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Thirteen Witches #1
The Memory Thief (1)
“This expertly crafted story thrums with magic, love, and tense action.” — Booklist (starred review)
Perfect for fans of The Girl Who Drank the Moon , this fantastical and heartfelt first book in a new trilogy from critically acclaimed and New York Times bestselling author Jodi Lynn Anderson follows a girl who must defeat thirteen evil witches.
Twelve-year-old Rosie Oaks’s mom is missing whatever it is that makes mothers love their daughters. All her life, Rosie has known this...and turned to stories for comfort. Then, on the night Rosie decides to throw her stories away forever, an invisible ally helps her discover the Witch Hunter’s Guide to the Universe , a book that claims that all of the evil in the world stems from thirteen witches who are unseen...but also unstoppable. One of these witches—the Memory Thief—holds an insidious power to steal our most precious our memories. And it is this witch who has cursed Rosie’s mother.
In her quest to save her mom—and with her wild, loyal friend “Germ” by her side—Rosie will find the layers hidden under the reality she only thought she where ghosts linger as shades of the past, where clouds witness the world, and a ladder dangles from the moon leading to something bigger and more. Here, words are weapons against the darkness, and witch hunters are those brave enough to wield their imaginations in the face of the unthinkable. The knowledge of her beloved stories is an arsenal in this world, but to unlock their power, Rosie must dare to have hope and believe in herself in the face of daunting odds.
Perfect for fans of The Girl Who Drank the Moon , this fantastical and heartfelt first book in a new trilogy from critically acclaimed and New York Times bestselling author Jodi Lynn Anderson follows a girl who must defeat thirteen evil witches.
Twelve-year-old Rosie Oaks’s mom is missing whatever it is that makes mothers love their daughters. All her life, Rosie has known this...and turned to stories for comfort. Then, on the night Rosie decides to throw her stories away forever, an invisible ally helps her discover the Witch Hunter’s Guide to the Universe , a book that claims that all of the evil in the world stems from thirteen witches who are unseen...but also unstoppable. One of these witches—the Memory Thief—holds an insidious power to steal our most precious our memories. And it is this witch who has cursed Rosie’s mother.
In her quest to save her mom—and with her wild, loyal friend “Germ” by her side—Rosie will find the layers hidden under the reality she only thought she where ghosts linger as shades of the past, where clouds witness the world, and a ladder dangles from the moon leading to something bigger and more. Here, words are weapons against the darkness, and witch hunters are those brave enough to wield their imaginations in the face of the unthinkable. The knowledge of her beloved stories is an arsenal in this world, but to unlock their power, Rosie must dare to have hope and believe in herself in the face of daunting odds.
352 pages, Paperback
First published March 2, 2021
122 people are currently reading
6817 people want to read
About the author
Jodi Lynn Anderson
43 books1,783 followersI write strange and mythical stories about young people.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 312 reviews
October 16, 2021
WOWZA!! This was PHENOMENAL! I am obsessed! Just looking at it, I assumed our MC was going to be a witch..nope! The women in her family are apart of a long line of witch hunters! I was engrossed from the start. I read this in less than a day, & read the last 64% in 1 sitting. This is such a well thought out & plotted story. So creative & intriguing. From the witches & their differences, Rosie’s whole backstory, the witch hunters book, the ghosts, the moon(& the ladder! Brilliant!)& moon Goddess, & the clouds to just name a few incredible things.
You also have relatable issues for kids in here as well. Rosie never knowing her dad, her mom not being a mom or showing any affection or attention of any kind. Also, Rosie’s best friend Germ is changing as she’s growing up, & Rosie doesn’t want to..she wants things to stay the same. But they aren’t, & she’s scared of losing her only friend. Rosie is also a writer, & loves writing happily ever after stories, & Germ says they’re too old for that. That broke my heart. As a woman in my 30s who only reads MG-my opinion is that you’re never too old for those stories lol. Rosie is an amazing character, & even though Germ annoyed me(on Rosie’s behalf lol)a few times-also a great character. The GHOSTS were such great characters themselves! All so different, & utterly fantastic. Ebb & Fred have my heart. I also loved the backstory we find out, & the outcome, of 1 of the meaner ghosts. Brilliant!
Amazing story & character development for sure. The writing was superb, & I couldn’t put it down. This is basically our world, plus all we can not see-mainly ghosts, & then the witches when they show up, etc. The author did an amazing job seamlessly blending our world in with her magical one. This is full of friendship, magic, loss, family, love, hope, danger, adventure, bravery, & imagination. There’s even great humor-& when Home Alone was paid homage I was in love even more! Lol The sequel comes out in April-& I CAN’T WAIT! Highly recommend! BEAUTIFUL cover by Kirbi Fagan too.💜
You also have relatable issues for kids in here as well. Rosie never knowing her dad, her mom not being a mom or showing any affection or attention of any kind. Also, Rosie’s best friend Germ is changing as she’s growing up, & Rosie doesn’t want to..she wants things to stay the same. But they aren’t, & she’s scared of losing her only friend. Rosie is also a writer, & loves writing happily ever after stories, & Germ says they’re too old for that. That broke my heart. As a woman in my 30s who only reads MG-my opinion is that you’re never too old for those stories lol. Rosie is an amazing character, & even though Germ annoyed me(on Rosie’s behalf lol)a few times-also a great character. The GHOSTS were such great characters themselves! All so different, & utterly fantastic. Ebb & Fred have my heart. I also loved the backstory we find out, & the outcome, of 1 of the meaner ghosts. Brilliant!
