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Healer and Witch
After eleven young-adult novels, best-selling and award-winning author Nancy Werlin casts a brilliant new spell in a middle-grade historical fantasy for fans of classic fare.
Nancy Werlin’s first story for middle-grade readers tackles and transcends traditional fantasy tropes: can a young woman gifted with magic learn to manage her powers—and claim her strength—without violence? Sylvie and her mother and grandmother are beloved, trusted healers in their medieval French village, though some whisper that fifteen-year-old Sylvie and her grand-mere deal in more than herbs and medicines. Perhaps they’re a bit . . . witchy? After her grandmother dies, and an attempt to use magic to heal her mother’s grief brooks tragic consequences, Sylvie leaves her village in search of a teacher. The journey subjects her to strange alliances, powerful temptations, danger, and deceit. In the end, there may be only one wise woman Sylvie can trust in a world that would define her limits: herself. Beautifully crafted, this quietly powerful work for younger readers assures a whole new audience for an established author.
Nancy Werlin’s first story for middle-grade readers tackles and transcends traditional fantasy tropes: can a young woman gifted with magic learn to manage her powers—and claim her strength—without violence? Sylvie and her mother and grandmother are beloved, trusted healers in their medieval French village, though some whisper that fifteen-year-old Sylvie and her grand-mere deal in more than herbs and medicines. Perhaps they’re a bit . . . witchy? After her grandmother dies, and an attempt to use magic to heal her mother’s grief brooks tragic consequences, Sylvie leaves her village in search of a teacher. The journey subjects her to strange alliances, powerful temptations, danger, and deceit. In the end, there may be only one wise woman Sylvie can trust in a world that would define her limits: herself. Beautifully crafted, this quietly powerful work for younger readers assures a whole new audience for an established author.
304 pages, Hardcover
First published March 22, 2022
20 people are currently reading
803 people want to read
About the author
Nancy Werlin
29 books1,085 followersNancy Werlin writes young adult fiction: New York Times–bestselling fantasy, Edgar-award winning suspense, and National Book Award-honored realistic novels.
Nancy's newest book is the comedy ZOE ROSENTHAL IS NOT LAWFUL GOOD.
Nancy's newest book is the comedy ZOE ROSENTHAL IS NOT LAWFUL GOOD.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 88 reviews
April 7, 2022
a Really Good historical fantasy; a good story about a girl learning her powers as healer/witch, figuring out how to use them ethically, and making sure she is making decisions for herself in a time and place full of people who would burn her as a witch if they discovered what she could do. There's a nice romance too-- a powerful young man offers to protect her by marrying her, she declines; in the course of travelling together they start trusting each other enough to share their darkest secrets; at the end, they both agree that being married to each other might well be a thing to hope for, in a few more years.....I liked it lots (it's more like 4 and 1/2 stars rounded up, because a true 5* book is one that I know I will want in my nursing home with me when that day comes, and I can't quite say that about this one.....but I can say I read it in an engrossed, (almost) single sitting.
May 2, 2022
This book drew me in with the cover, and then got me really interested when I read it was Nancy Werlin's first book for younger kids rather than teens. I'm not 100% sold on the idea that this is actual for kids, maybe more young teens, but regardless, I really liked this. Historical fiction with a bit of fantasy thrown in (our main character has some decidedly magical powers) is one of my favorite genres, and I really liked Sylvie as a character. I especially appreciated that there aren't any easy answers or solutions in the book. It's a different direction for Nancy Werlin, but one I hope she takes again.
August 6, 2022
I think most novels would be thrilled to have a single mic drop moment. This one has at least three. Comparable to Murdock's Book of Boy or Hale's Princess Academy series.
December 30, 2022
As a healer, Sylvie has unusual powers and one day she accidentally does what she cannot reverse and with no grandmother to turn to and seek help from, she runs away. Her young friend, Martin, decides to follow her and together they search for another more experienced healer to help Sylvie and teach her to use her healing powers properly.
I did not like this book. Firstly, it went on really slowly for me and I found myself often skipping paragraphs which I do not normally do unless a book is boring. Secondly, there wasn't really enough action and the relationship between Sylvie and Robert/Mr Chouinard was displayed badly. It also seems more of a YA novel than a MG one. However, all of this is written in my opinion and I know and understand plenty of other people have different tastes and would think otherwise. This book wasn't my cup of tea.
