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The Language of Magic #1.5
The Hedge Witch: A Threadneedle Novella
Rowan is visiting her aunt – Winne the hedge witch – in the Welsh countryside, to get back to nature and hone her skills, as well as taking a break from her annoying sisters and enjoying some peace and quiet. However, Rowan soon comes to realise that hedges are a serious business and this isn’t quite the opportunity to rest and escape she thought it might be. Not only that, but mysterious events around the town are causing panic in the secret magical community and cowans – non-magical folk – are starting to take notice. Can Rowan hone her hedge craft, try to make some friends and solve the riddle of the mysterious goings-on, or is magic about to be revealed to the world … or at least Wales?
132 pages, Hardcover
Published June 6, 2023
144 people are currently reading
4807 people want to read
About the author
Cari Thomas
6 books802 followersI grew up in the Wye Valley area of Wales and moved to London in my twenties. I worked as a journalist for various publications and at a creative agency, before finally doing what I'd always wanted to do. I quit my job and wrote a book about magic.
I split my days between freelance work and roaming London, writing in cafés and libraries and any hideouts I could find, eating far too much cake and imagining a magical world hidden within today's London. A world of wild, ancient witchcraft. A world of modern fairytale. A world where libraries made of books breathe dusty pages beneath the city and witch clubs serve up magical cocktails and vintage shops sell memories. A world where magic gleams both light and very, very dark. It was fun. It resulted in my debut novel Threadneedle, the first in my Language of Magic series.
I have now moved back West, to Bristol, with my husband and son. When I'm not reading strange magical books and working on my next book, I like to eat good food, watch movies, dance around the kitchen, write poetry and wander the woods, which I believe is the most magical place on earth.
I split my days between freelance work and roaming London, writing in cafés and libraries and any hideouts I could find, eating far too much cake and imagining a magical world hidden within today's London. A world of wild, ancient witchcraft. A world of modern fairytale. A world where libraries made of books breathe dusty pages beneath the city and witch clubs serve up magical cocktails and vintage shops sell memories. A world where magic gleams both light and very, very dark. It was fun. It resulted in my debut novel Threadneedle, the first in my Language of Magic series.
I have now moved back West, to Bristol, with my husband and son. When I'm not reading strange magical books and working on my next book, I like to eat good food, watch movies, dance around the kitchen, write poetry and wander the woods, which I believe is the most magical place on earth.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 313 reviews
October 28, 2022
3.5★
This was a cute witchy novella perfect for spooky season reading.
This was a cute witchy novella perfect for spooky season reading.
October 20, 2022
3,5 stars! bit too YA-ish for me (lots of worrying about who to kiss), but such a witty, cozy witch story that I loved it nonetheless
July 14, 2022
Story of a young witch who travels to the country to find her way. Quite an entertaining book that reminds me more than a little of 魔女の宅急便 (Majou no Takkyuubin) by Kadano Eiko which became famous in the West when Studio Ghibli made an anime version.
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July 13, 2022
Threadneedle was one of my favorite 2021 novels. It had such a rich magical world, such intriguing and layered characters and such a brutal plot-line. I was therefore very excited that we were gonna get more books in this world! Of course, I had hoped for the sequel, but while waiting for that I take what I can get, among which this novella.
What I really loved about this novella is the magic. There is so much magic! In the first book in the series our heroine is kept away from magic and we're seeing a little of it, but never its full capacity. This novella absolutely makes up for it. All sorts of magic are being shown and that also gives an idea of the endless possibilities within this world.
Rowan was also a great main character for this story. Mainly because she's in every way possible a typical teenager. She wants to belong. She wants some excitement. She wants a boyfriend and her first kiss. She doesn't want to be an outsider any longer. And that means that at times she does typical stupid teenage things. And then at times she doesn't, which makes her likable.
The plot of this novella isn't that big or strong. I have the impression it's mostly about the magic and showing the possibilities of it, making sure we understand how the system works. However, at the end of the book there are some very nice life lessons given. And I like how for once there is a very supportive adult present to actually do a good job parenting.
What I really loved about this novella is the magic. There is so much magic! In the first book in the series our heroine is kept away from magic and we're seeing a little of it, but never its full capacity. This novella absolutely makes up for it. All sorts of magic are being shown and that also gives an idea of the endless possibilities within this world.
Rowan was also a great main character for this story. Mainly because she's in every way possible a typical teenager. She wants to belong. She wants some excitement. She wants a boyfriend and her first kiss. She doesn't want to be an outsider any longer. And that means that at times she does typical stupid teenage things. And then at times she doesn't, which makes her likable.
