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The Last Windwitch
Many years ago, in the kingdom of Fenwood Reach, there was a powerful Windwitch who wove the seasons, keeping the land bountiful and the people happy. But then a dark magic drove her from the realm, and the world fell into chaos.
Brida is content in her small village of Oak Hollow. There, she’s plenty occupied trying to convince her fickle magic to actually do what it’s meant to in her work as a hedgewitch’s apprentice—until she accidentally catches the attention of the wicked queen.
On the run from the queen’s huntsman and her all-seeing Crow spies, Brida discovers the truth about her family, her magic, and who she is destined to be—and that she may hold the power to defeating the wicked queen and setting the kingdom right again.
Brida is content in her small village of Oak Hollow. There, she’s plenty occupied trying to convince her fickle magic to actually do what it’s meant to in her work as a hedgewitch’s apprentice—until she accidentally catches the attention of the wicked queen.
On the run from the queen’s huntsman and her all-seeing Crow spies, Brida discovers the truth about her family, her magic, and who she is destined to be—and that she may hold the power to defeating the wicked queen and setting the kingdom right again.
436 pages, Hardcover
First published April 13, 2021
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November 30, 2020guess who misread this as “the last sandwich” and actually clicked want to read? 😂😂😬
September 21, 2020
This book was received as an ARC from HarperCollins Children's Books in exchange for an honest review. Opinions and thoughts expressed in this review are completely my own.
I could not stop reading this book. I love how books take you on a journey alongside the main protagonist and as you read, it is like you are their partner in crime along for the journey and they are asking you to come along and help out. That is how I felt following alongside Brida's adventures as she finds and confronts the Queen of Crows in hopes to make it back to save her kingdom or it will become ruins. Also, it a lot of fun reading in the point of view of a child. Being a kid at heart, your heart will be warmed and be the biggest cheerleader ever!
We will consider adding this title to our JFiction collection at our library. That is why we give this book 5 stars.
I could not stop reading this book. I love how books take you on a journey alongside the main protagonist and as you read, it is like you are their partner in crime along for the journey and they are asking you to come along and help out. That is how I felt following alongside Brida's adventures as she finds and confronts the Queen of Crows in hopes to make it back to save her kingdom or it will become ruins. Also, it a lot of fun reading in the point of view of a child. Being a kid at heart, your heart will be warmed and be the biggest cheerleader ever!
We will consider adding this title to our JFiction collection at our library. That is why we give this book 5 stars.
December 1, 2020
Thank you to Edelweiss+ and the publisher for an eARC of this book.
This is one of those stories that continues to stay with me after it's over. I miss it, and wish I could visit Brida and her world again. It's also one of those stories that I hate to try and review it, because I know my words won't do it justice.
Brida is an apprentice to a hedgewitch named Magdi, who adopted her an infant. Although she has magic, it doesn't quite work the way Magdi's does; she follows her instincts instead. As the weather around Oak Hollow becomes more tumultuous, Brida discover the legendary stormhorses that control it are real, and being pursued for their magic. She desperately wants to protect them, but her magic has drawn the attention of Queen Moira, and she goes into hiding to avoid a summons to the castle. She meets new friends along the way, and discovers a secret about her family that puts her in even greater danger, but she learns she might have the power to defeat the dark magic consuming the land.
What I loved most about this story was how beautifully it was written. The description of the stormhorses, the beauty and decay of the land, the secrets woven into the history of Brida's family, and the haunting creatures that rose from the ground were so well developed. I felt like I was part of Brida's journey, travelled the miles along with her, and was invested in her mission to free the stormhorses. I loved watching her begin to understand her magic, and trust her instincts as she ran into situations where she called upon it to help her. I also appreciated that she had to combine her talents with others to make the magic stronger, rather than being the sole heroine of the story, and her tenderness and kind-heartedness endeared her to me even more.
Secrets, mystery, magic, family, friendship, adventure...this book has a little bit of everything. It was the perfect escape from reality, and though I often have trouble picking up a long book, it's one I miss now that it's over. I felt completely immersed in it, without the niggling details that often pull me out a story when they don't sit right with me. I would definitely recommend this story to fantasy lovers who enjoy a quest rich in detail and adventure, filled with magic, where good strives to triumph over evil
Recommended: Gr. 5-7
This is one of those stories that continues to stay with me after it's over. I miss it, and wish I could visit Brida and her world again. It's also one of those stories that I hate to try and review it, because I know my words won't do it justice.
Brida is an apprentice to a hedgewitch named Magdi, who adopted her an infant. Although she has magic, it doesn't quite work the way Magdi's does; she follows her instincts instead. As the weather around Oak Hollow becomes more tumultuous, Brida discover the legendary stormhorses that control it are real, and being pursued for their magic. She desperately wants to protect them, but her magic has drawn the attention of Queen Moira, and she goes into hiding to avoid a summons to the castle. She meets new friends along the way, and discovers a secret about her family that puts her in even greater danger, but she learns she might have the power to defeat the dark magic consuming the land.
