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Little Witches: Magic in Concord
A charming and magical graphic novel adaptation of Louisa May Alcott's LITTLE WOMEN!
A charming and magical graphic novel based on Louisa May Alcott's LITTLE WOMEN! Jo, Beth, Amy, and Meg March are four sisters living in Concord with their parents—Father, who's tending to soldiers fighting in the Civil War, and Marmee, who teaches the girls simple but effective witchcraft. The Marches have to keep their craft quiet, as there are many in Concord who see magic in a bad light—especially after things have begun disappearing. When Mr. Laurence, a witchfinder, moves in next door to investigate the missing objects, the girls fear for their livelihood. But he turns out to be a kind old man, and his grandson, Laurie, quickly befriends the Marches. As the cold winter blusters on, the girls continue their education, even as missing objects soon turn into missing people. Things take a turn for the worse when Jo and Laurie try investigating on their own, and a dangerous storm takes hold of Concord. There's powerful magic at play here—stronger than anything the Marches, or even Laurie, has ever seen before. Can they hope to defeat it? Or has the magic already become too strong for them to fight against?
A charming and magical graphic novel based on Louisa May Alcott's LITTLE WOMEN! Jo, Beth, Amy, and Meg March are four sisters living in Concord with their parents—Father, who's tending to soldiers fighting in the Civil War, and Marmee, who teaches the girls simple but effective witchcraft. The Marches have to keep their craft quiet, as there are many in Concord who see magic in a bad light—especially after things have begun disappearing. When Mr. Laurence, a witchfinder, moves in next door to investigate the missing objects, the girls fear for their livelihood. But he turns out to be a kind old man, and his grandson, Laurie, quickly befriends the Marches. As the cold winter blusters on, the girls continue their education, even as missing objects soon turn into missing people. Things take a turn for the worse when Jo and Laurie try investigating on their own, and a dangerous storm takes hold of Concord. There's powerful magic at play here—stronger than anything the Marches, or even Laurie, has ever seen before. Can they hope to defeat it? Or has the magic already become too strong for them to fight against?
160 pages, Paperback
First published August 1, 2019
13 people are currently reading
1063 people want to read
About the author
Leigh Dragoon
23 books76 followersLeigh Dragoon (born May 6, 1976 in Plattsburgh, New York) is a professional American comics writer and illustrator. She currently lives in Sacramento, California.
Leigh Dragoon’s work first appeared in Girlamatic, publisher of her urban fantasy webcomic By the Wayside, which won the Kim Yale Award for Best New Female Talent in 2006. She contributed art to Sam Kieth’s My Inner Bimbo graphic novel. In 2009 she wrote the script for the three-volume HarperCollins/Tokyopop manga series based on Frewin Jones’ YA fantasy series The Faerie Path. She also contributed a story to the Fraggle Rock Vol. 1 graphic novel published by Archaia Studios Press in 2010. In 2011 she adapted the script for Richelle Mead’s Vampire Academy graphic novel, in addition to Frostbite forthcoming in 2012.
Leigh Dragoon’s work first appeared in Girlamatic, publisher of her urban fantasy webcomic By the Wayside, which won the Kim Yale Award for Best New Female Talent in 2006. She contributed art to Sam Kieth’s My Inner Bimbo graphic novel. In 2009 she wrote the script for the three-volume HarperCollins/Tokyopop manga series based on Frewin Jones’ YA fantasy series The Faerie Path. She also contributed a story to the Fraggle Rock Vol. 1 graphic novel published by Archaia Studios Press in 2010. In 2011 she adapted the script for Richelle Mead’s Vampire Academy graphic novel, in addition to Frostbite forthcoming in 2012.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 226 reviews
January 20, 2020
This was really fun! I don't think I would have enjoyed it as much as I did if I didn't already know the story of Little Women, but it was still a blast and I'm glad that I read it! My biggest complaint though and what is keeping this from being anything more than a 3 is that the ending was VERY abrupt. Like, I still don't even really know what happened, abrupt.
January 18, 2024
Although I was not really expecting Leigh Dragoon’s Little Witches: Magic in Concord, her 2020 graphic novel adaptation of Louisa May Alcott's classic Little Women to be a unilaterally enjoyable personal reading (and viewing) experience (and mostly because I am not all that much a fan of graphic novels by any stretch of my imagination anyhow and that the entire premise presented by Dragoon in Little Witches: Magic in Concord of Louisa May Alcott's March Sisters being cast as witches also just does not really tickle my reading fancy), I do have to admit that I am in fact and indeed pretty negatively and frustratingly surprised just how much the combination of Leigh Dragoon’s words and her accompanying images in Little Witches: Magic in Concord was and is totally and utterly NOT AT ALL to my liking.
Sure, there are a few parts of Little Witches: Magic in Concord that I have kind of appreciated and even mildly enjoyed, mostly in the first part, which does seem to present an interesting combination of Little Women and actual and historically authentic Alcott family history (and yes, the presented textual information on transcendentalism is definitely intriguing, although having Leigh Dragoon then combine transcendentalism with witchery and magic really does leave me personally rather cold, unaffected and even a trifle annoyed).
But truly, the second part of Little Witches: Magic in Concord, it has indeed just majorly frustrated me, it has not been even remotely pleasurable for me. For not only does Leigh Dragoon make her story in part two veer really too far away from what Louisa May Alcott has penned in Little Women, the entire curse on Concord Massachusetts which needs to be lifted and neutralised by the witchy March Sisters and their witch finding friend Theodore Laurence does not really make all that much sense to me in and of itself and has thus rendered Little Witches: Magic in Concord both strange and also quite hard to fathom (and with an annoyingly abrupt and totally incomplete ending), well, that the featured arch villain in Little Witches: Magic in Concord (the individual creating all that magical havoc in Concord) is Amy March's Confederate in background warlock teacher, not only is that totally surprising and coming out of the proverbial blue so to speak, it also just makes the entire storyline of Little Women: Magic in Concord not at all something fun for me to read, but mostly something silly and tedious.
And combined with the fact that I actually have totally NOT AT ALL aesthetically liked Leigh Dragoon’s artwork (finding the colour scheme she has used in Little Witches: Magic in Concord too dark, the facial features of in particular Meg, Jo and Beth often sinister, squinty and so similar that for much of Little Women: Magic in Concord I have had huge issues telling Meg, Jo and Beth apart), sorry, but I ended up only considering but one star for Little Witches: Magic in Concord (because you know, if I cannot stand the illustrations of a graphic novel, for me, said entire graphic novel simply ends up as majorly hugely problematic and disappointing).
Sure, there are a few parts of Little Witches: Magic in Concord that I have kind of appreciated and even mildly enjoyed, mostly in the first part, which does seem to present an interesting combination of Little Women and actual and historically authentic Alcott family history (and yes, the presented textual information on transcendentalism is definitely intriguing, although having Leigh Dragoon then combine transcendentalism with witchery and magic really does leave me personally rather cold, unaffected and even a trifle annoyed).
