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A Pinch of Magic #3
A Tangle of Spells
A Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection
The third book in the thrilling series about the Widdershins sisters is a spellbinding tale of sorcery, spells, and witches.
It should have been a fresh start for the Widdershins, finally free from the misty gloom of Crowstone and beginning a new life. But all is not as it seems in their postcard-pretty village. Their neighbors are acting strangely, and why do they flinch at the mere mention of magic?
The Widdershins sisters have their own a set of enchanted nesting dolls with the power to render their user invisible. The sisters must use their wits—and their magic—if they're to break the dark hold over the village, and save one of their own . . . but have they finally met their match?
A dangerous spell cast over an unsuspecting village.
An enchanted painting locked in a hidden room.
A desperate race against time to break the spell before it's too late . .
The third book in the thrilling series about the Widdershins sisters is a spellbinding tale of sorcery, spells, and witches.
It should have been a fresh start for the Widdershins, finally free from the misty gloom of Crowstone and beginning a new life. But all is not as it seems in their postcard-pretty village. Their neighbors are acting strangely, and why do they flinch at the mere mention of magic?
The Widdershins sisters have their own a set of enchanted nesting dolls with the power to render their user invisible. The sisters must use their wits—and their magic—if they're to break the dark hold over the village, and save one of their own . . . but have they finally met their match?
A dangerous spell cast over an unsuspecting village.
An enchanted painting locked in a hidden room.
A desperate race against time to break the spell before it's too late . .
396 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 4, 2021
49 people are currently reading
4984 people want to read
About the author
Michelle Harrison
49 books1,215 followersMy first children's novel, THE 13 TREASURES, won the Waterstone's Children's Book Prize. THE OTHER ALICE won the Calderdale Book of the Year Award. A PINCH OF MAGIC won a Dutch Bronze Pen Award. My books have been translated and sold in 25 territories worldwide.
My latest novel is a sequel to TWICE UPON A TIME, publishing in Spring 2026 in the UK. My second picture book, THERE'S A SHARK IN MY PANTS! publishes in the UK in July 2025 and is illustrated by the incredible David Tazzyman.
Before becoming a full-time writer I worked in publishing as an editor, and before that, as a bookseller. Prior to that, I worked in bars, a bakery, and a second-hand record shop to make ends meet while trying to get my first book deal. I live in Essex and have a son, Jack, and two cats, Widdershins and Lucky.
The best place to get in touch with me is via my website or Instagram (@michelleharrisonauthor).
My latest novel is a sequel to TWICE UPON A TIME, publishing in Spring 2026 in the UK. My second picture book, THERE'S A SHARK IN MY PANTS! publishes in the UK in July 2025 and is illustrated by the incredible David Tazzyman.
Before becoming a full-time writer I worked in publishing as an editor, and before that, as a bookseller. Prior to that, I worked in bars, a bakery, and a second-hand record shop to make ends meet while trying to get my first book deal. I live in Essex and have a son, Jack, and two cats, Widdershins and Lucky.
The best place to get in touch with me is via my website or Instagram (@michelleharrisonauthor).
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 270 reviews
December 22, 2020
Magic and wonder awaits the Widdershins sisters as they venture to a new village that is shrouded in a dark power. Can Betty, Charlie and Fliss save Pendlewick from the threat of witches before they also fall under their spell?
'A Tangle of Spells' is the third book in the Widdershins Adventures, with the first book being 'A Pinch of Magic' and the second book being 'A Sprinkle of Sorcery'. I have loved every single book in this series to date and 'A Tangle of Spells' is absolutely no different - it's infused with the creative imagination of Harrison that retains all the trademarks from the first two books in the series and never ever loses its charm.
I absolutely loved the setting of Pendlewick and the atmosphere of this village. You instantly realise that something isn't quite right there and that there is way more to the villagers than meets the eye. Seeing how the Widdershins coped and handled this new setting and the situations they found themselves was such a thrilling ride, especially due to how exciting the events are that happens in this book. The scenes at Blackbird Cottage when it's just Betty, Charlie and Fliss were so tense and intriguing, and when you read this book you will know what I mean. It promises more excitement to follow, and the rest of the book certainly delivers.
There are new characters that we are introduced to that live in the village, and all I can really say there is that there are some startling discoveries to be had and true danger for the Widdershins. I think this might have been the most dangerous adventure the girls have had yet and truly solidifying this as one of the best books of the series. Tick Tock Forest is also a truly creative and imaginative addition to the story, and the new setting really made the series feel fresh and alive.
This book is filled with so many memorable and standout scenes (like when Betty and Charlie were in a place where they shouldn't have been - and that's all I'm saying without spoiling it). I can't wait for this one to come out so we can gush about all the creativity that went into building the magic of this world.
