The Near Witch Review

The Near Witch is only an old story told to frighten children. If the wind calls at night, you must not listen. The wind is lonely, and always looking for company. There are no strangers in the town of Near. These are the truths that Lexi has heard all her life. But when an actual stranger, a boy who seems to fade like smoke, appears outside her home on the moor at night, she knows that at least one of these sayings is no longer true. The next night, the children of Near start disappearing from their beds, and the mysterious boy falls under suspicion. As the hunt for the children intensifies, so does Lexi's need to know about the witch that just might be more than a bedtime story, about the wind that seems to speak through the walls at night, and about the history of this nameless boy. Part fairy tale, part love story, Victoria Schwab's debut novel is entirely original yet achingly a song you heard long ago, a whisper carried by the wind, and a dream you won't soon forget.

Review

It is quite refreshing to finally be back. Reading Victoria Schwab. One of my most read author back in 2018. One of my favourite author as well.

I could see Schwab from reading this work. I could feel her in the writing; although, she felt more juvenile here than in her newer works. Given that this book was meant for a younger audience, I can completely understand. The story follows Lexi. A girl who was taught by her father, not the fragility of being a woman (of her time), but the versatility of being human. He also taught her to appreciate–people and nature–rather than fear. This gave her a broader perspective of the world.

The introduction of the secondary protagonist was curious; however, it was quite obvious where the story is heading. I’m not gonna lie, I got quite disappointed with the romantic aspect of the story. I would much prefer if it didn’t exist.

To sum, the book was highly entertaining, simple, straight-forward, and the writing was accessible. There plenty of sequences that wasn’t to my liking and I’d rather they be different. Other than that, I believe this is a fun tale to read.

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