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Half-Witch
In Lizbet Lenz’s world, the sun goes around the earth, God speaks directly to his worshippers, goblins haunt cellars and witches lurk in forests. Disaster strikes when Lizbet's charming scoundrel father is thrown into a dungeon by the tyrant Hengest Wolftrow. To free him, Lizbet must cross the Montagnes du Monde, globe-girdling mountains that reach to the sky, a journey no one has ever survived, and retrieve a mysterious book.
Lizbet is desperate, and the only one who can help her is the unpleasant and sarcastic witch girl Strix. As the two girls journey over the mountains and into the lands of wonder beyond, on the run from goblins, powerful witches, and human criminals, Lizbet discovers, to her horror, that Strix's magic is turning Lizbet into a witch, too. Meanwhile, a revolution in Heaven is brewing.
Lizbet is desperate, and the only one who can help her is the unpleasant and sarcastic witch girl Strix. As the two girls journey over the mountains and into the lands of wonder beyond, on the run from goblins, powerful witches, and human criminals, Lizbet discovers, to her horror, that Strix's magic is turning Lizbet into a witch, too. Meanwhile, a revolution in Heaven is brewing.
336 pages, Paperback
First published July 1, 2018
57 people are currently reading
1796 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 115 reviews
December 11, 2018
Lots of fun stuff here and some heavy world building disguised as a friendship story. Huh. Really unique in a lot of things it does well. I'll think about it and write more later.
May 2, 2024
Half-Witch, Half-Witch, how do I love thee? Let me count the ways.
*happy sigh*
Genuinely, though, I have no idea where or how I found this book. I can find no mention of it on my favourite book blogs, so presumably none of them recommended it to me. My friends have never heard of it. It appeared on none of the newsletters I subscribe to. Where did it come from? Did I just happen to stumble through the wardrobe while browsing Amazon and come upon it by pure chance? Did I wake up one morning with it already waiting for me on my ereader? Did the Pixie Queen descend from on high in her dolphin-drawn clamshell-carriage and present it to me, then wipe my memory?
I have no clue. And that air of mystery and subtle magic is perfect appropriate, because I'm not sure I've ever read anything so...so...
Words fail me.
In a lot of ways, Half-Witch reminds me of Catherynne Valente's The Girl Who Circumnavigated Fairyland in a Ship of Her Own Making, and if you've ever been subject to my impassioned do you have time to talk about our lady and saviour Catherynne M Valente rhapsody, you'll know that's high praise indeed. There's some stylistic differences - Half-Witch is written in third-person, Girl has an omniscient narrator talking directly to the reader, and Valente's September is far more like Strix than she is Lizbet, Half-Witch's main character - but in some fundamental ways they're very similar. They're both allegedly middle-grade books that are deep and clever and beautiful enough to gut-punch adults too (maybe even gut-punch adults harder than they do younger readers); they both follow young girls discovering they can be (or already are) far more than they thought they could be. They both read like fairytales for the modern age, capturing some elusive, ancient, indescribably mythopoeic quality while telling stories that are like nothing you've ever come across before. They're both pure magic.
But Half-Witch is darker. Not so dark that I wouldn't give it to my little sister - I plan on putting a copy in her hands the first chance I get - but dark enough that I might have hesitated to give it to her a few years ago. And - I think this is important - dark enough to be exactly what I needed right now.
I love Valente and I always will; I will never stop loving her Fairyland series. And it's not that her Fairyland doesn't have its own painful revelations too. But...Half-Witch is the book I needed right now. It's a fairytale for those of us who are tired and bruised inside and can't face, at the moment, the stories that sparkle and glitter. I don't know how to put this without sounding like Fairyland is anything but the rich and complex series it is. Fairyland is not fluffy. But it's too obviously bright and hopeful and full of wonder for me to take when I don't have the strength to believe in it. When I'm tired and hurting and can't figure out how to wash the cynicism from my eyes.
That's where Half-Witch comes in. Because it's not a depressing book. Not at all! But it is a story I could trust, and follow, and believe in, all the way through the darkness and out the other side. It's a story that, honestly, almost tricks you into feeling hope again, believing in the world again. It's a story that acknowledges and doesn't flinch away from how unbelievably awful and terrifying things can be, how low you can fall, how hopeless everything can sometimes seem - and then shows you how to grit your teeth and snarl and fight your way back up, not with violence but with the sheer, teeth-bared determination to be good, and do good, and make things right. It's a story that reminds us that goodness is not bloodless, but neither is it bloodthirsty. It's a story about learning to be brave, and clever, and standing up for yourself and your friends; about being terrified beyond belief and Doing It Anyway.
It's also wickedly clever and subtly sneaky and full of references to or ideas pulled from older stories or myths, reworked in truly incredible ways. The worldbuilding is freaking amazing. It made me laugh far more than once; it made me gleeful; it had me glued to the pages and literally breathless multiple times. It's gross and beautiful and soft and sharp, part nightmare and part dream and all unputdown-able. It's the perfect, perfect, perfect fairytale-esque story the world needs at right this moment.
So I don't know how or where you found it, what path led you to this book (and this review). But it did not lead you wrong.
*happy sigh*
Genuinely, though, I have no idea where or how I found this book. I can find no mention of it on my favourite book blogs, so presumably none of them recommended it to me. My friends have never heard of it. It appeared on none of the newsletters I subscribe to. Where did it come from? Did I just happen to stumble through the wardrobe while browsing Amazon and come upon it by pure chance? Did I wake up one morning with it already waiting for me on my ereader? Did the Pixie Queen descend from on high in her dolphin-drawn clamshell-carriage and present it to me, then wipe my memory?
I have no clue. And that air of mystery and subtle magic is perfect appropriate, because I'm not sure I've ever read anything so...so...
Words fail me.
