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Once We Were Witches #1
Once We Were Witches
A spellbinding new middle grade series crackling with magic and adventure, perfect for fans of Starfell, Nevermoor and A Pinch of Magic.
I am Spel. Daughter of witches. The only one who can step between worlds. The only one who can save my sister. If I can find her before the witch hunt begins . . .
Thirteen years ago, magic was banished and the witches were hunted. Sisters Spel and Egg are the daughters of witches, but they grow up in Miss Mouldheel’s School for Wicked Girls with no idea who they really are. Until the day the message arrives telling them to run . . .
The message sends them to a funeral parlour in a far away village – and their new guardian, the Undertaker, has a secret. Beneath the funeral parlour is a portal to the Other Ways – four worlds that lie parallel to ours. When Egg vanishes through the portal, Spel knows she must try to save her sister. But no one can step between the worlds – or can they?
The first in a new fantasy adventure series with a witchy twist from the author of The Huntress trilogy
I am Spel. Daughter of witches. The only one who can step between worlds. The only one who can save my sister. If I can find her before the witch hunt begins . . .
Thirteen years ago, magic was banished and the witches were hunted. Sisters Spel and Egg are the daughters of witches, but they grow up in Miss Mouldheel’s School for Wicked Girls with no idea who they really are. Until the day the message arrives telling them to run . . .
The message sends them to a funeral parlour in a far away village – and their new guardian, the Undertaker, has a secret. Beneath the funeral parlour is a portal to the Other Ways – four worlds that lie parallel to ours. When Egg vanishes through the portal, Spel knows she must try to save her sister. But no one can step between the worlds – or can they?
The first in a new fantasy adventure series with a witchy twist from the author of The Huntress trilogy
384 pages, Paperback
First published February 14, 2023
5 people are currently reading
190 people want to read
About the author
Sarah Driver
11 books65 followersSarah Driver was born on the Sussex coast and started writing as a small child. She graduated with distinction from the Bath Spa MA in Writing for Young People in 2015, after winning the 2014 United Agents prize for ‘most promising writer’. She is also a nurse and midwife, having trained at the Florence Nightingale School at King's College London and the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine.
Dreamstalkers: The Night Train is releasing on February 1st 2024. It is the first in a new middle grade fantasy-adventure duology, telling the story of Bea Grimspuddle and Pip, an owl who smells like butter and candle smoke. In the world of Hirathorn, Bea lives in the remote wilds of a rugged moorland settlement called Thunderheart Tor. She longs to become a mage, riding off on adventures, with the power to use wild magic. Instead she is taught that all the magic of Hirathorn resides exclusively with the elites in the faraway city of Silvervein. Everything changes when the dreams disappear, strange shadows are glimpsed and nightmares come walking. Then the Night Train steams across the moors, and Bea is swept into an adventure in the world of the Dreamstalkers.
Other novels by Sarah Driver are The Huntress trilogy, which tells the story of Mouse, who grows up aboard a ship captained by her grandmother in a world of moonsprites, terrodyls and merwraiths. Once We Were Witches is a fantasy duology which follows Spel Wrythe and her sister Egg, who grow up in Mistress Mouldheels' School for Wicked Girls believing they are the daughters of criminals. Learning the truth will lead them on an adventure to a strange funeral parlour guarding even more secrets.
Photo credit: Lauren Psyk.
Dreamstalkers: The Night Train is releasing on February 1st 2024. It is the first in a new middle grade fantasy-adventure duology, telling the story of Bea Grimspuddle and Pip, an owl who smells like butter and candle smoke. In the world of Hirathorn, Bea lives in the remote wilds of a rugged moorland settlement called Thunderheart Tor. She longs to become a mage, riding off on adventures, with the power to use wild magic. Instead she is taught that all the magic of Hirathorn resides exclusively with the elites in the faraway city of Silvervein. Everything changes when the dreams disappear, strange shadows are glimpsed and nightmares come walking. Then the Night Train steams across the moors, and Bea is swept into an adventure in the world of the Dreamstalkers.
