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The Apprentice Witch #3
A Witch Come True
The war is over and Arianwyn has discovered the secret of the quiet glyphs, but her troubles are far from over.
Her day-to-day work as Lull’s witch is tricky enough: winter has set in, bringing bad weather, ice imps and befuddling Yule traditions. But when Arianwyn’s grandmother is abducted by the traitor on the Council, our witch faces her greatest challenge yet. What really makes a witch come true? Our lovable heroine is about to find out …
The final instalment of James Nicol’s popular witchy trilogy, perfect for fans of The Worst Witch and Diana Wynne Jones.
Her day-to-day work as Lull’s witch is tricky enough: winter has set in, bringing bad weather, ice imps and befuddling Yule traditions. But when Arianwyn’s grandmother is abducted by the traitor on the Council, our witch faces her greatest challenge yet. What really makes a witch come true? Our lovable heroine is about to find out …
The final instalment of James Nicol’s popular witchy trilogy, perfect for fans of The Worst Witch and Diana Wynne Jones.
353 pages, Paperback
First published March 7, 2019
20 people are currently reading
509 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 44 reviews
December 12, 2021
Adorable a rabiar.
Me da mucha pena tener que despedirme de esta historia y de sus personajes, con lo preciosa y mágica que es. La trama, el misterio, la evolución de los personajes y la de valores que tiene, ¡es una monada!
Me da mucha pena tener que despedirme de esta historia y de sus personajes, con lo preciosa y mágica que es. La trama, el misterio, la evolución de los personajes y la de valores que tiene, ¡es una monada!
March 3, 2019
Honestly I may be a little biased by how much I enjoy this cute series, but this is the perfect finale.
We finally meet Arianwyn’s dad, and spend more time with Salle, Gran and Wyn. I really enjoyed how the hex and the quiet glyphs played out :) I still want more on the quiet glyphs but I think we get the perfect ending.
And Lull is still fun and full of mischief - I particularly like the ice imps.
This series is really fun and I highly recommend it.
We finally meet Arianwyn’s dad, and spend more time with Salle, Gran and Wyn. I really enjoyed how the hex and the quiet glyphs played out :) I still want more on the quiet glyphs but I think we get the perfect ending.
And Lull is still fun and full of mischief - I particularly like the ice imps.
This series is really fun and I highly recommend it.
December 31, 2021
La guerra ha terminado, y Arianwyn ha descubierto el secreto de los jeroglíficos, pero aun así no está más cerca de resolver el misterio del maleficio, y de quién se encuentra tras él. Por otro lado, su padre ha vuelto a casa, y no acepta que ella ya no es una niña, lo que le complica su trabajo diario como bruja de Lull, donde tiene más trabajo que nunca debido a la llegada del invierno, los diablillos de hielo, y las mágicas y peculiares tradiciones navideñas. Sin embargo, lo peor llega cuando un traidor del consejo secuestre a alguien muy cercano a Arianwyn, y ella tendrá que que hacer frente al mayor desafío que se le ha presentado.
*Chilla en fangirl*. He disfrutado tanto, tantísimo de esta trilogía, que me da mucha rabia que no sea más conocida, y que no lo haya pegado tanto como se merece, ¡pero nunca es tarde! Y puede ser un muy buen regalo para Reyes: es cierto que puede ser una lectura más middle grade, más juvenil, pero eso no quita para que se disfrute a cualquier edad, por lo bonitos que son sus personajes, su magia, y las aventuras y misterios que se viven en ella: cómo se apoyan los unos en los otros para solventar los problemas, y enfrentarse a todo lo que se les pone por delante, y por supuesto, es que te deja con el corazón calentito.
