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The Apprentice Witch #1
The Apprentice Witch
Arianwyn fluffs her witch's assessment - instead of qualifying, she's declared an apprentice and sent to remote Lull in disgrace. Then her arch-enemy, mean girl Gimma, arrives on holiday determined to make her life a misery. But as a mysterious darkness begins to haunt her spells, Arianwyn realizes there's much more than her pride at stake ...
341 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 7, 2016
101 people are currently reading
3567 people want to read
About the author
James Nicol
7 books190 followersI always knew I wanted to write the kind of fantasy novel I had escaped into as a child, somewhere that felt safe and filled with characters that did brave things and had lots of fun at the same time. But I wanted the magic in my book to be part of the world, not a secret, and I wanted to see what happened after a witch was trained and was sent out into the world to work. When I was thinking about all this, one day I got a really clear image of a scene for the book – I wrote it all down as quickly as I could and then thought, now what happens next ...
James Nicol has loved books and stories his whole life. As a child he spent hours absorbed in novels, watching epic 1980s cartoons or adventuring in the wood at the bottom of the garden searching for dragons and witches. He has worked in bookshops and libraries and now spends all his spare time writing! He lives near the city of York in a house with too many books and too many musical instruments with his husband and daughter and a black and white cockapoo called Bonnie.
James Nicol has loved books and stories his whole life. As a child he spent hours absorbed in novels, watching epic 1980s cartoons or adventuring in the wood at the bottom of the garden searching for dragons and witches. He has worked in bookshops and libraries and now spends all his spare time writing! He lives near the city of York in a house with too many books and too many musical instruments with his husband and daughter and a black and white cockapoo called Bonnie.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 543 reviews
October 1, 2019
One of my goals for this year was to DNF more books and not bother with books I dislike. Never did I expect this book to get a DNF from me at only 126 pages. One of my favorite coworkers obsessed over this to the point where my expectations may have been too high.
To me, the characters here felt more comical than interesting. Arianwyn has two character traits: she's clumsy and she puts her foot in her mouth constantly. Plot points are based entirely around her putting her foot in her mouth. I truly wish authors could care enough for their main girl characters to give them negative traits beyond “clumsy”. Using clumsy as a personality trait feels lazy; “incompetent” is not a personality trait. Not a single side character is developed even a hair's breath. The townspeople especially are cardboard cutouts put on earth to hate Arianwyn.
The dialogue here is... not great. It's some of the fakest dialogue I've read in my life. The writing style is marketed as being somewhat reminiscent of Harry Potter, but Nichols' overuse of exclamation points throws that comparison down the gutter quickly. There's nothing shown in this story, everything is told, and it gets tiring fast.
The story is actually fairly decent. This is definitely a book you can fly through. The worldbuilding also seems to have some potential. Magic with runes, some wars in far-off nations... it's all fairly potential-filled. A map of the world would help, as the descriptions of the other five nations are incredibly hard to follow.
In general, this was fairly disappointing. Maybe some mg readers would like this, but it wasn't for me.
To me, the characters here felt more comical than interesting. Arianwyn has two character traits: she's clumsy and she puts her foot in her mouth constantly. Plot points are based entirely around her putting her foot in her mouth. I truly wish authors could care enough for their main girl characters to give them negative traits beyond “clumsy”. Using clumsy as a personality trait feels lazy; “incompetent” is not a personality trait. Not a single side character is developed even a hair's breath. The townspeople especially are cardboard cutouts put on earth to hate Arianwyn.
The dialogue here is... not great. It's some of the fakest dialogue I've read in my life. The writing style is marketed as being somewhat reminiscent of Harry Potter, but Nichols' overuse of exclamation points throws that comparison down the gutter quickly. There's nothing shown in this story, everything is told, and it gets tiring fast.
The story is actually fairly decent. This is definitely a book you can fly through. The worldbuilding also seems to have some potential. Magic with runes, some wars in far-off nations... it's all fairly potential-filled. A map of the world would help, as the descriptions of the other five nations are incredibly hard to follow.
In general, this was fairly disappointing. Maybe some mg readers would like this, but it wasn't for me.