In a lot of ways, Half-Witch reminds me of Catherynne Valente's The Girl Who Circumnavigated Fairyland in a Ship of Her Own Making, and if you've ever been subject to my impassioned do you have time to talk about our lady and saviour Catherynne M Valente rhapsody, you'll know that's high praise indeed. There's some stylistic differences - Half-Witch is written in third-person, Girl has an omniscient narrator talking directly to the reader, and Valente's September is far more like Strix than she is Lizbet, Half-Witch's main character - but in some fundamental ways they're very similar. They're both allegedly middle-grade books that are deep and clever and beautiful enough to gut-punch adults too (maybe even gut-punch adults harder than they do younger readers); they both follow young girls discovering they can be (or already are) far more than they thought they could be. They both read like fairytales for the modern age, capturing some elusive, ancient, indescribably mythopoeic quality while telling stories that are like nothing you've ever come across before. They're both pure magic.
But Half-Witch is darker. Not so dark that I wouldn't give it to my little sister - I plan on putting a copy in her hands the first chance I get - but dark enough that I might have hesitated to give it to her a few years ago. And - I think this is important - dark enough to be exactly what I needed right now.
I love Valente and I always will; I will never stop loving her Fairyland series. And it's not that her Fairyland doesn't have its own painful revelations too. But...Half-Witch is the book I needed right now. It's a fairytale for those of us who are tired and bruised inside and can't face, at the moment, the stories that sparkle and glitter. I don't know how to put this without sounding like Fairyland is anything but the rich and complex series it is. Fairyland is not fluffy. But it's too obviously bright and hopeful and full of wonder for me to take when I don't have the strength to believe in it. When I'm tired and hurting and can't figure out how to wash the cynicism from my eyes.
That's where Half-Witch comes in. Because it's not a depressing book. Not at all! But it is a story I could trust, and follow, and believe in, all the way through the darkness and out the other side. It's a story that, honestly, almost tricks you into feeling hope again, believing in the world again. It's a story that acknowledges and doesn't flinch away from how unbelievably awful and terrifying things can be, how low you can fall, how hopeless everything can sometimes seem - and then shows you how to grit your teeth and snarl and fight your way back up, not with violence but with the sheer, teeth-bared determination to be good, and do good, and make things right. It's a story that reminds us that goodness is not bloodless, but neither is it bloodthirsty. It's a story about learning to be brave, and clever, and standing up for yourself and your friends; about being terrified beyond belief and Doing It Anyway.
It's also wickedly clever and subtly sneaky and full of references to or ideas pulled from older stories or myths, reworked in truly incredible ways. The worldbuilding is freaking amazing. It made me laugh far more than once; it made me gleeful; it had me glued to the pages and literally breathless multiple times. It's gross and beautiful and soft and sharp, part nightmare and part dream and all unputdown-able. It's the perfect, perfect, perfect fairytale-esque story the world needs at right this moment.
So I don't know how or where you found it, what path led you to this book (and this review). But it did not lead you wrong.
October 8, 2018
This book isn't coming out until July, which is a tragedy because I just want to talk to everyone about it now.
Half-Witch gave me the same atmospheric shivers that the Bear and the Nightingale gave me; it's got that same fairy-tale quality that makes every word seem a little bit like it's shrouded in fog, like you are discovering the book as you are reading it. And it has that same weird blend of folk-lore and Christianity that makes for a wild and excellent contrast of ideas and themes and makes me want to just dig in and discuss this book.
It's the sort of book that makes me want to have a book club, before I remember that I never really liked book club.
I don't know if Schoffstall meant for his two main characters to read as super fucking gay, but as a queer woman, I'm staking my claim on Lizbet and Strix. Their development from wary dislike to absolute trust and devotion to one another is the core of this book, the backbone of the narrative. It's the most beautiful thing to watch unfold, and while the plot and the other characters are important and interesting, they all pale in comparison to the vital lesson of friendship these two girls learn. There's an intertwining that happens, a mutual creation as these two girls rebuild themselves for each other out of love that made my heart ache for them in the best of ways. Like I said: even if they weren't meant to be gay, they are now. You can't stop me.
The worldbuilding and magic in this book is equally heart-wrenching. Everything in this book aches, and everything has that same, slightly unsettling feeling I got from The Hazel Wood. Everything is slightly off in impossible-to-pinpoint ways and it made for a truly interesting read. I wanted to discover things while at the same time fearing whatever weird goblin creature was going to pop up on the next page. The more mundane threats and antagonists were just as unsettling, albeit in a more human way, and made the magic and devils seem not quite so out of place after all.
Lizbet's journey--both physical and emotional--was harsh and unforgiving, but she rose to every challenge with a realistic amount of fear that made it impossible for me to dislike her. She tried her best, even when she was scared--even when I was scared--and I think there is much to be learned from her strength. Just as there is much to be learned from Strix's harshness, her uncompromising attitude, her shrugging acceptance of the knowledge that life is a fight and fighting for what you love is what makes living worth it. Lizbet wasn't the only one who had a coming-of-age narrative in this book, and I loved Strix's journey just as much.
Half-Witch is a slightly creepy, unsettling, atmospheric, beautiful story about friendship and love and the journey it takes to get to those emotions, the trials humans face and the ways they change when faced with growing up and losing their ways. It's about Loss. It's about Finding. It's about Being Made New. And while I don't know if I really liked this book, I absolutely enjoyed it.
(Also the cover is gorgeous. That's important to note.)
Thanks to the publisher for the ARC!!
Half-Witch gave me the same atmospheric shivers that the Bear and the Nightingale gave me; it's got that same fairy-tale quality that makes every word seem a little bit like it's shrouded in fog, like you are discovering the book as you are reading it. And it has that same weird blend of folk-lore and Christianity that makes for a wild and excellent contrast of ideas and themes and makes me want to just dig in and discuss this book.
It's the sort of book that makes me want to have a book club, before I remember that I never really liked book club.
