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Witchstorm
Join a hunt for lost witch treasure, in an enchanting adventure story of storms, spells and the magic of the natural world, from bestselling and award-winning Tim Tilley.
Will believes in witches and the stories he's grown up with - of mythical storm-lions, disappearing villages and secret songs. Most of all, he believes the tales of magical treasure hidden in the Fens centuries ago. Treasure that he has to find, to solve the mystery of his Ma's disappearance.
Then, in the eye of a storm, a witch arrives. She holds the key to finding the lost treasure - a powerful magical stone that can summon storms. But someone else is searching for it too. If it falls into the wrong hands, Will's beloved home could be destroyed, and with it, his chances of ever finding his ma.
Join Will on an epic quest filled with riddles, ruined towers and broomstick chases.
Will believes in witches and the stories he's grown up with - of mythical storm-lions, disappearing villages and secret songs. Most of all, he believes the tales of magical treasure hidden in the Fens centuries ago. Treasure that he has to find, to solve the mystery of his Ma's disappearance.
Then, in the eye of a storm, a witch arrives. She holds the key to finding the lost treasure - a powerful magical stone that can summon storms. But someone else is searching for it too. If it falls into the wrong hands, Will's beloved home could be destroyed, and with it, his chances of ever finding his ma.
Join Will on an epic quest filled with riddles, ruined towers and broomstick chases.
- GenresMiddle GradeFantasy
336 pages, Paperback
Published September 29, 2022
4 people are currently reading
77 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
September 8, 2023
2.5 rounding up to 3 - I don't know if Tim Tilley is going to read this, I just want to say that I think this book absolutely has an audience, I love middle grade books, but I'm just not much of a fantasy reader, the writing style was a bit too young for me, and this wasn't in line with my particular tastes.
If you like fantasy middle grade stories, then I think this could be a great success. For any reader 8-10 I think this book has many important messages and themes, such as finding measures to protect our planet and be conscientious of the environment and nature.
I also quite enjoyed the illustrations too, I think this story probably would have worked better for me as a graphic novel, especially with the action packed chase and fight sequences. Overall, a lovely book I'm glad to keep in my library.
If you like fantasy middle grade stories, then I think this could be a great success. For any reader 8-10 I think this book has many important messages and themes, such as finding measures to protect our planet and be conscientious of the environment and nature.
I also quite enjoyed the illustrations too, I think this story probably would have worked better for me as a graphic novel, especially with the action packed chase and fight sequences. Overall, a lovely book I'm glad to keep in my library.
September 26, 2022
Witchstorm is my second book from Tim Tilley and I enjoy it.
After having the honour to review his first book, Harklights, I couldn't pass the offer to review his second book.
So, thank you Usborne books for letting me reviewing Witchstorm.
Witchstorm is a story about witches, magic, a missing mother and nature. These elements woven together creating a magical spooky adventurous story, with riddles, a haunting song and precious stone. It is about a boy name Will and his quest to find his mom and her disappearance.
It has wonderful main characters, my favourite would be Hera! :D
The atmosphere of this book is so gloomy giving a bit of spookiness into it, making it perfect for autumn reading.
Like his previous book, Harklights, this too sent a strong message about nature and its destruction that's caused by us humans. I can imagine this book being used to start a conversation in schools and homes and teach the younger reader on how to care of the earth better :)
Once again thank you Usborne Books for the opportunity :)
After having the honour to review his first book, Harklights, I couldn't pass the offer to review his second book.
So, thank you Usborne books for letting me reviewing Witchstorm.
Witchstorm is a story about witches, magic, a missing mother and nature. These elements woven together creating a magical spooky adventurous story, with riddles, a haunting song and precious stone. It is about a boy name Will and his quest to find his mom and her disappearance.
It has wonderful main characters, my favourite would be Hera! :D
The atmosphere of this book is so gloomy giving a bit of spookiness into it, making it perfect for autumn reading.
Like his previous book, Harklights, this too sent a strong message about nature and its destruction that's caused by us humans. I can imagine this book being used to start a conversation in schools and homes and teach the younger reader on how to care of the earth better :)
Once again thank you Usborne Books for the opportunity :)
October 26, 2022
3.75 stars
April 7, 2024
Enjoyed this magical tale and the adventures along the way to finding the stone and seeing the magical powers.
January 9, 2026
Started and finished date – 20.12.25 to 24.12.25.
My rating – Three Stars.