What I loved most about this story was how beautifully it was written. The description of the stormhorses, the beauty and decay of the land, the secrets woven into the history of Brida's family, and the haunting creatures that rose from the ground were so well developed. I felt like I was part of Brida's journey, travelled the miles along with her, and was invested in her mission to free the stormhorses. I loved watching her begin to understand her magic, and trust her instincts as she ran into situations where she called upon it to help her. I also appreciated that she had to combine her talents with others to make the magic stronger, rather than being the sole heroine of the story, and her tenderness and kind-heartedness endeared her to me even more.
Secrets, mystery, magic, family, friendship, adventure...this book has a little bit of everything. It was the perfect escape from reality, and though I often have trouble picking up a long book, it's one I miss now that it's over. I felt completely immersed in it, without the niggling details that often pull me out a story when they don't sit right with me. I would definitely recommend this story to fantasy lovers who enjoy a quest rich in detail and adventure, filled with magic, where good strives to triumph over evil
Recommended: Gr. 5-7
October 27, 2021
WOWZA! This was INCREDIBLE! When I 1st got this, so many people said how great it was & how much I was going to love it-boy, were they right! This is a thicker MG, but it really doesn’t feel long at all. Simply because it’s so good that you fly through it & you’re done faster than you’d like-because it IS so good, you don’t want it to end lol. The writing is BEAUTIFUL in itself. This is so atmospheric, from the descriptions of the towns & the people who live there, Brida & Mother Magdi & their home..to the land that is slowly dying, to the temples, the crows, the hounds & huntsman, the storm horses, & sooooo much more. & not only are those things written so vividly with magical writing, but they themselves are such unique & creative parts that add to this story. Like the storm horses-what each 1 can do, their whole back story, & what is currently happening with them?- FASCINATING!
THEN you add in this worlds backstory that got them to where they are now..the 3 sisters, the different kinds of magic(what each mean/can do), the eagle, the evil queen, & the crows? Plus, the creatures that are appearing because of what the dark magic is doing to the land?? Ughhhh so good! Plus, the whole backstory of Brida herself that she doesn’t yet even know, that we slowly uncover with her. That’s not all either! THEN you have some of the best characters ever to exist! Our MC Brida is a JOY to read from. We go on this journey with her-not only a literal journey, but the journey of discovering herself. Her character growth/development was phenomenal. I felt like I was beside her the whole way-& cheering her on. We got to learn & grow right along with her every step of the way-& so realistic & well paced.
She also wasn’t a show stealer. She’s the heroine of our story, but she herself realizes nothing can happen without the others that helped her & did their part. That, & her love for animals & doing what is right no matter what makes you love her even more. Mother Magdi is also amazing. Loved her. Then you have Bear, Bones, & Hush(did I mention all the amazing names in here? Lol). They are each so great in different ways. It’s so hard to say who has my heart out of these kids, because they’re all so incredible, including our MC. So I’ll pick an animal to have my heart in this 1 lol..or 2-Burdock & Bowen. They both melted my heart many times over. Anyway, these 3 kids are the 1st real(human lol) friends Brida had ever had. I loved watching that friendship & bond grow between them, & their group dynamic was superb.
Add in an a mischievous goat who makes a couple appearances(1 towards the end that had me laughing so hard), & you couldn’t ask for more lol. Plus, the evil queen is terrifying & written SO WELL! The crow aspect & everything that goes along with it-genius. This is full of adventure, magic, nature, animals, love, friendship, magic, family, hope, doing what’s right, mystery, so many secrets, & some great lessons. Like don’t let jealousy, envy, & greed take hold of you. It will destroy you if you let it. HIGHLY recommend. I wish this would be a series lol, but I don’t think it is. I stalked the internet to find out haha, but I did find the author has a book coming out summer ‘22. CANNOT WAIT! STUNNING cover by Cathleen McAllister too!💜
THEN you add in this worlds backstory that got them to where they are now..the 3 sisters, the different kinds of magic(what each mean/can do), the eagle, the evil queen, & the crows? Plus, the creatures that are appearing because of what the dark magic is doing to the land?? Ughhhh so good! Plus, the whole backstory of Brida herself that she doesn’t yet even know, that we slowly uncover with her. That’s not all either! THEN you have some of the best characters ever to exist! Our MC Brida is a JOY to read from. We go on this journey with her-not only a literal journey, but the journey of discovering herself. Her character growth/development was phenomenal. I felt like I was beside her the whole way-& cheering her on. We got to learn & grow right along with her every step of the way-& so realistic & well paced.
