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Witchlings #5
The Sea Witch Prophecy
THE INSTANT NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLING SERIES! KPop Demon Hunters meets Wicked in this series featuring a magical trio of monster-fighting BFF witches.
The final showdown approaches.
Hidden monstruos
A fallen moon
A sacrifice
To end the doom . . .
With Ambert on the loose, plotting his return, and Ravenskill in ruins, Seven, Valley and Thorn pin their hopes on an ancient prophecy. But though it clearly points them to a voyage across the Twelve Towns, they aren't able to make sense of the rest. Still, lacking any other clues, the Witchlings set off on a journey to find the hidden monstruos, fulfill the prophecy, and save their home.
But the sea holds secrets, spies are everywhere, and not even their closest allies can be trusted.
The Sea Witch Prophecy is the final book in the bestselling Witchlings series. Fans won't want to miss the thrilling ultimate battle against the forces of evil, as the Witchlings discover what makes a monster.
The final showdown approaches.
Hidden monstruos
A fallen moon
A sacrifice
To end the doom . . .
With Ambert on the loose, plotting his return, and Ravenskill in ruins, Seven, Valley and Thorn pin their hopes on an ancient prophecy. But though it clearly points them to a voyage across the Twelve Towns, they aren't able to make sense of the rest. Still, lacking any other clues, the Witchlings set off on a journey to find the hidden monstruos, fulfill the prophecy, and save their home.
But the sea holds secrets, spies are everywhere, and not even their closest allies can be trusted.
The Sea Witch Prophecy is the final book in the bestselling Witchlings series. Fans won't want to miss the thrilling ultimate battle against the forces of evil, as the Witchlings discover what makes a monster.
368 pages, Hardcover
First published October 6, 2026
About the author
Claribel A. Ortega
28 books978 followersNew York Times Bestselling and award-winning author, Claribel A. Ortega is a former reporter who writes middle-grade and young adult fantasy inspired by her Dominican heritage. When she's not busy turning her obsession with eighties pop culture, magic, and video games into books, she’s co-hosting her podcast Bad Author Book Club. Claribel is a Marvel contributor and has been featured on Buzzfeed, Bustle, Good Morning America and Deadline.
Claribel’s NYT Bestselling debut middle grade novel Ghost Squad is being made into a feature film. Her latest book Witchlings (Scholastic) was an Instant NYT and #1 Indie Bestseller. Her graphic novel Frizzy with Rose Bousamra is out now from First Second and was an Indie Bestseller. You can find her on Twitter, Instagram and Tiktok @Claribel_Ortega and on her website at claribelortega.com.
Claribel’s NYT Bestselling debut middle grade novel Ghost Squad is being made into a feature film. Her latest book Witchlings (Scholastic) was an Instant NYT and #1 Indie Bestseller. Her graphic novel Frizzy with Rose Bousamra is out now from First Second and was an Indie Bestseller. You can find her on Twitter, Instagram and Tiktok @Claribel_Ortega and on her website at claribelortega.com.
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
October 2, 2026
While this wasn't my favorite book of the series, I thought it was a good finale.
This book was solely dedicated to defeating Ambert. Ambert has collected a cult around him. He is making these people believe he can save them and that people with different magic like Seven's monstruo magic are bad and dangerous. He is writing his own narrative, throwing people in the Tombs for disagreeing with him and trading out reporters who oppose him with those who agree with his beliefs (sound familiar?). The Witchlings know they need to stop him and can only do so by fulfilling the prophecy. They need to find a witch with monstruo magic from each of the different houses to join them. Can they do it in time?
Seven, Thorn and Valley continue one of the most loyal, loving and caring friendships I have ever read. I just love them so much. We get all sorts of old friends and new ones in this book. While it does mostly focus on the 3 Witchlings, we do get a lot of all the other characters too.Ambert is such a great villain. Not only is his true form scary, but his ideas for ruling basically the world are scary.
The plot was a lot of what Ambert was doing - it was kind of political but in a way the intended middle grade audience would understand. I did like the little side quests the kids went on to find the other monstruo witches. Those were my favorite parts. The ending battle scene was quite long, but everything wrapped up very satisfactorily. There was one specific thing that made me a little teary in a good way.
Overall, this has been one of my favorite middle grade series. It is so inclusive and really shows the meaning of friendship and how sometimes the family you choose is better for you than the family you are born in to. It shows that everyone should be treated equally - no one deserves to be treated as lesser than just because they are different. It shows that things can change for the better if everyone rallies together and is accepting. I am sad it's over but I'm looking forward to what's coming next from Claribel A Ortega!
Thank you to Netgalley and Scholastic for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!