But truly, the second part of Little Witches: Magic in Concord, it has indeed just majorly frustrated me, it has not been even remotely pleasurable for me. For not only does Leigh Dragoon make her story in part two veer really too far away from what Louisa May Alcott has penned in Little Women, the entire curse on Concord Massachusetts which needs to be lifted and neutralised by the witchy March Sisters and their witch finding friend Theodore Laurence does not really make all that much sense to me in and of itself and has thus rendered Little Witches: Magic in Concord both strange and also quite hard to fathom (and with an annoyingly abrupt and totally incomplete ending), well, that the featured arch villain in Little Witches: Magic in Concord (the individual creating all that magical havoc in Concord) is Amy March's Confederate in background warlock teacher, not only is that totally surprising and coming out of the proverbial blue so to speak, it also just makes the entire storyline of Little Women: Magic in Concord not at all something fun for me to read, but mostly something silly and tedious.
And combined with the fact that I actually have totally NOT AT ALL aesthetically liked Leigh Dragoon’s artwork (finding the colour scheme she has used in Little Witches: Magic in Concord too dark, the facial features of in particular Meg, Jo and Beth often sinister, squinty and so similar that for much of Little Women: Magic in Concord I have had huge issues telling Meg, Jo and Beth apart), sorry, but I ended up only considering but one star for Little Witches: Magic in Concord (because you know, if I cannot stand the illustrations of a graphic novel, for me, said entire graphic novel simply ends up as majorly hugely problematic and disappointing).
April 24, 2019
+Digital ARC gently provided by publishers and netgalley for an honest review+
Age Range: 8 and up
Grade Level: 3 - 4
I was curious to read this book, which is an adaptation of the beloved classic Little Women by L.M. Alcott, with the proviso that the March sisters here are witches. Good witches, mind you, keeping even their ideas of Transcendentalism.
The plot is similar: four sisters living with their mother in Concord during the Civil War; the father is absent in the aforementioned war minding the wounded. The fact that they are witches is a fact known to all, as well as the existence of magues. So this is a historical fantasy / alternative reality. New neighbors arrive at the house in front of the March and they are witch-finders. At first, the girls are worried, but soon discover that Mr. Lawrence and his grandson are rather new inhabitants of the city and no some fanatics. Actually, grandfather is an ex-slave who desire to fight the evil mages of the south.
However (and here taking a break to note that my copy is an ARC ), one of my major problems with the book is that it has serious problems in its edition in account of the content of the lettering, because many letters are missing throughout this work which does not allow to appreciate it as it should. Besides that the font used is not very good either.
The story continues along the same lines of the original, with the different personalities characteristics of the four sisters, and the charm of Laurie. But then there is a twist of the plot with a mystery that increases an atmosphere of fear and suspicion in the town about the magic.
The obstinate and brusque personality of Jo here is exacerbated and torn almost caricatured and it is not too much to my liking, (as I join the millions of admirers of Miss Jo March).
Oh, this is for youngers readers, middle graders I think, and there is no romance.
Art is simple, but aesthetics is not very to my liking either.
Age Range: 8 and up
Grade Level: 3 - 4
I was curious to read this book, which is an adaptation of the beloved classic Little Women by L.M. Alcott, with the proviso that the March sisters here are witches. Good witches, mind you, keeping even their ideas of Transcendentalism.
The plot is similar: four sisters living with their mother in Concord during the Civil War; the father is absent in the aforementioned war minding the wounded. The fact that they are witches is a fact known to all, as well as the existence of magues. So this is a historical fantasy / alternative reality. New neighbors arrive at the house in front of the March and they are witch-finders. At first, the girls are worried, but soon discover that Mr. Lawrence and his grandson are rather new inhabitants of the city and no some fanatics. Actually, grandfather is an ex-slave who desire to fight the evil mages of the south.
However (and here taking a break to note that my copy is an ARC ), one of my major problems with the book is that it has serious problems in its edition in account of the content of the lettering, because many letters are missing throughout this work which does not allow to appreciate it as it should. Besides that the font used is not very good either.
The story continues along the same lines of the original, with the different personalities characteristics of the four sisters, and the charm of Laurie. But then there is a twist of the plot with a mystery that increases an atmosphere of fear and suspicion in the town about the magic.
The obstinate and brusque personality of Jo here is exacerbated and torn almost caricatured and it is not too much to my liking, (as I join the millions of admirers of Miss Jo March).
Oh, this is for youngers readers, middle graders I think, and there is no romance.
Art is simple, but aesthetics is not very to my liking either.
August 31, 2021
A bland reimagining of the March sisters as witches. The world-building is rather vague with the time and setting being the same as the original "Little Women" novel, but there are lots of witches, but some are hunted and others are considered okay if they are registered and behaved? The witch stuff actually doesn't seem that important, as it's all rather dull family life minutiae reflecting the source material until a villain and a big confrontation are tossed in for some excitement at the end.
The art is okay, but I did have frequent trouble telling apart Beth, Jo, Meg, and Marmee. Come to think on it, their personalities were a bit hard to distinguish also.
Anyhow, it's all blandity, bland, bland, bland.
The art is okay, but I did have frequent trouble telling apart Beth, Jo, Meg, and Marmee. Come to think on it, their personalities were a bit hard to distinguish also.
Anyhow, it's all blandity, bland, bland, bland.
August 19, 2020
I received an ARC of this at BEA, all opinions are my own.
This story follows four sisters who live with their parents. They all practice witchcraft and this story is a retelling of Little Woman. I can't really speak on if it was closely related to Little Woman because I have yet to read that classic.
This discussed people abusing magic, abuse in school, and the Civil War. I really enjoyed the romance in this!! I thought it was refreshing and well done. If anything I would have loved to see a graphic novel just about them. I really liked the apprentice aspect and how the grandmother wanted to teach one of the daughters what she knew. I thought that added a lot of substance to the story even though it was very exclusive. I also quite liked the art style.
Some things that I did not like about this was the pacing. At times it was too fast or too slow and it was just overall really unbalanced. The daughters were all very similar as well and almost molded together. The big issue for me is that I felt like something was missing. That something was not explained fully or if I should have read something prior?? I'm not exactly sure but I felt a major disconnect from this that kept me from getting invested in the actual plot.
This story follows four sisters who live with their parents. They all practice witchcraft and this story is a retelling of Little Woman. I can't really speak on if it was closely related to Little Woman because I have yet to read that classic.
This discussed people abusing magic, abuse in school, and the Civil War. I really enjoyed the romance in this!! I thought it was refreshing and well done. If anything I would have loved to see a graphic novel just about them. I really liked the apprentice aspect and how the grandmother wanted to teach one of the daughters what she knew. I thought that added a lot of substance to the story even though it was very exclusive. I also quite liked the art style.
