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Hedge Witch
The Censor controls the story. She’s ready to write a new one in ink and blood.
Back when Elise was a child, magic was locked behind the Hedge and everyone was safe. But twelve years ago, the Hedge fell, and now the government battles to suppress dangerous magic users. But if magic is so evil, why is Elise’s dad risking everything to hide a book about it?
When her father is arrested by the Censor, all Elise is left with are a few chapters, handwritten by a young witch named Malvada who lived in the shadow of the Hedge twelve years ago. As Elise chases answers, it slowly becomes clear that Malvada’s book may hold more than clues to the lost history of magic. It might be the spark of a revolution.
If Elise can unite all the chapters, she may have the power to bargain for her father’s life. But she’ll have to outwit not just the government, but also a magical terrorist group. Who can she trust? And how many betrayals lie between her and the truth of Malvada’s story?
Back when Elise was a child, magic was locked behind the Hedge and everyone was safe. But twelve years ago, the Hedge fell, and now the government battles to suppress dangerous magic users. But if magic is so evil, why is Elise’s dad risking everything to hide a book about it?
When her father is arrested by the Censor, all Elise is left with are a few chapters, handwritten by a young witch named Malvada who lived in the shadow of the Hedge twelve years ago. As Elise chases answers, it slowly becomes clear that Malvada’s book may hold more than clues to the lost history of magic. It might be the spark of a revolution.
If Elise can unite all the chapters, she may have the power to bargain for her father’s life. But she’ll have to outwit not just the government, but also a magical terrorist group. Who can she trust? And how many betrayals lie between her and the truth of Malvada’s story?
- GenresFantasy
335 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 10, 2025
3 people are currently reading
2246 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
October 11, 2025
4.5 🌟
"Could it be something Magical? Even inside her head, she felt the forbidden word should be said in a whisper." (Ch 2)
Young Adult Fantasy
"I was destined to grow up in an unfriendly world...." (Ch 10)
This is kind of like a dystopian-esque fantasy/magical society where magic has been banned to the point where you shouldn't even think the word 'magic' or risk the penalty of death. Elise is like a normal girl. However, her curiousity gets the better of her, which ends up costing her a hefty price. Now, she has to find a way to set it right. That path is not an easy or legal one, but she is determined. And through that journey, she learns about another girl's story, a witch, through a book -- a dismantled journal -- one that was highly coveted and scattered about.
They both seem to be lonely souls on solitary paths. Finding their places in such a controlling world.
The ending few chapters!!! And of course, this is just book 1, so the story continues.
"....perhaps the very air will crackle and spark with pure Magic. Perhaps it will be different entirely. But I must know the truth." (Ch 13)
eARC courtesy of BookSirens
"Could it be something Magical? Even inside her head, she felt the forbidden word should be said in a whisper." (Ch 2)
Young Adult Fantasy
"I was destined to grow up in an unfriendly world...." (Ch 10)
This is kind of like a dystopian-esque fantasy/magical society where magic has been banned to the point where you shouldn't even think the word 'magic' or risk the penalty of death. Elise is like a normal girl. However, her curiousity gets the better of her, which ends up costing her a hefty price. Now, she has to find a way to set it right. That path is not an easy or legal one, but she is determined. And through that journey, she learns about another girl's story, a witch, through a book -- a dismantled journal -- one that was highly coveted and scattered about.
They both seem to be lonely souls on solitary paths. Finding their places in such a controlling world.
The ending few chapters!!! And of course, this is just book 1, so the story continues.
"....perhaps the very air will crackle and spark with pure Magic. Perhaps it will be different entirely. But I must know the truth." (Ch 13)
eARC courtesy of BookSirens
September 21, 2025
Set in a future world, mainly in Scotland, filled with real and imagined landmarks, the author captivates the reader with an original and enticing fantasy, where the ancient conflict between anti-Magic and Magic unfolds. A lush tapestry of Magical storytelling runs through Hedge Witch, celebrating the wonder of books and their hidden treasures.
