The Nature of Witches
by Rachel Griffin
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An Instant New York Times BestsellerIn a world where witches control the climate and are losing control, only one witch can save earth from destruction. But as her power grows, it hurts those closest to her, and when she falls in love with her training partner she's forced to choose between her power, her love, and saving the earth.
For centuries, witches have maintained the climate, but now their control is faltering as the atmosphere becomes more erratic; the storms, more destructive. All show more hope lies with Clara, a once-in-a-generation Everwitch whose magic is tied to every season.
In Autumn, Clara wants nothing to do with her power. It's wild and volatile, and the price of her magic—losing the ones she loves—is too high, despite the need to control the increasingly dangerous weather.
In Winter, the world is on the precipice of disaster. Fires burn, storms rage, and Clara accepts that she's the only one who can make a difference.
In Spring, she falls for Sang, the witch training her. As her magic grows, so do her feelings, until she's terrified Sang will be the next one she loses.
In Summer, Clara must choose between her power and her happiness, her duty and the people she loves...before she loses Sang, her magic, and thrusts the world into chaos.
"Perfect for fans of Shea Ernshaw and Taylor Swift's Folklore."—Rosiee Thor, author of Tarnished Are the Stars
"A bright, fresh read from a glowing new voice, THE NATURE OF WITCHES is both timely and stirring. Griffin's emotional writing that cuts to the heart will make her a new YA favorite."—Adrienne Young, New York Times bestselling author of Fable
"The forces of nature and magic blend perfectly in this masterfully told story... I couldn't love this book more."—Shea Ernshaw, NYT bestselling author of The Wicked Deep and Winterwood
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Member Reviews
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
This is a coming of age story about a young witch, the most powerful in a generation, who is able to channel the magic of all four seasons while regular witches can only channel one. Normal witches help to control the weather and climate, but with her gifts, Clara is expected to help save a planet currently being poisoned by the actions of polluting humans who aren’t taking responsibility for their negative choices.
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Burdened by heavy expectations and haunted by her past mistakes and losses, Clara is living every day afraid of what her magic can do. If she dares to get close to anyone, learns to love them, her magic can follow that love connection and hurt them. So she lives in show more isolation, accepting that as her only choice.
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
After the death of her favorite teacher, he is replaced by a truly awful man that luckily comes with a much nicer “grad student” that takes over Clara’s training, Sang. Through working together, Clara learns more about her powers and starts to gain some control, but her growing connection to Sang puts him increasingly in danger. Is their bond worth the risk?
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
This story explores what it means to put so much expectation and burden onto a young person… without giving them a support system. Clara has to make extremely hard choices about her life and her powers over and over again, for fear of literally losing those she dares to love. But some of her teachers are only interested in what her powers can do for the world, not caring what it might cost her. Sang’s mentor, Mr. Burrows, is the worst of these, putting her through tests that are dangerous and abusive, just to make her prove herself. Seeing Clara learn to navigate these challenges while maintaining any sense of hope was at times difficult but also inspiring. Let Clara be a reminder to choose love above all else…and to never let the abusive dickheads win. show less
This is a coming of age story about a young witch, the most powerful in a generation, who is able to channel the magic of all four seasons while regular witches can only channel one. Normal witches help to control the weather and climate, but with her gifts, Clara is expected to help save a planet currently being poisoned by the actions of polluting humans who aren’t taking responsibility for their negative choices.
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Burdened by heavy expectations and haunted by her past mistakes and losses, Clara is living every day afraid of what her magic can do. If she dares to get close to anyone, learns to love them, her magic can follow that love connection and hurt them. So she lives in show more isolation, accepting that as her only choice.
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
After the death of her favorite teacher, he is replaced by a truly awful man that luckily comes with a much nicer “grad student” that takes over Clara’s training, Sang. Through working together, Clara learns more about her powers and starts to gain some control, but her growing connection to Sang puts him increasingly in danger. Is their bond worth the risk?
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
This story explores what it means to put so much expectation and burden onto a young person… without giving them a support system. Clara has to make extremely hard choices about her life and her powers over and over again, for fear of literally losing those she dares to love. But some of her teachers are only interested in what her powers can do for the world, not caring what it might cost her. Sang’s mentor, Mr. Burrows, is the worst of these, putting her through tests that are dangerous and abusive, just to make her prove herself. Seeing Clara learn to navigate these challenges while maintaining any sense of hope was at times difficult but also inspiring. Let Clara be a reminder to choose love above all else…and to never let the abusive dickheads win. show less
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
This is a coming of age story about a young witch, the most powerful in a generation, who is able to channel the magic of all four seasons while regular witches can only channel one. Normal witches help to control the weather and climate, but with her gifts, Clara is expected to help save a planet currently being poisoned by the actions of polluting humans who aren’t taking responsibility for their negative choices.
