School Library Journal Review
Gr 4-8-Arianwyn just failed her witch's test, and she is humiliated. Thankfully, her grandmother pulls some strings that allow her to continue her education as an apprentice witch in Lull, a faraway town. Arianwyn sets out to prove that she is capable of greatness. Lull is right on the edge of the woods, where all sorts of dark creatures live. As a witch, Arianwyn must clear away and banish these creatures to make the area safe. What she hasn't told others is that a dark symbol haunts her dreams and thoughts. When an especially malevolent creature threatens the town, will Arianwyn have the courage to confront both this dark symbol and the beast? With brisk pacing and sophisticated writing, this book is one of those rare, unputdownable gems. This tale is somewhat reminiscent of J.K. Rowling's Fantastic Beasts and Where To Find Them, and fans of magical fantasy will be enthralled with the details of this fascinating world. The ending wraps up neatly, though there is enough room for potential sequels. VERDICT Recommended for libraries looking for solid fantasy with shades of J.K. Rowling.-Kristin Anderson, Bloomingdale Public Library, IL © Copyright 2017. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Publisher's Weekly Review
In Nicol's charming debut novel, failed witch Arianwyn Gribble learns of the power that comes with knowing one's self-worth and conquering the darkness within. After Arianwyn botches her evaluation, she thinks her dreams of becoming a full-fledged witch and member of the Civil Witchcraft Authority are over, but she's given a second chance: she will continue to be an apprentice witch in the small town of Lull until the time of her reevaluation. After arriving in Lull, Arianwyn realizes more is afoot: evil spirits from the Great Wood (a "dangerous and remote" forest filled with ancient spirits) are causing mayhem, a hex infection has taken root in the Great Wood, and a shadowy creature begins terrorizing the town, too. Nicol presents a world filled with magic and strange creatures, but unexplored plotlines-such as the ongoing but vaguely described war that has caused a shortage of witches, allowing Arianwyn the opportunity to be reevaluated-and underdeveloped characters don't let the book to live up to its full potential. Still, Nicol lays enough groundwork to support future stories. Ages 8-12. (July) © Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved.
