the matter? Why is she being attacked and who is behind the attacks?
I loved reading about the struggle Gwen constantly had with her own powers, her morals, the meaning of her visions - she was such an interesting and multidimensional (!) character. I felt like her growth as a character had a lot to do with her wanting to be more than a prophecy, more than what a children’s rhyme gave her credit for. She wanted out of the cage of those expectations, but at what cost? And what of the choices she made? Were they real or predetermined by visions? What was the role of free will in her life? What was the relation between her visions and her reality? Such intriguing themes!
I would recommend this book to anyone, who likes fantasy based on myths and with Celtic vibes to it (without being explicitly Celtic, of course). There are prophecies, there are visions and a pretty scary monster (but who?), but also love and comfort when it’s truly needed. And most of all, it’s a fantastical story of a young woman’s struggle to balance between her own values & high expectations of herself and the expectations (and fears) of others.
This little Owl of a witch is worth getting to know.
More detailed thoughts:
This was an ARC I got interested in when the author said she had Juliet Marillier’s incredible novels in mind when writing this. I love Juliet Marillier and I was not disappointed. Definitely JM vibes here, but still very original.
This was a superbly written fantasy story that really hooked me from the start. The Little Owl, or Gwen, is described having a happy childhood in the Sacred Wood, with an elderly father figure, Michael, as her tutor and guardian. Gwen doesn’t know much about her real family or the world outside, so when she’s faced with having to leave the forest, it’s not in any way an easy path for her to take. Even if the path leads to family.
She’s a sibyl, a mindwalker, a telepath who can bend peoples’ minds to her will. Her kind are feared and hunted - in some parts of her world more so than in others. Her visions show her glimpses of future (or perhaps something else?) and they’re not all very nice, to say the least.
When some of her more horrific visions start to leak into her own reality, she’s forced to weigh her morals and her inner motives to protect the people she cares for. What does the Crone want? Is she herself the Child of the prophecies or does she have a choice, a say in the matter? Why is she being attacked and who is behind the attacks?
I loved reading about the struggle Gwen constantly had with her own powers, her morals, the meaning of her visions - she was such an interesting and multidimensional (!) character. I felt like her growth as a character had a lot to do with her wanting to be more than a prophecy, more than what a children’s rhyme gave her credit for. She wanted out of the cage of those expectations, but at what cost? And what of the choices she made? Were they real or predetermined by visions? What was the role of free will in her life? What was the relation between her visions and her reality? Such intriguing themes!
I would recommend this book to anyone, who likes fantasy based on myths and with Celtic vibes to it (without being explicitly Celtic, of course). There are prophecies, there are visions and a pretty scary monster (but who?), but also love and comfort when it’s truly needed. And most of all, it’s a fantastical story of a young woman’s struggle to balance between her own values & high expectations of herself and the expectations (and fears) of others.
This little Owl of a witch is worth getting to know.
July 27, 2025
OK, first I need to put this warning out there for future readers: after the beginning of the book, the main setting is NOT the forest. Most of the book takes place once the witch is pulled OUT of her forest. Coulda just left her there, happy and at peace in her forest home, and NONE of this would have happened. It happens time and time again. You take the witch out of her forest and she gets angry. Why don't people LEARN these things! ;)
This is a book about a young woman struggling with the enormity of her power. Gwenna is enormously powerful, and as long as she does not have to face challenges, she is fine. But once she enters the world, finds family and love, suddenly she has something to fight for and must decide how much she will destroy to protect them.
There are some fantastic scenes in this book: Gwenna in many ways is an actor, shifting from one role to the next, playing up the dramatics of her power when needed (which leads to some great scenes) and recognizing the need to grow trust and acceptance by playing the role of caretaker and lover. She is the mother of the mother, maiden, and crone - nurturing and protecting.
A good book if you're looking for something a bit more thought provoking than a fun rom com but not as intense as dark fantasy / grimdark. I would recommend it to people who like Mercedes Lackey, J.D, Evans, Mark Lawrence, or V.E. Schwab.
This is a book about a young woman struggling with the enormity of her power. Gwenna is enormously powerful, and as long as she does not have to face challenges, she is fine. But once she enters the world, finds family and love, suddenly she has something to fight for and must decide how much she will destroy to protect them.
There are some fantastic scenes in this book: Gwenna in many ways is an actor, shifting from one role to the next, playing up the dramatics of her power when needed (which leads to some great scenes) and recognizing the need to grow trust and acceptance by playing the role of caretaker and lover. She is the mother of the mother, maiden, and crone - nurturing and protecting.
A good book if you're looking for something a bit more thought provoking than a fun rom com but not as intense as dark fantasy / grimdark. I would recommend it to people who like Mercedes Lackey, J.D, Evans, Mark Lawrence, or V.E. Schwab.