October 25, 2017
this book is well written and has a interesting story it has a bit of old-school feel to it much like harry potter, sorry but It's really hard to read any story about teenage witches without comparing it to harry potter lol anyway This story was a little linear without many twists, and turns i could see how it was going to end half way through but it was cute, for some reason i think it would make a fun anime series but i feel it would be more fun to read for middle schoolers. but saying that i still will read the next one.
October 12, 2016
RESEÑA -> http://thewordsofbooks.blogspot.com.e...
Una lectura amena y entretenida donde una joven aprendiz de bruja, Arianwyn, es destinada a un pequeño pueblo en un lugar alejado para aprender y convertirse finalmente en una bruja cualificada, ya que no logró superar la evaluación final para convertirse en bruja, pero las cosas allí no serán tan faciles como pensaba y algunos seres oscuros y malvados no se lo pondrán nada facil. Arianwyn deberá hacer frente a todos esos seres al mismo tiempo que aprenderá a adaptarse a su nuevo hogar, a los habitantes del pueblo y a controlar su magia.
Una lectura amena y entretenida donde una joven aprendiz de bruja, Arianwyn, es destinada a un pequeño pueblo en un lugar alejado para aprender y convertirse finalmente en una bruja cualificada, ya que no logró superar la evaluación final para convertirse en bruja, pero las cosas allí no serán tan faciles como pensaba y algunos seres oscuros y malvados no se lo pondrán nada facil. Arianwyn deberá hacer frente a todos esos seres al mismo tiempo que aprenderá a adaptarse a su nuevo hogar, a los habitantes del pueblo y a controlar su magia.
July 31, 2018
For me it was slow to engage and I was thinking that maybe it was one of those children’s books truly more enjoyed by children than older people but I ended up liking it. And I did not guess everything that was coming, though the ending was not a surprise to me.
It was hard for me to decide between 3 and 4 stars. For much of the book I simply liked it but there were times, including the ending, that I really liked, so I’ll give it 3-1/2 stars.
I love Arianwyn. And I love her name. She is kind and she is brave, she has good intentions, and imperfections, and I think that girls will identify with her. I liked her a lot but often felt frustrated with her. There are also many other great characters.
I thoroughly enjoyed the place witches have in this world, assigned to people and towns to help them, and valued by them. I also love the place magic has in this world and the forms it takes. I thought the author showed a lot of creativity. Even though the premise is reminiscent of other books I’ve read the details are unique.
It was hard for me to decide between 3 and 4 stars. For much of the book I simply liked it but there were times, including the ending, that I really liked, so I’ll give it 3-1/2 stars.
I love Arianwyn. And I love her name. She is kind and she is brave, she has good intentions, and imperfections, and I think that girls will identify with her. I liked her a lot but often felt frustrated with her. There are also many other great characters.
I thoroughly enjoyed the place witches have in this world, assigned to people and towns to help them, and valued by them. I also love the place magic has in this world and the forms it takes. I thought the author showed a lot of creativity. Even though the premise is reminiscent of other books I’ve read the details are unique.
March 20, 2019
3,5 steluțe. Stilul e destul de simplu, așa că se citește foarte repede, iar copiilor le va fi ușor să o urmărească pe Wyn în aventura vieții ei, să o privească maturizându-se și învățând cum să distingă binele de rău, prietenia de perfidie și pericolul de aparențe. Ucenica vrăjitoare este un roman plin de vrăji, aventuri și lucruri care te vor face să zâmbești ușor, ca să nu te vadă vrăjitoarele, o lectură potrivită nu doar copiilor, dar și adulților care au nevoie de un strop de magie. Recenzia aici: https://sandradeaconu.blogspot.com/20....
November 19, 2017
As a kid, I would have loved this book. As an adult I really enjoyed it but had some questions. Like, does she get paid? Where does she do her laundry? What year is this?
Maybe I am too practical as a grown up.
Still, highly recommended to grades 5-7! And grown ups too :) really liked the way they did magic and intrigued to learn more.
Maybe I am too practical as a grown up.
Still, highly recommended to grades 5-7! And grown ups too :) really liked the way they did magic and intrigued to learn more.
January 20, 2019
Arianwyn, la aprendiz de bruja es una novela muy entretenida que construye un fantástico mundo lleno de magia y peligros. Espero que el autor decida escribir más sobre este universo y traiga nuevas aventuras de Arianwyn.
