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This was a fantastic follow up to The Haunting of Aveline Jones. I love how the story shifts the focus away from ghosts and focuses on witches in this one. The writing is so atmospheric and fun to read. It does mention a few details about the first book but nothing spoilery. I can picture everything that’s happening which I enjoy about the series. I continue to adore the characters too. We got introduced to 2 new characters and they were just as interesting as the original characters. I also felt like I got to know Aveline’s mom a tad more as well.
The Bewitching of Aveline Jones takes place during Aveline’s summer holiday. Instead of going to the beaches in Spain like most of her classmates, her and her mom rented a cottage in the countryside, not too far from Bristol. The unique location of the cottage is perfect for curious Aveline because through the back garden lies The Witching Stones, a series of large stones that have been there for thousands of years, but it seems although there are many theories as to why it was built no one knew for sure. One day Aveline is exploring the ancient circle of stones and she sees Hazel, a young girl wandering around the stones. The two quickly strike up a friendship and Aveline is delighted at how funny and cool her new friend is, but when Harold comes to visit Hazel isn’t too pleased about it. From there Hazel seems intent on spending as much time with Aveline as possible. Before long Aveline begins noticing things about Hazel that worry her, and she can’t work out why.
Couple of minor drawbacks to the story: the plot is very predictable -- I didn’t find that to be the case in the first book, I didn’t love the setting as much as the seaside town where her aunt lived, and this one wasn’t nearly as creepy but that’s probably because it was predictable. That being said though I thought this was still a really good book and I would recommend it if you enjoyed the first one.
adventurous
dark
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
adventurous
lighthearted
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
I recently read the first in this series The Haunting of Aveline Jones, and I must say that I think this one is better than the first! It’s absolutely brilliant and every child aged 8-13 would love reading it as much as I did. It would be great for children to lone read it even parents and children to read together.
I love that magic and friendship are the two main topics in this story. The story isn’t as scary as the first but it is brilliantly eerie.
Aveline is a fantastic character and I do hope Phil Hickes writes more books featuring her. I love that her friendship with Harold is reprised in this book.
This book doesn’t need to be read at Halloween, it would be a great read for anytime if they hear.
The third in the series The Vanishing of Aveline Jones is out on Thursday and I’ll definitely be picking it up.
adventurous
lighthearted
mysterious
fast-paced
Cute follow up to [b:The Haunting of Aveline Jones|48978265|The Haunting of Aveline Jones (Aveline Jones #1)|Phil Hickes|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1594890366l/48978265._SY75_.jpg|74387925]. It wasn't spooky at all. Maybe because it takes place in the summer? IDK. I did enjoy it quite a lot, though. Aveline is clever and resourceful. I love her friendship with Harold. And I like her family dynamic too. The adults in her life are always supportive even if they don't 100% understand what's going on.
adventurous
dark
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
mysterious
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
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
"...just listen to your intuition, is all I’m saying. If something feels wrong, that’s probably because it is."
I thoroughly enjoyed being back in Aveline's world, and I loved that Harold's character returned - their friendship and banter are joys to read about. The vibe is equal parts cosy and creepy, and the wonderful illustrations certainly add to the increasingly unsettling atmosphere. There are some very poignant messages about loneliness and human connection, and this is ultimately a pretty dark and sad story, despite the cosy feel of much of it.
I would've liked to see Aveline grow and develop a little further as a character, so hopefully that'll come through a bit more in the third book in the series. I also didn't quite understand why a particular thing happened (or didn't happen) at the end of the book. However, I still had a wonderful time reading this and would highly recommend this series.
I thoroughly enjoyed being back in Aveline's world, and I loved that Harold's character returned - their friendship and banter are joys to read about. The vibe is equal parts cosy and creepy, and the wonderful illustrations certainly add to the increasingly unsettling atmosphere. There are some very poignant messages about loneliness and human connection, and this is ultimately a pretty dark and sad story, despite the cosy feel of much of it.
I would've liked to see Aveline grow and develop a little further as a character, so hopefully that'll come through a bit more in the third book in the series. I also didn't quite understand why a particular thing happened (or didn't happen) at the end of the book. However, I still had a wonderful time reading this and would highly recommend this series.
Graphic: Death, Murder
Minor: Child abuse
adventurous
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
The second installment of Aveline Jones' spooky adventures. The atmosphere of the strange town, where Aveline and her mother are holidaying for the summer, is wonderfully creepy. I felt that because it was set in summer, the coziness was lost a bit, but it did not detract from the story. I thoroughly enjoyed reading about Aveline's strange encounter with Hazel as well as the strange goings on. I was kept guessing throughout, and could not predict the ending.
A wonderfully spooky middle grade for the spooky season!
A wonderfully spooky middle grade for the spooky season!
I love this series so much <3
I can't wait for the next book
I can't wait for the next book