Other novels by Sarah Driver are The Huntress trilogy, which tells the story of Mouse, who grows up aboard a ship captained by her grandmother in a world of moonsprites, terrodyls and merwraiths. Once We Were Witches is a fantasy duology which follows Spel Wrythe and her sister Egg, who grow up in Mistress Mouldheels' School for Wicked Girls believing they are the daughters of criminals. Learning the truth will lead them on an adventure to a strange funeral parlour guarding even more secrets.
Photo credit: Lauren Psyk.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
March 28, 2022
O carte de aventura mult prea scurta😢 Mi-as fi dorit sa citesc mai mult despre aventura celor doua surori Egg si Spel.
Spel, sora cea mica, a crescut inca de la 3 ani in cadrul scolii directoarei Mouldheels pentru fete rele. Au fost crescute sa lupte pentru a primi un suflet in ceremonia anuala. Spel, in inocenta ei, se lupta cu decizia de a fi cuminte pentru a avea sansa la primirea sufletului, dorinta ei suprema, sau de a-si urma sora mai mare, Egg, intr-o serie de aventuri pline de peripetii. Ce secrete afla cele doua fete si ce planuri au de viitor, va las pe voi sa descoperiti🥰
4🌟🥰
Spel, sora cea mica, a crescut inca de la 3 ani in cadrul scolii directoarei Mouldheels pentru fete rele. Au fost crescute sa lupte pentru a primi un suflet in ceremonia anuala. Spel, in inocenta ei, se lupta cu decizia de a fi cuminte pentru a avea sansa la primirea sufletului, dorinta ei suprema, sau de a-si urma sora mai mare, Egg, intr-o serie de aventuri pline de peripetii. Ce secrete afla cele doua fete si ce planuri au de viitor, va las pe voi sa descoperiti🥰
4🌟🥰
November 6, 2021
It's about witches so I had to grab it! Spel and Egg are sisters in The School for Wicked Girls, in a world where any kind of unusual ability sparks fear and suspicion. I loved how the story was told from the younger sibling's perspective and how the mystery unfolds as the girls discover the lies surrounding them. Completely different to the author's previous trilogy, yet a convincingly-built world that could hold lots of future stories.
July 12, 2021
No one does siblings quite like Sarah Driver. I absolutely adored this tender, adventurous tale of two sisters. Spel is a delight—so vulnerable you want to wrap her in a blanket but so fierce you want to cry with pride. Full of magic and loss and family and joy, this is a wonderful gift for young readers.
January 31, 2021
Absolutely fantastic. Magical, totally original, superbly written and with awesome illustrations!
October 17, 2022
One of the best middle grade adventures I have ever read! <3
February 7, 2021
After a carefully built beginning which underpins everything that comes after it, Sarah Driver's fourth book Once We Were Witches sets a cracking pace, bringing the reader on a journey through a powerful magical well and into a wonderfully imagined Otherworld. Her characters sparkle, particularly the sisters Spel and Egg (I have yet to encounter better names), and their unbreakable bond propels the whole narrative. Along the way they learn truths - some harsh, some transformative, all exciting for the reader - and their journey changes them both in unforgettable ways. This novel is as accomplished as Sarah's earlier Huntress trilogy while also managing to be completely different from it, and that's no mean feat. I'm looking forward to finishing Spel and Egg's story next year.
(Thank you to Sarah and her publishers for a gifted copy of this book, sent in exchange for an honest review.)
(Thank you to Sarah and her publishers for a gifted copy of this book, sent in exchange for an honest review.)
August 29, 2022
My first book by Sarah Driver and I would happily read more.
Spel and Egg, two sisters, have been banished to Mistress Mouldheel’s School for Wicked Girls because of the bad things that their Mother has done…they don’t know what precisely but when the school is bewitched they are able to start unearthing the secrets of their past. This is the beginning of a journey and adventure which will see the sisters’ loyalty challenged..and their lives plunged into danger..