Eighteen-year-old Elise’s fate, along with that of Magic and her beloved father, depends on her embarking on a perilous quest to find and collect chapters from the notorious witch Malvada’s scattered manuscript. Each beautifully written chapter resembles a mosaic—a delicate assembly of a fragile jigsaw that could be shattered beyond repair. When the Government brutally arrests her father for harbouring the initial chapters of Malvada’s book, Elise is forced to flee her cosy bookshop home. From the relative safety of Professor Crockit’s house to the archives of Edinburgh’s Literature Control Centre, into shadowy underground safehouses and further afield, the author transports us into a fantastical and perilous world where ‘Users’ of Magic, if caught, face torture and execution without trial.
I was impressed by how the author intricately linked Elise’s destiny to Malvada’s story. The suspense is thoughtfully crafted, engaging me just as much with Malvada’s journey as with Elise’s. The author’s characters’ voices are strong, and I was as amused by Crockit as I was incensed by Malvada’s father. Expect plenty of shapeshifting, Magical fires, rituals, spells, animal companions, ‘familiars,’ friends trapped in animal forms, friendship, romance, betrayal, and heartache — and of course, the power of the Hedge now unleashed on the world and the mystery of what lies beyond it. I am hooked, and I can't wait for the sequel!
Eighteen-year-old Elise’s fate, along with that of Magic and her beloved father, depends on her embarking on a perilous quest to find and collect chapters from the notorious witch Malvada’s scattered manuscript. Each beautifully written chapter resembles a mosaic—a delicate assembly of a fragile jigsaw that could be shattered beyond repair. When the Government brutally arrests her father for harbouring the initial chapters of Malvada’s book, Elise is forced to flee her cosy bookshop home. From the relative safety of Professor Crockit’s house to the archives of Edinburgh’s Literature Control Centre, into shadowy underground safehouses and further afield, the author transports us into a fantastical and perilous world where ‘Users’ of Magic, if caught, face torture and execution without trial.
I was impressed by how the author intricately linked Elise’s destiny to Malvada’s story. The suspense is thoughtfully crafted, engaging me just as much with Malvada’s journey as with Elise’s. The author’s characters’ voices are strong, and I was as amused by Crockit as I was incensed by Malvada’s father. Expect plenty of shapeshifting, Magical fires, rituals, spells, animal companions, ‘familiars,’ friends trapped in animal forms, friendship, romance, betrayal, and heartache — and of course, the power of the Hedge now unleashed on the world and the mystery of what lies beyond it. I am hooked, and I can't wait for the sequel!
October 14, 2025
***This book is an Advance Reader Copy provided to me by the author free of charge. I am not being paid for this review and all opinions stated within it are my own.***
Hedge Witch by Siobhan Murphy is set in a dystopian Earth where magic is outlawed. Books that mention magic, even fairy tales, are illegal and could lead to imprisonment or even death. While magic was once contained in a single area, it has broken free and the Government is seeking out users of magic and those who help them. In this environment, our hero must seek out something illegal in hopes of saving her father from death.
The story is told in two perspectives, the main character and a book within the book. The writing is pretty tight. The book flows fairly well, though there are breaks in the action for a change in perspective. Generally, these fit into the story well, but there are times when the perspective switch from the book to the main character is convenient. If the reading of the book had been interrupted in a scene where the characters are found and resumed later, it would have been a better option. Having time to finish reading only for the enemy to appear makes it seem like they were hanging around politely, waiting for her to finish.
This dual-perspective does not take away from the suspense of being on the run, but it is also easy to tell that the characters will be 100% successful in everything they attempt. If missions had to be scuttled, it would have made a good cliffhanger for any follow-up book.
Overall, I award this book four stars. It is a fun read, and one that passed by quickly. I would definitely recommend giving this book a try if you like dystopian fiction and magic.
Hedge Witch by Siobhan Murphy is set in a dystopian Earth where magic is outlawed. Books that mention magic, even fairy tales, are illegal and could lead to imprisonment or even death. While magic was once contained in a single area, it has broken free and the Government is seeking out users of magic and those who help them. In this environment, our hero must seek out something illegal in hopes of saving her father from death.
The story is told in two perspectives, the main character and a book within the book. The writing is pretty tight. The book flows fairly well, though there are breaks in the action for a change in perspective. Generally, these fit into the story well, but there are times when the perspective switch from the book to the main character is convenient. If the reading of the book had been interrupted in a scene where the characters are found and resumed later, it would have been a better option. Having time to finish reading only for the enemy to appear makes it seem like they were hanging around politely, waiting for her to finish.