She also wasn’t a show stealer. She’s the heroine of our story, but she herself realizes nothing can happen without the others that helped her & did their part. That, & her love for animals & doing what is right no matter what makes you love her even more. Mother Magdi is also amazing. Loved her. Then you have Bear, Bones, & Hush(did I mention all the amazing names in here? Lol). They are each so great in different ways. It’s so hard to say who has my heart out of these kids, because they’re all so incredible, including our MC. So I’ll pick an animal to have my heart in this 1 lol..or 2-Burdock & Bowen. They both melted my heart many times over. Anyway, these 3 kids are the 1st real(human lol) friends Brida had ever had. I loved watching that friendship & bond grow between them, & their group dynamic was superb.
Add in an a mischievous goat who makes a couple appearances(1 towards the end that had me laughing so hard), & you couldn’t ask for more lol. Plus, the evil queen is terrifying & written SO WELL! The crow aspect & everything that goes along with it-genius. This is full of adventure, magic, nature, animals, love, friendship, magic, family, hope, doing what’s right, mystery, so many secrets, & some great lessons. Like don’t let jealousy, envy, & greed take hold of you. It will destroy you if you let it. HIGHLY recommend. I wish this would be a series lol, but I don’t think it is. I stalked the internet to find out haha, but I did find the author has a book coming out summer ‘22. CANNOT WAIT! STUNNING cover by Cathleen McAllister too!💜
May 26, 2021
Wonderful middle-grade fantasy that reminded me a lot of The Girl Who Drank the Moon, albeit for a slightly older audience.
I had to take one star off for the slightly abrupt ending that didn't really match the pacing of the rest of the story, but otherwise: definitely recommend!
I had to take one star off for the slightly abrupt ending that didn't really match the pacing of the rest of the story, but otherwise: definitely recommend!
August 27, 2021
Beware of the Queen of Crows. Don't even say her name lest you draw her attention. Her reign of terror has caused the seasons of Fenwood Reach to spiral out of control. No one can be sure of the weather, and people are starting to starve. Legend has it there was once a powerful Wind Witch who could control the seasons and keep the elements in harmony. Will she ever return and help the people defeat the Queen of Crows?
This was such a cute book. I highly recommend it for anyone who would like a light read.
This was such a cute book. I highly recommend it for anyone who would like a light read.
December 12, 2020
To read THE LAST WINDWITCH is to escape into a timeless world of magic, the power of nature, and adventure. Beautifully written, and richly imagined the story follows 12yo Brida as she slowly, but most assuredly, discovers the depths of her own powers. The world Adam has created is artfully woven from strands of mythology and elemental magic. It felt somehow both new and familiar to me in that way that great stories always do.
Exploring the relationship between people and nature, the power structures people impose on society, and the imbalances that those create all work to create a powerful message for young readers.
I highly recommend this book to both lovers of MG fantasy and those who have yet to discover the charms of a magical, fantastical story.
Thank you to HarperCollins and NetGalley for the E-Arc
Exploring the relationship between people and nature, the power structures people impose on society, and the imbalances that those create all work to create a powerful message for young readers.
I highly recommend this book to both lovers of MG fantasy and those who have yet to discover the charms of a magical, fantastical story.
Thank you to HarperCollins and NetGalley for the E-Arc
December 5, 2020
This is a gorgeously written fantasy full of heart and magic that will sweep you away into a world torn by an evil queen and powerful stormhorses that can only be tamed by a 12yo orphan whose magic doesn't always work like she expects. I loved watching the main character Brida find her place in the world with the help of friends Hush, Bones, and Bear, and a very ornery but lovable pony.
April 14, 2021
Originally posted on my blog: Nonstop Reader.
The Last Windwitch is a beautifully written coming-of-age middle grade fantasy by Jennifer Adam. Released 13th April 2021 by HarperCollins, it's 448 pages and is available in hardcover, audio, and ebook formats. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links. I've really become enamored of ebooks with interactive formats lately.
Although it's relatively long for a middle grade reader book, the story is so engaging and immersive, and the narrative moves along so quickly that the reader is drawn along. I enjoyed Brida's story and the way the author builds up the world (including the animal characters and magical aspects). Even though this is a self-contained and complete story, I really hope the author has more stories for us in this world. The dialogue flows very well and the characters really seemed three dimensional and believable.
Five stars. This story has really stayed with me. I would recommend it for public or school library acquisition, readers of all-ages fantasy, and speculative fiction. I *sincerely* hope this one is a prime pick when next year's Nebula nominations roll around (yes, it really is that good).
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
The Last Windwitch is a beautifully written coming-of-age middle grade fantasy by Jennifer Adam. Released 13th April 2021 by HarperCollins, it's 448 pages and is available in hardcover, audio, and ebook formats. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links. I've really become enamored of ebooks with interactive formats lately.
