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Eva Evergreen #2
Eva Evergreen and the Cursed Witch
From this day forward, we will believe in the impossible.
Eva Evergreen has fulfilled her dream of earning the rank of Novice Witch, and discovered the chilling truth behind the mysterious Culling -- the violent magical storm wreaking havoc across Rivelle Realm.
Revealing the truth, however, proves to be a difficult task and soon the culprit is at large. To make matters worse Eva learns what might be the horrible truth behind her pinch of magic and her mother's own mysterious connection to the Culling and rogue magic.
With her spirits at an all-time low, Eva must muster up the courage to prove her mother's innocence and learn to believe in her own magic, if she wishes to put a stop to the Culling once and for all.
Eva Evergreen has fulfilled her dream of earning the rank of Novice Witch, and discovered the chilling truth behind the mysterious Culling -- the violent magical storm wreaking havoc across Rivelle Realm.
Revealing the truth, however, proves to be a difficult task and soon the culprit is at large. To make matters worse Eva learns what might be the horrible truth behind her pinch of magic and her mother's own mysterious connection to the Culling and rogue magic.
With her spirits at an all-time low, Eva must muster up the courage to prove her mother's innocence and learn to believe in her own magic, if she wishes to put a stop to the Culling once and for all.
368 pages, Hardcover
First published August 3, 2021
92 people are currently reading
3183 people want to read
About the author
Julie Abe
8 books598 followersJulie Abe is the author of the EVA EVERGREEN, SEMI-MAGICAL WITCH middle grade fantasy series; the middle grade fantasy ALLIANA, GIRL OF DRAGONS; and the young adult novel THE CHARMED LIST. She has lived in Silicon Valley, spent many humid summers in Japan, and currently basks in the sunshine of Southern California with never enough books or tea, where she creates stories about magical adventures.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 226 reviews
August 15, 2021
My favourite witch, Eva Evergreen, is back with a sequel that lives up to the heart and love of the first book! I loved this and thought this was such a creative sequel that expands and develops Eva's story and world in a meaningful way.
- Following the events of Eva Evergreen, Semi-Magical Witch, Eva finds herself pulled in all directions as she joins the efforts to battle the magical storm wrecking havoc across the realm. When tragedy falls, Eva must find the courage and dive straight into the heart of the Cullings - and stop them once and for all.
- This book expands on Eva's world, and I loved that this delves into the magic, taking the story and depth into a darker and more dangerous place (that isn't too dark and too creepy for young readers, but will definitely set their imagination alight)!
- Eva, again, is such a wonderful protagonist. I felt she was so empowering, and her courage is a wonderful force in the storytelling.
- At the heart of this book, it's a story about love and how far you will go to save someone you love - and I thought the twist in this book was bittersweet but a fitting conclusion to Eva's story.
- A wonderful sequel and I can't wait to see what Julie writes next.
Trigger/content warning: mentions of death of a loved one, unwell parent, depictions of devastating natural disasters, supernatural beings (ghosts)
I received a digital advanced reader's copy in exchange for an honest review.
- Following the events of Eva Evergreen, Semi-Magical Witch, Eva finds herself pulled in all directions as she joins the efforts to battle the magical storm wrecking havoc across the realm. When tragedy falls, Eva must find the courage and dive straight into the heart of the Cullings - and stop them once and for all.
- This book expands on Eva's world, and I loved that this delves into the magic, taking the story and depth into a darker and more dangerous place (that isn't too dark and too creepy for young readers, but will definitely set their imagination alight)!
- Eva, again, is such a wonderful protagonist. I felt she was so empowering, and her courage is a wonderful force in the storytelling.
- At the heart of this book, it's a story about love and how far you will go to save someone you love - and I thought the twist in this book was bittersweet but a fitting conclusion to Eva's story.
- A wonderful sequel and I can't wait to see what Julie writes next.
Trigger/content warning: mentions of death of a loved one, unwell parent, depictions of devastating natural disasters, supernatural beings (ghosts)
I received a digital advanced reader's copy in exchange for an honest review.
December 31, 2021
I did a cosy 48-hour reading vlog where I read the first and second Eva Evergreen books, you can check it out here: https://youtu.be/5Gv214Dm2MQ
August 8, 2025
« All of us, we have to go at our own pace. Shoot for the stars, y’know, but we all gotta take our own paths to the stars that shine brightest to us. »
This was a masterpiece of a sequel to this duology! It’s a middle grade fantasy I highly recommend. Both books were 5 stars read for me.
PS : thanks again to my girl Krysta for this rec🥹
« I’d give up all my magic for you, any day, just to know you’d be safe. »
This was a masterpiece of a sequel to this duology! It’s a middle grade fantasy I highly recommend. Both books were 5 stars read for me.
