Name: Thea Sophie's review of The Near Witch by V.E. Schwab
Item: The Near Witch
Rating: 3.5
Author: Thea Sophie

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.

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.

The Near Witch #1

The Near Witch

Ella Neeman 

Sophia 

Brand new edition of Victoria Schwab's long out-of-print, stunning debut All-new deluxe edition of an out-of-print gem, containing in-universe short story "The Ash-Born Boy" and a never-before-seen introduction from 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. 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. 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.

Sarah

Beck Krystal

Den 16.årige pige Lexi bor i udkanten af byen Near. Da en mystisk dreng ankommer til byen, begynder flere børn at forsvinde og han mistænkes for at stå bag. Lexi forsøger at opklare mysteriet og begynder at tvivle på, om de skræmmende eventyr, byens børn har fået fortalt, i virkeligheden er sande

Rhea Lanphere

Mary Graham

Slow at the start but picked up around the middle. Then it was really addictive and fun. 

Thea Sophie

Linara K.S

this was my very first Victoria SHWAB boo and i was tremendously disappointed although I might give her other trilogy a chance. DNF-ed half-way through the book.

Monicap

3.5 stars

See, everyone on boooktube LOVELOVELOVELOVED this book. Like, could not stop raving about, it was so amazing, couldn't put it down...
I feel it was teensy bit overhyped.

I didn't think this was a BAD book, mind. I actually thought it was quite good. I just don't think it was SO FREAKING AMAZING and shit. But I was set up to think that it was going to be SO FREAKING AMAZING and shit. This book probably lost half a star rating due to that.

The story was enjoyable and creepy and there was insta-love. It was fantasy, and I do like Fantasy. Despite the insta-love, the romance was cute and enjoyed it.

But I wasn't OBSESSED. I wasn't SUCKED IN. It took my a couple of days to read this book. Summer Semester. I only have one class. It shouldn't take me a couple days to read a book, if I get SUCKED IN.

So yeah. I enjoyed this, and it would have gotten a higher rating if I had gone into it without all the hype.

ENTERTAINMENT WEEKLY'S BEST YA OF THE DECADE NEW YORK TIMES bestseller Brand new edition of Victoria Schwab's long out-of-print, stunning debut. 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. 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. 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.

Marta

** spoiler alert **
           4.5 ★

When I first started reading this book, I did not realise how much I would love it.

It kept the mysterious and fantastical ambience pretty well from the beginning to the end. I liked how the little bits of romance between the two main characters did not take away and overwhelm the main story, as some others do. 

As the edition of this book that I read also included "The Ash-Born Boy" which is a prequel relating Cole's POV, it made me just wonder how vaguely Cole related his past. The way he put it, it made him seem like a random boy with an unfortunate and unloving stepfather, not royalty. Not to mention he never really told her his real name. I am sure that he will eventually let that out to Lexi but, wow, that was a surprise to me.

Annika Arguemore

The novel was pretty intricate with the details of uncovering the events. It was all so vivid you just felt like you were there and what a wonderful horrific, enchanting environment this whole novel illustrated. It's that beautiful, macabre sort of picture this book painted that I can't fully explain. I also love how the setting's really attuned to nature. I love moors even if I haven't seen one in real life yet. I mostly see them in Nat Geo and Discovery, but even though I haven't seen them yet, I'm already enchanted by them and their beauty. Moors just seem to hold so much secrets, you know? And I guess that's what this book is. An unveiling of a secret of a moor.

This novel sort of reminds me of The Hounds of Baskerville episode from Sherlock (with Benedict Cumberbatch and Martin Freeman).

What I didn't like was how sudden the romance was. Some romantic scenes were just there out of blue. Some weren't, though, which is good.

In conclusion, this book is a great read. So go give it a read!

The first Schwab book and it’s not as swishy as the later books but still better than a lot of books because talent is talent. Small town witch stuff. Outsiders vs insiders. Insiders who feel like outsiders. You know the catalogue by now I am sure… 

Apiecalypse Jen

ENTERTAINMENT WEEKLY'S BEST YA OF THE DECADE • NEW YORK TIMES bestseller Brand new edition of Victoria Schwab’s long out-of-print, stunning debut 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. 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. 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, 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.

