Dickens & Rumi
Cover of THE NATURE OF WITCHES

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THE NATURE OF WITCHES

Rachel Griffin

Weather witches confront climate change. (Ages 14 to 18)

Ages 14+Source checked

Why this age? The book contains themes of grief, death, and romantic tension suitable for older teens. There is some mild language and intense emotional scenarios typical of the young adult fantasy genre. This is guidance, not a safety guarantee; reading level and family context may differ.

Quick view

At a glance

Recommended age14+

Strongest cautions

  • Death of a character3/5
  • Frightening scenes3/5
  • Romance3/5

Strongest positives

  • Courage & resilience4/5
  • Creativity & curiosity4/5
  • Positive messages4/5

What’s in it?

Death of a character3/5
Why this rating?

The fear of death and past losses are central themes, with some emotional weight given to character mortality.

Graphic injury1/5
Why this rating?

Minimal; some references to injuries caused by weather events.

Strong language2/5
Why this rating?

Infrequent mild profanity.

LGBTQIA characters1/5
Why this rating?

Inclusive of LGBTQIA identities in the supporting cast.

Romance3/5
Why this rating?

A developing teen romance is an important subplot, involving attraction, emotional vulnerability, and relationship complications.

Frightening scenes3/5
Why this rating?

Tension arises from the unpredictable and deadly power of the weather and the protagonist's fears.

Sexual content & nudity1/5
Why this rating?

Light innuendo and romantic intimacy typical of young adult romance.

Alcohol or drugs1/5
Why this rating?

Occasional references to social drinking among young adults.

Violence2/5
Why this rating?

Includes descriptions of natural disasters and some magical skirmishes, but it is not gratuitous.

What’s good in it?

Courage & resilience4/5
Why this rating?

The protagonist repeatedly confronts fear, grief, dangerous magic, and environmental crisis while learning to act responsibly.

Creativity & curiosity4/5
Why this rating?

Seasonal witchcraft, imaginative magical rules, and inventive approaches to environmental problems strongly encourage imagination and curiosity.

Diverse representation2/5
Why this rating?

Features a diverse cast of characters with varied backgrounds.

Educational value2/5
Why this rating?

The fantasy story builds accessible understanding of seasonal cycles, climate disruption, ecological interdependence, and conservation ideas.

Kindness & empathy3/5
Why this rating?

Empathy, friendship, mentoring, and care for people and nature are recurring values, although relationships include conflict.

Positive messages4/5
Why this rating?

Strong themes emphasize environmental responsibility, cooperation, accepting help, learning from mistakes, and using power for the common good.

Good role models3/5
Why this rating?

Characters are flawed but work to grow and make responsible decisions.

Family discussion

Talk about it

Conversation starters based on this title’s published content notes.

  1. What did courage look like in this story? Was being brave always the same as being fearless?
  2. How did the story approach death or loss? What helped the characters cope?
  3. Which choice in THE NATURE OF WITCHES would you have made differently, and why?
  4. Who changed the most in THE NATURE OF WITCHES, and what caused that change?
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Related by age fit, format, and catalogue context.

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Dark Lord of DerkholmDiana Wynne Jones · 1998Ages 14+A Forest DividedErin Hunter · 2015Ages 14+Drowned Ammet (Dalemark Quartet, Book 2)Diana Wynne Jones · 1977Ages 12+Cart and Cwidder (The Dalemark Quartet)Diana Wynne Jones · 1975Ages 12+

These content notes are a starting point, not a guarantee. Review the evidence and use your own judgment before choosing a title.

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