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lizaroo71's review against another edition
4.0
Zima is a wolf that has always been taught to fear Baba Yaga - the witch in the forest. But, when Zima's brother is gravely injured and may die, Zima must take him to Baba Yaga as her magic is all that may save him. The wolf and the witch then strike a bargain that will have mutual benefits.
This is a lovely fairy tale of which I was unfamiliar. I love Sutton's notes in the back on Baba Yaga in various iterations.
This is a lovely fairy tale of which I was unfamiliar. I love Sutton's notes in the back on Baba Yaga in various iterations.
introverteddragonscribbles's review against another edition
4.0
A Wolf for a Spell by Karah Sutton sounds like your typical fairytale retelling for middle grade readers. Promising intrigue, fun and action. But A Wolf for a Spell is much different. At first I was a little skeptical, as it’s a retelling of the story of Baba Yaga, but as I read, I realized just what a fascinating and beautiful retelling the book really is.
A Wolf for a Spell follows three characters—Zima, a wolf; Baba Yaga, the forest witch; and Nadya, a girl who doesn’t want to be separated from her childhood friend. All three characters meet when Baba Yaga switches bodies with the wolf so that she can hunt down the true heir to the throne, and when the girl comes to Baba Yaga for help, not knowing that the witch isn’t really the witch.
I could try to pick a favorite character but that would be nearly impossible. All three were very interesting, well-rounded characters, each with their own goals that ultimately tied together. I loved the fact that one of the characters was a wolf, as wolves are one of my favorite animals. It was also nice to see an old character as a protagonist, as that’s not done often enough in fiction. I also enjoyed the new twist on the plot and the forest-magic.
There were some moments in the book, however, that I feared things might go a little too far and would be more suited for older readers, but Sutton never described any of the violence or ‘scary’ moments in a way that would be too much for young readers. I can confidently say that my younger sisters, who still read Middle Grade, would be able to enjoy this book without me worrying that something was too much.
Overall, A Wolf for a Spell was a beautiful and unique twist on the tale of Baba Yaga and is perfect for fans of The Girl Who Drank the Moon by Kelly Barnhill and the Wingfeather Saga by Andrew Peterson and can even be enjoyed by older audiences.
NOTE: I received a complimentary copy from NetGalley for review purposes only. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
A Wolf for a Spell follows three characters—Zima, a wolf; Baba Yaga, the forest witch; and Nadya, a girl who doesn’t want to be separated from her childhood friend. All three characters meet when Baba Yaga switches bodies with the wolf so that she can hunt down the true heir to the throne, and when the girl comes to Baba Yaga for help, not knowing that the witch isn’t really the witch.
I could try to pick a favorite character but that would be nearly impossible. All three were very interesting, well-rounded characters, each with their own goals that ultimately tied together. I loved the fact that one of the characters was a wolf, as wolves are one of my favorite animals. It was also nice to see an old character as a protagonist, as that’s not done often enough in fiction. I also enjoyed the new twist on the plot and the forest-magic.
There were some moments in the book, however, that I feared things might go a little too far and would be more suited for older readers, but Sutton never described any of the violence or ‘scary’ moments in a way that would be too much for young readers. I can confidently say that my younger sisters, who still read Middle Grade, would be able to enjoy this book without me worrying that something was too much.
Overall, A Wolf for a Spell was a beautiful and unique twist on the tale of Baba Yaga and is perfect for fans of The Girl Who Drank the Moon by Kelly Barnhill and the Wingfeather Saga by Andrew Peterson and can even be enjoyed by older audiences.
NOTE: I received a complimentary copy from NetGalley for review purposes only. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
nelsonseye's review against another edition
4.0
A Wolf for a Spell (great title by the way) was a really charming middle grade fantasy novel. The story was engrossing with a wonderful mix of family and found family and friendship with magic and very suspenseful moments. I think Zima was my favourite character, but Nadya and Baba Yaga were also great, and the secondary characters were also nicely developed. The resolution was a bit sad/bittersweet and Zima’s observations about change and loss were quite nicely done for the target audience. Lastly, the artwork (especially the picture of Zima and Baba Yaga after they switched) was lovely.
timitsut's review against another edition
adventurous
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
midnight_rain_reads's review against another edition
3.5
This was a charming little fantasy. I enjoyed the different POVs and how they intertwined and connected with one another. It did feel very much like a first novel. It was also slow in some parts. Overall a solid enjoyable read.
auora1484's review against another edition
adventurous
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
sapphire_mayo's review against another edition
adventurous
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
restlessreason17's review against another edition
hopeful
medium-paced
3.0
A solid read! I enjoyed the ending and the pictures throughout, but the beginning felt kinda slow. I guessed all the plot twists, but I am also not the target age group, so ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
_egg_wash's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.75