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Emblem Island #1
Curse of the Night Witch
From #BookTok phenomenon and author of the highly anticipated YA fantasy novel, Lightlark, this fast-paced series starter is steeped in Colombian mythology and full of adventure. Perfect for fans of Percy Jackson, Curse of the Night Witch is filled with fantasy, action, adventure, and an unforgettable trio of friends.
A Seventeen.com Most Anticipated Book of Summer!
A Zibby Owens Summer Reading Pick on Good Morning America!
On Emblem Island all are born knowing their fate. Their lifelines show the course of their life and an emblem dictates how they will spend it.
Tor Luna was born with a leadership emblem, just like his mother. But he hates his mark and is determined to choose a different path for himself. So, on the annual New Year's Eve celebration, where Emblemites throw their wishes into a bonfire in the hopes of having them granted, Tor wishes for a different power.
The next morning Tor wakes up to discover a new marking on his skin…the symbol of a curse that has shortened his lifeline, giving him only a week before an untimely death. There is only one way to break the curse, and it requires a trip to the notorious Night Witch.
With only his village's terrifying, ancient stories as a guide, and his two friends Engle and Melda by his side, Tor must travel across unpredictable Emblem Island, filled with wicked creatures he only knows through myths, in a race against his dwindling lifeline.
You'll love Curse of the Night Witch if you're looking
Multicultural books for children (especially Latinx books)Stories based on fascinating mythologyYour next favorite fantasy series"Debut author Aster takes inspiration from Colombian folklore to craft a rousing series opener that's both fast-paced and thrilling. As her protagonists face off against a host of horrors, they learn the value of friendship and explore the possibility of changing one's fate in a world where destiny is predetermined."—Publishers Weekly, STARRED review
"Worthy of every magical ounce."—Kirkus Reviews, STARRED review
A Seventeen.com Most Anticipated Book of Summer!
A Zibby Owens Summer Reading Pick on Good Morning America!
On Emblem Island all are born knowing their fate. Their lifelines show the course of their life and an emblem dictates how they will spend it.
Tor Luna was born with a leadership emblem, just like his mother. But he hates his mark and is determined to choose a different path for himself. So, on the annual New Year's Eve celebration, where Emblemites throw their wishes into a bonfire in the hopes of having them granted, Tor wishes for a different power.
The next morning Tor wakes up to discover a new marking on his skin…the symbol of a curse that has shortened his lifeline, giving him only a week before an untimely death. There is only one way to break the curse, and it requires a trip to the notorious Night Witch.
With only his village's terrifying, ancient stories as a guide, and his two friends Engle and Melda by his side, Tor must travel across unpredictable Emblem Island, filled with wicked creatures he only knows through myths, in a race against his dwindling lifeline.
You'll love Curse of the Night Witch if you're looking
Multicultural books for children (especially Latinx books)Stories based on fascinating mythologyYour next favorite fantasy series"Debut author Aster takes inspiration from Colombian folklore to craft a rousing series opener that's both fast-paced and thrilling. As her protagonists face off against a host of horrors, they learn the value of friendship and explore the possibility of changing one's fate in a world where destiny is predetermined."—Publishers Weekly, STARRED review
"Worthy of every magical ounce."—Kirkus Reviews, STARRED review
352 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 2, 2020
524 people are currently reading
16197 people want to read
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July 27, 2021
Despite the fact that it is relying heavily on other children's literature (e.g. Harry Potter, there are three children, two boys who are best friends, and a girl who is a bit annoying because she is clever and serious -- by the end, the boys grudgingly give her credit for her good ideas as she helps them on their quest so much), the idea that organizes the quest that the three children go on to reach the Shadows is a good one, and I want to finally meet the Night Witch.
These are the two reasons why I will complete this book, but it's a bit of an annoying read because of the author's juvenille use of language. Even before I looked at the back of the book to learn this is a recent graduate of U Penn, it was clear from the uncontrolled nature of the writing:
"Even with the small hole of sunlight raining down, the tunnel was the closest to pitch black" [this woman needed a good editor!!! The way it should have been was "Even with the small hole raining down sunlight"]
And her metaphors!!! "But promises, like snowflakes, are easily broken" -- how does one BREAK a snowflake????
"'He paced around his room, then around the kitchen, then around his family's table. As if walking in large circles was a dance that could fix all his problems" [walking is dancing? and dancing is something that fixes problems?]