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Burdened by heavy expectations and haunted by her past mistakes and losses, Clara is living every day afraid of what her magic can do. If she dares to get close to anyone, learns to love them, her magic can follow that love connection and hurt them. So she lives in show more isolation, accepting that as her only choice.
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
After the death of her favorite teacher, he is replaced by a truly awful man that luckily comes with a much nicer “grad student” that takes over Clara’s training, Sang. Through working together, Clara learns more about her powers and starts to gain some control, but her growing connection to Sang puts him increasingly in danger. Is their bond worth the risk?
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
This story explores what it means to put so much expectation and burden onto a young person… without giving them a support system. Clara has to make extremely hard choices about her life and her powers over and over again, for fear of literally losing those she dares to love. But some of her teachers are only interested in what her powers can do for the world, not caring what it might cost her. Sang’s mentor, Mr. Burrows, is the worst of these, putting her through tests that are dangerous and abusive, just to make her prove herself. Seeing Clara learn to navigate these challenges while maintaining any sense of hope was at times difficult but also inspiring. Let Clara be a reminder to choose love above all else…and to never let the abusive dickheads win. show less
This is a coming of age story about a young witch, the most powerful in a generation, who is able to channel the magic of all four seasons while regular witches can only channel one. Normal witches help to control the weather and climate, but with her gifts, Clara is expected to help save a planet currently being poisoned by the actions of polluting humans who aren’t taking responsibility for their negative choices.
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Burdened by heavy expectations and haunted by her past mistakes and losses, Clara is living every day afraid of what her magic can do. If she dares to get close to anyone, learns to love them, her magic can follow that love connection and hurt them. So she lives in show more isolation, accepting that as her only choice.
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
After the death of her favorite teacher, he is replaced by a truly awful man that luckily comes with a much nicer “grad student” that takes over Clara’s training, Sang. Through working together, Clara learns more about her powers and starts to gain some control, but her growing connection to Sang puts him increasingly in danger. Is their bond worth the risk?
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
This story explores what it means to put so much expectation and burden onto a young person… without giving them a support system. Clara has to make extremely hard choices about her life and her powers over and over again, for fear of literally losing those she dares to love. But some of her teachers are only interested in what her powers can do for the world, not caring what it might cost her. Sang’s mentor, Mr. Burrows, is the worst of these, putting her through tests that are dangerous and abusive, just to make her prove herself. Seeing Clara learn to navigate these challenges while maintaining any sense of hope was at times difficult but also inspiring. Let Clara be a reminder to choose love above all else…and to never let the abusive dickheads win. show less
Witches have maintained the climate for centuries using their connection to the sun, their power at its highest in the season of their birth. But now the climate is changing and becoming more erratic, storms are happening in their off season and witches are being depleted trying to help. The pressure lays on Clara, who is an Ever witch, a witch that is connected to all four seasons. But Clara doesn’t know if she can live with her magic any longer and wonders if standing in totality of the solar eclipse (an act that will get a witch stripped of their powers) is what will make her happy.
Firstly, I really loved the description of the season and how well and amazing Rachel Griffin did at describing them - I always felt like I was with show more Clara when she would talk about them. I also loved the way the seasons’ connected with witches and how their magic moved and worked…
“...I’m greeted with the transitional magic of autumn.
Then the aggressive magic of winter.
The patient magic of spring.
And the intense magic of summer.”
Secondly, and I don’t know if I would be describing this correctly, but this book just felt so soft while I was reading it. Crazy things were happening in the world but the connection the witches had to Earth and the Sun were just so soft… I just really adored it. I adored the characters, the atmosphere, and the writing style. Griffin proves you don’t have to have crazy big plot twists to make a book compelling and captivating.
The only thing I didn’t fully understand was Clara’s change of mood… how she could like someone but come Autumn, she wouldn’t? But the other season would generally intensify the liking/loving part?? I think I may have just missed something, so it wasn’t anything that set me back on enjoying the book!
Overall, this book was nice to curl up with under a thick blanket at the end of the day. It had beautiful witchfilled world building, likable characters (except one teacher), and a compelling plot. Anyone who likes teenage witches learning to be the best they can, would really enjoy this book! show less
Firstly, I really loved the description of the season and how well and amazing Rachel Griffin did at describing them - I always felt like I was with show more Clara when she would talk about them. I also loved the way the seasons’ connected with witches and how their magic moved and worked…
“...I’m greeted with the transitional magic of autumn.
Then the aggressive magic of winter.
The patient magic of spring.
And the intense magic of summer.”
Secondly, and I don’t know if I would be describing this correctly, but this book just felt so soft while I was reading it. Crazy things were happening in the world but the connection the witches had to Earth and the Sun were just so soft… I just really adored it. I adored the characters, the atmosphere, and the writing style. Griffin proves you don’t have to have crazy big plot twists to make a book compelling and captivating.
The only thing I didn’t fully understand was Clara’s change of mood… how she could like someone but come Autumn, she wouldn’t? But the other season would generally intensify the liking/loving part?? I think I may have just missed something, so it wasn’t anything that set me back on enjoying the book!
Overall, this book was nice to curl up with under a thick blanket at the end of the day. It had beautiful witchfilled world building, likable characters (except one teacher), and a compelling plot. Anyone who likes teenage witches learning to be the best they can, would really enjoy this book! show less
I have to say that this book is stunning. From start to finish. There are not many books that I receive arcs of that I actually go out and buy hardcover but this is on my shelves and it is stunning. In a world where witchcraft is to the season, she was born in. Clara was born an Everwitch and is now able to use the magic of all seasons which is very rare. With such magical ability comes the power that is immeasurable and hungry seeing as if Clara doesn’t control her powers, they tend to go after the ones she loves most. The solar eclipse is fast approaching and all witches are required by law to flee the path of totality, for being in the eclipse’s path will strip a witch of her powers permanently. If Clara can’t find a way to get show more her powers under control before the eclipse arrives, she has vowed to strip her powers to prevent hurting anyone else she loves.
That is all I am giving away from the story. I think. Now it’s time for some honesty. I don’t read enough YA to be a professional in this genre but I can tell you that I really did enjoy this. I am hoping that there might be a book two. I loved the magic in this book and thought it was a very unique take. The nature and weather that the author ties into each season in the book are just simply beautiful. I also loved that the author had a bisexual main character and managed to write it without it being complicated or questioned or over-explained or rationalized. There is so much beautiful character growth in this novel. There are not enough novels that express that love is love no matter who you chose to love. . Griffin elegantly explores risk and trust and believing in yourself. This was just an outstanding feel-good read. Thank you NetGalley for my arc I am truly sorry for my delay. show less
That is all I am giving away from the story. I think. Now it’s time for some honesty. I don’t read enough YA to be a professional in this genre but I can tell you that I really did enjoy this. I am hoping that there might be a book two. I loved the magic in this book and thought it was a very unique take. The nature and weather that the author ties into each season in the book are just simply beautiful. I also loved that the author had a bisexual main character and managed to write it without it being complicated or questioned or over-explained or rationalized. There is so much beautiful character growth in this novel. There are not enough novels that express that love is love no matter who you chose to love. . Griffin elegantly explores risk and trust and believing in yourself. This was just an outstanding feel-good read. Thank you NetGalley for my arc I am truly sorry for my delay. show less
I enjoyed this book because it made you think without knowing you were thinking.
The theme of climate change is very poignant and I think this book tackled it in an interesting way.
I also feel that being an ‘Ever’ witch and having moods that change with the season is very similar to having Seasonal Affective Disorder and that the moods of the seasons were written beautifully.
I seriously questioned the weight of ‘doing the right thing,’ in a dilemma, and couldn’t decide how I felt about our protagonist Clara when she wanted to strip herself of her powers, despite the witches she could save by retaining it. I felt torn. Why should she personally have to live a life in isolation for the sake of others? Why should anyone have to show more die so that she may experience love? Can anyone honestly say they’d save themselves over saving many? On the contrary, can anyone honestly say they’d save many over themselves? (I wasn’t lying when I said this book made you think).
The book wasn’t plot heavy. The progression of the story was measured by the improvement of Clara’s magic for the first 80%. I feel a little more plot would of made this is a higher star rated book for me. Chapters 16 & 17 specifically perplexed me! I felt they were inconsequential and problematic.
Having said that, I love the quotes at the beginning of every chapter. I especially love that they come from “A Season for Everything.” (If you know, you know) Enjoyable read.
Thank you for my copy of the ARC. show less
The theme of climate change is very poignant and I think this book tackled it in an interesting way.
I also feel that being an ‘Ever’ witch and having moods that change with the season is very similar to having Seasonal Affective Disorder and that the moods of the seasons were written beautifully.
I seriously questioned the weight of ‘doing the right thing,’ in a dilemma, and couldn’t decide how I felt about our protagonist Clara when she wanted to strip herself of her powers, despite the witches she could save by retaining it. I felt torn. Why should she personally have to live a life in isolation for the sake of others? Why should anyone have to show more die so that she may experience love? Can anyone honestly say they’d save themselves over saving many? On the contrary, can anyone honestly say they’d save many over themselves? (I wasn’t lying when I said this book made you think).
The book wasn’t plot heavy. The progression of the story was measured by the improvement of Clara’s magic for the first 80%. I feel a little more plot would of made this is a higher star rated book for me. Chapters 16 & 17 specifically perplexed me! I felt they were inconsequential and problematic.
Having said that, I love the quotes at the beginning of every chapter. I especially love that they come from “A Season for Everything.” (If you know, you know) Enjoyable read.
Thank you for my copy of the ARC. show less
Well, I think I have a new insta-buy author!
I absolutely love stories about witches so when I saw the description of The Nature of Witches, I had a pretty good feeling I would love it...and it did not disappoint! The story is so unique and intriguing!
Clara is in training to master her magic as an Everwitch, which means she naturally changes with the seasons. Not only her magic changes, but the way she feels and how she perceives the world changes as well.
I was able to connect to Clara and really felt her pain and her happiness...and, for me, that's a sign of great writing. The story is set up around each season and comes full circle so the pacing is quick, making for an easier read. Now, don't mistake "easier" for "lighter" as this book show more will rip your heart open if you let it.
This story is one of love and longing all while Clara finds herself through her magic. It really is a wonderful tale all-around and I highly recommend diving into it!
And, I would really love to be able to control my own mini thunderstorm in my palm...justsayin' :)
Huge thank you to Sourcebooks Fire via NetGalley for the e-arc to read and review honestly. show less
I absolutely love stories about witches so when I saw the description of The Nature of Witches, I had a pretty good feeling I would love it...and it did not disappoint! The story is so unique and intriguing!
Clara is in training to master her magic as an Everwitch, which means she naturally changes with the seasons. Not only her magic changes, but the way she feels and how she perceives the world changes as well.
I was able to connect to Clara and really felt her pain and her happiness...and, for me, that's a sign of great writing. The story is set up around each season and comes full circle so the pacing is quick, making for an easier read. Now, don't mistake "easier" for "lighter" as this book show more will rip your heart open if you let it.
This story is one of love and longing all while Clara finds herself through her magic. It really is a wonderful tale all-around and I highly recommend diving into it!
And, I would really love to be able to control my own mini thunderstorm in my palm...justsayin' :)
Huge thank you to Sourcebooks Fire via NetGalley for the e-arc to read and review honestly. show less
The Nature of Witches is a YA fantasy book that I absolutely devoured. Rachel Griffin has created an imaginative take in her alternative world, where witches control the weather and work with regular humans - referred to as shaders to keep the weather systems under control.
But shaders have become greedy and are developing more and more of the earth, and it's made the atmosphere unstable, in turn overwhelming witches across the globe.
Witches are categorized by season: Autumns, Winters, Springs, and Summers. Their strengths are strongest in their own season, and their magic reflects characteristics of their season. But Clara is an Ever - she possesses the magic of all seasons, using the magic of each season as she rolls into it. She's show more the first Ever in 200 years, and doesn't know how to use or control her magic. What she does know is the cost of it.
This is a beautiful story filled with lovely imagery and interesting characters, along with a sweet romance. It moves at a quiet, steady pace, that pulls at the heart. It has moments of tension and moments of beauty.
It also offers an interesting commentary on climate issues.
What it is, ultimately though, is a story of Clara's journey to self-discovery and self-acceptance, finding her place in the world. Does she keep her magic that will force her to live her life devoid of close relationships, because her magic is drawn to those she loves (with terrible consequences)? Or does she give up her magic for a chance at a normal life?
With the quiet feel that fans of Practical Magic would enjoy, I really adored this story and look forward to more from this author.
I was provided an advance copy of this book from Sourcebooks Fire via Netgalley. All opinions are my own. show less
But shaders have become greedy and are developing more and more of the earth, and it's made the atmosphere unstable, in turn overwhelming witches across the globe.
Witches are categorized by season: Autumns, Winters, Springs, and Summers. Their strengths are strongest in their own season, and their magic reflects characteristics of their season. But Clara is an Ever - she possesses the magic of all seasons, using the magic of each season as she rolls into it. She's show more the first Ever in 200 years, and doesn't know how to use or control her magic. What she does know is the cost of it.
This is a beautiful story filled with lovely imagery and interesting characters, along with a sweet romance. It moves at a quiet, steady pace, that pulls at the heart. It has moments of tension and moments of beauty.
It also offers an interesting commentary on climate issues.
What it is, ultimately though, is a story of Clara's journey to self-discovery and self-acceptance, finding her place in the world. Does she keep her magic that will force her to live her life devoid of close relationships, because her magic is drawn to those she loves (with terrible consequences)? Or does she give up her magic for a chance at a normal life?
With the quiet feel that fans of Practical Magic would enjoy, I really adored this story and look forward to more from this author.
I was provided an advance copy of this book from Sourcebooks Fire via Netgalley. All opinions are my own. show less
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