PS : thanks again to my girl Krysta for this rec🥹
« I’d give up all my magic for you, any day, just to know you’d be safe. »
Read
April 12, 2022My kid LOVED the first book. This one just didn't work the same way.
About halfway through, my kid asked me to stop reading it and for us to try something else.
Some of the problem was that the book all of a sudden turned pretty scary. Other issues were pacing problems in general, and the writing itself was a bit up and down.
I'm disappointed.
I'm sure we'll try it again some day. I hope we both love it then.
About halfway through, my kid asked me to stop reading it and for us to try something else.
Some of the problem was that the book all of a sudden turned pretty scary. Other issues were pacing problems in general, and the writing itself was a bit up and down.
I'm disappointed.
I'm sure we'll try it again some day. I hope we both love it then.
August 30, 2024
My feelings on both books in this duology are pretty similar - a bit slow to start and occasional too-slow pacing for a middle grade audience. HOWEVER, it also has great characters, a cozy world, and a story that eventually draws you in with a brave and determined heroine. I read both to my kids and they enjoyed them. The stakes are higher and what Eva goes through is more intense, but it's a satisfying conclusion.
Want to read
December 18, 2020one of my favorite middle grades of 2020 is getting a sequel and im aaAAH
November 3, 2024
I loved this even more than the first! Absolutely charming!
September 20, 2021
EVA EVERGREEN AND THE CURSED WITCH is a wonderful follow-up novel that invites readers to join Eva (and a few familiar faces) in a race to figure out the cause of the Culling, among a few mysteries that have popped up here and there. It’s just as wholesome, if a little darker, than the first book, and I thoroughly enjoyed reading it!
June 27, 2022
#1) Eva Evergreen, Semi-Magical Witch ★★★★☆
The first book was so whimsical and fluffy, but the sequel couldn’t compare. It let me down. I didn’t get as caught up in my feels as I expected. The plot was a little meh and… convenient? I’ll definitely be reading the spin-off story though.
➸ Trigger warnings for .
▷ Representation: Japanese-inspired setting & cast.
ATY 2022 #3 • Read a book with 22 or more letters in the title
Blog • Trigger Warning Database • StoryGraph
January 15, 2022
4.5 stars
September 23, 2021
I wanted to love and be charmed by this book as much as I was by the first novel in the duology - clearly, as I leapt upon the ebook the moment it was available at my library.
Unfortunately, this second book never managed to capture my heart or attention in quite the same way. There are far more dire twists and turns, to be sure - magic is lost, witches and wizards disappear in the woods, Eva starts hearing voices in the forest - but I never quite found myself fully engaged in the narrative.
That's partly down to the writing, which I suppose has been pared down for easier reading given the book's demographics. But it's still more functional and repetitive than I'd like, and I put the book down for many days in between reading spurts - even though it is, technically, an easy read.
But it's also because I couldn't connect with Eva in the same way. In the first book, she was a brave underdog, struggling to prove herself as a witch when she had barely any magic to her name. This second novel just becomes something else entirely, somehow deepening the mythology while failing to really make it count or matter.
The climactic showdown was... of epic proportions, and yet felt unearned, with revelations about backstories and new characters that didn't feel particularly well signposted or developed throughout the two books.
That said, Ember the flamefox remains the most adorable of all characters - him and his little ashy coughs! - and I loved what little we saw of Eva's best friends, the irrepressible Davy and the feisty Charlotte.
2.5 stars
Unfortunately, this second book never managed to capture my heart or attention in quite the same way. There are far more dire twists and turns, to be sure - magic is lost, witches and wizards disappear in the woods, Eva starts hearing voices in the forest - but I never quite found myself fully engaged in the narrative.
That's partly down to the writing, which I suppose has been pared down for easier reading given the book's demographics. But it's still more functional and repetitive than I'd like, and I put the book down for many days in between reading spurts - even though it is, technically, an easy read.
But it's also because I couldn't connect with Eva in the same way. In the first book, she was a brave underdog, struggling to prove herself as a witch when she had barely any magic to her name. This second novel just becomes something else entirely, somehow deepening the mythology while failing to really make it count or matter.
The climactic showdown was... of epic proportions, and yet felt unearned, with revelations about backstories and new characters that didn't feel particularly well signposted or developed throughout the two books.
That said, Ember the flamefox remains the most adorable of all characters - him and his little ashy coughs! - and I loved what little we saw of Eva's best friends, the irrepressible Davy and the feisty Charlotte.
2.5 stars
March 22, 2022
Beware spoilers ahead!
Trigger Warning(s): Death, grief, violence, and confinement.
Reading Challenge: PondathonII
Rep: All of the characters are Japanese.
