Author: Marti Dumas
Title: Wildseed Witch
Published: May 10, 2022
Pages: 352
Format: E-ARC and Hoopla
Rating: 4 stars
Today I am reviewing Wildseed Witch by Marti Dumas, a middle grade fantasy featuring an all-BIPOC cast. This is about an aspiring and raising makeup YouTuber who learns that she’s a witch and gets sent off to a private Witch Camp/finishing school. While at Les Belles Demoiselles, she learns to be a witch alongside extremely talented and powerful girls; however, she is a “Wildseed” as she comes from a family of non-witches, unlike the other girls who attend the school. Hasani must learn how to succeed and harness her magical abilities in her own way.
I thought that this book was a lot of fun and very thoughtful. Hasani is a very relatable and likeable character that has flaws, insecurities, and also amazing strengths, thus making her an awesome protagonist. You see how she learns to navigate exclusive social groups within her school, forming friendships and facing obstacles within them. You also see her grow personally within domains in her life, be it: accepting responsibility, learning to live with difficult family dynamics, and learning how to forgive others (and herself). Additionally, I enjoyed the incorporation of Creole heritage and New Orleans/Louisiana history into the book.
In regards to pacing, the first half of the book is pretty easy to fall into as you learn about Hasani and her background and I felt like this was fairly quickly paced. Towards the middle it was a bit slow, but then it picked right back up again in the last third of the book.
I’m looking forward to reading more in the series as I want to learn more about how the magic system works and know the range of Hasani’s potential magical capabilities. My cat Olivia and I would also like to see more cat appearances in the future! And, gosh, Erick Davila is such a talented artist. This artist illustrated the covers for: The Inheritance of Zoraida Cordova, With the Fire on High, and Clap When You Land (among others!)- I can’t wait to see what book cover number 2 will look like.
Olivia and I definitely recommend this book and hope you will enjoy it! It’s perfect if you would like a book about young witches that ultimately shows character development, friendships, and family.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Content Warnings: Classism, Toxic Friendship, Bullying, Slavery, Colonization, Infidelity, Suicide, Abandonment.
QOTD: Will you be reading this book?
Let us know!
I like the whole boarding school vibe to this one, and Hasani does sound like a character to root for! Glad it was a hit! Glad to hear Olivia also approves! I love reading, cuddled up with my cat, too! 🙂
Rachel @Waves of Fiction recently posted…Audio Review: The Bodyguard by Katherine Center
Thank you, Rachel! And yes, cuddling up with a cat when reading is the best!
sarasreadingnook recently posted…REVIEW | Wildseed Witch
I love stories of witches, especially leading up to Halloween and this one sounds intriguing. I appreciate that its an All-BIPOC cast and the cover is stunning! Great review!
Jodie recently posted…Lifesaving For Beginners by Josie Lloyd: Audiobook Review
Thank you, Jodie! Yes definitely would be great to read during Autumn!
sarasreadingnook recently posted…REVIEW | Wildseed Witch
Fun worldbuilding with the wildseed concept and the witch school. Sounds like it dug deep into social complexities, too. Enjoyed your review.
Thank you so much, Sophia!
sarasreadingnook recently posted…REVIEW | Wildseed Witch
Sounds very good and such a pretty cover, too! Great review!
Yvonne @ Socrates Book Reviews recently posted…Review: The Littlest Library by Polly Alexander
Thanks, Yvonne!
Thanks, Yvonne! It was a great read!
Sara recently posted…REVIEW | Wildseed Witch
Wonderful review, Sara. Also, Olivia is adorable!! 😻
Wendy recently posted…Book Review: The Bodyguard by Katherine Center
Thank you so much, Wendy! <3
Love the setting and it sounds like it pulled you in. That cover is gorgeous!
Kimberly @ Caffeinated Reviewer recently posted…🎧 The One Who Loves You by Pippa Grant
Thank you, Kimberly! Agreed – it’s so beautiful. And yes, it totally pulled me in!
sarasreadingnook recently posted…The Sunday Post #4 & More!
This sounds like such a fun read that both me and Elza will enjoy tremendously!!!
Lovely review Sara.
Have a good week ahead.
Mareli Thalwitzer recently posted…Blog Tour & Review: What Remains True by Nancy Naigle
Yes I definitely think you both would!
Thank you, Mareli and have a wonderful week!
sarasreadingnook recently posted…The Sunday Post #4 & More!