Ha sido una lectura emocionante y adorable, con esos toques invernales y navideños, y con lo mucho que evoluciona la protagonista, que pasa de ser una bruja novata en la primera historia a convertirse ahora en una joven independiente y poderosa, que toma las riendas de su vida para salvar a aquellos a los que quiere a pesar de los peligros, ¡y no podemos olvidarnos de todos aquellos que la rodean y la apoyan, como sus amigos, o su familia (mención especial a su padre, que debe de ser el primer padre que veo en una historia de fantasía en la que no le deja hacer lo que le da la gana a su niñita, pero su progresión en la novela también ha sido muy bonita).
Reseña completa: http://fiebrelectora.blogspot.com/202...
*Chilla en fangirl*. He disfrutado tanto, tantísimo de esta trilogía, que me da mucha rabia que no sea más conocida, y que no lo haya pegado tanto como se merece, ¡pero nunca es tarde! Y puede ser un muy buen regalo para Reyes: es cierto que puede ser una lectura más middle grade, más juvenil, pero eso no quita para que se disfrute a cualquier edad, por lo bonitos que son sus personajes, su magia, y las aventuras y misterios que se viven en ella: cómo se apoyan los unos en los otros para solventar los problemas, y enfrentarse a todo lo que se les pone por delante, y por supuesto, es que te deja con el corazón calentito.
Ha sido una lectura emocionante y adorable, con esos toques invernales y navideños, y con lo mucho que evoluciona la protagonista, que pasa de ser una bruja novata en la primera historia a convertirse ahora en una joven independiente y poderosa, que toma las riendas de su vida para salvar a aquellos a los que quiere a pesar de los peligros, ¡y no podemos olvidarnos de todos aquellos que la rodean y la apoyan, como sus amigos, o su familia (mención especial a su padre, que debe de ser el primer padre que veo en una historia de fantasía en la que no le deja hacer lo que le da la gana a su niñita, pero su progresión en la novela también ha sido muy bonita).
Reseña completa: http://fiebrelectora.blogspot.com/202...
March 27, 2019
First off, I love this series. These books remind me of a mix between Howls Moving Castle and the Old Kingdom Series, and then Harry Potter came and sneezed on everything (ha). Speaking of, these books would make AMAZING Studio Ghibli movies. The cover art for all of these books is never disappointing, it’s always beautiful, and I have occasionally just stared at it for several minutes straight. The plot is simultaneously whimsical but serious, and just overall really fun!
April 4, 2019
This is the third and final book in The Apprentice Witch series and I thought it was the weakest of the series. I just found it kind of disappointing. The story moves really slow and nothing even really happens until the middle of the book.
The first half of this book involves Arianwyn getting back to Lull, dealing with her father, and helping the town of Lull with Yule preparations. Nothing much really happens until the second half of the book when Wyn’s grandmother is abducted.
There wasn’t much time spent with interesting creatures or in the old woods. Most of this was politics and investigation. It was okay but pretty boring and not nearly as intriguing or exciting as the first two books. Everything is tied up in a decent way but there were no surprises.
Overall this book did an okay job of tying up the series but I didn’t love it. Things just moved really slow, there were no surprises, and the whole thing was pretty boring. I struggled to stay interested and engaged. While I am glad I finished the series, I feel like this was definitely the weakest book of the trilogy.
The first half of this book involves Arianwyn getting back to Lull, dealing with her father, and helping the town of Lull with Yule preparations. Nothing much really happens until the second half of the book when Wyn’s grandmother is abducted.
There wasn’t much time spent with interesting creatures or in the old woods. Most of this was politics and investigation. It was okay but pretty boring and not nearly as intriguing or exciting as the first two books. Everything is tied up in a decent way but there were no surprises.
Overall this book did an okay job of tying up the series but I didn’t love it. Things just moved really slow, there were no surprises, and the whole thing was pretty boring. I struggled to stay interested and engaged. While I am glad I finished the series, I feel like this was definitely the weakest book of the trilogy.
March 17, 2020
Llegue al final de una historia. ¿Que he sacado? Nada.
James Nicol si alguna vez ves esto; eres una persona diferente, tienes una idea con potencial...
¡DESARROLLALA!