"[protagonist is in a hammock 50 feet above the forest floor] A sliver of light on Tor's face woke him the next morning. He had only slept a couple of hours, but jumped up at once" [you can't jump up in a hammock. You can quickly SIT up in one or swing one's legs over the side but not jump UP]
"A confetti of nerves burst in his chest. His arms were covered by pajamas. All he had to do was peel back his sleeve...." [his arms were covered NOT by pajamas but the sleeves of his pjs]
The thought brought him a crumb of relief, but mostly an unexpected tsunami of shame" [too much! Stick to one metaphoric idea per sentence]
"her tiny chia seed eyes squinted" [if they are that small, no one could see them squint -- have you seen the size of a chia seed?]
"Soon a carpet of stars would be blinking back at them" (one of those "too many metaphors in one sentence" moments again)
"one moment they were drowning in gold, and the next, every ounce of radiance was ripped away" [something you are DROWNING in cannot be RIPPED away!!!]
"Tor's mouth became a bowl of dust, barren, his tongue a dried-up sponge" [is she thinking of the DUST BOWL that the USA was in the 1930s? That's different (and can be barren as that refers to land) than a BOWL of dust -- which cannot be barren! It's a bowl!].
"Just beyond the threshold, the passageway narrowed to three feet wide. A path like a tight-rope." [since when is three feet wide THAT narrow? why not say one foot at least? that's harder to walk across]
Some readers might not care about this kind of sloppy language; I do.
And, unless I missed something, the writer forgets what the kids have with them: a compass! They could use it in the desert but no, Tor tries to draw lines in the sand with a dagger to help them -- which is useless when wind gets rid of the lines.
Authors and editors need to put more time and care into their work.
These are the two reasons why I will complete this book, but it's a bit of an annoying read because of the author's juvenille use of language. Even before I looked at the back of the book to learn this is a recent graduate of U Penn, it was clear from the uncontrolled nature of the writing:
"Even with the small hole of sunlight raining down, the tunnel was the closest to pitch black" [this woman needed a good editor!!! The way it should have been was "Even with the small hole raining down sunlight"]
And her metaphors!!! "But promises, like snowflakes, are easily broken" -- how does one BREAK a snowflake????
"'He paced around his room, then around the kitchen, then around his family's table. As if walking in large circles was a dance that could fix all his problems" [walking is dancing? and dancing is something that fixes problems?]
"[protagonist is in a hammock 50 feet above the forest floor] A sliver of light on Tor's face woke him the next morning. He had only slept a couple of hours, but jumped up at once" [you can't jump up in a hammock. You can quickly SIT up in one or swing one's legs over the side but not jump UP]
"A confetti of nerves burst in his chest. His arms were covered by pajamas. All he had to do was peel back his sleeve...." [his arms were covered NOT by pajamas but the sleeves of his pjs]
The thought brought him a crumb of relief, but mostly an unexpected tsunami of shame" [too much! Stick to one metaphoric idea per sentence]
"her tiny chia seed eyes squinted" [if they are that small, no one could see them squint -- have you seen the size of a chia seed?]
"Soon a carpet of stars would be blinking back at them" (one of those "too many metaphors in one sentence" moments again)
"one moment they were drowning in gold, and the next, every ounce of radiance was ripped away" [something you are DROWNING in cannot be RIPPED away!!!]
"Tor's mouth became a bowl of dust, barren, his tongue a dried-up sponge" [is she thinking of the DUST BOWL that the USA was in the 1930s? That's different (and can be barren as that refers to land) than a BOWL of dust -- which cannot be barren! It's a bowl!].
"Just beyond the threshold, the passageway narrowed to three feet wide. A path like a tight-rope." [since when is three feet wide THAT narrow? why not say one foot at least? that's harder to walk across]
Some readers might not care about this kind of sloppy language; I do.
And, unless I missed something, the writer forgets what the kids have with them: a compass! They could use it in the desert but no, Tor tries to draw lines in the sand with a dagger to help them -- which is useless when wind gets rid of the lines.
Authors and editors need to put more time and care into their work.
June 11, 2020
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Thank you NetGalley and Sourcebooks Jabberwocky for this ARC. All thoughts and opinions are mine.
"There are many ways to be strong
that don't require a sword."
A warming story about friendship and learning life's lessons, The Curse of the Night Witch is chock-full of adventure from start to finish.
Throughout the length of the story, you get to encounter a lot of characters that help the three leads—Tor, Melda and Engle—progress further. These characters are always varied, as are the places that they come from, and though I wish that we'd spent a little more time getting to know then deeper than at surface level, it's not surprising for them to appear and then move along in this genre.
It was, however, intriguing that a lot of them come from the stories that these three children read in the featured dark tales tome of The Book of Cuentos. Not only do I love novels that have stories within stories—which is one of the biggest reasons I've grown fond of The Hazel Wood series—but I love it when they're incorporated into the main plot and come alive. And because this trio of friends have to move along a map that traces these stories so that they can reach the Night Witch at the end of their quest, they have to constantly encounter—and sometimes battle—these stories in their real world.
