ghostlydreamer 's review for:

The Witch Boy by Lee Knox Ostertag

4.0

adventurous emotional hopeful inspiring 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

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Another book that I went into almost completely blind. I really wasn't sure what to expect, but since I really enjoyed another book by this author, I decided to give this one a shot since I'd heard really good things about it. It didn’t disappoint. Though I don't think it will become a favorite, I do plan to read the rest of the trilogy.

Aster was a loveable character. I really felt for him, wanting to do things and be a part of something that he was told he could not be, even though it was something he excelled at. This book does a fantastic job at breaking down gender stereotypes. Aster's struggle may involve magical things, but it's a struggle that I'm sure many of kids reading this will be able to relate to regarding their own interests and talents in the real world. Maybe this book might give them courage to fight for what they want to do with their time, so that they are not held down by forced stereotypes and norms.

I also really enjoyed Aster's new friend. I don't remember her name sadly, as I am often terrible with remembering character names. But I thought she was a fun addition and she kind of balances Aster out. Everyone needs a friend like that, I think. Or at least us introverts do.

Overall this was an enjoyable book with a great message and a conclusion that wrapped up neatly and appropriately. There was closure, hope, happiness for our characters, with the promise of positive growth and change. These delicate themes were tackled beautifully. The book ended in a way that suggests you could leave it here if you wanted, but I know there are two sequels and I'm interested in seeing the progress Aster makes as his journey continues.