I don't know if Schoffstall meant for his two main characters to read as super fucking gay, but as a queer woman, I'm staking my claim on Lizbet and Strix. Their development from wary dislike to absolute trust and devotion to one another is the core of this book, the backbone of the narrative. It's the most beautiful thing to watch unfold, and while the plot and the other characters are important and interesting, they all pale in comparison to the vital lesson of friendship these two girls learn. There's an intertwining that happens, a mutual creation as these two girls rebuild themselves for each other out of love that made my heart ache for them in the best of ways. Like I said: even if they weren't meant to be gay, they are now. You can't stop me.
The worldbuilding and magic in this book is equally heart-wrenching. Everything in this book aches, and everything has that same, slightly unsettling feeling I got from The Hazel Wood. Everything is slightly off in impossible-to-pinpoint ways and it made for a truly interesting read. I wanted to discover things while at the same time fearing whatever weird goblin creature was going to pop up on the next page. The more mundane threats and antagonists were just as unsettling, albeit in a more human way, and made the magic and devils seem not quite so out of place after all.
Lizbet's journey--both physical and emotional--was harsh and unforgiving, but she rose to every challenge with a realistic amount of fear that made it impossible for me to dislike her. She tried her best, even when she was scared--even when I was scared--and I think there is much to be learned from her strength. Just as there is much to be learned from Strix's harshness, her uncompromising attitude, her shrugging acceptance of the knowledge that life is a fight and fighting for what you love is what makes living worth it. Lizbet wasn't the only one who had a coming-of-age narrative in this book, and I loved Strix's journey just as much.
Half-Witch is a slightly creepy, unsettling, atmospheric, beautiful story about friendship and love and the journey it takes to get to those emotions, the trials humans face and the ways they change when faced with growing up and losing their ways. It's about Loss. It's about Finding. It's about Being Made New. And while I don't know if I really liked this book, I absolutely enjoyed it.
(Also the cover is gorgeous. That's important to note.)
Thanks to the publisher for the ARC!!
February 27, 2019
Fantasy fiction often seems to me like sci fi that plays it safe--but in a good way. There's a trick to taking familiar elements of folklore, especially Western folklore, and creating from them a world that feels original and surprising. The reader has the comfort of familiar landmarks but also some of the pleasures of mystery and wonder.
In Half-Witch, John Schoffstall does quite a good job of scrambling the familiar into a fresh brew. We meet Lizbet Lenz, the daughter of a kindly flimflam man in the far eastern reaches of the Holy Roman Empire. The setting is medievalish, and the world feels almost historical, though a passing reference to goblins warns the reader that this is not going to be historical fiction. Lizbet's father is imprisoned for accidentally conjuring a rain of mice, and her efforts to gain his release soon plunge Lizbet into a world of magic and adventure that test her character and survival skills to their limits. She goes on a quest, accompanied by a strange witchy creature named Strix (witches in this story are half-alive creatures made from found objects, amoral and magical but limited in their abilities), and emerges from the journey damaged in some ways but made whole in others.
I enjoyed the inventiveness of the twists and turns of the story, but felt sometimes that magical creatures were dragged in more for the convenience of the plot than because they were plausible ingredients of the world-building. The most interesting element for me was the way Schoffstall used Lizbet's pious Christianity in the story: God becomes a character, rather ineffectual and frustrating, and Jesus inspires and inhabits her in a literal way when she needs Him most. It's not preachy but not shallow either. Maybe talking myself into 3.5 stars!
In Half-Witch, John Schoffstall does quite a good job of scrambling the familiar into a fresh brew. We meet Lizbet Lenz, the daughter of a kindly flimflam man in the far eastern reaches of the Holy Roman Empire. The setting is medievalish, and the world feels almost historical, though a passing reference to goblins warns the reader that this is not going to be historical fiction. Lizbet's father is imprisoned for accidentally conjuring a rain of mice, and her efforts to gain his release soon plunge Lizbet into a world of magic and adventure that test her character and survival skills to their limits. She goes on a quest, accompanied by a strange witchy creature named Strix (witches in this story are half-alive creatures made from found objects, amoral and magical but limited in their abilities), and emerges from the journey damaged in some ways but made whole in others.
I enjoyed the inventiveness of the twists and turns of the story, but felt sometimes that magical creatures were dragged in more for the convenience of the plot than because they were plausible ingredients of the world-building. The most interesting element for me was the way Schoffstall used Lizbet's pious Christianity in the story: God becomes a character, rather ineffectual and frustrating, and Jesus inspires and inhabits her in a literal way when she needs Him most. It's not preachy but not shallow either. Maybe talking myself into 3.5 stars!
September 11, 2025
Ich weiß wirklich nicht, welches Buch die anderen Rezensenten gelesen haben, ich wurde bamboozelt.
Aufgrund der Synopsis, des süßen Covers und der glowing Reviews war ich in Erwartung eines modernen Middle grade Fantasy Buchs, mit der cleveren Whimsiness von Phantom Tollbooth oder Ähnlichem.
Die Idee an sich - zwei Girlies on ADVENTURE!! (Mit Sea Hawk Stimme lesen), Fantasy mäßige perils überwinden etc. - ist vielversprechend und wir erfahren recht viel über die Welt, die die zwei bevölkern.
Aber was ist denn mit den Christian Overtones?!
Lizbet spricht regelmäßig mit Gott, Jesus und dem heiligen Geist, es wird sich einerseits bissl lustig gemacht, andererseits immer wieder betont wie viel Peace of Mind sie beim stundenlangen Beten erfährt, es ist ganz seltsam. Und dann das dauerhafte Diskutieren von gutem vs. schlechtem Verhalten und Sünde finde ich heavy für 14 jährige und für mich selbst einfach lahm.
Zum Ende hin wird es dann ganz abstrus, weil Lizbet dann selbst zu einem Christus (Christa?) wird, um Dämonen zu verbannen (???).
Dinge, die mich auch gestört haben: sehr komplexe Sprache, die extra clever klingen soll, inklusive sehr sehr altbackendes Vokabular. Das ist leider nicht whimsy und clever (lest Phantom Tollbooth) sondern nur cringe 🤗
Last but not least: teilweise merke ich, dass ich etwas empfindlich bin, wenn männliche Autoren Mädchenkörper beschreiben, aber war vermutlich i. O.