'A Tangle of Spells' is gorgeous storytelling that hooks the fans of the Widdershins sisters in from the first page, and never lets go until you read the end. If any book will get your heart racing, it will be this one. I would give it more than five stars.
'A Tangle of Spells' is the third book in the Widdershins Adventures, with the first book being 'A Pinch of Magic' and the second book being 'A Sprinkle of Sorcery'. I have loved every single book in this series to date and 'A Tangle of Spells' is absolutely no different - it's infused with the creative imagination of Harrison that retains all the trademarks from the first two books in the series and never ever loses its charm.
I absolutely loved the setting of Pendlewick and the atmosphere of this village. You instantly realise that something isn't quite right there and that there is way more to the villagers than meets the eye. Seeing how the Widdershins coped and handled this new setting and the situations they found themselves was such a thrilling ride, especially due to how exciting the events are that happens in this book. The scenes at Blackbird Cottage when it's just Betty, Charlie and Fliss were so tense and intriguing, and when you read this book you will know what I mean. It promises more excitement to follow, and the rest of the book certainly delivers.
There are new characters that we are introduced to that live in the village, and all I can really say there is that there are some startling discoveries to be had and true danger for the Widdershins. I think this might have been the most dangerous adventure the girls have had yet and truly solidifying this as one of the best books of the series. Tick Tock Forest is also a truly creative and imaginative addition to the story, and the new setting really made the series feel fresh and alive.
This book is filled with so many memorable and standout scenes (like when Betty and Charlie were in a place where they shouldn't have been - and that's all I'm saying without spoiling it). I can't wait for this one to come out so we can gush about all the creativity that went into building the magic of this world.
'A Tangle of Spells' is gorgeous storytelling that hooks the fans of the Widdershins sisters in from the first page, and never lets go until you read the end. If any book will get your heart racing, it will be this one. I would give it more than five stars.
August 16, 2022
This is a middle grade book, and this is the third book in A Pinch of Magic series. I love this book so much, and I cannot put into words how much I loved this book. The characters where great and well-written. The magic in this book was done differently then any other book I have read, and the mystery parts where really well-done. I loved all the twists and turns that was in this book. There was drama for the beginning, and it took a little to get into this book. I have to say the book cover of this book was so great. I was kindly provided an e-copy of this book by the publisher (Simon & Schuster Children's UK) or author (Michelle Harrison) via NetGalley, so I can give honest review about how I feel about this book. I want to send a big Thank you to them for that.
October 14, 2021
The ending couldn't have been any better !! 🗝️
September 2, 2021
ARC received in exchange for an honest review 🧙🏻♀️
A Tangle of Spells continues the adventures of the Widdershins sisters - Fliss, Betty and Charlie as they find themselves caught up in magic and hyjinx on a mysterious Island filled with tricky locals and sinister spells.
I think this is my favourite story in the series. I've grown to really like the Widdershins sisters, and they share a wonderful relationship that has grown substantially since the first book. I think my favourite is Charlie - she's mischevious and brave, with a fondness for animals that is loveable and endearing. She looks up to her older sisters but also isn't afraid to challenge their decisions either. If only Oin would love her back! I also love Bunny Widdershins, the matriarch of the family. She loves nothing better than a shot of whiskey and her pipe, but she also cares deeply her family dearly. She's such a character, and the scene with her throwing out the two drunks at the pub is still my favourite.
The plot for this story is a lot spookier than I was expecting compared to the previous installments. We have creepy witches and missing girls, with the sisters often finding themselves caught up in variety of hairy situations centering around a very intriguing mystery. It's atmospheric and fast paced with plenty of backstory and world building to help carry the story too. Yes, the plot is obvious, but I'm not exactly the target audience so I can let it slide.
Thoroughly enjoyable story, with plenty of interesting characters and an intiguing plot. I hope there's many more stories to come from the Widdershin sisters.
A Tangle of Spells continues the adventures of the Widdershins sisters - Fliss, Betty and Charlie as they find themselves caught up in magic and hyjinx on a mysterious Island filled with tricky locals and sinister spells.
I think this is my favourite story in the series. I've grown to really like the Widdershins sisters, and they share a wonderful relationship that has grown substantially since the first book. I think my favourite is Charlie - she's mischevious and brave, with a fondness for animals that is loveable and endearing. She looks up to her older sisters but also isn't afraid to challenge their decisions either. If only Oin would love her back! I also love Bunny Widdershins, the matriarch of the family. She loves nothing better than a shot of whiskey and her pipe, but she also cares deeply her family dearly. She's such a character, and the scene with her throwing out the two drunks at the pub is still my favourite.