I did not like this book. Firstly, it went on really slowly for me and I found myself often skipping paragraphs which I do not normally do unless a book is boring. Secondly, there wasn't really enough action and the relationship between Sylvie and Robert/Mr Chouinard was displayed badly. It also seems more of a YA novel than a MG one. However, all of this is written in my opinion and I know and understand plenty of other people have different tastes and would think otherwise. This book wasn't my cup of tea.
November 11, 2024
I have 2 major problems with this book even though the story was charming.
1. The main character is 15 and this is marketed as a middle grade book. If middle graders want to read up and read about teens, fine, but it needs to be abundantly clear that’s what they are doing because this book talks about rape. If this were positioned as a YA book I would have absolutely no problems here.
2. The main character is 15 and guess how old the main man is. 24. Guys this is not an okay message for kids of any age. Speaking generally, they become infatuated and ultimately decide to wait a few years because shes too young. This is painted as a respectful and chivalrous decision but the correct decision here would be to simply not groom a child to be your bride in the first place. I don’t care that it’s historical fiction. The message was wrong.
1. The main character is 15 and this is marketed as a middle grade book. If middle graders want to read up and read about teens, fine, but it needs to be abundantly clear that’s what they are doing because this book talks about rape. If this were positioned as a YA book I would have absolutely no problems here.
2. The main character is 15 and guess how old the main man is. 24. Guys this is not an okay message for kids of any age. Speaking generally, they become infatuated and ultimately decide to wait a few years because shes too young. This is painted as a respectful and chivalrous decision but the correct decision here would be to simply not groom a child to be your bride in the first place. I don’t care that it’s historical fiction. The message was wrong.
May 1, 2022
Ahhh, I really loved this story. The world was rich, emotional, and vivid. I was also thrilled to see a 15yo MC in an upper MG story. Rich with history, social structures, issues of power, and what it means to be whole this is a wonderfully intriguing world!
April 17, 2022
Nancy Merlin has written some amazing YA fantasy stories, but this time her fantastical writing is a book for middle schoolers. Sylvie and her mother and grandmother live in a medieval French village quite comfortably yet there are a few rumors that they may do more than brew herbs for healing. As other descriptions say, "Perhaps they're a bit . . . witchy". When Sylvie's grandmother dies, attempts to help her mother as she grieves go terribly wrong. Sylvie must seek help but struggles with whom to trust as the search becomes a mix of terror and a search into her own heart. It may be a lesson for growing up, a time to listen to self, a time to learn that some can be trusted, some cannot.
Thanks to Candlewick Press for this copy!
Thanks to Candlewick Press for this copy!
April 29, 2022
This was a really good story! Historical fantasy, coming of age, standing your own ground, being true to yourself, this book has so much middle grade goodness! Great characters and a strong female lead.
Kristen Sieh was a new to me narrator but I will be searching out some of her other books because her narration was excellent!
Oh I enjoyed this story!
I will be buying this one for our library I look forward to recommending this one to my summer reading kids!
4 stars
I received this book from the publisher Listening Library through the Volumes App for a fair and honest review.
Kristen Sieh was a new to me narrator but I will be searching out some of her other books because her narration was excellent!
Oh I enjoyed this story!
I will be buying this one for our library I look forward to recommending this one to my summer reading kids!
4 stars
I received this book from the publisher Listening Library through the Volumes App for a fair and honest review.
December 29, 2022
A good quick middle grade book. Good themes, good relationships.
June 15, 2022
Not quite what I was expecting. I like the message and I understand how the end of the story reinforces that message, but I could not help but be slightly disappointed at that ending.
April 7, 2022
Werlin's first foray into MG books is a mesmerizing blend of adventure and magic with a medieval France setting and appealing characters. Sylvie's internal journey is a compelling as her physical one as she grapples with questions about the use and misuse of power and her own place in the world.