Some things that I did not like about this was the pacing. At times it was too fast or too slow and it was just overall really unbalanced. The daughters were all very similar as well and almost molded together. The big issue for me is that I felt like something was missing. That something was not explained fully or if I should have read something prior?? I'm not exactly sure but I felt a major disconnect from this that kept me from getting invested in the actual plot.
April 9, 2019
Thank you to Netgalley for providing me with an ARC of this graphic novel in exchange for an honest review.
This just didn't work for me.
I liked the fact that the author decided to use the March sisters as characters, it was a nice idea. The magic aspect was what intrigued me at the beginning but I don't think it was explained well and it kind of became useful only at the end of the book.
The plot was kind of complicated and I would have liked some more explanations.
Considering it was a 150-page book things weren't done really well, in my opinion.
This just didn't work for me.
I liked the fact that the author decided to use the March sisters as characters, it was a nice idea. The magic aspect was what intrigued me at the beginning but I don't think it was explained well and it kind of became useful only at the end of the book.
The plot was kind of complicated and I would have liked some more explanations.
Considering it was a 150-page book things weren't done really well, in my opinion.
May 29, 2019
The premise of this graphic novel is decent, but the execution is really uneven. (And can I just say how much I hate the cover? It wasn't until I zoomed way in that I realized Beth didn't actually have a beard.)
The March sisters are portrayed much the way they are in Alcott's original novel, with their defining characteristics. Jo's not really a writer here, though, so that's a little disappointing. Laurie is black, and how his grandfather--an escaped slave--made their fortune is a little far-fetched. (This part felt a little bit like the diversity was being forced. A more plausible explanation for the Laurence family fortune might have helped. I just have a hard time believing an escaped slave made that much money by writing his autobiography and giving a few lectures, especially when racism was still alive and well at the time the story took place.) Anyway, there are the familiar plot points of Marmee being called away, Amy's incident with the limes, and Beth's illness... but they're all touched by magic.
Concord is plagued by mysterious disappearances of people, animals, and objects. Jo gets it into her head to try to investigate these weird happenings, and the girls discover that magic is being used. So, of course, they try to stop it themselves and end up in a world of trouble.
I found the story a little difficult to follow in spots, especially in the beginning. Marmee, Beth, and Jo look a lot alike, and I often had to stop and try to figure out who was speaking. (It gets better after Marmee's called away and Jo cuts her hair.) But even then, the characters aren't always drawn consistently. Amy, for the most part, has a curl on her forehead... but it disappears on a few occasions for no real reason.
The ending is by far the biggest disappointment, however. It's almost as if the author ran out of steam and just wanted to finish. The whole storyline is wrapped up, with barely any words at all. For a graphic novel that's fairly heavy on the dialogue for most of the story, it comes across as jarring and rushed when the last ten pages have only a handful of words at all.
This is an interesting take on Little Women, and I'm not sorry I read it. It didn't quite live up to my expectations, though.
Thank you to NetGalley and Oni Press for providing a digital ARC.
The March sisters are portrayed much the way they are in Alcott's original novel, with their defining characteristics. Jo's not really a writer here, though, so that's a little disappointing. Laurie is black, and how his grandfather--an escaped slave--made their fortune is a little far-fetched. (This part felt a little bit like the diversity was being forced. A more plausible explanation for the Laurence family fortune might have helped. I just have a hard time believing an escaped slave made that much money by writing his autobiography and giving a few lectures, especially when racism was still alive and well at the time the story took place.) Anyway, there are the familiar plot points of Marmee being called away, Amy's incident with the limes, and Beth's illness... but they're all touched by magic.
Concord is plagued by mysterious disappearances of people, animals, and objects. Jo gets it into her head to try to investigate these weird happenings, and the girls discover that magic is being used. So, of course, they try to stop it themselves and end up in a world of trouble.
I found the story a little difficult to follow in spots, especially in the beginning. Marmee, Beth, and Jo look a lot alike, and I often had to stop and try to figure out who was speaking. (It gets better after Marmee's called away and Jo cuts her hair.) But even then, the characters aren't always drawn consistently. Amy, for the most part, has a curl on her forehead... but it disappears on a few occasions for no real reason.
The ending is by far the biggest disappointment, however. It's almost as if the author ran out of steam and just wanted to finish. The whole storyline is wrapped up, with barely any words at all. For a graphic novel that's fairly heavy on the dialogue for most of the story, it comes across as jarring and rushed when the last ten pages have only a handful of words at all.
This is an interesting take on Little Women, and I'm not sorry I read it. It didn't quite live up to my expectations, though.
Thank you to NetGalley and Oni Press for providing a digital ARC.
February 1, 2022
It is still the four precocious March sisters that we love with their easy-to-like personalities during the American Civil War. Little Women but with magic. I enjoyed the graphic novel format and the entertaining plot. I would definitely like to see what Leigh Dragoon will do next.
* Originally I was given this as an ARC by NetGalley and OniPress for an honest review* However, it was archived before I could do so. So, my review is based on my recent purchase.
Publication 18/08/20
Goodreads review 01/02/22
#LittleWitches #NetGalley
* Originally I was given this as an ARC by NetGalley and OniPress for an honest review* However, it was archived before I could do so. So, my review is based on my recent purchase.
Publication 18/08/20
Goodreads review 01/02/22
#LittleWitches #NetGalley
February 20, 2022
I adore Little Women and was thrilled to read this graphic novel adaptation, which depicts the March sisters as witches! With a magical twist, the novel keeps the original historical background and people. Meg, Jo, Beth, and Amy are aspiring "good" witches. There is also mystery as the sisters try to figure out who is responsible for a string of disappearances in Concord. In this rendition, Laurie and his grandfather are both African Americans. The author does not shy away from genuine historical themes, and slavery is presented through magic in a way that younger readers may grasp.
There isn't a lot of character development in this short graphic novel. Although I wish we could have seen more of the sisters' deep bond with each other and their mother, Marmee, I loved the emphasis on family and friendship. I'm guessing this is the first in a series because the finish felt rushed. Overall, I thought this was a lovely graphic novel, but it lacked the charm of the original text.
There isn't a lot of character development in this short graphic novel. Although I wish we could have seen more of the sisters' deep bond with each other and their mother, Marmee, I loved the emphasis on family and friendship. I'm guessing this is the first in a series because the finish felt rushed. Overall, I thought this was a lovely graphic novel, but it lacked the charm of the original text.
May 27, 2019
I received an e-ARC of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest opinion.
I enjoyed this graphic novel and I loved the basic idea of reading The Little Women as witches with powers. It worked so well for me that I'm expecting to see a new comic with these ladies next year or a little soon after the publication of this one. Yes, the earlier the better. The artwork was good, especially the sceneries and the choice of colors that differ between indoor and outdoor landscapes: warm for the interiors and cold for the externals. I simply found the last pages too hasty, this is the only part that I didn't like, but apart from that it was a pleasant reading.