The plot of this novella isn't that big or strong. I have the impression it's mostly about the magic and showing the possibilities of it, making sure we understand how the system works. However, at the end of the book there are some very nice life lessons given. And I like how for once there is a very supportive adult present to actually do a good job parenting.
August 27, 2022
Amazing magical world and lovely characters some, I just feel that the story lacks action
August 22, 2024
2024 reads: 238/250
in this novella, rowan is visiting her aunt, winnie the hedge witch. rowan is hoping this is the opportunity she needs to get some peace and quiet from her annoying sisters. however, when mysterious things start happening around town, rowan starts attempting to hone her hedge craft to get to the bottom of it.
i really loved rowan in threadneedle, so i was very excited to learn this novella was about her! there were quite a few moments i found myself relating to her. rowan’s character growth throughout this novella was wonderful. her journey of self-discovery was well-explored.
i can’t wait for shadowstitch!
in this novella, rowan is visiting her aunt, winnie the hedge witch. rowan is hoping this is the opportunity she needs to get some peace and quiet from her annoying sisters. however, when mysterious things start happening around town, rowan starts attempting to hone her hedge craft to get to the bottom of it.
i really loved rowan in threadneedle, so i was very excited to learn this novella was about her! there were quite a few moments i found myself relating to her. rowan’s character growth throughout this novella was wonderful. her journey of self-discovery was well-explored.
i can’t wait for shadowstitch!
May 26, 2025
4.5 stars
A cosy, magic filled coming of age novella that I absolutely adored!
Set before the events of Threadneedle, we follow Rowan (Anna’s garden witch friend) the summer before they become friends. Which sees Rowan spending time with her Hedge Witch aunt in Wales, honing her craft and embarking on an emotional journey that sees her overcome soo many insecurities, deepen her connection with nature and learn to love all the things that make her soo unique.
I really liked Rowan who was such an endearingly relatable protagonist. When we first meet her she’s an energetic ball of chaos who uses her humour and wit as a shield to hide all her fears and vulnerabilities. But as she gets to know Winnie, we see her learn to appreciate Hedgecraft and embrace all the weird awkward teen tendencies that make her soo great.
I know I’m waxing a little poetic here, but it was such a cosily uplifting and witchy, cottagecore-style read that I loved. And having the chance to delve into (and expand on) Threadneedle’s unique magic system was amazing.
But what really impressed me was how much Cari Thomas manages to encapsulate in less than 150 pages. There’s nuanced characters, expansive magical worldbuilding and some intriguingly mysterious events (melting clock faces, disappearing road signs, and strange animal behaviours) that had me gripped until that very satisfying end.
It’s can be read as a standalone, though I feel you’d get the most enjoyment reading this after Threadneedle as this really adds to Thomas’ already established world.
Overall a compelling, feel good read that fans of all things magic-filled and cosy should definitely consider checking out.
Also, thanks to Anne over at Random Things Tours and Harper Voyager UK for the PB copy.
A cosy, magic filled coming of age novella that I absolutely adored!
Set before the events of Threadneedle, we follow Rowan (Anna’s garden witch friend) the summer before they become friends. Which sees Rowan spending time with her Hedge Witch aunt in Wales, honing her craft and embarking on an emotional journey that sees her overcome soo many insecurities, deepen her connection with nature and learn to love all the things that make her soo unique.
I really liked Rowan who was such an endearingly relatable protagonist. When we first meet her she’s an energetic ball of chaos who uses her humour and wit as a shield to hide all her fears and vulnerabilities. But as she gets to know Winnie, we see her learn to appreciate Hedgecraft and embrace all the weird awkward teen tendencies that make her soo great.
I know I’m waxing a little poetic here, but it was such a cosily uplifting and witchy, cottagecore-style read that I loved. And having the chance to delve into (and expand on) Threadneedle’s unique magic system was amazing.
But what really impressed me was how much Cari Thomas manages to encapsulate in less than 150 pages. There’s nuanced characters, expansive magical worldbuilding and some intriguingly mysterious events (melting clock faces, disappearing road signs, and strange animal behaviours) that had me gripped until that very satisfying end.
It’s can be read as a standalone, though I feel you’d get the most enjoyment reading this after Threadneedle as this really adds to Thomas’ already established world.
Overall a compelling, feel good read that fans of all things magic-filled and cosy should definitely consider checking out.
Also, thanks to Anne over at Random Things Tours and Harper Voyager UK for the PB copy.
August 15, 2025
Again, I need to stop buying books based on cover 😅 The vibes? Great! The cover? Still love it. The story? Meh..
