Bro, I love it when books are creepy on multiple levels and atmospheric and leave me with SOME questions but then also have some kissing. Yes, I totally just described The Near Witch by Victoria Schwab. Because it is ALL OF THOSE THINGS.
The Near Witch
Lexi lives in the town of Near. There are zero strangers in Near. Everyone knows everyone. Two good witches named Magda and Dreska live on the edge of town. One night a smokin’ stranger shows up in Near. Lexi is intrigued AND OH BY THE WAY the stranger’s arrival coincides with the disappearance of a local child. Naturally the town is out for blood.
What I enjoyed most about The Near Witch by Victoria Schwab was the atmospheric writing. I could feel the claustrophobia of the moor. I could hear the wind singing. Of course, I also had a picture of the village from that movie THE VILLAGE in mind. Still I enjoyed the details Victoria Schwab put into world building. Although okay my questions – how did they have rifles when they mentioned that no one ever comes into Near? Do they have a rifle factory? Also, what time period is this? I mean, because of the rifles and all. I have no idea.
And yo, the goosebumps came. The Near Witch by Victoria Schwab is spooky. There are layers of spook. Sure, the witch is scary with her anger and magic, but I found the neighbors to be more perturbing. Mainly because the residents of Near want to scapegoat the disappearances on Cole without proof. Yeah, total YIKES moment right there.
Okay, so Cole is the stranger in the night. And like all night strangers, not that I have much experience with night strangers, he is mysterious and lonely and has a sad past. And Lexi, the main character is totally into him. Expect kissing, yo. Unless you are 7, I don’t think that is a spoiler.
The Near Witch is Victoria Schwab’s debut and hell, I enjoyed it. I believe authors improve over time, so um, friends, when is her sophomore book out? BECAUSE I WANT IT BADLY! Look, I like witches and creepy crawly feelings and kissing and atmospheric reads, so of course I am excited for wherever Schwab’s career may take her.
Disclosure: Received for review via Netgalley BUT THEN IT EXPIRED so I borrowed this from my library. Not sure how the FTC interprets that, ha ha.
Other reviews of The Near Witch by Victoria Schwab:
Red House Books
Paranormal Indulgence
Frenetic Reader
Mindful Musings
Steph Su Reads
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I love the cover of this book. It’s kind a creepy, how she’s hiding behind the curtain, but also beautiful. The model is really pretty, but not in an overly gorgeous way. She looks like the girl next door kinda pretty. I want to tell her that hiding behind a sheer curtain isn’t going to help if she doesn’t want scary things to see her. I don’t think she’d listen though.
Good point about the rifles.. I’m thinking they must have a rifle factory. Or maybe the town wasn’t always like that? Maybe there was a time when they did have people coming into town and that just stocked up then? There’s witches right? Maybe they brewed them. I’m only speculating cause I haven’t read this yet. lol
This book got a whole lot of hype.. I was very nearly going to purchase it, when a friend of mine read it and said that it didn’t live up to it.. in her opinion. We don’t have the exact same tastes, but it made me hesitate anyway.
I adore kissing and creepy things. I’m so glad you reviewed this, because I really trust your judgement. 🙂
I am glad you trust my judgement! 🙂
I love the cover too, it’s quite pretty.
And yes, I remember the hype machine. I’m glad I waited to read it.
If the setting doesn’t work I don’t know if I could get into it without questioning every little thing. I have heard some very mixed reviews, some very good, some that make me wonder. Nice review!
I can understand that. I like to read believable worlds.
I loved this book. Her next book doesn’t come out until 2013! So long to wait!
That is a long time!
That cover would get me to read it, despite what it’s about! I love a good spooky, scary book and this sounds so right up my alley!
I love a good book cover! If a book cover catches my eye, I usually feel a desperation to read it.
This was on my tbr list already, but I want it much more now! I might actually have to take Active Steps to get a hold of it….
Better get the library hold in motion!
I loved it too. Such a good book. Unfortunately her sophomore book doesn’t come out till 2013 as of now. 🙁
Right? The Near Witch rocked. Sucks that the wait is so long for her next book.
Ah! I am so glad you read this one! Wasn’t that some awesome freaking writing!?! So beautiful!
YES! The writing was fantastic. 😀
I so agree that this is an eerie and atmospheric book. Really beautiful. Glad you liked it too. Nice that it’s a standalone book, but I’m eager to read her next book too.
I love that The Near Witch was standalone since it seems there is a dearth of standalone books.
I’m totally with you on the awesome atmospheric writing! I loved it! I also loved the old witches too. They were such a fun addition to the story.
Oh, and thanks for the link love! 🙂
Magda and Dreska rock!
AH. I’m so happy you finally read this and reviewed it! AND THEN you totally linked me :DD
Anyway, this book was so delightfully creepy and the romance and the characters and GOSH. Mega loved this book. And it’s funny you mentioned the expired bit because that’s EXACTLY what happened to me. I was too stupid to read it as soon as the approval came through, and even after I picked up at the library, I was reluctant. Needless to say, I’m an irrational person. *lol*
Oh this is a funny review. I laughed heartily a couple of times.
Yeah, I remember when this was making rounds and I remember everyone having a royal fit over it and loving it and stuff, but I never even read a synopsis of it. So, yeah, thanks for filling me in on what the book is about. It does sound creepy to the max, but I can probably handle it. Although I don’t always love witch books because to me they can sometimes be too creepy. Hmmm. Also, I didn’t realize the town was called Near. That explains SO MUCH about the title.
Gah, if I’d have just taken the time to read the synopsis, so much would’ve been clearer to me and I wouldn’t have had to rely on you for all of my info. *makes Oops! face*