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annieb123's review against another edition
5.0
Originally posted on my blog: Nonstop Reader.
The Last Windwitch is a beautifully written coming-of-age middle grade fantasy by Jennifer Adam. Released 13th April 2021 by HarperCollins, it's 448 pages and is available in hardcover, audio, and ebook formats. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links. I've really become enamored of ebooks with interactive formats lately.
Although it's relatively long for a middle grade reader book, the story is so engaging and immersive, and the narrative moves along so quickly that the reader is drawn along. I enjoyed Brida's story and the way the author builds up the world (including the animal characters and magical aspects). Even though this is a self-contained and complete story, I really hope the author has more stories for us in this world. The dialogue flows very well and the characters really seemed three dimensional and believable.
Five stars. This story has really stayed with me. I would recommend it for public or school library acquisition, readers of all-ages fantasy, and speculative fiction. I *sincerely* hope this one is a prime pick when next year's Nebula nominations roll around (yes, it really is that good).
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
The Last Windwitch is a beautifully written coming-of-age middle grade fantasy by Jennifer Adam. Released 13th April 2021 by HarperCollins, it's 448 pages and is available in hardcover, audio, and ebook formats. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links. I've really become enamored of ebooks with interactive formats lately.
Although it's relatively long for a middle grade reader book, the story is so engaging and immersive, and the narrative moves along so quickly that the reader is drawn along. I enjoyed Brida's story and the way the author builds up the world (including the animal characters and magical aspects). Even though this is a self-contained and complete story, I really hope the author has more stories for us in this world. The dialogue flows very well and the characters really seemed three dimensional and believable.
Five stars. This story has really stayed with me. I would recommend it for public or school library acquisition, readers of all-ages fantasy, and speculative fiction. I *sincerely* hope this one is a prime pick when next year's Nebula nominations roll around (yes, it really is that good).
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
librandian's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
zaqlovesbooks's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
tiffrenae's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
greenhearted101's review against another edition
5.0
Oh, my heart! I am so sad this book is over! It was an absolute joy to read this story. Probably the best fantasy book I’ve read in a while, along with Juniper by Monica Furlong. This is exactly what I needed to read at this time. It was magical, adventurous, super fun, and always interesting. I absolutely loved the magic, the use of the elements, and I ADORED the idea of the elemental horses! Also, all the characters were so well built and endearing; you could not help but love them. And this was not only a fantasy book but it carries meaning, and it teaches us to believe in ourselves and love fervently. It was very touching. The world building was great also and the way the book was written made the world very clear without being overtly descriptive and tedious. I loved the categories of magic, and the powers each had. All in all, I can say that this was an absolute pleasure to read and I’m so glad I found and read this “hidden jewel” of a book. Beautiful! Read if you want a fun and magical fantasy book that is light and makes you feel good, but is also profound enough to move you.
robynbarrow's review against another edition
2.0
I received this ARC from Netgalley--thank you to Jennifer Adam, HarperCollins Children's Books and Netgalley for the opportunity to read!
A young apprentice witch with a mysterious past must discover who she when the evil queen attempts to harness powers beyond the scope of the realm and disrupts the environment in the process. The story reminded me of the Girl who Drank the Moon by Kelly Barnhill.
I was excited to read this book because I love Middle Grade, especially coming of age stories that involve magic (basically anything by Diana Wynne Jones is my jam, and I also absolutely love Laura Wolk).
However, I'm afraid to say that this book just wasn't for me. I kept waiting for something really special to come along to make this middle grade fantasy stand out, but the world building and narrative seemed a bit generic to me. The pacing was quite slow and I'm not sure that it will manage to hold the attention of the target audience. That said, that characters are warmly drawn.
A young apprentice witch with a mysterious past must discover who she when the evil queen attempts to harness powers beyond the scope of the realm and disrupts the environment in the process. The story reminded me of the Girl who Drank the Moon by Kelly Barnhill.
I was excited to read this book because I love Middle Grade, especially coming of age stories that involve magic (basically anything by Diana Wynne Jones is my jam, and I also absolutely love Laura Wolk).
However, I'm afraid to say that this book just wasn't for me. I kept waiting for something really special to come along to make this middle grade fantasy stand out, but the world building and narrative seemed a bit generic to me. The pacing was quite slow and I'm not sure that it will manage to hold the attention of the target audience. That said, that characters are warmly drawn.
booksnacks's review against another edition
adventurous
hopeful
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
smorrison4's review against another edition
4.0
This was a fun, middle grade fantasy novel. Brida finds out who she is; fights an evil queen, her huntsman, and the hounds to try and save the people from a blight that has been attacking their crops. It reminded me of the newer versions of Snow White and I like that it had slightly darker themes.
rhodesee's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0