July 18, 2022
Rowan!!! What a lovable character.
He conquered me from the first moment.
Entertaining, funny, magical.
A highly recommended novel.
He conquered me from the first moment.
Entertaining, funny, magical.
A highly recommended novel.
October 18, 2024
There is something adorably awkward about “coming of age” + witches. 🥰
Did we need this before book 2? Probably not, but who doesn’t love Rowan?!
3.75/5
Did we need this before book 2? Probably not, but who doesn’t love Rowan?!
3.75/5
September 24, 2022
A coming-of-age novella, set in the timeline before Threadneedle, focusing on Rowan and her journey before she enrolled to school in Threadneedle.
Personal Ratings : 3.65🌟
The Hedge Witch tells the story of Rowan during her summer vacation at her aunt's house outside of London, who is a hedge witch. Being in a family with an affinity for plant magic, Rowan indulges in tales of friendship and self-discovery. A coming-of-age novel on a young witch trying to find her footing in life.
Personal Thoughts
This book... was not bad, and its good for a light read. I had loved Rowan in Threadneedle due to her quirkiness and her personality, and in the Hedge Witch, being in her POV with her family is such a gem. Rowan is a plus size teen with worries on her own, and I kind of liked how the whole series focused on them as teens and the dramas and worries that comes with it.
Rowan met new friends and the solving bit of the mystery at her aunt's town, makes it just a fun and light read. I definitely finished this in one seating and I just laughed at some of Rowan's antiques with her friends. The fact that Rowan is just this robust character with a brilliant personality makes this a good companion novella for the main series.
Thank you to Times Reads for providing me a gorgeous copy of this book!
Personal Ratings : 3.65🌟
The Hedge Witch tells the story of Rowan during her summer vacation at her aunt's house outside of London, who is a hedge witch. Being in a family with an affinity for plant magic, Rowan indulges in tales of friendship and self-discovery. A coming-of-age novel on a young witch trying to find her footing in life.
Personal Thoughts
This book... was not bad, and its good for a light read. I had loved Rowan in Threadneedle due to her quirkiness and her personality, and in the Hedge Witch, being in her POV with her family is such a gem. Rowan is a plus size teen with worries on her own, and I kind of liked how the whole series focused on them as teens and the dramas and worries that comes with it.
Rowan met new friends and the solving bit of the mystery at her aunt's town, makes it just a fun and light read. I definitely finished this in one seating and I just laughed at some of Rowan's antiques with her friends. The fact that Rowan is just this robust character with a brilliant personality makes this a good companion novella for the main series.
Thank you to Times Reads for providing me a gorgeous copy of this book!
August 15, 2024
It's a cute coming-of-age novella, it just wasn't what I was expecting it to be. Just a warning, it is very - very YA, so if you're not into that kind of thing, don't touch this.
In this novella we follow Rowan, a social outcast who very much wants to be liked, on her summer sort-of apprenticing under her aunt Winifred. Rowan seems to think Winifred a bit of a weirdo, with her strange dress and the fact her house is build inside a hedge. Imagine Rowans suprise when even Winnie has a boyfriend.
During her summer in Wales Rowan learns about friendship, about growing as a person and about accepting herself. The backdrop of a sleepy Welsh village is a cozy one, and most of the side characters are very lovable.
It's a quick read, a simple read, and most of all, a feel good read. It's a nice palate cleanser, but not anything to write home about.
In this novella we follow Rowan, a social outcast who very much wants to be liked, on her summer sort-of apprenticing under her aunt Winifred. Rowan seems to think Winifred a bit of a weirdo, with her strange dress and the fact her house is build inside a hedge. Imagine Rowans suprise when even Winnie has a boyfriend.
During her summer in Wales Rowan learns about friendship, about growing as a person and about accepting herself. The backdrop of a sleepy Welsh village is a cozy one, and most of the side characters are very lovable.
It's a quick read, a simple read, and most of all, a feel good read. It's a nice palate cleanser, but not anything to write home about.
January 3, 2023
The Hedge Witch was a fun little side adventure in the world of Threadneedle. While, I did enjoy the reading experience, this did feel a little more YA then Threadneedle, but I did appreciate how much The Hedge Witch explored the magic system. Still really love the world building and the lore.
July 18, 2025
Judged for what it is - a wee spin-off novella - this is great craic (how much do I want Rowan to be queer, though)!
July 16, 2022
Rowan has been sent to visit her rather eccentric and unorthodox aunt - Winnie the hedge witch - in the wild and isolated Welsh countryside for the entirety of the summer holidays, thinking it more along the lines of some unknown penance she is paying for as this is not what she had planned…
An opportunity, her mother tells her, for Rowan to hone her skills in the lesser-known ways of hedgecraft, which involves getting back to, and being part of nature and maybe she could make an effort to connect with new friends along the way, no matter how reluctant she may be.
Upon her arrival, things are rather suspicious as magical events are causing unrest and panic in the secret community of those wise to such practices and when it becomes clear that even the cowans- non magical folk - are taking notice, Rowan is determined to find out what is going on and put a stop to it no mater what.
Meanwhile try as she might, the wonders of hedgecraft don’t come easy to Rowan with her aunt lecturing her non-stop about the majesty of such craft and telling her she must try harder, all while trying to make new friends, really doesn’t make for a very relaxing summer after all even when she does start to make friends and develops a crush on a rather handsome individual which obviously means she will make a total fool of herself.
Will Rowan be able to uncover those responsible for these misdeeds or will the magical world be exposed for all to see?
A beautiful, funny, and breezy novella which perfectly helps bring more dimensions to the world of Threadneedle, this is the perfect companion to tide you over until the next instalment.
An opportunity, her mother tells her, for Rowan to hone her skills in the lesser-known ways of hedgecraft, which involves getting back to, and being part of nature and maybe she could make an effort to connect with new friends along the way, no matter how reluctant she may be.
Upon her arrival, things are rather suspicious as magical events are causing unrest and panic in the secret community of those wise to such practices and when it becomes clear that even the cowans- non magical folk - are taking notice, Rowan is determined to find out what is going on and put a stop to it no mater what.
Meanwhile try as she might, the wonders of hedgecraft don’t come easy to Rowan with her aunt lecturing her non-stop about the majesty of such craft and telling her she must try harder, all while trying to make new friends, really doesn’t make for a very relaxing summer after all even when she does start to make friends and develops a crush on a rather handsome individual which obviously means she will make a total fool of herself.
Will Rowan be able to uncover those responsible for these misdeeds or will the magical world be exposed for all to see?
A beautiful, funny, and breezy novella which perfectly helps bring more dimensions to the world of Threadneedle, this is the perfect companion to tide you over until the next instalment.
July 31, 2022
I ordered this straight after finishing Threadneedle, I was really looking forward to re-immersing myself in the threadneedle world again. However, when I received the book I was rather disappointed, firstly it was jnmy 132 pages long and secondly its set before the first book and other than the main character being Rowan, for me that's the only real link to Threadneedle. This was partly my own fault as I had just seen the book online and ordered it without really researching what it was about, just that it was a threadneedle novel and wrongly assumed it was the 2nd in the series. Had I read this first I think it would have been more enjoyable but I just kept comparing it and frankly it didn't come up to the same standard. The magic was plain in comparison, the storyline was predictable and the characters just weren't as well built. It felt like a money making filler and just didn't meet my expectations.
September 10, 2022
A lovely little Novella with a nice touch of folky wisdom running through it.
This story focuses on Rowan Greenfinch, a witch who's mother sends her to Wales during the summer holidays to spend some time in the countryside with her eccentric Aunt Winnifred and learn more about the family tradition of Hedgecraft.
While learning about Hedge magic, Rowan discovers new friends but also some strange goings on in the village, which the normal folk have begun to notice.
I really enjoyed this quick, quirky little book, it's got some lovely little life lessons in it and was a nice side story to Threadneedle.
This story focuses on Rowan Greenfinch, a witch who's mother sends her to Wales during the summer holidays to spend some time in the countryside with her eccentric Aunt Winnifred and learn more about the family tradition of Hedgecraft.
While learning about Hedge magic, Rowan discovers new friends but also some strange goings on in the village, which the normal folk have begun to notice.
I really enjoyed this quick, quirky little book, it's got some lovely little life lessons in it and was a nice side story to Threadneedle.
April 19, 2023
A very YA read... Rowan is a young witch who travels to visit her aunt to learn about the magic in the town they live. There is a lot of magic in this read... a quick fun novella that I found to be entertaining. A little too young in some parts but with it being a quick read, it didn't bother me too much.
August 31, 2024
What a little gem of a book! I have never read Cari Thomas' 'Threadneedle', although I intend to now, and chose this book because of the beautiful cover. I am so glad that I did. It is a delight; filled with quirky, likeable characters dancing their way through a gentle, and wonderfully inconsequential, plot. I love them all, especially Llewellyn, the mushroom gatherer (my new 'book husband'), and the Mutterer and his slighted marrow. Rowan and Winnie are wonderful characters, both feisty and vulnerable. I hope that I meet them again.