Although it's relatively long for a middle grade reader book, the story is so engaging and immersive, and the narrative moves along so quickly that the reader is drawn along. I enjoyed Brida's story and the way the author builds up the world (including the animal characters and magical aspects). Even though this is a self-contained and complete story, I really hope the author has more stories for us in this world. The dialogue flows very well and the characters really seemed three dimensional and believable.
Five stars. This story has really stayed with me. I would recommend it for public or school library acquisition, readers of all-ages fantasy, and speculative fiction. I *sincerely* hope this one is a prime pick when next year's Nebula nominations roll around (yes, it really is that good).
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
April 8, 2024
3.5 stars.
Cute! Fun worldbuilding, vivid writing, and some standout characters (I loved Hush and her sign language!). The elemental magic was by far my favorite part. Storm horses? Greenwitches? Wind magic? Too cool!
However, it struggled to keep my attention in the middle, and even near the end when all the answers were revealed and action picked up, there was something missing to give it that oomph. It was a tad predictable, too. Maybe a middle grade aged reader wouldn't have those experiences?
I would read more by this author!
Cute! Fun worldbuilding, vivid writing, and some standout characters (I loved Hush and her sign language!). The elemental magic was by far my favorite part. Storm horses? Greenwitches? Wind magic? Too cool!
However, it struggled to keep my attention in the middle, and even near the end when all the answers were revealed and action picked up, there was something missing to give it that oomph. It was a tad predictable, too. Maybe a middle grade aged reader wouldn't have those experiences?
I would read more by this author!
March 23, 2021
At the far reaches of a magical kingdom lies the town of Oak Hollow, which is home to the hedgewitch Mother Magdi and her ward, Brida. Twelve-year-old Brida has never known her parents, but Mother Magdi has raised her in love while helping to mold Brida’s innate magic to her own. However, Brida has never truly been capable of the skills Mother Magdi teaches her. When Brida sneaks out to the annual—forbidden—Day of Remembering and hears the legend of the last Windwitch, something changes in Brida’s world and she finds herself searching for her own story.
This fantasy adventure blends terms like Goody and Goodman with magic and legends brought to life. Focused around Brida, a girl who feels like an outsider with no parents and lackluster skills as a hedgewitch, the reader learns Brida’s story as it unfolds around her. Beautifully descriptive language is used to paint the backdrop of this tale, and the world building happens in natural and unassuming ways.
Brida begins the story as a sheltered girl, one who sees the world as a dangerous place but is nonetheless curious to discover the truth for herself. As the narrative progresses, Brida becomes more independent—often through necessity rather than outright choice—and discovers her inner strength thanks to the help of supportive family and friends. Echoes of The Hunger Games are found in the uprising detailed in this story, though the presentation is altogether different.
Though the people with the most power and influence in this story are primarily female, male characters have an important role to play, as well. Magic is only one form of strength; there are many ways to make a difference in a broken world. This gripping fantasy tale uses magic and nature to emphasize the importance of choosing the path of justice and is a memorable escape for middle grade readers.
This fantasy adventure blends terms like Goody and Goodman with magic and legends brought to life. Focused around Brida, a girl who feels like an outsider with no parents and lackluster skills as a hedgewitch, the reader learns Brida’s story as it unfolds around her. Beautifully descriptive language is used to paint the backdrop of this tale, and the world building happens in natural and unassuming ways.
Brida begins the story as a sheltered girl, one who sees the world as a dangerous place but is nonetheless curious to discover the truth for herself. As the narrative progresses, Brida becomes more independent—often through necessity rather than outright choice—and discovers her inner strength thanks to the help of supportive family and friends. Echoes of The Hunger Games are found in the uprising detailed in this story, though the presentation is altogether different.
Though the people with the most power and influence in this story are primarily female, male characters have an important role to play, as well. Magic is only one form of strength; there are many ways to make a difference in a broken world. This gripping fantasy tale uses magic and nature to emphasize the importance of choosing the path of justice and is a memorable escape for middle grade readers.
September 30, 2021
I received this ARC from Netgalley--thank you to Jennifer Adam, HarperCollins Children's Books and Netgalley for the opportunity to read!
A young apprentice witch with a mysterious past must discover who she when the evil queen attempts to harness powers beyond the scope of the realm and disrupts the environment in the process. The story reminded me of the Girl who Drank the Moon by Kelly Barnhill.
I was excited to read this book because I love Middle Grade, especially coming of age stories that involve magic (basically anything by Diana Wynne Jones is my jam, and I also absolutely love Laura Wolk).