Im übrigen kann ich nur sagen, lest bitte alle Phantom Tollbooth.
An die Person, die das hier mit Katherine Ardens The Bear and the Nightingale verglichen hat: ich hoffe du hast den Tag, den du verdienst
Aufgrund der Synopsis, des süßen Covers und der glowing Reviews war ich in Erwartung eines modernen Middle grade Fantasy Buchs, mit der cleveren Whimsiness von Phantom Tollbooth oder Ähnlichem.
Die Idee an sich - zwei Girlies on ADVENTURE!! (Mit Sea Hawk Stimme lesen), Fantasy mäßige perils überwinden etc. - ist vielversprechend und wir erfahren recht viel über die Welt, die die zwei bevölkern.
Aber was ist denn mit den Christian Overtones?!
Lizbet spricht regelmäßig mit Gott, Jesus und dem heiligen Geist, es wird sich einerseits bissl lustig gemacht, andererseits immer wieder betont wie viel Peace of Mind sie beim stundenlangen Beten erfährt, es ist ganz seltsam. Und dann das dauerhafte Diskutieren von gutem vs. schlechtem Verhalten und Sünde finde ich heavy für 14 jährige und für mich selbst einfach lahm.
Zum Ende hin wird es dann ganz abstrus, weil Lizbet dann selbst zu einem Christus (Christa?) wird, um Dämonen zu verbannen (???).
Dinge, die mich auch gestört haben: sehr komplexe Sprache, die extra clever klingen soll, inklusive sehr sehr altbackendes Vokabular. Das ist leider nicht whimsy und clever (lest Phantom Tollbooth) sondern nur cringe 🤗
Last but not least: teilweise merke ich, dass ich etwas empfindlich bin, wenn männliche Autoren Mädchenkörper beschreiben, aber war vermutlich i. O.
Im übrigen kann ich nur sagen, lest bitte alle Phantom Tollbooth.
An die Person, die das hier mit Katherine Ardens The Bear and the Nightingale verglichen hat: ich hoffe du hast den Tag, den du verdienst
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 14, 2020
Целевую аудиторию этой книги крайне сложно определить. Главной героине четырнадцать лет, и в истории встречаются разговоры о сексе и намеки на то, что плохие дяди могут сделать с непослушными девочками. Соответственно, жанр книги, определенно YA. Но не один подросток в здравом уме не заинтересуется этой книгой. Она написана в типичном стиле Middle Grade. Все шутки в книге про пуканье, про засовывание голов в задницы, а рук - по локоть в ноздри. Надо быть совсем умственно отсталым ребенком, чтобы такое могло понравиться и показаться веселым. И в то же время местами книга из-за упоминаний секса и возраста героини достаточно взрослая. Отсюда возникает вопрос: для кого вообще автор это писал?
Не говоря уже об абсолютно неуместных шутках о Боге и Иисусе, которые покоробили даже меня – атеиста. Автор откровенно высмеивал религию и сделал «Бога и его сына» одними из нелепых персонажей книги.
А еще 14-летние девочки здесь курят сигары и хлещут пиво. В общем, очень странная книга, непонятно для кого написанная.
Все это в очередной раз доказывает, что старые дяденьки не очень хорошо пишут книги про молоденьких девочек.
Чепуха ��есусветная. Да еще такая длинная!
Честно, я готова была сделать что угодно, только бы это кончилось.
Нет, серьезно, для кого автор это писал? Ясно, что для недалеких людей, ценящих шутки про пуканье и ковыряние в носу, но какого возраста?
Сразу было понятно, что автор явно пишет в стиле «для детей». И тут внезапно начинается полнейший бред про 14-летюю героиню… Крайне странно.
А самое главное: не смешно, не интересно и очень-очень глупо.
А ведь ему пришлось, наверняка, немало исследовать разных легенд и мифов, чтобы написать эту книгу. В итоге, только свое и мое время потратил. Думать же надо, что и как вообще пишешь.
А ведь я люблю книги, где много разных сверхъестественных существ из легенд со всего мира. Мне вполне могло бы понравиться, если бы автор писал адекватно. Но, увы, нет… все очень и очень плохо.
Итоговая оценка: 3/10
Не говоря уже об абсолютно неуместных шутках о Боге и Иисусе, которые покоробили даже меня – атеиста. Автор откровенно высмеивал религию и сделал «Бога и его сына» одними из нелепых персонажей книги.
А еще 14-летние девочки здесь курят сигары и хлещут пиво. В общем, очень странная книга, непонятно для кого написанная.
Все это в очередной раз доказывает, что старые дяденьки не очень хорошо пишут книги про молоденьких девочек.
Чепуха ��есусветная. Да еще такая длинная!
Честно, я готова была сделать что угодно, только бы это кончилось.
Нет, серьезно, для кого автор это писал? Ясно, что для недалеких людей, ценящих шутки про пуканье и ковыряние в носу, но какого возраста?
Сразу было понятно, что автор явно пишет в стиле «для детей». И тут внезапно начинается полнейший бред про 14-летюю героиню… Крайне странно.
А самое главное: не смешно, не интересно и очень-очень глупо.
А ведь ему пришлось, наверняка, немало исследовать разных легенд и мифов, чтобы написать эту книгу. В итоге, только свое и мое время потратил. Думать же надо, что и как вообще пишешь.
А ведь я люблю книги, где много разных сверхъестественных существ из легенд со всего мира. Мне вполне могло бы понравиться, если бы автор писал адекватно. Но, увы, нет… все очень и очень плохо.
Итоговая оценка: 3/10
September 18, 2018
Lizbet Lenz and her father Gerhard, a very unsuccessful magician, are always moving from town to town, usually quite speedily before being thrown out. Her father’s spells always seem to turn out wrong so they are forced to flee, but when they arrive in Abalia, Lizbeth, desperately tired of all the moving, really hopes they can stay. But after yet another series of spells gone wrong, ending with a spell causing Abalia to be rained on by mice, her father is quickly thrown into prison.