And here, at last, is a hedge witch book that actually involves hedges! The hedge looms large here, both metaphorically and literally. My joy is complete.
Perfect for a cosy weekend on the settee.
And here, at last, is a hedge witch book that actually involves hedges! The hedge looms large here, both metaphorically and literally. My joy is complete.
Perfect for a cosy weekend on the settee.
March 1, 2024
Felt a bit young for a YA novel, with some obvious exceptions. Otherwise good.
September 13, 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️,5
Dit was echt een heerlijk cozy novella: perfect voor de overgang van zomer naar herfst. Het speelt zich namelijk af in een zomervakantie, maar heeft wel de cozy witchy vibes die ik ken van Threadneedle.
Nu al zin om in Shadowstitch te duiken: I love being back in this world.
Dit was echt een heerlijk cozy novella: perfect voor de overgang van zomer naar herfst. Het speelt zich namelijk af in een zomervakantie, maar heeft wel de cozy witchy vibes die ik ken van Threadneedle.
Nu al zin om in Shadowstitch te duiken: I love being back in this world.
July 30, 2022
A teenage witch goes on holiday to rural Wales, and has a standard holiday growing up story. Throws you in at the deep end on the setting, with a bunch of stuff completely unexplained, and honestly a bit YA for my tastes. On the positive front: not written by J K Rowling.
November 28, 2022
I didn’t enjoy this fantasy story as much as others I have read. I think that for me it just seemed to be geared towards a younger audience. I found it to be too simple.
June 10, 2025
I enjoyed this cute novella. The writing was wonderfully atmospheric and perfectly suited to the story’s cozy, magical vibe. Cari Thomas has a great touch for setting the scene and drawing you into a world that feels both mysterious and inviting.
It was fun to follow Rowan as she tried to learn more about Hedge Magic and navigate new friendships. Her eagerness to find her place and understand her powers made her a relatable protagonist. While she was a little too boy-obsessed for my taste, it did feel consistent with her personality and where she is in her life.
The mystery surrounding the town was intriguing, though it leaned more toward low-stakes tension than high drama—which actually worked well for a novella of this length. Overall, The Hedge Witch is a charming and enjoyable read that adds depth to the world Cari Thomas is building. A great companion piece for fans of The Stranger Times universe.
It was fun to follow Rowan as she tried to learn more about Hedge Magic and navigate new friendships. Her eagerness to find her place and understand her powers made her a relatable protagonist. While she was a little too boy-obsessed for my taste, it did feel consistent with her personality and where she is in her life.
The mystery surrounding the town was intriguing, though it leaned more toward low-stakes tension than high drama—which actually worked well for a novella of this length. Overall, The Hedge Witch is a charming and enjoyable read that adds depth to the world Cari Thomas is building. A great companion piece for fans of The Stranger Times universe.
September 2, 2022
A lovely little novella that explores the complexities of identity, friendship, and career path choices through the lens of a young witch.
This novella is clearly targeted towards a younger audience, fitting largely into the coming of age type genre. Although targeted at a younger audience, it is still a brilliantly cosy read for readers of all ages.
The ending is fairly predictable and everything comes to a climax very quickly, but nothing unusual for a novella. The character development in this is similarly quite rushed and I would have loved to have seen this as a full length novel. All that said, it is still a great little book and absolutely worth a read.
This novella is clearly targeted towards a younger audience, fitting largely into the coming of age type genre. Although targeted at a younger audience, it is still a brilliantly cosy read for readers of all ages.
The ending is fairly predictable and everything comes to a climax very quickly, but nothing unusual for a novella. The character development in this is similarly quite rushed and I would have loved to have seen this as a full length novel. All that said, it is still a great little book and absolutely worth a read.
September 5, 2022
No tiene relevancia para la historia original pero es un relato entretenido. Realmente Rowan fue de mis personajes favoritos en el lenguaje de la magia y menos mal ese no perdió valor con los acontecimientos del final. Lo recomiendo 💖
November 7, 2023
Sweet, cozy, well-written, has a fantastic new approach to magic that is quite refreshing- I adored this little novella. Cari knows what she's doing; characters of her book are well-defined and so vivid you could absolutely get immersed in their world. Everyone is their own unique type of weirdo, with curated details such as wildly different way of speaking or a set of funny habits. Fantastic! It's a perfect kind of book for a cold, rainy evening to warm your heart a bit.
December 14, 2023
Read this this afternoon after finishing thread and needle, it was a little teen-ish. I know I would have adored this at 14. But it was cute, and I liked it more than thread and needle, more like 3.5/5 stars!!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 313 reviews