Q&D: wouldn't have finished this book if it wasn't an audiobook. Definitely felt like a debut novel and while I'm a fan of her later work, I would only recommend picking this up if you're obsessed with her and want to read more of her work.

Abigail F

grace richards

Brittany Reynolds 

I love Victoria Schwab. I was a little nervous to read this as it is her debut novel. I obviously fell in love with her later works, so I was worried it wouldn't live up to them. It was interesting to see where she came from, I can say she has improved. Her writing is always beautiful, but I found this book dragging. I had to force myself to finish it.

 The atmosphere was great, but I didn't care for the insta-love (never do). Time in the book was off, sometimes it would pass so quickly and others it would drag. Lexi would go for a walk in the morning, get to her destination, have a 5 minutes conversation and it was night. It made me confused as to how far she was walking. It said that it took place in a single town, so surely not that far. The ending seemed abrupt and not overly satisfying. 

 This isn't a bad book, but it was too slow for my liking. I would recommend, This Savage Song or a Darker Shade of Magic over this one. If you are looking for another middle grade book, City of Ghosts was good. It gave me Halloween Disney special feels.

I really loved that despite the age of the characters, this didn’t really feel like a YA novel. Other than the ending, it was pretty creepy and adult. 

i was really thrown off when after the ending of the initial story, it went into Coal’s story, but it was good- I was just kind of checked out by then!

Kendra Leigh 

I really loved that despite the age of the characters, this didn’t really feel like a YA novel. Other than the ending, it was pretty creepy and adult. 

i was really thrown off when after the ending of the initial story, it went into Coal’s story, but it was good- I was just kind of checked out by then!

Elisa Bieg

This book was quite atmospheric, and featured a decent rendition of the “quiet village blaming the innocent stranger” trope, particularly as it worked itself into a heartwarming, hopeful resolution.
However this where my list of likes ends. 

I didn’t find any of the characters well fleshed out. The MC’s characterization was ok, but everyone else was like shadows of themselves, nor really solid characters, just sort of floating in and out of the scene, around Lexi. 

The pacing was very slow, which can often work well with a very atmospheric read, but sometimes I found it needlessly slow, and that was a bit exasperating.

There is instalove, and while it doesn’t always bother me because I think attraction can happen quickly, here it felt slightly contrived. 

This is going straight into my swap pile and I don’t even want to read the novella at the end, so I’m giving it 2.5 STARS

Dee B. 

It seems that Victoria has ALWAYS had it.

Lydia White

Atmosphere in this book is top notch. 
Classic fairytale story with VVitch vibes. Super enjoyable as an audiobook too!

Clara Moore

As a lover of all things VE Schwab I was excited to discover her very first published novel. Although different from the worlds she has created since, The Near Witch still shines with Schwab's brilliance. The story is simpler than how she writes now but it entrances the reader from page one nonetheless. The story is charming, the characters strong-willed and fierce, and it will keep you turning pages until you discover who or what will be triumphant. 

If you are a Schwab fan you will not be disappointed. If anything you will appreciate where she started and gain a deeper appreciation for her more recent stories and her incredible development as an author.

Melanie Richards

3.5 stars. Love the story of the Near witch, could have done with less kissing and more Lexi saving the day.

Samantha Chavez 

V.E. Schwab created an intricate mystery that draws the readers in from the first page. As far as standalone debuts go, it’s one of the best I’ve ever read. I loved the characters, the romance, the adventure, the mystery, and the creepiness underlying it all. 
Although I wish there could have been more development of Cole and Lexis relationship as well as with Cole, it was still wonderful. 
Other than the relationship happening a bit fast, it was romantic and an amazing story.

Alexa Jade

This was verrrrrry slow moving and I wasn’t invested I. The characters at all BUT it wasn’t awful so 3 stars it is.

Imie Kent-Muller

Thank you to Titan books for sending me a copy! I was over the moon when it arrived in my store! 

