The Near Witch is a young adult fantasy novel written by Victoria Schwab. It was originally published in 2011 and follows the story of a teenage girl named Lexi Harris who lives in the town of Near. Near is a secluded village surrounded by moors and has a long history of folklore and superstitions. The villagers believe in the existence of a mysterious witch called the Near Witch, who has the power to control the elements and is responsible for the disappearance of children. Lexi is drawn to the mystery of the Near Witch and becomes determined to uncover the truth. As she digs deeper, she discovers that the tales of the Near Witch might not be just legends, but something real and dangerous.
Length: 354 pages
But because this falls into the expected pattern for a story resembling traditional folklore, a perceived weakness actually ends up becoming a strength. Lexi wants to help him, but her efforts are prevented by her overprotective uncle Otto as well as some of her friends like Tyler who think proper girls should know their place and leave the search to the men.
As she digs deeper, she discovers that the tales of the Near Witch might not be just legends, but something real and dangerous. With the help of a stranger named Cole, she sets out on a perilous journey to confront the Near Witch and save her village from its grip. Throughout the story, Schwab vividly describes the atmospheric setting of Near, creating a sense of magic and eeriness.
Review: The Near Witch by V.E. Schwab
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.
And 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. Still, he insists on helping Lexi search for them. Something tells her she can trust him.
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.
I’ve been putting off this book for a while as I was a little hesitant about how much I would enjoy it. With The Invisible Life of Addie Larue grabbing top spot and being my favourite book of 2020, I am now so worried about not loving her other works quite as much. But although this didn’t quite match up, I still absolutely loved it!
The Near Witch is part fairy-tale, part love story, part nightmare. It opens on a scene where the main character, Lexi, is telling her little sister a bedtime story, and the book never strays far from that tone. Reading this book has the feeling of going on a rambling journey and becoming enchanted by a creepy tale. This definitely ended up being darker than I expected but in a gentle way that wasn’t too intense or overwhelming, and I really liked it. It was creepy in the way fairy-tales can be, rather than a typical horror!
Maybe one day the words will pour out like so many others, easy and smooth and on their own.
One of my favourite things about V.E. Schwab is her incredible writing. The writing in this was mystical and beautiful and I adored it. She chooses every word purposefully and it shows, and I feel like that’s the reason it took me slightly longer to read than I expected, as I wanted to make sure I really absorbed every part of this book and every single word on the page.
The writing also showcased the amazing world this book is set in. Near is a village on moorland, surrounded by rolling countryside and forests. I loved the vibe this gave off with the creepy, foggy, vast moor and forests, with cottages few and far between. I could picture the world so clearly and it felt like the perfect setting for this story. I also really liked the main characters and that bubbled along in the background of this story. And I could really empathise with how Lexi was struggling with how those around her were acting throughout this story.
Right now they take pieces of me with them.
Overall, this was a beautiful and haunting tale that I really enjoyed reading. It also had such an incredible atmosphere which I loved.
★★★★
4 out of 5 stars
May your shelves forever overflow with books! ☽
Also included at the end of this book is a heartbreaking little novella called The Ash-Born Boy, intended to be a prequel that reveals Cole’s origins. The fairy tale-like feel is even stronger in this one, given that it is so short, beguiling, and tragically dark. If you enjoyed Cole’s character in The Near Witch, then you’ll no doubt also love this story which adds even more depth to his personality and explores his troubled past.
The moors and the village itself are depicted in a way that transports the reader into this mystical world. The characters are well-developed, with Lexi being a strong and determined protagonist who defies the gender norms of her time. The Near Witch touches upon themes of fear, prejudice, and the power of stories. It explores how rumors and misconceptions can spread, leading to divisions and misunderstandings. Schwab also delves into the importance of empathy and understanding, as Lexi challenges the villagers' preconceived notions about the Near Witch. Overall, The Near Witch is a captivating and beautifully written novel that combines elements of fantasy, mystery, and folklore. It appeals to both young adult and adult readers with its compelling story and well-crafted characters. Schwab's storytelling skills shine through in this enchanting tale that will keep readers hooked until the very end..
Reviews for "The Near Witch: A Dark and Addictive Tale of Redemption"
1. John - 2/5 - The Near Witch was a disappointing read for me. The premise sounded intriguing and I was excited to dive into a spooky, atmospheric story. However, the execution fell flat. The pacing was sluggish and the plot lacked depth. The characters were one-dimensional and I struggled to connect with any of them. Overall, it felt like a missed opportunity for an engaging supernatural tale.
2. Sarah - 2/5 - I had high expectations for The Near Witch based on the rave reviews I had read, but I was left feeling underwhelmed. The writing style was too flowery and descriptive for my taste, making it difficult to stay engaged with the story. Additionally, the plot felt predictable and lacked any real surprises. I wanted to be captivated by the mysterious village and its mythical beings, but I found myself losing interest quickly. This book just wasn't for me.
3. Michael - 1/5 - I really disliked The Near Witch. The writing was overly poetic and convoluted, making it hard to follow the story. The characters were forgettable and lacked development, and I found myself not caring about their fates. The plot was slow-moving and didn't offer anything new or exciting. Overall, it was a struggle to finish this book and I wouldn't recommend it to anyone looking for an engaging read.