Reseña completa en THE BEST READ YET BLOG
Reseña completa en THE BEST READ YET BLOG
August 24, 2017
Yes, yes, yes. I may be in the minority here because I am thrilled to find a book that I can recommend to grandkids and look forward to discussing with them. While I would classify myself as a true novice in this genre, I know that it will appeal to my granddaughters and I relish the opportunity to get with them and talk about their impressions. Several of them in the age category I would recommend for this book (9-12) read constantly, and I am thrilled to have read a book that perhaps they haven't.
Lately our reads have been more historical fiction or nonfiction. This will be a fun reprieve. Of course I love the influence of the grandmother who has raised the protagonist. She is not exactly fashionable and appears beyond her prime; however, her influence is strong in Arianwyn's young (15 yr. old) life.
After a very disappointing failure at a witch evaluation, Grandmother remarks, "I know you've had a hard day but you are starting to behave like one of those spoiled Highbridge brats," she said angrily.
After Arianwyn apologies grandmother continues, " Do you remember the first time you selected a book? she asked.
The memory was as crisp as if it had been only moments ago. It was the day her father had headed off to rejoin the army, leaving her behind with Grandmother.
"I couldn't sleep...," Arianwyn muttered. "I was scared. You brought me down into the shop. I was wrapped in a thick blanket and you told me to close my eyes and select a book. I didn't know what you meant." All the walls had been lined with books; books were tucked under windows and over doorways, piled and stacked on chairs, tables, and the floor. Just like today.
. . . "Why don't you try it now?"
. . . She waited and allowed her breathing to slow. After a few moments there was a flash of light;
it pulsed like a heartbeat. She reached out her hands toward the light and made another step forward. Another pulse of light and another step, and so on.
She could feel the closeness of the shelves. The musty smell of the books filled her nose, warm and familiar. She stopped. Her hands reached out. There was a rush of air; her skin fizzed, and then she felt something solid and cool slide into her waiting hands. She grasped the book tightly. It was thick and heavy, not fairy tales this time she guessed."
Delightful beginning for a girl who has had her hopes and dreams smashed and her world turned topsy turvy. This is a book that will appeal to those children who have faced disappointments. It is a book about friendship, loyalty, courage, integrity, kindness and tenacity. Between the growing up elements are some truly creative creatures...almost like those straight out of an early Harry Potter book. The book hints at darkness but it is not pervasive.
There is plenty of action, lots of learning and reflection and a world open to abundant possibilities and future adventures.
Yes, I am a happy reader. I have something to recommend which puts a smile on my face and warms my heart. New genre for a change...nice!
Lately our reads have been more historical fiction or nonfiction. This will be a fun reprieve. Of course I love the influence of the grandmother who has raised the protagonist. She is not exactly fashionable and appears beyond her prime; however, her influence is strong in Arianwyn's young (15 yr. old) life.
After a very disappointing failure at a witch evaluation, Grandmother remarks, "I know you've had a hard day but you are starting to behave like one of those spoiled Highbridge brats," she said angrily.
After Arianwyn apologies grandmother continues, " Do you remember the first time you selected a book? she asked.
The memory was as crisp as if it had been only moments ago. It was the day her father had headed off to rejoin the army, leaving her behind with Grandmother.
"I couldn't sleep...," Arianwyn muttered. "I was scared. You brought me down into the shop. I was wrapped in a thick blanket and you told me to close my eyes and select a book. I didn't know what you meant." All the walls had been lined with books; books were tucked under windows and over doorways, piled and stacked on chairs, tables, and the floor. Just like today.
. . . "Why don't you try it now?"
. . . She waited and allowed her breathing to slow. After a few moments there was a flash of light;
it pulsed like a heartbeat. She reached out her hands toward the light and made another step forward. Another pulse of light and another step, and so on.
She could feel the closeness of the shelves. The musty smell of the books filled her nose, warm and familiar. She stopped. Her hands reached out. There was a rush of air; her skin fizzed, and then she felt something solid and cool slide into her waiting hands. She grasped the book tightly. It was thick and heavy, not fairy tales this time she guessed."