My Thoughts Before Reading: After that dreadful cliffhanger in the previous installment I was desperate to read this novel! I needed answers and was hoping to be satisficed with this conclusion to the series.
I am happy to say that I loved this book!
What I Liked: The plot was fast paced and I was on the edge of my seat while reading! The book begins with Eva and her mother racing to the castle to make sure that Queen Alliana is safe. Grottel appears while Eva is performing her spell and the plot picks up from there. Those first 50-70 pages were a wild ride.
The magic system was expanded upon. Rogue magic was such an interesting concept, I really enjoyed watching it all play out.
Eva’s relationship with her family played a huge part in this book. Particularly her relationship with her mother. Her mother has always been Eva’s biggest supporter, she has never doubted Eva’s magical abilities. Eva relies on her mothers (and her fathers) support even more so in this installment. It was such a lovely relationship to read about!
Eva’s relationship with Davy and Charlotte were a delight to read about! I was so happy when they made an appearance and started to help Eva in her plans. Charlotte and Davy are definitely ride-or-die friends. They have supported Eva and believed in her since the first book. Eva and Ember just like the previous book had a wonderful relationship. I loved reading about their relationship!
Eva and Conroy’s relationship surprised me. I didn’t expect for them to form a tentative truce let alone become friends. That being said I was happy that Conroy was developed. I did enjoy reading and learning more about Conroy. I even liked reading about his friendship with Eva!
The big plot twist with Grottel and Maika was completely unpredictable. The history with the culling, and how it all tied to the rogue witch was mindblowing. It was so painful and heartbreaking to read about. Abe really outdid herself with this installment.
Eva’s character development was beautifully done! Eva as seen in the previous novel has insecurities with her magic. Her family and friends believe in her but Eva doesn’t believe in herself. Through the events of this novel Eva learns to believe in herself. She really grew into herself.
My Criticism(s): Absolutely nothing!
What I’m Looking Forward To: I’m really excited to read Alliana, Girl of Dragons. I really enjoyed reading about Queen Alliana (she had a large role in this novel). I’m also very excited to read about a young Nela.
Conclusion: Overall I loved Eva Evergreen and the Cursed Witch! I highly recommend it if you are looking for a witchy middle grade series.
Trigger Warning(s): Death, grief, violence, and confinement.
Reading Challenge: PondathonII
Rep: All of the characters are Japanese.
My Thoughts Before Reading: After that dreadful cliffhanger in the previous installment I was desperate to read this novel! I needed answers and was hoping to be satisficed with this conclusion to the series.
I am happy to say that I loved this book!
What I Liked: The plot was fast paced and I was on the edge of my seat while reading! The book begins with Eva and her mother racing to the castle to make sure that Queen Alliana is safe. Grottel appears while Eva is performing her spell and the plot picks up from there. Those first 50-70 pages were a wild ride.
The magic system was expanded upon. Rogue magic was such an interesting concept, I really enjoyed watching it all play out.
Eva’s relationship with her family played a huge part in this book. Particularly her relationship with her mother. Her mother has always been Eva’s biggest supporter, she has never doubted Eva’s magical abilities. Eva relies on her mothers (and her fathers) support even more so in this installment. It was such a lovely relationship to read about!
Eva’s relationship with Davy and Charlotte were a delight to read about! I was so happy when they made an appearance and started to help Eva in her plans. Charlotte and Davy are definitely ride-or-die friends. They have supported Eva and believed in her since the first book. Eva and Ember just like the previous book had a wonderful relationship. I loved reading about their relationship!
Eva and Conroy’s relationship surprised me. I didn’t expect for them to form a tentative truce let alone become friends. That being said I was happy that Conroy was developed. I did enjoy reading and learning more about Conroy. I even liked reading about his friendship with Eva!
The big plot twist with Grottel and Maika was completely unpredictable. The history with the culling, and how it all tied to the rogue witch was mindblowing. It was so painful and heartbreaking to read about. Abe really outdid herself with this installment.
Eva’s character development was beautifully done! Eva as seen in the previous novel has insecurities with her magic. Her family and friends believe in her but Eva doesn’t believe in herself. Through the events of this novel Eva learns to believe in herself. She really grew into herself.
My Criticism(s): Absolutely nothing!
What I’m Looking Forward To: I’m really excited to read Alliana, Girl of Dragons. I really enjoyed reading about Queen Alliana (she had a large role in this novel). I’m also very excited to read about a young Nela.
Conclusion: Overall I loved Eva Evergreen and the Cursed Witch! I highly recommend it if you are looking for a witchy middle grade series.
July 30, 2021
(Disclaimer: I received this book from the publisher. This has not impacted my review which is unbiased and honest.)
