Reviews

The Near Witch by V.E. Schwab, V.E. Schwab

aritrigupta's review against another edition

3.0

This was rather underwhelming, but I suppose that was expected, given I started with Schwab's better and more famous works. Darker shades of Magic was so deliciously complex and layered, that the Near Witch's story fell slightly flat. However, it would be wrong to compare these two. It's an enjoyable read - Schwab always sets the atmosphere, and her language is so fluid that you can roll off her words in a smooth pace. A lot of the book's aspects left me wanting for more details, and some didn't seem very natural with the story's pace. It wasn't very engaging, but it was a light fun read.

charbowers's review against another edition

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

3.5

coffeestarsbooks's review against another edition

dark mysterious medium-paced

4.0

gravitysgrace's review against another edition

adventurous mysterious relaxing fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.0

rachelannfrench92's review against another edition

adventurous challenging dark emotional mysterious tense medium-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? Yes

3.75

kyajreads's review against another edition

dark emotional hopeful mysterious sad tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

This is V.E Schwab's debut novel and I'd been looking for it everywhere so when I signed up to Titan Books' newsletter and got a gift of this ebook with it, I was stoked and started reading immediately. 
I love how magic and witchcraft elements are interwoven into all of Schwab's books and you can see how important this book was to set that standard. The magic in The Near Witch flowed so naturally around the characters, often making you wonder if any other characters have hidden magic too. 
It's pacing is great, the subplot of romance is sweet and warming and the main plotline tense and dramatic creating a nice balance. Not only were the main characters, Lexi and Cole multifaceted, but all the other side characters were well built with their own complexities.
The ending was a little too open-ended for my preference but I understand why it was used. 

swareader's review against another edition

adventurous dark hopeful mysterious reflective sad tense medium-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

4.0

maeilis's review against another edition

tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.25

jenngibson's review against another edition

dark mysterious medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.0

this book was very meh for me. it took me a long time to get into it and i was confused for the whole first half of the book. but after i passed the halfway mark i was invested and couldn’t put the book down. i also feel like the ending wrapped up too quickly. overall i would say that i had a good time with this book, but it just wasn’t my favourite. 

asarahguslol's review against another edition

adventurous dark mysterious tense medium-paced

5.0