Maggie MacCormack and the Witches' Wheel

by Kaja Blackley

Maggie is a ginger-haired, twelve-year-old orphan who has been passed from one foster family to the next all her life. She never knows where she’ll end up so she’s become suspicious and independent, scrappy and resourceful.

As the story begins, Maggie is placed yet again into foster care – this time into a much more welcoming family. But Maggie can’t shake the feeling that something is a bit irregular about her new home and its charming, yet eccentric, inhabitants. She slowly ends up having to toss everything she understood about herself and her life out the window. But by that time, things have gone pear-shaped – it’s too late for her to run from the approaching danger.

Genres: Middle Grade

488 pages, Paperback

First published July 11, 2019

About the author

Kaja Blackley is a Canadian author of young adult fantasy, magical realism, and urban folklore. His debut urban eco-fantasy novel, Maggie MacCormack and the Witches’ Wheel, blends magic, adventure, and Scottish folklore, exploring themes of found family, courage, and hidden heirs.

One of his stories has been adapted into a Hollywood film, and he was recognized by Maclean’s as one of 100 Canadians to Watch. New books in the Maggie MacCormack series are planned for winter 2025/2026.

Reviews

[Belles Middle Grade Library · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such an intricate & imaginative story. Upper MG for sure because of some darker violence. I loved this except for some animal death in here. That destroyed me, especially now. This has a found family, but really more of a RE-found family, & I loved all of that. All the members of this amazing family are incredible, & all so different & unique as well. Maggie is quite a MC, & is one tough cookie. She’s already been through so much, & then to get introduced to the magic part of her all at once, & the responsibilities she has right away? She did great in my opinion. This has magic seemingly brought by nature, where even the trees can speak to the Wood Witch(who is their protector), to very dark magic. The dark magic & the ones wielding it, could be representation of humans helping destroy our planet in a way as well. You get hooked right away, & the adventures start right away too. The world & story building are so incredibly done, & unfold brilliantly. Everything unfolds at a great pace with an amazing flow, with all the little puzzles pieces sprinkled about at just the right parts. This is so full of imagination as well. You have the talking trees, mice, giants, fire breathing dragon, GIANT spiders, lethal bunnies & badgers, goblins, spirits, frogs, crows, greenmen, shapeshifting dogs, the witch’s wheel, & so much more. So many amazing characters in here, but I think Harry & Mairi have my heart though. Full of adventure, danger, mystery, magic, nature, suspense, family, high stakes, & more. So many intriguing & gripping parts in here. Don’t know when the next book will be out, but I can’t wait to read it. Hopefully no animal deaths though. Beautiful cover also done by the author!💜

[_thatgirlwiththebook_ · Rating 5 out of 5]

'Patience’ I hate that word almost as much as I hate this darkness.”
“And yet, patience helps us quietly and intently wait for the light.”
“And darkness? What’s the good of darkness?” asked Maggie.
“That we must temper our desire to see everything all laid out at once before us.”

A brilliant start to a new female-centered YA Fantasy series with a bewitching magical setting and a mesmerizing tale of good and evil. I couldn’t stop reading this book. It has some of my fav tropes: the chosen one, found families, the secret heir, dark magic, dying world and lots of tea making (and I mean it literally). One really just gets sucked in as our protagonist’s adventures start. The world building and the theories surrounding it are so legit cool (my favorite one was about the possessing spirits one), the storyline is twisted but it unfolds rather beautifully as the mysteries and secrets reveal.

I loved the characters, specially Fiona and Angus. The incredible storytelling keeps you hooked. It majorly takes place in the woods and forest so there’s a lot of forest talk, nature theories and adorable talking animals: a fire breathing dragon, talking trees, dogs, mice, rabbits, frogs (not so adorable), spiders, giants and the greenmen. I thoroughly enjoyed the forest folk part. It was so unique and captivating.

The only turn off for me in this book was whenever Maggie acted older than her age and like all-knowing.

Synopsis: In this action packed fantasy novel, we meet 12-year-old Maggie who goes from one foster home to the other, thinking that’s her destiny but little does she know that her life, as she knows it, is about to take a 360 degrees turn and she’ll have to unlearn lots of things to make sense of her new world. She has to take the inheritance she was meant to take all along, fight the great dark threat looming over the mother earth and all of the forest folk and take responsibility of keeping the earth and its inhabitants safe and breathing. But for all of tha to happen, she will have to reborn.