I enjoyed this graphic novel and I loved the basic idea of reading The Little Women as witches with powers. It worked so well for me that I'm expecting to see a new comic with these ladies next year or a little soon after the publication of this one. Yes, the earlier the better. The artwork was good, especially the sceneries and the choice of colors that differ between indoor and outdoor landscapes: warm for the interiors and cold for the externals. I simply found the last pages too hasty, this is the only part that I didn't like, but apart from that it was a pleasant reading.
October 18, 2020
This was actually really cute.
April 26, 2021
3.5 stars
Meg, Jo, Beth and Amy March are little witches living in Concord, Massachusetts with their mother. Father is far away healing people wounded in the Civil War. The girls push on with their household chores as Marmee wishes them to, while Aunt Josephine March complains about everything they do. When Mr. Laurence, a former enslaved man and witchfinder moves in next door, the girls are nervous but Jo soon befriends his grandson Laurie and old Mr. Laurence assures the Marches he's more interested in Confederate mages than hedge witches. When things, and later people, start disappearing in Concord, the Marches are to blame. With Marmee away, it's up to Meg to decide what to do. She thinks the problem is too big for the girls to solve on their own and they should wait for Mr. Laurence but when the situation becomes more fraught with difficulties, headstrong Jo takes the lead. Can they figure out what is going on and save the day on their own?
My 12-year-old niece just got this book and recognized it as an adaptation of Little Women. She knows I'm a Louisa May Alcott fangirl and Little Women is very near and dear to my heart. She was eager for me to read this book RIGHT NOW. At 12, I know she won't be interested in talking to me for much longer so I agreed to borrow the book and read it. I did not expect to like it, the original novel is an old friend I can quote from by heart and I've seen and disliked all the adaptations. To humor my niece I kept an open mind and I'm glad I did! The author is as much a devoted fan of the original novel and LMA as I am! I feel like she is a kindred spirit. I could easily tell how well she knew the novel AND the time period. I appreciated that a lot.
The first half of the book was more enjoyable for me. I really liked the nods to the original novel and the incorporation of Alcott family history. I smiled when I saw the apple tree, knowing, as the author does, the Alcotts had an apple orchard behind Orchard House, hence the name, as Bronson believed apples were the most perfect food. Having the Marches in this novel have a magically enhanced apple tree was a charming nod to the Alcott family. This half of the book includes a letter from Father, Jo writing and the introduction of the Laurences. Old Mr. Laurence is clearly based on Frederick Douglass who did indeed make quite a bit of money lecturing and writing Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass My Bondage and My Freedom. I don't believe the Alcotts and Douglass knew each other but they did sort of run in the same antislavery and women's rights circles. Father March was forced to close his parlor school because he allowed in a Black student, just like Mr. Alcott. I also picked up on the fact this author has given Father the name Robin, which it very well COULD be because we know Jo's son is Rob after his grandfather! Mrs. March visits the Hummels but nothing about the baby being sick. I love the little nods that show the writer knows her stuff! Because I know the Alcotts and Transcendentalism, I understood the references in this book but I think for younger readers or those who haven't read the novel in some time, a bit of explanation is needed.
The witchcraft world building isn't as strong as I would like it. Why does Marmee only want the girls to learn hedgewitch magic like knitting, gardening, household chores and women's work? That is absolutely NOT what Abigail Alcott wanted for her children and I don't think Marmee does either. Being a Transcendentalist doesn't mean NOT changing the world! Mrs. Alcott was eager to vote and hoped she would be able to in her lifetime. Louisa was for reforms of all kinds.
In the world of this novel, Meg keeps knitting and for some reason knitting is magical and she isn't very good at it. What does what mean, exactly and why? Meg worries a lot. She stays home and doesn't work as a governess for the Kings. There's no John Brooke in sight to flirt with and she doesn't envy the girls in her old social circle. She's lost the essence of who she is in this translation.
Jo isn't so much of a writer but she's strong-willed, a leader and DETERMINED. Jo wants to be DOING something to help her family and in this case, that means witchcraft. Aunt March (ah the author missed a detail-she's Father's AUNT, not sister), is more likable here. She tells it like it is and sometimes she's a little harsh. She disapproves of what Marmee teaches the girls for good reason because surprise! Aunt March is like a magical epidemiologist trying to research and figure out how to save the world from things like the Black Plague. That's super awesome and totally badass of Aunt March! In this version of the story, Jo doesn't go read to Aunt March. The timeline is sped up and Amy becomes Aunt March's beneficiary very early in the story. The reason is, Jo is set in her habits and too old to train. Amy is young and still teachable.
Beth is super sweet and has an affinity for animals but she isn't all that shy. She says Mr. Laurence will let her play his piano but she doesn't ever go and play. Her illness comes from a surprising source having to do with the magical plot. I was surprised and not too thrilled. Yes we all cried when Beth was sick and later when Beth died but she kind of has to die because Lizzie Alcott died. Wouldn't it have made more sense for Amy to try to figure out what was wrong and try to cure Beth? Instead, there's a wild plot that seems disconnected from the rest of the story. It involves magic and the disappearances in Concord. Apparently Beth can not DO magic but she can repel it? This needs some clarification.
Amy is a little more likable here too. She's young and silly sometimes. I LOVE the inclusion of her malapropisms, it's my favorite part of her character in the novel and usually gets cut out of adaptations. She's not as bratty or as snooty. Mr. Davies was totally wrong to punish Amy and not the Snow girl. The other girl was bullying Amy first! OK so Amy wasn't supposed to be hiding pickled limes in her desk but she wasn't abusing her powers, she was a young girl trying to keep from getting into trouble at school. She didn't really know what was going to happen and what did happen was harmless. The OTHER girl should have been punished for being mean to Amy. Mr. Davies turns out to be a real surprise. I wasn't expecting him to be a fleshed out character. In trying to correct other people's behavior, he does the one thing he truly hates. I feel almost bad for him.
The startling magical conclusion needs a LOT more explanation. I don't understand what happened and why, except they all combined their talents to work together. The magical element needs more fleshing out-what, why, how? It kept me up late reading though.
Another casualty of this type of storytelling is Jo and Laurie's friendship. I don't get the closeness that's in the original and how Jo wants to be a boy, free of the restrictions placed on girls. While this avoids the problem of his proposal, that's part of the charm of the original novel. Who doesn't love Laurie?
Also included is a bonus short story. It's simple and cute. Like Beth, I love animals and don't regard common garden pests as bad. However, if I had to rely on a garden for food, I'm sure I would feel differently.
The illustrations in this graphic novel are dreadful. If it's set during the Civil War, why are the girls wearing turtleneck sweaters and long skirts? Where are the iconic wide skirts and sleeves? Bonnets? Gloves? Some of the men are shown wearing old-fashioned queues (ponytails or braids). That's not correct for the 1860s either. The shopkeeper and some of the people in the background look more accurate. The neutral color palette doesn't do anything for me. I did like seeing Orchard House even though the Alcotts didn't live there at the time the story takes place. I also liked the train station which is still there. None of the shops looked familiar. I know the town so well so I would have included the familiar buildings as they looked in the 1860s.