I've been looking forward to this sequel ever since the ending of Eva Evergreen, Semi-Magical Witch! And I loved every moment of it! Eva is passionate, loyal, and loving. Immediately beginning with action, Eva Evergreen and the Cursed Witch is a story about doing the right thing. About making difficult decisions and sacrifices for the community and the people we love. Continuing threads from the first, Abe has only introduced more intrigue and magical creatures!
full review: https://utopia-state-of-mind.com/revi...
I've been looking forward to this sequel ever since the ending of Eva Evergreen, Semi-Magical Witch! And I loved every moment of it! Eva is passionate, loyal, and loving. Immediately beginning with action, Eva Evergreen and the Cursed Witch is a story about doing the right thing. About making difficult decisions and sacrifices for the community and the people we love. Continuing threads from the first, Abe has only introduced more intrigue and magical creatures!
full review: https://utopia-state-of-mind.com/revi...
October 9, 2021
Absolutely loved this sequel Eva Evergreen book!
It picks up right where book one ended, and gives us all the answers to questions we had from the last book and this one.
The danger is real, and quite dark for a middle grade novel, but the hope and bravery of Eva and her friends rings true throughout everything. I love that everyone had such strong motivations, and the ending was joyful, though realistic in that not everyone got a happy ending.
The mystery and magic played out well, and I devoured this book as quickly as the first one. Definitely a fan, and can't wait for the next book from this amazing author!
It picks up right where book one ended, and gives us all the answers to questions we had from the last book and this one.
The danger is real, and quite dark for a middle grade novel, but the hope and bravery of Eva and her friends rings true throughout everything. I love that everyone had such strong motivations, and the ending was joyful, though realistic in that not everyone got a happy ending.
The mystery and magic played out well, and I devoured this book as quickly as the first one. Definitely a fan, and can't wait for the next book from this amazing author!
April 14, 2025
If you’re a Kiki’s Delivery Service fan, I beg of you to please pick up this series.
Starring a brave, resilient, big hearted, loyal and resourceful young witch, Eva Evergreen’s story transports its readers to a world of adventure, magic, friendship. It’s a delight from start to finish and one I’d happily recommend to readers young and old.
Starring a brave, resilient, big hearted, loyal and resourceful young witch, Eva Evergreen’s story transports its readers to a world of adventure, magic, friendship. It’s a delight from start to finish and one I’d happily recommend to readers young and old.
April 19, 2021
Thank you to Edelweiss+ and the publisher for an eARC of this book.
I loved the author’s debut story, EVA EVERGREEN, SEMI-MAGICAL WITCH, and I’ve been anxiously awaiting this sequel. Eva is now a Novice Witch, but her days of fighting the Culling have just begun. Eva has time for little else than racing from one Culling to the next, but she discovers information that points the finger at the person behind the destruction. When confronted at an Inner Council meeting, the suspect aims a curse at Eva, but it hits her mom with dire consequences. Eva is determined to find the source of the rogue magic causing the Cullings, save her mother, and hold the guilty party accountable for their action. But Eva is up against powerful magic, and will her pinch be enough to set things right?
I thoroughly enjoyed this sequel and loved watching Eva continue to grow as a witch. It’s a darker story than the previous one, but there is a strong focus on family, friendship, community, and protecting the Realm. Some unexpected allies join Eva and her friends in The Twisted Forest, attempting to overcome defences that protect the secret source of the evil magic. I enjoy the author’s writing because she vividly describes the setting and brings the reader’s world to life. These are characters I would also like to meet and find endearing. I would love to continue reading about Eva’s adventures.
I would recommend this story to fans Kiki’s Delivery Service (the inspiration for the first book) and fantasy readers who enjoy a story where the underdog strives to save those about whom she cares. Although it is a long story at 368 pages, I’d hand it to readers in Gr. 5-7.
I loved the author’s debut story, EVA EVERGREEN, SEMI-MAGICAL WITCH, and I’ve been anxiously awaiting this sequel. Eva is now a Novice Witch, but her days of fighting the Culling have just begun. Eva has time for little else than racing from one Culling to the next, but she discovers information that points the finger at the person behind the destruction. When confronted at an Inner Council meeting, the suspect aims a curse at Eva, but it hits her mom with dire consequences. Eva is determined to find the source of the rogue magic causing the Cullings, save her mother, and hold the guilty party accountable for their action. But Eva is up against powerful magic, and will her pinch be enough to set things right?
I thoroughly enjoyed this sequel and loved watching Eva continue to grow as a witch. It’s a darker story than the previous one, but there is a strong focus on family, friendship, community, and protecting the Realm. Some unexpected allies join Eva and her friends in The Twisted Forest, attempting to overcome defences that protect the secret source of the evil magic. I enjoy the author’s writing because she vividly describes the setting and brings the reader’s world to life. These are characters I would also like to meet and find endearing. I would love to continue reading about Eva’s adventures.