[Kathryn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely spectacular YA fantasy novel! I read from the beautiful hardcover, a work of art to hold and read from; amazing attention to detail.
Excellent characters, story...can't wait for the sequel to be printed.
For eco minded readers there is an underlying theme which is to protect the Earth, something we are faced with on the daily, however the theme is subtle in its parallels to our current climate crisis and so not depressing but very cleverly weaved into the story.
A favorite paragraph which stood out: "These tasks -- your journey, by proxy -- symbolize our charge to ministering nature's balance. The consequences for your failure remind us that any delinquency of our obligation may bring about the Earth's ruin --an our own."

[Nargis Kalani · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Disturbed by the vision of her mother, perhaps? Contemplating what it means to be a Wood Witch? Simply enjoying with the first snowfall of the winter?"

First of all I want to thank Kaja for sending his book my way. Secondly, thanks to Mlctours on instagram for hosting an amazing tour.

Let me tell you guys that this book is one of my top reads of this year, honestly. It was such a delightful and mesmerizing read because its full of magic, intriguing creatures like dragon, talking mice, rabbits Greenmen, witches, shape shifters, evil goblins and other evil creatures. Kaja has woven such a deep yet dark tale with delicious food and places descriptions that keeps you hooked to the book.
The characters? Don't even get me started on them because most of them are so freaking adorable that I wished to bring them in the real world. Maggie, the main character, Watts, Duncan and Fiona, they evolved so much throughout the story. And please, someone get me Mairi the mice, Angus, the greenman, all those rabbits and Fergus the dragon ... I need them in my life, omg...
This middle grade story was also filled with so much action, like woah...and there were so many moments where I was like please don't let anyone die ... they are my precious. The background story of scourge was just mindblowing and so metaphoric to our real world. I loved it...

I am so emotional right now, because this book was such a wholesome experience and I did not want it to end. Waiting desperately for the next book.

[Princess Irene Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

Maggie MacCormack is my last read of the year and it didn't disappoint at all. The world that the author Kaja has built to create a magical story that surrounds our magical and adorable little main character is just mind blowing!
I love the world building. I love the magic system. The story and creature of the forests and the one that surrounds Maggie are all well thought and brilliant.
I love how theres a lot of mention about food and a proper diet of being a witch (which I have taken note of LITERALLY) the book feels so warm and it makes me feel I belong, that I am with the characters inside the book in every meal they share. And that is truly amazing cause a lot of authors can make you feel that you are a part of the book that you are living inside the book and watching everything unfold but a few can only make you that you are a part, a comrade or even a family of these characters you are reading. The book is totally magical and brilliant! I love it!

[Fizah(Books tales by me)]

I am processing things rn.

[Lexy · Rating 4 out of 5]

The story follows our 12 year old heroine, Maggie who finds out she is a descendent of the wood witch. She goes on a journey to understand herself and the world she thought she knew. Magical creatures help her along the many challenges she has to overcome 🍃

I rated this book a 4/5 as I LOVED the world and Maggie was so full of spunk!! I really enjoyed the magic system and how there was an important emphasis on protecting the earth. The Begbie mice family are my favourite characters and I can’t wait to see where the sequel takes the entire crew! It was also very thrilling to read a YA book not focused on a love story, but instead family and friendship.

At points it wa shard to keep up with soooo many characters but I found writing myself a little cheat sheet super helpful and it will come in handy when the sequel comes out too. Some chapters also had a lot of info dumping but you could understand it was necessary for the story.

It could be good for advanced middle grade readers too but some areas of the book are complex and also complex emotions. TW for death and some creepy elements for young readers.

[Erin Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is seriously one of the best YA fantasy novels I have ever read! It was action packed, and full of adventure. I loved the characters, the storyline, and how fast paced it was. This book was truly perfection. Highly recommend! 5/5 stars.

[Adriana B · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 Star Rating. REVIEW TO COME.