Amazing story & character development for sure. The writing was superb, & I couldn’t put it down. This is basically our world, plus all we can not see-mainly ghosts, & then the witches when they show up, etc. The author did an amazing job seamlessly blending our world in with her magical one. This is full of friendship, magic, loss, family, love, hope, danger, adventure, bravery, & imagination. There’s even great humor-& when Home Alone was paid homage I was in love even more! Lol The sequel comes out in April-& I CAN’T WAIT! Highly recommend! BEAUTIFUL cover by Kirbi Fagan too.💜
February 2, 2022
3.5
I recieved an E- ARC from Aladin Press via Netgalley! Huge thank you to them for the ARC!
This was an objective 4 star but a 3 star personally so I settled with 3.5.
I thinj this book would have been an all time favorite of mine if i had read it at the age that this book is targeted for. It has two of my favorite things: witches and ghosts! So naturally i very much enjoyed this book.:)
Although it was admittedly darker than i thought it would be, it is the perfect creepiness for its targeted age group and i can see a lot of kids loving this book. Especially if they are into witches and ghosts like i am or just like a good creepy book perfect for fall time!
I also could relate a lot to the main character and her struggles with growing up and having a hard time with letting friends go and making new one. So i appreciated seeing that represented. The coming of age aspect was done very well in this and i think a lot of kids and even adults will be able to relate to that.
My only critique was that the characters felt a little two dementional to me. But even with that, i was still eager to pick this back up. So it didnt hinder my enjoyment of the book that much.
I would recommend this and i will more than likely be continuing with the series when it comes out!
I recieved an E- ARC from Aladin Press via Netgalley! Huge thank you to them for the ARC!
This was an objective 4 star but a 3 star personally so I settled with 3.5.
I thinj this book would have been an all time favorite of mine if i had read it at the age that this book is targeted for. It has two of my favorite things: witches and ghosts! So naturally i very much enjoyed this book.:)
Although it was admittedly darker than i thought it would be, it is the perfect creepiness for its targeted age group and i can see a lot of kids loving this book. Especially if they are into witches and ghosts like i am or just like a good creepy book perfect for fall time!
I also could relate a lot to the main character and her struggles with growing up and having a hard time with letting friends go and making new one. So i appreciated seeing that represented. The coming of age aspect was done very well in this and i think a lot of kids and even adults will be able to relate to that.
My only critique was that the characters felt a little two dementional to me. But even with that, i was still eager to pick this back up. So it didnt hinder my enjoyment of the book that much.
I would recommend this and i will more than likely be continuing with the series when it comes out!
January 27, 2023
Un roman jeunesse à l'univers de magie original et immersif. Ça se dévore et si c'est un peu prévisible pour certains éléments, ça se lit tout seul et c'était une belle découverte !
February 2, 2022
Really more of a 3.5. I'm rounding up because I don't read middle-grade fiction very often, so I don't want to be too critical.
Even though I have a massive to-read list, I checked this out immediately upon learning of its existence. Because the audiobook was fairly short, I could listen to it on fast-forward and get it done in about a day. The reason I felt the need to read this book immediately was because I squealed with joy upon reading the book's premise-- that the protagonist is a magical witch hunter.
Most people have never heard of the Italian concept of the "benandanti." They are making more random appearances in fantasy fiction within the last 10 years or so. But until recently, they were this incredibly obscure sect of Catholic witches in the San Lorenzo region of Italy. They considered themselves good Catholics, and they considered it their duty to fight evil witches (strega) every night to protect the harvest. The strega were considered Satanic beings who probably had made some sort of pact with Satan. But the benandanti were psychic villagers who could astral project at night to fight the strega. They armed themselves with fennel, which is not a particularly stiff or threatening plant. ... Sadly, when church leaders learned about the benandanti (whom some simply labeled as "good witches"), they burned them at the stake for daring to practice magic.
This book clearly used the concept of the benandanti without ever naming them. Rosie is a "witch hunter," but not the kind of powerless church leader one might expect from reading The Crucible. No, she is described as psychic, and having second sight. She fights witches made of some immaterial, etheral substance. The primary antagonist of this novel is The Memory Witch, who nightly comes and curses Rosie's mother with forgetfulness, while never affecting her physically. When Rosie learns more about being a "witch hunter," she learns that she can make anything into a psychic weapon, even if it isn't traditionally a weapon.
I have mixed feelings about the fact Rosie learns she is a witch hunter and she never questions this. She doesn't ask the questions one might expect as a surrogate for the audience. "What's the difference between a witch and a witch hunter?" "I thought witch hunters were just inquisitors through the Catholic church." "Can I cast spells?" "Why do witch hunters hunt witches? Is it like how a regular hunter hunts deer for food?"
On the one hand, I think this was a flaw to the writing. The writer expects us to take too much of her limited world building on faith. However, I like the idea of a tween character being told that she's a benandante and not feeling any moral objection to the idea. Modern American society is such a big proponent of not being "judgmental," that one could reasonably expect a woke young person to refuse to hunt witches out of principle. Or something. I will say that her lack of moral examination about the ethics of witch hunting feels like a hole in the story.
But, not here. Rosie is a girl after my own heart. She loves writing stories. She wants to save her mother from a curse of forgetting. She wants to help ghost characters move on to the next phase of the afterlife. And she feels very passionately possessive of her best friend.
Now, I couldn't quite relate to this middle school best friendship because I didn't really have friends in middle school. But the two main characters of this book, Rosie and her best friend Germ, are freakishly close. They spend as much time together as possible both in school and out. They declared themselves blood sisters. Rosie is horribly jealous of Germ making new friends. That's arguably the second main conflict of this novel-- Rosie's worry about losing Germ's friendship.
