Glunda the Veg Witch was the 7th place finalist in BBNYA 2024!

Glunda The Veg Witch by Keith W. Dickinson

About BBNYA

BBNYA is a yearly competition where book bloggers from all over the world read and score books written by indie authors, ending with 15 finalists (16 in 2024) and one overall winner.

If you want some more information about BBNYA, check out the BBNYA Website https://www.bbnya.com/ or take a peek over on Twitter @BBNYA_Official. BBNYA is brought to you in association with the book blogger support group @The_WriteReads

Book Details

Blurb

“A witch’s boots told the story of her life. They showed you where she’d been, where she was going, and what kind of a witch she would be when she got there. And, most importantly, they were proof that said witch was not someone to be trifled with. She was to be listened to, and obeyed, and yes sometimes even feared, because her wisdom was hard earned and her wrath swift and mighty. They would have to be, for her to have lived in such boots for so many a year. No one trusted a witch in brand new boots, and rightly so as far as Glunda was concerned.”

Glunda Ashwillow is on top of the world. About to become head witch, and the youngest ever Guardian of the Golden Key, the only thing standing in her way is her old enemy, the Drupe Mages. They have the key, and they’re not willing to give it up without a fight.

With a coven of quarrelsome witches to contend with, and a fief full of farmers on the verge of revolt, can Glunda beat the mages and get the key before she runs out of veg? Or is there a cold, hard, carrot-less winter ahead for all concerned?

A tale of heroism and hotpots, Glunda The Veg Witch is a fun fantasy adventure everyone can enjoy.

Author Bio

Born a stone’s throw from the Lake District, Keith studied film making at university before moving to London to work in film and TV. After twenty years of doing other people’s bidding he went around the world, trained as a yoga teacher, rode a camel, got a tattoo he doesn’t regret, and was finally able to publish his first novel, DEXTER & SINISTER: DETECTING AGENTS, something he has dreamed of since he was eight years old and asked for a typewriter for Christmas.

Currently residing in Leeds, when he’s not up a mountain Keith can be found trying to get his foot behind his head. He hasn’t managed it yet, but he’ll get there one day.

Keith has four books out, THE HAMMERSMYTH TALES, a steampunk series that includes two novels and a collection of short stories, and GLUNDA THE VEG WITCH, his first foray into cosy fantasy.

Keith can be found idling on social media at https://x.com/keithwdickinson, https://bsky.app/profile/keithwdickinson.bsky.social, and https://www.instagram.com/keithwdickinson/, and you can find out more about him and his work at https://keithwdickinson.com/


🌿 Book Review: Glunda the Veg Witch by Keith Dickinson

Light, quirky, and a little bit magical…

If you’re in the mood for something light, whimsical, and delightfully offbeat, Glunda the Veg Witch by Keith Dickinson might just be the book for you.

This story follows Glunda—a witch whose powers revolve around, yes, vegetables. From enchanted eggplants to bewitched broccoli, she’s not your average spellcaster. And that’s exactly what makes this tale feel so fresh. The tone is light-hearted and fun, making it the perfect weekend read for when you need something cozy and different.

Let’s talk about the writing. It’s technically solid—well-edited, clean, and easy to follow. But while I appreciated the clarity, I found myself wishing for more immersive world-building. The premise has so much potential! I wanted to smell the herbs, hear the clatter of cauldrons, and really feel the magic in the air. A little more sensory detail could have elevated the story into something even more special.

The characters, too, are fun but not particularly deep. Glunda and her companions are charming and full of potential, but their development felt a bit surface-level. I liked them—but I didn’t love them. I wasn’t emotionally attached in the way I often am with more layered, character-driven stories.

That said, the plot itself is solid and has a clear theme. It moves along at a nice pace and builds to a satisfying (and unique!) conclusion. I appreciated that the story didn’t rely on clichés and brought something fresh to the table.

Final Thoughts:

Glunda the Veg Witch is like a veggie-packed soup—fun, light, and a little unexpected. It may not have the deepest flavors or richest textures, but it’s still a satisfying read. If you’re looking for a whimsical escape and don’t mind a lighter touch when it comes to world-building and character depth, this could be a lovely addition to your weekend reading list.

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4/5)

One response to “Glunda the Veg Witch was the 7th place finalist in BBNYA 2024!”

  1. Sarah @ Exploring All Genres Avatar

    This sounds like a book I would enjoy. A witch with vegetable powers certainly seems like an amusing twist. You have convinced me to read this one. Can’t wait to check it out.

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