The Somewhat Wicked Witch of Brigandale by C M Waggoner

Once upon a time, a somewhat wicked witch named Gretsella lived in a cozy little cottage in the Dark Forest of Brigandale. She dispensed herbs and tinctures at reasonable prices, met with her slightly oddball coven on a regular basis, and had absolutely no need of any further company whatsoever, thank you very much. But then one afternoon, Gretsella came home to find a screaming infant on her doorstep.

Against all her better judgement, she took the baby in. She named him Bradley.

Eighteen years later, Bradley has grown into a bafflingly likable young man under Gretsella’s extremely tolerant—one might even say doting—eye. But the witch’s hopes for an unremarkable yet fulfilling life for her son are shattered when small woodland animals start prophesying that he is the lost prince and should ascend to the throne. Bradley ignores Gretsella’s advice that prophecies and talking chipmunks are to be avoided at all costs, and sets off for the capital. But soon confusion and chaos are reigning, and scheming courtiers are using Bradley for their own ends. Sometimes a witch has to roll up her sleeves and take matters into her own cauldron. So Gretsella sets off to bring about the downfall of her darling son…

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Sometimes a witch just wants peace. Sometimes her son insists on royal chaos. And sometimes you have to roll up your sleeves and hex the court.

Pre-Reading Thoughts

I was ready for whimsy and mild chaos, but also a story grounded in a witch’s pragmatism. I was hoping for humour, heart, and clever problem-solving - maybe a dash of chaos for spice. Basically, please don’t let it be twee.

Post-Reading

As I thought…

• The humour hits exactly like Terry Pratchett-adjacent wit - sharp, dry, occasionally ridiculous, but never mean-spirited.

• Gretsella is perfection: world-weary, fiercely practical, endlessly doting under layers of exasperation. I loved that she’s not just “funny old witch,” she has real stakes and real competence.

• The story balances heart and humour beautifully. Bradley is delightful without being insufferable, and the coven interactions are little gems of chaos and camaraderie.

• Prophecies, talking animals, and scheming courtiers? All of it plays out with surprising cleverness and coherence. This isn’t just silliness for its own sake.

It surprised me by…

• How practical it is despite being a fantasy romp. Gretsella doesn’t just wave a wand; she evaluates risks, plans contingencies, and actually does things. That rare “funny but competent” witch energy.

• How heartwarming it gets under the layers of comedic chaos. You genuinely feel the family bond and the love behind Gretsella’s begrudging heroics.

• How tightly it hits that Pratchett-esque tone without feeling like imitation. It’s respectful homage, not mimicry.

🎵 Music Pairing

Featured Song:
“Witchy Woman” – Eagles
Classic witch vibes, sly, slightly mischievous.

Vibe Album:
The Minstrels’ Tales – Blackmore’s Night
Light, medieval-fantasy-appropriate, whimsical, perfect for cottage-based mischief.

Artist Recommendation:
Amanda Palmer – theatrical, heartful, chaotic, a little snarky.

Vibe Check

• Colour Palette: forest green, charred wood, potion-purple, burnt-orange candlelight

• Soundtrack: creaking floorboards, bubbling cauldrons, the occasional squeaky squirrel

• Season: autumn, peak cosy chaos

• Mood: witty, practical, slightly exasperated, but full of warmth

• Scent: dried herbs, soot, faintly sweet confections

Tarot Pull

The Empress – because this is about nurturing, protection, and making order out of chaos. Gretsella is a practical mother figure, weaving care, cunning, and competence together — she is the Empress energy incarnate.

For fans of

• Equal Rites (Granny Weatherwax-style witch antics, heart + humor)

• The Witch’s Guide to Cooking with Children (practical magic meets domestic chaos)

• Merlin (charm, clever mischief, magical problem-solving)

The Somewhat Wicked Witch of Brigandale publishes on the 17th of March, 2026. I received a free copy and am giving an honest review.