Evil Was a Child Once

by Wendra Colleen, Lee Matthews (Illustrator)

I should warn I'm bad luck.
The Library of Strange and Unusual Things in Virtue, California, holds the key to lifting twelve-year-old Evil Mather’s the long-lost diary of her great-great-great grandfather, Cotton Mather, cursed by a witch in the 17th century. When Evil's emotions run high, this inherited witch’s curse makes her sketch people’s worst nightmares. Then, her sketches come true.
Evil's father, the Reverend Stanley Mather, insists he must find her cure in the Cotton diary by a historical Mather day, just seven days away, or Evil might be cursed forever.
At The Library, Evil meets Davey, a boy traumatized by the recent loss of his own father in a strange connection to Cotton's diary. As they uncover secrets about each other and The Library itself, Davey and Evil stumble upon something so shocking that she questions the witch's curse, the cure, and what her father raised her to believe. What neither Evil nor Davey realize is how complicated and painful the truth can really be.
If you like Stranger Things, Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children series, or the haunting history of the Salem Witch Trials, don't wait to read this dark contemporary fantasy.

226 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 1, 2024

About the author

Wendra Colleen's motto is "Embrace your weirdness." Her dark and humorous short stories, screenplays, and novels show how unique, unusual, and unconventional individuals transform adversity into empowerment. Funky facts include that she has a PhD in experimental psychology and deployed to the Iraq War as a civilian, all of which was a breeze compared to learning how to embrace her unique, unusual, and unconventional qualities in high school. Want to learn more about Wendra's work, how to be a writer, or how to be empowered? Check out https://www.wendracolleen.com

Reviews

[Stacia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Evil Was a Child Once is the story of two sad, lonely children who become friends as they each seek answers to tough questions.

Evil is the victim of a centuries-old curse that compels her to draw terrible scenes that often come true. Her hopes are on her father, Rev. Mather, who must read an ancient diary before the anniversary to cure her.

Davey's father, a police officer, was shot and killed on the job, leaving Davey and his mother alone.

They meet in the Library of Strange and Unusual Things, a magical place that holds a potential cure for Evil and comfort for Davey. 

The characters in this book are well-developed, and the author, Wendra Colleen, does an excellent job of describing them and their surroundings in a way that's easy to picture. The Library is as much a character as any of the people in this book, and I thought several times that I wished I could visit.

The current story of Evil's curse and the death of Davey's father is intertwined with familiar names and elements of the 1600s witch trials. This historical element adds a layer of intrigue to Evil's situation and intensifies the urgency to find a cure. 

Despite the story's darkness, Evil Was a Child Once is ultimately a heart-warming tale of friendship between two children who find common ground in their feelings that they don't belong.

The book includes a few illustrations of Evil's drawings, which is a nice touch. 

I think I would've really enjoyed this story when I was in middle school. 

(I received an ARC for review purposes.)

[Nicole Green · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wendra Colleen has written a haunting, masterful story. A mere few sentences in, you will find that Wendra is truly a talented and skilled storyteller. All of the characters are compelling, but I was absolutely enchanted by the voices of the dual point of view characters Evil, AKA Ava, and Davey. Evil and Davey are heartbreakingly, beautifully rendered. There are no flat, one-dimensional characters in this story. Even the villains are complex and dynamic, and they have realistic motivations that help drive the plot.

When I say I’ve never read anything quite like Evil Was A Child Once, I mean it fully as a compliment. Part horror, part mystery, part adventure, part coming of age story, the countdown to the Anniversary on which Evil hopes to find her cure is irresistible. I had trouble putting down this book every time I had to do so, and I looked forward to returning to it in a way I haven’t looked forward to a book in a long time. I’m trying to keep this review high-level to avoid spoilers, and boy is it hard. There’s just so much to enjoy about Evil and Davey’s story! I don’t want to ruin any of it for you.

The historical details in this story are knowledgeably crafted and very well done. The illustrations sprinkled throughout the narrative are finely detailed and stunningly gorgeous. And the setting! I could not get enough of the Library of Strange and Unusual Things. The name is not a misnomer–the library is indeed filled with strange, unusual, and WONDERFUL things. If you like books and storytelling at all, you’ll fall in love with this library. I wish so badly for it to exist in real life. Every facet of Evil and Davey’s tale was extremely delightful. The plot twists are riveting–especially the final one–or ones? You’ll have to read the book to find out more. I’m not about to spoil the fun here! I will say that I cannot wait for Wendra’s next novel!

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this unique and creative dark YA fantasy. The plot pulls in snapshots of an event from the Salem witch trials that has great bearing on a modern descendant of Cotton Mather, the Reverend Stanley Mather, and his twelve-year-old daughter, whom he has named Evil. The Reverend is desperate to end the curse placed on his family during the trials, spending his time searching for the lost diary of Cotton Mather, which he says holds the key to stopping their family’s misfortune. The Reverend and Evil travel to the Library of Strange and Unusual Things in the hopes of finding and reading the diary.

Evil is an intriguing character. Due to an unwanted and frightening skill she has, she is isolated and lonely, finding it impossible to make friends. When she meets Davey in the Library, she finally has the chance to make a friend. Davey has suffered a terrible trauma in his life and is lonely, too. Although they are very different, they are drawn to each other.

I absolutely love the way Colleen shows the growth of the characters as the story moves forward. I was drawn in by the way she describes the Library. The rich detail of the themed rooms allows you to see them so clearly in your mind’s eye. I wish I could go there, especially to the Hobbit Hole! The excerpts from Cotton Mather’s diary are very well-written.

If you like dark YA fantasy, I think you will enjoy this book. The plot, pacing, character development, and surprises woven in will keep you engaged and interested. Some of the events could be frightening, so it’s probably best for middle grades (grades 6-8, if they enjoy creepy books), YA, and adults who read YA.