Having misused her power in a misguided attempt to heal, Sylvie sets out to find a teacher who can help her with her unusual gift. A little boy from her journey, Martin, attaches himself to the journey in order to see the world and becomes an ally. In a world where healers and witches are in mortal danger, Sylvie must learn who to trust and how to be herself.
There is lovely writing here with a wonderful storytelling cadence that kept me turning the pages - no small feat in my current lack-of-reading-focus state. The characters are layered and engaging and Sylvie's inner journey is as compelling as the adventure. I loved the touch of respectful romance too. An outstanding choice for young readers looking for something with a classic feel and modern thoughtful themes.
Having misused her power in a misguided attempt to heal, Sylvie sets out to find a teacher who can help her with her unusual gift. A little boy from her journey, Martin, attaches himself to the journey in order to see the world and becomes an ally. In a world where healers and witches are in mortal danger, Sylvie must learn who to trust and how to be herself.
There is lovely writing here with a wonderful storytelling cadence that kept me turning the pages - no small feat in my current lack-of-reading-focus state. The characters are layered and engaging and Sylvie's inner journey is as compelling as the adventure. I loved the touch of respectful romance too. An outstanding choice for young readers looking for something with a classic feel and modern thoughtful themes.
August 25, 2022
I really enjoyed this book set in the Middle Ages about a young healer (or is she a witch?) named Sylvie who is learning to control her powers after the death of her beloved grandmother. It had thoughtful things to say about gifts and calling. A friend and I always want there to be an award for middle school books (they get squeezed out between middle grade and YA) and I would say this is a proper middle school book.
June 10, 2022
This YA fantasy takes place in the Middle Ages, and Sylvie is terrified that an Inquisitor from the Holy Catholic Church could denounce her as a witch. She has a special ability to heal which she believes is from God, but being a good Christian won't save her from being killed as a witch if the wrong people find out about what she can do.
Sylvie tries to heal her mother, but when it goes terribly wrong, Sylvie leaves her quiet French village searching for someone who might be able to teach her how to control her powers. Her little friend, Martin, tags along eager to travel and see the wide world.
I loved this story so much! The narrative is very subtle and subdued with lots of emotional tension under the surface. There are so many great plot twists that surprised me and kept me on my toes!
The writing style is very clever at making you feel what is happening without having to explain things outwardly. The writing just says that Sylvie's shoulders grew tense, and because of all the other build-up around the scene, the reader immediately knows what Sylvie is thinking and feeling. It's very emotional and immersive!
The characters have so much depth and development! There are two other characters besides Sylvie who both get these amazing arcs. It's so satisfying to see how they rise to the occasion and grow through the story!
Sylvie is a very complex and beautiful character! I fell in love with her right away. She is so strong and determined. I loved her independent ways and her courage. But she grows into that courage through difficult situations. She has so many questions at the beginning of the story, and she is a lost soul. It's incredible the way she finds a path for herself, and makes a new life for herself. Just wonderful!
There is a little bit of a romance in this book that is very subtle and soft. The most they ever do is hold hands and hug, and it is so sweet and meaningful. It was very interesting to see the slow and careful way these two begin to understand one another and develop feelings for each other. They both have trouble trusting people, but they finally begin to recognize that there is someone they can rely on. It's completely adorable!
I was intrigued by the magical powers that Sylvie is discovering. She can't control it, but she is sort of testing her limits and trying new things with her power. Sometimes she just instinctively knows what to do, and other times she is completely confused.
I'm not sure why this book is marketed for Middle Grade. It seems very much like a Young Adult genre to me. Sylvie is 15 years old, so that seems a bit old for MG. There are a few mentions of illegitimate children, menstrual periods, prostitution, rape, and abortion. Pretty serious material for a MG novel.
There is nothing explicit. These things are just mentioned as existing in the world around Sylvie. She carries a knife to protect herself from any sexual attack. She is wary around men. One of the characters is ashamed that they were a male prostitute in the past, but there is nothing like that which happens in the "present" of the story.
In my mind, if the main character is old enough to be thinking and talking with others about sex, then it's a Young Adult or Adult novel. Not Middle Grade. But that's just my opinion. But I would not say that this book is inappropriate for MG. There is nothing explicit that would be improper for a Middle Grade child (11-13) to read. Some of the subjects are just a bit too mature for ages 11-13.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for a free and honest review. All the opinions stated here are my own true thoughts, and are not influenced by anyone.
