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bookonarooftop's review against another edition
3.0
This book was an easy read and my first book by the author
however it was also so simple that nothing happened
I think 15 years old me would have enjoyed it more than me now.
the plot was quite creative and i liked fantasy details but overall it read like children's book.
however it was also so simple that nothing happened
I think 15 years old me would have enjoyed it more than me now.
the plot was quite creative and i liked fantasy details but overall it read like children's book.
kalona's review against another edition
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.75
I didn’t love this unfortunately. My experience with Schwab is a little hit and miss. I loved addie larue but was gallant was a little mid for me (I liked the first half ending was too rushed). With the near witch I feel a little like I felt about gallant, not great and not bad. The story is fine enough but it took me a very long time to get into it and I don’t feel like I cared about any of the characters. The book I got was with the short story “the Ashen boy” which I cared even less for. All in all it was an alright filler read, but now I feel nervous because I invested in all her darker shades of magic books after loving addie larue so much 😂
georgiemay7's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
kate_olsen's review against another edition
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
3.0
bambiann's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
I recommend reading the book and NOT listening to the audiobook. The story idea seemed good, but the terrible narrator, Heather Wilds, ruined it. Wilds was expressionless and robotic. AI might have done a better job.
The audiobook includes the short story, The Ash Born Boy. Be sure to listen to this, it is the life story of the Mysterious stranger Cole. Same annoying narrator, but if you made it this far then you might as well listen to his story too. I liked the closure, but HATED that 'cutting' was used as a form of punishment/behavior control.
The audiobook includes the short story, The Ash Born Boy. Be sure to listen to this, it is the life story of the Mysterious stranger Cole. Same annoying narrator, but if you made it this far then you might as well listen to his story too. I liked the closure, but HATED that 'cutting' was used as a form of punishment/behavior control.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Mental illness, Physical abuse, and Self harm
rachtmh's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
“The Near Witch is only an old story told to frighten children”.
If the wind calls at night, you must not listen. The wind is lonely, and always looking for company”.
Wow… I mean seriously! I missed the original release of this book. My first V.E.Schwab book was ‘The invisible life of Addie LaRue’ and it blew me away so much I decided to start catching up on her other books.
The near witch is a masterpiece in writing, all the more impressive by it being her first published book.
The setting and characters were so full and interesting and I loved the almost ‘Pied Piper’ feel, but with Witches!!!!
The main characters Lexi and Cole were both instant loves for me and I loved reading their journeys and following them through the book.
Also, the witch sisters are perfection!
Everything about the mystery felt so clever and followed a really great pace.
I would wholly recommend getting the newest edition so you can also read “The Ash-born Boy” and V.E.Schwab’s introduction.
This book is an instant comfort read for me.
zmeiat's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.25
Very strong debut that showcases V. E Schwabs compelling writting ability from the very start.
The Near Witch however, felt like it would have worked better if it was put to screen instead of in a book format.
The story itself was pretty straighforward, and could have been elevated further with the help of cool imagery and sound-design, making the basic plot more exciting.
The Near Witch however, felt like it would have worked better if it was put to screen instead of in a book format.
The story itself was pretty straighforward, and could have been elevated further with the help of cool imagery and sound-design, making the basic plot more exciting.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Xenophobia
Moderate: Misogyny and Death of parent
majesticlex's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
hopeful
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
3.5
lorilaws's review against another edition
5.0
I've been excited for The Near Witch for a very long time. When I discovered it on Goodreads last year it was just a title and probably a very short blurb, but I knew I had to read it. The title alone was enough to get my attention, but once I finally got my hands on it and opened the pages I fell into the story head first. All that excitement was well worth it.
The writing is to die for. Everything is so vivid. From the moor to the town, I could see it all so clearly. The eeriness sent chills up my spine and had me sitting on the edge of my seat for most of the novel. The magical aspects in the book reminded me a lot of what I have read of Alice Hoffman, which is a style that I love.
All the characters, Lexi, Cole, and even the ones I loved to hate were fantastically done. Otto and Tyler made me want to smack them and I wanted to shake Lexi once or twice, but I love when I have such strong reactions to characters! Lexi was very fascinating. She was brave and maybe too stubborn for her own good, but the story would have been nearly as interesting without that. Cole was probably my favorite, though. Once you read it you will definitely understand why.
This is a book you must read. You can't be disappointed by the history, the setting, the eerie undertones, and you definitely won't be disappointed by the lyrical writing. I think Victoria Schwab is only getting started and we can only expect amazing things from her in the future, but for right now make sure you read The Near Witch!
The writing is to die for. Everything is so vivid. From the moor to the town, I could see it all so clearly. The eeriness sent chills up my spine and had me sitting on the edge of my seat for most of the novel. The magical aspects in the book reminded me a lot of what I have read of Alice Hoffman, which is a style that I love.
All the characters, Lexi, Cole, and even the ones I loved to hate were fantastically done. Otto and Tyler made me want to smack them and I wanted to shake Lexi once or twice, but I love when I have such strong reactions to characters! Lexi was very fascinating. She was brave and maybe too stubborn for her own good, but the story would have been nearly as interesting without that. Cole was probably my favorite, though. Once you read it you will definitely understand why.
This is a book you must read. You can't be disappointed by the history, the setting, the eerie undertones, and you definitely won't be disappointed by the lyrical writing. I think Victoria Schwab is only getting started and we can only expect amazing things from her in the future, but for right now make sure you read The Near Witch!