July 14, 2025
A page turner with a very interesting plot and sub plot. Enjoyed reading this very much.
July 8, 2025
“I support women’s rights, but more so, I support women’s wrongs.” And oh boy, does our heroine have some difficult situations to navigate.
Some of my other 5 star reads to give you an idea about my tastes are: Crescent City by Sarah J Maas. One Dark Window by Rachel Gillig, Godkiller by Hannah Kaner, Ninth House by Leigh Bardugo (Fav book of all time).
To start, this book is a beautiful, raw story with elements of horror, romance, and even a literal laugh out loud moment (you don’t know me, but that’s very rare I laugh at the antics of one of my characters). The way Anna Cackler weaves together her characters and the world left me at times rereading a paragraph or sentence and admiring word choice and the emotions and imagery she could evoke.
One of the first things that I noticed when reading The Forest Witch was the richness of the world, it feels expansive despite the humble life lived by our heroine Gwenna in a small pocket of the world. The world building is just enough to give the characters a place in the world while hinting at far more to come.
I didn’t have to wait for 3-5 chapters for something interesting to happen, you discover right away what makes this story special and the pacing is 10/10 for me. I can’t stand when some books meander about the plot line and finally hook you with conflict. You’re pulled along at a good clip without feeling like the book rushes you through important details or slogs through the inconsequential.
I’m a turn my brain off and read type of gal and while the book is not rife with plot twists, I felt pleasantly surprised and delighted by the turns the story took. It ends with what feels like a satisfying resolution and enough of a happily ever after that you aren’t left reeling, but Gwenna’s story is by no means finished. This book was easy to binge and Anna Cackler doesn’t write a cookie cutter romantasy (which I ENJOY, don’t get me wrong) but this fantasy world is just as addictive and even more interesting because of its uniqueness. Seriously, do not sleep on The Forest Witch if you love a fantasy world and a badass, heroine who is a good person but isn’t afraid to let her dark side out to protect the ones she loves. Can’t wait for the next one!
Some of my other 5 star reads to give you an idea about my tastes are: Crescent City by Sarah J Maas. One Dark Window by Rachel Gillig, Godkiller by Hannah Kaner, Ninth House by Leigh Bardugo (Fav book of all time).
To start, this book is a beautiful, raw story with elements of horror, romance, and even a literal laugh out loud moment (you don’t know me, but that’s very rare I laugh at the antics of one of my characters). The way Anna Cackler weaves together her characters and the world left me at times rereading a paragraph or sentence and admiring word choice and the emotions and imagery she could evoke.
One of the first things that I noticed when reading The Forest Witch was the richness of the world, it feels expansive despite the humble life lived by our heroine Gwenna in a small pocket of the world. The world building is just enough to give the characters a place in the world while hinting at far more to come.
I didn’t have to wait for 3-5 chapters for something interesting to happen, you discover right away what makes this story special and the pacing is 10/10 for me. I can’t stand when some books meander about the plot line and finally hook you with conflict. You’re pulled along at a good clip without feeling like the book rushes you through important details or slogs through the inconsequential.
I’m a turn my brain off and read type of gal and while the book is not rife with plot twists, I felt pleasantly surprised and delighted by the turns the story took. It ends with what feels like a satisfying resolution and enough of a happily ever after that you aren’t left reeling, but Gwenna’s story is by no means finished. This book was easy to binge and Anna Cackler doesn’t write a cookie cutter romantasy (which I ENJOY, don’t get me wrong) but this fantasy world is just as addictive and even more interesting because of its uniqueness. Seriously, do not sleep on The Forest Witch if you love a fantasy world and a badass, heroine who is a good person but isn’t afraid to let her dark side out to protect the ones she loves. Can’t wait for the next one!
December 10, 2025
This novel's exploration of our darker side, the potential we all have for evil and how our moral codes and consciences help us to combat those darker sides is absolutely brilliant. The author really brings to bear the psychological elements that are truly relevant to the story, wrapping it up in an engaging, action-packed plot and dressing it up with a quite intriguing social system and fun worldbuilding. While I took my time over this read, I enjoyed it very much and am impressed by how well the very difficult topics were handled.
July 28, 2025
I got this book as an ARC and I’m so grateful that I was chosen to read it.
The story follows Gwen who lives together with Michael in the Sacred Forest.
There she grows up learning how to live with her immense power and has a quiet life.
One day while stargazing with Micheal she meets a group of traveler’s led by John.
Together with John and his friends, she starts on this journey to find where she belongs, who her family is, what she can and will do with her powers and to find love.
I started reading this book and in the beginning I just couldn’t get into it.
But I kept going and the more I read the more I just couldn’t put it down and I had to see what Gwen’s journey would bring next.