Sylvie tries to heal her mother, but when it goes terribly wrong, Sylvie leaves her quiet French village searching for someone who might be able to teach her how to control her powers. Her little friend, Martin, tags along eager to travel and see the wide world.
I loved this story so much! The narrative is very subtle and subdued with lots of emotional tension under the surface. There are so many great plot twists that surprised me and kept me on my toes!
The writing style is very clever at making you feel what is happening without having to explain things outwardly. The writing just says that Sylvie's shoulders grew tense, and because of all the other build-up around the scene, the reader immediately knows what Sylvie is thinking and feeling. It's very emotional and immersive!
The characters have so much depth and development! There are two other characters besides Sylvie who both get these amazing arcs. It's so satisfying to see how they rise to the occasion and grow through the story!
Sylvie is a very complex and beautiful character! I fell in love with her right away. She is so strong and determined. I loved her independent ways and her courage. But she grows into that courage through difficult situations. She has so many questions at the beginning of the story, and she is a lost soul. It's incredible the way she finds a path for herself, and makes a new life for herself. Just wonderful!
There is a little bit of a romance in this book that is very subtle and soft. The most they ever do is hold hands and hug, and it is so sweet and meaningful. It was very interesting to see the slow and careful way these two begin to understand one another and develop feelings for each other. They both have trouble trusting people, but they finally begin to recognize that there is someone they can rely on. It's completely adorable!
I was intrigued by the magical powers that Sylvie is discovering. She can't control it, but she is sort of testing her limits and trying new things with her power. Sometimes she just instinctively knows what to do, and other times she is completely confused.
I'm not sure why this book is marketed for Middle Grade. It seems very much like a Young Adult genre to me. Sylvie is 15 years old, so that seems a bit old for MG. There are a few mentions of illegitimate children, menstrual periods, prostitution, rape, and abortion. Pretty serious material for a MG novel.
There is nothing explicit. These things are just mentioned as existing in the world around Sylvie. She carries a knife to protect herself from any sexual attack. She is wary around men. One of the characters is ashamed that they were a male prostitute in the past, but there is nothing like that which happens in the "present" of the story.
In my mind, if the main character is old enough to be thinking and talking with others about sex, then it's a Young Adult or Adult novel. Not Middle Grade. But that's just my opinion. But I would not say that this book is inappropriate for MG. There is nothing explicit that would be improper for a Middle Grade child (11-13) to read. Some of the subjects are just a bit too mature for ages 11-13.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for a free and honest review. All the opinions stated here are my own true thoughts, and are not influenced by anyone.
May 5, 2022
I've enjoyed several of Nancy Werlin's young adult books. She is just as good at writing middle grade. This is in my top 3 of her books (up there with The Rules of Survival and Then There Were Four). Here, she creates compelling characters. Sylvie is well rounded and flawed, as is everyone else she knows and meets. Sylvie's power raises ethical questions. The settings are well developed. With all that, the pace of the story kept me interested, and I quickly finished the book. I hope she writes more middle grade.
September 20, 2022
Healer & Witch is the first middle-grade novel by Nancy Werlin. It features a 15 year old healer named Sylvie, daughter of Jeanne, also a healer, and Grand-mere Sylvie, a wise woman and healer. They live in a small village in 16th century France, where they practice their healing arts quietly, in a home with no men.
When Grand-mere dies, Jeanne becomes depressed, and Sylvie realizes she has some telepathic powers and uses them to take away her mother's pain. In doing so, she removes her mother's memories of Grand-mere and her, so that Jeanne no longer recognizes Sylvie as her daughter.
Sylvie is horrified at what she has done and decides to leave the village to find a teacher to help her learn to use her powers. On the road, she finds the blacksmith's son following her, 8 year old Martin. He is unhappy at home and is out for an adventure, so he accompanies Sylvie to the next larger town, Montigny, to find another healer.
On their journey, they are helped by Robert, a 24 year old trader, who may or may not become something more to Sylvie in the future.