This is a story of witchcraft, magic..lost souls…which will appeal to middle grade readers who like something with a little bit more danger and aren’t afraid of death! I loved the way the discussion of witchcraft blended in historical details about witchcraft such as the trials…I think that the characters of the two girls will really appeal to readers - brave with a hint of mischief!
The narrator was excellent and perfectly matched to the story, amplifying the danger and suspense…I look forward to the next episode of the adventure!
Many thanks to Netgalley and Harper Collins Audio for my copy of this audiobook.
Spel and Egg, two sisters, have been banished to Mistress Mouldheel’s School for Wicked Girls because of the bad things that their Mother has done…they don’t know what precisely but when the school is bewitched they are able to start unearthing the secrets of their past. This is the beginning of a journey and adventure which will see the sisters’ loyalty challenged..and their lives plunged into danger..
This is a story of witchcraft, magic..lost souls…which will appeal to middle grade readers who like something with a little bit more danger and aren’t afraid of death! I loved the way the discussion of witchcraft blended in historical details about witchcraft such as the trials…I think that the characters of the two girls will really appeal to readers - brave with a hint of mischief!
The narrator was excellent and perfectly matched to the story, amplifying the danger and suspense…I look forward to the next episode of the adventure!
Many thanks to Netgalley and Harper Collins Audio for my copy of this audiobook.
January 30, 2021
I received an e-copy of this book on netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
This was a really fun middle grade book following sisters Spel and Egg and their journey to discovering the truth and saving themselves and fellow friends/witches. The book is from Spel's perspective and at first the girls believe that they are 'wicked' and are attending their school in order to gain their souls. However they recieve a message telling them to leave that sends them to a funeral parlour and from there, they discover a whole new world (or worlds) and the truth of what is really going on.
This book has witches, portral travel, dragons, ghosts and other creepy characters and is a lot of fun. The illustrations throughout this book are beautiful and really add to the story. I would highly recommend this book to people of any age, but I can imagine middle grade aged readers loving this!
According to Goodreads this is the first in a series so I will be keeping an eye out for future books in this as I am intrigued as to where this series is going based on how this book ended.
This was a really fun middle grade book following sisters Spel and Egg and their journey to discovering the truth and saving themselves and fellow friends/witches. The book is from Spel's perspective and at first the girls believe that they are 'wicked' and are attending their school in order to gain their souls. However they recieve a message telling them to leave that sends them to a funeral parlour and from there, they discover a whole new world (or worlds) and the truth of what is really going on.
This book has witches, portral travel, dragons, ghosts and other creepy characters and is a lot of fun. The illustrations throughout this book are beautiful and really add to the story. I would highly recommend this book to people of any age, but I can imagine middle grade aged readers loving this!
According to Goodreads this is the first in a series so I will be keeping an eye out for future books in this as I am intrigued as to where this series is going based on how this book ended.
August 28, 2021
This book delivered on all I wanted and more. Such a fun middle grade. Can't wait for the next.
I enjoyed the characters, a quieter sister Spel (Elspeth) finding her feet. A rebellious sister Egg (Megan) refusing to be tamed.
There are 3 different settings in the book the school/ orphanage for wicked girls the sisters start in.
Then a place they escape to which intrigued me.
And a very surprising third.
I loved where this went, what it did and all the characters we met along the way.
If you love middlgrades and I particular fantasy ones. I Highly recommend!
I enjoyed the characters, a quieter sister Spel (Elspeth) finding her feet. A rebellious sister Egg (Megan) refusing to be tamed.
There are 3 different settings in the book the school/ orphanage for wicked girls the sisters start in.
Then a place they escape to which intrigued me.
And a very surprising third.
I loved where this went, what it did and all the characters we met along the way.
If you love middlgrades and I particular fantasy ones. I Highly recommend!
January 8, 2021
trigger warning
Egg and Spel are on the run. Something appeared at their school, something terrible, but they don't know exactly what when a letter reaches them, telling them that Egg has been appointed Assistant to the Undertaker. The letter includes directions.
Don't bother with the official blurp. Just don't, it gives far too much away.