Germ is a good role model character. She is plus sized, but incredibly athletic and confident. I can't remember a character like her in any books I read when I was 12.
Rosie is more relatable to me personally, but probably not so much to the average reader. And I will say that this book makes the questionable choice of suggesting that a neglectful parent can be magically fixed overnight. The real-life version of a neglectful parent (perhaps dealing with grief and/or post-partum depression and/or PTSD) would require years of therapy, and she would need to make the decision on her own to get better. I worry that providing this MacGuffin for Rosie gives readers unrealistic expectations.
Even though I have a massive to-read list, I checked this out immediately upon learning of its existence. Because the audiobook was fairly short, I could listen to it on fast-forward and get it done in about a day. The reason I felt the need to read this book immediately was because I squealed with joy upon reading the book's premise-- that the protagonist is a magical witch hunter.
Most people have never heard of the Italian concept of the "benandanti." They are making more random appearances in fantasy fiction within the last 10 years or so. But until recently, they were this incredibly obscure sect of Catholic witches in the San Lorenzo region of Italy. They considered themselves good Catholics, and they considered it their duty to fight evil witches (strega) every night to protect the harvest. The strega were considered Satanic beings who probably had made some sort of pact with Satan. But the benandanti were psychic villagers who could astral project at night to fight the strega. They armed themselves with fennel, which is not a particularly stiff or threatening plant. ... Sadly, when church leaders learned about the benandanti (whom some simply labeled as "good witches"), they burned them at the stake for daring to practice magic.
This book clearly used the concept of the benandanti without ever naming them. Rosie is a "witch hunter," but not the kind of powerless church leader one might expect from reading The Crucible. No, she is described as psychic, and having second sight. She fights witches made of some immaterial, etheral substance. The primary antagonist of this novel is The Memory Witch, who nightly comes and curses Rosie's mother with forgetfulness, while never affecting her physically. When Rosie learns more about being a "witch hunter," she learns that she can make anything into a psychic weapon, even if it isn't traditionally a weapon.
I have mixed feelings about the fact Rosie learns she is a witch hunter and she never questions this. She doesn't ask the questions one might expect as a surrogate for the audience. "What's the difference between a witch and a witch hunter?" "I thought witch hunters were just inquisitors through the Catholic church." "Can I cast spells?" "Why do witch hunters hunt witches? Is it like how a regular hunter hunts deer for food?"
On the one hand, I think this was a flaw to the writing. The writer expects us to take too much of her limited world building on faith. However, I like the idea of a tween character being told that she's a benandante and not feeling any moral objection to the idea. Modern American society is such a big proponent of not being "judgmental," that one could reasonably expect a woke young person to refuse to hunt witches out of principle. Or something. I will say that her lack of moral examination about the ethics of witch hunting feels like a hole in the story.
But, not here. Rosie is a girl after my own heart. She loves writing stories. She wants to save her mother from a curse of forgetting. She wants to help ghost characters move on to the next phase of the afterlife. And she feels very passionately possessive of her best friend.
Now, I couldn't quite relate to this middle school best friendship because I didn't really have friends in middle school. But the two main characters of this book, Rosie and her best friend Germ, are freakishly close. They spend as much time together as possible both in school and out. They declared themselves blood sisters. Rosie is horribly jealous of Germ making new friends. That's arguably the second main conflict of this novel-- Rosie's worry about losing Germ's friendship.
Germ is a good role model character. She is plus sized, but incredibly athletic and confident. I can't remember a character like her in any books I read when I was 12.
Rosie is more relatable to me personally, but probably not so much to the average reader. And I will say that this book makes the questionable choice of suggesting that a neglectful parent can be magically fixed overnight. The real-life version of a neglectful parent (perhaps dealing with grief and/or post-partum depression and/or PTSD) would require years of therapy, and she would need to make the decision on her own to get better. I worry that providing this MacGuffin for Rosie gives readers unrealistic expectations.
May 29, 2021
You can find my full review on my blog, The Bookwyrm's Den, here.
Many thanks to Aladdin and Rockstar Book Tours for a copy in exchange for an honest, unbiased review.
I’ve had my eye on The Memory Thief for a while now, because that cover? Stunning. That synopsis? Hooks me every time. There was never any doubt that I wanted to read this book, so I was all the more excited to have the opportunity to take part in this blog tour!
The Memory Thief is an ode to the power of stories. It’s a love letter to childhood friendships and the ways they change. It’s also a hauntingly beautiful story about ghosts and magic and family, and I can’t wait for the sequel!
I knew almost as soon as I started this book that I was going to love it, so no surprise that I did. Anderson has an absolutely gorgeous writing style, and I will be for sure checking out some of her other work. The Memory Thief hooked me from the start and refused to let go, and it was one heck of a ride!
My Thoughts
- I absolutely loved the entire narrative around Rosie and her stories. It’s something I think a lot of readers will relate to. Rosie is a writer, but that comes into question when her best friend, Germ, implies they’re too old for happily ever afters. This tugged on my heartstrings in so many ways, because as a writer, I can confirm that writers are fickle, fragile things that, above all else, want people to love their stories. The thing is that Rosie still wants to believe that good can conquer evil and impossible odds are impossible, and that made me love her character all the more. Rosie is so relatable in the way she wants the simple things: a mother that’ll love her, a best friend who will always be her friend, things not to change, and to believe that bad things can still end positively. Yet, Rosie is also introverted and quiet and doesn’t feel like she quite belongs around a lot of people. Her character is so complex, but she wants the same things most people want. I think that alone will make her relatable to a broad range of people!
