Into the Witchwood

a gorgeous, dreamy adventure by someone who clearly loves fairytales and understands what makes them magic. At its heart, it's a tale of family and sisterhood, of friendships and self-belief. I adored the sibling dynamic between Rowan and her younger sister Lila. As an older sister myself, I can relate to their sometimes contentious relationship as Lila wants to be involved in everything Rowan does, even following her into the dangerous Witchwood in search of their lost mother. I also loved the growing friendship between Rowan and Farid and the acknowledgement that sometimes we need to save each other. Into the Witchwood has such a timeless quality - it's like coming home. Congratulations @meabh90! You've written an absolute stunner and I can't wait for other people to enjoy the adventure when the book comes out early next year…P.s. if I didn't give you enough reasons to read the book, there's also an extremely sassy talking cat who often steals the show!

-- Alex Dunne, author of CBI Award Winner The Book of Secrets

spellbinding debut … I loved this immersive, spooky, clever, intriguing story. One not to miss next year!

-- Sinead O’Hart

A cracking story – thrilling and fast-paced, with an enchanting kind of witchcraft

-- Erika McGann

stirring debut … action-packed … McDonnell grounds this tense, dramatic novel in her study of her characters and the ways in which they grow. This is a satisfying story that leaves the reader wanting more

-- Milena Taylor, Inis Magazine

an exciting, magical adventure featuring all the qualities of a perfect story … I thoroughly enjoyed Into the Witchwood and anyone with a keen interest in folktales, fairytales and a chilling, thrilling adventure will find themselves at home here!

-- ErinLynHamilton

I loved Into The Witchwood. It’s a fast-paced, Middle Grade fantasy. It’s super fun to read and impossible to put down … full of magic, family, friendship and my personal favourite – talking cats … lovable (and horrible) characters, unexpected twists, adventure, secrets and betrayal … great for fans of Gravity Falls or The Owl House

-- BotsBookShelf

Occasionally, a book comes along that just grabs me; pulls at me and nestles me into its’ world and its’ people. That demands I live in the story…not just read it. This is just such a book … At its’ heart and soul, it is a story about family; a family torn and troubled at the disappearance of their mother, and the desperate attempt of a daughter to bring her mum home; to bring back the love and together. It is a story about sisterhood, with all its’ travails. And friendship, sacrifice and understanding yourself…believing in yourself. It is a story of magic; magic of the most powerful and dangerous kind. It is magic of the heart and it permeates every single page. And it takes us on the most incredible of journeys … With all the nuance of the best of fairy tales, the story builds bringing the exact amount of tension, drama, humour and sincerity and we come more and more under its’ spell. It is impossible to put down. Layer upon layer is built and peeled back with care and compassion, compelling us onward…through the wood, clutching the Rules that will guide us closely in our hearts and minds, hoping we get it right. In short, this book is amazing. Moving, deliciously dark, incredibly engaging, feisty and fierce and filled with friendship, family, loyalty and love….and utterly, utterly magical … Méabh…wow! Just wow! Thank you for creating this world

-- Fallen Star Stories

A compelling fantasy adventure, full of magic and folklore, with a touch of darkness for readers who like a bit of a scare

-- Irish Independent, Sarah Webb

All of her mother’s warnings, the rules about not straying from the path nor going back the way you came, are brought into play as Rowan, Lila, and Farid attempt to navigate their way through the wood, though it seems the witch herself may not be playing by any such rules. In the best tradition of terrifying fairytales, the wood represents more than a purely physical challenge, as within it Rowan travels deep into her subconscious, searching for the courage to face both her past and her future. Along the way, she discovers that what matters most are the bonds of friendship and family, the most compelling of which is the evolving relationship between Rowan and the loyal little sister she has so often pushed aside but who is deserving of her trust and respect … a spellbinding debut from Co Galway author Meabh McDonnell

-- Irish Examiner

prepare for a spooky, enthralling tale …

-- Armadillo Magazine

a mesmerising, magical and transformative adventure, with family and friendship at its heart, perfect for readers of 9+

-- BookCraic

Rowan’s grandmother always warned her not to go into the woods, but when her mother disappears, she realises its dangers were no mere fairytales. Desperate to find her mum, Rowan ventures into the Witchwood herself, but will Granny’s warnings be enough to protect her from the witch’s magic? A stunning debut from McDonnell, the labyrinthine Witchwood is richly evoked as Rowan’s quest challenges both her own magical abilities and her emotional growth. A spellbinding tale about digging deep and bravely facing your fears

-- Irish Examiner, Children's Books Ireland

an enchanting tale of courage and determination centered around Rowan, a strong-willed protagonist whose quest to rescue her missing mother leads her into the heart of the mysterious Witchwood. Rowan's character is beautifully portrayed, showcasing her bravery and vulnerability as she navigates through a world filled with ancient magic and unknown dangers. McDonnell skillfully weaves together a narrative that keeps you on the edge of your seat, rooting for Rowan. What sets this book apart is its exploration of relationships and the themes of family and loyalty. Rowan's determination to save her mother adds emotional depth to the story, making her journey all the more compelling. "Into the Witchwood" is a captivating book that seamlessly blends fantasy elements with a heartfelt narrative. If you enjoy immersive fantasy adventures with strong, relatable characters and a touch of mystery, "Into the Witchwood" is a must-read … an unforgettable journey into a world of magic and bravery. Highly recommended for fans of fantasy fiction!

-- @IrishBookMammy

a tale filled with hope, magic & wonder, whilst equally dealing with themes of loss & self worth within the safety & hopefulness of Middle Grade

-- @LilyandtheFae

It may seem strange to some that over two decades into the 21st century, with all of the technological advances of the modern age, that stories with their roots firmly in traditional folklore are still incredibly popular and yet that is very much the case. When I was teaching, this was very apparent to me in what my young charges wrote – with spooky woods and forest settings appearing far more regularly than those that might be associated with the aliens and superheroes that many of them enjoyed in the films that they watched or the toys that they played with. In this new read, we are invited to enter the Witchwood – home to, perhaps unsurprisingly, an evil witch – on a quest that builds upon the stories with which we are all so familiar in a fresh and modern tale that will be hugely enjoyed by young fans of magic and mystery

-- @WorldsSmallestLibrary

an atmospheric, page turning children's fantasy novel. It's a really exciting adventure with a strong, evocative influence from Irish folklore

-- Waterstones Cork

what an amazing book … it has everything … what a story for any age’

 

-- Mayo News, Tertulia Book