With a little more fleshing out, this novel could be truly a great adaptation for tween/young teen girls who just can't slog through all 600 pages of the original and prefer a little more excitement in their plots.
Meg, Jo, Beth and Amy March are little witches living in Concord, Massachusetts with their mother. Father is far away healing people wounded in the Civil War. The girls push on with their household chores as Marmee wishes them to, while Aunt Josephine March complains about everything they do. When Mr. Laurence, a former enslaved man and witchfinder moves in next door, the girls are nervous but Jo soon befriends his grandson Laurie and old Mr. Laurence assures the Marches he's more interested in Confederate mages than hedge witches. When things, and later people, start disappearing in Concord, the Marches are to blame. With Marmee away, it's up to Meg to decide what to do. She thinks the problem is too big for the girls to solve on their own and they should wait for Mr. Laurence but when the situation becomes more fraught with difficulties, headstrong Jo takes the lead. Can they figure out what is going on and save the day on their own?
My 12-year-old niece just got this book and recognized it as an adaptation of Little Women. She knows I'm a Louisa May Alcott fangirl and Little Women is very near and dear to my heart. She was eager for me to read this book RIGHT NOW. At 12, I know she won't be interested in talking to me for much longer so I agreed to borrow the book and read it. I did not expect to like it, the original novel is an old friend I can quote from by heart and I've seen and disliked all the adaptations. To humor my niece I kept an open mind and I'm glad I did! The author is as much a devoted fan of the original novel and LMA as I am! I feel like she is a kindred spirit. I could easily tell how well she knew the novel AND the time period. I appreciated that a lot.
The first half of the book was more enjoyable for me. I really liked the nods to the original novel and the incorporation of Alcott family history. I smiled when I saw the apple tree, knowing, as the author does, the Alcotts had an apple orchard behind Orchard House, hence the name, as Bronson believed apples were the most perfect food. Having the Marches in this novel have a magically enhanced apple tree was a charming nod to the Alcott family. This half of the book includes a letter from Father, Jo writing and the introduction of the Laurences. Old Mr. Laurence is clearly based on Frederick Douglass who did indeed make quite a bit of money lecturing and writing Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass My Bondage and My Freedom. I don't believe the Alcotts and Douglass knew each other but they did sort of run in the same antislavery and women's rights circles. Father March was forced to close his parlor school because he allowed in a Black student, just like Mr. Alcott. I also picked up on the fact this author has given Father the name Robin, which it very well COULD be because we know Jo's son is Rob after his grandfather! Mrs. March visits the Hummels but nothing about the baby being sick. I love the little nods that show the writer knows her stuff! Because I know the Alcotts and Transcendentalism, I understood the references in this book but I think for younger readers or those who haven't read the novel in some time, a bit of explanation is needed.
The witchcraft world building isn't as strong as I would like it. Why does Marmee only want the girls to learn hedgewitch magic like knitting, gardening, household chores and women's work? That is absolutely NOT what Abigail Alcott wanted for her children and I don't think Marmee does either. Being a Transcendentalist doesn't mean NOT changing the world! Mrs. Alcott was eager to vote and hoped she would be able to in her lifetime. Louisa was for reforms of all kinds.
In the world of this novel, Meg keeps knitting and for some reason knitting is magical and she isn't very good at it. What does what mean, exactly and why? Meg worries a lot. She stays home and doesn't work as a governess for the Kings. There's no John Brooke in sight to flirt with and she doesn't envy the girls in her old social circle. She's lost the essence of who she is in this translation.
Jo isn't so much of a writer but she's strong-willed, a leader and DETERMINED. Jo wants to be DOING something to help her family and in this case, that means witchcraft. Aunt March (ah the author missed a detail-she's Father's AUNT, not sister), is more likable here. She tells it like it is and sometimes she's a little harsh. She disapproves of what Marmee teaches the girls for good reason because surprise! Aunt March is like a magical epidemiologist trying to research and figure out how to save the world from things like the Black Plague. That's super awesome and totally badass of Aunt March! In this version of the story, Jo doesn't go read to Aunt March. The timeline is sped up and Amy becomes Aunt March's beneficiary very early in the story. The reason is, Jo is set in her habits and too old to train. Amy is young and still teachable.
Beth is super sweet and has an affinity for animals but she isn't all that shy. She says Mr. Laurence will let her play his piano but she doesn't ever go and play. Her illness comes from a surprising source having to do with the magical plot. I was surprised and not too thrilled. Yes we all cried when Beth was sick and later when Beth died but she kind of has to die because Lizzie Alcott died. Wouldn't it have made more sense for Amy to try to figure out what was wrong and try to cure Beth? Instead, there's a wild plot that seems disconnected from the rest of the story. It involves magic and the disappearances in Concord. Apparently Beth can not DO magic but she can repel it? This needs some clarification.
Amy is a little more likable here too. She's young and silly sometimes. I LOVE the inclusion of her malapropisms, it's my favorite part of her character in the novel and usually gets cut out of adaptations. She's not as bratty or as snooty. Mr. Davies was totally wrong to punish Amy and not the Snow girl. The other girl was bullying Amy first! OK so Amy wasn't supposed to be hiding pickled limes in her desk but she wasn't abusing her powers, she was a young girl trying to keep from getting into trouble at school. She didn't really know what was going to happen and what did happen was harmless. The OTHER girl should have been punished for being mean to Amy. Mr. Davies turns out to be a real surprise. I wasn't expecting him to be a fleshed out character. In trying to correct other people's behavior, he does the one thing he truly hates. I feel almost bad for him.
The startling magical conclusion needs a LOT more explanation. I don't understand what happened and why, except they all combined their talents to work together. The magical element needs more fleshing out-what, why, how? It kept me up late reading though.
Another casualty of this type of storytelling is Jo and Laurie's friendship. I don't get the closeness that's in the original and how Jo wants to be a boy, free of the restrictions placed on girls. While this avoids the problem of his proposal, that's part of the charm of the original novel. Who doesn't love Laurie?
Also included is a bonus short story. It's simple and cute. Like Beth, I love animals and don't regard common garden pests as bad. However, if I had to rely on a garden for food, I'm sure I would feel differently.
The illustrations in this graphic novel are dreadful. If it's set during the Civil War, why are the girls wearing turtleneck sweaters and long skirts? Where are the iconic wide skirts and sleeves? Bonnets? Gloves? Some of the men are shown wearing old-fashioned queues (ponytails or braids). That's not correct for the 1860s either. The shopkeeper and some of the people in the background look more accurate. The neutral color palette doesn't do anything for me. I did like seeing Orchard House even though the Alcotts didn't live there at the time the story takes place. I also liked the train station which is still there. None of the shops looked familiar. I know the town so well so I would have included the familiar buildings as they looked in the 1860s.