Frantically trying to escape a male predator, and desperate to discover how to get her father out of prison, Lizbet makes a deal with a witch and reluctantly accepts the help of her strange witch-girl/apprentice, Strix. Her/their seemingly insurmountable task is to cross the foreboding Montagnes du monde mountains, which no one has ever done, and retrieve a magic book as a ransom for her father. Lizbet and Strix face a harrowing journey, replete not only with natural barriers but also danger from offensive, smelly goblins eager to kill them, horrific devils trying to take dominion over Heaven and the world, plus witches and assorted criminals.
This engrossing teen novel is adventure fantasy at its strangely, unusual best. Half-Witch is inventive, creative fantasy with looming questions about the power of faith, friendship and love in a crazy, mixed-up universe. While perhaps not for everyone, this quirky novel is a well-written bit of wild fun.
Sharyn H. / Marathon County Public Library
Find this book in our library catalog.
October 15, 2018
A very different kind of fantasy. The world is German Early-Modern-punk in style, but with more magical creatures and demons. Lizbet, our heroine, is heading toward a f/f romance (though she doesn't know it yet), but is also sincerely and devoutly Catholic. When she takes Communion and prays to God, God answers back. The book has a combination of serious religious feeling, humor about bodily functions and other smells, and body horror that is very Germanic and frankly (ha!) refreshing after so much fantasy taken from the British Isles.
This one definitely goes on the "possible YA Hugo nominee" list.
This one definitely goes on the "possible YA Hugo nominee" list.
August 23, 2019
(Read for an island prompt)
Half-Witch (4.5)
This is one of the strangest books I’ve read recently and maybe ever. There’s God but also witches, goblins and magic. One of the main characters is incredibly religious and the other is a witch. Overall though I really liked how this worked together. Because with all this magical and spiritual mayhem going on, the central core of this book is the friendship between Strix and Lizbet.
Story Summary
The story begins with Lizbet witnessing a rain of mice. Her father is a bit of a con man and his latest con has not gone well. This is the last straw and her father finds himself in prison. To get him out, Lizabet goes searching for a magical book that the ruler of her city is searching for. She finds herself, somewhat unwillingly, in the company of a witch called Strix. Together they face the elements, goblins, crazy sewer people, and numerous witches.
Favorite Characters
I loved both Lizabet and Strix. Over the course of this book they both went through some great character development. Strix in particular was shown so so much through her journey with Lizabet. Witches are made by other witches and they’re generally very selfish. Strix learns about kindness and friendship with Lizabet and I loved it so much. These two start out the book basically hating one another, but by the end they’re so close. I really think their friendship is what brought this book to 4.5.
Breaking and Making, Witch Magic
In this world the magic of witches is first and foremost the ability to craft beings from the materials around them. They’re not like humans and regular animals though. They’re tougher, more obviously less human. I thought this magic was so interesting and seeing how it worked through Strix was so interesting. Of course each witch has their own abilities too. Strix for instance can knit herself into the shadows and become hidden to mortals. Others can control and form storms etc.
Religion
There’s no way to talk about this book and not mention just how much of Christianity is in this book. It’s not a very serious version of Christianity, but it’s there. In this world, communion allows someone to literally speak to God, Christ or The Holy Spirit. Devils are actual beings that roam the world torturing and generally making a mess of things. I didn’t really mind this element but I can definitely see why it wouldn’t be for everyone.
I really don’t know who I’d recommend this book too. It’s funny and it’s got a weird mix of spirituality and fantasy. If you’re looking for an incredibly strange book, maybe check this out?
Half-Witch (4.5)
This is one of the strangest books I’ve read recently and maybe ever. There’s God but also witches, goblins and magic. One of the main characters is incredibly religious and the other is a witch. Overall though I really liked how this worked together. Because with all this magical and spiritual mayhem going on, the central core of this book is the friendship between Strix and Lizbet.
Story Summary
The story begins with Lizbet witnessing a rain of mice. Her father is a bit of a con man and his latest con has not gone well. This is the last straw and her father finds himself in prison. To get him out, Lizabet goes searching for a magical book that the ruler of her city is searching for. She finds herself, somewhat unwillingly, in the company of a witch called Strix. Together they face the elements, goblins, crazy sewer people, and numerous witches.
Favorite Characters
I loved both Lizabet and Strix. Over the course of this book they both went through some great character development. Strix in particular was shown so so much through her journey with Lizabet. Witches are made by other witches and they’re generally very selfish. Strix learns about kindness and friendship with Lizabet and I loved it so much. These two start out the book basically hating one another, but by the end they’re so close. I really think their friendship is what brought this book to 4.5.
Breaking and Making, Witch Magic
In this world the magic of witches is first and foremost the ability to craft beings from the materials around them. They’re not like humans and regular animals though. They’re tougher, more obviously less human. I thought this magic was so interesting and seeing how it worked through Strix was so interesting. Of course each witch has their own abilities too. Strix for instance can knit herself into the shadows and become hidden to mortals. Others can control and form storms etc.
Religion
There’s no way to talk about this book and not mention just how much of Christianity is in this book. It’s not a very serious version of Christianity, but it’s there. In this world, communion allows someone to literally speak to God, Christ or The Holy Spirit. Devils are actual beings that roam the world torturing and generally making a mess of things. I didn’t really mind this element but I can definitely see why it wouldn’t be for everyone.
I really don’t know who I’d recommend this book too. It’s funny and it’s got a weird mix of spirituality and fantasy. If you’re looking for an incredibly strange book, maybe check this out?
July 27, 2018
As I drifted through the pages of Half-Witch, I found my eyes slowing down, word by word. It was intentional, because it is one of those stories you don’t want to end. Finishing Half-Witch was bittersweet, but the journey from cover to cover was one of the most enjoyable fantasies I’ve had the pleasure of reading in some time.