The plot for this story is a lot spookier than I was expecting compared to the previous installments. We have creepy witches and missing girls, with the sisters often finding themselves caught up in variety of hairy situations centering around a very intriguing mystery. It's atmospheric and fast paced with plenty of backstory and world building to help carry the story too. Yes, the plot is obvious, but I'm not exactly the target audience so I can let it slide.
Thoroughly enjoyable story, with plenty of interesting characters and an intiguing plot. I hope there's many more stories to come from the Widdershin sisters.
March 31, 2021
1.) A Pinch of Magic ★★★★.5
2.) A Sprinkle of Sorcery ★★★★★
3.) A Tangle of Spells ★★★
-----------------------------------------------
“Grown-ups never know what to do. They just pretend to.”
representation: none that I can remember
[trigger warnings are listed at the bottom of this review and may contain spoilers]
★★★
I don't know if I just wasn't in the mood for this one but I didn't love it nearly as much as the first two books in the series. I'm writing this review almost a month after I finished it and I honestly can't remember a single thing that happens in this book soooooooo o.0
trigger warnings: mild fantasy violence.
2.) A Sprinkle of Sorcery ★★★★★
3.) A Tangle of Spells ★★★
-----------------------------------------------
“Grown-ups never know what to do. They just pretend to.”
representation: none that I can remember
[trigger warnings are listed at the bottom of this review and may contain spoilers]
★★★
I don't know if I just wasn't in the mood for this one but I didn't love it nearly as much as the first two books in the series. I'm writing this review almost a month after I finished it and I honestly can't remember a single thing that happens in this book soooooooo o.0
trigger warnings: mild fantasy violence.
February 27, 2022
Δείτε επίσης και στο Chill and read
Περίμενα και φέτος όλο χαρά να βγει το επόμενο βιβλίο με τις περιπέτειες των αδερφών Γουίντερσινς και φυσικά δεν απογοητεύτηκα! Μια ακόμα υπέροχη σκληρόδετη έκδοση με φανταστικό εξώφυλλο κυκλοφόρησε στις αρχές του μήνα από τις Εκδόσεις Διόπτρα και φυσικά μπήκε αμέσως στη συλλογή μας! Μια στάλα μαγεία άλλωστε είναι κάτι που όλοι χρειαζόμαστε στη ζωή μας!
Μετά από τις περιπέτειες που περίμεναν τις τρεις αδερφές αλλά και ολόκληρη την οικογένεια Γουίντερσινς στο προηγούμενο βιβλίο «Η πυξίδα της μάγισσας» ήρθε η ώρα να αφήσουν το Κροουστόουν και να μεταφερθούν στο Πέντλγουικ, ένα μέρος που φαίνεται ήσυχο και συμπαθητικό. Μια ευκαιρία για μια καινούρια αρχή μακριά από μάγια και περίεργα άλλα φαινόμενα. Το νέο μέρος είναι τόσο όμορφο και γραφικό που είναι σαν να έχουν μεταφερθεί σε έναν άλλο κόσμο. Όταν όμως βλέπουν το σπίτι που θα μείνουν, τα κορίτσια δεν μπορούν να μην αναρωτηθούν αν η γιαγιά τους ήταν μεθυσμένη όταν επέλεξε το σπίτι. Εκτός του ότι φαίνεται παλιό και ταλαιπωρημένο, πράγμα που λύνεται με λίγο καθάρισμα και μερικές επισκευές, το σπίτι φαίνεται να γέρνει! Η Φλις πάντως δεν είναι και πολύ χαρούμενη με αυτό το γεγονός αφού νιώθει πως στο πάνω πάτωμα του σπιτιού είναι σαν να βρίσκεται σε βάρκα και σχεδόν νιώθει τη ναυτία να έρχεται!
Όμως όλη η οικογένεια είναι αποφασισμένη να κάνει μια νέα αρχή χωρίς ευτράπελα! Αυτά όμως δεν θα αργήσουν να τις ακολουθήσουν και σύντομα θα βρεθούν όλοι τους μπλεγμένοι σε ένα γαϊτανάκι που κρατάει χρόνια. Οι άνθρωποι που θα γνωρίσουν δεν είναι αυτοί που φαίνονται να είναι. Υπάρχει μια λίμνη κι ένα δέντρο όπου ο θρύλος λέει ότι πέθανε μια μάγισσα. Ακόμη και το δάσος που υπάρχει κοντά στο χωριό είναι μαγεμένο και οι κάτοικοι δεν το πλησιάζουν! Όμως οι θαρραλέες αδερφές Γουίντερσινς, με γνώμονα την αγάπη που τις διακρίνει, θα βαλθούν να λύσουν το ξόρκι που πλανάται πάνω από το Πέντλγουικ εδώ και χρόνια, και να επιστρέψουν την ηρεμία και πάλι στους κατοίκους του.