Delightful beginning for a girl who has had her hopes and dreams smashed and her world turned topsy turvy. This is a book that will appeal to those children who have faced disappointments. It is a book about friendship, loyalty, courage, integrity, kindness and tenacity. Between the growing up elements are some truly creative creatures...almost like those straight out of an early Harry Potter book. The book hints at darkness but it is not pervasive.
There is plenty of action, lots of learning and reflection and a world open to abundant possibilities and future adventures.
Yes, I am a happy reader. I have something to recommend which puts a smile on my face and warms my heart. New genre for a change...nice!
March 2, 2018
The Apprentice Witch by James Nicol is a middle-grade fantasy about a young witch in training named Arianwyn. When she is the only girl in her class to fail her final magic assessment, she is sent to the remote town of Lull to work as an apprentice to further her magical education. When she discovers Lull is actually full of dangerous spirits and creatures, she takes it upon herself to protect the town.
This book was fine. The writing flows just fine, the characters are fine, the story (while not completely original) is fine. There wasn’t anything I disliked about the book… but there wasn’t anything that particularly stood out to me either. I never really cared enough about what was happening to form a real connection to the story, but I was at least entertained. It’s a cute book, but I don’t think I’ll remember much about it a month from now. I think kids will like it, but I don’t think it will be anyone’s new favorite. I wanted to love it, but it was just meh.
This book was fine. The writing flows just fine, the characters are fine, the story (while not completely original) is fine. There wasn’t anything I disliked about the book… but there wasn’t anything that particularly stood out to me either. I never really cared enough about what was happening to form a real connection to the story, but I was at least entertained. It’s a cute book, but I don’t think I’ll remember much about it a month from now. I think kids will like it, but I don’t think it will be anyone’s new favorite. I wanted to love it, but it was just meh.
July 2, 2018
This book follows Arianwyn as she is about to go into her witch evaluation ceremony. everyone else passes, except Arianwyn. so she is placed as an apprentice witch instead of a regular witch to the town of Lull. on her way to Lull she meets her new best friend Salle and they all encounter many adventures and hardships in Lull. Arianwyn learns to live her life without the help of her grandmother and overall just learns how to become a better witch in her apprentice witch training.
i would give this book a higher rating if there was more description in the beginning and throughout about the background of the witches and their practices. i kinda understood them, but i feel like they could have easily had more descriptions.
i haven’t read a fantasy book in a while, and this was a pretty decent one. I think this book would be a good book for like 10-12 year olds, but i as a 15 year old still thought it was a pretty good book.
i would give this book a higher rating if there was more description in the beginning and throughout about the background of the witches and their practices. i kinda understood them, but i feel like they could have easily had more descriptions.
i haven’t read a fantasy book in a while, and this was a pretty decent one. I think this book would be a good book for like 10-12 year olds, but i as a 15 year old still thought it was a pretty good book.
Read
December 20, 2024DNF
3/10 would not recommend as a spider-killing device
I tried squishing a spider with this book and it took about 23 tries of me throwing this book against the floor to squish it. BUT THE SPIDER DIDNT DIE. I threw it in the trash and then I woke up and the spider was still there, alive.
(^This has nothing to do with the plot)
Anyways I didn't like the plot 😕
3/10 would not recommend as a spider-killing device
I tried squishing a spider with this book and it took about 23 tries of me throwing this book against the floor to squish it. BUT THE SPIDER DIDNT DIE. I threw it in the trash and then I woke up and the spider was still there, alive.
(^This has nothing to do with the plot)
Anyways I didn't like the plot 😕
March 4, 2017
Enchanting, consuming, and brilliant. I just want to stay in Arianwyn's world forever. This is a MUST READ!
July 6, 2021
Esta entretenido pero no lo suficiente como para desear continuar la saga
June 13, 2018
O carte frumoasa, plină de acțiune, ce te tine cu sufletul la gura. Un personaj principal care te cucerește și o mulțime de creaturi fantastice, bune și rele. O poveste ce se adresează tinerilor de 10-12 ani, dar poate fi citită de oricine.
August 14, 2017
3.5 stars. I will admit I am not a huge fan of middle grade books but I did enjoy this one. The book does start off a bit slow but then moves along at a steady pace during the rest of the book. I wasn't immediately a fan of the main character, Arianwyn but became a bit more interested in her as the story moved along. Further into the book you see that she is not only a great friends, but she is also kind and brave. I really enjoyed the author's writing and world building. The descriptions of the locations in the book are great and lay out quite the magical world filled with witches, fae and other magical creatures. The book is middle grade but does touch on some important topic such as friendship and bullying. Overall this was a well written middle grade fantasy and I look forward to reading more from the author in the future.