Half-Witch is imaginative, witty, and instructive. But rather than being divisive in his social commentary of religion, class, and all things in between, Schoffstall uses his characters to show how to overcome, or at least understand, the differences that cause division. It is in that realm of searching for understanding that allows the friendship of Lizbet and Strix to take root (pun intended). This is a coming of age story that demonstrates the impact of true faith and deep friendship. The world created by Schoffstall is magnificent in its own right: filled with whimsy, terror, magic, and human suffering. But it is his characters populating this world that develops a level of believability that pulls the reader into the story. In that, Schoffstall’s Half-Witch is timeless, and certain to satisfy readers of fantasy and those who may not typically read this genre.
Through all the misery and obstacles that challenge Lizbet and Strix, there is an overarching feeling of hope in Half-Witch. Underlying the story’s events is a tenderness that comes through with Lizbet and Strix’s blossoming relationship. There are too many lines to quote; let it stand that Schoffstall gives the reader many heartfelt moments that elevate Half-Witch to the point of reason that makes readers enjoy fantasy: the sense of optimism that such novels foster in the reader. Lizbet and Strix’s acceptance of each other make that clear in touching, yet poignant dialogue that matches wit with sentiment.
Half-Witch is full of the things that make its world a fantasy worth venturing into: witches, goblins, magic, royals, and more. Moreover, it is full of genuine dialogue and emotion that will endear it to readers. I look forward to the day when my daughters are old enough to enjoy this whimsical tale of friendship, love, and overcoming adversity. While it’s sad to see a great story end, at least I know this one is at home on my bookshelf waiting to be enjoyed again. Half-Witch will thrall readers.
Half-Witch is imaginative, witty, and instructive. But rather than being divisive in his social commentary of religion, class, and all things in between, Schoffstall uses his characters to show how to overcome, or at least understand, the differences that cause division. It is in that realm of searching for understanding that allows the friendship of Lizbet and Strix to take root (pun intended). This is a coming of age story that demonstrates the impact of true faith and deep friendship. The world created by Schoffstall is magnificent in its own right: filled with whimsy, terror, magic, and human suffering. But it is his characters populating this world that develops a level of believability that pulls the reader into the story. In that, Schoffstall’s Half-Witch is timeless, and certain to satisfy readers of fantasy and those who may not typically read this genre.
Through all the misery and obstacles that challenge Lizbet and Strix, there is an overarching feeling of hope in Half-Witch. Underlying the story’s events is a tenderness that comes through with Lizbet and Strix’s blossoming relationship. There are too many lines to quote; let it stand that Schoffstall gives the reader many heartfelt moments that elevate Half-Witch to the point of reason that makes readers enjoy fantasy: the sense of optimism that such novels foster in the reader. Lizbet and Strix’s acceptance of each other make that clear in touching, yet poignant dialogue that matches wit with sentiment.
Half-Witch is full of the things that make its world a fantasy worth venturing into: witches, goblins, magic, royals, and more. Moreover, it is full of genuine dialogue and emotion that will endear it to readers. I look forward to the day when my daughters are old enough to enjoy this whimsical tale of friendship, love, and overcoming adversity. While it’s sad to see a great story end, at least I know this one is at home on my bookshelf waiting to be enjoyed again. Half-Witch will thrall readers.
July 13, 2021
This is hovering in the 3 1/2 star range for me. Rounding up (for a change) because books with female friendship are always worth an extra bump for me. And there's a lot I like here.
Comparisons to Oz are apt with it's matter of fact acceptance of whimsical worldbuilding - a spell that makes a person's nose grow larger than the rest of their whole body, a goblin who snorts words off of pages of books, leaving them empty, blank pages. But I also got strong vibes of Narnia, especially Voyage of the Dawn Treader with its episodic, quest-driven plot. (Also, in the presence of Christianity... though God and Jesus are somewhat dippy and useless in this book, so that's not really a strong parallel.) And I'd also throw in that I'd recommend this if you enjoyed Travel Light, by Naomi Mitchison, for similar narrative tone and their no-nonsense leads growing into their own strength. (Though it should be mentioned that this book has some darker elements that put it squarely in YA or older territory... not the middle-grade levels of those comparison books.)
As mentioned at the beginning, the key strength of the book is its central friendship between the (originally) dutiful good girl Lizbet and cranky witch-girl Strix. The evolution of their friendship and the way both girls change to protect each other and overcome the challenges they face together is well done.
Quite a quirky little mash-up. Well worth a look for those who like fantasy fairy tales or stories about friendship.
Comparisons to Oz are apt with it's matter of fact acceptance of whimsical worldbuilding - a spell that makes a person's nose grow larger than the rest of their whole body, a goblin who snorts words off of pages of books, leaving them empty, blank pages. But I also got strong vibes of Narnia, especially Voyage of the Dawn Treader with its episodic, quest-driven plot. (Also, in the presence of Christianity... though God and Jesus are somewhat dippy and useless in this book, so that's not really a strong parallel.) And I'd also throw in that I'd recommend this if you enjoyed Travel Light, by Naomi Mitchison, for similar narrative tone and their no-nonsense leads growing into their own strength. (Though it should be mentioned that this book has some darker elements that put it squarely in YA or older territory... not the middle-grade levels of those comparison books.)
As mentioned at the beginning, the key strength of the book is its central friendship between the (originally) dutiful good girl Lizbet and cranky witch-girl Strix. The evolution of their friendship and the way both girls change to protect each other and overcome the challenges they face together is well done.
Quite a quirky little mash-up. Well worth a look for those who like fantasy fairy tales or stories about friendship.
October 16, 2019
Half-Witch is an odd fairy tale, its equanimity unbothered by its occasional violence, sexual references, and nervy irreverence. I suppose it's YA but it is nearly impossible to categorize into modern age-group classification -- it reads essentially as an old-time folktale. I loved it.