I had loads of fun with this book, it ticked all the right boxes - and I believe this might be the first instance of undertaker's business in middlegrade fiction I've read. Be prepared for cats, dragons, ghosts, spells and curses.
I like how the introduction of new material for the reader was managed without it feeling info-dumpey. The chapters are very short, which suits my current concentration level and makes this perfect for younger readers who are just starting out with bigger books.
I can't say anything about the illustrations, because my copy didn't come with them, but I can't tell if this is the fault of my device or if the e-arc indeed came without.
You could read this either as a standalone or as the entryway to a new series. I know that should there be more plot later on, I'll want a ride.
The arc was provided by the publisher.
Egg and Spel are on the run. Something appeared at their school, something terrible, but they don't know exactly what when a letter reaches them, telling them that Egg has been appointed Assistant to the Undertaker. The letter includes directions.
Don't bother with the official blurp. Just don't, it gives far too much away.
I had loads of fun with this book, it ticked all the right boxes - and I believe this might be the first instance of undertaker's business in middlegrade fiction I've read. Be prepared for cats, dragons, ghosts, spells and curses.
I like how the introduction of new material for the reader was managed without it feeling info-dumpey. The chapters are very short, which suits my current concentration level and makes this perfect for younger readers who are just starting out with bigger books.
I can't say anything about the illustrations, because my copy didn't come with them, but I can't tell if this is the fault of my device or if the e-arc indeed came without.
You could read this either as a standalone or as the entryway to a new series. I know that should there be more plot later on, I'll want a ride.
The arc was provided by the publisher.
July 20, 2022
🪄A mixture of mischief and determination🪄
A middle-grade fantasy story to get yourself entertained for a perfect #summerween filled with #magic #witchcraft & #darkacademia vibes
The story begins in a boarding school - Miss Mouldheel’s School for Wicked Girls, where the two sisters (Spel & Egg) are trying to discover their own potential & finding a family they never had.
Their world turns upside down when they receive a secret letter to run away & apprentice at a Funeral Parlor where they discover about 4 other worlds. Soon Egg disappears & Spel is afraid she might have gone to the one place from where no one comes back - The world of dead souls. Now it's up to Spel to get her sister back.
This is the 1st book in 'The Huntress Trilogy & one of the lightest Fantasy books I ever read. The writing was smooth as butter & all the aspects of family love, betrayals and friendship were charming.
My one major question throughout the book was: Who names a person "Egg"?
I gave it enough thought & just can't come to terms with it.
4/5
Genre: #middlegrade #fantasy #childrensfiction
A middle-grade fantasy story to get yourself entertained for a perfect #summerween filled with #magic #witchcraft & #darkacademia vibes
The story begins in a boarding school - Miss Mouldheel’s School for Wicked Girls, where the two sisters (Spel & Egg) are trying to discover their own potential & finding a family they never had.
Their world turns upside down when they receive a secret letter to run away & apprentice at a Funeral Parlor where they discover about 4 other worlds. Soon Egg disappears & Spel is afraid she might have gone to the one place from where no one comes back - The world of dead souls. Now it's up to Spel to get her sister back.
This is the 1st book in 'The Huntress Trilogy & one of the lightest Fantasy books I ever read. The writing was smooth as butter & all the aspects of family love, betrayals and friendship were charming.
My one major question throughout the book was: Who names a person "Egg"?
I gave it enough thought & just can't come to terms with it.
4/5
Genre: #middlegrade #fantasy #childrensfiction
January 1, 2021
Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of Once We Were Witches by Sarah Driver. I’ve voluntarily read and reviewed this copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Once We Were Witches is a story about two sisters, Spel and Egg who have no idea that they’re witches. They grow up in Miss Mouldheel’s School for Wicked Girls when on one day they receive a letter that tells them to run. After escaping the school and finding refuge in a funeral parlour where they work alongside the undertaker, they try to uncover the truth about who they are and who told them to run.
