THE NATURE OF WITCHES was a gorgeous, emotional book that is ultimately about a girl learning to love herself. Clara's character arc -- from a girl scared of her volatile magic, capable of killing those she cares about; to a witch fully embracing her powers -- is very satisfying to read, and one that many readers will be able to see themselves in despite the magical setting. Clara's internal conflicts over what happens with the next stage after her life would make this book a great fit for older readers, and the unique, season-based magical system will appeal to readers looking for something a little bit different.

Thank you to Sourcebooks for providing me with an ARC.

Thanks to Raincoast Books for an e-ARC! Loved the premise combining climate change with witches. 

I think a lot of YA fans will like this one, though personally I kept reading the main characters as 20-somethings. Much of the book takes place at a school that trains witches so I do understand teenaged characters suiting the school setting but I think a university setting would’ve worked better with how the characters come across.

Still, it’s a very intriguing premise that combines magical powers with a more realistic view of Earth and climate change. In Griffin’s book, witches are born on each solstice and have powers directly related to their season and the weather. However, with the ongoing effects of climate change, it’s proving beyond even the power of witches to keep the climate under control. Which is where the chosen one, aka Clara, the Ever Witch, comes in! She can access powers from all 4 seasons but fear of her magic after it caused the death of those close to her has held her back.

I really enjoyed the premise and it’s a fun one to explore a magical school and the wonders of weather and nature. There was just something in the description, perhaps too much of it, that left me feeling detached from the main character and since much of it is a personal journey, I wasn’t as invested.