However, I'm afraid to say that this book just wasn't for me. I kept waiting for something really special to come along to make this middle grade fantasy stand out, but the world building and narrative seemed a bit generic to me. The pacing was quite slow and I'm not sure that it will manage to hold the attention of the target audience. That said, that characters are warmly drawn.
A young apprentice witch with a mysterious past must discover who she when the evil queen attempts to harness powers beyond the scope of the realm and disrupts the environment in the process. The story reminded me of the Girl who Drank the Moon by Kelly Barnhill.
I was excited to read this book because I love Middle Grade, especially coming of age stories that involve magic (basically anything by Diana Wynne Jones is my jam, and I also absolutely love Laura Wolk).
However, I'm afraid to say that this book just wasn't for me. I kept waiting for something really special to come along to make this middle grade fantasy stand out, but the world building and narrative seemed a bit generic to me. The pacing was quite slow and I'm not sure that it will manage to hold the attention of the target audience. That said, that characters are warmly drawn.
July 11, 2021
This was a lovely easy read and filled with magic, both light and dark. It’s a typical 9-12 age-range book, so if you are on the hunt for a book in that age-range, I recommend The Last Windwitch.
It begins with Brida, a young apprentice to hedgewitch Mother Magdi, who has magic, but it never quite works the way she wants it to. She first discovered her magics a few years prior, when she was eight, and has since been practicing it whenever she can, even if some of her magics her mentor would rather she not use, for fear of being caught by the dark Queen. There’s obviously a lot of dark magic going on, affecting the surrounding lands, but Oak Hollow seems protected, a haven for Brida while the rest of the kingdom suffers.
That doesn’t mean that Oak Hollow isn’t going to be affected, and soon Brida realises there’s a lot more light and dark magics around her than she first realised. From Stormhorses to Bone People rising up out of the ground, the plot of the book is always dancing onward to some new magical problem that Brida has to overcome.
The main character of Brida is bold and courageous, and just a tad reckless in her actions, even when she feels fear. The author writes very well of how Brida is feeling throughout the book, although sometimes I felt the over explanation was unnecessary at times, I still liked it overall. I think it is a nice inclusion and likely is included so children of the same age can relate.
Her meeting of various characters is rather lovely, especially as they in turn help to move the plot along. I felt the character of the Huntsman was a little flat, and the Queen herself felt like a disney caricature at times, but overall I felt that the other characters, especially the children were well written.
The plot moved along at a good pace, I felt. I certainly wasn’t bored, as there was always something new magic-wise for the characters to encounter. And the ending was wrapped up rather nicely.
In conclusion, I definitely think this book is a standard magical 9-12 age-bracket book, and perfect for children of that age group.
It begins with Brida, a young apprentice to hedgewitch Mother Magdi, who has magic, but it never quite works the way she wants it to. She first discovered her magics a few years prior, when she was eight, and has since been practicing it whenever she can, even if some of her magics her mentor would rather she not use, for fear of being caught by the dark Queen. There’s obviously a lot of dark magic going on, affecting the surrounding lands, but Oak Hollow seems protected, a haven for Brida while the rest of the kingdom suffers.
That doesn’t mean that Oak Hollow isn’t going to be affected, and soon Brida realises there’s a lot more light and dark magics around her than she first realised. From Stormhorses to Bone People rising up out of the ground, the plot of the book is always dancing onward to some new magical problem that Brida has to overcome.
The main character of Brida is bold and courageous, and just a tad reckless in her actions, even when she feels fear. The author writes very well of how Brida is feeling throughout the book, although sometimes I felt the over explanation was unnecessary at times, I still liked it overall. I think it is a nice inclusion and likely is included so children of the same age can relate.
Her meeting of various characters is rather lovely, especially as they in turn help to move the plot along. I felt the character of the Huntsman was a little flat, and the Queen herself felt like a disney caricature at times, but overall I felt that the other characters, especially the children were well written.
The plot moved along at a good pace, I felt. I certainly wasn’t bored, as there was always something new magic-wise for the characters to encounter. And the ending was wrapped up rather nicely.
In conclusion, I definitely think this book is a standard magical 9-12 age-bracket book, and perfect for children of that age group.
December 22, 2020
What a great new fantasy world! Brida is a fantastic heroine, thinking that she is not important and that her magic is inferior because she hasn't been able to pass the apprentice hedgewitch exams. As her journey unfolds and she learns to trust her instincts and her magic, she finds that she is much more powerful than she could have ever imagined. This is a must read for fantasy lovers. I hope there will be a sequel. Highly recommended for grades 4 & up.
eARC provided by publisher via Edelweis
eARC provided by publisher via Edelweis
March 13, 2025
This was alright. I liked that it was a stand alone story, but I got a little tired of coooooonstant mentions of blood, bones, and skin.... I mean, there was even a kid named Bones. 😑 I felt like at the end there were too many characters, so it became difficult to connect or care about many of them. I also don't feel like the evil witch at the end was.... evil enough? Maybe it was a disconnect between the build-up of terror everyone had of her, and then nothing happening once they actually encountered her..... I don't know, I felt like there was more that could have been done there.
