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3.67 AVERAGE
3.67 AVERAGE
In the spirit of Percy Jackson, this epic fantasy adventure novel had me turning the pages as fast as I could! Emblem Island is a place of magic, but none like we have read about before. And when a young boy wishes for a future different that what he has been given, he ends up cursed along with his best friend, and a girl from his class. They must break the curse by finding the Night Witch. What I found the most lovable about this trio is that they reminded me so much of Harry, Ron and Hermione from the Harry Potter franchise. Tor, born with the leadership emblem, is our fearless hero, his best friend, Engle, is the lovable side kick, and Melda, is witty, brave, and sometimes annoying, but overall a wonderful friend to have by Tor's side. This type of trio is often found in epic fantasies and is one of my favorite parts of the structure of these types of middle grade literature.
The most frustrating part was the ending... WHAT A CLIFF HANGER! I cannot wait to see what happens in book 2! I highly recommend this to fans of Harry Potter and Percy Jackson, For readers ages 9- 14, and for anyone who needs a little magic and a little adventure in their lives.
The most frustrating part was the ending... WHAT A CLIFF HANGER! I cannot wait to see what happens in book 2! I highly recommend this to fans of Harry Potter and Percy Jackson, For readers ages 9- 14, and for anyone who needs a little magic and a little adventure in their lives.
*I received a free ARC of this novel, with thanks to the author, Sourcebooks Kids – Jabberwocky and NetGalley. The decision to review and my opinions are my own.*
Curse of the Night Witch is a fantastic fantasy adventure book for middle-grade upwards, packed with magic, action and a touch of mystery.
Tor and his friends have to go on a journey to try to reverse the ill-advised wish he made, which has brought a curse down upon him. The three pals – a reluctant hero, a big eater and a quick thinking leader respectively – travel across their world, following the clues laid out in a book of fairytales and legend, The Book of Cuentos. Of course, the problem with real-life fairytales is the real-life monsters that come with them, and Tor, Engle and Melda will need to use all of their individual skills, but also learn to work together, if they want to survive the journey.
I really love the world Alex Aster has built in this story. There is a unique magic system of gifts, curses and emblems, and a raft of new monsters and myths to explore too. Some aspects of the story are actually quite dark and haunting (even as an adult!) – the Puppeteer Queen, the Weeping Willow, the emblem thieves – but this is true of all the best ‘grim’ children’s tales… how else would we learn to stay out of the deep, dark woods?
The characters are great too. They start off realistically obsessed with their own personal concerns about school, parental expectations and their dreams for the future, and then set off on their journey of self- and witch-discovery and begin to develop and grown through the trials they face. There are some really good lessons about priorities, thinking of others, and the wider consequences of our individual actions, cleverly woven under the exciting plot.
This is the first book in a series, and therefore all the threads are not tied up with a neat bow. Instead the story leads towards further adventures for Tor and his allies. Personally, I can’t wait!
Once upon a screaming white moon, a Night Witch was born.
As a child, she spoke to the willow trees, whispered to the garden bees, and had a smile so sweet it dripped golden honey. When she brushed her hair, starlight fell to the ground. When she passed by, flowers fell from her fingertips. And when she cried, it stormed.
So sweet she looked, her smile hid the darkness waiting behind it.
She had a gift never seen before. The power to kill with a single touch.
And kill she did.
– Alex Aster, Curse of the Night Witch
Review by Steph Warren of Bookshine and Readbows blog
https://bookshineandreadbows.wordpress.com/2020/10/08/curse-of-the-night-witch-alex-aster/
Curse of the Night Witch is a fantastic fantasy adventure book for middle-grade upwards, packed with magic, action and a touch of mystery.
Tor and his friends have to go on a journey to try to reverse the ill-advised wish he made, which has brought a curse down upon him. The three pals – a reluctant hero, a big eater and a quick thinking leader respectively – travel across their world, following the clues laid out in a book of fairytales and legend, The Book of Cuentos. Of course, the problem with real-life fairytales is the real-life monsters that come with them, and Tor, Engle and Melda will need to use all of their individual skills, but also learn to work together, if they want to survive the journey.