The Forest Witch is the Fantasy book with Romance subplots and the Balance between both Genres was just perfect.
There is not is single page/chapter or scene where I missed a single thing.
The Way, Gwen and Her, Companions became Friends, how the journey was told and how Gwen and John found together was just magnificent and made me fall in love even more with them.
Anna Cackler was able to perfectly capture that feeling that every young adult has, where we don’t know who we really are, what we want to do or even what we are able to do.
Because of that, I felt so much closer to Gwen and what she went through and could identify with some of her worries.
For me this book is a must read for everyone that loves:
- A slow slow burn Romance
- A found family
- A FMC that knows her power and is not afraid to use them in a moment of need.
- Fighting Scenes
- A (not so) found Family
If that is only the Beginning of the Sibylline Saga I can’t wait for the next books, so that I can see what Gwen and John will do in the future.
The story follows Gwen who lives together with Michael in the Sacred Forest.
There she grows up learning how to live with her immense power and has a quiet life.
One day while stargazing with Micheal she meets a group of traveler’s led by John.
Together with John and his friends, she starts on this journey to find where she belongs, who her family is, what she can and will do with her powers and to find love.
I started reading this book and in the beginning I just couldn’t get into it.
But I kept going and the more I read the more I just couldn’t put it down and I had to see what Gwen’s journey would bring next.
The Forest Witch is the Fantasy book with Romance subplots and the Balance between both Genres was just perfect.
There is not is single page/chapter or scene where I missed a single thing.
The Way, Gwen and Her, Companions became Friends, how the journey was told and how Gwen and John found together was just magnificent and made me fall in love even more with them.
Anna Cackler was able to perfectly capture that feeling that every young adult has, where we don’t know who we really are, what we want to do or even what we are able to do.
Because of that, I felt so much closer to Gwen and what she went through and could identify with some of her worries.
For me this book is a must read for everyone that loves:
- A slow slow burn Romance
- A found family
- A FMC that knows her power and is not afraid to use them in a moment of need.
- Fighting Scenes
- A (not so) found Family
If that is only the Beginning of the Sibylline Saga I can’t wait for the next books, so that I can see what Gwen and John will do in the future.
August 3, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨
4.5/5⭐️
Okay, this was a good story! It seemed fresh to me. It was definitely different than what I have been reading. And it was a heck of a ride! Be sure to read the content warnings that she has provided. Just so you know, I don’t enjoy reading gore and horror and I felt like this wasn’t overly done here. So if you’re like me and that isn’t your thing…you may still give this a go! This book is considered a dark fairytale…I feel like that accurately describes it. I really enjoyed the way Gwen’s mind worked! And I was always wondering what was gonna happen next…the last 15% had me flying through the pages!! Bonus…there’s already three books to follow that will be rapid-released according to the author’s website!
Don’t miss out on this story!! Oh, and the About the Author section made me absolutely adore the author!
Thank you to the author for the e-arc! I am voluntarily leaving my honest thoughts and opinions about the book.
✨Some of my favorite quotes:
“It was the fear of man that changed this world forever. That is what we remember. Not what was, but what destroyed it.”
“You give everything to me, do you hear? Let me take as much as I can so you can keep still.” I nodded again, my eyes closed. “That’s right”, he said.
“The only thing stopping me from becoming a true plague on this earth is my morality, and you’re asking me to compromise it. Give me a blade and I will defend this city to my last breath. But I will not allow you to wield my abilities as a weapon.”
“The fear of mankind was the most destructive force in the world.”
4.5/5⭐️
Okay, this was a good story! It seemed fresh to me. It was definitely different than what I have been reading. And it was a heck of a ride! Be sure to read the content warnings that she has provided. Just so you know, I don’t enjoy reading gore and horror and I felt like this wasn’t overly done here. So if you’re like me and that isn’t your thing…you may still give this a go! This book is considered a dark fairytale…I feel like that accurately describes it. I really enjoyed the way Gwen’s mind worked! And I was always wondering what was gonna happen next…the last 15% had me flying through the pages!! Bonus…there’s already three books to follow that will be rapid-released according to the author’s website!
Don’t miss out on this story!! Oh, and the About the Author section made me absolutely adore the author!
Thank you to the author for the e-arc! I am voluntarily leaving my honest thoughts and opinions about the book.
✨Some of my favorite quotes:
“It was the fear of man that changed this world forever. That is what we remember. Not what was, but what destroyed it.”
“You give everything to me, do you hear? Let me take as much as I can so you can keep still.” I nodded again, my eyes closed. “That’s right”, he said.
“The only thing stopping me from becoming a true plague on this earth is my morality, and you’re asking me to compromise it. Give me a blade and I will defend this city to my last breath. But I will not allow you to wield my abilities as a weapon.”
