Waking the Witch by Rachel Burge

Waking the Witch by Rachel Burge
UK Publication: August 2022
Reviewed by: Book Worm
Rating: [★★★]

This ARC was provided by Bonnier Books UK (via NetGalley) in exchange for an honest review.

Think you know about Merlin…think again.

Synopsis from Goodreads: ‘I tried to keep you safe, but I see now that I can’t. They won’t stop until they have you . . .’

When Ivy’s search for her mother draws her to a remote Welsh isle, she uncovers a dark secret about her past.

An ancient and corrupt power is stalking Ivy, and her only chance of survival is to look deep within herself.

For not every story in legend is true, and some evils are not what they seem.

A darkly spellbinding tale of female empowerment, steeped in Welsh mythology and Arthurian legend.

My Thoughts: This was a mixed book for me there were parts I loved and other parts that weren’t so strong.

At the start of the book I was immediately drawn in. Ivy works in a butterfly zoo and the descriptions immediately transported me to childhood and the keenly anticipated trips to the local butterfly house, I could relate to the excitement and expectation of a butterfly choosing you (that one special human) to land on.

At 5% we hit my favourite quote of the book and one that will stay with me for a long time

“Teenage girls are like butterflies: we have a lot of predators.”

Then at 10% I was introduced to my new favourite work “cockwomble” I will leave you to google that for yourself and I will bet you know at least one of them.

The story then moves away from the butterflies and for me at least it became slightly disconnected. Characters actions didn’t really add up and I was pulled out of the fantasy world to think huh.

We then arrive at the mysterious and isolated Bardsey Island where events take a much more supernatural turn. Did I mention I love supernatural?

With only a little of the book left to read and a whole lot left unanswered I realised this is going to be a series. This is not a problem I enjoy series’ but it does explain why some things felt not fully formed.

Overall I enjoyed this book, I like the new take on the Merlin legend and I am curious enough to want to know where Burgh will take us next.

Who would like this? I would recommend this to those who enjoy fairy tale retellings, those who believe in white witches and those who have never grown out of the Arthurian myths and legends. Basically anyone like me.

We want to hear from you! Have you read this book? What did you think?