Los personajes los has dejado sin terminas de formar, el Gran Bosque no queda claro que pasa, la magia todavía no sabemos cómo funciona...
La saga en general se lee muy rápido, pero está un poco cogido con puntas.
James Nicol si alguna vez ves esto; eres una persona diferente, tienes una idea con potencial...
¡DESARROLLALA!
Los personajes los has dejado sin terminas de formar, el Gran Bosque no queda claro que pasa, la magia todavía no sabemos cómo funciona...
La saga en general se lee muy rápido, pero está un poco cogido con puntas.
June 2, 2021
Ojalá hubiesen más escritores que escribiesen tan bien como Nicol. Ha hecho una trilogía preciosa, llena de magia, de personajes bien fundamentados, con emociones bien plasmadas y un hilo argumental muy currado.
El punto y final (supuestamente) de la trilogía de Arianwyn, la aprendiz de bruja, ha sido emocionante. La ciruelita del pastel a una saga en la que se demuestra que no hace falta meter romance para que una protagonista femenina pueda resaltar. Que no hace falta meter violencia para que un libro sea bueno y se venda bien. Que se puede escribir genial, hacer una saga con pies y cabeza, y con una protagonista empoderada en que el amor de la amistad y el amor por lo que se hace es el principal hilo.
He pasado por todo tipo de emociones con él: me he emocionado, he sufrido con Arianwyn, me he alegrado cuándo ella se alegaba y a fin de cuentas, he sentido empatía con ella.
Sin duda, es la saga que me gustaría que mis hijas leyesen en un futuro.
El punto y final (supuestamente) de la trilogía de Arianwyn, la aprendiz de bruja, ha sido emocionante. La ciruelita del pastel a una saga en la que se demuestra que no hace falta meter romance para que una protagonista femenina pueda resaltar. Que no hace falta meter violencia para que un libro sea bueno y se venda bien. Que se puede escribir genial, hacer una saga con pies y cabeza, y con una protagonista empoderada en que el amor de la amistad y el amor por lo que se hace es el principal hilo.
He pasado por todo tipo de emociones con él: me he emocionado, he sufrido con Arianwyn, me he alegrado cuándo ella se alegaba y a fin de cuentas, he sentido empatía con ella.
Sin duda, es la saga que me gustaría que mis hijas leyesen en un futuro.
May 13, 2021
Declaration of interest, I do know the author, but I honestly think these books would make the most wonderful film. You can see the action unfolding as you read the words, and I would love to watch the characters come to life on screen. Looking forward to reading whatever James writes next!
April 27, 2024
A sweet ending to the series
May 17, 2019
Loved this book, warm and full of heart
January 2, 2025
2º Lectura 2024
Me sigue pareciendo una manera preciosa de cerrar esta trilogía que nos calienta el corazoncito. Lo único que he sentido y que para mi es lo que ha provocado una bajada de puntuación es lo que he sufrido durante toda la saga en general, pero sobre todo con este libro en lo que respecta a los tratos a nuestra protagonista, la gente del pueblo, el alcalde, superiores, y encima de su propio padre, porque eso de que estas leyendo un libro tranquilamente y disfrutando y que no paren de decirle a Arianwyn que “si no está cualificada”, que le metan prisas, las manera tan condescendiente en el que muchas veces se dirigen a ella, etc. es horrible. Además este libro en comparación con los anteriores se ha hecho bastante lento y denso, en general no ha ocurrido mucha acción como sus predecesores.
“¿Draxen es un glífico muy poderoso. En mistical significa «destrucción» ... pero también «cambio» y «transformación». Porque, para llevar a cabo las mayores transformaciones, a veces las cosas tienen que ser destruidas, como la semilla que se rompe para dar pie al brote que crecerá hasta convertirse en un árbol imponente”.
1º Lectura 2022
Es una de las trilogías más lindas que he leído, todas se cocinan al principio a fuego lento para luego terminar con una final magnífico.