Η δημιουργικότητα της συγγραφέως δεν έχει προηγούμενο και η περιπέτεια που μας χαρίζει απλόχερα και σε αυτό το βιβλίο κρατάει αμείωτο το ενδιαφέρον! Όσο κι αν νομίζετε ότι ένα βιβλίο που απευθύνεται σε παιδιά ίσως δεν κάνει για εσάς ή ίσως δεν καταφέρει να σας κρατήσει το ενδιαφέρον, η ταπεινή μου γνώμη είναι ότι τα καταφέρνει και με το παραπάνω! Χωρίς να έχει στις σελίδες του μοχθηρά εγκλήματα ή μοιραίους έρωτες και με ήρωες τρία κορίτσια, το μεγαλύτερο από τα οποία είναι μια έφηβη, αναδεικνύει την αδελφική αγάπη, τη δύναμη της φιλίας και της καλοσύνης. Και θυμίζει σε όλους μας πως, ακόμα και το πιο μικρό παιδί είναι ικανό να καταφέρει πολλά πράγματα για τους ανθρώπους που αγαπάει!
Κατάλληλο για παιδιά από 9 ετών.
Περίμενα και φέτος όλο χαρά να βγει το επόμενο βιβλίο με τις περιπέτειες των αδερφών Γουίντερσινς και φυσικά δεν απογοητεύτηκα! Μια ακόμα υπέροχη σκληρόδετη έκδοση με φανταστικό εξώφυλλο κυκλοφόρησε στις αρχές του μήνα από τις Εκδόσεις Διόπτρα και φυσικά μπήκε αμέσως στη συλλογή μας! Μια στάλα μαγεία άλλωστε είναι κάτι που όλοι χρειαζόμαστε στη ζωή μας!
Μετά από τις περιπέτειες που περίμεναν τις τρεις αδερφές αλλά και ολόκληρη την οικογένεια Γουίντερσινς στο προηγούμενο βιβλίο «Η πυξίδα της μάγισσας» ήρθε η ώρα να αφήσουν το Κροουστόουν και να μεταφερθούν στο Πέντλγουικ, ένα μέρος που φαίνεται ήσυχο και συμπαθητικό. Μια ευκαιρία για μια καινούρια αρχή μακριά από μάγια και περίεργα άλλα φαινόμενα. Το νέο μέρος είναι τόσο όμορφο και γραφικό που είναι σαν να έχουν μεταφερθεί σε έναν άλλο κόσμο. Όταν όμως βλέπουν το σπίτι που θα μείνουν, τα κορίτσια δεν μπορούν να μην αναρωτηθούν αν η γιαγιά τους ήταν μεθυσμένη όταν επέλεξε το σπίτι. Εκτός του ότι φαίνεται παλιό και ταλαιπωρημένο, πράγμα που λύνεται με λίγο καθάρισμα και μερικές επισκευές, το σπίτι φαίνεται να γέρνει! Η Φλις πάντως δεν είναι και πολύ χαρούμενη με αυτό το γεγονός αφού νιώθει πως στο πάνω πάτωμα του σπιτιού είναι σαν να βρίσκεται σε βάρκα και σχεδόν νιώθει τη ναυτία να έρχεται!
Όμως όλη η οικογένεια είναι αποφασισμένη να κάνει μια νέα αρχή χωρίς ευτράπελα! Αυτά όμως δεν θα αργήσουν να τις ακολουθήσουν και σύντομα θα βρεθούν όλοι τους μπλεγμένοι σε ένα γαϊτανάκι που κρατάει χρόνια. Οι άνθρωποι που θα γνωρίσουν δεν είναι αυτοί που φαίνονται να είναι. Υπάρχει μια λίμνη κι ένα δέντρο όπου ο θρύλος λέει ότι πέθανε μια μάγισσα. Ακόμη και το δάσος που υπάρχει κοντά στο χωριό είναι μαγεμένο και οι κάτοικοι δεν το πλησιάζουν! Όμως οι θαρραλέες αδερφές Γουίντερσινς, με γνώμονα την αγάπη που τις διακρίνει, θα βαλθούν να λύσουν το ξόρκι που πλανάται πάνω από το Πέντλγουικ εδώ και χρόνια, και να επιστρέψουν την ηρεμία και πάλι στους κατοίκους του.
