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shelvesofivy's review
hopeful
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying
Moderate: Death
Minor: Grief, Body horror, and Abandonment
oddduck's review
fast-paced
5.0
An excellent continuation of the events of The Witch Boy. One of the more difficult things about writing sequels is expanding the worldbuilding, but this book did a lovely job with that.
It was nice to see Mikasi's story continue, though the end of it was a little sad. But also not? Like, his sacrifice was entirely his choice and his reasons for making it were really good, but it's still sad that he didn't get to spend more time with his family. He was failed by them in such a damaging way for so long. It would have been nice to see that healed a little more. But ultimately, I think this plot point had a satisfactory resolution.
Ariel's a really interesting character and I really liked this start to her journey. She's clearly been struggling by herself without anyone to support her for a long time, and I am a sucker for people in this situation learning to trust and rely on people.
Sedge was a huge surprise for me, but I loved him so much. One thing that bugs me a ton is when characters go through something very traumatic and the story afterwards doesn't even acknowledge it? Like, they're fine now, so it was no big. Uh, it should definitely have left a lasting impression. If it doesn't, that's equally as concerning, because it means that sort of thing has become normal which is not healthy either. But Sedge is affected by the events of The Witch Boy. The way he struggles with shifting and his ultimate decision that he doesn't want to do it anymore was not only a great character moment, but also a world building one. It shows that Aster's acceptance as a witch is causing further changes to their culture. Ones that keep the values of family, but allow them to give their children the support they need to be their best selves. Plus, it was really nice to see Aster finally having a relationship with his peers, after being so cut off from them for so long because he was "different".
And of course, Aster's continuing journey as a witch. While it hurt to see his aunt not totally supporting him, it also felt realistic. Honestly, one of my few complaints about this story is that this issue didn't get resolved. Or, at least, not on screen. But it was still nice to see Aster finally getting to be a witch, without having to hide it or feel ashamed, because he's not supposed to be one. This felt like the only possible continuation of his story and built nicely on his relationships with his grandmother, sister, mom, and Charlie to do so.
It was nice to see Mikasi's story continue, though the end of it was a little sad. But also not? Like, his sacrifice was entirely his choice and his reasons for making it were really good, but it's still sad that he didn't get to spend more time with his family. He was failed by them in such a damaging way for so long. It would have been nice to see that healed a little more. But ultimately, I think this plot point had a satisfactory resolution.
Ariel's a really interesting character and I really liked this start to her journey. She's clearly been struggling by herself without anyone to support her for a long time, and I am a sucker for people in this situation learning to trust and rely on people.
Sedge was a huge surprise for me, but I loved him so much. One thing that bugs me a ton is when characters go through something very traumatic and the story afterwards doesn't even acknowledge it? Like, they're fine now, so it was no big. Uh, it should definitely have left a lasting impression. If it doesn't, that's equally as concerning, because it means that sort of thing has become normal which is not healthy either. But Sedge is affected by the events of The Witch Boy. The way he struggles with shifting and his ultimate decision that he doesn't want to do it anymore was not only a great character moment, but also a world building one. It shows that Aster's acceptance as a witch is causing further changes to their culture. Ones that keep the values of family, but allow them to give their children the support they need to be their best selves. Plus, it was really nice to see Aster finally having a relationship with his peers, after being so cut off from them for so long because he was "different".
And of course, Aster's continuing journey as a witch. While it hurt to see his aunt not totally supporting him, it also felt realistic. Honestly, one of my few complaints about this story is that this issue didn't get resolved. Or, at least, not on screen. But it was still nice to see Aster finally getting to be a witch, without having to hide it or feel ashamed, because he's not supposed to be one. This felt like the only possible continuation of his story and built nicely on his relationships with his grandmother, sister, mom, and Charlie to do so.
Content Warnings
Minor: Death and Body horror
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