May 20, 2025
I honestly stumbled on this on accident. I was looking for some other book in my library's digital collection and this was one of the results that popped up - and I am SO glad I gave it a shot. A really beautiful story with characters I enjoyed getting to know.
June 16, 2021
With richly developed world-building that reminded me of the Earthsea books, The Last Windwitch is an epic story filled with magic and friendship about fate and learning to believe in your own strength. I have a real soft spot for fanciful fantasy and this has plenty: storm horses, story cakes, wind witches, and a crow queen. The writing is layered and lyrical; the characters are believable and endearing. Definitely recommended for readers who enjoy high fantasy.
August 2, 2021
I would like to give this book many more than 5 stars. It was so good!
April 13, 2021
One of the best things about The Last Windwitch is that it stands alone. Yes, author Jennifer Adam could return to the world she’s created — and I hope she does — but she doesn’t have to. At 448 pages, it’s probably too long for less advanced middle readers. However, it takes courage to contain the story to one novel, and I commend both author and editor for that choice. The book and overall reading experience are better because of it.
Even though the Adam’s world has an expansive scope, The Last Windwitch has a distinctly intimate feel. The writer’s prose is warm and familiar, making it easy to slip into Brida’s story.
All of the characters from Brida and the hedgewitch to the crows and Brida’s horse have a weight to them. Each is realized at different levels, of course, but that attention to detail completes the tale.
Even at nearly 450 pages, The Last Windwitch moves quickly. I’m looking forward to reading more from this author in the future.
Even though the Adam’s world has an expansive scope, The Last Windwitch has a distinctly intimate feel. The writer’s prose is warm and familiar, making it easy to slip into Brida’s story.
All of the characters from Brida and the hedgewitch to the crows and Brida’s horse have a weight to them. Each is realized at different levels, of course, but that attention to detail completes the tale.
Even at nearly 450 pages, The Last Windwitch moves quickly. I’m looking forward to reading more from this author in the future.
June 30, 2021
DNF'd Very ableist
October 21, 2025
When circumstances puts a book that was no where on your TBR list into your hands, and you absolutely LOVED IT...yeah, that was The Last Windwitch for me!!!! When I forgot my book during a road trip, my PRECIOUS daughter lent me her book...and I'm so VERY thankful for her generosity because this book was sooooo VERY PRECIOUS and everything I needed at this time!!!!! One I highly recommend for anyone who loves MAGIC, HOPE, HEALING, PRECIOUS CHARACTERS, and ANIMALS!!!! 5 SOLID and UNFORGETTABLE STARS!!!!!!
April 22, 2022
A wild and magical read! I enjoyed it thoroughly. Great for those who love fairy tales or need a good adventure.
June 9, 2024
The Last Windwitch is set in the kingdom of Fenwood Reach, where the world is suffering from blight and the evergrowing devastation of the world. The current ruler, the Queen of Crows, is grasping at control of her 'kingdom' and has her murder crows scouting the lands for potential magical creatures. You see, the Queen of Crows is a powerful sorceress who dabbles in dark magic and is determined to control her lands. When a young foster child, Brida, strikes out into the world to try to help her small village, she learns a great deal about her family heritage and her magical abilities.
Brida makes friends with numerous characters along the way, people and friends she relies on to save Fenwood Reach. What I loved about the story were the magical storm horses, the magical notions of nature, and Brida's friendships. My favorite characters were Hush, Bones, and Bear. They clearly had a strong bond with Brida, and I loved their intent to improve their world. What I didn't quite love about the story was the predictability.
The Last Windwitch is a tale that resonates with the sensibilities of middle grade students, making it a suitable choice for families seeking magical stories. The narrative, while predictable at times, is balanced by the engaging plot and the endearing characters, making it a worthwhile read for those who appreciate the genre.
Brida makes friends with numerous characters along the way, people and friends she relies on to save Fenwood Reach. What I loved about the story were the magical storm horses, the magical notions of nature, and Brida's friendships. My favorite characters were Hush, Bones, and Bear. They clearly had a strong bond with Brida, and I loved their intent to improve their world. What I didn't quite love about the story was the predictability.
The Last Windwitch is a tale that resonates with the sensibilities of middle grade students, making it a suitable choice for families seeking magical stories. The narrative, while predictable at times, is balanced by the engaging plot and the endearing characters, making it a worthwhile read for those who appreciate the genre.