Dejando enseñanzas como puede ser el nunca rendirnos, siempre seguir adelante, aunque no veamos la luz del final del túnel. Y siempre con el corazón abierto para ayudar a los demás.💖💖💖
Tenía desde hace años ganas de leerme esta trilogía, y desde luego que no me ha decepcionado. 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼
Me sigue pareciendo una manera preciosa de cerrar esta trilogía que nos calienta el corazoncito. Lo único que he sentido y que para mi es lo que ha provocado una bajada de puntuación es lo que he sufrido durante toda la saga en general, pero sobre todo con este libro en lo que respecta a los tratos a nuestra protagonista, la gente del pueblo, el alcalde, superiores, y encima de su propio padre, porque eso de que estas leyendo un libro tranquilamente y disfrutando y que no paren de decirle a Arianwyn que “si no está cualificada”, que le metan prisas, las manera tan condescendiente en el que muchas veces se dirigen a ella, etc. es horrible. Además este libro en comparación con los anteriores se ha hecho bastante lento y denso, en general no ha ocurrido mucha acción como sus predecesores.
“¿Draxen es un glífico muy poderoso. En mistical significa «destrucción» ... pero también «cambio» y «transformación». Porque, para llevar a cabo las mayores transformaciones, a veces las cosas tienen que ser destruidas, como la semilla que se rompe para dar pie al brote que crecerá hasta convertirse en un árbol imponente”.
1º Lectura 2022
Es una de las trilogías más lindas que he leído, todas se cocinan al principio a fuego lento para luego terminar con una final magnífico.
Dejando enseñanzas como puede ser el nunca rendirnos, siempre seguir adelante, aunque no veamos la luz del final del túnel. Y siempre con el corazón abierto para ayudar a los demás.💖💖💖
Tenía desde hace años ganas de leerme esta trilogía, y desde luego que no me ha decepcionado. 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼
October 27, 2019
I waited ages to read this final instalment in James Nicol's fantastic witchy series, mainly because I didn't want the story to end! But now I HAVE finished reading it, and what a joyously funny, fun, heart-warming and spell-binding romp of a final book it is too! :-)
Centring around our hero Arianwyn's duties in Lull, and the return of her shell-shocked father from the war, A Witch Come True sees the apprentice witch have to learn to deal with a wintery spell rained down on the town by the villain who has kidnapped her grandmother. There are frosty phoenixes, frozen mites, stunningly magical deer-like spirit creatures (that James describes so beautifully), hexes in the Great Wood, and ongoing tussles with Arianwyn's disappearing/re-eappearing "friend" Gimma...who this time around is darker and more sinister than before.
As usual with james' books, it was an accessible, easy read and I was immersed in Arianwyn's world and the wonderful, winteriness of Lull. In fact, the season of Yule in Lull made me feel very cosy and Christmassy when I read it, and I wanted to be there to celebrate it with all the characters! Even the eternally annoying Mayor Belcher.
So with lots of action, transformations of key characters and a satisfying amount of spell-bindery this book left me feeling very warm and happy inside (despite it being so blimming cold in the story!).
Centring around our hero Arianwyn's duties in Lull, and the return of her shell-shocked father from the war, A Witch Come True sees the apprentice witch have to learn to deal with a wintery spell rained down on the town by the villain who has kidnapped her grandmother. There are frosty phoenixes, frozen mites, stunningly magical deer-like spirit creatures (that James describes so beautifully), hexes in the Great Wood, and ongoing tussles with Arianwyn's disappearing/re-eappearing "friend" Gimma...who this time around is darker and more sinister than before.
As usual with james' books, it was an accessible, easy read and I was immersed in Arianwyn's world and the wonderful, winteriness of Lull. In fact, the season of Yule in Lull made me feel very cosy and Christmassy when I read it, and I wanted to be there to celebrate it with all the characters! Even the eternally annoying Mayor Belcher.
So with lots of action, transformations of key characters and a satisfying amount of spell-bindery this book left me feeling very warm and happy inside (despite it being so blimming cold in the story!).