This dual-perspective does not take away from the suspense of being on the run, but it is also easy to tell that the characters will be 100% successful in everything they attempt. If missions had to be scuttled, it would have made a good cliffhanger for any follow-up book.
Overall, I award this book four stars. It is a fun read, and one that passed by quickly. I would definitely recommend giving this book a try if you like dystopian fiction and magic.
September 25, 2025
Murphy's dystopia is chillingly well thought-out, and her characters have a depth and complexity that too many authors mistakenly assume is not required when writing for a younger audience. The book tackles the darker areas of its subject matter with intelligence and sensitivity, and refuses to shy away from asking the kind of questions whose answers can only be depicted in varying shades of morally grey, and somehow manages to do all this while being full of heart, humour and humanity.
All in all, Hedge Witch is a spectacular first novel, and a sure sign of great things to come - from both this series and its author.
When the long wait is over and book two is finally published, you will find me proudly camped outside my local bookshop, along with a throng of girls a fraction of my age, discussing the eventual TV, film and video game adaptations and complementing each other's Malvada cosplay as we wait to be let inside.
(Disclaimer: I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.)
All in all, Hedge Witch is a spectacular first novel, and a sure sign of great things to come - from both this series and its author.
When the long wait is over and book two is finally published, you will find me proudly camped outside my local bookshop, along with a throng of girls a fraction of my age, discussing the eventual TV, film and video game adaptations and complementing each other's Malvada cosplay as we wait to be let inside.
(Disclaimer: I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.)
October 4, 2025
I greatly enjoyed Hedge Witch by Siobhan F. Murphy.
From the very first pages, Murphy is able to weave a detailed history of Magical events in the UK, immersing you in this future world and expertly creating a spooky atmosphere that continues throughout the book.
The story itself switches between the perspectives of the protagonist Elise, and the witch Malvada. Murphy is able to seamlessly move between the different timelines and builds tension as you wait for Elise to find the next chapters of Malvadas manuscript, eventually leading to the story fully unfolding.
The two main characters (and secondary characters) are engaging, and very diverse from the usual cliches in YA fiction. You find yourself invested in Elise's plight almost immediately. Personally my favourite character was the eccentric Professor Crockit, who was written very convincingly and injected some light humour.
The reveal at the end was super intriguing and I can't wait to see where the next book leads!
Beautifully written, atmospheric, and suspenseful. I highly recommend Hedge Witch for fans of dystopian fantasty of all ages 🧙♀️
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
From the very first pages, Murphy is able to weave a detailed history of Magical events in the UK, immersing you in this future world and expertly creating a spooky atmosphere that continues throughout the book.
The story itself switches between the perspectives of the protagonist Elise, and the witch Malvada. Murphy is able to seamlessly move between the different timelines and builds tension as you wait for Elise to find the next chapters of Malvadas manuscript, eventually leading to the story fully unfolding.
The two main characters (and secondary characters) are engaging, and very diverse from the usual cliches in YA fiction. You find yourself invested in Elise's plight almost immediately. Personally my favourite character was the eccentric Professor Crockit, who was written very convincingly and injected some light humour.
The reveal at the end was super intriguing and I can't wait to see where the next book leads!
Beautifully written, atmospheric, and suspenseful. I highly recommend Hedge Witch for fans of dystopian fantasty of all ages 🧙♀️
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
October 8, 2025
I absolutely loved this book and am proper needing the sequel asap - it's quite an open ended ending! This has all the classic features you want in a YA - distopian landscape, mystery and intrigue, growing pains, and magic, and romance - but the things I loved were the quiet quirky moments. Slips of scottish slang making you feel the setting - flashbacks to my own immediate haircut regrets of my youth creating immediate kinship - turning green! I really invested in the characters, and how they're all woven up in each other's stories. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. It's a fab book. Will read again.
October 5, 2025
Hedge Witch is among the coolest fantasy stories I’ve read in a long time, and I am beyond honored to have been selected as an advance reader! Murphy’s craftsmanship is unbelievably special, especially for a debut author, and the first instalment in this franchise is telling for an incredibly promising career.