With a little more fleshing out, this novel could be truly a great adaptation for tween/young teen girls who just can't slog through all 600 pages of the original and prefer a little more excitement in their plots.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 5, 2019
If you like Little Women and like magic, seriously go pick this up! It is a charming reimagining of the classic by Louisa May Alcott where the sisters are witches and magic exists. It does a wonderful job of hitting important beats from the original story, but with its own flavor. In a cool twist, Laurie and his grandfather are free African-Americans working to investigate misuse of magic. One example is the use of magic by slave owners to compel and punish slaves. (recall that Little Women is set during the Civil War).
It thought this was wonderfully done and I hope we get additional volumes! This one doesn't cover the entirety of the original so there is certainly space for it. I should note that I am a long-time fan of the original novel and this might not be as appealing to readers who aren't very familiar with the book. I received an advance review copy of this graphic novel from the publisher. All opinions are my own.
It thought this was wonderfully done and I hope we get additional volumes! This one doesn't cover the entirety of the original so there is certainly space for it. I should note that I am a long-time fan of the original novel and this might not be as appealing to readers who aren't very familiar with the book. I received an advance review copy of this graphic novel from the publisher. All opinions are my own.
May 10, 2019
My goodness, this was a cute read. It's a whimsical retelling of Little Women by Louisa May Alcott, complete with witches, magic and all the family love you could ever want. I'm a big fan of a few of the large page spreads - they really give off that sweet, mystical vibe which fits the story so well!
The first few pages were difficult to get into - I struggled to tell the sisters apart at first, and could've done with an introduction type spread or something before the story starts. That being said, after I started recognising who was who, it became a very easy read. The sisters are all virtually the same as they are in the original book (Jo is forever and always my favourite!) and I LOVE Laurie in this version.
Graphic novels tend to be pretty fast-paced, and this was no exception - I breezed through it in under an hour. The plot is simple enough, but I *did* guess the big plot twist about half-way through. That being said, this is a children's book and I reckon it's fitting enough for them.
I really love how the author weaves a history of slavery and racial discrimination in with the history of mages - I wasn't expecting anything that deep from this book, so it was a pleasant surprise.
If you're looking for something light that's a twist on the original, I'd say go ahead! There's magic! There's sisterly love! There's disappearing cows!
The first few pages were difficult to get into - I struggled to tell the sisters apart at first, and could've done with an introduction type spread or something before the story starts. That being said, after I started recognising who was who, it became a very easy read. The sisters are all virtually the same as they are in the original book (Jo is forever and always my favourite!) and I LOVE Laurie in this version.
Graphic novels tend to be pretty fast-paced, and this was no exception - I breezed through it in under an hour. The plot is simple enough, but I *did* guess the big plot twist about half-way through. That being said, this is a children's book and I reckon it's fitting enough for them.
I really love how the author weaves a history of slavery and racial discrimination in with the history of mages - I wasn't expecting anything that deep from this book, so it was a pleasant surprise.
If you're looking for something light that's a twist on the original, I'd say go ahead! There's magic! There's sisterly love! There's disappearing cows!
May 15, 2019
**I received an e-ARC of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest opinion**
Although I never read Little Women, I feel like I enjoyed this graphic novel as much. The artwork is not my favourite style but the story is really entertaining and I can see how some scenes might have been adapted to this format. I can see now with Beth and Jo are everyone's favourites (also, kudos to Laurie!) and THE MAGIC! I have no problem admitting that I am a sucker for historical and literary retellings and when you add magic/fantasy to it, I AM HERE FOR IT!
Although I never read Little Women, I feel like I enjoyed this graphic novel as much. The artwork is not my favourite style but the story is really entertaining and I can see how some scenes might have been adapted to this format. I can see now with Beth and Jo are everyone's favourites (also, kudos to Laurie!) and THE MAGIC! I have no problem admitting that I am a sucker for historical and literary retellings and when you add magic/fantasy to it, I AM HERE FOR IT!
April 8, 2019
2,5/5. I would I like more magic!! There isn't close to be enough magic in this one. The story become more casual then fantastic and this was a downer for me. I think younger reader, probably even more for girl, might enjoy it though. And the art, even if it look very simple, has an original look and vibe to it that I really like. Not really for me, not necessarily great, but wasn't bad either!
June 20, 2020
My review was first posted on Northern Plunder, you can read more of my reviews there too.
Okay so I have to be honest with you guys – I’ve never read Little Women. I don’t know anything about Little Women and I picked this graphic novel up because I want to read more about witches.
I feel like talking about the plot is a bit weird as possibly everyone but me actually has some understanding of Little Women…
But I could be wrong so here goes.
In this retelling the March women are witches and it opens with witch hunters – the Lawrences – moving in next door.
But it’s fine, don’t worry, the Marches have good reputation and they’re not here for them.
I like the relationship between the sisters and how they’re explored and improved over time. You can understand the frustrations that run between the girls, but it’s also great we get to see them work together and overcome their differences.
All their strengths and weakness’ felt explored in this graphic novel which is something that can be hard to do in a smaller amount of pages. But this is why I loved this story, it handled a lot and did it well.
I do believe I would’ve liked the magic systems to be explored or explained a little more as its pretty clear there are varients. But this wasn’t really a story about the magic and how it works. It really is more of a focus on the families solving a larger and darker magic that is taking over Concord.
Outside of the family, the sub-plot revolves around a darker magic that’s causing things, people, and animals to go missing. It’s something the reader picks up very early on, but takes the Marches a little longer to consider as a concern. The sisters need to work together to find out why and who is causing it to happen, and how they can stop it. It’s what pulls the girls back together. Especially when one of them starts to fade too.
The art is very cute and simple which fits the story well and doesn’t distract from a recognisable world (ours). However, I think pages where more is happening are stronger. For example, when magic is used, there’s a lot of plants or little magic-y items. They’re the ones that really made me stop and appreciate what I was reading.
To conclude, I would definitely read more by Leigh Dragoon and think Little Witches is worth your time. Remember, always treat your friends (and sisters) with kindness.
Okay so I have to be honest with you guys – I’ve never read Little Women. I don’t know anything about Little Women and I picked this graphic novel up because I want to read more about witches.
I feel like talking about the plot is a bit weird as possibly everyone but me actually has some understanding of Little Women…
But I could be wrong so here goes.
In this retelling the March women are witches and it opens with witch hunters – the Lawrences – moving in next door.
But it’s fine, don’t worry, the Marches have good reputation and they’re not here for them.
I like the relationship between the sisters and how they’re explored and improved over time. You can understand the frustrations that run between the girls, but it’s also great we get to see them work together and overcome their differences.
All their strengths and weakness’ felt explored in this graphic novel which is something that can be hard to do in a smaller amount of pages. But this is why I loved this story, it handled a lot and did it well.
I do believe I would’ve liked the magic systems to be explored or explained a little more as its pretty clear there are varients. But this wasn’t really a story about the magic and how it works. It really is more of a focus on the families solving a larger and darker magic that is taking over Concord.
Outside of the family, the sub-plot revolves around a darker magic that’s causing things, people, and animals to go missing. It’s something the reader picks up very early on, but takes the Marches a little longer to consider as a concern. The sisters need to work together to find out why and who is causing it to happen, and how they can stop it. It’s what pulls the girls back together. Especially when one of them starts to fade too.
The art is very cute and simple which fits the story well and doesn’t distract from a recognisable world (ours). However, I think pages where more is happening are stronger. For example, when magic is used, there’s a lot of plants or little magic-y items. They’re the ones that really made me stop and appreciate what I was reading.
To conclude, I would definitely read more by Leigh Dragoon and think Little Witches is worth your time. Remember, always treat your friends (and sisters) with kindness.
June 4, 2019
In this retelling of Little Women, the March sisters are all witches, training to learn magic from their mother, Marmie, and from crabby old Aunt March. Old Mr. Lawrence moves in next door with his grandson, but they are witch-hunters! As long as the Marches abide by the laws of Concord, the witch-hunters won't bother them, so the Marches try to befriend their new neighbors. Jo and Laurie get involved in a magic investigation and try to unravel a curse, but will the March sisters' magic be enough to protect their family?
I loved this graphic novel! The artwork is simple and eye-catching, with striking colors. The art panels made the storyline very clear and easy to understand. The expressions of the characters and the action really pulls the reader into the story.
I loved how the March sisters are reimagined, but all the fire and spirit in their characters are preserved. Many of the plot points are the same as the original story, but with subtle twists and added enchantments to make them fit in a magic tale.
It was fascinating to see how various characters and plot devices are reworked and rewritten to fit an entirely new story. I love how imaginative the writing is!
Disclaimer: I received an ecopy of this book for free from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for a free and honest review. All the opinions stated here are my own true thoughts, and are not influenced by anyone.
I loved this graphic novel! The artwork is simple and eye-catching, with striking colors. The art panels made the storyline very clear and easy to understand. The expressions of the characters and the action really pulls the reader into the story.
I loved how the March sisters are reimagined, but all the fire and spirit in their characters are preserved. Many of the plot points are the same as the original story, but with subtle twists and added enchantments to make them fit in a magic tale.
It was fascinating to see how various characters and plot devices are reworked and rewritten to fit an entirely new story. I love how imaginative the writing is!
Disclaimer: I received an ecopy of this book for free from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for a free and honest review. All the opinions stated here are my own true thoughts, and are not influenced by anyone.
July 14, 2019
I'd like to thank Leigh Dragoon, Oni Press and NetGalley for this book in exchange for an honest review.
I have never read Little Women by Louisa May Alcott, although it's on my TBR list, but this book was cute overall. This is a retelling of the classic mentioned above.
I had problems with getting into this book. At first, the pacing was too fast and I couldn't understand who was who, but then it slowed down and I caught up with their names eventually.
What I liked about this book was the graphic of it, the mystery in it and the characters.
The witches are spying on their new neighbours, a man and his son that are witchhunters! Despite of that, the biggest witch sister is befriending the son of that man. And around town people notice that objects are stolen from them.
One of the sisters can feel a bad shadow that is lurking around them and they go searching for what it is and who is responsible, but they get into trouble.
I had a feeling about who may be the responsible thief and I guessed it not long before the twist came around. And trust me, it is not who you think it is!
The book was cute and it's worth reading! It comes out somewhere between 27th of August and 3rd of September, so keep an eye on it!
I have never read Little Women by Louisa May Alcott, although it's on my TBR list, but this book was cute overall. This is a retelling of the classic mentioned above.
I had problems with getting into this book. At first, the pacing was too fast and I couldn't understand who was who, but then it slowed down and I caught up with their names eventually.
What I liked about this book was the graphic of it, the mystery in it and the characters.
The witches are spying on their new neighbours, a man and his son that are witchhunters! Despite of that, the biggest witch sister is befriending the son of that man. And around town people notice that objects are stolen from them.
One of the sisters can feel a bad shadow that is lurking around them and they go searching for what it is and who is responsible, but they get into trouble.
I had a feeling about who may be the responsible thief and I guessed it not long before the twist came around. And trust me, it is not who you think it is!
The book was cute and it's worth reading! It comes out somewhere between 27th of August and 3rd of September, so keep an eye on it!
August 20, 2019
This magical retelling of a classic, Little Women, features your favorite March sisters but with a delightfully witchy twist.
I haven’t ever read Little Women but I have always enjoyed the movie. I saw this title and was instantly drawn in because who doesn’t love a story about witches? The cover is gorgeous as well.
I thought that the story of the March sisters was very cute. There was a touch of magic and also had important lessons, like working together and not judging a book by its cover. Although it was a little on the short side, the plot was interesting and it wrapped up quite nicely by the end. The illustrations are great as well!
Overall, it was a cute children’s graphic novel and one that I would read to my daughter as she gets older. If you would like to read a magical retelling of Little Women then give this book a try!
eARC provided by publisher through NetGalley
I haven’t ever read Little Women but I have always enjoyed the movie. I saw this title and was instantly drawn in because who doesn’t love a story about witches? The cover is gorgeous as well.
I thought that the story of the March sisters was very cute. There was a touch of magic and also had important lessons, like working together and not judging a book by its cover. Although it was a little on the short side, the plot was interesting and it wrapped up quite nicely by the end. The illustrations are great as well!
Overall, it was a cute children’s graphic novel and one that I would read to my daughter as she gets older. If you would like to read a magical retelling of Little Women then give this book a try!
eARC provided by publisher through NetGalley
April 23, 2019
Thank you to Oni Press and Netgalley for the review copy in exchange for an honest review. This does not influence my opinion of the book in any way.
The title of this might sound somewhat familiar and it is because it is a play on Louisa May Allcott’s Little Women. In fact this is a retelling. I don’t consider it inspired as other reviewers have said because it holds to close to known events. While I might not have read Little Women I do know a bit about the story.
In this graphic novel retelling the Marches are witches and the Lawrences are witch hunters. An interesting concept if it had been worked out properly. Instead the Lawrences know they are witches but won’t prosecute them because they aren’t a certain type witch. That was confusing and there was very little explanation there as to these different types. And that is quite honestly the gist of the whole story. It wants to do a lot but it really doesn’t have the room in the 140 pages to make a proper world building which leaves a lot confusing. It’s a shame this seems to be all shoved into one graphic novel (that I can tell as of now) because I think if this story and world could have been able to go over a few volumes you could have had a great little series. Instead its lukewarm at its best.