- This book is filled with ghosts, all with different personalities, and they really stole the show, in a way. I’ve always been a fan of ghosts in general, but the ghosts in The Memory Thief just have such vivid personalities! Ebb’s story, for example, is definitely one that tugs on heart strings. In this world, though, pretty much everything has a spirit, and ghost animals are a thing, too, which cracks me up. It was interesting reading about their shenanigans after they’ve died.
- The mythology and magic in this story is just absolutely *chef’s kiss*. There are witches (obviously … 13 of them, if you hadn’t guessed … well, sort of), but it’s so much more than that! There’s also a Moon Goddess and ghosts and witch hunters and all sorts of things. The world in the book is basically ours with magic layered on top, but I loved how it was done! There was a very fairy tale, ethereal feel about it that worked really well and pulled me right into the world. I can’t wait to learn more about it in subsequent books.
- There are some really hard-hitting themes in The Memory Thief, from parental neglect to what happens when childhood friends grow up and things change. Rosie’s mother wants to love her. She just … can’t. So Rosie does the next best thing and imagines scenarios where her mother acts like a responsible parent, and gosh will it ever break your heart. Rosie has had to grow up all too quickly and be the parent of the household, while simultaneously being afraid to reach out to anyone lest she be taken away. Rosie isn’t alone in her plight, though, because she has her best friend, Germ … or, at least, she’s always had her in the past. Things are starting to change, though. There’s a growing rift in their relationship as the girls get older and Germ starts to change. It’s not a change Rosie particularly likes, especially since she just wants things to stay the way they’ve always been. The relationship becomes even more strained as Germ starts hanging out with new people and being involved in new and different things and Rosie finds herself sucked into her own struggles. This growing apart and growing up of friends is touched on in such a wonderful way that accepts with grace the idea that people grow and change but that’s okay. It portrays a realistic friendship, one that isn’t without its challenges, but one that’s strong enough to endure and overcome at the same time.
Many thanks to Aladdin and Rockstar Book Tours for a copy in exchange for an honest, unbiased review.
I’ve had my eye on The Memory Thief for a while now, because that cover? Stunning. That synopsis? Hooks me every time. There was never any doubt that I wanted to read this book, so I was all the more excited to have the opportunity to take part in this blog tour!
The Memory Thief is an ode to the power of stories. It’s a love letter to childhood friendships and the ways they change. It’s also a hauntingly beautiful story about ghosts and magic and family, and I can’t wait for the sequel!
I knew almost as soon as I started this book that I was going to love it, so no surprise that I did. Anderson has an absolutely gorgeous writing style, and I will be for sure checking out some of her other work. The Memory Thief hooked me from the start and refused to let go, and it was one heck of a ride!
My Thoughts
- I absolutely loved the entire narrative around Rosie and her stories. It’s something I think a lot of readers will relate to. Rosie is a writer, but that comes into question when her best friend, Germ, implies they’re too old for happily ever afters. This tugged on my heartstrings in so many ways, because as a writer, I can confirm that writers are fickle, fragile things that, above all else, want people to love their stories. The thing is that Rosie still wants to believe that good can conquer evil and impossible odds are impossible, and that made me love her character all the more. Rosie is so relatable in the way she wants the simple things: a mother that’ll love her, a best friend who will always be her friend, things not to change, and to believe that bad things can still end positively. Yet, Rosie is also introverted and quiet and doesn’t feel like she quite belongs around a lot of people. Her character is so complex, but she wants the same things most people want. I think that alone will make her relatable to a broad range of people!
“Take heart, Rosie,” he says. “Only the witches would have you think there is more darkness in the world than there is light. Only they would have you believe that love could ever really leave you.”
- This book is filled with ghosts, all with different personalities, and they really stole the show, in a way. I’ve always been a fan of ghosts in general, but the ghosts in The Memory Thief just have such vivid personalities! Ebb’s story, for example, is definitely one that tugs on heart strings. In this world, though, pretty much everything has a spirit, and ghost animals are a thing, too, which cracks me up. It was interesting reading about their shenanigans after they’ve died.
The dead boy floats up beside me and glares at the man.
“Don’t worry about the Murderer,” he says. “He’s harmless.” But then he pauses, and appears to rethink his words, because he adds, “I mean, everybody does call him ‘the Murderer,’ and he does want to murder you, and he’s pretty territorial. But it’s not your fault.”
- The mythology and magic in this story is just absolutely *chef’s kiss*. There are witches (obviously … 13 of them, if you hadn’t guessed … well, sort of), but it’s so much more than that! There’s also a Moon Goddess and ghosts and witch hunters and all sorts of things. The world in the book is basically ours with magic layered on top, but I loved how it was done! There was a very fairy tale, ethereal feel about it that worked really well and pulled me right into the world. I can’t wait to learn more about it in subsequent books.
“I’m not really gifted at anything,” I say, “Just making things up.”
The cloud smiles at this, as if I’ve said something incredibly silly. “Here’s what we’ve seen people make up: Skyscrapers. Countries. Cures. Ships that fly to the moon. It took a dream to make the first house. The first language. Made-up things make the world.” An arm of mist reaches out as if to pat my head, and though I can’t feel it, the gesture feels nice inside. “Imagining is a little like the opposite of witches, don’t you think? To stretch and grow beauty from nothing at all?”