Η δημιουργικότητα της συγγραφέως δεν έχει προηγούμενο και η περιπέτεια που μας χαρίζει απλόχερα και σε αυτό το βιβλίο κρατάει αμείωτο το ενδιαφέρον! Όσο κι αν νομίζετε ότι ένα βιβλίο που απευθύνεται σε παιδιά ίσως δεν κάνει για εσάς ή ίσως δεν καταφέρει να σας κρατήσει το ενδιαφέρον, η ταπεινή μου γνώμη είναι ότι τα καταφέρνει και με το παραπάνω! Χωρίς να έχει στις σελίδες του μοχθηρά εγκλήματα ή μοιραίους έρωτες και με ήρωες τρία κορίτσια, το μεγαλύτερο από τα οποία είναι μια έφηβη, αναδεικνύει την αδελφική αγάπη, τη δύναμη της φιλίας και της καλοσύνης. Και θυμίζει σε όλους μας πως, ακόμα και το πιο μικρό παιδί είναι ικανό να καταφέρει πολλά πράγματα για τους ανθρώπους που αγαπάει!
Κατάλληλο για παιδιά από 9 ετών.
April 8, 2021
My favourite so far in the series! 🥰
January 12, 2021
Oh my! MICHELLE HARRSION IS GOOD!!!I
April 30, 2022
Uwielbiam siostry Wspaczne! Poprzedni tom podobał mi się bardziej, ale ten też świetnie się czytało.
May 17, 2021
Wowza! This is now my favorite book in the series! This was phenomenal! I can’t say much since this is the 3rd book. But we saw a whole new setting, characters(along w/the core favs), & even magic. I absolutely loved the setting of this book. All of its quirks, mysteries, secrets, people, & history/backstory. This had so many things I love in a good fantasy story, & I ate this up. I read the last 50% in 1 sitting. There’s so much at stake, so much danger & suspense, & many twists & turns that it made for a very fast-paced read. I also love the character development of the sisters we have seen happen throughout the series. Charlie used to get on my nerves in a way only baby sisters can(did I mention I’M the baby of my family? Lol sorry to my brothers & sister!) But I actually really loved her in this 1! I love this whole family. So much bravery, loyalty, determination, & more they each possess. That ending was epic! So good! I’m not sure if there will be more, but I wouldn’t mind this series going on for quite a while! Highly recommend! Another stunning cover by Melissa Castrillón too!💜
March 23, 2021
Wow, this book was amazing! I absolutely loved the new location and the scene setting, it was so beautiful and casts such a vivid image - allowing the reader to feel like they’re on the adventure with Betty, Fliss and Charlie yet again. I guessed the plot twist pretty early on but it didn’t worsen my experience of reading this book, it only made me anticipate the ending even more! My only wish with this book was that there was more of a story around Tick Tock forest as the idea was simply wonderful. Huge credit to Harrison’s imagination and her astonishing writing skills because I’m left needing another Widdershins adventure!
December 21, 2020
A Tangle of Spells is the magical third book in the Widdershins sister's books, and Michelle Harrison does not disappoint! We continue to follow Betty, Fliss and Charlie as they get up to their next adventure since trouble doesn't leave them alone for long. Having moved away from crowstone to the new village of Pendlewick, the sisters move into a mysterious new house (which is very creepy) and a village which seems to have lots of secrets beneath the surface.
Michelle Harrison always excels at writing atmosphere, the setting of this book was so spooky and perfect, whilst being subtly different from the other books in the series but also keeping the same overall tone! I loved the witchy magic and haunted house elements. When Betty and Charlie are the only ones not to fall under a witches a spell it is up to them to save Fliss, their family and the rest of the village and uncover the dark secrets of Pendlewick and it's history.
The three widdershins sisters I always love to read about, their dynamic is great, I love seeing how much they all care for each other, I also really liked in this book how we explored a bit of a more complex dynamic with some of Betty's frustations and resentments bubbling to the surface. Betty is a great main character, her determination, curosity and strength are a great role model for young girls! I feel like I would have liked slightly more of the three sisters together in this book to truly make it a favourite, but I understand why not as it made sense for the plot.
I also loved the history and diary entries we had woven through the book, this added so much intrigue and I loved unravelling the mystery of Ivy Bell!
In conclusion a great installment to a great middlegrade series full fo magic, wonder and sisterhood!
Michelle Harrison always excels at writing atmosphere, the setting of this book was so spooky and perfect, whilst being subtly different from the other books in the series but also keeping the same overall tone! I loved the witchy magic and haunted house elements. When Betty and Charlie are the only ones not to fall under a witches a spell it is up to them to save Fliss, their family and the rest of the village and uncover the dark secrets of Pendlewick and it's history.
The three widdershins sisters I always love to read about, their dynamic is great, I love seeing how much they all care for each other, I also really liked in this book how we explored a bit of a more complex dynamic with some of Betty's frustations and resentments bubbling to the surface. Betty is a great main character, her determination, curosity and strength are a great role model for young girls! I feel like I would have liked slightly more of the three sisters together in this book to truly make it a favourite, but I understand why not as it made sense for the plot.
I also loved the history and diary entries we had woven through the book, this added so much intrigue and I loved unravelling the mystery of Ivy Bell!
In conclusion a great installment to a great middlegrade series full fo magic, wonder and sisterhood!
March 6, 2021
This was amazing definitely my favourite book in the entire series 😍😍
December 10, 2021
Omg this is sooo good and soo much spookier than the other two in the series.. Talk about creepy but sooo good and easy to read..
September 9, 2021
These books are just adorable.
Impossible not to die of tenderness with the Widdershins sisters.
Entertaining, a breath of fresh air between readings.
Impossible not to die of tenderness with the Widdershins sisters.
Entertaining, a breath of fresh air between readings.
January 27, 2021
Thank you to Netgalley, the publishers and the author for this advanced reader copy ebook.
So, I read the first book in this series purely based its cover – I saw it in the window of Waterstones and just had to have it. And I was blown away by how much I enjoyed it. So I devoured the second and was chuffed to pieces to be able to read the third one before publication date.
And what a book! The imagination of Ms Harrison is quite astounding – I absolutely loved the idea of a secret room and the Tick Tock forest. Some of her ideas are just so original and are handled with perfection. We still have the nesting dolls, which, lets face it, have always had a deep charm but now in mind will always be linked with this series. And Betty and Charlie use them to their advantage, even when facing less good magic.
So after the events of the last novel, the girls and their father and brilliant Granny have left the Sorrow Isles and have found a new home in Pendlewick – a rather clever reference I felt to the Pendle witches in Lancashire – but it’s not the end of their days of adventure, Pendlewick is a village with a dark secret, and Betty, strong, unsuperstitious Betty, must find out what is going on.
The plot is brilliant – so well worked out, so clever, so surprising – I really didn’t see the twist coming and I almost always notice twists! The characters are just as good as always: the girls are warm and supportive of each other, but with distinct personalities. I adore Charlie and her stubborn streak with her love of all animals. Betty, whose point of view the story is told from still adores her maps, feels quietly jealous of Fliss but who is less annoyed by her younger sister is growing into a well rounded character, full of verve but with traditional teenage doubts. And whilst there is less of Fliss in this book (for reasons that will become apparent as you read it) her kind nature is in evidence again, and her pure hatred of boats! I’d have liked more Granny because she could easily be the star of the show – could she go on one of their adventures next? And Barney is barely a footnote. And Spit? He really should have come with them to Pendlewick!
This is a perfect book for children aged 8+ my own daughter at 6 is too young for it but she is starting to be fascinated by some of the concepts – especially the nesting dolls and I look forward to reading all of them with her in the coming years. However, these aren’t in anyway patronizing, I feel like they were written for me as much as for a child. Yes they are about children, but all of us were that age once and this is just a great story with believable characters and females that act on their own agency. This novel passes the Bechdel test in spades.
Clearly the ending, whilst very satisfying leaves way for another story and I really hope there is one.
So, I read the first book in this series purely based its cover – I saw it in the window of Waterstones and just had to have it. And I was blown away by how much I enjoyed it. So I devoured the second and was chuffed to pieces to be able to read the third one before publication date.
And what a book! The imagination of Ms Harrison is quite astounding – I absolutely loved the idea of a secret room and the Tick Tock forest. Some of her ideas are just so original and are handled with perfection. We still have the nesting dolls, which, lets face it, have always had a deep charm but now in mind will always be linked with this series. And Betty and Charlie use them to their advantage, even when facing less good magic.
So after the events of the last novel, the girls and their father and brilliant Granny have left the Sorrow Isles and have found a new home in Pendlewick – a rather clever reference I felt to the Pendle witches in Lancashire – but it’s not the end of their days of adventure, Pendlewick is a village with a dark secret, and Betty, strong, unsuperstitious Betty, must find out what is going on.
The plot is brilliant – so well worked out, so clever, so surprising – I really didn’t see the twist coming and I almost always notice twists! The characters are just as good as always: the girls are warm and supportive of each other, but with distinct personalities. I adore Charlie and her stubborn streak with her love of all animals. Betty, whose point of view the story is told from still adores her maps, feels quietly jealous of Fliss but who is less annoyed by her younger sister is growing into a well rounded character, full of verve but with traditional teenage doubts. And whilst there is less of Fliss in this book (for reasons that will become apparent as you read it) her kind nature is in evidence again, and her pure hatred of boats! I’d have liked more Granny because she could easily be the star of the show – could she go on one of their adventures next? And Barney is barely a footnote. And Spit? He really should have come with them to Pendlewick!
