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evilinchw0rm's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Sweet nostalgic read.
wanderingstories's review against another edition
4.0
I really enjoyed this book. I thought it was fun and disgustingly creepy descriptions of the witches and their tasks in the competition especially the one from Madame Olympia.
It had funny moments, too.
It had funny moments, too.
harukoreads's review against another edition
3.0
This was an easy, nostalgic re-read - but oh my goodness I did NOT remember them using the word "f****tt" so many times!
readingtheskyline's review against another edition
4.0
I greatly enjoyed this book, it was a delight. Especially Arriman, he is such a dandy diva. I love him, he's so funny with his thinking. Stuff like: If Bloodwort wins, he plans to kill himself? What a drama wizard. However, that wasn't the darkest part of this story. The rats eating themselves? Pretty intense XD I loved Rover the Worm, what a darling invertebrate. I quite enjoyed the ending, Though I had guessed Terence was accidentally helping with Belladonna's magic, him being the prophesized wizard was a surprise! The cover is beautiful, I was always excited to pick it up.
The only thing I would have loved to see more was Belladonna and Arriman together. I know it's a kids' book, but it would have been nice to see them actually have a conversation. There was a perfect time too whenTerence was missing. They could have had a lovely conversation, though it was cute how sappy Arriman was. I did like how Madame Olympia was set up with Sir Simon, I thought that was a fun, murderous pair!
Overall, a lovely read and made my day when I finished it! :)
The only thing I would have loved to see more was Belladonna and Arriman together. I know it's a kids' book, but it would have been nice to see them actually have a conversation. There was a perfect time too when
Overall, a lovely read and made my day when I finished it! :)
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cannibalism
Moderate: Child abuse
bunana_'s review against another edition
dark
funny
lighthearted
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
It was in this moment of complete despair that Arriman showed himself a most true and noble lover. “My angel..” gathering Belladonna in his arms, “what does it matter…”
Arriman and Belladonna are truly; she fell first, he fell harder. I live them so much!
Content Warnings
Minor: Cannibalism
jnb_reads's review against another edition
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
mariahistryingtoread's review against another edition
5.0
To avoid a reading slump I could feel coming on after my last two disappointing reads I decided to re-read Which Witch? because it was one of my favorite books by one of my favorite authors as a kid and I was confident I'd still enjoy it.
And I was totally right. I am as charmed and delighted by Eva Ibbotson as I was a decade ago.
So many fantasy young adult books want what this book had. It had a whimsical prose that wasn't overly simplistic or overly detailed. It had fully developed characters despite a fairly large cast. It had a quirky, refreshing style that didn't seem forced.
My favorite aspect is that it celebrates the alternative in a really genuine way. The plot of this story is that Arriman, a dark Wizard dedicated to spreading and maintaining evil in the world, is looking for a wife in order to have an evil heir. And the best part is that he and all the witches (except for Belladonna who is a White Witch which provides the conflict) just stay evil. It's completely fine and just presented as the way things are in a totally straightforward way. There's no justification or vilification of being a dark wizard or witch. It's just the way things are and you are along for the ride. I loved it.
I will say that it might not be for you if you want really deep mythos or lore. I feel the characters are developed just fine because I was familiar with the story and Ibbotson's writing style, but it might also come off as rather brusque if you're going into it expecting too much.
For me, however, it was everything I needed right now to re-invigorate me going forward. I cannot recommend it enough.
The Haunting of Granite Falls
The Secret of Platform 13
The Great Ghost Rescue
And I was totally right. I am as charmed and delighted by Eva Ibbotson as I was a decade ago.
So many fantasy young adult books want what this book had. It had a whimsical prose that wasn't overly simplistic or overly detailed. It had fully developed characters despite a fairly large cast. It had a quirky, refreshing style that didn't seem forced.
My favorite aspect is that it celebrates the alternative in a really genuine way. The plot of this story is that Arriman, a dark Wizard dedicated to spreading and maintaining evil in the world, is looking for a wife in order to have an evil heir. And the best part is that he and all the witches (except for Belladonna who is a White Witch which provides the conflict) just stay evil. It's completely fine and just presented as the way things are in a totally straightforward way. There's no justification or vilification of being a dark wizard or witch. It's just the way things are and you are along for the ride. I loved it.
I will say that it might not be for you if you want really deep mythos or lore. I feel the characters are developed just fine because I was familiar with the story and Ibbotson's writing style, but it might also come off as rather brusque if you're going into it expecting too much.
For me, however, it was everything I needed right now to re-invigorate me going forward. I cannot recommend it enough.
The Haunting of Granite Falls
The Secret of Platform 13
The Great Ghost Rescue
j2024's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
Content Warnings
Minor: Homophobia and Xenophobia