The Wythic Wood Mysteries Series
Vanishings
For fans of Amanda Foody and Debbie Watson comes a magical adventure story about an eleven-year-old girl who will do anything to help a friend—but could use a lesson or two in looking before she leaps.
“Catharina Steel’s Vanishings, the first installment in The Wythic Wood Mysteries Series, is a spellbinding entry into the world of children’s fantasy literature. With its richly imagined setting and endearing cast of characters, this book transports readers to a realm where magic, mystery, and courage intertwine. Vanishings is not just a story about magic—it’s a tale about finding strength in the face of fear and learning to trust yourself when the world seems uncertain. I can’t wait to see where Tilly’s journey takes her next.
Highly recommended for fans of whimsical adventures and readers who believe in the extraordinary power of magic.”—Alane Adams, author of The Witches of Orkney series and more.
“Set in an enchanted forest, Vanishings is a heart-warming story filled with magic, friendship, self-discovery, and one determined young girl’s search for truth. This immersive tale of loyalty and bravery will captivate the imaginations of fantasy readers of all ages.” Katie Keridan-Author of The Felserpent Chronicles.
“. . . the adventure begins and carries the reader through dangers and discoveries to a conclusion that promises more.”—Nancy Schimmel, author of The Princess and the Witch
Tilly’s friend Michael disappeared from Wythic Wood a year ago, and he’s still missing. Convinced that no one’s searching for him, Tilly convinces her gran to allow her to spend the summer with Opa, their family’s magical teacher and wizard, at his home in Clayton Forest—which just so happens to be right next to Wythic Wood.
In Clayton Forest, alongside her twin cousins, Jess and Zach, Tilly meets magical beings like fairies and gnomes, gets lessons in potion-making and a goblin style of martial arts called Gobight fighting, and starts to understand her own magic better. But none of this excitement distracts her from her real goal, and with Jess and Zach at her side, she soon embarks on a perilous journey to uncover the truth about Michael’s vanishing. But as usual, impulsive Tilly doesn’t exactly think ahead—and she and her cousins soon find themselves hunted by the Witch of Wythic Wood and the creatures under her command.
An enchanting escapade perfect for fans of Percy Jackson and The Wingfeather Saga, Vanishings is a tale of friendship and teamwork in a realm where magic can be wielded for both good and evil purposes.
“More than just a fun forest frolic with pixies and gnomes, this book takes kids on a journey of heroism that is both action packed adventure and cautionary tale on when to stop and plan before you leap, even when your heart is urging you forward.” Sharon Skinner, Author and Book Coach.
Links to blog reviews
Vanishings is a spooky, slow-burn mystery and is a gripping start to a new series. Set in a small village on the edge of a creepy forest. When people start disappearing, things get tense fast, and the deeper Tilly digs, the stranger it all becomes.
Catharina Steel nails the eerie atmosphere. Wythic Wood practically breathes on the page, and the mix of folklore and suspense keeps you hooked. It’s not just about scares, though there’s heart here too, with themes of loss and belief woven into the mystery. Overall, it was a great read! Thank you, Books Forward PR and Catharina Steel, for sharing this book with me!
The author set the book in Australia and the forest is so magical in this book overall. I loved the magic aspects of everything in this book! I think this was an excellent debut to a new series and I hope to read the next books again.
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A magical adventure ensues, colored by generational trauma and fear. Some creatures like gnomes still play tricks and enjoy themselves, while others like the fairies mourn what they have lost. Tilly herself uncovers skeletons that her grandmother has hidden, and wonders why a witch would kidnap humans. What was so special about Clayton and Michael?
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Vanishings is a beautifully layered fantasy that offers more than just a magical adventure—it’s a story about loyalty, self-discovery, and the power of believing in something bigger than yourself. Catharina Steel’s writing is vivid and inviting, with a magical world that feels both exciting and dangerous in all the right ways.
