Friday, September 20, 2019

Book review - The Okay Witch

Title: The Okay Witch
Author: Emma Steinkellner
Genre: magic/graphic novel
Similar books: Haphaven by Norm Harper
                      The City on the Other Side by Mairghread Scott
Rating:
a solid read

Summary (provided by publisher): Magic is harder than it looks.
Thirteen-year-old Moth Hush loves all things witchy. But she’s about to discover that witches aren’t just the stuff of movies, books, and spooky stories. When some eighth-grade bullies try to ruin her Halloween, something really strange happens. It turns out that Founder’s Bluff, Massachusetts, has a centuries-old history of witch drama. And, surprise: Moth’s family is at the center of it all! When Moth’s new powers show up, things get totally out-of-control. She meets a talking cat, falls into an enchanted diary, and unlocks a hidden witch world. Secrets surface from generations past as Moth unravels the complicated legacy at the heart of her town, her family, and herself.
In this spellbinding graphic novel debut, Emma Steinkellner spins a story packed with humor and heart about the weird and wonderful adventures of a witch-in-progress.


My opinion: There are a lot of things I like about this story. Yes, there's magic. But it's magic with rules. Moth doesn't just do magic. She has to learn and overextending her abilities has a cost. So does her mother attempting a large spell after years of denying her magic. It's implied that magic takes a toll on the body unless you are acclimated. I also like that the villain isn't straight up evil. We're dealing with inter-generational feuds, a mayor who has been raised on the idea that magic is inherently evil. In another book he'd be totally hard nosed, ready to burn them alive. He's able to see the light, though. Away from the influence of the ghosts, he can be made to see their perspective. A solid story with unique elements and absolutely charming art.
Advanced Reader Copy provided by NetGalley

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