“The fear of mankind was the most destructive force in the world.”
July 10, 2025
Wow! This book is amazing. The action, the writing, the suspense, it had my heart pounding in parts, and breaking in others. What an incredible read. But it’s what I’ve come to expect from Anna Cackler who has quickly become one of my favorite authors.
Cackler’s writing is just sublime. Reading it gives me a sense of comfort, despite what is happening on the page. Her writing and storytelling is par to Diane Setterfield’s, Carlos Ruiz Zafron, and Juliet Maurillier. It’s so descriptive and flows so beautifully.
This book is such a fantastic read. The story about a girl who could be the subject of a prophecy, and how she reacts and others react to her is spellbinding. Every chapter held my interest and had me on the edge of my seat, wondering what was going to happen next.
Amazing book! This is the second time I’ve read it, and I foresee this being a book I read over and over.
Thank you to the author for the advance reader copy. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Cackler’s writing is just sublime. Reading it gives me a sense of comfort, despite what is happening on the page. Her writing and storytelling is par to Diane Setterfield’s, Carlos Ruiz Zafron, and Juliet Maurillier. It’s so descriptive and flows so beautifully.
This book is such a fantastic read. The story about a girl who could be the subject of a prophecy, and how she reacts and others react to her is spellbinding. Every chapter held my interest and had me on the edge of my seat, wondering what was going to happen next.
Amazing book! This is the second time I’ve read it, and I foresee this being a book I read over and over.
Thank you to the author for the advance reader copy. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
August 31, 2025
This book is a true masterpiece of ancient lore and history melded together with humanity and its fear for the unknown. I am so glad I was given the chance to read this book!!!! I’m going to do this with NO spoilers.
Gwen has always lived in the sacred wood, as a Sybylline woman who can mind-walk and control others, she has powers she never should have had!
Micheal has always kept Gwen safe, after visions of what she could become scared all those who were around for her birth.
What happens when Gwen is suddenly torn from the life she knew and begins to learn about ALL the lies and trauma she has both suffered and inflicted? Who is Sasha and who is Theo??? How many must die for all of this to end??
This is an excellent retelling of the Maiden Crone and Child tale! And I cannot wait for book 2!!!!
Gwen has always lived in the sacred wood, as a Sybylline woman who can mind-walk and control others, she has powers she never should have had!
Micheal has always kept Gwen safe, after visions of what she could become scared all those who were around for her birth.
What happens when Gwen is suddenly torn from the life she knew and begins to learn about ALL the lies and trauma she has both suffered and inflicted? Who is Sasha and who is Theo??? How many must die for all of this to end??
This is an excellent retelling of the Maiden Crone and Child tale! And I cannot wait for book 2!!!!
July 25, 2025
I quite enjoyed this read. Probably won't read it again, therefore a 3⭐ rating.
The writing is really good making the story flow in a good way. Easy to get into and imagine the world where it plays out. The Sasha moments gave me the creeps and I would have loved more of those. Also, loved Gwenna's personality and magical abilities.
There were some parts however that were boring and a struggle to get through. Also, I didn't care much for the romance - most likely because it wasn't much of a mystery. I had some issues with the jump in time as well but I completely understand it. A "4 years later" jump were you barely get any information of what happened these years, that's why it's an issue for me.
The writing is really good making the story flow in a good way. Easy to get into and imagine the world where it plays out. The Sasha moments gave me the creeps and I would have loved more of those. Also, loved Gwenna's personality and magical abilities.
There were some parts however that were boring and a struggle to get through. Also, I didn't care much for the romance - most likely because it wasn't much of a mystery. I had some issues with the jump in time as well but I completely understand it. A "4 years later" jump were you barely get any information of what happened these years, that's why it's an issue for me.
July 31, 2025
A solid 3.5 ⭐️ to my first ARC read! I really loved the magic in this world and the internal struggle with what is moral and good. I very quickly became invested in the characters and the scenes with Sasha gave me literal chills! Anna was able to write those scenes so superbly that I had to check and make sure Sasha wasn’t in the room with me. I do wish there was a tad more world building and many of the conflicts that arose seemed to be rushed to their resolution. The four year time jump was unfortunate but I can see why it was written that way. I felt that I missed out on some of the relationship building between some of the characters and I was looking forward to seeing that develop. All in all, a very enjoyable read and I am looking forward to the next book in the series!
August 1, 2025
Gwen grew up in the forest in isolation, unaware that she was sent away to protect herself and her people from her terrible Sibylline coercion abilities. Taught to deny her powers always, she is content to stay in the forest until the day a band of thieves attacks, leaving her mentor dead and Gwen left to join up with a group of travelers. One of the travelers, John, seems to know her and Gwen quickly finds herself thrown back into the world she'd left and forgotten. But can she truly keep those she cares about safe, especially from herself?
