The Somewhat Wicked Witch of Brigandale

by C.M. Waggoner

A practical witch must sabotage her beloved son's ascension to the throne in order to keep the kingdom from ruin, in this delightful cozy fantasy from the author of The Ruthless Lady’s Guide to Wizardry.

Once upon a time, a somewhat wicked witch named Gretsella lived in a cozy little cottage in the Dark Forest of Brigandale. She dispensed herbs and tinctures at reasonable prices, met with her slightly oddball coven on a regular basis, and had absolutely no need of any further company whatsoever, thank you very much. But then one afternoon, Gretsella came home to find a screaming infant on her doorstep.

Against all her better judgement, she took the baby in. She named him Bradley.

Eighteen years later, Bradley has grown into a bafflingly likable young man under Gretsella’s extremely tolerant—one might even say doting—eye. But the witch’s hopes for an unremarkable yet fulfilling life for her son are shattered when small woodland animals start prophesying that he is the lost prince and should ascend to the throne. Bradley ignores Gretsella’s advice that prophecies and talking chipmunks are to be avoided at all costs, and sets off for the capital. But soon confusion and chaos are reigning, and scheming courtiers are using Bradley for their own ends. Sometimes a witch has to roll up her sleeves and take matters into her own cauldron. So Gretsella resolves to bring about the downfall of her darling son…

Genres: Fantasy, Cozy Fantasy, Witches, Cozy, Adult, High Fantasy, Fiction

Kindle Edition

Expected publication March 17, 2026

About the author

C.M. Waggoner grew up in rural upstate New York, where she spent a lot of time reading fantasy novels in a swamp. She studied creative writing at SUNY Purchase and lived in China for eight years before moving with her husband to Albany, NY. In her spare time, she volunteers, performs kitchen experiments, asks if she can pet your dog, and gardens badly. You can voice your complaints to the management (or sign up for her mailing list) at cmwaggoner.com.

Reviews

[Jamie · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Gretsella was firmly opposed to Life Lessons of all kinds. There were, in her view, two proper ways to come to an understanding about the ways of the world: through native intelligence and old-fashioned common sense, as she had, or by having the ways of the world firmly explained to you by Gretsella, as she preferred for everyone else.”

So Gretsella is pretty much my spirit animal. Not only because of the quote above, but also because I aspire to someday be a curmudgeonly old witch who lives in the forest surrounded by talking animals. Actually, they don't even need to talk, especially if they're going to go on and on about prophecies all the time (but maybe they only do that if your son is meant to be king, I don't know how these things work in real life). Really, all of the characters are pretty great. Gretsella is fun and her coven members are fun and Bradley is fun (although admittedly rather daft), and they all make this book really, um … fun.

There's humor and snark and people get turned into parrots, and it's all very entertaining and fairy tale-esque. It's not a super deep story, but it's full of coziness and heart and maybe even a little bit of subterfuge. Gretsella does throw a rock at a squirrel at one point, but I'll give her a pass since the squirrel totally deserves it.

Also, I really enjoyed the twist concerning "Carrots" at the end. That was ... unexpected.

This book is pretty short and simple and there's not a lot to ramble on and on about, but it really is delightful. If you're looking for a light and cozy read about motherhood and magic and the nature of muffins, definitely consider giving The Somewhat Wicked Witch of Brigandale a read.

4.6 stars, rounded up.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Ace for providing me with an advance copy of this book to review. Its expected publication date is March 17, 2026.

[Jillian · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gretsella, known colloquially as the witch with reasonable prices, once turned the postman into a newt and has a distaste for gossip unless she originates it. Her adopted son unexpectedly ascends to the throne of Evermore, which is fine until word gets back that he sucks at his job. Bradley has a Libertarian approach to ruling in that he cancels taxes and isn’t very smart. When he doesn’t answer his toadaphone (just slap the toad and speak to it!), Gretsella must trek to Evermore and take over. In no particular order of importance, there are talking chipmunks, a democratic revolution, weaponized chamber pots, and a knight cursed with always having a stain on his shirt. Sometimes, a government collapse is necessary to build something better and it might require the clever machinations of a manipulative, but well-meaning witch to lead the charge. This book has me itching to change my email signature to “Hag of the Highest Order” as a whimsical test of my employer’s tolerance. Please be aware that I am no longer accepting invites to girls’ nights. Should my sisters wish to lay eyes upon me, I expect to be summoned to a convocation of the coven.