I would recommend this story to fans Kiki’s Delivery Service (the inspiration for the first book) and fantasy readers who enjoy a story where the underdog strives to save those about whom she cares. Although it is a long story at 368 pages, I’d hand it to readers in Gr. 5-7.
March 4, 2024
Ok. It took me months. I know. Im busy and lost the mood to read it. It was slow at first but then it really picked up half way and it was so entertaining! So vibrant and animated and this duology is so wholesome and fun! I can confidently say I enjoyed the sequel more than the first book. It was such a climactic ending and so entertaining.
October 13, 2022
I love Eva and Ember. 💜🧙🏻♀️🦊
May 28, 2023
4.5☆
November 23, 2022
3.75 stars
July 3, 2025
I liked the characters and the story but the spell rhymes drove me crazy. I want scansion as well as rhymes in my magic.
Also, she’s at the start of her magical career but I think I will find further escalation a bit hard to swallow. So if there are more books coming Abe will have to work on my expectations. But if they show up I will try them!
Also, she’s at the start of her magical career but I think I will find further escalation a bit hard to swallow. So if there are more books coming Abe will have to work on my expectations. But if they show up I will try them!
August 22, 2021
EVA EVERGREEN AND THE CURSED WITCH is the sequel to the heartwarming middle grade fantasy novel: EVA EVERGREEN, SEMI-MAGICAL WITCH. In this book we rejoin Eva, her best friends Charlotte & Davy, and loyal Flamefox Ember on an even greater quest to save the realm of Rivelle. After Eva earns her status as Novice witch, she learns the true source of the devastating magical natural disasters called Cullings. But in a quick turn of events, the rogue magic causing the phenomena are pinned on her mother instead. Can Eva find a way to stop the person at large, while also clearing her mother’s name?
I loved this book, and enjoyed diving back into a story with these wonderful characters! Reading this after the first book was very rewarding because we can really see Eva come into her own. Since she has gained her confidence as a witch, this book is more about the big adventure rather than Eva’s internal struggle as a semi magical witch. As a result this story feels bigger and more like a real mission or quest than the Novice quest did. And while there still is a secondary cast of characters in this book, I feel like the main focus is truly on Eva this time.
This story has a lot of twists and turns, and I raced through it in one sitting. I also appreciated the Japanese spin to the names of characters and the delicious food descriptions (which prompted me to have Japanese food for dinner yesterday!). Julie Abe’s writing is warm and whimsical, while also giving you unexpected plot twists and clever spell incantations. Ultimately, this story (like the first) still focuses on love, friendship, and believing in yourself - and it warmed my heart reading it. I want to give this series to every young reader, as I feel like it has so many positive and hopeful lessons baked into it.
Great for readers of any age, especially for those looking for fantasy books from BIPOC authors!
Thank you to the author and publisher for a free review copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I loved this book, and enjoyed diving back into a story with these wonderful characters! Reading this after the first book was very rewarding because we can really see Eva come into her own. Since she has gained her confidence as a witch, this book is more about the big adventure rather than Eva’s internal struggle as a semi magical witch. As a result this story feels bigger and more like a real mission or quest than the Novice quest did. And while there still is a secondary cast of characters in this book, I feel like the main focus is truly on Eva this time.
This story has a lot of twists and turns, and I raced through it in one sitting. I also appreciated the Japanese spin to the names of characters and the delicious food descriptions (which prompted me to have Japanese food for dinner yesterday!). Julie Abe’s writing is warm and whimsical, while also giving you unexpected plot twists and clever spell incantations. Ultimately, this story (like the first) still focuses on love, friendship, and believing in yourself - and it warmed my heart reading it. I want to give this series to every young reader, as I feel like it has so many positive and hopeful lessons baked into it.
Great for readers of any age, especially for those looking for fantasy books from BIPOC authors!
Thank you to the author and publisher for a free review copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
September 25, 2021
The plot twist is a bit hard to believe when the book has been treating rogue magic as an ancient evil long ago eradicated, with no one knowing anything about it. But, in fact, the last instance occurred less than ten years ago and all the rulers and Council members should know all about it and the people linked to the incident. Except--they don't.
Also, I can't understand why the queen is so revered when she lets Council members treat her contemptuously, publicly defy her and overrule her decisions, and hold show trials without objections from her. I think very little of a queen who allows innocent people to be found guilty on trumped-up evidence with only a half-hearted and belated intervention from her after a child has to be the one to point out what is happening.
Logically, the plot makes very little sense, but I suppose readers are meant to get swept up in the sense of urgency and overlook the plot holes.