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At twelve-years-old, Tilly is a very determined girl, and not easily swayed from her task to rescue Michael. She’s a doer, and she needs answers. I really enjoyed that her thoughts appear in italics on the page. Tilly isn’t entirely honest with her cousins and withholds a lot of information from them, she means well, but is pretty impulsive. I also enjoyed how her dream came in little pieces, first just footsteps, and then a key in a lock, etc. How we are never quite sure what this vision is trying to tell her.
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Whimsical creatures and powerful villains with dark intentions lay the foundation for a group of cousins, who are making their first steps into the world of magic.
Although the surmise holds dark and dangerous tones, this read also takes on quite a bit of whimsical fun, especially in the beginning. The good side of the forest, where Opa lives, holds adorable details and enjoyable creatures. These invite into the world and will have readers imagining the amazing things, wishing they could be there with Tilly to see them too. Still, this book is set in modern day Australia to give it a very slight, realistic hint. The forest is a hidden oasis of magic, and it feels like stepping into another world but with characters, who are easy to identify with thanks to their origins. The fantastical aspects are magical and imaginative, and yet, they don’t seem over the top, either. The wonderful personalities of each creature adds to the atmosphere to build a lovely world and set off the series nicely.
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What she is really here for is to find her friend Michael who disappeared a year ago in the neighboring and witch controlled Wythic Wood. She convinces her cousins to help in the search and sneak into Wythic Wood to save Michael. The quest is not easy when they are hunted by the Witch of Wythic Wood (try saying that 3 times fast!) who has bears, crows, weredogs, and other creatures to bring these three to their demise.
The third person narration takes readers through 18 chapters. Of course when it says Book One on the cover, you know not all plot points will have resolution. I won’t reveal what happens, but it sure would have been satisfying to have this story wrapped up more fully by the last page. Readers will be anxiously anticipating the arrival of Book Two.
The three young protagonists (you can see their dark outline on the cover’s center), each have fun and memorable personalities that show off their strengths and weaknesses. If any of those potions they use are ever available on Amazon, sign me up! 🙂
Vanishings will appeal to anyone looking for a magical adventure full of surprises and a cast of supportive characters.
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Review By Christina Lewis
Tilly has been determined to search for her friend Michael ever since he disappeared in Wythic Wood a year ago. So she convinces her gran to let her train with her Opa, their family’s magical teacher and wizard. He lives in Clayton Forest, right next to Wythic Wood. But Tilly and her cousins, who are also training with Opa, have been warned to stay far away from Wythic Wood. But Tilly’s visions tell her she needs to search for Michael soon, so the three of them journey into Wythic Wood without Opa’s consent. With danger all around them, will they be able to locate Michael and outwit the Witch of Wythic Wood? A fun fantasy tale of friendship, teamwork, and magic. (Ages 9-12)
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Opa’s Origin Story – Magical Piet
A middle grade fantasy novella set in 1749 Ostend, Belgium.
A twelve-year-old boy discovers he’s a wizard and meets an elven queen who agrees to teach him magic in exchange for helping them find the captured mythical beings.
“A heartfelt, exciting adventure with mysterious magic and unexpected alliances. The magical creatures of Crystal Wood [human name: Vile Wood] have been imprisoned by a ruthless Prince and Piet and his friends plot to save them. Along the way, he discovers the value of friendship and what it means to fight for the higher good. Enchanting and inspiring!” J.L. Henker, author
Piet, a twelve-year-old boy living in 1749 Oostende, The Austrian Netherlands (now Ostend, Belgium) discovers, together with his best friend, Jean, that mythical creatures are real and some are living in a forest called Vile Wood on the outskirts of the fortress.
The queen of the elves offers to teach Piet how to use his magic if he’ll help her find where Prince Karl is keeping the captured mythical creatures.
Piet and Jean manage to get themselves into a few close scrapes in their attempt to help their new friends.
Can Piet help save the creatures and keep his own magic a secret?
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