I really love the world Alex Aster has built in this story. There is a unique magic system of gifts, curses and emblems, and a raft of new monsters and myths to explore too. Some aspects of the story are actually quite dark and haunting (even as an adult!) – the Puppeteer Queen, the Weeping Willow, the emblem thieves – but this is true of all the best ‘grim’ children’s tales… how else would we learn to stay out of the deep, dark woods?
The characters are great too. They start off realistically obsessed with their own personal concerns about school, parental expectations and their dreams for the future, and then set off on their journey of self- and witch-discovery and begin to develop and grown through the trials they face. There are some really good lessons about priorities, thinking of others, and the wider consequences of our individual actions, cleverly woven under the exciting plot.
This is the first book in a series, and therefore all the threads are not tied up with a neat bow. Instead the story leads towards further adventures for Tor and his allies. Personally, I can’t wait!
Once upon a screaming white moon, a Night Witch was born.
As a child, she spoke to the willow trees, whispered to the garden bees, and had a smile so sweet it dripped golden honey. When she brushed her hair, starlight fell to the ground. When she passed by, flowers fell from her fingertips. And when she cried, it stormed.
So sweet she looked, her smile hid the darkness waiting behind it.
She had a gift never seen before. The power to kill with a single touch.
And kill she did.
– Alex Aster, Curse of the Night Witch
Review by Steph Warren of Bookshine and Readbows blog
https://bookshineandreadbows.wordpress.com/2020/10/08/curse-of-the-night-witch-alex-aster/
adventurous
fast-paced
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Had to stop reading; I found that I was trying to force myself through it, like a chore. There was no real substance or threat to it and I couldn't connect with either the story or the characters.
adventurous
dark
emotional
fast-paced
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
This book didn't grab me immediately, but by the time I reached the end I was excited for the rest of the series. It has an issue that I think a lot of middle grade does - it often seems to gloss over scenes that sound like they were fun action sequences, or important plot advancement, for the sake of keeping the page count down. However, the world Aster has created is really unique and interesting. The way color leeches out of the world as the kids travel is reminiscent of The Giver, although the books have little else in common. Melda is a standout character and feels very much like a girl written by someone who felt Hermione deserved more credit (she did!) Tor's struggle feels realistic and he is grounded and open-minded enough that he's not a frustrating character to follow. He's a child, after all. Engle feels a bit one-note, but I'm hoping he grows more in future books.
The end of the story gets really dark, intense and fascinating. I am so, so interested to see what happens in the second book. If you feel a little "meh" on this story, as I did - although honestly that might be my pandemic-times burned out brain - I encourage you to stick with it.
The end of the story gets really dark, intense and fascinating. I am so, so interested to see what happens in the second book. If you feel a little "meh" on this story, as I did - although honestly that might be my pandemic-times burned out brain - I encourage you to stick with it.
Visit my blog: https://readingwithrendz.wordpress.com/2020/05/28/curse-of-the-night-witch-review-a-truly-magical-and-mythological-read/
The Likes
This world was truly magical. It was recognisable in some ways, with the school and such, but it had a totally different societal structure and history that I loved to read about. I loved that we got to read about the legends that are so ingrained in the stories of the people and how the magic of the emblems developed among them. Aster did an amazing job of using whimsical imagery and Latinx legends to create such a wonderful and intriguing world.
The magic system was so interesting. I know lifelines already exist, but not like they do in this book. Here they are 10x more vivid and trusted sources of information about your future. Then there is the magical marker/tattoo, the Emblem, that tells you exactly what kind of special power you will inherit. It is a magic that is quite interested in who the person will become and to reject it becomes a test against fate and destiny which is always fun to read about.
These characters were delightful. Tor, Melda and Engle had such personality and banter that I loved watching them squabble and bicker as they get themselves into more and more danger. I loved that Tor was like any other regular 12 year old who unhappy with his predicted future and did something about it that may have not been the greatest decision. I really related to Tor’s desire for adventure and excitement in his life that was just quiet and comfortable. I don’t know if I could have gone to the extremes he did when I was 12, but I admire his effort.