[Karyn Silverman]

I feel a little called out, honestly.
A charming little tale of motherhood, overthrowing monarchs, and democracy. With a witch who would like you to think of her as wicked but mostly she’s just the old lady we all secretly want to be.
Delightful.

[Violet · Rating 5 out of 5]

Many thanks to Berkley Publishing and NetGalley for providing me an advanced review copy of this gem of a book. I was expecting a cute cozy fantasy, which delivered, but I didn’t realize it was going to be so funny! I laughed out loud so many times I had to start saving highlights. The characters are all so endearing, the pace is perfect, and it was delightfully cozy without being cheesy. Absolutely loved it. ✨

[Nelly]

Is this book worth the read or I like the cover a little to much !!!! LOL

[Linda Garcia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to #netgalley, #berkleypublishinggroup, #penguinrandomhouse and #cmwaggoner for this cozy little book. It was a delight to read and I feel that Gretsella is my spirit animal.

This book is hysterical and I don't know if the author meant it to be as funny as it was. I read this book in my head like I was reading a fairytale to a youngin (ala The Princess Bride).

The chapter names had me screaming because it felt very ADHD, very me. The author is like, I'm telling you this story but let's back up and talk about this other thing that may tie in later, oh and let's take a side side convo and talk about this too! I felt like I was having a conversation with my other neurodivergent friends. Chaotic good!

The descriptions of places or items had me chuckling throughout the book. The ones that stood out and had me belly laugh:

"Witch Barb chose her name after spending several days in communion with a spirit from a dark realm called Weehawken" (LOL IYKYK)

"Participate in a profane ritual called 'the annual church spaghetti dinner'" LOL LOL

"... all assembled in the secret former torture room next to the cheese cellar in the basement"

I am so glad I took a chance on requesting this book. As much as I would love to see what else Gretsella can get in to, a series would probably take away from this feeling of this being a fairytale to be told year after year.

[Kat's Bookshelf · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gretsella is a wicked witch with reasonable prices who comes home one day to find an infant that was left on her doorstep. Thus begins the story of Bradley, the would-be king and his mom's attempt to overthrow him (because it's in his best interest).

The Somewhat Wicked Witch of Brigandale is a fast, fun read. A book like this could be all fluff, but the cast of characters make it something special. The story scratches just enough at social issues and the human condition to give it some meat without weighing the it down. Brigandale pokes a little fun at various tropes commonly found in fairy tales and fantasy tales. It reminds me a little bit of Just Stab Me Now in that way -- just the right level of snark to give it many laugh out loud moments!

My only complaint about the book would be the diversions in the main story to fill in some back story. While these breaks were introduced in clever ways and were often just as entertaining as the central story, I still found them disruptive to the overall flow.

4.5 stars -- read this if you're looking for a cozy, fun, big-hearted story. It'll put a smile on your face!

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the eARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Laura · Rating 3 out of 5]

There are moments of charm here, but overall? This just felt like any number of other books set in fantasy worlds that are approaching the topic with humor. Gretsella's raising Bradley is glossed over, and there are innumerable times we're told how he's incredibly good looking yet kinda dim. His hairdressing career feels as though it's playing into a stereotype, and only late in the book do we learn he likes playing what sounds like soccer "with the guys".

I did love the prophetic animals and how Gretsella manages both King Bradley and all the people around him. Where the "somewhat wicked" part comes from is a mystery, since she advertises "reasonable rates" and no one ever mentions the wickedness.

eARC provided by publisher via Netgalley.

[Steve · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book. Some of the writing was so clever that I would re-read several passages over and over. The writing definitely reminded me of Sir Terry Pratchett. The story was interesting, with a good cast of characters. I also liked the social commentary. Some passages were laugh-out-loud funny. I also liked the digressions and found they didn’t interfere with the flow of the story. However, I found the stakes were too low and the pacing sometimes lagged. Other than that, this is a fine book that I would place in the cozy fantasy genre. Thank you to Netgalley and Ace for the advance reader copy.