This is a coming of age/NA story with low spice, lots of political intrigue, a reluctant heroine, and dark undertones. I flew through this and look forward to the next book!
This is a coming of age/NA story with low spice, lots of political intrigue, a reluctant heroine, and dark undertones. I flew through this and look forward to the next book!
July 27, 2025
Holy my mind! My mind is actually blank at this moment! This book has so much!
The best part about this book is totally that there is a witch, every one loves witches! Well probably not every one but i do!
Writing is easy to follow and story goes on so smoothly! Every page have to be read, there just is so much about this that you love
Characters are good and you are gonna love so many of them! There is few of them who you will not like, or maybe you do and i just don’t like them.
This is part of a series but you can easily read this just standalone, probably you still will read rest of them
Such a good author and a good book!
The best part about this book is totally that there is a witch, every one loves witches! Well probably not every one but i do!
Writing is easy to follow and story goes on so smoothly! Every page have to be read, there just is so much about this that you love
Characters are good and you are gonna love so many of them! There is few of them who you will not like, or maybe you do and i just don’t like them.
This is part of a series but you can easily read this just standalone, probably you still will read rest of them
Such a good author and a good book!
July 28, 2025
I have to start this review by saying that this was a great read and I can't wait for the next book! First of all the world building is amazing and the unique witch magic makes it even better. The writing style was great, it pulled me right into the story and I couldn't stop reading. Gwen is such an interesting character! She struggles with herself and her destiny, and the way she copes with all of it feels so real. It was dark, it was unpredictable and the found family made this story complete for me. Now I need more!
August 1, 2025
I was absolutely floored the entire time I was reading The Forest Witch by Anna Cackler. I absolutely love the Sacred Forest and the wild girl that grew up there and the brave young woman she grew up into. Gwen is truly an amazing character that has me cheering, crying, and fearful for her safety.
John is the perfect man. He is strong, gentle, and patient. His faith in Gwen is unwavering in a way that goes beyond words.
I was immediately drawn into this world and I was not prepared to leave it when the book ended!
John is the perfect man. He is strong, gentle, and patient. His faith in Gwen is unwavering in a way that goes beyond words.
I was immediately drawn into this world and I was not prepared to leave it when the book ended!
August 4, 2025
Thank you Anna Cackler for giving me the honor of being an ARC reader for you. I absolutely fell in love with all of the characters (but especially Gwenna) and the amazing world that was built.
This book is about a girl trying to keep her powers under control while also going through finding family and them trying to use her power as a weapon near the end. I am so proud of her for standing up for herself and not allowing anyone to use her. I cannot wait for the second book because this first one was so hard to put down.
This book is about a girl trying to keep her powers under control while also going through finding family and them trying to use her power as a weapon near the end. I am so proud of her for standing up for herself and not allowing anyone to use her. I cannot wait for the second book because this first one was so hard to put down.
August 16, 2025
Wow! This book really took me by surprise! It was fast paced and kept me interested the entire time. I also felt like I never really knew what was going to happen next, which I feel has been a rare thing lately.
My only feedback and reason for 4 stars rather than 5, is I feel the relationships between the MC and her newly found family and love could have been developed a little better. Maybe a chapter or two showing the MC getting to know everyone better before the time jump. It was just a little odd how she was just instantly fast friends and a true sister after living away from people her whole life.
But regardless, I'm excited to keep reading to find out what happens next!
My only feedback and reason for 4 stars rather than 5, is I feel the relationships between the MC and her newly found family and love could have been developed a little better. Maybe a chapter or two showing the MC getting to know everyone better before the time jump. It was just a little odd how she was just instantly fast friends and a true sister after living away from people her whole life.
But regardless, I'm excited to keep reading to find out what happens next!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 18, 2025
If you're looking for a fantasy book with a unique magic system, this book it for you. The Forest Witch was very engaging, and I really enjoyed the evolution of the FMC. This is a fantasy with romance, not a romantasy. As long as you remember that, I believe many will enjoy this book.
August 5, 2025
I absolutely loved this book! it was a great story, I can't wait to read the next book!
July 29, 2025
Very well done! I enjoyed the characters, the world building, and the general flow of the story. it doesnt really end on a cliffhanger, so could be read as a stand alone.
August 28, 2025
Thank you to the author for the eARC of this book, I'm voluntarily leaving a review.
This book had my mind reeling in the best possible ways, I had to keep reading as I just didn't know where it was going to go.
Gwenna lives a simple life in the Sacred Wood with Michael, the only thing she is aware of is that she is different, she has the power to read minds and control them. She was sent away as a babe in arms to protect her from an ancient prophecy to prevent her becoming a monster abusing her powers.
