Reviews

The Last Windwitch by Jennifer Adam

joanna77_'s review

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2.0

Okay, so the writing was really solid for a middle grade book, especially a debut! I didn’t even mind the main character that much, even though I don’t think she grew at all.

But my main gripe with this book and why I don’t think I’d recommend it is my sheer confusion surrounding the worldbuilding and the magic system. I don’t think it made sense at all and unfortunately that really hindered my enjoyment of the book. There was some many random magic elements and I was just so confused.

I also found the plot really predictable. From the beginning it was really obvious that the main character was special and related to the queen.

I’m definitely beyond the target age range though, so I’m sure kids would enjoy this and not have the same gripes I do.

ssione55's review

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4.0

This was a fun, if predictable, magical adventure. Though it follows plot lines we often see in magical chosen-one stories, it has an interesting take on the types of magic and the characters are really fun to get to know.
Note for librarians and teachers: there is a mention of pregnancy outside of wedlock, and obviously witchcraft. Keep that in mind when recommending to kids (and parents) who might be sensitive to this.

bradleygiselle's review

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1.0

DNF'd Very ableist

sirah's review against another edition

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4.0

Brida lives in a dangerous world. She doesn't realize how dangerous until the day the Huntsman arrives and she finds herself tangled in a battle against the darkness that has ravaged the country for over a decade. If only Brida could get her magic to work right! Filled with imaginative characters and thoughtful descriptions, The Last WIndwitch is an intriguing adventure full of mystery and heart that is perfect for middle grade readers. It includes themes of discovering what family truly means and coming to terms with bullies of both the adult and child varieties. Brida is a likable character, whose joys and sorrows dance over the pages with effortless realism.
While this book won't end up on my favorites list, I'm glad I read it, and I'll certainly be recommending it to anyone who enjoys adventures in magical fantasy.

awayreading's review

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adventurous hopeful lighthearted fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.25

rhodesgiselle's review

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1.0

DNF'd Very ableist

joeymama's review against another edition

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adventurous mysterious medium-paced

4.0

difelicj's review against another edition

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adventurous challenging emotional hopeful medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.25

nightwing's review against another edition

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adventurous emotional hopeful lighthearted mysterious 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? Yes

4.75

Received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

I really enjoyed this book! The characters were all interesting and the story felt almost akin to a fairytale but original. Mother Magdi and Brida's relationship was sweet, and I appreciated that Magdi wasn't the "crabby old lady" trope, she was loving toward Brida, though she had to keep secret from her for her own safety. 

The magic system was really entertaining and the Queen of Crows was frightfully terrifying! Not too terrifying, but still pretty creepy. 

The only issue I had with the book is that I wanted Brida to spend more time with the Queen of Crows, I'd have liked to see more of her terrifying reign. 

The Last Windwitch is an entertaining novel that's sure to please all ages! 

jasbill's review against another edition

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adventurous dark hopeful inspiring mysterious tense
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A

5.0

This story sits deep within you for longer than the moments spent on its pages. While reading it you find yourself worried for her, cringing when you can see what will happen before she does, and cheering as she grows closer to her truth. I have fallen in love with her world and in love with her. 

I highly recommend this book no matter what age you may be. It is listed under children’s literature but as a 50 year old woman, I would easily nestle it along side N.K. Jemisin. 

CAWPILE Rating: 10
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