Once We Were Witches is an exciting middle grade fantasy. After a bit of slow start, the story really takes off halfway through when things start to unfold and the adventure really begins. I found the premise to be interesting with unique worldbuilding aspects regarding the Other Ways. The character development of the main character Spel was well-written and makes you root for her.
The beautiful illustrations by Fabi Santiago were a great addition to the story. I grade Once We Were Witches 3.5 stars.
Once We Were Witches is a story about two sisters, Spel and Egg who have no idea that they’re witches. They grow up in Miss Mouldheel’s School for Wicked Girls when on one day they receive a letter that tells them to run. After escaping the school and finding refuge in a funeral parlour where they work alongside the undertaker, they try to uncover the truth about who they are and who told them to run.
Once We Were Witches is an exciting middle grade fantasy. After a bit of slow start, the story really takes off halfway through when things start to unfold and the adventure really begins. I found the premise to be interesting with unique worldbuilding aspects regarding the Other Ways. The character development of the main character Spel was well-written and makes you root for her.
The beautiful illustrations by Fabi Santiago were a great addition to the story. I grade Once We Were Witches 3.5 stars.
July 21, 2022
Spel and Egg are sisters that live at Mistress Mouldheel's School for Wicked Girls. They are working towards earning their souls. They have no idea about the outside world until they are locked in a basement because Egg tries to run away.
The events that unfold from that next morning take us on an astonishing journey of loyalty and self-discovery with some beautifully written passages. The truths that they learn about their family, their history, their world and most importantly themselves are sometimes brutal but often transformative and enabling.
The book, as a whole, feels like a great opening to a wonderful new series of many. There's so much more for the girls to discover and untangle about almost everything they thought they knew.
The audiobook (I had a free review copy, courtesy of NetGalley) is narrated by Gemma Lawrence whose voice really suits the book and sets the pace, perfectly. At just over 10 hours, this is the perfect accompaniment to a long road trip!
The views and opinions are my own. Grateful thanks to NetGalley for the ARC audiobook.
The events that unfold from that next morning take us on an astonishing journey of loyalty and self-discovery with some beautifully written passages. The truths that they learn about their family, their history, their world and most importantly themselves are sometimes brutal but often transformative and enabling.
The book, as a whole, feels like a great opening to a wonderful new series of many. There's so much more for the girls to discover and untangle about almost everything they thought they knew.
The audiobook (I had a free review copy, courtesy of NetGalley) is narrated by Gemma Lawrence whose voice really suits the book and sets the pace, perfectly. At just over 10 hours, this is the perfect accompaniment to a long road trip!
The views and opinions are my own. Grateful thanks to NetGalley for the ARC audiobook.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 17, 2021
A magical story about sisterhood, friendship and creating your identity. I devoured this book. Spel was amazing. The world building was amazing. The message was amazing. This book is the perfect spell-bounding adventure every reader needs.
The story follows Spel and Egg as they receive an anonymous letter to go to an undertaker for a new life. Bored with Mouldheels, they agree. Egg falls down the well into the world of the dead and Spel vows to rescue her. She makes new friends, learns stuff about her and her mysterious mother and most importantly, how to live out of her sisters shadow. I personally loved this theme
A very interesting adventure with phenomenal world building that I definitely recommend to MG and YA readers
The story follows Spel and Egg as they receive an anonymous letter to go to an undertaker for a new life. Bored with Mouldheels, they agree. Egg falls down the well into the world of the dead and Spel vows to rescue her. She makes new friends, learns stuff about her and her mysterious mother and most importantly, how to live out of her sisters shadow. I personally loved this theme
A very interesting adventure with phenomenal world building that I definitely recommend to MG and YA readers
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
dnf
March 21, 2021I have the rule to finish all of the books which I got as an ARC. This book was one of them, but I have to break my rule and DNF it. Normally, I don't rate DNFs, but in NetGalley, I have to, so it's the rating for the first 43% of the book.
I started this book a month ago, and I can't read more than 10% than leaving it for a week again because it's just boring and I don't have any desire to read it. After 43% I decided that I don't want to suffer any more.