Thank you to the publisher for sending me an ARC of this book.
Thank you to the publisher for sending me an ARC of this book.
July 29, 2018
3.5/5
Es un libro que me ha gustado, fácil y rápido de leer. A mi gusto es demasiado previsible y juvenil, pero aún así si hay más historias sobre la magia de Arianwyn, yo quiero seguir leyéndolas porque me ha entretenido.
Es un libro que me ha gustado, fácil y rápido de leer. A mi gusto es demasiado previsible y juvenil, pero aún así si hay más historias sobre la magia de Arianwyn, yo quiero seguir leyéndolas porque me ha entretenido.
December 22, 2020
This was so cute, it took me back to the fantasy books I loved as a child. Kinda Wynn Jones mixed with Enid Blyton!
RTC - audiobook
RTC - audiobook
July 25, 2017
The CWA (Civil Witchcraft Authority) is conducting evaluations of apprentice witches to see whom amongst them will be awarded a shining silver star signifying their status as full-fledged witches. Arianwyn Gribble has sneaked out of the apartment she shares with her Grandmother to report for her evaluation. Things don’t go quite as she hoped, and when she is given a bronze moon brooch instead of the silver star, she is just devastated. Her country is in desperate need of witches though, and so Arianwyn Gribble, Apprentice Witch, soon finds herself posted to the town of Lull. Lull lies in the southernmost part of the country, right at the edge of the Great Wood.
A delightful fantasy story for middle grade readers that transports you to a whole other world. The plot moves along at a nice pace and there are plenty of interesting characters to capture the imagination. There is no lack of action either. The main protagonist is well developed and an outstanding character. She’s quick thinking, brave, kind-hearted and a true and loyal friend. This would also make a great read aloud book for parents or teachers. There are a lot of topics for discussion like bullying, lying and friendship. Young readers will definitely be hooked by this magical tale.
A delightful fantasy story for middle grade readers that transports you to a whole other world. The plot moves along at a nice pace and there are plenty of interesting characters to capture the imagination. There is no lack of action either. The main protagonist is well developed and an outstanding character. She’s quick thinking, brave, kind-hearted and a true and loyal friend. This would also make a great read aloud book for parents or teachers. There are a lot of topics for discussion like bullying, lying and friendship. Young readers will definitely be hooked by this magical tale.
October 4, 2019
Absolutely enchanting! Perfect for kids who are a bit to old for The Worst Witch series, but still too young for most of the Harry Potter books.
And to the three reviewers I saw who gave this wonderful book two stars because Middle Grade is too simple for them, why are you reading it then? MG is for 7-11 year olds, so of course it's not as complicated in plot and characterization as books for older readers. Middle Grade is a readership category, not a genre.
And to the three reviewers I saw who gave this wonderful book two stars because Middle Grade is too simple for them, why are you reading it then? MG is for 7-11 year olds, so of course it's not as complicated in plot and characterization as books for older readers. Middle Grade is a readership category, not a genre.
October 16, 2020
Cartea aceasta are toate creaturile – vrăjitoare, demoni, umbre, mucinei și tare credeam că o să îmi placă – mi-am propus să citesc tot mai multe cărți de sezon, dar mi s-a părut că a plecat de undeva și nu a mai ajuns nicăieri. Începutul a fost învăluit într-un mister care m-a făcut captivat, dar am rămas cu foarte multe întrebări la final, iar unele lucruri parcă au fost lăsate în aer.
Wyn nu trece de testul pentru a deveni vrăjitoare cu acte în regulă, așa că bunica ei trage niște sfori și îi găsește lui Wyn un post, ca ucenică vrăjitoare. Wyn ajunge într-un loc uitat de lume, unde are ocazia să strălucească până la urmă, își face prieteni, se maturizează și devine vrăjitoare.
Wyn nu trece de testul pentru a deveni vrăjitoare cu acte în regulă, așa că bunica ei trage niște sfori și îi găsește lui Wyn un post, ca ucenică vrăjitoare. Wyn ajunge într-un loc uitat de lume, unde are ocazia să strălucească până la urmă, își face prieteni, se maturizează și devine vrăjitoare.