Life is shattered when they are found by Theo, an old crone, and they are forced to run. Now she must strive to understand the world around her when the lies built to protect her come crumbling down, she is returned to her family and must try to find a future for herself and fight the monster inside her which craves to use the power she has. Through everything she must try to “find the balance” and understand more about her powers.
As the years start to pass Gwen grows into her roles within her found family, where she finds acceptance, tolerance and a safe haven to be who she is. She learns of the prophecy and tries to navigate fate and her own visions of the future. All whilst navigating political intrigues and growing tensions with a neighbouring kingdom.
The book is full of ethical and moral dilemmas, people wanting to use her including at times her own family. The almost addictive nature of her power and the ‘fear of Man' which seeks to destroy what it can neither control or understand.
And let's not forget Theo with her enigmatic wanderings through the storyline. The ending had me gripped and I'm intrigued to know more so I'll be looking to read the next book asap
This book had my mind reeling in the best possible ways, I had to keep reading as I just didn't know where it was going to go.
Gwenna lives a simple life in the Sacred Wood with Michael, the only thing she is aware of is that she is different, she has the power to read minds and control them. She was sent away as a babe in arms to protect her from an ancient prophecy to prevent her becoming a monster abusing her powers.
Life is shattered when they are found by Theo, an old crone, and they are forced to run. Now she must strive to understand the world around her when the lies built to protect her come crumbling down, she is returned to her family and must try to find a future for herself and fight the monster inside her which craves to use the power she has. Through everything she must try to “find the balance” and understand more about her powers.
As the years start to pass Gwen grows into her roles within her found family, where she finds acceptance, tolerance and a safe haven to be who she is. She learns of the prophecy and tries to navigate fate and her own visions of the future. All whilst navigating political intrigues and growing tensions with a neighbouring kingdom.
The book is full of ethical and moral dilemmas, people wanting to use her including at times her own family. The almost addictive nature of her power and the ‘fear of Man' which seeks to destroy what it can neither control or understand.
And let's not forget Theo with her enigmatic wanderings through the storyline. The ending had me gripped and I'm intrigued to know more so I'll be looking to read the next book asap
August 4, 2025
Gwenna lives in the Sacret Wood with Michael, her friend and mentor, alone, away from civilisation and people. She's an unusal young lady, immensely powerful, which is why Michael was asked to take her, teach her. She has no knowledge of her family, Michael is her family. Michael protects her from herself. Plagued by nightmare after nightmare, Gwenna has a hard time rationalising her dreams with who she is, or who she feels she is. No question though, she IS dangerous and she knows it, so she keeps her abilty tightly under wraps. And then a strange encounter opens her up to truths hidden from her and her entire world changes in an instant. Already tormented by her dreams or, as she came to learn, her visions, just highlighted how important her formative years with Michael were. But he wasn't the only one to lie to her, the guy who saved her, John lied to her, the old woman she met in the wood lied to her.
Meeting her family was a blessing and a curse, a blessing because both her brother and sister embraced her wholeheartedly, a curse because of a vision that scared the bazoozas out of her. I loved all the untrigue and setting up until this point, very well paced, well wrung and captured. The middle, I felt, skipped too fast, there wasn't enough of a bridge from Gwen's arrival and acceptance as the sister of the ruling siblings to the events taking place, which is suddenly 4 years later. I felt as though I had missed a chunk and was playing catch up. John is a vital part of her life, yet the slow burn is so slow, I wasn't even aware of it, except for a few moments, and mostly in the second half of the book. That being said, I DID enjoy the book, even through my head scratching. I really enjoyed Gwen, I loved the twist that she was an extremely powerful being, with her morality intact, while her alta ego is anything but. The author kept the intrigue up throughout the book, who, how, why is Sasha, well Sasha. And Theo, the Crone, evil or not? These points and events really add to the flavour of the book, as do Kerric and Josephine, Gwen's siblings, who are immensely likeable.
This is far from a simple tale, it veers in many directions. At it's core is Gwen who struggles to overcome the "what if", she lives in fear of what she may become. But the author twisted this splendidly, she infused the story with more than just a guilt ridden young woman. Adding elements like other dimensions, doppelgangers, bias, brutality but interspersed with a strong sense of family, a strong sense of right from wrong and the lengths Gwen goes through. Awful lengths. Soul destroying lengths. But showcasing true love, true family and acceptance. A very powerfully wrought ending, vividly descriptive and, a sense of peace, of belonging.