August 25, 2021
Such a sweet, fun story! I absolutely loved it and highly recommend it for fans of middle grade witchy tales.
October 10, 2020
It's always a special thing to read an author's debut and such is the case with Jennifer Adam's middle-grade fantasy "The Last Windwitch," an April 2021 release from HarperCollins Children's Books.
"The Last Windwitch" introduces us to the world of Brida, a young hedgewitch apprentice living quite contentedly in the small village of Oak Hollow trying to live into the gift she is constantly told she possesses but which she has great difficulty manifesting with any consistency.
We know rather early on in "The Last Windwitch" that there is more to Brida's life than meets the eye, though my guess is that middle-grade readers will be less quick to become fully aware of Brida's journey and the rather fantastic places that it goes.
Working under the watchful eye of Mother Magdi, Brida is both a disciplined apprentice and a curious child, possessing a curiosity that we all tend to know is going to lead to more than a little bit of trouble. Eventually, she catches the eye of her kingdom's wicked queen who aspires to possess as much power as possible.
If you've seen the cover for "The Last Windwitch," it rather beautifully captures very much how I felt while reading the book. Adam beautifully develops the character of Brida as a young child growing into her skills and the responsibility for which she has been born.
It's not surprising, of course, that she is born with great purpose and that purpose will be revealed by the end of "The Last Windwitch."
Before long, Brida will be on the run from the Queen's Huntsman, an intimidating man who seemingly pops up everywhere and who is tasked with presenting the revealed to be gifted Brida to the queen. Along the way, Brida will meet friends and foes, adoring animals and dastardly beasts. She will encounter the Queen's Crow-spies and will learn the truth about her family, her magic, and the life into which she was born. She may very well learn that even as a little girl she is born with the gifts that will help defeat the wicked queen and restore the kingdom to its rightful place.
"The Last Windwitch" is a delightful tale, a patient journey at 448 pages that takes its time setting the stage for Brida's journey and for enfolding us into the fantasy world in which Brida's journey is set. Adam sets the stage slowly, perhaps a bit too slowly, but in most ways that patience is worth it as we become immersed in the lives of these characters and by tale's end we care about their resolution. While the beginning unfolds a tad slowly, the climactic conflicts seem to unfold rather abruptly and made me wish we had a little more time to really savor Brida's unfolding gifts and how they weave themselves into the conflict and the story's resolution.
However, these are minor quibbles, truly, for a story that engaged me from beginning to end and kept me thoroughly delighted with characters such as Brida, Magdi, Hush, and others whose relevance shall remain secret in this review. Even ancillary characters are developed nicely here, not always true in children's lit and yet essential to the story's success.
"The Last Windwitch" is very much an immersive story. Jennifer Adam is an engaging, visual storyteller and I found myself quite often reading more slowly and surrendering myself to the story unfolding in my heart and in my mind.
Fans of Shannon Hale and Kelly Barnhill will find much to appreciate here and there seems little doubt that HarperCollins has given to us an imaginative, gifted writer whose creatively yet intelligently constructed fantasy world is destined to delight middle-grade readers.
"The Last Windwitch" introduces us to the world of Brida, a young hedgewitch apprentice living quite contentedly in the small village of Oak Hollow trying to live into the gift she is constantly told she possesses but which she has great difficulty manifesting with any consistency.
We know rather early on in "The Last Windwitch" that there is more to Brida's life than meets the eye, though my guess is that middle-grade readers will be less quick to become fully aware of Brida's journey and the rather fantastic places that it goes.
Working under the watchful eye of Mother Magdi, Brida is both a disciplined apprentice and a curious child, possessing a curiosity that we all tend to know is going to lead to more than a little bit of trouble. Eventually, she catches the eye of her kingdom's wicked queen who aspires to possess as much power as possible.
If you've seen the cover for "The Last Windwitch," it rather beautifully captures very much how I felt while reading the book. Adam beautifully develops the character of Brida as a young child growing into her skills and the responsibility for which she has been born.
It's not surprising, of course, that she is born with great purpose and that purpose will be revealed by the end of "The Last Windwitch."
Before long, Brida will be on the run from the Queen's Huntsman, an intimidating man who seemingly pops up everywhere and who is tasked with presenting the revealed to be gifted Brida to the queen. Along the way, Brida will meet friends and foes, adoring animals and dastardly beasts. She will encounter the Queen's Crow-spies and will learn the truth about her family, her magic, and the life into which she was born. She may very well learn that even as a little girl she is born with the gifts that will help defeat the wicked queen and restore the kingdom to its rightful place.
