The Near Witch is a young adult fantasy novel written by Victoria Schwab. Set in the fictional village of Near, the story follows the protagonist, Lexi Harris, as she investigates a series of mysterious disappearances. The village of Near is known for its superstitions and folklore, which include tales of the Near Witch - a rumored sorceress who can control the wind. Lexi's life takes an unexpected turn when a stranger arrives in Near. His name is Cole, and he claims to be from a town beyond the moors that surround Near. As the disappearances continue, Lexi grows suspicious of Cole and begins to wonder if he may be connected to the mysterious events.
So although The Near Witch might not be as complex or developed, I nevertheless found it to be more enjoyable than some of the author’s newer books. Its classic themes are familiar and relatable, like those of friendship, love, and redemption. It is also a story about a young woman wanting something more than what society has dictated for her, as well as her determination to show that she can and will succeed where those trying to suppress her have failed. While nothing new is presented here that thousands of Young Adult novels have not already covered, the beauty and pureness of the story’s ideas and emotions come through in their simplicity.
As I said, there is nothing complicated about the plot to The Near Witch ; in fact, Schwab places more emphasis on the atmosphere than the story or even the characters. But I think this, more than anything, is what gives the book that timeless allure, like a fairy tale or legend you can pick up five, ten, or twenty years from now and still have its setting and mood resonate with readers.
As the disappearances continue, Lexi grows suspicious of Cole and begins to wonder if he may be connected to the mysterious events. As Lexi delves deeper into the village's history and folklore, she discovers that the Near Witch may not be just a tale after all. She becomes determined to find the source of the disappearances and stop the Near Witch before it claims another victim.
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Along the way, Lexi uncovers long-buried secrets, confronts her own fears, and learns the importance of believing in oneself. The Near Witch is a captivating story that expertly weaves together elements of fantasy, mystery, and romance. It explores themes of love, loss, and the power of stories. The atmospheric setting of the village adds to the eerie and suspenseful tone of the novel. Schwab's writing is vivid and descriptive, painting a vivid picture of the village and its inhabitants. Lexi is a relatable and strong-willed protagonist, who grows and evolves over the course of the story. The supporting characters are also well-developed, adding depth and complexity to the narrative. Overall, The Near Witch is a compelling and enchanting read. It is a perfect choice for readers who enjoy fantasy novels with a touch of mystery and romance. Schwab's storytelling abilities bring the village of Near and its inhabitants to life, making it a book that is difficult to put down. Whether you are a fan of young adult fiction or simply love a good fantasy tale, The Near Witch is sure to captivate and enthrall..
Reviews for "The Near Witch: A Study in Ancient Witchcraft Practices"
1. Emily - 2 stars
I was really disappointed with "The Near Witch" by Victoria Schwab. The premise of a mysterious witch and a small isolated town sounded intriguing, but the execution fell flat for me. The pacing was slow, and nothing much seemed to happen for the majority of the book. The main character, Lexi, was also quite bland and lacked depth. I couldn't connect with her or any of the other characters, which made it hard for me to care about what was happening. Overall, I found the book to be boring and underwhelming.
2. Mike - 2.5 stars
"The Near Witch" had an interesting concept, but I found the writing style to be quite confusing at times. It felt like I was being bombarded with flowery and poetic descriptions that didn't really add much substance to the story. The dialogue was also stilted and unrealistic, making it hard for me to engage with the characters. Additionally, the twist at the end felt forced and wasn't as shocking as I had hoped. While the atmospheric setting was a highlight, it wasn't enough to save the book for me.
3. Sarah - 3 stars
I had high expectations for "The Near Witch," but unfortunately, it didn't live up to them. The pacing was slow, and the plot seemed to meander without any clear direction. The writing was beautiful, but it overshadowed the development of the story and characters. I wasn't invested in the outcome, and the resolution felt rushed and unsatisfying. While there were moments of potential, the overall execution fell short for me. I wanted to love this book, but it just didn't deliver the captivating witch story I was hoping for.
4. John - 2 stars
"The Near Witch" had a promising premise, but the execution left much to be desired. The story lacked depth and failed to fully explore the potential of the world Victoria Schwab created. The characters felt flat, and their motivations were unclear. The pacing was slow, and I often found myself losing interest. The ending was also unsatisfying, leaving loose ends and unresolved plot points. Overall, I was left feeling underwhelmed and disappointed by this book.