Eventually they reach Lyon, where Sylvie finds herself in the clutches of a supposed astrologer, who wants to use Sylvie's powers for her own benefit.
It's an interesting story, with a teenage girl who is clever, thoughtful, and devout. She is a quiet kind of heroine, one who wants to use her powers for good, and who is strong enough to avoid a marriage that will imprison her.
The cover art for the hardcover book is very middle grade. The story starts off middle grade, but I think veers YA as it goes on. We'll see how it does in the TWEEN section at the library.
When Grand-mere dies, Jeanne becomes depressed, and Sylvie realizes she has some telepathic powers and uses them to take away her mother's pain. In doing so, she removes her mother's memories of Grand-mere and her, so that Jeanne no longer recognizes Sylvie as her daughter.
Sylvie is horrified at what she has done and decides to leave the village to find a teacher to help her learn to use her powers. On the road, she finds the blacksmith's son following her, 8 year old Martin. He is unhappy at home and is out for an adventure, so he accompanies Sylvie to the next larger town, Montigny, to find another healer.
On their journey, they are helped by Robert, a 24 year old trader, who may or may not become something more to Sylvie in the future.
Eventually they reach Lyon, where Sylvie finds herself in the clutches of a supposed astrologer, who wants to use Sylvie's powers for her own benefit.
It's an interesting story, with a teenage girl who is clever, thoughtful, and devout. She is a quiet kind of heroine, one who wants to use her powers for good, and who is strong enough to avoid a marriage that will imprison her.
The cover art for the hardcover book is very middle grade. The story starts off middle grade, but I think veers YA as it goes on. We'll see how it does in the TWEEN section at the library.
May 2, 2022
Thrilled that one of my favorites has given us a middle grade fantasy. I adored every page of this book. Witnessing Sylvie make tough choices that every young woman has had to decide throughout the ages reminded me of the subtle essential wisdom in Terry Pratchett’s Tiffany Aching series. There is no higher praise my reader mind can give than that correlation. Healer or witch? Indeed.
August 17, 2022
So good! Although it seems like YA, not MG. She’s 15 and it’s very much a coming of age story. There’s nothing inappropriate for younger kids, but it seems more relevant to older kids. Maybe they’re going for that 10-14 age range that really needs a name and official status!
October 4, 2022
I really liked this book about a teen girl with a unique gift from a family of healers. Her journey and search to understand her calling, is long and complex. I loved the characters and felt the book was well-written. Perfect for fans of The Midwife's Apprentice and The Inquisitor's Tale. I hope the author will write a sequel!
May 18, 2022
It was honestly just okay. I do love the strong female MC!
November 14, 2022
I didn't love it.
Read
September 12, 2022DNF 115. This book really doesn't read as middle grade but more lower YA(the MC is 15). It also felt too serious but in a YA way which I think it was my expectation going in expecting middle grade. Also despite the plot moving, it felt really slow.
April 26, 2022
A fantastic book. Nancy Werlin has creating compelling and interesting characters, writing that will make you think, an ending that made me sob. She made me think about friendship, family, love, and the power of women to help and hurt each other.
So much heart.
It's a MUST READ, friends!!!
So much heart.
It's a MUST READ, friends!!!
April 30, 2022
A really lovely book, with Sylvie a strong and brave heroine using what agency she has (in medieval France) to figure out who she is and what she wants to do with her life and her abilities.
April 9, 2022
What worked: Engaging fantasy of a girl who struggles with her magical ability. After the death of her beloved grand-mere, fifteen-year-old Sylvie leaves her small village, searching for a teacher to help guide her with her gift. The novel goes over how the women in Sylvie's family are known as healers. This is the 16th century when some considered this 'gift' witchcraft. Even Sylvie's grand-mere almost was burned at the stake after she was accused of being a witch. Sylvie though has a gift that transcends just healing.
Werlin does a great job showing 16th century France with its superstitions, small village life, and those who aren't all they seem. Sylvie's travels include Martin, the youngest farrier's son, who insists he has to come with her. There are scenes where not all take too kindly to people like Sylvie and accuse her of being a witch. Sylvie also comes across wealthy merchant Robert and wise woman Ceciline, who had a part in helping Sylvie's grand-mere escape.
