A review by bookgirl4ever
A Witch Alone by James Nicol

4.0

Arianwyn is a full witch with unique talents in shadow magic. While dark beings from the void seem to be escaping all over the land, witches everywhere are busy rescuing their wards from these dangerous creatures. While visiting Kingsport, Arianwyn saves the king from a creature, which catches the eye of the High Elder of the witches. Arianwyn's connections to feyling make her the perfect witch to find a book of quiet glyphs from the feyling capital. She is given this secret assignment, but soon finds that sabotage in the Dark Wood near her home village of Lull has caused a hex to spread throughout the wood, the habitat for many creatures of light. Arianwyn has to make difficult choices and her relationship with her apprentice Gimma is strengthened as they work together to protect Lull.

A refreshingly simple story about a good witch. While there is darkness, Arianwyn is a delightful person and the tone of this series is so much more lighter than much middle grade fare these days. I noticed another reviewer called this a cozy mystery, which is a perfect description.

Upper elementary/middle grade