The Near Witch - Victoria Schwab

Release Date - August 2, 2011
Publisher - Hyperion
Age Group - 12 to 18
Pages - 288
Rating 5/5

Summary - 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.

Review - The Near Witch was, to simply put it, AMAZING! From the first moment I picked this book up I didn't want to put it down. At first I didn't know why. I remember thinking, "why am I  so into this? Nothing has even happened."

I'll tell you what happened, Ms. Victoria Schwab has made one amazing novel that everyone should read.

Let me start off by talking about the cover. Its not a pop out, look at me cover, but it is very pretty and does tie into the story.

On to the plot. It was original, for me. I can say I have never read a book like this one. As I said before I was hooked from page one and it kept me there through out the remainder. I don't think I once had a boring moment. Once it really got going, I had to know what was gonna happen next.

I definitely enjoyed all of the characters. they all had their own unique personality and made the story what it was. Without those I think the story wouldn't have been as enjoyable. The main character, Lexi, was amazing. I loved her kick- ass, heroine personality. But I did enjoy seeing her vulnerable side too. 

Victoria's writing.... The best thing I can say is I can't wait for whatever she has in store for us next. Her first novel was amazing and I am sure I will also enjoy anything else that she decides to write. 

Amazing book and I can't wait for more from Victoria. 

Cover - 5

Plot - 5

Characters - 5

Writing - 5

Ending - 5

Tempest Rising - Tracey Deebs

Release Date - May 10, 2011
Publisher - Walker Books for Young Readers
Age Group - Teen
Pages - 288
Rating - 5/5

Summary - Tempest Maguire wants nothing more than to surf the killer waves near her California home; continue her steady relationship with her boyfriend, Mark; and take care of her brothers and surfer dad. But Tempest is half mermaid, and as her seventeenth birthday approaches, she will have to decide whether to remain on land or give herself to the ocean like her mother. The pull of the water becomes as insistent as her attraction to Kai, a gorgeous surfer whose uncanny abilities hint at an otherworldly identity as well. And when Tempest does finally give in to the water's temptation and enters a fantastical underwater world, she finds that a larger destiny awaits her—and that the entire ocean's future hangs in the balance.

Review - I don't even know how to begin this one, other than if you have it on your shelves get up and start reading it.  If you don't, go out and get a copy because it was amazing. This book made me feel things I never thought I would feel about it. 


The main character, Tempest, is forced to make a huge decision and I was shocked with the one that she made. I cried, I held my mouth and I didn't want to put this book down. I didn't want it to end! I don't think there was ever a part in this novel that I was bored with. 


There were parts along the plot that were slightly predictable, but in a good way. I loved how it slowly grew to its climax, peaked high and dropped. But it didn't stay down for long. Those last two pages shot it way back up, making the ending of this story great! It left me wanting to know more, but if there isn't another book, I would be okay with that too. 


I loved each and every character in this book. Especially Moku. He always made me smile. I was a little confused with how relationships formed and ended but by the end I didn't care. I wanted them to be where they were. 


As I was reading I didn't think I would read this book again, but after finishing and sitting here writing my review, I know I would. Tempest Rising has become one of my favorites that I think everyone needs to go out and read!


Cover - 4


Plot - 5


Characters - 5


Writing - 5


Ending - 10/5