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nyxelium_'s review against another edition
adventurous
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
3.0
lisareads2023's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
hopeful
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
graciegartin's review against another edition
2.0
Picked this one up during a B&N sale because it was V.E. Schwab…it turns out it’s a reprint of her first novel ever published. It was okay enough. I liked the plot idea, but could not get behind the romance perspective or the characters.
ominousraven's review against another edition
4.0
Okay, so admittedly it took quite some time for me to get into this book. I think it was the dialogue that was killing me. I had to remind myself of the time period the book was written in. But, I persevered and about halfway through was enthralled. There is a particular scene that gave me absolute chills. I don't scare easily, horror is one of my favorite genres, and I've yet to find a book that scared/creeped me out. But the scene when Lexi and Coal get to the edge of the forest and see the Near Witch's finger bones and the earth starts to make her, yea, I got the damn chills. V made this read so damn atmospheric and the descriptiveness really added to the whole overall feeling. The only other thing I wasn't too fond of was Lexi and Coals whole relationship. It really felt like an insta love, there was no substance for it to have been built on, it just sorta happened. Other than that, I really enjoyed this read!
nicklein's review against another edition
5.0
This is so underrated I want to punch someone.
The Near Witch was Victoria Schwab's debut novel, yes, the same author of Shades of Magic series. It's actually one of the first yafs I've ever read and loved. I had the pleasure of reading this right after it was released 5 years ago and I still read it from time to time. I read it whenever I feel a slump looming in the background. I reach for it whenever I want something ya but not romance-centered. It's like my go-to book to be honest.
It reads like a fairytale. The writing was beautiful and lyrical and captivating. The vivid descriptions sucked me right in with the first few pages. The story was eerie and had a creep factor. It was eerily and creepily enough to haunt you right after you put it down. I cannot talk about this book without going into full fangirl mode. I can't believe how overlooked this is when it's positively one of the best books ever. Sigh.
If you loved Vicious and/or A Darker Shade of Magic but haven't read this one yet, why the f not? You have no idea what you're missing out. This one here is timeless and breathtaking, an infallible classic.
The Near Witch was Victoria Schwab's debut novel, yes, the same author of Shades of Magic series. It's actually one of the first yafs I've ever read and loved. I had the pleasure of reading this right after it was released 5 years ago and I still read it from time to time. I read it whenever I feel a slump looming in the background. I reach for it whenever I want something ya but not romance-centered. It's like my go-to book to be honest.
It reads like a fairytale. The writing was beautiful and lyrical and captivating. The vivid descriptions sucked me right in with the first few pages. The story was eerie and had a creep factor. It was eerily and creepily enough to haunt you right after you put it down. I cannot talk about this book without going into full fangirl mode. I can't believe how overlooked this is when it's positively one of the best books ever. Sigh.
If you loved Vicious and/or A Darker Shade of Magic but haven't read this one yet, why the f not? You have no idea what you're missing out. This one here is timeless and breathtaking, an infallible classic.
mehopf's review against another edition
5.0
This book is an excellent read and told in a refreshingly new way. I met Victoria Schwab at the Auburn Writers Conference and she is truly inspiring.
amyo122's review against another edition
4.0
4.5 stars for The Near Witch- this book is mysterious, fabulous and creepy!! (If you live alone like I do, I recommend reading it in the daytime. Trust me on this one.)
As an avid reader of YA paranormal sometimes I feel like a lot of the books are very similar. That isn't necessarily a bad thing, I love me some paranormal characters (vampires, werewolves and faeries, oh my!) but occasionally I feel like I'm in a slump and really need a change. I think that is why I loved The Near Witch as much as I did- it was so different than anything I've read recently, it was like a breath of fresh air.
As an avid reader of YA paranormal sometimes I feel like a lot of the books are very similar. That isn't necessarily a bad thing, I love me some paranormal characters (vampires, werewolves and faeries, oh my!) but occasionally I feel like I'm in a slump and really need a change. I think that is why I loved The Near Witch as much as I did- it was so different than anything I've read recently, it was like a breath of fresh air.
vigilanteatmidnight's review against another edition
2.0
2.5
I love VE Schwab - this book is worth the read even with the lower rating. Beautiful writing that wraps the reader in a fantasy world with darkness and romance.
I love VE Schwab - this book is worth the read even with the lower rating. Beautiful writing that wraps the reader in a fantasy world with darkness and romance.
lyss_life_books's review against another edition
4.0
The Near Witch was a fun read and perfect for the season.
At first I thought the writing was confusing but I’m glad I stuck with it because it was worth it in the end.
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I’ve been terrible at reading since I gave birth but I finally listened to an audiobook without panicking that I couldn’t hear the baby (even though she’s always in the same room as me).
At first I thought the writing was confusing but I’m glad I stuck with it because it was worth it in the end.
.
I’ve been terrible at reading since I gave birth but I finally listened to an audiobook without panicking that I couldn’t hear the baby (even though she’s always in the same room as me).
lorialice14's review against another edition
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
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? Yes
5.0