July 11, 2016
After James Nicol appeared as a guest on my podcast (http://dissectingdragons.podbean.com) and I first heard about this book, I've been dying to read it - and it has seemed a very long wait. The book finally turned up a few days ago on my birthday and today I actually had time to sit down and read a few pages. That was the intention anyway. Just a taste. Now it's several hours later and I've read the entire book. I sincerely hope there's going to be another one in the not too distant future!
The Apprentice Witch is one of those books that transcend time and age group - very much as Harry Potter or Philip Pullman's His Dark Materials do. There is something here that will resonate with anyone who has ever felt 'no quite good enough' or been wracked with self-doubt or just felt they haven't measured up against their prettier more popular peers.
Arianwynn is taking her witch's evaluation now that she is fifteen. She loves her Grandmother, who has raised her, but is also secretly embarrassed that she is apprenticed to a relative - not the done thing anymore, that her Grandmother is an Elder working with the counsel, that she's not really fashionable and doesn't fit in. So getting her qualification and a Real Witch's post is very important to Arianwynn, who sticks out like a sore thumb and feels awkward and inept most of the time. However her plans take a nose dive when she fails and she's awarded what she feels is an embarrassing 'apprentice continuation' status and a posting in a quiet, out-of-the-way place near the Great Wood, in the town of Lull. Despite its name, Lull is not the tame backwater its reported to be. Dark spirits and strange creatures creep out of the wood. And just as Arianwynn starts to get her feet under her, shadows start to creep into her own magic. If only she could stop seeing that glyph...and if only she could get rid of her pretty, popular and snobby rival, Gimma Alveston, maybe then spells would work the way they are supposed to and she will be a proper witch at last...
I loved this story. The world building was great with tantalising hints of a much larger world and a seamless blending between modern and old fashioned devices. The book is peopled with great characters - Arianwynn especially but I also loved Ms Delefield and Colin (who I hope we'll see more of in future books *fingers crossed*) The magic system is well imagined and evoked, and I loved all the different spirit creatures. Nicol really makes you feel for his MC so that by turns you are embarrassed, frustrated, amused and finally cheering her on to a grand finale.
This was one of those rare books where I found myself smiling as I read it. Well worth the wait. Highly recommend this to fans of Harry Potter, Diana Wynne Jones and anyone who loved Kiki's Delvery Service.
The Apprentice Witch is one of those books that transcend time and age group - very much as Harry Potter or Philip Pullman's His Dark Materials do. There is something here that will resonate with anyone who has ever felt 'no quite good enough' or been wracked with self-doubt or just felt they haven't measured up against their prettier more popular peers.
Arianwynn is taking her witch's evaluation now that she is fifteen. She loves her Grandmother, who has raised her, but is also secretly embarrassed that she is apprenticed to a relative - not the done thing anymore, that her Grandmother is an Elder working with the counsel, that she's not really fashionable and doesn't fit in. So getting her qualification and a Real Witch's post is very important to Arianwynn, who sticks out like a sore thumb and feels awkward and inept most of the time. However her plans take a nose dive when she fails and she's awarded what she feels is an embarrassing 'apprentice continuation' status and a posting in a quiet, out-of-the-way place near the Great Wood, in the town of Lull. Despite its name, Lull is not the tame backwater its reported to be. Dark spirits and strange creatures creep out of the wood. And just as Arianwynn starts to get her feet under her, shadows start to creep into her own magic. If only she could stop seeing that glyph...and if only she could get rid of her pretty, popular and snobby rival, Gimma Alveston, maybe then spells would work the way they are supposed to and she will be a proper witch at last...
I loved this story. The world building was great with tantalising hints of a much larger world and a seamless blending between modern and old fashioned devices. The book is peopled with great characters - Arianwynn especially but I also loved Ms Delefield and Colin (who I hope we'll see more of in future books *fingers crossed*) The magic system is well imagined and evoked, and I loved all the different spirit creatures. Nicol really makes you feel for his MC so that by turns you are embarrassed, frustrated, amused and finally cheering her on to a grand finale.
This was one of those rare books where I found myself smiling as I read it. Well worth the wait. Highly recommend this to fans of Harry Potter, Diana Wynne Jones and anyone who loved Kiki's Delvery Service.
August 21, 2017
Great fun. I will always rue that I was suppose to be at a dinner with the author and managed to get the date wrong. Oh well, still like the book --- lively, well paced, and will be enjoyed by kids who like their fantasy not too terribly dark. Sort of more early Harry Potter than late:)
January 7, 2017
Pratchett-y, Wynnes Jones-y, very glad this is coming to Canada next summer (and will update to the stunning new cover when it shows up here).
May 15, 2018
This book was a lot of fun. Gave me some early Harry Potter vibes.
I would highly recommended to grades 5-7!
I would highly recommended to grades 5-7!
December 6, 2024
Stick with this book if you feel it's slow. For me it picked up in no time...and just kept going and going. We are talking Energizer Bunny Rabbit stamina. The ending was amazing. No cliff-hanger either even though there are additional books in the series. I just adore Arianwyn, our witch, and her BFF Salle, our theatrical non-witch.
Amazing 👏
Amazing 👏
April 16, 2019
4,5 <3
Es hat mir unglaublich Spaß gemacht. Der Schreibstil war toll, die Figuren waren soo liebenswert und die Geschichte war für ein Middle Grade zwar relativ erwartungsgemäß, aber trotzdem voller süßer und spannender Momente :)
Es hat mir unglaublich Spaß gemacht. Der Schreibstil war toll, die Figuren waren soo liebenswert und die Geschichte war für ein Middle Grade zwar relativ erwartungsgemäß, aber trotzdem voller süßer und spannender Momente :)
December 7, 2017
Super cute, middle-grade read. 4.5/5 stars :)
August 21, 2016
When Arianwyn fails her witching test she is shipped off to the small town of Lull on the outskirts of the Kingdom. There, as she meets the locals and uses her magic to help them with their day to day problems, Arianwyn gradually regains confidence in her witching abilities, makes new friends and learns to trust her skills, until she is ready to face some bigger more dangerous foes...
This is a beautifully written witchy middle grade book, that reminded me of so many different things. It's like a cross between Pratchett's 'Tiffany Aching Series' - Miyazaki's 'Kiki's Delivery Service' or 'Spirited Away', and Diana Wynne Jones's witchy books. The story is episodic in a similar way to something Neil Gaiman's 'The Graveyard Book' with lessons learnt along the way that help with the larger challenges to come. It is also full of quirky, fun characters and there's a lot of love for the small town setting, but also some gentle humorous fun had at its expense. A really lovely children's book.
This is a beautifully written witchy middle grade book, that reminded me of so many different things. It's like a cross between Pratchett's 'Tiffany Aching Series' - Miyazaki's 'Kiki's Delivery Service' or 'Spirited Away', and Diana Wynne Jones's witchy books. The story is episodic in a similar way to something Neil Gaiman's 'The Graveyard Book' with lessons learnt along the way that help with the larger challenges to come. It is also full of quirky, fun characters and there's a lot of love for the small town setting, but also some gentle humorous fun had at its expense. A really lovely children's book.
April 20, 2018
I knew this story would be good from the start! The cover is enchanting, for one thing. Vines enveloping a round bottle with a rabbit leaping from within.
The fast pace of this story keeps it going and each chapter is a quick, intriguing read. I never got tired of characters. It is a well-weighted book that doesn't dwell too much on specific details. It gives you enough to go on and leaves the rest to the reader's imagination.
The fast pace of this story keeps it going and each chapter is a quick, intriguing read. I never got tired of characters. It is a well-weighted book that doesn't dwell too much on specific details. It gives you enough to go on and leaves the rest to the reader's imagination.
October 19, 2016
Era un libro que, seamos sinceros, me llamaba por su portada pero ¡oye! la historia me ha gustado mucho :)
Es cierto que es un poco light, más bien infantil, pero ha sido adorable.
Me ha gustado muchísimo la protagonista y algunos personajes, así que espero que la aventura de Arianwyn continuuuueeee :)
Es cierto que es un poco light, más bien infantil, pero ha sido adorable.
Me ha gustado muchísimo la protagonista y algunos personajes, así que espero que la aventura de Arianwyn continuuuueeee :)
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