I enjoyed is book and I think it was a fun time, but I didn't love it, also I think the book needed to be flash out bit more. I think people who like the witching wind by Natalie Lloyd or billy and the giant Adventure by Jamie Oliver may like is book. The cover of book was simple but stunning and I think the colour palette at was used on the cover of book was pretty good. I think the writing was okay and the writing was easy to follow also the ending of book was fine. I think the setting of the book was okay, but I feel at it could be better and the atmosphere was pretty good. I think both the world building and the magic system was well written. The plot was enjoyable, and it was fun time, but I think the plot needed to flash out bit more also I think book had a strong start, but I think it fizzle out near the end of the book.
I enjoyed the action and fight sequences in the book, and I think it was the right amount, and I think author did a great job at weaving fantasy and environmentalism together in the book I quite enjoyed the illustrations, and I think illustrations in the book was my favourite parts of the book. I think both the friendships and relationships between most the characters was fine, but it could be better specially friendship between the group of main characters. I think found the paced in the book was well structured and steady paced. The characters were okay, and I think did a somewhat fine job at marking me care about characters, but I wise at the characters were flash out bit more.
My rating – Three Stars.
I enjoyed is book and I think it was a fun time, but I didn't love it, also I think the book needed to be flash out bit more. I think people who like the witching wind by Natalie Lloyd or billy and the giant Adventure by Jamie Oliver may like is book. The cover of book was simple but stunning and I think the colour palette at was used on the cover of book was pretty good. I think the writing was okay and the writing was easy to follow also the ending of book was fine. I think the setting of the book was okay, but I feel at it could be better and the atmosphere was pretty good. I think both the world building and the magic system was well written. The plot was enjoyable, and it was fun time, but I think the plot needed to flash out bit more also I think book had a strong start, but I think it fizzle out near the end of the book.
I enjoyed the action and fight sequences in the book, and I think it was the right amount, and I think author did a great job at weaving fantasy and environmentalism together in the book I quite enjoyed the illustrations, and I think illustrations in the book was my favourite parts of the book. I think both the friendships and relationships between most the characters was fine, but it could be better specially friendship between the group of main characters. I think found the paced in the book was well structured and steady paced. The characters were okay, and I think did a somewhat fine job at marking me care about characters, but I wise at the characters were flash out bit more.
February 1, 2025
I'd never read a Tim Tilley book before, and I have to admit that it made me want to read more. His writing is gentle, good-natured and, above all, poetic. With this tale-like novel, he has succeeded in re-enchanting the world. It shows that being a child unlike any other is not a bad thing, it's even a strength and a little spark that just needs to be fed.
I really liked the characters of Will, Magda and Hera. This trio makes total sense to me.
The only small problem that prevented me from giving it 4 stars was the author's excessive use of "she cries out // I cried", which was far too repetitive. I know it's a children's novel, but still.
I really liked the characters of Will, Magda and Hera. This trio makes total sense to me.
The only small problem that prevented me from giving it 4 stars was the author's excessive use of "she cries out // I cried", which was far too repetitive. I know it's a children's novel, but still.
September 25, 2022
Pretty good, yet with room for improvement, this drama speeds past one, which may help the slightly more awkward bits fly by, too. Will and his mother know the family legend, of how when the witches were persecuted in the seventeenth century one of them, Agatha, was rescued and saved by a relative of theirs, Lori Knight. Being secure in the knowledge their ancestor did a good deed is prime to them believing in witches, for nobody else – Will's dad, his aunt Hera, and so on – still do. Yet when the mother disappears hunting the treasure the family traditions say that Agatha secreted around the Fens, Will knows witches are responsible. And Will and Hera are shortly to find out just what kind of nastiness that means for the world…
Like I say, this is a fast-moving action piece, swooping from magical wonder to chase scenes, quest narratives and more. But it felt a little off from early on, when the doubt about witches was knocked off the pages with a lumpen wallop. It's a wallop that makes Magda, a young girl also wrapped up in the drama, a bit awkward to get a handle on for the first few key pages of her time here. The story involves really quite standard genre traits – a character having to learn how to use their powers and fulfil their destiny, another needing a rescue mission to secure a family reunion, and so on – but when you factor in yet another strand of the plot the mesh of them all feels a bit awkwardly woven together.
That strand is one designed to bring an eco-warrior activism to the book – to avoid spoilers, there is a threat to the wildlife of the Fens that gets Will het up, and when that comes into play it really can be quite clunky, cheesy and preachy. It seems it's going to be the shtick of this author, as from what I can read about his debut (which gets an Easter egg reference at one point here) it too had a blend of fantasy and environmentalism. The fact it's cornily done here is a disappointment, for the talent of the creator certainly allows for this to play out utterly vividly in the reader's mind's eye, with many distinctive scenes to be remembered. If I'd felt everything here had fallen in its right place this could have been something I really liked, and I can still see the target readers lapping it all up, but what I read did not have the feel of a wondrous success. And the complete lack of pinning down when this historical drama was actually set rankled with me, too. But still, three and a half stars.
Like I say, this is a fast-moving action piece, swooping from magical wonder to chase scenes, quest narratives and more. But it felt a little off from early on, when the doubt about witches was knocked off the pages with a lumpen wallop. It's a wallop that makes Magda, a young girl also wrapped up in the drama, a bit awkward to get a handle on for the first few key pages of her time here. The story involves really quite standard genre traits – a character having to learn how to use their powers and fulfil their destiny, another needing a rescue mission to secure a family reunion, and so on – but when you factor in yet another strand of the plot the mesh of them all feels a bit awkwardly woven together.
That strand is one designed to bring an eco-warrior activism to the book – to avoid spoilers, there is a threat to the wildlife of the Fens that gets Will het up, and when that comes into play it really can be quite clunky, cheesy and preachy. It seems it's going to be the shtick of this author, as from what I can read about his debut (which gets an Easter egg reference at one point here) it too had a blend of fantasy and environmentalism. The fact it's cornily done here is a disappointment, for the talent of the creator certainly allows for this to play out utterly vividly in the reader's mind's eye, with many distinctive scenes to be remembered. If I'd felt everything here had fallen in its right place this could have been something I really liked, and I can still see the target readers lapping it all up, but what I read did not have the feel of a wondrous success. And the complete lack of pinning down when this historical drama was actually set rankled with me, too. But still, three and a half stars.
September 29, 2022
Witchstorm is a really fun magical fantasy novel.
Will is a really sweet main character. He's caring, thoughtful, and he still believes in things like witches and magic, keeping alive old family traditions that say they helped protect one of the last witches in the broads. After his mum goes missing he's fired into action, going to his archaeologist aunt for help and meeting a spirited young lady who might, despite her denials, be a witch.
We're then treated to a fantastic treasure hunt, and I love these kinds of stories so much! There's (possibly) an ancient magical artefact hidden somewhere in the broads, and they have to find it before the evil witches do. There are clues hidden in old songs, in old stones, puzzles and riddles and mysteries aplenty, and a fair few prophecies thrown in for good measure. It's exciting and magical and there's a real sense of pace to the book with the need to get there before the other side do. The whole thing builds to an exciting climax, a confrontation in a magical city that's literally falling apart around them, with the future of witches and people alike hanging in the balance.
It's thrilling stuff!
There's also a really interesting environmental aspect to the whole thing. There are themes around humanity's destruction of our environment and the impact this has on different species. There's particular reference to the fact that we often don't even know what we're losing or what it could have done, as the witches lose plants crucial to their spell crafting. There's a clear and definite love of the rich ecosystem of the broads evident throughout too, really making it clear what it is we stand to lose. One of the most interesting elements of this is that at times it definitely felt like the evil witch had a good point. Mankind has largely failed to protect the environment, and his "rewilding scheme" had a lot to recommend about it. This grey moral area made this a particularly interesting read and I enjoyed Witchstorm a lot.
Will is a really sweet main character. He's caring, thoughtful, and he still believes in things like witches and magic, keeping alive old family traditions that say they helped protect one of the last witches in the broads. After his mum goes missing he's fired into action, going to his archaeologist aunt for help and meeting a spirited young lady who might, despite her denials, be a witch.
We're then treated to a fantastic treasure hunt, and I love these kinds of stories so much! There's (possibly) an ancient magical artefact hidden somewhere in the broads, and they have to find it before the evil witches do. There are clues hidden in old songs, in old stones, puzzles and riddles and mysteries aplenty, and a fair few prophecies thrown in for good measure. It's exciting and magical and there's a real sense of pace to the book with the need to get there before the other side do. The whole thing builds to an exciting climax, a confrontation in a magical city that's literally falling apart around them, with the future of witches and people alike hanging in the balance.
It's thrilling stuff!
There's also a really interesting environmental aspect to the whole thing. There are themes around humanity's destruction of our environment and the impact this has on different species. There's particular reference to the fact that we often don't even know what we're losing or what it could have done, as the witches lose plants crucial to their spell crafting. There's a clear and definite love of the rich ecosystem of the broads evident throughout too, really making it clear what it is we stand to lose. One of the most interesting elements of this is that at times it definitely felt like the evil witch had a good point. Mankind has largely failed to protect the environment, and his "rewilding scheme" had a lot to recommend about it. This grey moral area made this a particularly interesting read and I enjoyed Witchstorm a lot.
