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4.05 AVERAGE
4.05 AVERAGE
adventurous
fast-paced
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
mysterious
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
adventurous
mysterious
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
adventurous
emotional
reflective
relaxing
fast-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
adventurous
mysterious
medium-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
adventurous
dark
hopeful
informative
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
dark
tense
The second instalment of the Aveline Jones books—a series of stories I hope to see go on forever—hosts a return of some of the beloved characters from the first book as friends & family come together to spend some quality time in a small decrepit cottage in Norton Wick, situated just outside of Bristol in England. As Aveline seeks out the circle of rocks known as ‘The Witch Stones’ she meets Hazel Browne, an eccentric young girl who roams around the village on horseback & seems to mourn Aveline’s attention when anyone else is around. As Aveline begins to question Hazel’s intentions as a friend & villager, she learns that ‘The Witch Stones’ were in fact a place of trial & violence against the women who were deemed witches in 1642.
This is, once again, a book that I feel the need to preface with a content warning. I believe that it is good to know what one is embarking on so as to better prepare ourselves for what is to come. In this book, Aveline reads a historical novel about the witch trials that took place in Norton Wick. She is then given a visual show of what happened to both Alice & Hazel Browne after the townspeople sentenced them to death. A particular scene in the visual recollection showcases a tree in which two hangman's nooses are tied to a branch. Though the book does not outright explain that the two (2) women are being directed to be hung until death, this is a subject matter that might insight further conversation from a young reader upon someone who may be better versed in understanding the entirety of this situation in both the fictional & non-fictional sense. Therefore, please be wary of this subject matter both for those who might be readily desirous of further details & explanations as well as those who might have been subject to such events whether directly or not, regardless of age.
There was a single instance in this story where I questioned whether or not I would find this second book as enthralling as the first. Hazel is a character that I was hard-pressed to like—as ghastly as that sounds—because her behaviour was authentic to the letter; she is rude, self-centred, selfish & sad. Her actions towards Aveline were difficult to read because, as a person advanced enough from the years of the target age of the reader, I felt sad for Aveline to encounter someone who so desperately sought to isolate her from those she loved. In that same breath, I found myself reflecting on Hazel as a mature adult would; how sad it must be to be a child who spends all their days & nights in isolation due to the misguided actions of adults.
The aspect of these books that I adore the most is the dedication to the world outside of the one Aveline seeks to find; the real world where her mother, her friends, her school & her habitual tasks reside, is filled with normalcy but also, comfort. I find it refreshing to read about a character that feels confident within themselves because they have parents who tend to them in healthy & loving ways. Though Aveline finds herself in sticky situations she is never faced with conflicts alone. Even when Hazel tries to poison the minds of her friends & family, Aveline knows, innately, that these people do love her & they do care about her, recognizing the dark magic when she notices the absurd shift in their behaviour. I think it’s wonderful that Aveline can feel safe in the world, even when she is exploring the supernatural elements hidden behind unruly gardens.
This story does touch on many unsavoury topics & I am glad to read about them in a way that encourages readers to reflect & seek to ask questions. For example, when Aveline begins to wonder about the lack of parental guardianship in Hazel’s life she wonders if Hazel is being neglected. I found this train of thought quite astounding as I cannot call to mind a book—classified under the same genres & storylines—that touches on such a reality. Aveline recognizes the signs that are emitted by someone who might be experiencing neglect & acts in a way that would make every adult in her life proud. Understandably, this is a spooky story about witches so, it is only right to see Aveline & Harold creep down the fields to Hazel’s house. However, they are not keeping the possible neglect secret from the adults in their lives, they are simply trying to ensure that they can prove their suspicions true before bringing down the hammer of adult power upon a terrible situation.
While tackling hefty topics this story also touches on feelings of sadness, anger & loneliness in ways that do not seek to invoke pity in the heart of the reader. By this, I mean that we are meant to view & interpret Hazel’s feelings as valid. She is certainly going about isolating herself from other villagers in the right way; casting spells, playing naughty tricks & refusing to socialize with them because of what a group of people hundreds of years ago did. Yet, her simmering anger & feelings of extreme loneliness are never to be regarded as silly or stupid. Even when Alice is explaining the history of witches & her relation to Hazel during her conversation with Aveline, she does not invalidate Hazel feeling as she does. Rather, Aveline is encouraged to seek to understand why Hazel acts & feels these ways while staying true to herself.
Aveline is not being told that she can save Hazel from any of her own feelings & she has been taught well enough by her parents to recognize that she does not need to compromise herself or her values to seek to please someone, especially not someone who is being disrespectful. I am truly impressed with the ways in which Hickes incorporates such casual discussion around self-worth, extreme emotions, morose subject matters & family dynamics so as to leave the reader with the ability to gauge that Aveline is doing the right thing even if Hazel is not getting her way.
I cannot speak enough praise for this book. I never want to see an end of the series & would read these fondly, multiple times, throughout my life. Hickes has crafted a character that is well-rounded, authentic & creative; Aveline Jones is a joy to read & follow along with as she seeks out new adventures. I’m glad her friendship with Mr. Lieberman & Harold has continued to blossom & I am glad to see Aunt Lilian make another appearance. It's nice to read about a character who has family & friends that trust her, that love & care for her & ultimately, support her in all her quirky endeavours.
Eagerly anticipating the next instalment of this book series I shall reflect on the value of stories in our lives for without them, where would I be?
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
dark
mysterious
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Content Warnings
Moderate: Bullying, Child abuse, Child death, Death, Violence, Fire/Fire injury