Meeting her family was a blessing and a curse, a blessing because both her brother and sister embraced her wholeheartedly, a curse because of a vision that scared the bazoozas out of her. I loved all the untrigue and setting up until this point, very well paced, well wrung and captured. The middle, I felt, skipped too fast, there wasn't enough of a bridge from Gwen's arrival and acceptance as the sister of the ruling siblings to the events taking place, which is suddenly 4 years later. I felt as though I had missed a chunk and was playing catch up. John is a vital part of her life, yet the slow burn is so slow, I wasn't even aware of it, except for a few moments, and mostly in the second half of the book. That being said, I DID enjoy the book, even through my head scratching. I really enjoyed Gwen, I loved the twist that she was an extremely powerful being, with her morality intact, while her alta ego is anything but. The author kept the intrigue up throughout the book, who, how, why is Sasha, well Sasha. And Theo, the Crone, evil or not? These points and events really add to the flavour of the book, as do Kerric and Josephine, Gwen's siblings, who are immensely likeable.
This is far from a simple tale, it veers in many directions. At it's core is Gwen who struggles to overcome the "what if", she lives in fear of what she may become. But the author twisted this splendidly, she infused the story with more than just a guilt ridden young woman. Adding elements like other dimensions, doppelgangers, bias, brutality but interspersed with a strong sense of family, a strong sense of right from wrong and the lengths Gwen goes through. Awful lengths. Soul destroying lengths. But showcasing true love, true family and acceptance. A very powerfully wrought ending, vividly descriptive and, a sense of peace, of belonging.
October 21, 2025
While this story didn't grip me, it was intense - so intense, in fact, that I had to take a break just to breathe and get some distance from Gwenna. So, while this story took me longer to read than usual for a novel this length, I can still appreciate the brilliance of this deep dive into the idea that we all harbor a monstrous side within ourselves.
Yes, on the surface, this story is a dark coming of age fantasy about a young woman with immense psychic powers who can kill people with a thought, or invade their minds to make them kill themselves or each other. Raised in the forest until she's eighteen, this story follows her return to civilisation and the exploration of what good and evil are, how our choices and intentions are critical to whether an action can be seen as good or evil, and the understanding that no one is perfect. We all slip up. We all toy with selfish wants and a desire to have what we want. But thankfully most of us have the strength to seek out what we want in ways that do not cause harm to others or we are able to stop ourselves before our wants cause harm (or at least too much of it).
I truly loved how Gwenna describes it: "I'm a monster in a cage. There is no lock. There is only me, desperately holding the door shut."
For the sake of ourselves, this is an excellent read to make you think and come to terms with what we are all capable of, each one of us, you included. And for the sake of resilience, this excellent read could be a tool to help us deal with the evil of others without turning to evil ourselves, because there is always a choice.
In these times where "simple" rhetoric that paints the world in black and white, light and dark, I appreciate reading a book that shows us all the shades of grey and confirms that nothing is ever simple. We cannot control the behavior of others. We can only do our best to remain on the side of good and stick to the moral codes that make life in community liveable. And I'd like to remind anyone reading this, that stepping back and choosing not to do anything when wrongs are committed is as much a wrong as reducing the wrongs of the world to isolated actions instead of looking at the bigger picture. Most of the woes of the world that are being decried at present and that are leading to reprehensible actions being taken, almost always oversimplify the situation and do not take the bigger picture, the broader truth, into consideration, polarizing people on half-truths and par-baked opinions.
In answer to all of that, this novel is a breath of fresh air and a brilliant reminder all wrapped up in an intriguing world with some fantastic cultural differences and a wonderful depiction of festivals which I also really appreciated.
Yes, on the surface, this story is a dark coming of age fantasy about a young woman with immense psychic powers who can kill people with a thought, or invade their minds to make them kill themselves or each other. Raised in the forest until she's eighteen, this story follows her return to civilisation and the exploration of what good and evil are, how our choices and intentions are critical to whether an action can be seen as good or evil, and the understanding that no one is perfect. We all slip up. We all toy with selfish wants and a desire to have what we want. But thankfully most of us have the strength to seek out what we want in ways that do not cause harm to others or we are able to stop ourselves before our wants cause harm (or at least too much of it).
I truly loved how Gwenna describes it: "I'm a monster in a cage. There is no lock. There is only me, desperately holding the door shut."
For the sake of ourselves, this is an excellent read to make you think and come to terms with what we are all capable of, each one of us, you included. And for the sake of resilience, this excellent read could be a tool to help us deal with the evil of others without turning to evil ourselves, because there is always a choice.
In these times where "simple" rhetoric that paints the world in black and white, light and dark, I appreciate reading a book that shows us all the shades of grey and confirms that nothing is ever simple. We cannot control the behavior of others. We can only do our best to remain on the side of good and stick to the moral codes that make life in community liveable. And I'd like to remind anyone reading this, that stepping back and choosing not to do anything when wrongs are committed is as much a wrong as reducing the wrongs of the world to isolated actions instead of looking at the bigger picture. Most of the woes of the world that are being decried at present and that are leading to reprehensible actions being taken, almost always oversimplify the situation and do not take the bigger picture, the broader truth, into consideration, polarizing people on half-truths and par-baked opinions.