April 6, 2019
In the final book of the Apprentice Witch series, we see Arianwyn navigate the sudden reappearance of her father and the mysterious spreading of dangerous hex that we first learned about in book two, alongside her daily duties in Lull becoming more demanding and difficult due to Yule. I have always liked these books a lot and this instalment is no exception. My very favourite thing about them is how cosy a vibe they have despite the fact they`re so full of mystery and intrigue and action at the same time. I also adore Arianwyn herself, as well as her friendships with Estar and Salle- which do an excellent job of showing the complexities and nuances of friendship. The magic system and world are also fabulous- it was brilliant to learn even more about it and I don`t think I`d ever tire of finding out more and more information. Yule was also just as wonderful a time setting as I`d hoped for, and seeing all the various traditions was a total delight! I look forward to visiting whichever world James Nicol writes about next. 4.5/5
October 17, 2022
4 for 3.5~3.99. As I rate this, there's just about 250+ ratings with 4.21 as the average. If it gets above 750 and still maintains that average, I might lower mind to a 3. Maybe.
The direction of the plot is to my taste, but I do wish there were some more in depth exploration or at least explanation about certain things. I mean, about the dad. That war he was in? It just left so little impression. (That's just one example).
That said overall it was a pretty enjoyable read. Like, it's funny because I came up with a bunch of scenarios about the identity of the culprit, each one worse than the other. From the supervisor, the grandma, the friend, the other friend, that one annoying adult, to that other one annoying adult, they've all crossed my mind. I had thought "the reveal" could be just another trick, only for there to be a twist to make readers go like, "oh wow I totally got misled". Turns out, the reveal was the real deal lmao. Either way, it was fun to exercise my brain bahahahaha.
The direction of the plot is to my taste, but I do wish there were some more in depth exploration or at least explanation about certain things. I mean, about the dad. That war he was in? It just left so little impression. (That's just one example).
That said overall it was a pretty enjoyable read. Like, it's funny because I came up with a bunch of scenarios about the identity of the culprit, each one worse than the other. From the supervisor, the grandma, the friend, the other friend, that one annoying adult, to that other one annoying adult, they've all crossed my mind. I had thought "the reveal" could be just another trick, only for there to be a twist to make readers go like, "oh wow I totally got misled". Turns out, the reveal was the real deal lmao. Either way, it was fun to exercise my brain bahahahaha.
March 28, 2021
I was devastated when arianwyn and bob had to say goodbye. as he pulled her towards the forest... I unashamedly reread and sobbed. but when he came back? I practically hugged the book. bob+wyn forever! also how cute are estar, salle, colin, miss delafield and even sweet gimma? or mayor belcher, aunt grace, uncle mat, miss newman? and the ending? I have questions. overall one of my favorite series, it’s so cozy and magical and heartwarming. totally has studio ghibli vibes. makes sense that James Nicol, who seems like the sweetest person ever, would write a story like this (check out his awesome youtube channel.) definitely want more so I hope he comes back to this story but either way I am so excited for his next books!
June 11, 2020
I read this with my eleven year old daughter and we both loved it. It was a good wrap up of the series as well as leaving it open ended enough to continue should the author choose to do so. We see Arianwyn come into her own in this book and gain the confidence that she was so sorely lacking in the first book. It was a fun read and we finally got to see who was behind the hex and who was pulling all the strings behind the scenes. Well written and full of magic, wonder, friends, and coming of age. Great for young readers.