Throughout this novel, Sylvie looks deep within herself trying to decide if, in fact, her gift is good or bad. This includes her questioning what others expect out of her. Should she listen to those like Ceciline, who tells her that she's, in fact, a witch, Robert, who says she needs to be married and not be open to healing, or to her inner voice that whispers she is a healer?
Quiet, introspective novel that has a girl search not only for a teacher to help guide her with her magical ability but within herself for her true purpose in life.
Originially posted at: https://www.yabookscentral.com/healer...
Werlin does a great job showing 16th century France with its superstitions, small village life, and those who aren't all they seem. Sylvie's travels include Martin, the youngest farrier's son, who insists he has to come with her. There are scenes where not all take too kindly to people like Sylvie and accuse her of being a witch. Sylvie also comes across wealthy merchant Robert and wise woman Ceciline, who had a part in helping Sylvie's grand-mere escape.
Throughout this novel, Sylvie looks deep within herself trying to decide if, in fact, her gift is good or bad. This includes her questioning what others expect out of her. Should she listen to those like Ceciline, who tells her that she's, in fact, a witch, Robert, who says she needs to be married and not be open to healing, or to her inner voice that whispers she is a healer?
Quiet, introspective novel that has a girl search not only for a teacher to help guide her with her magical ability but within herself for her true purpose in life.
Originially posted at: https://www.yabookscentral.com/healer...
November 20, 2022
Review originally published 20 November 2022 at Falling Letters.
Not sure how I feel about a 15 year old declining to marry a 24 year old until she is a few years older?! I get that this would have been progressive for the time period. It wouldn’t stand out to me in an adult medieval fantasy. However I’m not sure how I feel about handing a book that features that kind of relationship to, say, a ten year old.
I did quite like Sylvie as a protagonist. I like that she’s only out and about in the big wide world so she can figure out her powers to help her mother. She’s truly a homebody who enjoys village life and desire to go back! Not your stereotypical girl trapped in small town who yearns to escape. I also like how she looks out for Martin and how cleverly she speaks to the inquisitor (pg 231).
💭 The Bottom Line: Overall, an enjoyable read for anyone who likes feminist medieval fantasies, but certainly one to read yourself before handing to a kiddo.
Sylvie, just past her fifteenth birthday, had come finally into womanhood with her first monthly bleeding, and then the understanding – the power – had simply appeared inside her. When she touched people, she could reach and see their thoughts and their memories.Healer & Witch is probably the most atypical middle grade I’ll read this year. The narrative style and mature themes make me think it was originally intended for an older audience but deemed not ‘young adult’ enough, or something.
She understood that the landlady thought that Sylvie was unhappily pregnant, as a result of seduction – or even worse, rape – and needed assistance from a wisewoman so tha tthere would be no baby. (pg 37)Generally speaking, Healer & Witch explores the question of how one chooses to use their gifts (via a healer and witch dichotomy), and independent womanhood.
Not sure how I feel about a 15 year old declining to marry a 24 year old until she is a few years older?! I get that this would have been progressive for the time period. It wouldn’t stand out to me in an adult medieval fantasy. However I’m not sure how I feel about handing a book that features that kind of relationship to, say, a ten year old.
The barest flicker of dismay crossed his expression; had she not been watching so closely, she would have missed it. “Ah. Not any longer a child, and yet…” (pg 135)Okay?! He thought she was 17 or 18 and is surprised to learn she’s only 15.
I did quite like Sylvie as a protagonist. I like that she’s only out and about in the big wide world so she can figure out her powers to help her mother. She’s truly a homebody who enjoys village life and desire to go back! Not your stereotypical girl trapped in small town who yearns to escape. I also like how she looks out for Martin and how cleverly she speaks to the inquisitor (pg 231).
💭 The Bottom Line: Overall, an enjoyable read for anyone who likes feminist medieval fantasies, but certainly one to read yourself before handing to a kiddo.
June 9, 2022
I wanted to love this book and in many ways I did. Historical fiction, takes place in France, 16th C, strong female lead and the tension between healing and witchcraft. While I did finish, the plot went scattering just as the climax was close…and this led me to skim to the end. Interesting ending but would have liked to get there with a little less subplot action. Not a MG but not true YA (if I can even be a judge), either. Disappointing.