[BookishKB · Rating 5 out of 5]

🪄 Bookish Thoughts
This was such a cozy and dark whimsy read. A very light hearted and hilarious story. I adored Gretsella and honestly aspire to be her. She had me cackling the entire time. And Bradley… the sweetest himbo who couldn’t be less royal if he tried.

It’s a shorter read but I loved it! I can’t wait to grab the audiobook when it releases.

🖤 What to Expect
• Cozy whimsy fantasy
• Not so wicked witch
• Found family
• Sweet himbo son
_ _ _

⭐ Final Score: 5 stars
📅 Pub Date: March 17, 2026
Thank you to Berkley Publishing Group and NetGalley for the advanced copy. All thoughts are my own

[Dotty · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved the grumpy Gretsella, the Witch of Brigandale with the Reasonable Prices. She didn’t want a child, but when a baby is left on her doorstep, she takes him in and falls in love with him, not that she would ever admit that to anyone. When he turns 18 and the animals of the forest start hailing him as the next king, she has to let him go to meet his fate. She knows he won’t be happy as king, but decides to wait until she’s needed to help him.
The story of how she helps him to find his true happiness and her own make this a warm, cozy and fun read.

[Sabina · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a delightful little read!! Featuring Gretsella, a witch with lots of witchly dignity, and Bradley, the baby left on her doorstep (leading to the one line of the book I highlighted, re: babies, which was “It was a bit like having a particularly useless familiar”) along with a cast of other magical and particular characters. The narration was charming and fun to read. I read this in a very cozy environment, which is absolutely the ideal way to read a very cozy book. I am now recharged. Highly recommend!!

[Jennybeast · Rating 3 out of 5]

I didn't like this as much as I thought I would, but it's hard to put a finger on why -- a little too Disney fairy-tale? A little too self-aware? I found it slow going. That said, it was Pratchett-y enough in witch lore that I kept at it, and I enjoyed the supporting characters and the whole-hearted rejection of kingship. Light, funny, just have to be in the right headspace for very fairy tale.

Advanced Reader's Copy provided by Edelweiss.

[Candie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gretsella’s life as a wicked witch in the forest (with reasonable prices) is upturned when a foundling shows up on her doorstep. She manages to raise him until of course he turns out to be a lost prince. Can she get her bewildered boy child back and save the kingdom from chaos? Fluffy, funny, cozy - welcome right now.
Thanks Netgalley for the ARC- my opinions are my own.

[Karen Hayes · Rating 5 out of 5]

A tongue-in-cheek fairy tale for adult fans of The Enchanted Forest Chronicles, Gretsella the Witch finds a baby on her doorstep and, grumpily, raises him to the best of her abilities. If she loves him that's no business of yours. All is well until the local animals start prophesying that he will overthrow the king, and Gretsella has to step in. 4.5 stars rounded up.

[Lynda · Rating 4 out of 5]

delightfully snarky twist on witch tales! Brigandale’s “somewhat wicked” witch is witty, charming, and deliciously imperfect—exactly the kind of protagonist you root for while laughing at her disaster-magnet life. With sharp humor, quirky magic, and a story that doesn’t take itself too seriously, this one’s perfect for readers who love fantasy with heart and sass.

[Hillary · Rating 4 out of 5]

While I initially enjoyed the whimsy, or...well make the word whimsy a touch more practical and that's what I mean, it did start to wear on me by the end. That said, I was literally struck dumb by the profundity of a comment about the nature of muffins, so what the heck do I know?

[Meghan Bohn · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a nice palate cleanser for when all your other reads are Serious Nonfiction and horror. I liked this okay, but not as much as other people. It was a little too irrelevant/anachronistic for me. Up from 2.5 stars.
Thank you to Berkley Publishing Group and NetGalley for the ARC!

[Marcus · Rating 5 out of 5]

A lovely read, though short it was a delight very reminiscent of Terry Pratchett in writing style. Looking forward to reading the other books this author has written.