In answer to all of that, this novel is a breath of fresh air and a brilliant reminder all wrapped up in an intriguing world with some fantastic cultural differences and a wonderful depiction of festivals which I also really appreciated.
July 25, 2025
So the beginning starts off a little slow as we are introduced to the main character and her first big world changing event. Gwenna is an 18 year old witch, the main FMC, who was taken away from the village born into due to the vast amount of magic that she held even as an infant that scared everyone around her.
Her mentor has raised her for most of her life in the sacred woods. One strange night they go out and neither make it back home. But that’s just the beginning of Gwenna’s story.
**Well this book took me back to my own bought with necrotizing fasciitis cause the purple red flesh, the fire that burns up her leg. It feels like that, it truly does. Worse even! Its not fun to go through or live through. But she is definitely a trouper.
So many secrets and lies, and poor Gwenna is right in the middle of everything and just clueless. She was placed in a bubble.
But the back and forth with the siblings is great it feels so real. Like I’m biting my nails to see what happens or what they say next. I honestly have no idea how this is going to go its amazing.
Beautifully written long book, you never know what is around the corner, and for someone who constantly does, this book had me going a few times.
Now there is no Cliff hanger, but its not truly HEA with a lead into what will happen with Sasha and Gwen in the next part of the series! I await book 2! Cause of the adventures and mistakes to be had!
Key points into particular order:
- Secrets
- Manipulation
- Longing
-Prophecy
- Premonitions
- A never ending circle of realms.
- Spicy x3
- plot twists
- Dystopian
- Magic
- Witch's
- Morally Grey FMC, who is naive to the outside world.
- Touch him and perish
- Morally Grey MMC teddy bear for her
Her mentor has raised her for most of her life in the sacred woods. One strange night they go out and neither make it back home. But that’s just the beginning of Gwenna’s story.
**Well this book took me back to my own bought with necrotizing fasciitis cause the purple red flesh, the fire that burns up her leg. It feels like that, it truly does. Worse even! Its not fun to go through or live through. But she is definitely a trouper.
So many secrets and lies, and poor Gwenna is right in the middle of everything and just clueless. She was placed in a bubble.
But the back and forth with the siblings is great it feels so real. Like I’m biting my nails to see what happens or what they say next. I honestly have no idea how this is going to go its amazing.
Beautifully written long book, you never know what is around the corner, and for someone who constantly does, this book had me going a few times.
Now there is no Cliff hanger, but its not truly HEA with a lead into what will happen with Sasha and Gwen in the next part of the series! I await book 2! Cause of the adventures and mistakes to be had!
Key points into particular order:
- Secrets
- Manipulation
- Longing
-Prophecy
- Premonitions
- A never ending circle of realms.
- Spicy x3
- plot twists
- Dystopian
- Magic
- Witch's
- Morally Grey FMC, who is naive to the outside world.
- Touch him and perish
- Morally Grey MMC teddy bear for her
August 5, 2025
I think the book would’ve been better served if the author had decided which of the problems the MC deals with is going to be the biggest, and then made everything trickle down from there.
From what I read, the problems mostly appear to be isolated incidents that get resolved during each ‘part’ of the book, and have little bearing on the whole story.
I liked the family. They’re kind and mostly good people – again, issues that arise with them are simply smaller versions of the big problem the MC has with the rest of the world: she’s different and people don’t like different.
I wanted her ‘other’ self to be more prevalent in the story, and Theo as well.
This isn't an easy one to compare because I'm not sure what the influences were. They aren't as clear as they are with some of the other ARCs I read.
If you like fantasy with a dash of romance and a tiny bit of heat {the MC has sex but it's not graphic}, you might like this story.
If you like fantasy with a focus on magical compulsion and consent {not of a sexual nature, but entirely psychological}, then this is a good book for you.
If you have any issues with pregnancy loss in a story, this is one to skip.
From what I read, the problems mostly appear to be isolated incidents that get resolved during each ‘part’ of the book, and have little bearing on the whole story.
I liked the family. They’re kind and mostly good people – again, issues that arise with them are simply smaller versions of the big problem the MC has with the rest of the world: she’s different and people don’t like different.
I wanted her ‘other’ self to be more prevalent in the story, and Theo as well.
This isn't an easy one to compare because I'm not sure what the influences were. They aren't as clear as they are with some of the other ARCs I read.
If you like fantasy with a dash of romance and a tiny bit of heat {the MC has sex but it's not graphic}, you might like this story.
If you like fantasy with a focus on magical compulsion and consent {not of a sexual nature, but entirely psychological}, then this is a good book for you.
If you have any issues with pregnancy loss in a story, this is one to skip.
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