A Magical Debut That’ll Leave You Buzzing
You know that feeling when you bite into a ripe peach on a hot summer day? The way the juice drips down your chin, and for a moment, everything is perfect? That’s what reading Sydney J. Shields’ debut novel, “The Honey Witch,” feels like. It’s a story as sweet as honey but with a sting that’ll leave you thinking about it long after you’ve turned the last page.
Set on the magical Isle of Innisfree (and no, we’re not talking about Yeats’ poem here, folks), this enchanting tale weaves together romance, magic, and a dash of rebellion that’ll have you rooting for our heroine from page one. But don’t let the saccharine title fool you—this ain’t your grandma’s fairy tale.
The Buzz About the Plot
Marigold Claude is your classic odd duck. In a world where everyone’s scrambling to find their perfect match, she’s more interested in chatting up the local spirits than entertaining suitors. When her grandmother offers her the chance to become the next Honey Witch of Innisfree, Marigold jumps at the chance faster than you can say “abracadabra.”
But here’s the kicker – being a Honey Witch comes with a pretty hefty price tag. No one can fall in love with her. Ever. Talk about your occupational hazards, right?
Enter Lottie Burke, a skeptic who wouldn’t believe in magic if it danced the macarena in front of her wearing a tutu. Marigold, bless her heart, can’t resist trying to prove that magic is real. But as these two dance around each other (metaphorically and literally—there’s a masquerade ball that’ll knock your socks off), Marigold starts to realize that maybe, just maybe, she’s feeling something she shouldn’t.
Oh, and did I mention there’s some seriously dark magic threatening to destroy everything Marigold holds dear? Because, of course, there is. This is fantasy, after all.
Characters That’ll Steal Your Heart (Curse Be Damned)
Let’s talk about our leading ladies, shall we?
Marigold Claude: Picture a Disney princess, but with actual depth and a penchant for talking to bees. Marigold’s journey from awkward outsider to badass witch is a joy to watch. Her struggle with the curse and her growing feelings for Lottie will have you alternately cheering and wanting to shake some sense into her.
Lottie Burke: The grumpy to Marigold’s sunshine. Lottie’s skepticism is a perfect foil for Marigold’s wide-eyed wonder, and watching her slowly come around to the idea of magic (and love) is like watching a flower bloom in time-lapse. Plus, her backstory? Heartbreaking doesn’t even begin to cover it.
The Supporting Cast: From Marigold’s quirky family to the spirits of Innisfree, Shields populates her world with characters that feel lived-in and real. Special shoutout to Mr. Benny, who’s basically the magical grandpa we all wish we had.
A World You’ll Want to Get Lost In
Shields’ Innisfree is a place you’ll want to book a one-way ticket to ASAP. The descriptions of the island, from its lush gardens to the mysterious Hazelwood Forest, are so vivid you can almost smell the honey on the breeze. The magic system, centered around honey and bees, is both unique and utterly charming. Who knew apiculture could be so fascinating?
But it’s not all sunshine and roses. The dark undercurrent of the curse and the looming threat of the Ash Witch add a layer of tension that keeps you on the edge of your seat. Shields strikes a perfect balance between the whimsical and the ominous, creating a world that feels both magical and grounded.
Love, Loss, and Finding Your Place
At its heart, “The Honey Witch” is a story about belonging. Marigold’s journey to find her place in the world—torn between her duty as a witch and her desire for love—is achingly relatable. The romance between Marigold and Lottie is a slow burn that’ll have you screaming “JUST KISS ALREADY” at the pages, but trust me, it’s worth the wait.
But it’s not just romantic love that Shields explores. The relationships between family members, friends, and even the connection between a witch and her land are all given equal weight. It’s a nuanced look at the different forms love can take and the sacrifices we make for the people (and places) we care about.
A Dash of Social Commentary
Don’t let the fantasy trappings fool you – Shields sneaks in some pretty hefty themes under all that magic. The way Marigold struggles against societal expectations, particularly around marriage and “proper” behavior, feels especially relevant in today’s world. And the exploration of found family versus blood ties?
There’s also a subtle but powerful thread about the importance of believing in yourself and your own abilities, even when the world tells you you’re not enough. It’s a message that’ll resonate with anyone who’s ever felt like an outsider.
The Writing: Smooth as Honey (with a Few Sticky Spots)
For a debut novel, Shields’ writing is impressively polished. Her prose flows smoothly, with just enough lyricism to remind you that you’re in a magical world without veering into purple prose territory. The dialogue feels natural and often sparkles with wit, especially in the banter between Marigold and Lottie.
That said, there are a few spots where the pacing lags a bit, particularly in the middle section. And while the world-building is generally top-notch, there are a couple of moments where the magic system feels a bit hand-wavey. But honestly? These are minor quibbles in an otherwise stellar debut.
The Verdict: A Spellbinding Start
“The Honey Witch” is the kind of book that reminds you why you fell in love with reading in the first place. It’s a story that wraps you up in its warm embrace and doesn’t let go, even after you’ve turned the last page.
Is it perfect? Nah. But its imperfections are part of its charm. Like a homemade cookie with slightly burnt edges, it’s all the more lovable for its little quirks.
For fans of magical romance like Naomi Novik’s “Uprooted” or queer fantasy like “The Midnight Lie” by Marie Rutkoski, “The Honey Witch” is a must-read. And even if you’re not usually into fantasy, give this one a shot. You might just find yourself enchanted.
Who Should Read This?
- Anyone who’s ever felt like they don’t quite fit in
- Lovers of slow-burn romance that’ll make your heart ache
- Fans of unique magic systems and lush world-building
- Readers looking for positive queer representation in fantasy
- Anyone who’s ever wanted to tell society’s expectations to buzz off
Final Thoughts: The Sweet Taste of a Promising Debut
As I closed “The Honey Witch,” I found myself doing something I rarely do after finishing a book – I hugged it to my chest and sighed. It’s the kind of story that lingers, like the taste of honey on your tongue.
Sydney J. Shields has crafted a debut that’s as complex and layered as a beehive. It’s sweet, yes, but with a complexity that keeps you coming back for more. The way she weaves together themes of love, duty, and self-discovery is nothing short of magical.
Is it flawless? Nope. But you know what? Neither are its characters, and that’s what makes them so damn lovable. Marigold and Lottie’s journey—both individually and together—feels authentic in a way that many romances don’t. They mess up, they struggle, they grow. It’s beautiful to watch.
And can we talk about that ending? No spoilers, but holy honeycomb, Batman. It’s the kind of conclusion that leaves you satisfied but also hungry for more. Here’s hoping Shields has more stories up her sleeve, because if this is just the beginning, I can’t wait to see what she does next.
So, do yourself a favor. Pick up “The Honey Witch,” find a cozy spot (preferably in a sunny meadow, but your couch will do in a pinch), and let yourself get lost in the magic of Innisfree. Just don’t blame me if you find yourself talking to bees afterward.
Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’ve got a sudden craving for some honey cake…
