The Near Witch Review&Giveaway

Author: Victoria Schwab
Release Date: August 2, 2011
Pages: 290 (e-galley)
Publisher: Disney Hyperion
Most Appropriate For Ages: 12+
Where I Got It: For review through Netgalley

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.

Part fairy tale, part love story, Victoria Schwab’s debut novel is entirely original yet achingly familiar: a song you heard long ago, a whisper carried by the wind, and a dream you won’t soon forget.

What a delightful, beautifully told story.

I immediately knew I would like The Near Witch, because from page one the writing just flows. Schwab is a brilliant writer, and I wanted to just soak up every word that she wrote. And not only was the writing itself a treat, but the setting was eerie and awesome and just very, very well done.

Lexi and a strong-willed and level-headed protagonist that I couldn't help but like. In a time when women are meant to be kept inside and doing the baking and cleaning and such, Lexi was out there tracking and connecting to the moor and whatnot. So she gets my respect.

Then there was Cole. He was dark and kinda mysterious, but not too dark and mysterious and he often made me swoon and smile a little. So yeah, basically, I loved his character. Cole and Lexi connect fast, but not in the "I WOULD DIE FOR YOU CAUSE THAT'S HOW REAL OUR LOVE IS!" way. Instead their relationship naturally progressed.

The Near Witch was a fantastically crafted, well-paced novel that I'll be recommending to people liberally. One of the best debuts of the year so far!

Plot: Well-thought-out, well-paced, and just...well.

Characters: Each was developed and lovable.

Writing: Amazing.

Ending: Wrapped things up perfectly.

Kind Friendly? Very. I think there was one mild swear word. It could get a bit creepy, though.
Should I read it? Yes! Especially if you're a fan of fantasy.

Overall:

And now, for the contest! I have one ARC of The Near Witch to give away to one lucky US winner. Fill out THIS FORM to enter. I'll announce the winner on August 3, so the giveaway will be ending on midnight, August 2.


Good luck!