All my favorite books call forth food metaphors in me. Half-Witch is freshly barbecued roadkill with wild greens. The writing is delightful, plain-spoken and fresh, brainy and simple. "The main course ... smelled like a badger caught in a trap, if you'd thrown away the badger and cooked the trap." "She decided that she liked feeling both smug and guilty at the same time. The two contradictory moral sentiments complemented each other, like the sweet-sour tang of lemonade." This last could describe the book as a whole, actually, with its unique blend of blasphemy and piety, muck and purity.
(Half-Witch reminded me of In Other Lands, another unusual tale published by Small Beer Press. Clearly, they have a taste for edgy, heart-of-gold genius over there.)
This book, devoid of romance, fully subversive, is all about love and duty. It's adventurous, thoughtful, and a joy to read. Four tasty and surprising stars.
All my favorite books call forth food metaphors in me. Half-Witch is freshly barbecued roadkill with wild greens. The writing is delightful, plain-spoken and fresh, brainy and simple. "The main course ... smelled like a badger caught in a trap, if you'd thrown away the badger and cooked the trap." "She decided that she liked feeling both smug and guilty at the same time. The two contradictory moral sentiments complemented each other, like the sweet-sour tang of lemonade." This last could describe the book as a whole, actually, with its unique blend of blasphemy and piety, muck and purity.
(Half-Witch reminded me of In Other Lands, another unusual tale published by Small Beer Press. Clearly, they have a taste for edgy, heart-of-gold genius over there.)
This book, devoid of romance, fully subversive, is all about love and duty. It's adventurous, thoughtful, and a joy to read. Four tasty and surprising stars.
July 31, 2018
I’ve heard it say “it’s raining cats and dogs,” but never mice. By the time mice started to rain in this book, I was completely hooked, an unusual development for an old fart who doesn’t read young adult or fantasy.
Half Witch is a delight to read. To a large extent because it takes the reader on a marvelous adventure in a peculiar, yet somehow familiar world, with so many twists and turns that I expected them to continue all the way to the back cover, and to an even larger extent because the two main characters: an overly virtuous fourteen-year-old girl determined to free her imprisoned scoundrel of a father, helped by a girl-witch made of twigs and door knobs and love letters and what not.
The narrative is also helped by a language that is a joy to read; the author never talks down to his readers, in fact, his vocabulary is expansive without ever slowing down the action.
And yet, underneath it all, this a book about the meaning of friendship, love and devotion.
Read it.
Half Witch is a delight to read. To a large extent because it takes the reader on a marvelous adventure in a peculiar, yet somehow familiar world, with so many twists and turns that I expected them to continue all the way to the back cover, and to an even larger extent because the two main characters: an overly virtuous fourteen-year-old girl determined to free her imprisoned scoundrel of a father, helped by a girl-witch made of twigs and door knobs and love letters and what not.
The narrative is also helped by a language that is a joy to read; the author never talks down to his readers, in fact, his vocabulary is expansive without ever slowing down the action.
And yet, underneath it all, this a book about the meaning of friendship, love and devotion.
Read it.
March 3, 2018
Note: I read an Advanced Readers Copy (arc) obtained at the American Library Association Mid-Winter conference.
I really enjoyed the book, especially after the midway point turn. It is a fun exploration into the unknown. There are a few character twists that were definitely unexpected. Several of the non-lead characters could have used a bit more exploration or at least explanation, especially the witch-lore (and the rules they live by). Yet, the world that everything is set in WAS explained (which I felt wasn't needed at all). The thing is, if there were another book set in this world, I would immediately go read that, too.
I would categorize this as Young Adult/Teen. I didn't see anything in here that would have me keep it away from a 12 year old.
I really enjoyed the book, especially after the midway point turn. It is a fun exploration into the unknown. There are a few character twists that were definitely unexpected. Several of the non-lead characters could have used a bit more exploration or at least explanation, especially the witch-lore (and the rules they live by). Yet, the world that everything is set in WAS explained (which I felt wasn't needed at all). The thing is, if there were another book set in this world, I would immediately go read that, too.
I would categorize this as Young Adult/Teen. I didn't see anything in here that would have me keep it away from a 12 year old.
October 5, 2022
"People say all sorts of things to be polite, without worrying about the theological implications."
"I don't think I would want a prince's heart at my feet. Ew." "So! Not for you the mawkish insincerities of a decayed and foppish aristocracy? I knew you were made of better stuff the moment I set eyes on you."
"Catarrh is expected in the spring, and the ague in winter, but neither is welcome."
"My new-born hopes perish upon the Tarpeian rocks! My spirit founders in the storm-wracked seas of expectations dashed. It sinks beneath the waves of despair."
"May you be lucky at dice, and your womb ever fruitful!"
It was rather like being in the company of a talking encyclopedia that randomly flipped from page to page.
"I don't think I would want a prince's heart at my feet. Ew." "So! Not for you the mawkish insincerities of a decayed and foppish aristocracy? I knew you were made of better stuff the moment I set eyes on you."
"Catarrh is expected in the spring, and the ague in winter, but neither is welcome."
"My new-born hopes perish upon the Tarpeian rocks! My spirit founders in the storm-wracked seas of expectations dashed. It sinks beneath the waves of despair."
"May you be lucky at dice, and your womb ever fruitful!"
It was rather like being in the company of a talking encyclopedia that randomly flipped from page to page.
February 26, 2018
This is a fun adventure and coming of age tale. I enjoyed the weird mixture of Catholic mysticism and fairy-tales.
In Lizbet's world, everyone can talk to God (and get answers) just by taking the Eucharist. Unfortunately, God isn't very helpful and mostly wants to talk about how to avoid sin. This means that Lizbet has to solve her own problems, and when her father is thrown in prison she goes adventuring to find the book that will set him free. Along the way she discovers what it means to change as a person, to have friends, and to shoulder responsibility. It's a very hopeful and fun read.