This book was solely dedicated to defeating Ambert. Ambert has collected a cult around him. He is making these people believe he can save them and that people with different magic like Seven's monstruo magic are bad and dangerous. He is writing his own narrative, throwing people in the Tombs for disagreeing with him and trading out reporters who oppose him with those who agree with his beliefs (sound familiar?). The Witchlings know they need to stop him and can only do so by fulfilling the prophecy. They need to find a witch with monstruo magic from each of the different houses to join them. Can they do it in time?
Seven, Thorn and Valley continue one of the most loyal, loving and caring friendships I have ever read. I just love them so much. We get all sorts of old friends and new ones in this book. While it does mostly focus on the 3 Witchlings, we do get a lot of all the other characters too.Ambert is such a great villain. Not only is his true form scary, but his ideas for ruling basically the world are scary.
The plot was a lot of what Ambert was doing - it was kind of political but in a way the intended middle grade audience would understand. I did like the little side quests the kids went on to find the other monstruo witches. Those were my favorite parts. The ending battle scene was quite long, but everything wrapped up very satisfactorily. There was one specific thing that made me a little teary in a good way.
Overall, this has been one of my favorite middle grade series. It is so inclusive and really shows the meaning of friendship and how sometimes the family you choose is better for you than the family you are born in to. It shows that everyone should be treated equally - no one deserves to be treated as lesser than just because they are different. It shows that things can change for the better if everyone rallies together and is accepting. I am sad it's over but I'm looking forward to what's coming next from Claribel A Ortega!
Thank you to Netgalley and Scholastic for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
What worked:
Ambert is still the main antagonist, as he’s slowly gaining power and support. His petition to run for chancellor in a special election has enough signatures, and many witches feel he can’t do anything wrong. Seven and other monstruo witches are called Spares, meaning they’re lesser witches with weaker magic. However, Seven is an Uncle who possesses uncommon power, and her connection to nature is growing stronger. Her abilities make her a threat to Ambert, and her team of friends must fulfill a prophecy to stop him. However, archaic magic should be taking a toll on Ambert, but he sometimes appears younger and stronger than possible. This mystery will perplex the characters and readers until late in the book.
Seven is the main character, and other witches fear her monstruo magic. She’s joined by several other characters who bring interesting subplots. Valley and Thorn have openly begun showing feelings for each other, although the other characters have remained quiet about it. Valley and Thorn turn red when others notice, and Seven is chided by the rest of the team when she asks what’s going on. Figgs and Seven share a fondness for one another, and they have admitted it. However, they fear that Figgs may be part of the prophecy, but Seven won’t let him make the ultimate sacrifice. Her reaction shows the depth of her love for him and the seriousness of the prophecy.
Older middle-grade readers might notice similarities to the real world. The characters can’t understand how Ambert wins the election for chancellor when the majority of voters know he’s a bad person. Witches speaking out against him are thrown into prison, and misinformation runs rampant. Cult members supporting Ambert cause violence, but much of it is blamed on witches with monstruo magic. Written information that might stop Ambert is destroyed, while books or news supporting him are promoted. The witchlings know it will take brave individuals and communities to stop Ambert.
What didn’t work as well:
The plot has many characters with backstories, and it’s challenging to remember what’s already happened. Luckily, young people reading the series today won’t need to wait for the next book to be published, so past events should be clearer in their minds.
The final verdict:
The story has emotional relationships, action, and builds to a dramatic showdown in the climax. This book ends the Witchlings series, and you should definitely read the other books first. I recommend you try the series for yourself.
Ambert is still the main antagonist, as he’s slowly gaining power and support. His petition to run for chancellor in a special election has enough signatures, and many witches feel he can’t do anything wrong. Seven and other monstruo witches are called Spares, meaning they’re lesser witches with weaker magic. However, Seven is an Uncle who possesses uncommon power, and her connection to nature is growing stronger. Her abilities make her a threat to Ambert, and her team of friends must fulfill a prophecy to stop him. However, archaic magic should be taking a toll on Ambert, but he sometimes appears younger and stronger than possible. This mystery will perplex the characters and readers until late in the book.
Seven is the main character, and other witches fear her monstruo magic. She’s joined by several other characters who bring interesting subplots. Valley and Thorn have openly begun showing feelings for each other, although the other characters have remained quiet about it. Valley and Thorn turn red when others notice, and Seven is chided by the rest of the team when she asks what’s going on. Figgs and Seven share a fondness for one another, and they have admitted it. However, they fear that Figgs may be part of the prophecy, but Seven won’t let him make the ultimate sacrifice. Her reaction shows the depth of her love for him and the seriousness of the prophecy.
Older middle-grade readers might notice similarities to the real world. The characters can’t understand how Ambert wins the election for chancellor when the majority of voters know he’s a bad person. Witches speaking out against him are thrown into prison, and misinformation runs rampant. Cult members supporting Ambert cause violence, but much of it is blamed on witches with monstruo magic. Written information that might stop Ambert is destroyed, while books or news supporting him are promoted. The witchlings know it will take brave individuals and communities to stop Ambert.