But what was the problem? The characters... Egg was so annoying for me, but I just didn't like Spell either. The story was ok, but I bored it so much. I wasn't able to focus, but the story had potentials. The atmosphere was good, I loved it. It was enough for me, I just didn't want to go on with the story.
I started this book a month ago, and I can't read more than 10% than leaving it for a week again because it's just boring and I don't have any desire to read it. After 43% I decided that I don't want to suffer any more.
But what was the problem? The characters... Egg was so annoying for me, but I just didn't like Spell either. The story was ok, but I bored it so much. I wasn't able to focus, but the story had potentials. The atmosphere was good, I loved it. It was enough for me, I just didn't want to go on with the story.
January 17, 2021
Sisters, witchcraft, mystery and magic, souls and sailors, dragons and one very grumpy undertaker, Once We Were Witches has all the makings of a dreamy, much-loved adventure.
Magic masterfully blurs with reality, Spel and Egg are utterly enchanting characters, and Sarah’s writing glistens with poetic charm. OWWW is mesmerising from the very first page.
I’ve been eagerly awaiting new work from Sarah Driver since her spellbinding The Huntress trilogy and Once We Were Witches is a worthy wait.
Magic masterfully blurs with reality, Spel and Egg are utterly enchanting characters, and Sarah’s writing glistens with poetic charm. OWWW is mesmerising from the very first page.
I’ve been eagerly awaiting new work from Sarah Driver since her spellbinding The Huntress trilogy and Once We Were Witches is a worthy wait.
April 17, 2021
Sarah Deiver’s first book outwith the Huntress trilogy tells the story of two sisters named Spel and Egg (well, nicknamed, technically) and what happens when they leave the “school for wicked girls” they have grown up in when they recieve a letter telling them they are the new assistants to a mysterious undertaker. I don’t think I can really say much more about the specific details of the plot without spoilers, but it’s a really brilliant adventure through a really interesting, unique world. I adored Spel, who goes on a bit of a journey of self discovery and acceptance throughout the book, and I though Egg was a great sister to her, and her friendship with Timothy basically melted my heart. Again, it’s hard to talk about the villains without spoiling the story and the fantastic reveal we get, but I found them so sinister and cruel, and they honestly just got worse and worse the more Spel and Egg learned about them. Artemis the cat was probably my favourite though, if I’m being honest, because who doesn’t love a sassy cat that knows far more than she should about what everyone is saying? The world was so clever and well built, and and I really loved the style of the prose. This has such a different feel to it than the Huntress trilogy, and I really enjoyed my first visit to this world, so I’m looking forward to returni
December 23, 2020
Beautifully written and bursting with magic, OWWW is the story of Spel and Egg, two sisters who don't know they are witches. Until one day when something very strange happens in their school and they receive a mysterious message telling them to run.
I adore this book and love the characters so much!
I adore this book and love the characters so much!
April 22, 2025
3.5 stars
This was a magical story following 2 sisters who come from a line of witches. Witchcraft has been outlawed though so they can no longer practise magic. I liked the sound of this and I enjoyed it enough but wasn’t blown away by it. I’m glad I read it but probably won’t continue the series
This was a magical story following 2 sisters who come from a line of witches. Witchcraft has been outlawed though so they can no longer practise magic. I liked the sound of this and I enjoyed it enough but wasn’t blown away by it. I’m glad I read it but probably won’t continue the series
January 26, 2021
I loved this well written and entertaining story.
Great character and plot development, an interesting world building.
I would be happy to read another book featuring these characters.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine
Great character and plot development, an interesting world building.
I would be happy to read another book featuring these characters.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine
February 3, 2021
If I had a checklist of what I love to read in young fiction this ticked every box! Great friendships, witchcraft, cute dragons, portals to other places, villains, and I could go on. A must read for any young reader! Thanks to netgalley for allowing me to read an ARC in return for an honest review.
May 15, 2021
This book is far more creepy than the cover leads you to believe, and the main character’s observations on quietness/introversion in particular made my heart soar.
