The Near Witch

My first encounter with V.E. Schwab's work was her Shades of Magic series, and I immediately fell in love. So when I heard that her out-of-print debut was around the corner, I didn't hesitate to hit that pre-order button. I knew I was in for a treat and I was not disappointed!

As the blurb says, this story is part fairy tale and part love story. The narrative centers around a young woman who lives in a small town, trapped by the expectations of the men around her, but aching to follow in her late father's footsteps. She's wise beyond her years, and living in that special point of adolescence/young adulthood where she hovers between relating to children and wanting to be an adult, taken seriously by her seniors. Add to that that the men in her life are dismissive of her ideas on the basis of her needing to stay in her place as a girl, and that makes for a great heroine with a righteous rebellious streak. Lexi doesn't care what rules she has to break if it means saving the people she cares about.

The world of this book is one I didn't want to leave. Its mythos, while simple, was so well-developed and immersive that it felt like it could be real. My favorite kind of fantasy is the kind that feels like it could be happening in real life, and fairy tales that manage to spin magic with a touch of realism are my kryptonite. It made me wish the story was longer, if only so I could spend more time in that world.

I think my favorite part of the story, however, was how the character that should have been the prince in shining armor was more of a damsel in distress. Lexi was very much in command, and though she had many forces acting against her, she never really needed saving, or felt helpless, and was fully capable of kicking ass and doing what needed doing. Cole, on the other hand, while valiant and brave, played more of the role of the person that needed saving. This story had the familiarity of a fairy tale, but has a unique spin to it I wasn't expecting.

All in all, if you're a fan of fairy tales (think Holly Black's work), then this should definitely be your next read!

Lexi Harris lives in the village of Near. Secluded in the vast stretches of the moor, Near and its residents live a quiet, if mundane, existence. That is until a strange, ethereal boy arrives in town. As young children begin to go missing in the middle of the night, the outsider is blamed, but Lexi is convinced a dark, older, more nefarious entity is behind the disappearances: The Near Witch. A story filled with magic, love, and heart, VE Schwab's THE NEAR WITCH is an absolutely beautiful read.

I will always freely admit i am a massive VE Schwab fan. THE NEAR WITCH seems different than her other works. As her first novel, THE NEAR WITCH is smaller, a more intimate story. Her characters don't quite have the complexity she is now known for, but you can see the beginnings of everything to come. Lexi is stubborn and filled with angst and conviction. She's the character you want to root for. Cole's mystery is what seems compelling. The love story is alright, but it is secondary to the overall conflict.

There are many themes throughout: family, love, acceptance, isolation. Everything is brought together well but unexceptionally.

What truly sets this book apart is the absolutely gorgeous writing and amazing setting/atmosphere. Schwab has a lyrical storytelling quality that makes you feel the grass of the moors at your feet, see the wind blown trees, and connect with the natural rhythm and beauty of Near just like Lexi does. This has become one of my favorite books for the writing alone.

THE NEAR WITCH is one of those hauntingly beautiful books you should crack open on a blustery, rainy night. It is subtle, quiet, and unimposing, but settles around you like a comfortable blanket. There is something familiar in the tale of witches and young love that makes this simple story a treat to experience. I have a feeling I'm going to read this book again and again.

This was a true surprise, by a gifted writer. I found I really loved this book, loved the lead characters, and loved the sister witches that were not "wicked at all" but helpful. A mysterious young man arrives one night, and happens on Near as children are missing.. Is the long dead Near back to punish these men who chose to murder her, falsely blaming her for missing children a century ago, that she's not guilty of taking back then, or is she's just looking for peace and a respectful burial..Can they get her bones be found in time before another innocent victim is killed by these men that feel they'll never get their kids back, and now want to hurt a strange but sweet, innocent young man with his own past traumas. The characters are loveable, but in Near only the women seem wise, but exist at a time when men rule by brute force and thick headedness.. Does Lexi get help before it's too late and get back the stolen children...You'll devour this book in two nights, I did. I hope there's a sequel. I love this authors work. I promise you'll love this one too. The end of this book has a short story that is some of the best writing I have read in years. I was riveted and my heart beat as it wrapped up explaining who Cole is. His story deserves a book in itself..You can start at the end and then read again. Amazing writing. Every sentence of "Cole's'" story is breathtaking.

Sometimes, when you fall in love with a book, you wonder if it’s the book itself or the author. After reading The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue, I wanted to read more by V.E. Schwab. After a quick search and social media follows, I read Schwab’s first published book, The Near Witch.

The Near Witch is a lovely story about magic and witches and family, trust, and judgment. I loved how the story captures you and takes you to the moors. There’s enough detail about all the right things and enough ambiguity where there needs to be as well. I read the book quickly because, like Addie LaRue, you’re focused on the character and what she does and experiences. Schwab doesn’t bog you down with overly descriptive passages about things that don’t matter.

The Near Witch tells the tale of Lexi Harris in her small community called Near. Everyone knows everyone, so when a mysterious stranger enters their town, and unexplainable things happen, the best – and the worst – is brought out within the community.

This is one of those underrated books that, I hope, stands the test of time. The themes within it are present today in fear of the unknown, fear of strangers, fear of different beliefs, and fear of change. Be kind and be curious, but don’t assume malice before proof.

Lovely, atmospheric details. I found myself emerged in the dark and harrowing setting of Near. This book has the feel of a classic folktale: common villagers, an impending evil, a hero character, and a moral lesson—head the words of wise women and don't underestimate society's outliers.

A good story with good subtext. I enjoyed the subtle feminist undercurrents and the notable rejection of toxic masculinity.

I will note that this is Schwab's debut novel. It lacks some of the genius of her later works, but it is still a worthy read.

Her first book, here now in re-reprint, is like getting to read a long-lost little gem. Yeah, it’s very “YA” and a few times I felt the main protagonists’ relationship was a bit rushed, as is sometimes a staple in the older “YA” books, but all this is easily looked passed and forgiven for such an interesting and new story. I love Schwab’s take on witches in this book, it’s refreshing and even a little brave, considering all the HP knock-offs out there. The only thing that really ever bothered me, was (and this may have been on purpose?) I could never really get a feel for what time period we were supposed to be in. I just made my best guess and went along.

The version of the book I just finished also had “The Ash-Born Boy” included at the end, which was a nice treat to get a backstory on one particular character that I will not name here for fear of spoilers, but it was a great addition to the main story of The Near Witch.

Just a quick note to add—any of you Audible members who might think about purchasing the Audible version of this book - DON’T!! I’ve been a member w/Audible for over 3 years now and THIS was the only book I’ve ever returned! I HATED to do that too, because I like to support my fav authors, but the Narrator is absolutely ridiculous! She sounds like my British-voiced Siri trying to read me a book. It’s truly unlistenable—the worse I’ve heard. But by all means—go buy yourself the actual physical book, or download the Kindle version. You will not be disappointed!

I do enjoy most of VE Schwabs work. I loved the Darker Shade trilogy and enjoyed her villainous duo-logy and the many lives of Addie La Rue.

This was felt like a nice simple fable/fairy tale, which is also a particular favorite of mine. It had nice intrigue and a hint of magic. I think the characters lacked some depth to them. Like Lexi we got loved her family but I struggled to really connect with her.

A bit of insta love which I didn’t exactly mind but I also felt like Cole was a bit too vague. I liked that we got his story at the end though.

Not very original plot wise, but a lovely ride regardless!