Also, I can't understand why the queen is so revered when she lets Council members treat her contemptuously, publicly defy her and overrule her decisions, and hold show trials without objections from her. I think very little of a queen who allows innocent people to be found guilty on trumped-up evidence with only a half-hearted and belated intervention from her after a child has to be the one to point out what is happening.
Logically, the plot makes very little sense, but I suppose readers are meant to get swept up in the sense of urgency and overlook the plot holes.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 14, 2021
Overall rating: 3.5 stars
I have mixed feelings about the sequel. Although it is filled with adventures with twist and turns, it didn’t have the same charm as the first book. I felt the pacing was kind of slow, the writing was a little bit repetitive, and the twist was kind of sudden. I felt there could have been a better build up to the twist. In addition, some of the events that took place in the book was not fully explained in the end (I.e how the magic was found for those who lost it). I felt it was brushed off in terms of explanation.
What I did appreciate about the book is how it looks into people’s characters. Based on the motivation is the person truly good or bad? I am actually surprise this is a middle grade novel or is it inbetween middle grade and YA? It has some pretty dark moments that will break your heart.
Overall, it was an ok sequel. Just wanted a little bit more…
I have mixed feelings about the sequel. Although it is filled with adventures with twist and turns, it didn’t have the same charm as the first book. I felt the pacing was kind of slow, the writing was a little bit repetitive, and the twist was kind of sudden. I felt there could have been a better build up to the twist. In addition, some of the events that took place in the book was not fully explained in the end (I.e how the magic was found for those who lost it). I felt it was brushed off in terms of explanation.
What I did appreciate about the book is how it looks into people’s characters. Based on the motivation is the person truly good or bad? I am actually surprise this is a middle grade novel or is it inbetween middle grade and YA? It has some pretty dark moments that will break your heart.
Overall, it was an ok sequel. Just wanted a little bit more…
April 6, 2021
Abe's writing style is descriptive and easy for readers to imagine the setting where this story takes place. There is a good balance of suspense and adventures. Readers will find the characters relatable as most people would find in their own communities. The positive and upbeat attitudes among most of the characters makes this a story worth diving into for any upper elementary and middle grade reader.
January 8, 2025
This second installment has a totally different vibe from the first one. While book 1 felt rather cozy and in the style of Kiki’s Delivery Service, this one raises the stakes exponentially: it isn’t just about Eva proving her skills as a witch anymore: she needs to save all witches and the realm itself. That’s kind of a heavy burden for a thirteen-year-old.
That said: I still loved this book! It had me gripped, I wanted to know how it ended all the way through, I felt for the characters
Even if the main focus was kind of the action adventure of saving the realm, the book still manages to touch upon difficult topics: like, how far would you abandon your morals to help your loved ones? Would you work for someone with opposing views if it’s your only chance to make good money? How do you cope with someone making bad decisions because they want to help you? Are you to blame for their actions, too?
I’m not quite sure I liked the resolution of what exactly was behind the Culling, but I think that’s mainly due to my expectations
I do however like that it was a perfect imperfect ending. Happy endings aren’t always what you think they will be. Rebuilding after destruction isn’t instantaneous and some things can never be repaired. I liked how the story didn’t shy away from that.
I do think I still liked book one better, but this was a satisfying conclusion to this duology (though: if there would be more to come, I would gladly read it, just saying!)
That said: I still loved this book! It had me gripped, I wanted to know how it ended all the way through, I felt for the characters
Even if the main focus was kind of the action adventure of saving the realm, the book still manages to touch upon difficult topics: like, how far would you abandon your morals to help your loved ones? Would you work for someone with opposing views if it’s your only chance to make good money? How do you cope with someone making bad decisions because they want to help you? Are you to blame for their actions, too?
I’m not quite sure I liked the resolution of what exactly was behind the Culling, but I think that’s mainly due to my expectations
I do however like that it was a perfect imperfect ending. Happy endings aren’t always what you think they will be. Rebuilding after destruction isn’t instantaneous and some things can never be repaired. I liked how the story didn’t shy away from that.
I do think I still liked book one better, but this was a satisfying conclusion to this duology (though: if there would be more to come, I would gladly read it, just saying!)
November 1, 2021
Determined and perseverant Eva Evergreen returns in The Cursed Witch to fight against rogue magic harming the realm and its people. Eva travels across Rivelle Realm investigating the destructive Culling, luckily her stalwart friends are near to support her and help.
Semi-Magical Witch was easily a five star book to me, I had a much more difficult time rating The Cursed Witch as it follows a very different narrative formula than Eva’s first installment and it had narrative faults I just couldn’t ignore. Happily the book is still peopled with strong, interesting characters who try to Do Good (the witch’s motto) as best they can. Eva is still a determined individual who will do whatever she can to achieve her goals. Her powerful and positive attitude is the magic that carries this book.