- There are some really hard-hitting themes in The Memory Thief, from parental neglect to what happens when childhood friends grow up and things change. Rosie’s mother wants to love her. She just … can’t. So Rosie does the next best thing and imagines scenarios where her mother acts like a responsible parent, and gosh will it ever break your heart. Rosie has had to grow up all too quickly and be the parent of the household, while simultaneously being afraid to reach out to anyone lest she be taken away. Rosie isn’t alone in her plight, though, because she has her best friend, Germ … or, at least, she’s always had her in the past. Things are starting to change, though. There’s a growing rift in their relationship as the girls get older and Germ starts to change. It’s not a change Rosie particularly likes, especially since she just wants things to stay the way they’ve always been. The relationship becomes even more strained as Germ starts hanging out with new people and being involved in new and different things and Rosie finds herself sucked into her own struggles. This growing apart and growing up of friends is touched on in such a wonderful way that accepts with grace the idea that people grow and change but that’s okay. It portrays a realistic friendship, one that isn’t without its challenges, but one that’s strong enough to endure and overcome at the same time.
And I realize … maybe my mom has returned to these stories again and again for the same reason why I turn to the books in my room: to fill in the places that are missing, to push back against the darkness that has taken those things. To remind herself—because she has no memory—that monsters can be destroyed, and heroes can win, even if it’s only pretend. Maybe stories make us stronger because they make a bridge to things we’ve lost. Maybe stories make powerful things out of broken ones.
August 15, 2022
I don't think I do well with first person POV fantasy novels. I couldn't keep up with most of what was going on and it was almost too fantastical at points. The cover is gorgeous, but the book was just ok.
November 17, 2021
Yes, yes, yes! This book was so good! I think one of the the best parts of this book was probably the writing style. Ugh! I just loved the characters and descriptions! Beautiful! I’ll definitely be reading the second book when it comes out (yeah and there was a cliffhanger :/) This book is so underrated! I definitely recommend :)!
December 3, 2021
This was a fun read - maybe a little darker than I anticipated!
March 13, 2021
Let’s face it. My Diary From the Edge of the World is one of my favorite books. In. The. World. So...when I saw this at the store...I bought it on impulse. Which I never do bc I always wait for the library. I just thought there was a chance it would be just as magical, and I couldn’t wait.
As an author myself, I hate to say anything negative about another artist’s work. Nothing was WRONG with this book. It was magical and moody and full of creepiness at an appropriate level for its target audience. And I think children of that age will like it. I guess I just didn’t feel it. And when you can predict out the story arc and you finally come to the emotional moment and feel...nothing...well, then you just know it’s not for you. I liked Rosie. I liked the concept. But it didn’t feel ALIVE as My Diary from the Edge of the World, which is one of only two novels that have ever reduced me to sobbing.
I think Jodi Lynn Anderson has a vivid imagination, capable of creating magic. And this book had several very good quotes:
“A story can have more sway over the world than an evil man,” she says simply, as if I should already know it. “It can touch more lives, change more hearts, build more courage than a dark force. The witches tell a story of emptiness and malice and mistrust and hate. You could tell the opposite story.”
‘Maybe stories make powerful things out of broken ones.’
‘It feels like something I always longed for, to know there was more than just what I see around me. As scared as I am, I wouldn’t go back to not knowing.’
‘Maybe I’d be brave enough to give it all up—all my hope for a regular life, to have a chance to make the world better.’
So, those little gems sprinkled in, warmed my heart as I went, even if I didn’t connect to the story as I hoped. All in all, I’d give it 3.5 stars.
As an author myself, I hate to say anything negative about another artist’s work. Nothing was WRONG with this book. It was magical and moody and full of creepiness at an appropriate level for its target audience. And I think children of that age will like it. I guess I just didn’t feel it. And when you can predict out the story arc and you finally come to the emotional moment and feel...nothing...well, then you just know it’s not for you. I liked Rosie. I liked the concept. But it didn’t feel ALIVE as My Diary from the Edge of the World, which is one of only two novels that have ever reduced me to sobbing.
I think Jodi Lynn Anderson has a vivid imagination, capable of creating magic. And this book had several very good quotes:
“A story can have more sway over the world than an evil man,” she says simply, as if I should already know it. “It can touch more lives, change more hearts, build more courage than a dark force. The witches tell a story of emptiness and malice and mistrust and hate. You could tell the opposite story.”
‘Maybe stories make powerful things out of broken ones.’
‘It feels like something I always longed for, to know there was more than just what I see around me. As scared as I am, I wouldn’t go back to not knowing.’
‘Maybe I’d be brave enough to give it all up—all my hope for a regular life, to have a chance to make the world better.’
So, those little gems sprinkled in, warmed my heart as I went, even if I didn’t connect to the story as I hoped. All in all, I’d give it 3.5 stars.
July 25, 2025
This was such a great book, it was full of emotional depth and it was really heartfelt, while also packing a thrilling plot that keeps readers on their toes. would recommend!!
March 15, 2023
Bif bof... pas terrible, très téléphoné, l'univers ne transporte pas. Passez votre chemin !
September 21, 2023
Such an enjoyable read! I love the main character, Rosie and her BFF Germ. Such strong, brave and lovable characters.
May 7, 2022
Enjoyable YA fare, Barnes and Noble monthly selection. Witches, "as always", are responsible for all the sins and woes of mankind. Each one of the world's 13 witches steals their certain item from their victims: time, compassion, memories, etc. The Oaks women, through multiple generations have been fighting this evil. The latest is Rosie Oaks, age 12. She discovers her latent talents, and is determined to fix her mother whose memories have been stolen from her. Join our young heroine on her quest to defeat the witch they call The Memory Thief along with various new friends she meets along the way.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 14, 2022
This book got me exited to read just by the cover. When I read it I fell in love with all the characters! I love the plot of this book. Since it has all these witches and all these creatures, it really brings out the story. I love reading story’s that are not exactly normal. I like weird creatures and stuff that will get me exited for the next chapter. This book definitely gave that and I will most definitely be reading book 2!