In Lizbet's world, everyone can talk to God (and get answers) just by taking the Eucharist. Unfortunately, God isn't very helpful and mostly wants to talk about how to avoid sin. This means that Lizbet has to solve her own problems, and when her father is thrown in prison she goes adventuring to find the book that will set him free. Along the way she discovers what it means to change as a person, to have friends, and to shoulder responsibility. It's a very hopeful and fun read.
September 6, 2018
I didn't really expect to love this, but it was splendid. Schoffstall manages to take the elements of a European-based fantasy and twist them around into something new and highly inventive. The episodic adventure structure coheres nicely and the magic is delightful and original. Enough of a touch of Grimm to give it proper darkness, but with a warm and developing female friendship at its core. Peculiar and lovely, blasphemous and devout.
September 20, 2018
This was very very good, though the verbage was a bit much to chew through as opposed to my regular fare, and the pacing was a bit slower than I'm used to as a result. A very fulfilling read, nonetheless, and entirely different from anything I've encountered before. Almost like a more developed Gaiman, in my opinion.
June 5, 2019
Fun adventure with great themes
September 3, 2018
Superb. The best thing I've read in a long time. Beautifully fun and engaging. Highly reccomended.
Read
August 24, 2018Fiction S3673h 2018
September 21, 2018
Other reviewers (esp. Kirkus) explain this wonderful book well, so I'll focus on the spiritual aspect. I was drawn in by the cover art, though I failed to notice some of the beautiful details until the book revealed them. But I felt troubled by the embrace of witchcraft. Here's my take: it's not the Christian story, but it has some amazing illustrations of God's relationship with humanity, human nature and community, and evil. It also illustrates some appealing but unBiblical ideas, so a reader should exercise discernment, as always. For me, the benefits of delightful, complex characters, fun, humor, and all the elements of great speculative fiction plus the frequent spiritual insight far outweigh the unBiblical parts. Read it, share it, talk about it. It's a great read.
It's marketed as a youth book, but has interest for all ages. Kids old enough to read it should be OK though some parts might scare the sensitive.
It's marketed as a youth book, but has interest for all ages. Kids old enough to read it should be OK though some parts might scare the sensitive.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 11, 2020
I was not looking for this book. It found me. I was approached by a young woman in a bookstore on Elgin St. who ask me if I liked reading Fantasy. I quickly thought back to years ago when I loved reading Piers Anthony and answered yes. The woman who I had never met before handed me this book.
"I loved this book so much I want it to be read!", she said.
"You want me to give it a good home.", I replied.
I happily read "Half-Witch". I loved the progression, the plot line and the characters. But I couldn't help but wonder 'who am I supposed to give this to when I am finished?'
The day I was about to finish I still wondered what the next step would be. I posted the 'Half-Witch' to my Goodreads account as "reading".
Less than an hour later I got a post from my daughter. First time for a question like this.
"Courtney posted a new comment on Allison's status
This looks interesting. Let me know if you think I'll like it 🙂 "
It's that kind of book <3
"I loved this book so much I want it to be read!", she said.
"You want me to give it a good home.", I replied.
I happily read "Half-Witch". I loved the progression, the plot line and the characters. But I couldn't help but wonder 'who am I supposed to give this to when I am finished?'
The day I was about to finish I still wondered what the next step would be. I posted the 'Half-Witch' to my Goodreads account as "reading".
Less than an hour later I got a post from my daughter. First time for a question like this.
"Courtney posted a new comment on Allison's status
This looks interesting. Let me know if you think I'll like it 🙂 "
It's that kind of book <3
July 27, 2018
One is never too old to enjoy a young adult fantasy novel if the story is imaginative, the plot compelling, the protagonist memorable, and the writing exceptional. John Schoftstall’s novel Half-Witch is all that and more. Reminiscent of Alice in Wonderland and the Wizard of Oz series, Half-Witch is the story of a young girl’s quest to free her imprisoned father and ends up as an epic journey to rescue God from the legions of hell. Her travels take her to magical lands populated by witches, goblins, and other fantastical creatures. This is a memorable tale of personal growth and a story of the transformative power of friendship, which makes all things possible.
December 23, 2019
A decent, engaging read if even the overt Christian morals and overtones were not to my taste. Unlike another review, I do think this book is best classified as young adult, and would even recommend for 12 year old. I do not feel that any of the themes were too mature, and indeed would probably serve as a good introduction into thinking more about what charity, friendship and forgiveness is really about.
Remarkable world building that is not rushed, and I felt I was still learning at the same pace as Lizbet as we progressed through the story.
Remarkable world building that is not rushed, and I felt I was still learning at the same pace as Lizbet as we progressed through the story.
March 28, 2018
So strange and delightful. This is either very religious or very sacreligious, and I am not sure which; God and Jesus talk to Lizbet, and they are... a little lame? But better than the alternative. This is an ide to friendship and a treatise on virtues, and also a weird and wonderful magical journey adventure. Totally original, with outstanding characters (including the big players). Hoping for a sequel, which I think the ending implies.
September 11, 2018
I tried really hard to like this book. I finished it. I wouldn't say I hated it, but I wouldn't say that I'd recommend it either. I felt that it was trying to do too many things. It was trying to be paranormal/fantasy fiction. It was also trying to be Christian fiction. The main character has a very candid relationship with God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit. Unfortunately, there were so many different ideas put together that none of them were executed very well.
July 14, 2018
Wonderful book: funny, clever, unusual story or two girls on an adventure to save one of their fathers. Along the way, such characters: like a goblin who eats words. I recommend without reservation to kids of all ages (I'm over 60 and even though it's "young adult", I loved it!)
January 20, 2018
So fun! So charming! Really really enjoyable and creative.
July 6, 2018
I wil be short: this books is wonderful and entralling.
It's a must read.
Highly recommended!
Many thanks to Big Mouth House and Edelweiss for this ARC
It's a must read.
Highly recommended!
Many thanks to Big Mouth House and Edelweiss for this ARC
Displaying 1 - 30 of 115 reviews