August 22, 2022
4.5
Once again, it was really easy to fall back into this cozy universe. It was lovely to revisit the characters and see them develop. Honestly, I could read 100 books following Arianwyn discovering new magic whilst drinking hot chocolate with her friends. This series is just so cozy and magical, every time it manages to put me under its spell and I find myself flying through the pages. I hope James Nicol writes a successor to this sometime. If not, I will just have to re-read all the books again :P
Once again, it was really easy to fall back into this cozy universe. It was lovely to revisit the characters and see them develop. Honestly, I could read 100 books following Arianwyn discovering new magic whilst drinking hot chocolate with her friends. This series is just so cozy and magical, every time it manages to put me under its spell and I find myself flying through the pages. I hope James Nicol writes a successor to this sometime. If not, I will just have to re-read all the books again :P
June 7, 2020
Dan: I think this was a good (if not great) ending to the series. I think there were a number of threads that were tied up well and I particularly liked the ending. Just for me, this one didn't sing as much as the previous two and I felt that there could have been more twists and turns and conflicts. Having said that, if you've read and enjoyed the first two, I'd certainly recommend reading this one to finish the series!
December 3, 2022
A fun conclusion to the previous two books, the story still felt a bit long and overly complicated. Wyn is back in the town of Lull for Yule. The different Yule traditions were fun to read about in December. The frost phoenix sound beautiful. Wyn finds her footing in her new position and embrace the changes in her life. She struggles with a father who returns back from the war and some friendship jealousy. Wyn continues to search for new magic and to protect those she loves.
December 31, 2023
I adore the way these books are written! They are so cosy and comforting.
It’s a great mix of high adventure, magic, mystery, danger and intrigue - juxtaposed against warm baths, snuggly eiderdowns, hot tea, cakes, wonderful friendships and a small village community!
I read this over Christmas, without realising the book was set over ‘Yule’ - and it’s definitely a great book to snuggle up with and read during the winter! ❄️
It’s a great mix of high adventure, magic, mystery, danger and intrigue - juxtaposed against warm baths, snuggly eiderdowns, hot tea, cakes, wonderful friendships and a small village community!
I read this over Christmas, without realising the book was set over ‘Yule’ - and it’s definitely a great book to snuggle up with and read during the winter! ❄️
August 20, 2019
I love this series of books. All 3 of these books kept my interest.
The author did a great job at wrapping this adventures story up. Good book of friendship, betrayal, suspense, and some sadness. Definitely a 5 star rating in my opinion.
The author did a great job at wrapping this adventures story up. Good book of friendship, betrayal, suspense, and some sadness. Definitely a 5 star rating in my opinion.
May 23, 2020
It's fine. It felt conclusive. The series was pleasant enough.
Didn't really get the motivation of the big bad, They didn't need to threaten Wyn's family, they could have asked nicely and she would have complied. It was also very obvious from their first mention they would be the main antagonist.
Overall the series is ok.
Didn't really get the motivation of the big bad, They didn't need to threaten Wyn's family, they could have asked nicely and she would have complied. It was also very obvious from their first mention they would be the main antagonist.
Overall the series is ok.
August 30, 2023
4.5 would be more accurate. I really enjoyed the book but got a bit tired of reading about a character whom is expected to basically do all of the towns chores with hardly a thank you. At times I felt she ought to just say no to the high expectations of the Mayor. Aside from overworking the main character I enjoyed this book
June 13, 2019
Completely charming final installment of The Apprentice Witch trilogy, highly recommended MG story for ages8/9+
Read my full review here: http://vsviewfromthebookshelves.home....
Read my full review here: http://vsviewfromthebookshelves.home....
January 14, 2020
The only thing I didn't like was that I more or less figured out who the villan was in book2. Same deal with Jemma, it was obvious. Also I didn't think death was a reasonable alternative to banishing the protected spirit. Who would be angry, if the alternative is dying.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 11, 2021
A great finale to the series with twists and turns that can be a bit predictable but are fun to watch unfold none the less. Yet again building upon the first two book's ideas of magic and pushing it further.
May 13, 2019
You find who the villain is pretty quickly into this story.
July 24, 2019
Loved this 3rd installment in the Apprentice Witch series! Waiting for #4? 🤞🏻💗
August 22, 2019
Superb end to one of my top MG series. Just excellent.
February 21, 2020
2.5 stars
Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews