by James Nicol (Author)
A special middle grade debut of magic and courage in a world of witches, written with the charm and enchantment of Circus Mirandus and The Apothecary.
Arianwyn has flunked her witch's assessment: She's doomed. Declared an apprentice and sent to the town of Lull in disgrace, she may never become a real witch-- much to the glee of her arch-rival, Gimma. But remote Lull is not as boring as it seems. Strange things are sighted in the woods, a dangerous infestation of hex creeps throughout the town, and a mysterious magical visitor arrives with his eye on her. With every spirit banished, creature helped, and spell cast, Arianwyn starts to get the hang of being a witch--even if she's only an apprentice. But the worst still lies ahead.
For a sinister darkness has begun to haunt her spells, and there may be much more at stake than just her pride . . . for Arianwyn and the entire land.
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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
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