As an avid V E Schwab reader, I was aware that this book existed, but longed for the day I could read it. Thankfully, due to her popularity, her first book The Near Witch was re-released in this gorgeous edition. As her debut book, I was not sure what to expect. But I can tell you I was not disappointed. This has a similar atmosphere to all your favourite creepy fairy tales and gothic haunts. Near is a town where there are never any strangers, so when a boy turns up and children start to disappear - well the town goes into a frenzy. The magic within the story is elemental and almost elegantly described. I have always loved Schwab's imagination when it comes to world building and this story is no exception. As always, Schwab creates a world that you fall into page after page. The atmosphere is a key part to this story and she does it beautifully. 

Schwab is also know for her characters - and this book is another example of her skill in crafting characters that the reader really connects to. Lexi is a heroine which you want to succeed. Her curiosity, her adventure and her caring for others makes her a wonderful protagonist. The love story element to the book does not steal her character or plot, but adds a lovely dimension to the book. 

For any lover of fairy tales and soft atmospheric fantasy reads, The Near Witch is definitely a book for you.

Becky

This was such a charming read. It's short but easily drew me in as I felt for Lexi and her struggle to overcome the fear her town had of those who were different and force them to face the reality that they created the monsters who haunted them at night.

I don't want to reveal too much but I will say this was a great book which showed how fear stops you from seeing clearly.

In it you can see that this is an earlier work of Schwab's. It isn't in anyway bad or less than her other books, it's simply that her skill with the written word is spectacular to read and you can see this isn't as skilled as her earlier works but it shows her talent well. The book is a little strange and there are some interesting characters who aren't all good but even the bad are a little ambiguous as they are trying to do right just in the wrong way (but others just suck).

I did feel like there were still loose ends when I finished. Maybe that is why she doesn't seem to do standalones anymore. She realised the level of world building and story she wants to tell cannot be contained within just one book. I was glad to see there was an extra story in this but it really wasn't needed to still be able to enjoy it.

Laura Yaneth Martinez

This just gave me the perfect spooky vibes for October. Probably never would have picked up the physical book but as an audiobook it just feels like someone se about to tuck you into bed read you a bedtime story & you’re about to drift off into Grimm land. Loved this and loved coal

Sophia De La Garza

I'm so conflicted over this book. It was atmospheric and had the perfect set up to be an amazing witch novel, however, I think the overall structure of the plot needed work. 

The story of the Near Witch is less than three hundred pages and I think that's the issue. I wanted more from the story. The beginning was nicely paced however once things started to pick up, details didn't seem as important. I wanted to know more about the town of Near and the history behind, I feel as though the characters were underdeveloped, and the romance was a bit too much for the little we get of the story. 

However, despite these flaws I still found the book to be enjoyable and am giving it 3.5 stars because I honestly loved the atmosphere and what the story could have been.

Toni Turner

I took a very long break in the middle of reading this book, but I finally finished it! That wasn’t the books fault btw. It was just my mood haha. 

This was sweet and not sweet and fast and slow and full of goodness and badness in battle in my favorite setting ever. Lexi might be one of my favorite protagonists I’ve read from.

Kaitee Tredway

Victoria Schwab is the master of first lines: “It starts with a crack, a sputter, and a spark. The match hisses to life.”

But the wind: one of my favorite things about magic of The Near Witch is the connection between witches, the moor, and the wind. I didn’t realize how often I associate witches with fire until, suddenly, there was no fire.

This is a book about stories and the power of telling them, passing them along, and what happens when we turn our backs on stories and magic. The town of Near is afraid. Afraid of strangers. Afraid of witches. Afraid of what’s different. Lexi is different.

Her father told her stories, taught her to respect to moor, to respect witches and to not fear things she does not understand. When the children of the Near start to disappear from their beds without a trace the night after a stranger arrives, the townspeople know who to blame. The stranger. Lexi, intrepid and defiant, knows there is more to the story.

The Near Witch reads like an almost-familiar fairy tale. It is simply a gorgeous little book.

ashley hopkins

I keep having dreams about the book. I guess it's telling me I need to read it when it comes out. :)

Mary Graham &
The Near Witch by V.E. Schwab

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