A review by hobbithopeful
The Nature of Witches by Rachel Griffin

adventurous dark emotional inspiring reflective medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

When I started to read The Nature of Witches, I instantly fell in love with the magical world Rachel Griffin weaved, her incredible writing style, and the loveable characters. We follow Clara, a rare Everwitch who is able to use magic throughout the whole year, instead of just during one season like other witches. She is more powerful then any other witch currently alive, and is thought to be the key to saving countless witches from dying trying to stop freak storms. (A side effect of Shaders; those without magic, over developing the planet and causing the climate to go crazy) It seems so easy except Clara has zero control over her magic, and is afraid of it. To be fair if I had magic and whenever I lost control it targeted whomever I loved or cared for and killed them so would I. She lives in an isolated cabin away from the rest of the Eastern School of Solar Magic, her only constant companion her feline Nox. One the side effects of being an Ever is her personality changes with the seasons, Summer she craves touch and typically has flings, but come Autumn no matter how much she cares the person her feelings fade and she no longer cares for them. (This is so sad, right!) Events quickly become complicated when Clara and her new trainer, botanist Sang, become close. She has never had more control of her magic, nor has someone she cared about ever been at more of risk! Seriously y'all I could not put this book down! It is segmented by the seasons and you can read her personality change as time changes. I wanted nothing more then for Clara to be happy, safe, and loved. The professors in the book made me want to slap them with a fish for how they treated her, and their impossible expectations. There is romance in this book, and it made my heart ache. You can feel how the main character is so torn between wanting to be with Sang and wanting to keep him safe. And who can resist a sweet Spring witch who loves flowers and drinking tea? 
I loved following Clara's journey as she grows and starts to have faith in herself and her magic. This is an inspiring tale of hope, and having faith in yourself as well as love.
The sequel comes out Summer 2023 (Only a few months away!) and I will be first in line to get it!

The Cover
I always have mixed feelings about covers with real people on it, and it is rare that I actually like them. BUT! This cover works so well and will be my exception. We see Clara in the middle of a storm, her hair flying straight up in the air. Lighting, tornados, and leaves surround her. Instead of appearing scared or afraid, she instead has her chin upturned to the sky, with a peaceful expression on her face. Her eyes are closed and her hands are folded, a picture of calm. She seems to be at peace with the volatile weather, or maybe even more accurate she seems to have accepted her fate. I actually really like the font that was chosen too, I feel like it works perfectly with the feeling of the cover.
Cover Design: Nicole Hower
Internal Design/Illustrations: Michelle Mayhall 
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