December 5, 2023
2.5*
I would have rated this higher but I gotta say, the 15 year old x 24 year old romance... It's a no from me, dawg. There's no excuse, even in the medieval setting. This is marketed as middle grade to make matters worse. At least the protagonist could have been aged up to like 17. It's still bad but 15 is even worse.
I would have rated this higher but I gotta say, the 15 year old x 24 year old romance... It's a no from me, dawg. There's no excuse, even in the medieval setting. This is marketed as middle grade to make matters worse. At least the protagonist could have been aged up to like 17. It's still bad but 15 is even worse.
March 11, 2022
I really enjoyed this. However it doesn't quite work as a Middle Grade book for me. Sylvie's internal struggles and questions are quite complex. Younger readers may want more action and less talk/thinking.
October 11, 2022
The story is set in France in the year 1531. Sylvie, an apparently white, fifteen-year-old young lady is just beginning to come into her powers as a healer like her mother and grandmother before her. Her mother was a traditional healer, her grandmother possessed more mystifying powers, and Sylvie’s gift looks to be almost magical. She seems able to alter people’s thoughts and memories. Her grandmother dies before she can teach Sylvie how to use her powers wisely. After trying to erase some of her mother’s grief she inadvertently erases much of her mother’s memory. Determined to find a teacher who can help her make things right she sets off for Lyon. Unexpectedly, Martin, the farrier’s young son, joins Sylvie on her quest. They travel as brother and sister and rely on each other much more than they could have imagined. Lyon, is dramatically different from their small village of Bresnois. The action and suspense pick up upon their arrival in Lyon. A young girl with exceptional powers alone in the city in the age of the Inquisition could easily be mistaken for a witch. Dire consequences could befall her. Werlin has created a wonderful work of historical fiction/fantasy. Each character is exceptionally well developed. The time and setting(s) are almost characters in their own right. Aside from the history lesson, there are many additional lessons here. Who do you trust, especially when you are not sure you can trust yourself? How do you discover how to be true to yourself. Family connections, grief, healing, empathy. There is so much here for a discerning young reader.
Ages 9-12
Ages 9-12
February 11, 2022
dnf on page 158
trigger warning
Sylvie leaves her village after her grandma's death to find someone to help her explore new-found abilities that might pose a risk in a catholic environment where wise women and midwives are under constant observation.
New rule: If the only reason I am not dnf-ing a book is that I already dnf-ed a book this week, I am allowed to dnf it.
There is a distance between our protagonist and the reader, and while it's not written in first person narrator, we're stuck in Sylvie's head, which is unfortunate and bored me quite a lot. Things don't just happen, Sylvie ponders them, which in theorie is a good thing, but in praxis it kills every kind of pace there was.
When new plot elements are introduced, to me, as an adult reader, it's very obvious where they will lead to.
This does not mean that this is a bad book per se, but that it's one of those middlegrade books that work for the target audience but not necessarily for an older audience. Which is fine.
But I didn't care for any of the characters or how the plot will progress, and I doubt that my opinion will change, so I quit.
The arc was provided by the publisher.
trigger warning
Sylvie leaves her village after her grandma's death to find someone to help her explore new-found abilities that might pose a risk in a catholic environment where wise women and midwives are under constant observation.
New rule: If the only reason I am not dnf-ing a book is that I already dnf-ed a book this week, I am allowed to dnf it.
There is a distance between our protagonist and the reader, and while it's not written in first person narrator, we're stuck in Sylvie's head, which is unfortunate and bored me quite a lot. Things don't just happen, Sylvie ponders them, which in theorie is a good thing, but in praxis it kills every kind of pace there was.
When new plot elements are introduced, to me, as an adult reader, it's very obvious where they will lead to.
This does not mean that this is a bad book per se, but that it's one of those middlegrade books that work for the target audience but not necessarily for an older audience. Which is fine.
But I didn't care for any of the characters or how the plot will progress, and I doubt that my opinion will change, so I quit.
The arc was provided by the publisher.
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