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!