This is a perfect book for children aged 8+ my own daughter at 6 is too young for it but she is starting to be fascinated by some of the concepts – especially the nesting dolls and I look forward to reading all of them with her in the coming years. However, these aren’t in anyway patronizing, I feel like they were written for me as much as for a child. Yes they are about children, but all of us were that age once and this is just a great story with believable characters and females that act on their own agency. This novel passes the Bechdel test in spades.
Clearly the ending, whilst very satisfying leaves way for another story and I really hope there is one.
December 18, 2020
A Tangle of Spells
By Michelle Harrison
Release date 4th February 2021
Rating *****
Thank you to @simonkids_UK and @netgalley for the ARC for this book
Synopsis
Everyone knows that magic and trouble go hand in hand...
A dangerous spell cast over an unsuspecting village.
An enchanted painting locked in a hidden room.
A desperate race against time to break the spell before it's too late...
It should have been a fresh start for the Widdershins. Finally, free from the misty gloom of Crowstone and beginning a new life. But all is not as it seems in their postcard-pretty village. Their neighbours are acting strangely, and why do they flinch at the mere mention of magic?
The Widdershins sisters have their own secret: a set of enchanted nesting dolls with the power to render their user invisible. The sisters must use their wits - and their magic - if they're to break the dark hold over the village, and save one of their own . . . but have they met their match this time?
Review:
This is the third adventures in the series of the Widdershins sisters who from the start always have a problem with trouble finding them and this one is no different. Michelle Harrison always has a way of writing atmospheric settings but this one it seems to be up the anti. As I was reading, I was feeling like I was going to lose the breath as some moments were described in this. The creepiness really added to the tension especially when the ‘adults’ for once does not believe the sisters.
Where do I start with this book except it is amazing, I am so invested in these three sisters I would die for each of them, especially Charlie.
Charlie is a little star her unwavering confidence and boldness made me want to protect her at all costs. Betty really comes into her own in this book showing how brave- which we already knew and how she navigates as Fliss is growing up and noticing boys more, there was a lot of themes of growing apart of the sisters in this and how the little siblings deal with this. This was evident even before the event happened in the book. Charlie adds the comedic relief in the tension filled moments with some epic quotes and very insightful moments- her insight about adults made me chuckle.
Once again Michelle Harrison weaves a magical tale of family and the lengths that people will do to protect each other as well as a feeling of home. I will yet again making sure people read this book and the whole series when looking for something magical to read. I was unable to put this down.
By Michelle Harrison
Release date 4th February 2021
Rating *****
Thank you to @simonkids_UK and @netgalley for the ARC for this book
Synopsis
Everyone knows that magic and trouble go hand in hand...
A dangerous spell cast over an unsuspecting village.
An enchanted painting locked in a hidden room.
A desperate race against time to break the spell before it's too late...
It should have been a fresh start for the Widdershins. Finally, free from the misty gloom of Crowstone and beginning a new life. But all is not as it seems in their postcard-pretty village. Their neighbours are acting strangely, and why do they flinch at the mere mention of magic?
The Widdershins sisters have their own secret: a set of enchanted nesting dolls with the power to render their user invisible. The sisters must use their wits - and their magic - if they're to break the dark hold over the village, and save one of their own . . . but have they met their match this time?
Review:
This is the third adventures in the series of the Widdershins sisters who from the start always have a problem with trouble finding them and this one is no different. Michelle Harrison always has a way of writing atmospheric settings but this one it seems to be up the anti. As I was reading, I was feeling like I was going to lose the breath as some moments were described in this. The creepiness really added to the tension especially when the ‘adults’ for once does not believe the sisters.
Where do I start with this book except it is amazing, I am so invested in these three sisters I would die for each of them, especially Charlie.
Charlie is a little star her unwavering confidence and boldness made me want to protect her at all costs. Betty really comes into her own in this book showing how brave- which we already knew and how she navigates as Fliss is growing up and noticing boys more, there was a lot of themes of growing apart of the sisters in this and how the little siblings deal with this. This was evident even before the event happened in the book. Charlie adds the comedic relief in the tension filled moments with some epic quotes and very insightful moments- her insight about adults made me chuckle.
Once again Michelle Harrison weaves a magical tale of family and the lengths that people will do to protect each other as well as a feeling of home. I will yet again making sure people read this book and the whole series when looking for something magical to read. I was unable to put this down.
January 9, 2022
This series is so amazing and I have loved every book in the series. A Tangle of Spells was the most creepy and the second favorite of mine. (I love a good pirate ship story).
Although I love being at the Poacher's Pocket, moving to a new town was a fun adventure. The new characters, shops and dealing with a creepy new house was a fun start.
The witches were so vivid and brought the creepy vibes. Super magic and twists and tangles.
