Reviews

The Apprentice Witch by James Nicol

brittster622's review against another edition

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3.0

I found this to be an average middle grade about a little witch coming into her role. It had some cute moments but it have too many unique characteristics for me.

nyx_bringer_of_stars's review against another edition

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

4.0

therealbel's review against another edition

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5.0

I received this book as an uncorrected proof.

What a fantastic read.

James Nicol has created a wonderful world and wonderful characters. Arianwyn, having messed up her witch's assessment is sent away to learn more and be the apprentice witch for a town called Lull. Through trials, tribulations, high jinks and some fun, we follow her journey both as a person and as a witch.

I loved it.

vpowellak's review against another edition

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4.0

Cute story. Most certainly a kids book but a fun little read.

lsparrow's review against another edition

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4.0

I liked this YA witchy novel mostly for the themes of dealing with failure and finding ones way. an easy feel good read.

silverasters's review against another edition

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

3.25

saucemallow's review against another edition

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adventurous mysterious fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.75

I think that the author lost half of the book and put it back together with a different part.  It was a nice story and the protagonist had development, but that can be said for many books.  There were weird, misaligned sections of the book where the focus was completely switched around and it seemed like I was reading a different book.  Besides lacking consistency in the narration, the book was not well paced and there were some quick progressions in the story that made no sense.  This book was fine and my explanation harshly criticizes the parts that I found lacking, but it was not amazing.  I looked at the reviews for the next part of trilogy and since the ratings are so low, I do not think I will come back to finish the series.

michellehenriereads's review against another edition

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5.0

In The Apprentice Witch, the world is full of magic - but it's not distributed equally. Arianwyn (Wyn) suffers from being snubbed by her peers and sticks out when she fails the witch exam. Instead of a shiny gold star, she's given a bronze moon. And if things couldn't get worse, she suspects the only reason she even received the bronze badge was from her grandmother's interference.

I loved Arianwyn's character development from awkward and unsure of herself to believe she had friends and enough magic to help others. She is selfless, forgiving, naive, trusting, and honest (mostly). It is right on target for a middle-grade audience. Another plus for this book are the creatures from charming, to scary, and friendly. The author did a wonderful job of bringing in new fantastic beasts and avoided the problem of making them so strange that I couldn't picture them. I also love the rabbit creature who is filled with loads of magic.

I thought the interaction between the Arianwyn and the other two girls, Gimma and Salle was very good. Girls' can get their feelings hurt easily when a little bit more communication could solve the problem. I liked how Salle was obsessed with the theater, and though it was a small piece of the writing, it added to her character and made her come alive. I've seen where some people criticize a book for having a bully, but I think they've forgotten what it's like to be in elementary school. Gimma had a reason for her behavior and I've seen plenty of mean girls to believe she'd act entitled and want to snub those she saw as below herself.

I absolutely loved The Apprentice Witch, and I'd trust Arianwyn with my life if dark forces were creeping out of the woods near my home.

leskit's review against another edition

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3.0

3 1/2 stars

cheesygiraffe's review against another edition

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5.0

Bought at The Old Fox Books & Coffeehouse in Annapolis, Maryland.