Much of the charm found in SMW is lost in TCW as the characters travel the realm instead of explore day to day life of a single town, Eva’s spells are no longer semi-magical, and the plot suffers from repetitive narration and characters making confusing (plot convenient) choices.
TCW departs the rich setting of Auteri which was full of individuals that vibrantly exist in their day to day lives, instead Eva embarks on a realmwide adventure in which she guards towns from the devastation of the Culling. While it was interesting to get a view of the realm, the movement from place to place was always rushed with never a moment to become immersed in the setting. A map would have been helpful and enjoyable to get a stronger scope of Rivelle Realm.
Eva is much more proficient at magic this time around and she no longer has to use semi-magical solutions to come up with spells, rather she now slowly thinks up her solution and executes it. I loved Eva’s problem solving skills in the first book, they were a powerful representation of Eva’s perseverant mindset and her desire to prove herself. I loved that she would try and fail, then always try again.
In TCW instead of proving herself with magic, Eva’s conflicts typically involve
the need to change minds, and that bothered me when her safety and the safety of others was at stake. She often goes against the wishes and orders of her superiors if she thinks she knows better (why have those conversations in the book if they’ll be completely ignored and forgotten later?). The narrative in The Cursed Witch was often muddled with repetitive descriptions of people and events. I understand the need to touch back to characters and events of previous books to reintroduce them if the reader hasn’t read the series in a while or they skipped previous books entirely. I find it problematic when characters enter the scene and despite having been introduced and described previously there is often a phrase or sentence reminding the reader how this person fits into the realm or Eva’s life (“Conroy, my rival” comes up constantly). Worse was a chapter that had several recaps of the events of the previous chapter. The chapter in question took place several weeks after the previous chapter and the recaps were meant to show how much the events were still bothering Eva as she ruminated on them. There are better ways to show that a character is still thinking about previous events than describing the events again, especially when for the reader the event was just a few pages ago.
Despite the departure from the charm of Semi-Magical Witch, Eva’s realm is still fascinating and engaging. The likable positive role model characters carry this book and completely make up for the problems I had with other aspects of the narrative, The Cursed Witch is well worth reading and shoving into the hands of every willing young reader who probably won’t be as picky about narrative hiccups. The strong hearted characters win all. I will definitely return to this series if there are more, and to books set in this realm (looking at you Alliana, Girl of Dragons!).
Semi-Magical Witch was easily a five star book to me, I had a much more difficult time rating The Cursed Witch as it follows a very different narrative formula than Eva’s first installment and it had narrative faults I just couldn’t ignore. Happily the book is still peopled with strong, interesting characters who try to Do Good (the witch’s motto) as best they can. Eva is still a determined individual who will do whatever she can to achieve her goals. Her powerful and positive attitude is the magic that carries this book.
Much of the charm found in SMW is lost in TCW as the characters travel the realm instead of explore day to day life of a single town, Eva’s spells are no longer semi-magical, and the plot suffers from repetitive narration and characters making confusing (plot convenient) choices.
TCW departs the rich setting of Auteri which was full of individuals that vibrantly exist in their day to day lives, instead Eva embarks on a realmwide adventure in which she guards towns from the devastation of the Culling. While it was interesting to get a view of the realm, the movement from place to place was always rushed with never a moment to become immersed in the setting. A map would have been helpful and enjoyable to get a stronger scope of Rivelle Realm.
Eva is much more proficient at magic this time around and she no longer has to use semi-magical solutions to come up with spells, rather she now slowly thinks up her solution and executes it. I loved Eva’s problem solving skills in the first book, they were a powerful representation of Eva’s perseverant mindset and her desire to prove herself. I loved that she would try and fail, then always try again.
In TCW instead of proving herself with magic, Eva’s conflicts typically involve
the need to change minds, and that bothered me when her safety and the safety of others was at stake. She often goes against the wishes and orders of her superiors if she thinks she knows better (why have those conversations in the book if they’ll be completely ignored and forgotten later?). The narrative in The Cursed Witch was often muddled with repetitive descriptions of people and events. I understand the need to touch back to characters and events of previous books to reintroduce them if the reader hasn’t read the series in a while or they skipped previous books entirely. I find it problematic when characters enter the scene and despite having been introduced and described previously there is often a phrase or sentence reminding the reader how this person fits into the realm or Eva’s life (“Conroy, my rival” comes up constantly). Worse was a chapter that had several recaps of the events of the previous chapter. The chapter in question took place several weeks after the previous chapter and the recaps were meant to show how much the events were still bothering Eva as she ruminated on them. There are better ways to show that a character is still thinking about previous events than describing the events again, especially when for the reader the event was just a few pages ago.