December 4, 2020
This was such a cute story about finding yourself. I loved the connection of Rosie and her mom It was a great start to this story and I can not wait for more!!
January 20, 2023
J'en ai marre des romans fades, sans saveurs et sans originalité.
On voit les ficelles dès le premier chapitre, c'est cousu de fil blanc, les personnages sont sans intérêt. Passez votre chemin.
On voit les ficelles dès le premier chapitre, c'est cousu de fil blanc, les personnages sont sans intérêt. Passez votre chemin.
September 15, 2024
All her life, Rosie has had to write her own love notes and take care of herself even though her mother still lives with her, sort of. When the frustrations of growing up get to her one day, Rosie destroys her notebooks and the short stories contained within, and without an outlet, her magic gives her the ability to see the supernatural. Unfortunately, this catches the attention of the culprit in Rosie's mom's blankness: the Memory Thief, a wicked witch who greedily steals any memory she can get her claws on. Rosie has to solve the mystery of the witch hunters and her own mysterious birth if she wants any hope of surviving another witch attack and rescuing her mother.
This book does a marvelous job combining the pains of growing up with the adventure of paranormal investigation. I wasn't terribly interested in the middle school drama, but I can empathize with not wanting things to change. The magic system is beautifully crafted, and the ending is satisfying. I'm looking forward to book 2.
This book does a marvelous job combining the pains of growing up with the adventure of paranormal investigation. I wasn't terribly interested in the middle school drama, but I can empathize with not wanting things to change. The magic system is beautifully crafted, and the ending is satisfying. I'm looking forward to book 2.
October 16, 2023
J’ai mis beauuuuuucoup de temps mais c’est parce que je l’ai mis de côté un moment pour écouter Captive qui m’a happée et qui m’a empêchée de lire autre chose. Mais quand je me suis remis à la lecture des treize sorcières, j’ai adoré! J’aime vraiment les univers merveilleux et je n’ai pas été déçue par celui-ci! Les personnages sont attachants et j’ai particulièrement aimé l’apogée de l’imagination et du pouvoir des mots/livres. De toute beauté! Je lirai la suite très bientôt, peut-être en novembre, à l’approche des fêtes, quand j’aurai envie de magie 🪄
January 11, 2022
4 1/2 stars
RTC
Thank you to the publisher for sending me a finished copy for review.
RTC
Thank you to the publisher for sending me a finished copy for review.
December 17, 2022
This book was absolutely fantastic. This story was unique and beautifully written. I loved everything about this story. It was definitely up my alley- great characters, complex plot, lots of mystery and a touch of dark elements. This book feels like a familiar fairy tale, but it also feels original. Highly recommend, especially if you’re a fan of The Girl Who Drank the Moon.
June 7, 2023
readd this a while ago. from what i remember it was amazing
July 18, 2021
Got better as book went on-predictable plot, but epilogue spoils the entire book. Am curious for book two when it comes out as the idea is clever, even if not put into effect the best she could have.
March 8, 2023
One of the best books i have ever read
March 29, 2022
I loved this book. This is such a great read about growing up and changing, encased in a fun but sinister magical world. I was so enchanted by this read, and I cannot wait for the next one!
February 17, 2023
https://my-bo0ks.over-blog.com/2023/0...
Cela faisait un bon moment que je n'avais pas lu de roman jeunesse fantastique qui ne m'avait pas autant tenu en haleine. Qu'elle belle découverte pour ce premier tome des Treize sorcières ! Déjà, rien que la couverture, au total adéquation avec son contenu j'avais envie de me plonger dedans et le résumé a fini de me convaincre.
Nous y suivons Rosie, une jeune fille dont la vie n'est pas évidente. Une mère qui se désintéresse totalement d'elle, allant jusqu'à oublier sa présence et une vie assez solitaire. Elle trouve du réconfort dans ces histoires qu'elle écrit depuis son plus jeune âge. Heureusement, elle peut compter sur sa meilleure amie, quoique ces derniers temps, celle-ci commence à s'intéresser plus aux garçons et à de nouveaux centres d'intérêts et c'est la goutte d'eau. Un soir, Rosie fait quelque chose qui va lui ouvrir les yeux sur le monde. Fantômes, créatures surnaturelles et sorcières qui lancent des malédictions, Rosie va devoir prendre son destin en main avant qu'on ne s'en prenne à elle comme on s'en est pris à sa mère.
Rosie est une héroïne jeune, mais qui a du grandir un peu par la force des choses. Sa mère ne s'est jamais vraiment intéressée à elle. Sans savoir pourquoi, elle ne semble même pas digne de son amour. Alors Rosie s'est isolée, doucement mais surement jusqu'à ne plus compter que sur elle-même et le soutien sans faille de sa meilleure amie. Une meilleure amie qui vit aussi sa propre vie ce qu'à bien du mal à gérer notre jeune héroïne. Car au fond, son éloignement provoque un rappel de l'absence de relation de celle-ci avec sa mère. On sent le côté encore jeune de notre héroine qui vit cette jalousie comme un abandon même si elle est consciente que ce n'est pas "grave" en soi. Mais cela montre aussi une toute autre facette de son personnage et son côté sensible, ce qui est tout à fait normal pour son âge.