[Christina Frøkjær · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wendra Colleen's "Evil Was a Child Once" offers a unique blend of fantasy and family drama that promises to captivate young adult readers. The novel introduces us to Evil Mather, a twelve-year-old girl cursed with the ability to bring her nightmares to life. This intriguing premise sets the stage for a thrilling adventure filled with mystery and suspense.

The author's ability to craft a believable world is evident from the beginning. The setting, a library filled with strange and unusual things, adds a touch of magic and intrigue. The characters are well-developed, with Evil and Davey forming a compelling friendship that adds depth to the story.

While the plot may feel somewhat familiar to fans of fantasy and young adult fiction, Colleen's writing style and the unique elements of the curse make the story stand out. The exploration of family dynamics and the challenges of growing up are handled with sensitivity and authenticity.

Overall, "Evil Was a Child Once" is a promising novel that offers a thrilling escape into a world of magic and mystery. While it may not reinvent the wheel in terms of plot, the strong characters and imaginative storytelling make it a worthwhile read.

[Kate Craig · Rating 5 out of 5]

Evil Was a Child Once was a page turner. I literally could not put it down. I thoroughly enjoyed the writing and the storyline.

Wendra does a wonderful job with character development. My heart ached for Evil and all that was put upon her. Her and Davey’s friendship, Davey who had also experienced trauma, was so beautiful and heart-worming as they explored what it means to trust as they set out on an adventure for the truth.

While I am long out of the YA target audience, I believe this book is wonderful for readers of all ages.

Go on an adventure with Evil as she learns more about her family history, the curse that her father has told her is the reason she is a danger to others, and the true meaning of friendship.

[Eric Guignard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wendra Colleen is a wonderful, thoughtful author. Don’t let the title mislead, as it’s the Puritanical convention of naming children after attributes or modifiers of human emotion or behavior. “Purity,” “Thankful,” and then poor “Evil,” cursed in more ways than one! The book is a rather tragic, gloomy mystery, at home on the YA shelf, with hope for redemption and a sweet friendship with the boy, Davey. Wendra Colleen has a natural, honest way in telling a story, turning it both resonant and impactful, with enough wonder and intrigue to keep the pages turning effortlessly. Great, quick read!

Five out of Five stars

[Sara Jesus · Rating 3 out of 5]

Evil all her live belived that was cursed. Her drawings mada her do bad things. Her father belive that the cure is in the library of strange and the unsual things, in an old diary. When she meets Davy, that have a connection with that diary, Evil strats to question if the curse is real and who she really are.
I really like both Evil and Davy, just like the sweet friendship that was formed. Just wish that the mystery was better resolved.

[Nikki · Rating 4 out of 5]

Evil was a child once by Wendy’s Colleen is a 4 ⭐️ read.
This is a YA book. Evil is the name of a young girl who believes she’s been cursed and is waiting for her father to find a diary of her ancestor to be able to free her from the curse, but not is everything as it seems.
I enjoyed this book even though it was aimed at a younger audience.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced copy of this book.

[Lisa Bentley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Throughout this whole book my heart broke for Evil. The things she thought of herself and the way the world saw her thanks to her father.
I loved hers and Davey’s friendship and I’m so glad she found family that treated her the way a human being should be treated.
This was definitely a strange and creepy book and the very ending was a bit weird but it was a good read that I’d recommend to others 😊

[Tanya · Rating 5 out of 5]

She has been affected by evil and a curse, now there is a chance that it can be removed. Her dad will need to read a book in just 7 days. It is not going to be easy but he will do what he can to remove the curse. How will he get on? Can he do it? Will she finally be free? See if he can do it
I received an advance copy from hidden gems and I want to review

[Gina Wilkinson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great read for YA fans who enjoy dark gothic vibes, supernatural suspense, and mysterious libraries. The author has an evocative writing style and complex, quirky characters. A great pick for Halloween.

[AMBER CLARK · Rating 4 out of 5]

When Evil gets stressed, she draws people's nightmares and then these nightmares come true. This is a tragic, gloomy tale and I adored it. A great YA fantasy novel for readers of all ages. The historical details are spot on. Magic and mystery as only Colleen does.

[Tonie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story gave me vibes of both Stephen King’s novella The Body (later turned into the movie Stand By Me) and Stephen Chobsky’s Imaginary Friend. I was drawn in from page 1 and couldn’t put it down. Not super scary but definitely creepy. A good one for young adults and older.

[Karla Basil · Rating 3 out of 5]

It took me awhile to read this book. I couldn’t get into it. I had other arc books that were more interesting. I thought it was a Stranger Things book by the cover. That is why I chose to read it.

[Lynn Rose]

Evil Was a Child Once is a young adult book that masterfully intertwines the haunting legacy of the Salem witch trials with the tumultuous journey of adolescence and identity as both the protagonist, Evil, and her friend, Davey, search for their place in the world after traumatic circumstances. However, as they search for a diary that harkens back to Cotton Mather and the Salem Witch trials, they are not sure what to believe about themselves or Evil's father. A particularly enchanting aspect of the novel is the setting. The town's library, is a bibliophile's dream. I particularly enjoyed the many allusions to books of my own childhood. This is a library I would love to get lost in! It is filled with towering shelves, imaginative interactive displays and boasts more secret rooms and foreboding locked doors than Hogwarts! Wendra Colleen is a master of the dark arts!

[Tahnia Ross · Rating 5 out of 5]

Evil has a "gift." She draws pictures that become real, or does she? Evil's father is a Reverand who uses her "gift" to get what he wants, like having a parishioner sign over their savings to his Church. When Evil met Davey at a special library, her life changed. This story is a mix of creepy and cute, and I highly recommend it.

I received a copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.