It's certainly entertaining.
The Curse of the Night Witch has a colorful setting, full of interesting beasts and folklore, and it was lovely to see little lessons sprinkled throughout for readers: “Be careful what you wish for,” one of the most prominent ones. The bond that grows among Melda, Tor and Engle is so sweet to behold, because at its core this is a story about friendship and familial bonds; and there's a gripping foreshadowing angle at the end of what's to come in the next phase of the story.
If you're a fan of quests like Engle, take a peek between these pages.
Thank you NetGalley and Sourcebooks Jabberwocky for this ARC. All thoughts and opinions are mine.
"There are many ways to be strong
that don't require a sword."
A warming story about friendship and learning life's lessons, The Curse of the Night Witch is chock-full of adventure from start to finish.
Throughout the length of the story, you get to encounter a lot of characters that help the three leads—Tor, Melda and Engle—progress further. These characters are always varied, as are the places that they come from, and though I wish that we'd spent a little more time getting to know then deeper than at surface level, it's not surprising for them to appear and then move along in this genre.
It was, however, intriguing that a lot of them come from the stories that these three children read in the featured dark tales tome of The Book of Cuentos. Not only do I love novels that have stories within stories—which is one of the biggest reasons I've grown fond of The Hazel Wood series—but I love it when they're incorporated into the main plot and come alive. And because this trio of friends have to move along a map that traces these stories so that they can reach the Night Witch at the end of their quest, they have to constantly encounter—and sometimes battle—these stories in their real world.
It's certainly entertaining.
The Curse of the Night Witch has a colorful setting, full of interesting beasts and folklore, and it was lovely to see little lessons sprinkled throughout for readers: “Be careful what you wish for,” one of the most prominent ones. The bond that grows among Melda, Tor and Engle is so sweet to behold, because at its core this is a story about friendship and familial bonds; and there's a gripping foreshadowing angle at the end of what's to come in the next phase of the story.
If you're a fan of quests like Engle, take a peek between these pages.
April 16, 2020
This is a stunning tale of adventure where characters and setting are as strong as the story. Tor, along with his friend Engle and his classmate Melda, discover that the worlds in the community handbook, "The Book of Cuentos" aren't merely fairy tales, they represent a dangerous reality that our 3 young protagonists must face. A short excerpt from the Cuentos (where a clue may be inferred) precedes each new challenge the kids deal with as they rush to defeat the curse placed upon them.
If “Curse of the Night Witch” was one of the titles in the Rick Riordan Presents series (it isn’t but it fits nicely into that scheme) it would by far be my favorite! Highly recommended for middle grades collections. Grades 4+
Thank you Sourcebooks Young Readers for the prepub copy. I’m anxiously awaiting Book 2!
If “Curse of the Night Witch” was one of the titles in the Rick Riordan Presents series (it isn’t but it fits nicely into that scheme) it would by far be my favorite! Highly recommended for middle grades collections. Grades 4+
Thank you Sourcebooks Young Readers for the prepub copy. I’m anxiously awaiting Book 2!
July 9, 2020
In The Curse of the Night Witch three kids go on an adventure to find the Night Witch and remove a curse.
On Emblem Island, every individual has a mark on their wrist denoting a specific unique skill. Some marks identify what role you will have in society while others are skills that have a bit of a magical touch to them. Tor was born with the leadership emblem, but he’d much rather be able to breathe underwater. In the hopes that the wish-god can change his emblem, he submits this as a wish on Eve. But instead of a wish he receives a curse that could have only come from the Night Witch.
Part of what makes this book unique is how the story is structured. Emblem Island is full of myths and lore and all the inhabitants grow up learning about these fairy tales in a book called The Book of Cuentos. As Tor and friends seek out the Night Witch the chapters and narrative follows the places that are mentioned in The Book of Cuentos and learn that these so-called fairy tales are a bit more real than expected. In between the chapters is a short version of the lore followed by a chapter specifically relating to that lore. This creates mini-stories, or stories within a story.
The story is fast-paced in that no mini-story is longer than two chapters. This approach is perfect for young readers to help them feel a sense of accomplishment when finishing a mini-story. It also shows a lot of potential in where the series can go. As an adult, I wish these stories within a story had been a little longer so that I could settle in more to the story.
All in all I enjoyed the lore and myths and the overall uniqueness of this island, especially in how color and emblems are used, and look forward to the next in the series.
Thanks to Netgalley and SOURCEBOOKS Jabberwocky for the advanced reader copy and opportunity to provide an honest review.