C'est donc ce événement qui va avoir un effet boule de neige. Et après tout ce temps, Rosie va vite découvrir que le comportement de sa mère n'est pas normal, mais bel et bien dû à la malédiction d'une sorcière. Et la découverte de ce monde au parallèle va venir tout changer. Quelle belle immersion ! L'autrice nous propose ici un univers à la fois passionnant tout en restant accessible pour un jeune lecteur. Quelques clins d'œil à d'autres œuvres, et notamment Harry Potter puisque notre héroïne en est fan et nous voilà partis à la rencontre de fantômes, sorcières aussi maléfiques que surprenantes et toute autre créatures. Le suspense est de la partie et même si c'est un roman jeunesse, on se laisse totalement happé par l'histoire et ses rebondissements.
J'ai tourné les pages à vive allure, curieuse de découvrir ces fameuses treize sorcières. Et je dois dire que j'ai été bien séduite par l'univers et l'explication concernant ce système. En même temps que Rosie, nous découvrons qui elle est, le secret de sa mère et ce que cela implique ! Pas de temps mort pour ce premier tome qui nous propose son lot de petits rebondissements avec une bonne marge de progression pour la suite.
En conclusion, si vous aimez les romans jeunesses fantastiques avec une héroïne un peu solitaire qui ouvre les yeux sur le monde qui l'entoure. Que vous appréciez les histoires de sorcières et chasseurs de sorcières avec son lot d'êtres surnaturels, alors La voleuse de mémoire est pour vous. J'ai trouvé l'histoire vraiment entrainante et suis plus que prête pour la suite des aventures de Rosie !
Cela faisait un bon moment que je n'avais pas lu de roman jeunesse fantastique qui ne m'avait pas autant tenu en haleine. Qu'elle belle découverte pour ce premier tome des Treize sorcières ! Déjà, rien que la couverture, au total adéquation avec son contenu j'avais envie de me plonger dedans et le résumé a fini de me convaincre.
Nous y suivons Rosie, une jeune fille dont la vie n'est pas évidente. Une mère qui se désintéresse totalement d'elle, allant jusqu'à oublier sa présence et une vie assez solitaire. Elle trouve du réconfort dans ces histoires qu'elle écrit depuis son plus jeune âge. Heureusement, elle peut compter sur sa meilleure amie, quoique ces derniers temps, celle-ci commence à s'intéresser plus aux garçons et à de nouveaux centres d'intérêts et c'est la goutte d'eau. Un soir, Rosie fait quelque chose qui va lui ouvrir les yeux sur le monde. Fantômes, créatures surnaturelles et sorcières qui lancent des malédictions, Rosie va devoir prendre son destin en main avant qu'on ne s'en prenne à elle comme on s'en est pris à sa mère.
Rosie est une héroïne jeune, mais qui a du grandir un peu par la force des choses. Sa mère ne s'est jamais vraiment intéressée à elle. Sans savoir pourquoi, elle ne semble même pas digne de son amour. Alors Rosie s'est isolée, doucement mais surement jusqu'à ne plus compter que sur elle-même et le soutien sans faille de sa meilleure amie. Une meilleure amie qui vit aussi sa propre vie ce qu'à bien du mal à gérer notre jeune héroïne. Car au fond, son éloignement provoque un rappel de l'absence de relation de celle-ci avec sa mère. On sent le côté encore jeune de notre héroine qui vit cette jalousie comme un abandon même si elle est consciente que ce n'est pas "grave" en soi. Mais cela montre aussi une toute autre facette de son personnage et son côté sensible, ce qui est tout à fait normal pour son âge.
C'est donc ce événement qui va avoir un effet boule de neige. Et après tout ce temps, Rosie va vite découvrir que le comportement de sa mère n'est pas normal, mais bel et bien dû à la malédiction d'une sorcière. Et la découverte de ce monde au parallèle va venir tout changer. Quelle belle immersion ! L'autrice nous propose ici un univers à la fois passionnant tout en restant accessible pour un jeune lecteur. Quelques clins d'œil à d'autres œuvres, et notamment Harry Potter puisque notre héroïne en est fan et nous voilà partis à la rencontre de fantômes, sorcières aussi maléfiques que surprenantes et toute autre créatures. Le suspense est de la partie et même si c'est un roman jeunesse, on se laisse totalement happé par l'histoire et ses rebondissements.
J'ai tourné les pages à vive allure, curieuse de découvrir ces fameuses treize sorcières. Et je dois dire que j'ai été bien séduite par l'univers et l'explication concernant ce système. En même temps que Rosie, nous découvrons qui elle est, le secret de sa mère et ce que cela implique ! Pas de temps mort pour ce premier tome qui nous propose son lot de petits rebondissements avec une bonne marge de progression pour la suite.
En conclusion, si vous aimez les romans jeunesses fantastiques avec une héroïne un peu solitaire qui ouvre les yeux sur le monde qui l'entoure. Que vous appréciez les histoires de sorcières et chasseurs de sorcières avec son lot d'êtres surnaturels, alors La voleuse de mémoire est pour vous. J'ai trouvé l'histoire vraiment entrainante et suis plus que prête pour la suite des aventures de Rosie !
March 7, 2022
The Memory Thief is a middle grade fantasy novel about a tween girl who discovers she comes from a line of Witch Hunters. The central themes in this book are family, friendship, discovering your own bravery and the ilk. With heavy doses of witches, ghosts and magic.
This book is middle grade, but definitely on the younger side of middle grade. For the most part, it is 'fine', there are some sweet moments, but on the whole it's just very basic and I feel no real connection to the characters, and a lot of it just lacks any subtly at all, which is why it feels like a very young Middle Grade book.
