THE NEAR WITCH by VE Schwab | reading vlog and spoiler free review

TL;DR

A debut novel by Victoria Schwab that falls short in execution but shows hints of her signature writing style.

Transcript

because you're watching me hello and welcome my name is Starla and today's video is what is getting plaques which one Victoria Schwab it's March 12th release day and a bunch of cookies because they keep giving me those buy one get one free coupons and literally after buying those cookies my receipt was more buy one get one free it's gorgeous I migh... Read More

Key Insights

• 💦 Victoria Schwab's writing style is dark, magical, and beautiful, which translates well in all of her works.
• 🛟 The near Witch's fairytale-like atmosphere and intriguing themes of small town life and insider-outsider bias are highlights of the story.
• 🧘 The pacing and editing in "The Near Witch" could have been improved, as some scenes feel repetitive and the overall execution falls short.
• 🥰 While the main character, Lexie, is not very likable and makes some annoying choices, the love interest is a standout character.
• 📔 "The Ashbourne Boy" novella provides answers to unanswered questions in the main book and adds depth to the story.
• 🤕 Context and taking into consideration the book's publishing year and the author's young age while writing should be considered when reviewing "The Near Witch."

Questions & Answers

Q: How does "The Near Witch" compare to Victoria Schwab's other works?

As a debut novel, "The Near Witch" shows potential but falls short in execution. Schwab's later works, such as her "Shades of Magic" series, showcase her growth as a writer.

Q: Is the book worth reading despite its flaws?

While "The Near Witch" may not be Schwab's strongest work, fans of her writing style and dark fantasy elements may still find enjoyment in this early novel.

Q: How does the novella "The Ashbourne Boy" tie into the story?

"The Ashbourne Boy" is a companion novella that delves into the backstory and unanswered questions surrounding the love interest in "The Near Witch." It provides much-needed context and enhances the overall reading experience.

Q: Is the romance in the book well-developed?

The romance in "The Near Witch" leans towards insta-love, which may not appeal to all readers. However, the novella "The Ashbourne Boy" offers more insight into the love interest and adds depth to their relationship.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• "The Near Witch" is set in the town of Near, where children start disappearing and a stranger appears, leading to a hunt for the Near Witch.

• The story has a fairytale-like atmosphere, with elements of suspense, horror, and paranormal romance.

• While the book has some beautiful passages and intriguing themes, it suffers from repetitive scenes and underdeveloped characters.