The plot itself was really interesting. It’s a race against time that keeps the book moving. I Love Quest Narratives!!! The characters are fighting for their lives as they trace back legends and magical monsters which lead them into lots of danger and trouble. I can definitely see how Aster took inspiration from Latinx myths and tales which she also cites in her acknowledgements. I think tracing back the magical tales was my favourite aspect of the book because we get to see the original written tale and then interact with the tale in real time with the characters. I’m not sure that last sentence made sense, but basically what you have to know is that this story is closely tied to myth so pay attention!
I had an epiphany at the very end about Tor and wow. I really did not catch it until the last turn of the page and it made me so excited for the next book. There is always something more than meets eyes about characters and it is so thrilling when you find those tid-bits the author leaves behind.
The ending itself is quite nice. Not too cliff-hangery but definitely cliff-hangery. It sets up great intrigue for the next book and I am excited to read it.
The Questionable
Despite being a race against time, the book does take a while to get moving. It’s not very fast-paced since the characters meet so many people/myths along the way and they each have to get their moment. I think it might also be a little repetitive in the middle. Don’t get me wrong, I enjoyed the myth-hunting very much but I could sense the pattern in the middle and eventually the story felt like it was dragging a little too slow. Nonetheless, each myth was very interesting!
Overall, I really enjoyed this book. It wins most definitely for its magical prose and charmingly realistic characters! It was exciting, whimsical and totally immersive. I think young readers and older ones alike will find something to love about this story!
Rating: 4 / 5 Stars
Recommend: Absolutely! This is a great read for fantasy lovers!
The Likes
This world was truly magical. It was recognisable in some ways, with the school and such, but it had a totally different societal structure and history that I loved to read about. I loved that we got to read about the legends that are so ingrained in the stories of the people and how the magic of the emblems developed among them. Aster did an amazing job of using whimsical imagery and Latinx legends to create such a wonderful and intriguing world.
The magic system was so interesting. I know lifelines already exist, but not like they do in this book. Here they are 10x more vivid and trusted sources of information about your future. Then there is the magical marker/tattoo, the Emblem, that tells you exactly what kind of special power you will inherit. It is a magic that is quite interested in who the person will become and to reject it becomes a test against fate and destiny which is always fun to read about.
These characters were delightful. Tor, Melda and Engle had such personality and banter that I loved watching them squabble and bicker as they get themselves into more and more danger. I loved that Tor was like any other regular 12 year old who unhappy with his predicted future and did something about it that may have not been the greatest decision. I really related to Tor’s desire for adventure and excitement in his life that was just quiet and comfortable. I don’t know if I could have gone to the extremes he did when I was 12, but I admire his effort.
The plot itself was really interesting. It’s a race against time that keeps the book moving. I Love Quest Narratives!!! The characters are fighting for their lives as they trace back legends and magical monsters which lead them into lots of danger and trouble. I can definitely see how Aster took inspiration from Latinx myths and tales which she also cites in her acknowledgements. I think tracing back the magical tales was my favourite aspect of the book because we get to see the original written tale and then interact with the tale in real time with the characters. I’m not sure that last sentence made sense, but basically what you have to know is that this story is closely tied to myth so pay attention!
I had an epiphany at the very end about Tor and wow. I really did not catch it until the last turn of the page and it made me so excited for the next book. There is always something more than meets eyes about characters and it is so thrilling when you find those tid-bits the author leaves behind.
The ending itself is quite nice. Not too cliff-hangery but definitely cliff-hangery. It sets up great intrigue for the next book and I am excited to read it.
The Questionable
Despite being a race against time, the book does take a while to get moving. It’s not very fast-paced since the characters meet so many people/myths along the way and they each have to get their moment. I think it might also be a little repetitive in the middle. Don’t get me wrong, I enjoyed the myth-hunting very much but I could sense the pattern in the middle and eventually the story felt like it was dragging a little too slow. Nonetheless, each myth was very interesting!
Overall, I really enjoyed this book. It wins most definitely for its magical prose and charmingly realistic characters! It was exciting, whimsical and totally immersive. I think young readers and older ones alike will find something to love about this story!
Rating: 4 / 5 Stars
Recommend: Absolutely! This is a great read for fantasy lovers!