September 30, 2023
2.25
Hm, so usualy witchy books are totally my thing - sadly, this one didn't quite scratch the itch for me.
The story felt really drawn out and somehow repetitive. Hildreth was a villain who we are told over an over is oh-so-bad, but he doesn't really do much and therefore felt flat like cardboard. Aside from that Will keeps yammering on about his Ma and Fa and how he grew up in the nature of the Fens...it's nice to have a nature-themed book, but here it felt overly preachy and was definitely applied too thickly.
It took me almost a year to finish, because I just got bored over and over again. There are action-packed scenes that drive the plot forward, but I think the book overall could have done with 80-100 pages less in order to not lose its momentum.
Hm, so usualy witchy books are totally my thing - sadly, this one didn't quite scratch the itch for me.
The story felt really drawn out and somehow repetitive. Hildreth was a villain who we are told over an over is oh-so-bad, but he doesn't really do much and therefore felt flat like cardboard. Aside from that Will keeps yammering on about his Ma and Fa and how he grew up in the nature of the Fens...it's nice to have a nature-themed book, but here it felt overly preachy and was definitely applied too thickly.
It took me almost a year to finish, because I just got bored over and over again. There are action-packed scenes that drive the plot forward, but I think the book overall could have done with 80-100 pages less in order to not lose its momentum.
September 21, 2022
Perfect for the upcoming Halloween season, Witchstorm is an entertaining witch filled adventure that introduces us to a set of fantastically brave and determined characters.
A great display of teamwork in the face of danger.
Magic and dose of simple human thinking combine to defeat the forces of evil.
I loved the use of riddles within the tale, as the reader, I felt that I was being a detective along with them.
Can see this being a great class read in school!
A great display of teamwork in the face of danger.
Magic and dose of simple human thinking combine to defeat the forces of evil.
I loved the use of riddles within the tale, as the reader, I felt that I was being a detective along with them.
Can see this being a great class read in school!
October 31, 2022
It was the first book i read by this author and - WOW - it was a very entertaining read.
There's a lot of humour and action, the story is fast paced, and the world building excellent. I loved the characters and the plot.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this arc, all opinions are mine
There's a lot of humour and action, the story is fast paced, and the world building excellent. I loved the characters and the plot.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this arc, all opinions are mine
January 17, 2023
Will believes in witches and a treasure. His mother goes missing. Are the witches looking for the witch treasure too?
March 18, 2023
A delightful adventure that tells of witches in the battle to save the natural world. Suitable for all youngsters that love reading, and for all youngsters that love magic.
April 14, 2023
A witchy adventure with an environmental message.
May 10, 2023
Love the flow, character development and relationships that was so interesting that I read the whole book in two days. A definite must read.
August 13, 2023
Actual rating: 3.5
October 19, 2023
3.5-4 ⭐️ This was a cute adventure and I definitely want to be Aunt Hera when I grow up 😂
November 5, 2023
A bit saccharine for my liking.
February 25, 2024
Love that it's another junior fantasy with a Mae main character. Not so subtle Save the environment messaging. Great for ages 7-12.
August 24, 2024
This was a bit of a pallet cleanser and it did it’s job. I had a fun time.
October 31, 2024
Such a beautifully written story. Loved it from start to finish
August 5, 2023
This was such an exciting adventure, so gripping that I didn't want to put the book down. I loved the mystery with all the clues and riddles to follow, it almost felt like being part of the story. What I didn't love was the bullying, and even more, friends who turn to side with the bullies. It was so hard to read and I just wanted to help Will and protect him! Luckily he makes a much better friend.
Unlike everyone else in The Fens, Will and his Ma still believe in witches, particularly as their ancestor was the one who helped the last witches when other people turned on them. The way Ma's folk stories gradually started to fit together was really clever. I wondered if maybe she was trying to prepare him for the future adventures she knew he would have one day.
There was a truly lovely ending. It was so touching and meaningful, really making people think about their effect on the world we live in. After this I ran out for a copy of Tim's previous book, Harklights and was so excited to find a signed copy!
https://sabrinasbooktails.blogspot.co...
Unlike everyone else in The Fens, Will and his Ma still believe in witches, particularly as their ancestor was the one who helped the last witches when other people turned on them. The way Ma's folk stories gradually started to fit together was really clever. I wondered if maybe she was trying to prepare him for the future adventures she knew he would have one day.
There was a truly lovely ending. It was so touching and meaningful, really making people think about their effect on the world we live in. After this I ran out for a copy of Tim's previous book, Harklights and was so excited to find a signed copy!
https://sabrinasbooktails.blogspot.co...
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews