by Victoria Schwab
Hyperion
2011
288 pages
Cover not final
Available August 2, 2011
Beautifully written, masterful storytelling, and poetic prose almost too beautiful not to be a song--this novel soars! Part fairy tale, part ghost story, part fantasy, part romance, part a tale of witches, The Near Witch is a pleasurable jaunt. Debut author Victoria Schwab weaves this tale magically and shows her writing chops. This novel will resonate with readers who love a good fairy tale.
The Near Witch is just a child's rhyme, isn't it? The wind over the moor calls to children at night; don't listen too closely because the moor needs children. When a stranger comes to the town of Near, Lexi's Uncle Otto is determined to run him out of town because in the town of Near, there are no strangers. Lexi is curious about the strange boy who seems to vanish into thin air, and curious-er still that the boy is taken in by the strange elderly sisters who live on the edge of the moor. It is said that they practice magic.
Then the first child vanishes from his bed, and suspicion falls on the newcomer. When the stranger offers to help Lexi track the missing child, she accepts and learns more secrets about him. A second child is missing, then a third. The town of Near heats up, and a mob of men are after Lexi's new friend.
Lexi and Cole go to the ancient sisters for help, and together they track the missing children and attempt to save the town of Near.
Highly, highly recommended grades 6-up; ages 12-up. Don't miss this magical novel! Kissing, no sex, no language.
FTC Required Disclaimer: I received this arc from the publisher. I did not receive monetary compensation for this review.
I loved this book. I saw it on Netgalley, so first bought Once a Witch and read it first. I really liked both books.
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