What didn’t work as well:
The plot has many characters with backstories, and it’s challenging to remember what’s already happened. Luckily, young people reading the series today won’t need to wait for the next book to be published, so past events should be clearer in their minds.
The final verdict:
The story has emotional relationships, action, and builds to a dramatic showdown in the climax. This book ends the Witchlings series, and you should definitely read the other books first. I recommend you try the series for yourself.
October 8, 2026
I tend to read more YA than middle grade because I feel like many middle grade authors fail to achieve complexity in their plots and characters. It is truly rare to find a middle grade author that does such a remarkable job as balancing the difficult job of keeping a book accessible to younger readers while maintaining a complex and addictive narrative. This is why I was so impressed by Witchlings. Initially I felt that the plot of book 1 was predictable and standard for a fantasy middle grade novel, yet as I got into it, I realized that this book was brilliant. I immediately fell for the characters, specifically Valley—who might I add was written excellently. However, I was quite disappointed when I finally got my hands on The Sea Witch Prophecy. I felt the pacing was very rushed and that many plot elements were thrown in simply for the drama and served no actual purpose in the plot. I’m trying to avoid spoilers but I feel like the interactions between two certain someones were very repetitive throughout the book and failed to deliver. I also felt that Seven, Valley, and Thorn had significantly less interaction in this novel, which was disappointing to me because I felt that their friendship was really the heart of the story. I also didn’t quite like that we were dropped in immediately into the drama, for I liked that in previous books there were moments where we simply got to see Seven, Valley, and Thorn just be kids. I feel like many novels like this fail to convince me that the characters are actually friends, and this one surprisingly did not. However, in this particular novel, they really only interacted in ways that served the plot. I also felt like Lotus had a lot of potential and it was disappointing to see her thrown in at the end with absolutely no plot significance. I’m going to end this review here, thank you for your time. I would appreciate comments to see if it was just me or if you had similar experiences with this book. Otherwise, I feel this series is quite promising and so is Claribel A. Ortega.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
I received this book for free to review but all thoughts and opinions are my own.
11+
With an evil and powerful witch on the loose, the Witchling have to prepare for the final battle by analyzing a very confusing prophecy. They set off on a journey but find danger everywhere. . .even close to home.
I haven’t read the Witchlings series in a little while but the second I picked up this book I felt instantly transported back to Ravenskill walking alongside Seven. This book immersed me and captured me as I gasped and laughed alongside the girls. There were plenty of twists and surprises and I could never have predicted how the story went. This was an amazing end to the Witchlings series and perfectly wrapped everything up. A lot of new characters were introduced but they all were so different I had no problem keeping them straight.
Seven is an adventurous and caring character. I love her kindness and willingness to do nearly anything for her friends and family.
Thorn - I love her sewing and crafting abilities and how much she contributes to what the girls do. She loves her friends so much and is such a loving character.
Valley is my fave (maybe because of her hair) and also because of her attitude and wits.
If you like fantasy, magic, friendship stories, and adventures you will love this book!
Latte to match - lavender latte with blackberry cold foam
11+
With an evil and powerful witch on the loose, the Witchling have to prepare for the final battle by analyzing a very confusing prophecy. They set off on a journey but find danger everywhere. . .even close to home.
I haven’t read the Witchlings series in a little while but the second I picked up this book I felt instantly transported back to Ravenskill walking alongside Seven. This book immersed me and captured me as I gasped and laughed alongside the girls. There were plenty of twists and surprises and I could never have predicted how the story went. This was an amazing end to the Witchlings series and perfectly wrapped everything up. A lot of new characters were introduced but they all were so different I had no problem keeping them straight.
Seven is an adventurous and caring character. I love her kindness and willingness to do nearly anything for her friends and family.
Thorn - I love her sewing and crafting abilities and how much she contributes to what the girls do. She loves her friends so much and is such a loving character.
Valley is my fave (maybe because of her hair) and also because of her attitude and wits.
If you like fantasy, magic, friendship stories, and adventures you will love this book!
Latte to match - lavender latte with blackberry cold foam
July 13, 2026
Thank you Scholastic Press and NetGalley for the advanced electronic review copy of this book. This is the final instalment in the Witchlings series and it doesn’t disappoint. Same great characters, interesting world that I enjoyed returning to, lots of action and adventure, and the ultimate battle where our trio of witchlings discover what it truly means to be a monster. This is a great middle grade series that I definitely recommend to any fantasy reader.
January 7, 2026
Counting books in my reading challenge that I copyedited or proofread. It's only fair. It's a damn lot of reading I'm not including otherwise!
Such a fun project.
Such a fun project.
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews