a gorgeous, dreamy adventure by someone who clearly loves fairytales and understands what makes them magic. At its heart, it's a tale of family and sisterhood, of friendships and self-belief. I adored the sibling dynamic between Rowan and her younger sister Lila. As an older sister myself, I can relate to their sometimes contentious relationship as Lila wants to be involved in everything Rowan does, even following her into the dangerous Witchwood in search of their lost mother. I also loved the growing friendship between Rowan and Farid and the acknowledgement that sometimes we need to save each other. Into the Witchwood has such a timeless quality - it's like coming home. Congratulations @meabh90! You've written an absolute stunner and I can't wait for other people to enjoy the adventure when the book comes out early next year...P.s. if I didn't give you enough reasons to read the book, there's also an extremely sassy talking cat who often steals the show!
-- Alex Dunne, author of CBI Award Winner The Book of Secrets
spellbinding debut ... I loved this immersive, spooky, clever, intriguing story. One not to miss next year!
-- Sinead O'Hart
A cracking story - thrilling and fast-paced, with an enchanting kind of witchcraft
-- Erika McGann
stirring debut ... action-packed ... McDonnell grounds this tense, dramatic novel in her study of her characters and the ways in which they grow. This is a satisfying story that leaves the reader wanting more
-- Milena Taylor, Inis Magazine
an exciting, magical adventure featuring all the qualities of a perfect story ... I thoroughly enjoyed Into the Witchwood and anyone with a keen interest in folktales, fairytales and a chilling, thrilling adventure will find themselves at home here!
-- ErinLynHamilton
I loved Into The Witchwood. It's a fast-paced, Middle Grade fantasy. It's super fun to read and impossible to put down ... full of magic, family, friendship and my personal favourite - talking cats ... lovable (and horrible) characters, unexpected twists, adventure, secrets and betrayal ... great for fans of Gravity Falls or The Owl House
-- BotsBookShelf
Occasionally, a book comes along that just grabs me; pulls at me and nestles me into its' world and its' people. That demands I live in the story...not just read it. This is just such a book ... At its' heart and soul, it is a story about family; a family torn and troubled at the disappearance of their mother, and the desperate attempt of a daughter to bring her mum home; to bring back the love and together. It is a story about sisterhood, with all its' travails. And friendship, sacrifice and understanding yourself...believing in yourself. It is a story of magic; magic of the most powerful and dangerous kind. It is magic of the heart and it permeates every single page. And it takes us on the most incredible of journeys ... With all the nuance of the best of fairy tales, the story builds bringing the exact amount of tension, drama, humour and sincerity and we come more and more under its' spell. It is impossible to put down. Layer upon layer is built and peeled back with care and compassion, compelling us onward...through the wood, clutching the Rules that will guide us closely in our hearts and minds, hoping we get it right. In short, this book is amazing. Moving, deliciously dark, incredibly engaging, feisty and fierce and filled with friendship, family, loyalty and love....and utterly, utterly magical ... Meabh...wow! Just wow! Thank you for creating this world
-- Fallen Star Stories
A compelling fantasy adventure, full of magic and folklore, with a touch of darkness for readers who like a bit of a scare
-- Irish Independent, Sarah Webb
All of her mother's warnings, the rules about not straying from the path nor going back the way you came, are brought into play as Rowan, Lila, and Farid attempt to navigate their way through the wood, though i