The novel is teeming with originality and creativity. Right off the bat I found myself incapable of putting it down, primarily due to the story’s unique setting, which combines traditional fantasy with science fiction and dystopia. Two stories in one, the gripping tale of Elise and the sinister memoir of Malvada, Hedge Witch takes readers on a wild ride of magic and action, all under the malevolent watch of the Censor.
READ THIS BOOK!!!!
The novel is teeming with originality and creativity. Right off the bat I found myself incapable of putting it down, primarily due to the story’s unique setting, which combines traditional fantasy with science fiction and dystopia. Two stories in one, the gripping tale of Elise and the sinister memoir of Malvada, Hedge Witch takes readers on a wild ride of magic and action, all under the malevolent watch of the Censor.
READ THIS BOOK!!!!
October 6, 2025
I want to do this without giving any spoilers!
This is the first distopia book I have read in a long time that kept me hooked!
The story kept you intrigued and eager to read more. You very much feel invested and part of the journey as they go to find out what happened to Malvada and magic!
I very much enjoyed the story within a story. The author did a great job with the transitions.
I look forward to reading more about this unique universe!
This is the first distopia book I have read in a long time that kept me hooked!
The story kept you intrigued and eager to read more. You very much feel invested and part of the journey as they go to find out what happened to Malvada and magic!
I very much enjoyed the story within a story. The author did a great job with the transitions.
I look forward to reading more about this unique universe!
October 13, 2025
Wonderful writing; I'm always a sucker for a new - and consistent - magic system.
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November 17, 2025I really enjoyed Hedge Witch, a YA fantasy book set in an alternative future. As someone who loved fantasy as a teenager but has struggled to find decent series as an adult, this definitely hit the spot.
The characters were diverse and well written and the world building was inventive. The story is set in an alternative future, where magic has disrupted technology, which gives a nice combination of a futuristic/dystopian setting but without the technology of the modern age.
There was also a really nice balance of detail in the world building - enough properly introduce the world and make you curious to find out more, but not too much as is often the case in general fantasy. I enjoyed the brief magical history at the start which set the scene for the current story and introduced political themes.
I particularly enjoyed Malvada’s chapters and how these were incorporated into the pacing of the novel overall. Looking forward to the next one!
The characters were diverse and well written and the world building was inventive. The story is set in an alternative future, where magic has disrupted technology, which gives a nice combination of a futuristic/dystopian setting but without the technology of the modern age.
There was also a really nice balance of detail in the world building - enough properly introduce the world and make you curious to find out more, but not too much as is often the case in general fantasy. I enjoyed the brief magical history at the start which set the scene for the current story and introduced political themes.
I particularly enjoyed Malvada’s chapters and how these were incorporated into the pacing of the novel overall. Looking forward to the next one!
August 28, 2025
Hedge Witch is a fantasy novel that hooks the reader into its world and doesn’t let go until the last page. The protagonist, Elise, is on a determined quest to piece together the fragmented biography of Mavalda, a legendary witch. You are thrust into a high-stakes journey that tackles power, loyalty, and love.
What makes this book special is not just its immersive world or the propulsive plot, but the emotional depth that you experience through characters that are larger than the page. As well as Elise, eccentric Crockit, sweet Rebecca, and the powerful Mavalda form just part of a cast of characters that intertwine in this fantastical novel.
Hedge Witch blends mystery, rebellion and just a touch of the arcane in a timeless story. If you love strong heroines, dark secrets, and fantasy that has both nuance and heart, Hedge Witch should be on the top of your TBR. I can’t wait to read the sequel!
I received an advance review copy of this book for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
What makes this book special is not just its immersive world or the propulsive plot, but the emotional depth that you experience through characters that are larger than the page. As well as Elise, eccentric Crockit, sweet Rebecca, and the powerful Mavalda form just part of a cast of characters that intertwine in this fantastical novel.
Hedge Witch blends mystery, rebellion and just a touch of the arcane in a timeless story. If you love strong heroines, dark secrets, and fantasy that has both nuance and heart, Hedge Witch should be on the top of your TBR. I can’t wait to read the sequel!
I received an advance review copy of this book for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
September 14, 2025
A fantastic tale of magic that's intriguing from the beginning and stretches the imagination. Looking forward to the next one.
August 17, 2025
I love Hedge witch, the story is exactly what drew me in, the blending of magic and how hedge witch is a bit like our life today . The Magic suppressed from the government, to me ws like our own magic and independence suppressed by governments, as they set to control everything even free thinking.
Elise's quest is almost an echo of all of us, as per the book, that is like the truth. It is the truth and the way it is protected almost, feared too, from the first instance it was brought to the readers attention from page 18, tell you about the importance of truth.
Beautiful book and cannot wait to read the others. Thank you to the author at voraciousreaders, for the pre-release
Elise's quest is almost an echo of all of us, as per the book, that is like the truth. It is the truth and the way it is protected almost, feared too, from the first instance it was brought to the readers attention from page 18, tell you about the importance of truth.
Beautiful book and cannot wait to read the others. Thank you to the author at voraciousreaders, for the pre-release
August 7, 2025
Hedge Witch by Siobhan F. Murphy is a gentle yet powerful journey into the old ways—a story that hums with earth-magic, intuition, and ancestral connection. This isn’t your flashy, wand-waving witchery. It’s deeper. Rooted. Sacred.
The protagonist is not your typical heroine—she’s quiet, reflective, and grounded in the rhythms of nature. But don’t mistake her softness for weakness. Her strength comes from within—from listening to the whispers of the forest, the spirits of her lineage, and her own inner knowing.
Set in a richly woven world where folklore meets modern reality, Hedge Witch explores themes of self-discovery, legacy, and what it means to reclaim your power on your own terms. The prose is lyrical and lush, like moss creeping over stone—slow, deliberate, and absolutely captivating.
This is a story for anyone who’s ever felt the pull of something ancient in their bones. For those who honor the moon, the seasons, and the silence between. For readers who crave atmosphere and transformation more than action and explosions.
A beautiful, magical read that leaves you feeling like you’ve stepped out of time—and into your own becoming.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The protagonist is not your typical heroine—she’s quiet, reflective, and grounded in the rhythms of nature. But don’t mistake her softness for weakness. Her strength comes from within—from listening to the whispers of the forest, the spirits of her lineage, and her own inner knowing.
Set in a richly woven world where folklore meets modern reality, Hedge Witch explores themes of self-discovery, legacy, and what it means to reclaim your power on your own terms. The prose is lyrical and lush, like moss creeping over stone—slow, deliberate, and absolutely captivating.
This is a story for anyone who’s ever felt the pull of something ancient in their bones. For those who honor the moon, the seasons, and the silence between. For readers who crave atmosphere and transformation more than action and explosions.
A beautiful, magical read that leaves you feeling like you’ve stepped out of time—and into your own becoming.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
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July 24, 2025I might not be the target audience for this book, but I found it an enjoyable read. Without giving too much away, I found the particular way more context for the world was revealed through the story really held my attention, and made me want to read on to understand more.
Engaging, and easy to read, will certainly give the next one a go.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Engaging, and easy to read, will certainly give the next one a go.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
September 24, 2025
It’s difficult to talk about all the things I love about this debut queer YA fantasy, because it was just everything. Having only dabbled at the very fringes of fantasy and dystopian fiction, I wasn’t sure what to expect, but I was completely enveloped by the story from the first page. The narrative is helmed by two strong women, alternating between their perspectives as Elise tries to track down and piece together the lost and scattered chapters of Malvada’s diary. For me, Elise’s perspective was an essential and clever stepping stone into the novel’s world — Murphy does a great job of grounding her in relatable emotions and moments, so that her evolution throughout the book feels natural and is something even those not super familiar with fantasy or dystopian fiction will feel swept up by. The burgeoning romance between Elise and her coworker Rebecca feels authentic and got me in the feels so many times; I really liked how the sweetness of this, the acceptance / non-issue of a queer romance balanced out the darker elements which initially appear in Malvada’s story and seep into Elise’s. Malvada’s voice, her whole personality, are immediately commanding. I loved her and was scared of her in equal measure, lol. As the central source of magic, intrigue, and mystery, she worked so well, and I really enjoyed the layers Murphy slowly revealed about her which complicate and add wonderful, biting texture.
For me, one of the most impressive things in the novel was how vibrant all of the secondary characters were. The setting, too, was so intriguing and atmospheric, and I loved exploring the post-magic world Elise has grown up in. Murphy does a great job of capturing the cosiness as well as the difficulty and sometimes drudgery of living in a no-tech world. As someone who tends to read quite short novels, the pacing and structure really aided in keeping the story going—it felt like the main plot whipped along while still giving each character, element and story beat time to properly unfurl, and I adored the quest element. It’s a clever trick that we must root for Elise getting the next chapter of Malvada’s diary so that *we* can read it too. I cried, I laughed, I had my heart broken. The Censor was scary as hell, too.
Okay, before I start just incoherently gushing about every tiny detail I loved, I’ll say this: this is a beautifully written, cosy-yet-dark, angry-yet-tender, dystopian-yet-hopeful fantasy adventure, and I can’t waaaaaaait to see where the story goes in the sequel. I need it, like, yesterday. Highly, highly recommend!
[I received an ARC copy of this book in an exchange for an honest review.]
For me, one of the most impressive things in the novel was how vibrant all of the secondary characters were. The setting, too, was so intriguing and atmospheric, and I loved exploring the post-magic world Elise has grown up in. Murphy does a great job of capturing the cosiness as well as the difficulty and sometimes drudgery of living in a no-tech world. As someone who tends to read quite short novels, the pacing and structure really aided in keeping the story going—it felt like the main plot whipped along while still giving each character, element and story beat time to properly unfurl, and I adored the quest element. It’s a clever trick that we must root for Elise getting the next chapter of Malvada’s diary so that *we* can read it too. I cried, I laughed, I had my heart broken. The Censor was scary as hell, too.
Okay, before I start just incoherently gushing about every tiny detail I loved, I’ll say this: this is a beautifully written, cosy-yet-dark, angry-yet-tender, dystopian-yet-hopeful fantasy adventure, and I can’t waaaaaaait to see where the story goes in the sequel. I need it, like, yesterday. Highly, highly recommend!
[I received an ARC copy of this book in an exchange for an honest review.]
September 24, 2025
This was a mighty read - a real rollercoaster ride from the great magical hedge in the far north down to London and back. Characters are on the go ceaselessly, on foot and on carts, in countryside and towns, sailing through the air and even through time! And just when you think things are settling down, you’re transported to an underground world inhabited by an army of freedom fighters.
Siobhan has created an impressive range of unforgettable characters and the good news is this is only volume one, so we’ll be looking forward to meeting our favourite characters again and watching them grow and evolve! Chief among these for me was the redoubtable Irving, an old witch who has one of the best entrances I’ve witnessed in a long time, vaulting walls, kicking a headmaster in the shins and admonishing a magical entity, all in order to save a boy’s life.
This is a really rich and various tale, which promises to open up more treasures in the year to come. It moves from a notional Scotland down to London at a time after magic has been banned and driven undergound (or “retro-hedge”?). Events take place in a post-technology age, which means that Elise, on her quest for the lost book of Malvada, travels by foot and horse and cart, so that we feel ourselves to be in a kind of medieval world and this adds a certain charm to the settings. This is nicely offset by sections in towns, most importantly London.
Murphy manages to pull off a rather difficult trick in this book. She makes the plot engine a quest for a lost and dangerous book, chapters of which are found in different places. As they are found, it is revealed what they hold and so the novel becomes a story within a story, so we’re holding out for not one but TWO heroines! Great stuff!
October 31, 2025
Hedge Witch by Siobhan Murphy is the first book in the Hedgefall Chronicles dystopian fantasy series. It is a world in which magic had been kept imprisoned behind a gigantic hedge wall, but the Hedge had fallen 12 years ago. However, magic is still forbidden, and the Censor (the government) imprisons anyone associated with it.
Elise’s father runs a bookshop. He reluctantly agrees to hide chapters of a book about magic for a friend who plans to return for it. Unfortunately, the government finds out and arrests him. Elise has already taken the book to read. The book is the story of Malvada, a witch who lived beside the Hedge before it fell, as told by the witch. Elise wants to save her father and find the remaining chapters to read. As Elise works toward both these goals, she is exposed to the magical world. The book alternates between Elise’s story in the present and, as she finds the chapters, the story of the witch Malvada who lived before the Hedge fell. I was looking forward to Elise finding more chapters, too, so I could learn more about what happened at the Hedge. So, you get two stories in one, each told in the first person.
It is a fun read, and I probably will read more in the series, but I am not sure. I enjoyed it, but several authors will take priority if they have new books I want to read. So, I am rating it a 3, but it is between a 3 and a 4. I received this book for free via LibraryThing Early Reviewers.
Elise’s father runs a bookshop. He reluctantly agrees to hide chapters of a book about magic for a friend who plans to return for it. Unfortunately, the government finds out and arrests him. Elise has already taken the book to read. The book is the story of Malvada, a witch who lived beside the Hedge before it fell, as told by the witch. Elise wants to save her father and find the remaining chapters to read. As Elise works toward both these goals, she is exposed to the magical world. The book alternates between Elise’s story in the present and, as she finds the chapters, the story of the witch Malvada who lived before the Hedge fell. I was looking forward to Elise finding more chapters, too, so I could learn more about what happened at the Hedge. So, you get two stories in one, each told in the first person.
It is a fun read, and I probably will read more in the series, but I am not sure. I enjoyed it, but several authors will take priority if they have new books I want to read. So, I am rating it a 3, but it is between a 3 and a 4. I received this book for free via LibraryThing Early Reviewers.
August 18, 2025
Hedge Witch completely swept me away. From the moment I started reading, I felt like I was being invited into a world that was both dangerous and beautiful, filled with secrets waiting to be uncovered. What stayed with me most wasn’t just the magic, but the voices were so alive, so distinct, so human. I felt Elise’s determination deep in my chest, and Malvada’s voice carried a weight that gave me chills. I was so enthralled I finished this book in a single sitting.
The book has a rhythm that feels daring yet purposeful, carrying me forward with a mix of urgency and wonder. At times it broke my heart, at times it filled me with fire, and always it reminded me why I love stories that wrestle with truth, power, and identity. It’s layered and thoughtful, but also bold enough to take risks that pay off beautifully.
By the time I turned the last page, I wasn’t just satisfied, I was eager. Eager to see what Murphy creates next, and eager to stay in the world she has opened here. Hedge Witch is more than a debut, it’s a promise of incredible things to come.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The book has a rhythm that feels daring yet purposeful, carrying me forward with a mix of urgency and wonder. At times it broke my heart, at times it filled me with fire, and always it reminded me why I love stories that wrestle with truth, power, and identity. It’s layered and thoughtful, but also bold enough to take risks that pay off beautifully.
By the time I turned the last page, I wasn’t just satisfied, I was eager. Eager to see what Murphy creates next, and eager to stay in the world she has opened here. Hedge Witch is more than a debut, it’s a promise of incredible things to come.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
September 28, 2025
This is an incredible debut novel from Siobhàn Murphy and I loved every chapter of it. Her writing is vividly descriptive yet always concise, pulling you into the magical scenes and settings she has created. As the two stories unfolded, I felt like I was there alongside the characters in the shade of the Hedge - and other other settings I won't give away!
I especially enjoyed the way the dystopian future was set with an antique twist, as it felt eerily familiar and believable amongst the stranger elements. The telling of Malvada's story through the medium of found book excerpts was an interesting approach to the flashback style of writing. I found this kept the pace of both narratives engaging, and the timelines complimented each other very well.
Altogether, I really enjoyed this novel and I'm looking forward to seeing what comes next for everyone in the second book of the series!
I received an advance copy of this book for free and have left this review voluntarily.
I especially enjoyed the way the dystopian future was set with an antique twist, as it felt eerily familiar and believable amongst the stranger elements. The telling of Malvada's story through the medium of found book excerpts was an interesting approach to the flashback style of writing. I found this kept the pace of both narratives engaging, and the timelines complimented each other very well.
Altogether, I really enjoyed this novel and I'm looking forward to seeing what comes next for everyone in the second book of the series!
I received an advance copy of this book for free and have left this review voluntarily.
January 1, 2026
Hedge Witch pulled me in with its eerie premise and quiet sense of rebellion, weaving a story that feels both intimate and dangerous. Elise’s search for truth through Malvada’s handwritten chapters is deeply compelling, especially as the novel explores who gets to control history and how fear can be weaponized against magic and those who wield it. I loved the layered storytelling and the way the past bleeds into the present, slowly revealing betrayals, secrets, and the cost of choosing resistance over safety. While I wanted a bit more emotional depth in a few moments, the atmosphere, moral tension, and growing sense of unrest kept me fully invested. This is a thoughtful, darkly magical story about censorship, legacy, and finding your voice in a world determined to silence it, and it left me genuinely curious to see where the story goes next.
August 22, 2025
I adored this novel. Whilst I'm not an avid reader of YA, I AM an avid reader of dystopian fiction and this piece of work ticks all the boxes in that regard. Elise, the protagonist, is very compelling - she just leaps off the page. I enjoyed the lived-in feeling, richly-drawn world, that gradually expands as the novel progresses.
It's also packed with lots of intriguing characters and an immense sense of world building. The prose is wonderfully clear and lyrical, but above all, what shines through the most for me, is that it's clearly been written with a great deal of passion and care.
I loved spending time in the world that Murphy has created here, and I'm very excited for the next instalment.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
It's also packed with lots of intriguing characters and an immense sense of world building. The prose is wonderfully clear and lyrical, but above all, what shines through the most for me, is that it's clearly been written with a great deal of passion and care.
I loved spending time in the world that Murphy has created here, and I'm very excited for the next instalment.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
August 24, 2025
Hedge Witch is an incredibly enjoyable easy-read which effectively transports you into the world of the story without the need for oppressive detail that you sometimes find in fantasy novels. It's the kind of book that engrosses you quickly and then effectively drip feeds the reader with information at a perfect pace to keep you always wanting to read one more page.
Murphy writes with a quintessentially British dry wit which frequently brings a smile or chuckle and adds both heart to the story and colour to the characters.
This is a very accomplished debut novel and I can't wait to read the next installment of the trilogy!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Murphy writes with a quintessentially British dry wit which frequently brings a smile or chuckle and adds both heart to the story and colour to the characters.
This is a very accomplished debut novel and I can't wait to read the next installment of the trilogy!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
October 6, 2025
📖 Hedge Witch by Siobhán F. Murphy
I was so grateful to receive an advance copy of Hedge Witch through LibraryThing. Thank you so much for the opportunity. ✨
I thought this was such a well-written story. The author’s writing captivated me from the very first chapter and kept me hooked all the way through. There was so much intrigue right from the start, and I loved learning about Elsie and Malvada’s stories as everything unfolded. It was such a hard book to put down, and I truly enjoyed it from beginning to end.
Honestly, I couldn’t recommend this book enough. It was such an easy and enjoyable read, and beautifully written. 🌿
I was so grateful to receive an advance copy of Hedge Witch through LibraryThing. Thank you so much for the opportunity. ✨
I thought this was such a well-written story. The author’s writing captivated me from the very first chapter and kept me hooked all the way through. There was so much intrigue right from the start, and I loved learning about Elsie and Malvada’s stories as everything unfolded. It was such a hard book to put down, and I truly enjoyed it from beginning to end.
Honestly, I couldn’t recommend this book enough. It was such an easy and enjoyable read, and beautifully written. 🌿
August 15, 2025
This isn't my usual genre, but I really enjoyed this book. Set in an alternate future, Hedge Witch has a strong premise and believable world building that captured my imagination. It's well paced with an engaging adventure that I know will continue into future installments. The parallel stories of Elise and Malvada intertwine effectively - creating a complex yet clear narrative.
I'd recommend this to anyone interested in fantasy or dystopian novels.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I'd recommend this to anyone interested in fantasy or dystopian novels.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
October 8, 2025
The Naming Conventions are cheesy, the Protagonist is milquetoast, and the Writing just isn’t strong enough to truly bring to life what should be a very cool futuristic yet rustic magical setting. The best part of this book is the book within the book, but even that wasn’t strong enough to carry this for me, unfortunately.
The cliffhanger did make me want to know what happens next, and maybe future books could flesh out the world appropriately, but I doubt I’ll continue the series tbh.
The cliffhanger did make me want to know what happens next, and maybe future books could flesh out the world appropriately, but I doubt I’ll continue the series tbh.
August 25, 2025
I really enjoyed this book. Character development was good particularly liked the way it was left open for further development. I'm looking forward to book two to see where the story is going...
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
December 15, 2025
Awesome book!
October 9, 2025
No wonder the main character, Elise, got obsessed with finding chapters of Malvada's journal - I was desperate for her to find them, too! This has a compulsive plot and well-defined characters with strong motivations. I'm already looking forward to book two.
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