On Emblem Island, every individual has a mark on their wrist denoting a specific unique skill. Some marks identify what role you will have in society while others are skills that have a bit of a magical touch to them. Tor was born with the leadership emblem, but he’d much rather be able to breathe underwater. In the hopes that the wish-god can change his emblem, he submits this as a wish on Eve. But instead of a wish he receives a curse that could have only come from the Night Witch.
Part of what makes this book unique is how the story is structured. Emblem Island is full of myths and lore and all the inhabitants grow up learning about these fairy tales in a book called The Book of Cuentos. As Tor and friends seek out the Night Witch the chapters and narrative follows the places that are mentioned in The Book of Cuentos and learn that these so-called fairy tales are a bit more real than expected. In between the chapters is a short version of the lore followed by a chapter specifically relating to that lore. This creates mini-stories, or stories within a story.
The story is fast-paced in that no mini-story is longer than two chapters. This approach is perfect for young readers to help them feel a sense of accomplishment when finishing a mini-story. It also shows a lot of potential in where the series can go. As an adult, I wish these stories within a story had been a little longer so that I could settle in more to the story.
All in all I enjoyed the lore and myths and the overall uniqueness of this island, especially in how color and emblems are used, and look forward to the next in the series.
Thanks to Netgalley and SOURCEBOOKS Jabberwocky for the advanced reader copy and opportunity to provide an honest review.
May 31, 2021
In the land of Emblem, you are born marked.
Your symbols represent you, and your lifeline shows you how long you'll live.
Just... what if you want to be something else?
What if you wanted to live a little more?
Tor is a leader.
From birth, his symbols have dictated his life, studies and social status. But everyday, the ocean calls him. Tor loves the way the water ebbs and flows, the way it feels against his skin.
Why couldn't he have been marked differently? Why couldn't he have been something else?
Everybody else seems satisfied... except Tor.
When a New Years Eve wish goes wrong, Tor's only option is to find the Night Witch.
Alongside his best friend Engle, and goody-two-shoes Melda, they set out on an adventurous task to find the Witch, to uncurse Tor's from his terrible deed.
Curse of the Night Witch' is a perfect novel for younger readers, with a fabulous concept that has stretched my imagination. With mythological stories lurking between chapters, the world of Emblem is well built and beautiful to say the least.
Also- the trio we see in this book heavily reminds me of Harry Potter, Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger. Tor being Harry (the chosen one), Engle being Ron (the daft and funny one that comes in handy every now and then) and Melda being Hermione (the intelligent one everyone hates at the start yet grows to love).
Your symbols represent you, and your lifeline shows you how long you'll live.
Just... what if you want to be something else?
What if you wanted to live a little more?
Tor is a leader.
From birth, his symbols have dictated his life, studies and social status. But everyday, the ocean calls him. Tor loves the way the water ebbs and flows, the way it feels against his skin.
Why couldn't he have been marked differently? Why couldn't he have been something else?
Everybody else seems satisfied... except Tor.
When a New Years Eve wish goes wrong, Tor's only option is to find the Night Witch.
Alongside his best friend Engle, and goody-two-shoes Melda, they set out on an adventurous task to find the Witch, to uncurse Tor's from his terrible deed.
Curse of the Night Witch' is a perfect novel for younger readers, with a fabulous concept that has stretched my imagination. With mythological stories lurking between chapters, the world of Emblem is well built and beautiful to say the least.
Also- the trio we see in this book heavily reminds me of Harry Potter, Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger. Tor being Harry (the chosen one), Engle being Ron (the daft and funny one that comes in handy every now and then) and Melda being Hermione (the intelligent one everyone hates at the start yet grows to love).
February 20, 2020
Holy adventure, Batman! My mouth is still hanging opening. A marvelous middle grade tale but Oh. My. Word. It’s just the beginning of a series and it hasn’t even released yet. I’m going to need an ARC for every book in the series. Tor, Engle, and Melda set off to rid themselves of a curse and find more than adventure along the way as friendships form and they learn more about themselves; “there are many ways to be strong that don’t require a sword.” Percy Jackson meets every dark and spooky monster tale you’ve heard in this story that is packed with courage and the unexpected. It is a must read for fantasy readers and those who love an exciting new adventure.
February 10, 2020
I loved this!! I don't read middle grade books that often, and the ones I do are usually ones I grew up with. I loved the sound of this book, and I'm so happy that I can honestly say it was a fantastic read! The pacing is just perfect, giving us a gradual buildup and then full steam ahead. Tor and his friends were extremely relatable, and I have no doubt that readers will fall in love with them. While Tor is our male MC, I can say that anyone will enjoy him as our protagonist. I adored this book, and I'll be picking up a physical hardback for sure!
Want to read
June 29, 2021So I came across this author due to her Instagram reels that people keep raving about. When I saw she’d written a middle grade book I sat up and went “aha!” because you know me, mg is my forte. Naturally, I have to read this and determine if the author is overselling herself on Instagram or not.
May 12, 2020
The digital arc of this book was kindly provided by the publisher via Edelweiss+ website in exchange for an honest review.
I really wanted to enjoy this book more, it has some very cool world-building and mythology, the characters were diverse and had some coll banter from time to time. But the story just wasn't interesting to pull me in, I didn't feel the urge to continue reading it even at the major plot points. I still think this novel has its audience and it's in no way a bad story, I simply wasn't into it.
I really wanted to enjoy this book more, it has some very cool world-building and mythology, the characters were diverse and had some coll banter from time to time. But the story just wasn't interesting to pull me in, I didn't feel the urge to continue reading it even at the major plot points. I still think this novel has its audience and it's in no way a bad story, I simply wasn't into it.
January 11, 2020
An amazing adventure full of imagery. I could see everything; the beautiful colors, flora and fauna. Three friends embark on a quest and learn their strengths and weaknesses while learning to depend on each other.
September 4, 2021
4 stars!
This was very entertaining, very gripping and very fast paced. I read it all in one sitting and found it thoroughly enjoyable.
The concept is very intriguing and I loved the magical side of it. Excited to see where book 2 goes!
This was very entertaining, very gripping and very fast paced. I read it all in one sitting and found it thoroughly enjoyable.
The concept is very intriguing and I loved the magical side of it. Excited to see where book 2 goes!
May 16, 2020
I really enjoyed reading this book that I received as an ACR at the ALA 2019 mid-winter conference. The story did take time for me to get into but once I did, I was eager to find out what would happen. The main character is Tor along with his friends Melda and Engle who go on a quest to find the Night Witch. I think my students will enjoy this mysterious world where everyone is born with an emblem. It was fun reading the short monster stories from the Book of Cuentos which gave us clues as to who they would encounter next. I appreciated the themes of friendship, not appreciating what you have and seeing people in a different light. The ending was a total surprise to me and I really enjoyed it. At first I was wondering how these kids would be able to do what many adults in the story couldn’t do. But she did an awesome job of bringing it all together. I’m hoping that this author has a sequel up her sleeve because I would love to find out what happens next!
June 30, 2019
I am very lucky to have read an early version of this, and it has only gotten better! I have no doubt children are going to fall in love with the stories, adventure, and magic in the world of Emblem Island.
September 15, 2020
2, why did i bother, stars
July 1, 2020
Emblem Island is an incredible place full of magic, color, and adventure. It can also be a dangerous, treacherous place…especially if you’ve been cursed by the Night Witch, like Tor and his friends have been. Most Emblemites are born with an emblem somewhere on their body, a birthmark that indicates an ability—like singing beautifully, cooking like a master chef, or even breathing underwater—that determines your course in life. Tor, son of his village’s chieftess, was born with a leadership emblem just like his mother’s. He hates it, though, and he wants more than anything to change his fate. So on the annual Eve celebration, when Emblemites submit a wish to the gods, Tor wishes for a different emblem.
In a chilling instance of “be careful what you wish for,” Tor gets a nasty shock the next morning. Instead of the water-breathing emblem that he so desperately wants, he receives a curse: a blinking eye on his wrist that he learns is a malevolent gift from the fearsome Night Witch. She is the most frightening monster in the Book of Cuentos, the formative book of folklore that all Emblemites use as a guide to life on the island. When he accidentally passes his curse to his friends Engle and Melda, Tor must use the Book of Cuentos to find the Night Witch and convince her to remove the curse before all three of their lifelines run out.
To find the witch, the friends go on an odyssey from their beautiful village by the ocean to the bleakest, scariest parts of the island. Author Alex Aster cannily intersperses tales from the Book of Cuentos between the group’s adventures, introducing the reader to the monsters the friends are about to encounter in increasingly terrifying stories. Letting the readers know what’s ahead, and what these monsters are capable of, adds a tremendous level of tension and suspense to an already exciting read. I raced through this book, and I’d be willing to bet you’ll do the same.
Emblem Island is a fascinating location. I selfishly wished that Aster would have spent more time exploring the different cultures there, because it’s such a thrilling, vibrant place, but the book is paced so well and the descriptions are so vivid that it ultimately felt like the perfect amount of world-building. I’m eager for the next book, not only because I can’t wait to go back and learn more about the island, but also because the ending was so clever and so surprising that I’m going to be on pins and needles waiting to find out what happens next.
The book’s nuanced look at the nature of stories (and at the motives of storytellers) is a delight, asking the reader to simultaneously think more critically and be more open-minded about folktales. Curse of the Night Witch is a rousing, spooky adventure that examines the stories we tell ourselves and the stories we tell others. It shows its readers that the world is more complicated and more amazing than we realize, and that you can always change your fate…but you may not like what happens when you do.
In a chilling instance of “be careful what you wish for,” Tor gets a nasty shock the next morning. Instead of the water-breathing emblem that he so desperately wants, he receives a curse: a blinking eye on his wrist that he learns is a malevolent gift from the fearsome Night Witch. She is the most frightening monster in the Book of Cuentos, the formative book of folklore that all Emblemites use as a guide to life on the island. When he accidentally passes his curse to his friends Engle and Melda, Tor must use the Book of Cuentos to find the Night Witch and convince her to remove the curse before all three of their lifelines run out.
To find the witch, the friends go on an odyssey from their beautiful village by the ocean to the bleakest, scariest parts of the island. Author Alex Aster cannily intersperses tales from the Book of Cuentos between the group’s adventures, introducing the reader to the monsters the friends are about to encounter in increasingly terrifying stories. Letting the readers know what’s ahead, and what these monsters are capable of, adds a tremendous level of tension and suspense to an already exciting read. I raced through this book, and I’d be willing to bet you’ll do the same.
Emblem Island is a fascinating location. I selfishly wished that Aster would have spent more time exploring the different cultures there, because it’s such a thrilling, vibrant place, but the book is paced so well and the descriptions are so vivid that it ultimately felt like the perfect amount of world-building. I’m eager for the next book, not only because I can’t wait to go back and learn more about the island, but also because the ending was so clever and so surprising that I’m going to be on pins and needles waiting to find out what happens next.
The book’s nuanced look at the nature of stories (and at the motives of storytellers) is a delight, asking the reader to simultaneously think more critically and be more open-minded about folktales. Curse of the Night Witch is a rousing, spooky adventure that examines the stories we tell ourselves and the stories we tell others. It shows its readers that the world is more complicated and more amazing than we realize, and that you can always change your fate…but you may not like what happens when you do.
May 18, 2020
I received an ARC of this title from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Be careful what you wish for....
On the island of Emblem, if you are lucky enough to be born with an Emblem, then you know your fate, and with that fate comes a special ability. But Tor Luna would do anything to change his fate, and rid himself of his markings indicating that he is destined for leadership. A hard enough thing to live up to as-is, but even more so when your mother is the village chief. But Tor has a plan to change everything.
Every Eve, marking the end of a year, everyone over the age of 12 makes a Wish--which may or may not be granted by the Wish God. And, for years, Tor knew exactly what he would wish for: for a different Emblem. When he wakes up on the first day of the new year, he is horrified. He received a different marking, alright, but not at all what he asked for. Instead, he got a mark indicating that he is cursed.
Now, along with his quirky best friend Engle and his frenemy Melda, Tor is off on an adventure across Emblem to seek out the Night Witch to rid himself of the curse. But there is something even more sinister that lies beneath the surface, and Tor's Wish is just the beginning.
Set in an amazing Latin American inspired land where gemstones can be eaten, color means life, and stories have power, "Curse of the Night Witch" is a fantastic tale about what it means to choose your own fate. I'm eager to return to Emblem, to learn more about the lore of the island as well as what new adventures await Tor, Engle and Melda.
Be careful what you wish for....
On the island of Emblem, if you are lucky enough to be born with an Emblem, then you know your fate, and with that fate comes a special ability. But Tor Luna would do anything to change his fate, and rid himself of his markings indicating that he is destined for leadership. A hard enough thing to live up to as-is, but even more so when your mother is the village chief. But Tor has a plan to change everything.
Every Eve, marking the end of a year, everyone over the age of 12 makes a Wish--which may or may not be granted by the Wish God. And, for years, Tor knew exactly what he would wish for: for a different Emblem. When he wakes up on the first day of the new year, he is horrified. He received a different marking, alright, but not at all what he asked for. Instead, he got a mark indicating that he is cursed.
Now, along with his quirky best friend Engle and his frenemy Melda, Tor is off on an adventure across Emblem to seek out the Night Witch to rid himself of the curse. But there is something even more sinister that lies beneath the surface, and Tor's Wish is just the beginning.
Set in an amazing Latin American inspired land where gemstones can be eaten, color means life, and stories have power, "Curse of the Night Witch" is a fantastic tale about what it means to choose your own fate. I'm eager to return to Emblem, to learn more about the lore of the island as well as what new adventures await Tor, Engle and Melda.
March 9, 2023
mild spoilers
this book is a hot mess. reading it felt like someone was telling me about their idea for a book, or like reading a very first draft, instead of reading an actual finished novel. there's no connective tissue to this at a l l to the point where everything felt super abrupt and it felt almost like it should've been a collection of short stories instead. there was a lot of consistency errors (conveniently forgetting some of the items they had with them, some random character(?) that shows up in two sentences in the rain forest with no context at all, etc) and the MOST random surprise arrival of their mothers??? what.
some parts were interesting but i probably should had DNFed this to be honest. the night witch was cool though
this book is a hot mess. reading it felt like someone was telling me about their idea for a book, or like reading a very first draft, instead of reading an actual finished novel. there's no connective tissue to this at a l l to the point where everything felt super abrupt and it felt almost like it should've been a collection of short stories instead. there was a lot of consistency errors (conveniently forgetting some of the items they had with them, some random character(?) that shows up in two sentences in the rain forest with no context at all, etc) and the MOST random surprise arrival of their mothers??? what.
some parts were interesting but i probably should had DNFed this to be honest. the night witch was cool though
December 1, 2020
A spectacular adventure story! I loved stories within the story, captivating. Excitedly wait to read the sequel.
“Eyes are a window to the brain, they betray our deepest, darkest thoughts”.
“Eyes are a window to the brain, they betray our deepest, darkest thoughts”.
August 7, 2021
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Snow beasts, trolls, and witches, oh my! The Curse of the Night Witch did not disappoint!
Firstly, I commend the author for writing such an exciting middle-grade fantasy novel. I cannot believe it is the author’s debut novel because she delivered it flawlessly. I loved the concept of the story about Emblems, markings, symbols, lifelines, and curses. The way the author constructed the world is also very innovative. We see different sides of Emblem Island, from the mountains to the Troll Tunnels and the rain forests.
Moreover, I adored the concept of a story within a story. Some of my favorite ones were The Weeping Woman, the history of Estrelle, and the Cave of Cosas. The author weaves the main story with these standalone tales so nicely, and I loved how the three characters used their knowledge to go about their quest.
The author also wrote the emotions of the characters nicely. In the beginning, you see that Tor and Melda don’t get along with each other. However, as the story progresses, you notice the bond they form. I loved the bond that Tor, Engle, and Melda share as they go on their journey to see the Night Witch. Frankly, I thought Tor was great in the lead with the various emotions he goes through. Some passages in the story touched me, like when Tor realizes he had never known hunger or struggle and realizes how lucky he is in some ways. I loved how the author matured him in the tale. Similarly, Engle and Melda are charming. The story also ends in a cliffhanger that makes you want to read the next book.
Overall, “Curse of the Night Witch” is a lovely start to the Emblem Island series, and I look forward to reading the continuation.
August 24, 2021
The world in this was so cool and a great way to pull the reader in. I wish I had an emblem that let me have a superpower! Persuasion, breathing underwater, being an amazing cook, and many other things are possible and I'd take any of them. Unfortunately the main character Tor doesn't want to be a leader and would rather breathe underwater and spend time in the ocean. When he tries to make a wish for a new emblem, things go terribly wrong.
Tor and his two friends go on an adventure across the land to find the Night Witch in hopes of stopping their curse. They meet many interesting people, battle dangerous creatures, and have near death experiences. I thought their friendship was cute and their bond strengthened over the course of the story.
The ending was pretty exciting and I'm very intrigued for the sequel!
Tor and his two friends go on an adventure across the land to find the Night Witch in hopes of stopping their curse. They meet many interesting people, battle dangerous creatures, and have near death experiences. I thought their friendship was cute and their bond strengthened over the course of the story.
The ending was pretty exciting and I'm very intrigued for the sequel!
November 5, 2021
3.5/5
Lol, estoy cansada de escribir mis reviews en inglés. Bruh.
Bueno, considero que el libro tenía muy buena trama pero, el estilo de escritura no fue perfecto, siento que el libro hubiera sido sacado a relucir todo su potencial, si la autora lo hubiera escrito de una manera distinta. Para mí, fue muy creativo, me gustaron bastante los personajes, los fragmentos del 'Libro de los cuentos' y las escenas de las aventuras; aun así, le faltó. Creo que este aspecto será mejorado a lo largo de los próximos libros.
Siento que el libro se acabó muy rápido y las escenas no se desarrollaron tanto como quería, pero lo disfruté dentro de lo que cabe.
Lol, estoy cansada de escribir mis reviews en inglés. Bruh.