"The Last Windwitch" is a delightful tale, a patient journey at 448 pages that takes its time setting the stage for Brida's journey and for enfolding us into the fantasy world in which Brida's journey is set. Adam sets the stage slowly, perhaps a bit too slowly, but in most ways that patience is worth it as we become immersed in the lives of these characters and by tale's end we care about their resolution. While the beginning unfolds a tad slowly, the climactic conflicts seem to unfold rather abruptly and made me wish we had a little more time to really savor Brida's unfolding gifts and how they weave themselves into the conflict and the story's resolution.
However, these are minor quibbles, truly, for a story that engaged me from beginning to end and kept me thoroughly delighted with characters such as Brida, Magdi, Hush, and others whose relevance shall remain secret in this review. Even ancillary characters are developed nicely here, not always true in children's lit and yet essential to the story's success.
"The Last Windwitch" is very much an immersive story. Jennifer Adam is an engaging, visual storyteller and I found myself quite often reading more slowly and surrendering myself to the story unfolding in my heart and in my mind.
Fans of Shannon Hale and Kelly Barnhill will find much to appreciate here and there seems little doubt that HarperCollins has given to us an imaginative, gifted writer whose creatively yet intelligently constructed fantasy world is destined to delight middle-grade readers.
September 23, 2020
This is an awesome adventure for middle graders. A wonderful, magical story for kids, It's well written and appropriate for the young kids. The way Brita takes us on a journey to save her kingdom is alluring and keeps you wanting more. Overall, a great read!
Thanks Netgalley and Publisher for the ARC. All opinions are my own.
Thanks Netgalley and Publisher for the ARC. All opinions are my own.
March 10, 2021
I loved the story of Brida, who is always called to do what she knows she shouldn't, and she knows she'll get in trouble, but yet if she doesn't, she'll never know the truth. She's caught in an epic battle between good and evil in a beautifully crafted world where many levels of witchcraft are required to keep the world in balance and have failed. Brida finds strength and confidence in herself allowing her to tackle the problems of her world and the mysteries of her birth. I am grateful to the author for providing an advance copy of the book.
January 23, 2022
Oh, my heart! I am so sad this book is over! It was an absolute joy to read this story. Probably the best fantasy book I’ve read in a while, along with Juniper by Monica Furlong. This is exactly what I needed to read at this time. It was magical, adventurous, super fun, and always interesting. I absolutely loved the magic, the use of the elements, and I ADORED the idea of the elemental horses! Also, all the characters were so well built and endearing; you could not help but love them. And this was not only a fantasy book but it carries meaning, and it teaches us to believe in ourselves and love fervently. It was very touching. The world building was great also and the way the book was written made the world very clear without being overtly descriptive and tedious. I loved the categories of magic, and the powers each had. All in all, I can say that this was an absolute pleasure to read and I’m so glad I found and read this “hidden jewel” of a book. Beautiful! Read if you want a fun and magical fantasy book that is light and makes you feel good, but is also profound enough to move you.
November 15, 2020
I received a copy of this book directly from the author/publisher in exchange for an honest review.
The Last Windwitch by Jennifer Adam is a delightful Middle-Grade Fantasy, perfect for both children and adults alike. The story follows the young Brida, an orphan raised as an apprentice to a Hedgewitch - the only problem being that she isn't very good at being an apprentice Hedgewitch. She's terrible at identifying plants, and nothing she brews up ever seems to work correctly. The book follows her journey of self-discovery as old secrets and magics unfurl, and the little witch finds herself pitted against an evil Queen. The book is filled with magic, mystery, fantastical creatures, looming undead creatures, and one little girl struggling to find her place in the world.
I found the world-building engaging, the writing clear and easy to follow, and the characters delightful (well, all except a certain evil queen). I found myself pulled into the world of The Last Windwitch right away, and the story leapt along at a quick sprint without ever feeling rushed. If you enjoy Middle-Grade Fantasy, or stories that have that fairy-tale feel without being overly familiar, I highly recommend you pick up this little gem of a book. You won't regret it.
The Last Windwitch by Jennifer Adam is a delightful Middle-Grade Fantasy, perfect for both children and adults alike. The story follows the young Brida, an orphan raised as an apprentice to a Hedgewitch - the only problem being that she isn't very good at being an apprentice Hedgewitch. She's terrible at identifying plants, and nothing she brews up ever seems to work correctly. The book follows her journey of self-discovery as old secrets and magics unfurl, and the little witch finds herself pitted against an evil Queen. The book is filled with magic, mystery, fantastical creatures, looming undead creatures, and one little girl struggling to find her place in the world.
I found the world-building engaging, the writing clear and easy to follow, and the characters delightful (well, all except a certain evil queen). I found myself pulled into the world of The Last Windwitch right away, and the story leapt along at a quick sprint without ever feeling rushed. If you enjoy Middle-Grade Fantasy, or stories that have that fairy-tale feel without being overly familiar, I highly recommend you pick up this little gem of a book. You won't regret it.
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