Despite the departure from the charm of Semi-Magical Witch, Eva’s realm is still fascinating and engaging. The likable positive role model characters carry this book and completely make up for the problems I had with other aspects of the narrative, The Cursed Witch is well worth reading and shoving into the hands of every willing young reader who probably won’t be as picky about narrative hiccups. The strong hearted characters win all. I will definitely return to this series if there are more, and to books set in this realm (looking at you Alliana, Girl of Dragons!).
July 28, 2025
2.5/5
It wasn’t as charming as the first one, I didn’t really enjoy the main villain—I guess his reasoning for being evil was somewhat valid? but it still just felt off in a way. I also felt like at certain points the writing stagnated a bit and the same word would be used over and over again in one chapter (ie. “rival” being used so many times in some of the last few chapters) which is something that I feel like should’ve been reconsidered in editing. The pacing was also kind of funky, especially in comparison to the first novel. Eva is given her first quest which is given some time but after that we gloss through a dozen more quests before slowing down once again for the main battle of the novel. I think either this should have been given more time, or the battles she’s fighting at the beginning shouldn’t have been given so much weight in the first novel and the beginning of this second one.
I still really enjoyed the characters (Ember especially grew on me here after finding him a little insufferable in the first one), Charlotte and Davy and Eva have a great friendship, and I really wished we had gotten to see more of Conroy. Overall, it was fairly cute and I think it had a lot of strong and interesting elements. Unfortunately, this one is just average for me with a lot of elements I did enjoy (the setting and all the little details we got that made the world feel lived in were especially nice) but there were also a lot of things I didn’t really work for me.
It wasn’t as charming as the first one, I didn’t really enjoy the main villain—I guess his reasoning for being evil was somewhat valid? but it still just felt off in a way. I also felt like at certain points the writing stagnated a bit and the same word would be used over and over again in one chapter (ie. “rival” being used so many times in some of the last few chapters) which is something that I feel like should’ve been reconsidered in editing. The pacing was also kind of funky, especially in comparison to the first novel. Eva is given her first quest which is given some time but after that we gloss through a dozen more quests before slowing down once again for the main battle of the novel. I think either this should have been given more time, or the battles she’s fighting at the beginning shouldn’t have been given so much weight in the first novel and the beginning of this second one.
I still really enjoyed the characters (Ember especially grew on me here after finding him a little insufferable in the first one), Charlotte and Davy and Eva have a great friendship, and I really wished we had gotten to see more of Conroy. Overall, it was fairly cute and I think it had a lot of strong and interesting elements. Unfortunately, this one is just average for me with a lot of elements I did enjoy (the setting and all the little details we got that made the world feel lived in were especially nice) but there were also a lot of things I didn’t really work for me.
February 6, 2022
This sequel was a bit of a let-down, due to quite a number of flaws in this book.
Firstly, it's wrong to suggest that it is somehow justifiable to accept that Soma 'had no choice' but to harm innocent people just to earn money to support his family. It would be different if the mercenaries had directly threatened the lives of his family, but there was no such predicament.
Secondly, this book keeps using the phrase "impossible possibilities". No, that's not how to get a point across, and besides that phrase is simply a contradiction and arguably the wrong message. It tells the reader to suspend reason and believe impossible things. But that's actually the opposite of what people should do! People should use proper logical reasoning so that they do not prematurely believe something to be impossible in the first place!
Thirdly, it seems wrong to threaten burning a semi-sentient broomstick. Eva believes it to be semi-sentient and yet threatens burning it twice to get it to do what she wants. I don't really know what to say; it doesn't make any sense to include in the book such threats that don't even have any bit to do with the plot.
Fourthly, it is very distasteful to have Conroy keep telling Eva he will be first to rank up, and also care about his petty rivalry even in the midst of extreme danger. I don't know what is the purpose of so many such incidents.
Firstly, it's wrong to suggest that it is somehow justifiable to accept that Soma 'had no choice' but to harm innocent people just to earn money to support his family. It would be different if the mercenaries had directly threatened the lives of his family, but there was no such predicament.
Secondly, this book keeps using the phrase "impossible possibilities". No, that's not how to get a point across, and besides that phrase is simply a contradiction and arguably the wrong message. It tells the reader to suspend reason and believe impossible things. But that's actually the opposite of what people should do! People should use proper logical reasoning so that they do not prematurely believe something to be impossible in the first place!
Thirdly, it seems wrong to threaten burning a semi-sentient broomstick. Eva believes it to be semi-sentient and yet threatens burning it twice to get it to do what she wants. I don't really know what to say; it doesn't make any sense to include in the book such threats that don't even have any bit to do with the plot.
Fourthly, it is very distasteful to have Conroy keep telling Eva he will be first to rank up, and also care about his petty rivalry even in the midst of extreme danger. I don't know what is the purpose of so many such incidents.
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