[Mahnoor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Maggie MacCormack is an action-packed adventurous fantasy novel. It is a whole assortment of fictional characters.
The book surrounds Maggie who is a wood witch but she doesn't know her reality and heritage. Maggie is a 12-year-old ginger-haired orphan girl who has grown up in foster care all her life. At the beginning of the story, she is yet placed into another foster care. She’s been shuffled around a bunch until finally, she ends up with Fiona. She noticed that this time the family is peculiar and something is odd in that family. But then she got to know that this time she has spotted in her lineage, and she learnt about her ancestry, that she is a witch.
In the whole story, it is a journey to the Scottish forests. The writer is talking about goblins, faeries and witches. It has a whole ton of adventure. You'll be incredibly delightful to read this.

[Siobhán♡ · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Be prepared to fight for your life."

I'm just... Wow. Whatever I expected for this fantasy... It wasn't this!
This exceeded my expectations by A LOT!

Maggie, believed to be orphaned finds herself in the middle of the forest with a grand inheritance laying in front of her. But this isn't the money kind. No, this is the "hundreds of lives remain in your hands, you are responsible." A big ask of a twelve-year old. Life as Maggie knows it, doesn't exist anymore. Instead a new life has taken form.
Maggie is such a loveable, inquisitive character of whom I absolutely adore. Herself and Watts... Omg I couldn't stop laughing. Their unexpected friendship so soon after they met, that instant bond, made me love them even more.

So much for being normal eh?

Blackley has a wonderful writing style that really sets the scene of his book. I can visualise exactly what's happening without needing to ask for more.
I also love how homely this book felt for me. The accents, the little "cuss" words
(e.g. git, wanker), it made me feel comfortable and at home. I loved it!

Light humour, fantasy and a young, strong female protagonist, what's not to love here!?

Also, Fiona. I love her. That's all that needs to be said about her. She's an absolute gem!

I can't wait for book 2! I NEED more Maggie!!

[Evelin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutly adore this middle-grade novel. First of all this book is so gorgeous, well-written, full of action and you can't do something else while you reading it. When I've started I didn’t know how much will I like it, but Maggie MacCormack and the Witches' Wheel turned one of my favorite reads from this month. The main character, Maggie is a very interesting girl and you wish she reaches her goals, her journey through magic and creatures are fascinating and the storyline reads themself. I loved the fact that the book has a map, so it was really easy to follow Maggie's steps. The story grabs its readers and doesn’t let them go. You can’t wait for more and more adventures, new locations and the emergence of magical creatures. Although it's middle-grade, it can be perfect for older readers, as it can be an adventurous and fun adventure.I highly recommend it and I can not wait book 2.

[Sumaira Shamim · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Maggie stood on her front porch, staring out towards the society of trees that guarded her house. Unbeknownst to her, two eyes by the tree roots stared back. Have you seen anyone suspicious in our woods? she asked the timber, remembering she must think her question and the forest will answer. “We will ask,” said a tree, in a voice low and gritty. Maggie scratched her thigh, sat down on the porch step and waited. Her insides twisted like an elastic band, her patience likewise stretched. “No one foulsmelling” was the answer given."

●REVIEW: A beautiful fantasy and YA fiction novel series that follows the story of a 12 year girl. Once you've start the book you'll have to finish it. It is not a book that follows only one thing there are alot perks of reading it, it's full of climax, black magic, believe and never giving up.

"Maggiemaccormack and the witches' wheel is not just a fantasy novel but it also teaches you to have believe that things will get better, you just need to keep on doing great things!"

▪︎I loved the plot, the writing style and how the author put a magic in it. It is so interacting that even a beginner in reading can read it enjoy it and get the whole concept.

●Book Synopsis:
Maggie is a ginger-haired, twelve-year-old orphan who has been passed from one foster family to the next all of her life. She never knows where she’ll end up so she’s become suspicious and independent, scrappy and resourceful.
As the story begins, Maggie is yet again placed into foster care – this time into a much more welcoming family. But Maggie can’t shake the feeling that something is a bit irregular about her new home and its charming, yet eccentric, inhabitants. She slowly ends up having to toss everything she understood about herself and her life out the window. But by that time, things have gone pear-shaped – it’s too late for her to run from the approaching danger.

[Reading_is_my_yoga · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Nurture. Nature. Respect Mother Earth"
~
~
Maggie is a twelve-year-old orphan who has seen more foster families than any other kid. After her last guardian suffered a fatal heart attack she is brought to a new family. This one is decidedly different from any other family she has lived with. She feels welcome and accepted from the start but soon weird and magical things happen around her.
~
I absolutely loved all the characters. They were cute and loveable. I would have loved to sit in Fiona's kitchen and have a cuppa with them. Maggie is a great character. She's tough and self confident but sometimes she acts like an older girl. But I think growing up as an orphan will definitely make a person grow up faster.
~
The story is full of magical creatures: dragons, shifters, greenmen, and talking animals. The villains are definitely scary and threatening. The world building is wonderful. It's set somewhere in Scotland at the coast which is always a great setting for a book.
~
The thing I loved most about the story was the message: take care of nature. There's only one and if it's gone everyone is screwed. A graffiti by the people opposed to Maggie says: "Burn the Woods!" The book explains why burning the woods is a very bad idea. In the light of current slash-and-burn methods going on in the Amazonas and wildfires at the West Coast this topic is very relevant.
~
This book was beautiful inside and out. I absolutely recommend it to everyone who loves stories about white witches and magic, love for nature and great characters.

[Sarah Anderson-Pagal · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great work of YA Fantasy! I was absolutely enamoured with this story. The main character, Maggie is so likeable. You feel for her, you want her to succeed.

The writing is excellent, not wordy, and a great use of imagery! I could picture the woods, the village, the creatures, and people. It is such a magical world.

I love that the book is pushing environmentalism. I appreciate that so much, I think it is a wonderful theme and I like the way it naturally fit into this story.

I am excited for the second installment!

[thebookwormscorner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Maggie MacCormack has been shipped from foster home to foster home. She never really gets comfortable as she never knows when she's going to have to pack again. Her most recent foster mother has passed away. Her case worker has looked for a new home for her already. What Maggie doesn't know is that it's with his mother. That's right, her caseworker brought her to live with him and his mother. The home is very eccentric. No television, no outside food, and food is to be home grown. But the delicious sweets and amazing food cooked in the home is enough to live without television right?

As time goes by Maggie is starting to notice that things are going awry. There's weird things going on and she's told some pretty heavy secrets that's going to flip her life upside down. I absolutely enjoyed this story. It's a truly magical middle grade book full of spooky things (make sure this book is ok for the little bookworm in your life). There's talking dogs, rabbits, and so much more. The book also deals with the lost and found, dealing with secrets, and learning to appreciate and accept who you are as a person. I adored everything about it and the beautiful artwork as well. Huge thanks to Kaja for reaching out and providing me with a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

[Shivangi Tiwari · Rating 4 out of 5]

I know we all need our fill of fantasy and magical worlds, and this book fulfils that in the best way. I love the fact that it is centered around a female main character, who is not faultless, but learns and grows as the book continues. We see the world from her eyes and experiences, trials, joys and sorrows.

Maggie is a 12 year old orphan, and she is made to change homes frequently, she feels like a nomad, she thinks she would never belong anywhere, this time she is been sent to a strange new family, where there is love and a sense of belonging, but also every member is hiding secrets, even the dogs. She witnesses strange occurrences amidst the quiet countryside life.

Things I loved-
•There is SO MUCH FOOD reference, Desserts and scrumptious breakfast, don't read this if you're hungry, it makes you crave cinnamon rolls and scones.

•The grandmom will spoil you rotten with so much food and tea, and make you miss your own grandmom so much.

•The Book is based in Scotland i.e my most favorite place, the quaint country life, the forest, the nature
Everything for my cottage core loving heart!

•The Chosen One trope, The Found Family Trope both my favorites.

• Nature Witches, who will take care of Earth and Forest and talk to trees.
Elves, goblins, dragons, and loyal loving dogs.

•Every Character is written so well, you will fall in love with them, Angus, Fiona, Maggie. 💖

Thank you @mlc_tours for the opportunity and @maggiemaccormack for the gifted copy.

[Lola R · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely loved every moment of this book. Blackley has created an enthralling universe filled to the cauldron brim with adventure, fun and poignancy.

Maggie, our 12 year old heroine, along with faithful companion, Watts, is a character I immediately bonded with. In the audiobook version, her scrappiness and quick-wit are brought to life by an effervescent Linda McDade, whose whirlwind of voices lends itself well to this magical tale.

Blackley's stunning coming-of-age mystery is one to be appalled for its originality. Although the premise of "the destined-to-be-great orphan" is one I've seen many times before, this truly is a one-of-a-kind story, aided by a mysterious yet very real Scottish backdrop.

Can't wait for the next couple of books to become available. Would highly recommend.

[Irma · Rating 2 out of 5]

I believe I won this book from Goodreads Giveaways. As much as I wanted to get into this, I just couldn't seem to connect with the characters. The plot feels super rushed, which means the character development is rushed. There were also some aspects of the magic in Maggie's new world that came out of nowhere and didn't make much sense; there was no buildup or explanations given. Because of these two things, I just felt it was too juvenile for my own tastes.

By the way, many reviewers are labeling this as a young adult book, but this is definitely middle school level. It might be a fun, easy read for parents to read to their kids, but I just couldn't get into it as an adult.

[DrJoanna Wong · Rating 3 out of 5]

My thoughts (3.5stars)
✨So i received the audiobook and boy it was an experience, as we all know that audiobooks enhances our imaginative quotient. This book was a superb read :
The world, the characters, the surrounding and as whole this book is very imaginative, also it was perfect for the October read.
It has witches, dragons, warlocks and all magical creatures ✨
The protagonist maggie, is so adorable and also there is a subplot around environmental issues that impacts us, so i really think this YA book will definitely inculcate some young readers about how to take care about our planet !
Overall a beautiful read definitely recommend !

[Sadia Saleem · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was thrilled an ARC copy of this book. This independent author has sent a long way into telling a story full of magic, mystical creatures, giants and goblins. The storyline is very gripping, how it unfolds and connects the characters together makes this book unique. You cannot help but root for Maggie as she starts her journey to become a wood witch. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book and can’t wait for the next book in the series.

[Raimo Strangis · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful story filled with magic, emotion, and intrigue. A captivating read for all ages. Maggie is a delight.

[Andrea ✨ · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF at page 128

I just have 0 interest in continuing this book

[Jess France · Rating 5 out of 5]

I did that audiobook book:
Maggie MacCormack and the Witches' Wheel narrated by @lindamcdade . This is the first book I have ever gotten from Canada before thank you so much! I give this book Five Wood Witches out of Five Wood Witches! It's a middle grade book! The narrator of this book did an amazing job with the Scottish accent with the book set in Scotland! It's did one of my favourite tropes found family that I have read a few books in. Maggie MacCormack is an orphan that is taken from her family when she is a baby. She finds her way back to her real family through her dad. She learns that her grandmas is a Wood Witch and she is the next to inherit the title of Wood Witch. For a middle grade book it had a some crusing in it, and I personally thought that was interesting as American. I know it's more comment to see kid and adults cruse in Scotland/the UK then in America for kids. This book was full of adventure of Maggie MacCormack learning how to become the Wood Witch at 13 years old. I highly recommend this book if you like book set in Scotland or a fun middle grade book with magic in it then this book is for you! Also I felt so many emotions that Maggie MacCormack was going through throughout the book!

[Kaja Blackley]

I’m so grateful to everyone who enjoyed the original edition of Maggie MacCormack and the Witches’ Wheel — it truly warms my heart. That edition has now been retired as I prepare the reimagined version for rerelease in 2026.

What’s new? Too much to mention here, but to give you a little teaser: new covers, enhanced storytelling, and a free 24-page Series Companion, available via QR code with the purchase of either the print or digital edition.

For news and updates, follow @maggiemaccormack on Instagram, and my new personal pages @booksbyblackley on IG and TikTok.

Cheers,

Kaja

[Louise · Rating 5 out of 5]

Maggie MacCormack and the Witches Wheel. I Love Everything about this book, and found it really hard to put down. Kaja Blackley’s writing style pulled me right in. You will love this book!! This is the first book in a series - cannot wait for the next one to come out!