The author also lays in heavy Harry Potter references, non-stop. I mean, I get it, HP is a popular middle grade read, but oh my god, like a central portion of this book is related to HP, it basically reads like a love letter to HP and it just wore me out. I took at least an entire star off for that alone. Just, why?
The ending was so strangely written. You have your climax of the story, but it was just.. weird. You have all this build up, and then BOOM one page of climax, and then it basically starts building into the next leg of the story, to get you to read the second book. Up until that point, I had debated giving this three stars, but the ending was just so oddly paced. They also use a concept in the book from a very popular classic novel, which was hard for me to look past.
All in all, it feels flat and unoriginal and definitely would not be anywhere on a list of my favorite middle grade fantasy novels.
This book is middle grade, but definitely on the younger side of middle grade. For the most part, it is 'fine', there are some sweet moments, but on the whole it's just very basic and I feel no real connection to the characters, and a lot of it just lacks any subtly at all, which is why it feels like a very young Middle Grade book.
The author also lays in heavy Harry Potter references, non-stop. I mean, I get it, HP is a popular middle grade read, but oh my god, like a central portion of this book is related to HP, it basically reads like a love letter to HP and it just wore me out. I took at least an entire star off for that alone. Just, why?
The ending was so strangely written. You have your climax of the story, but it was just.. weird. You have all this build up, and then BOOM one page of climax, and then it basically starts building into the next leg of the story, to get you to read the second book. Up until that point, I had debated giving this three stars, but the ending was just so oddly paced. They also use a concept in the book from a very popular classic novel, which was hard for me to look past.
All in all, it feels flat and unoriginal and definitely would not be anywhere on a list of my favorite middle grade fantasy novels.
November 6, 2020
This is a great start to a new fantasy trilogy! Rosie doesn't know that she comes from a long line of witch hunters because a witch cursed her mother the night Rosie was born, and she wasn't able to tell her. There are 13 witches intent on destroying the world. The Memory Thief is the one who stole all of Rosie's mother's memories, leaving her a shell of her former self. When Rosie learns all of this, she sets out to avenge her mother and get her memories back. As her world becomes clearer, so does Rosie's determination. Recommended for grades 4 & up.
eARC provided by publisher via Edelweiss
eARC provided by publisher via Edelweiss
April 26, 2021
Do you believe in ghosts or witches? Twelve-year-old Rosie Oaks didn't until she comes face to face with a ghost named Ebb, who tells her that she comes from a long line of witch hunters. Her mother was one and learned everything from a book called The Witch Hunters guide to the universe. These witches, thirteen of them, are unseen by all, except those who carry the sight. They are also unstoppable. One witch called the Memory witch has the power to our most precious memories. This witch cursed Rosie's mother, making her forget Rosie entirely. With Ebb to help guide her, and her loyal friend Germ there by her side, Rosie embarks on a mission to save her mom, learning how to make and use a weapon to defeat the witches all while facing the reality of the stories that once gave her comfort.
The determination that Rosie has to get back the mother she yearns for is so touching and amazing. The ghosts she encounters are scary at times, but they all are just trying to help her in her mission. And I love her friend Germ. She was comical at times. This is the first in the thirteen witches series and I am so excited to read the next part in Rosie's journey as a witch hunter.
Reviewed by Skye Kordistos, Youth and School Services Librarian, Vernon Area Public Library
The determination that Rosie has to get back the mother she yearns for is so touching and amazing. The ghosts she encounters are scary at times, but they all are just trying to help her in her mission. And I love her friend Germ. She was comical at times. This is the first in the thirteen witches series and I am so excited to read the next part in Rosie's journey as a witch hunter.
Reviewed by Skye Kordistos, Youth and School Services Librarian, Vernon Area Public Library
July 16, 2022
THE MEMORY THIEF
I really enjoyed the format and plot of this book! The Memory Thief was a fast-paced, enjoyable read! I loved how the author described every part of Rosie’s life in a way that was ingenious. I’m really excited to continue to read about Rosie’s journey. I enjoyed how Rosie wasn’t exactly a very strong and confident character, but the author didn’t exaggerate it to much. I loved how Rosie’s little world is small, yet immensely detailed, from the notes she wrote to herself to the ghosts that live in her house. I can tell that this adventure will be worthy to anticipate!
QUOTE (or just stuff I like)
Here’s a thing or two I’ve learned about memories.
They are like seeds; love can grow from them.
They look different depending on the day when they are remembered. They are slippery, malleable things, apt to be altered. They can be clutched too tightly. Their absence can cause fractures that run deep between people, towns, whole countries. They are meant, sometimes, to be let go. And yet, the night the Memory Thief was destroyed and the memory moths set free, the world became a little better for it.
I really enjoyed the format and plot of this book! The Memory Thief was a fast-paced, enjoyable read! I loved how the author described every part of Rosie’s life in a way that was ingenious. I’m really excited to continue to read about Rosie’s journey. I enjoyed how Rosie wasn’t exactly a very strong and confident character, but the author didn’t exaggerate it to much. I loved how Rosie’s little world is small, yet immensely detailed, from the notes she wrote to herself to the ghosts that live in her house. I can tell that this adventure will be worthy to anticipate!
QUOTE (or just stuff I like)
Here’s a thing or two I’ve learned about memories.
They are like seeds; love can grow from them.
They look different depending on the day when they are remembered. They are slippery, malleable things, apt to be altered. They can be clutched too tightly. Their absence can cause fractures that run deep between people, towns, whole countries. They are meant, sometimes, to be let go. And yet, the night the Memory Thief was destroyed and the memory moths set free, the world became a little better for it.
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