That being said, the book falls apart around part three, when Spel enters the Shadow Way. Before that, the story was tight, exciting; after that, the book becomes a confusing mess of characters, plot lines and an unconvincing villain. The best thing about this book is how Egg and Spel interact, so its a shame that we don’t get enough of that.
That being said, the book falls apart around part three, when Spel enters the Shadow Way. Before that, the story was tight, exciting; after that, the book becomes a confusing mess of characters, plot lines and an unconvincing villain. The best thing about this book is how Egg and Spel interact, so its a shame that we don’t get enough of that.
Read
March 3, 2023DNF at p50something.
Not gonna rate this one as I'm not in it's target demographic, and I'm sure the book is perfectly fine for the age group it's aimed at.
I found it boring. The illustrations however are wonderful.
Not gonna rate this one as I'm not in it's target demographic, and I'm sure the book is perfectly fine for the age group it's aimed at.
I found it boring. The illustrations however are wonderful.
March 10, 2025
A charming magical story about two sisters who discover they are witches.
Not for the very young, as some of the characters are genuinely terrifying. But this is a very well written middle grade story.
Not for the very young, as some of the characters are genuinely terrifying. But this is a very well written middle grade story.
January 1, 2026
I think this book was just not for me. I could not finish it, try as I might. I found Egg just too obnoxious and not caring of Spell at all. being the younger of two sisters, this was just too much to take.
March 24, 2021
Good book. Difficult to follow in places
December 3, 2021
An amazing fast paced fantasy-adventure middle grade book. Eagerly waiting for the 2nd book☺️.
February 26, 2021
If you like witchy and magical reads half set in our world , half in another and your a fan of alice in wonderland you probably love this book.
Once we were witches is an magical adventure middlegrade with strong bonds and friendships. The book is about two sisters who are living in miss moudheels school for wicked girls. When there tied up in the basement for punishment they recieve a strange message to flee the school and go to the undertaker. The girls do just that and from there on the adventures start. The girls discover all sort of secrets and one of the sisters needs to save the other in another world.
The world building in this book is fenomenal, i loved it so much. And the other world definetly got wonderland vibes, amazing and dangerous at the same time! I also really liked the friendship one of the other sister made in the other world. I loved the adventure but it did only started half way so that at first made it a three star read for me. But the end was so beautifull i actually cried. ( and im not a book crier at all) So that has to rise it up to four stars for me. And the slower world building in the first half of the book is neccesary in my eyes.
The art in this book is gorgeous!
Thank you to netgalley and Egmont Publishing for this arc.
Once we were witches is an magical adventure middlegrade with strong bonds and friendships. The book is about two sisters who are living in miss moudheels school for wicked girls. When there tied up in the basement for punishment they recieve a strange message to flee the school and go to the undertaker. The girls do just that and from there on the adventures start. The girls discover all sort of secrets and one of the sisters needs to save the other in another world.
The world building in this book is fenomenal, i loved it so much. And the other world definetly got wonderland vibes, amazing and dangerous at the same time! I also really liked the friendship one of the other sister made in the other world. I loved the adventure but it did only started half way so that at first made it a three star read for me. But the end was so beautifull i actually cried. ( and im not a book crier at all) So that has to rise it up to four stars for me. And the slower world building in the first half of the book is neccesary in my eyes.
The art in this book is gorgeous!
Thank you to netgalley and Egmont Publishing for this arc.
December 19, 2022
Thank you to Jonathan Ball Publishers for providing me with a free copy in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
Once We Were Witches by Sarah Driver is a magical adventure of two sisters who are trying to find their place in the world.
Interspersed with beautiful illustrations by Fabi Santiago, this original story is very well written and the characters absolutely shine. OWWW is an excellent start to a new series from this author and I am definitely looking forward to more; of this and her other works
Once We Were Witches by Sarah Driver is a magical adventure of two sisters who are trying to find their place in the world.
Interspersed with beautiful illustrations by Fabi Santiago, this original story is very well written and the characters absolutely shine. OWWW is an excellent start to a new series from this author and I am definitely looking forward to more; of this and her other works
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