The old folklore and the lake/forest were also so well described and an awesome atmosphere. I love the sisters and granny. All three sisters are awesome, but having more focus on Betty and Charlie was the best. Especially Charlie's lose tooth.
This was a great addition to the series. I love the whole series!
Although I love being at the Poacher's Pocket, moving to a new town was a fun adventure. The new characters, shops and dealing with a creepy new house was a fun start.
The witches were so vivid and brought the creepy vibes. Super magic and twists and tangles.
The old folklore and the lake/forest were also so well described and an awesome atmosphere. I love the sisters and granny. All three sisters are awesome, but having more focus on Betty and Charlie was the best. Especially Charlie's lose tooth.
This was a great addition to the series. I love the whole series!
March 31, 2022
I received this book from the publishers via Net Galley in exchange for an honest review.
I honestly love this series, and this felt like a really nice conclusion to it. The sisters are fantastic - I particularly adore Charlie and the way she is so matter of fact about everything!
This book moves us away from the Poachers Pocket (sob) but the new town of Pendlewick is full of intrigue, including their house! I liked that we got to explore something a bit new and different in this, and go on a bit more of a mystery hunt. There's a lot of tense action and some properly spooky goings-on - the atmosphere is so well set throughout the book.
I definitely need to hunt out more books by Michelle Harrison, as I love her writing.
4 stars.
I honestly love this series, and this felt like a really nice conclusion to it. The sisters are fantastic - I particularly adore Charlie and the way she is so matter of fact about everything!
This book moves us away from the Poachers Pocket (sob) but the new town of Pendlewick is full of intrigue, including their house! I liked that we got to explore something a bit new and different in this, and go on a bit more of a mystery hunt. There's a lot of tense action and some properly spooky goings-on - the atmosphere is so well set throughout the book.
I definitely need to hunt out more books by Michelle Harrison, as I love her writing.
4 stars.
Read
February 14, 2021This was a epic wild ride! It seems like magic is everywhere they go this time with Bad witches, a secret room a painting that looks real and the family being under a spell. Betty and Charlie show how much they have grown and gotten braver as the series progresses. I cannot believe when they tried to go in the witches house invisible using the dolls then the tea pot and clock scream intruder. The tick rock forest they almost didn’t escape from. Going back to Crowstone Tower where I know the girls didn’t expect to go back to. I hope the series continues it’s one of my absolute favorites!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 16, 2023
Ну ось тут я, нарешті, згадав, чому поставив таку високу оцінку першій книзі. Наскільки мене розчарувала друга частина, настільки ж мені сподобалась ця. Ура, дитяча література та магія все ще приносять мені задоволення!
April 15, 2021
Gotta say, this was my favourite out of the trilogy! I liked the story with witches and nature.
May 11, 2022
Zdecydowanie najlepsza część trylogii o siostrach Wspacznych. Była pełna świetnego klimatu, który przypominał mi estetykę cottagecore.
December 21, 2020
Continuing the tales of Fliss, Betty and Charlie and with old and new faces. Fliss becomes lovesick. Mrs Webb aka Ivy Bell places a curse on Fliss and the others. Strange events start to happen, Teamwork by this friendly trio broke the curse.
Another brilliant magical story, which was a delight to read
Read with my ten year old son who absolutely loved it. In fact it was he who begged for me to request this title, having reviewed previous books by Michelle Harrison
Thanks to #NetGalley for the opportunity to read this ahead of publication in exchange for an honest review
Another brilliant magical story, which was a delight to read
Read with my ten year old son who absolutely loved it. In fact it was he who begged for me to request this title, having reviewed previous books by Michelle Harrison
Thanks to #NetGalley for the opportunity to read this ahead of publication in exchange for an honest review
July 13, 2023
My favourite one so far! I love to escape with these books, what a great series ❤️
January 28, 2024
What a great adventure!
I enjoyed following the sisters in an new land full of things and places to explore and new characters to meet.
Really appreciated the way the history of witchcraft of the new land unfolds exploring the fears of a small society, the deception of beauty is good and the reverse, and the complexity of female evil.
So much can fit in a fairytale.
I enjoyed following the sisters in an new land full of things and places to explore and new characters to meet.
Really appreciated the way the history of witchcraft of the new land unfolds exploring the fears of a small society, the deception of beauty is good and the reverse, and the complexity of female evil.
So much can fit in a fairytale.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Want to read
October 10, 2020Annnnddd we have a title!!!! *Screams internally*
Edit: Look at this beautiful cover!! I am literally drooling....
Edit: Look at this beautiful cover!! I am literally drooling....
April 20, 2022
Dużo lepsza część, niż druga, ale dalej moją ulubioną jest pierwsza
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