Having said that, it was enjoyable to read just for the interactions between the characters. You do get that homey and family feeling between the sisters. I wish there had been more time to develop their relationship and their relationship with Lauri. Even so, it was still cute and felt.
The change of the Lawrences to being black was something I much applaud and was glad to see.
The title of this might sound somewhat familiar and it is because it is a play on Louisa May Allcott’s Little Women. In fact this is a retelling. I don’t consider it inspired as other reviewers have said because it holds to close to known events. While I might not have read Little Women I do know a bit about the story.
In this graphic novel retelling the Marches are witches and the Lawrences are witch hunters. An interesting concept if it had been worked out properly. Instead the Lawrences know they are witches but won’t prosecute them because they aren’t a certain type witch. That was confusing and there was very little explanation there as to these different types. And that is quite honestly the gist of the whole story. It wants to do a lot but it really doesn’t have the room in the 140 pages to make a proper world building which leaves a lot confusing. It’s a shame this seems to be all shoved into one graphic novel (that I can tell as of now) because I think if this story and world could have been able to go over a few volumes you could have had a great little series. Instead its lukewarm at its best.
Having said that, it was enjoyable to read just for the interactions between the characters. You do get that homey and family feeling between the sisters. I wish there had been more time to develop their relationship and their relationship with Lauri. Even so, it was still cute and felt.
The change of the Lawrences to being black was something I much applaud and was glad to see.
May 2, 2019
A charming and creative spin on a classic story (the "Little Women" are magical witches), told in a cartoony graphic novel format that middle grade readers will love. Some pages are full of brown, antique-ish looking colours, reminiscent of the "classic" status of the original book. Others are bursting with bright colours and magic.
Magic is exposed to be influential in a few historical events, including slavery and the Black Plague. I see how this could be controversial, but I think it will spark interesting conversations and may inspire some child readers to expand their research on the topics.
Magic is exposed to be influential in a few historical events, including slavery and the Black Plague. I see how this could be controversial, but I think it will spark interesting conversations and may inspire some child readers to expand their research on the topics.
March 4, 2023
্লিটল ওমেন এর কি চমৎকার রিএন্ডিশন!
June 12, 2019
3.5✨✨✨
This was really cute and fun! It starts really slow, but the ending is really god. I remember that I loved Little Women when I read it, but I can't remember the little details as I wish. Anyway, this is a really good graphic novel and I recommend it, even if the drawing style is simple. The story is captivating and the colors beautiful.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for sending me an arc of this book in exchange for an honest review
This was really cute and fun! It starts really slow, but the ending is really god. I remember that I loved Little Women when I read it, but I can't remember the little details as I wish. Anyway, this is a really good graphic novel and I recommend it, even if the drawing style is simple. The story is captivating and the colors beautiful.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for sending me an arc of this book in exchange for an honest review
April 9, 2019
This story was super cute, I enjoyed all the images in this graphic novel. If more of this Little Women retelling comes out, I definitely want to read it!
May 20, 2019
Little Women is one of my favorite classic novels, so when I saw this was a mashup of Little Women plus WITCHES, I was super excited. The resulting comic is a little light on plot, with lots of promise but not enough development to be satisfying.
In this retelling, Laurie is a Black teen living with his Black, formerly enslaved grandfather. The way the comic is colored, it's nearly impossible to differentiate the grandfather's skin from his features. I could have excused it since the illustrations overall aren't highly defined and carry a whimsical feel common to children's graphic novels... but the white characters are lit properly. This felt like a clumsy attempt to tie slavery to the narrative without taking the time to metaphorically and physically draw the Black grandfather as a full person.
Magic is used in the South by slaveowners to keep enslaved people restricted to their property and for punishment. This does come into play late in the book, but it didn't work as a way to mash together the Little Women callbacks and the magic worldbuilding in the story.
Overall, I wanted too much and the book ended up as something I won't be recommending for purchase at my library.
In this retelling, Laurie is a Black teen living with his Black, formerly enslaved grandfather. The way the comic is colored, it's nearly impossible to differentiate the grandfather's skin from his features. I could have excused it since the illustrations overall aren't highly defined and carry a whimsical feel common to children's graphic novels... but the white characters are lit properly. This felt like a clumsy attempt to tie slavery to the narrative without taking the time to metaphorically and physically draw the Black grandfather as a full person.
Magic is used in the South by slaveowners to keep enslaved people restricted to their property and for punishment. This does come into play late in the book, but it didn't work as a way to mash together the Little Women callbacks and the magic worldbuilding in the story.
Overall, I wanted too much and the book ended up as something I won't be recommending for purchase at my library.
May 19, 2019
So, the March sisters are all witches. That is the basic concept of this adoption of Little Women, but as witches.
And it sort of works.
But, it could just as well have been done with four other protagonists. In reading it, I couldn't find any reason that these had to be the March Sisters, other than it helped in world building.
Not a bad story. A little complicated, but not bad. Youngsters who liked Little Women, might enjoy this, as well as those who have not read the classic.
Thanks to Netgalley for making this book available for an honest review.
And it sort of works.
But, it could just as well have been done with four other protagonists. In reading it, I couldn't find any reason that these had to be the March Sisters, other than it helped in world building.
Not a bad story. A little complicated, but not bad. Youngsters who liked Little Women, might enjoy this, as well as those who have not read the classic.
Thanks to Netgalley for making this book available for an honest review.
September 9, 2020
I love Little Women and enjoyed this retelling about four sisters who live with their parents and practice witchcraft.
This was quite enjoyable.
#LittleWitches #NetGalley
This was quite enjoyable.
#LittleWitches #NetGalley
June 14, 2019
Thanks to Netgalley and One Press for sending me a bow of this book in exchange for an honest review.
“Little Witches. Magic in Concord“ is a cute adaptation for the graphic novel of “Little Women“. The reason that prompted me to request and read this retelling was the mention of magic in the title and the idea of making the March's sisters as witches - and I really loved it! I also liked the story, the characters and the drawings! I would have preferred only a more magic.
“Little Witches. Magic in Concord“ is a cute adaptation for the graphic novel of “Little Women“. The reason that prompted me to request and read this retelling was the mention of magic in the title and the idea of making the March's sisters as witches - and I really loved it! I also liked the story, the characters and the drawings! I would have preferred only a more magic.
November 26, 2023
This one was okay....
It uses the main characters of the classic Little Women and adds in a witchy twist. The interesting thing is that the witch aspect isn't the biggest change - I thought it was the personalities of the characters. I thought the original characters were more sympathetic to each other and just...friendlier in general. In this graphic novel, the girls have envy and short tempers. However, the mystery plot line was pretty good and the art was cute.
It uses the main characters of the classic Little Women and adds in a witchy twist. The interesting thing is that the witch aspect isn't the biggest change - I thought it was the personalities of the characters. I thought the original characters were more sympathetic to each other and just...friendlier in general. In this graphic novel, the girls have envy and short tempers. However, the mystery plot line was pretty good and the art was cute.
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