Bueno, considero que el libro tenía muy buena trama pero, el estilo de escritura no fue perfecto, siento que el libro hubiera sido sacado a relucir todo su potencial, si la autora lo hubiera escrito de una manera distinta. Para mí, fue muy creativo, me gustaron bastante los personajes, los fragmentos del 'Libro de los cuentos' y las escenas de las aventuras; aun así, le faltó. Creo que este aspecto será mejorado a lo largo de los próximos libros.
Siento que el libro se acabó muy rápido y las escenas no se desarrollaron tanto como quería, pero lo disfruté dentro de lo que cabe.
April 7, 2021
I loved the world building in this- there were so many smart details! The characters were great and it was such a fun adventure story to read. I absolutely loved the ‘tales’ told in this book, it added a different depth to the story. I would definitely recommend if you’re looking for a fun adventure book that will take you away to a different world.
June 30, 2019
This book is a masterpiece. It is magnificent to see fairytales based on some of the Hispanic stories I know and love represented in this children's book. I will be buying one for each of my grandchildren, as well as my family in Colombia.
September 26, 2020
This was darker than I was expecting but I enjoyed the world-building a lot. Based on Latin American myths and stories, Curse of the Night Witch is a fast-paced adventure with mischievous children and a great heart. Looking forward to the sequel!
June 30, 2019
This book is so magical and unique...prepare to be amazed by this lush world
June 30, 2019
Read a draft of the book and immediately fell in love with the characters and the world. Cant wait to see it in stores and get my copy!
July 21, 2020
Review to come...
All I can say that this whole book was amazing!
All I can say that this whole book was amazing!
September 14, 2020
Fast paced, middle grade fantasy! Couldn’t put this one down.
August 17, 2022
Ugh this is boring.
September 18, 2021
trigger warning
Tor hates his emblem and the connected magic, the future it will bring. The first time he is able to participate in the New Year's celebrations, he wishes for different magic - and his wish is granted.
On Emblem Island, most people - though not all - are born with an emblem which is a physical representation of their powers. Some emblems are rarer than others, but all of them dictate the wearer's life, as people get trained according to their magic. There is no choice involved in education and career, and our protagonist finds his powers tedious, hates his classes, is near to depression. So he uses his very first wish to change his life.
Everyone who is twelve or older may participate and wish for something. Some wishes will be granted, most won't, but it's a fun celebration. Until Tor wakes up and finds out that his powers were switched for a curse, and he goes on a quest to see the Night Witch to get rid of it.
His friends accompany him, Engle and Melda, and they have a book of fairytales to guide them.
Three people going on a quest in a magical world to do magical things is one of my favourite things to happen in middlegrade novels, and this one was no disappointment. The worldbuilding is nice, the descriptions are very vivid and the ideas creative as heck. I read it basically in one go, and if further installments of the series were available to me rn, I'd probably continue. But, oh well, I guess I'll have to wait.
I liked how much the characters are growing, each of them.
After most chapters, we have a short story from the fairytale book they've got to guide them. At first I was wondering what the point of that is, but really I was just grumpy because the format of those pages meant it took longer for them to load.
They fit very nicely in there and add to the novel.
I'd recommend this to middlegrade readers or people who like magical adventures in general.
The arc was provided by the publisher.
Tor hates his emblem and the connected magic, the future it will bring. The first time he is able to participate in the New Year's celebrations, he wishes for different magic - and his wish is granted.
On Emblem Island, most people - though not all - are born with an emblem which is a physical representation of their powers. Some emblems are rarer than others, but all of them dictate the wearer's life, as people get trained according to their magic. There is no choice involved in education and career, and our protagonist finds his powers tedious, hates his classes, is near to depression. So he uses his very first wish to change his life.
Everyone who is twelve or older may participate and wish for something. Some wishes will be granted, most won't, but it's a fun celebration. Until Tor wakes up and finds out that his powers were switched for a curse, and he goes on a quest to see the Night Witch to get rid of it.
His friends accompany him, Engle and Melda, and they have a book of fairytales to guide them.
Three people going on a quest in a magical world to do magical things is one of my favourite things to happen in middlegrade novels, and this one was no disappointment. The worldbuilding is nice, the descriptions are very vivid and the ideas creative as heck. I read it basically in one go, and if further installments of the series were available to me rn, I'd probably continue. But, oh well, I guess I'll have to wait.
I liked how much the characters are growing, each of them.
After most chapters, we have a short story from the fairytale book they've got to guide them. At first I was wondering what the point of that is, but really I was just grumpy because the format of those pages meant it took longer for them to load.
They fit very nicely in there and add to the novel.
I'd recommend this to middlegrade readers or people who like magical adventures in general.
The arc was provided by the publisher.
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