Witch of the Shadow Woods is a charming sapphic cozy fantasy with a soft, gentle tone.
Of course, the fact that the book is primarily aimed at a younger audience (14+) doesn’t stop the author, Tori Anne Martin, from tackling powerful themes such as female rage and resistance against patriarchy.
The result?
Well, to be honest, I’d be lying if I said I loved this novel with all my heart… mainly because the level of exposition felt a bit too high for my taste. Still, I found it enjoyable, well-crafted, and interesting: a solid choice for anyone who loves “dark forest” aesthetics and is looking for a fresh retelling of Hansel and Gretel.
Plot
Fifteen years ago, a man traded his daughter to the old witch of the woods in exchange for magic. Abandoned by her brother Hans, who had promised to protect her, Greta learns to accept her new life as the witch’s apprentice and begins a new existence under the name Miria.
Two years ago, she saved a young woman who had gotten lost in the forest—and fell in love with her.
Now, she has discovered that this same woman is being forced into marriage with a man who was once involved in the bargain that doomed her: the very person who used the magic obtained in exchange for her life to grant her former family immense wealth and power, only to forget her entirely.
Soon, the young witch will leave the forest. She will stop the wedding and save the woman she loves. She will take revenge.
And yet, beyond the woods, nothing is ever quite that simple.
Review of Witch of the Shadow Woods
Atmosphere and Themes: Cottagecore at Its Core
In Tori Anne Martin’s novel, you’ll find a touch of European folklore, plenty of witchy vibes, and a hint of romance. The love story isn’t exactly central, but it still plays an important role in the narrative.
Since this is a clean YA novel, it’s worth noting: any “intimate” scenes happen off-page. The language remains evocative and suggestive throughout, never becoming explicit.
This is a commendable choice, especially for such a young target audience… although I’ll admit I wouldn’t have minded a few more pages to better explore Adaline’s character and perhaps feel a stronger connection between her and Miria.
Even so, I really appreciated the reflections on the “true” nature of a witch—a figure who must always rebel and stand against the system, constantly striving to help the vulnerable—and I absolutely loved the relationship between Miria and Yali, her wise mentor.
Themes and Narrative Limitations
Respect for the natural world as a way to learn how to listen—to oneself and to others—and the idea that one cannot fight “the power of men” (here portrayed as violent and destructive) using the same tools of domination and brute force: these are the two main messages I’ll take away from this reading.
That said, from a narrative standpoint, I probably would have reduced the number of internal monologues, adding a few more meaningful events to improve the pacing and soften the somewhat didactic tone that occasionally emerges in the dialogue.
Additionally, on a personal level, I have to admit I didn’t fully enjoy the strong fairy-tale quality of the narration. A touch more realism—along with greater moral ambiguity in Miria’s characterization—might have made the climax more impactful and the overall reading experience more compelling.
Magical Creatures and Secondary Elements
Among the magical creatures, a charming golem named Tuli stands out. He somewhat fills the role that, in cozy fantasy, is often given to small animals (frequently cats—even winged ones) or talking plants.
Once again, I appreciated Tuli’s presence without fully connecting with his storyline. It felt as though every conflict related to his role in the story was resolved too quickly, without leaving a lasting impression.
That said, I may simply be viewing the book from an adult perspective—one already quite saturated with cozy fantasy. A younger reader, or someone new to the genre, might instead be swept away by the aesthetic of smoking chimneys, colorful gardens, and comforting meals, paying far less attention to these small inconsistencies.
Conclusion
Ultimately, Witch of the Shadow Woods is a gentle, understated cozy fantasy that prioritizes atmosphere and themes over action. Despite some limitations in pacing and emotional depth, it remains an enjoyable read that aligns well with its target audience.
It didn’t completely win me over, but I do recognize its value… especially for readers looking for an accessible story steeped in a rich “dark forest” aesthetic and shaped by meaningful themes, conveyed with sensitivity and simplicity.
What to Read After Witch of the Shadow Woods
- The Keeper of Magical Things by Julie Leong
- The Spellshop and The Enchanted Greenhouse by Sarah Beth Durst
- The Honey Witch by Sydney J. Shields
- The Raven and the Reindeer by T. Kingfisher
Many thanks to NetGalley for providing me with a digital review copy of this book!
