GIFTED | I always loved fairy stories as a child and tales of magic still hold a particular fascination for me. So a Titan Books press release about VE Schwab’s The Near Witch* caught my eye immediately. Arthur C Clarke may well have opined that magic is just science that we don’t understand yet, but I’m siding with Hamlet, “There are more things in heaven and earth, Horatio, Than are dreamt of in your philosophy.” How much more exciting is it when you don’t know where a story is going, and things happen that defy explanation?
The Near Witch
“It starts with a crack, a sputter, and a spark.”
So opens The Near Witch, the long out-of-print debut of VE Schwab which has recently returned to US shelves. And celebrates its first ever UK publication in a brand-new, deluxe hardback from Titan Books. The book also contains the never-before-printed short story, “The Ash Born Boy” plus a new introduction from the author.
The Near Witch is a story told to frighten children.
The wind is lonely, and always looking for company.
There are no strangers in the town of Near.
These are the truths Lexi has heard all her life. But when a stranger appears in Near, she knows that at least one of these sayings is no longer true. Then children start disappearing from their beds. As the hunt for them intensifies, Lexi discovers that the witch might be more than a bedtime story…
Part-fairy tale, part-love story, The Near Witch is a beautiful crossover fantasy novel about family, community, love, longing, and power. The Near Witch is now available in hardback from Amazon UK.
As one of my favourite authors, I don’t think VE Schwab needs another massive introduction from me. Suffice to say that she’s the No.1 New York Times bestselling author of multiple novels, including This Savage Song and the Darker Shade of Magic series.
First impressions
They say you should never judge a book by its cover but can we please take a moment to admire the gorgeously illustrated paper cover and stunning hardback inside? And the lovely touch of what I first took to be a bookmark that had been printed back to front, which turned out to be a temporary tattoo!
At just under 300 pages, The Near Witch is a short book, with a bonus 60-page short story at the end. Set in a small village and surrounded by the moors, you know you’re in for a creepy tale from the get go. As a story about how fear and prejudice can work to undermine an attempt to do good, I think The Near Witch works brilliantly. It’s human nature to fear what we don’t understand and both of Schwab’s tales conjure up an atmosphere of claustrophobia, paranoia and tension. You sense that the injustice meted out so long ago will be avenged but how that comes about keeps this a real page turner.
I will say that I found the instant romance between Lexi and Cole a little hard to believe; a little fear, or at least some caution, might have been in order. Plus the fact that Lexi always seemed to be able to sneak out without being caught. There are some stereotypes too: the overbearing uncle/protector (Otto), the bullying villager (Bo), the possessive boyfriend (Tyler). But these are small niggles really, not things that stopped me enjoying the book. Overall, I think this story about the impact of fear and suspicion, justice being served, and, in Cole’s words, “… not wanting to lose everything for someone else’s crimes,” is well-deserving of its second life.
Would I recommend it?
Having loved VE Schwab’s earlier novels in The Archive recently, I couldn’t wait to read her very first published book. In her introduction to The Near Witch, Schwab says the opening words of this book also apply to her career as an author. And that on first publication, it struggled to stay on the shelves against the weight of other, louder books. But gradually, as her popularity grew, more people began asking about that first story, the spark that started her fire. So, if you’re a fan of her work then I urge to you read this book, the one that started it all. And if you don’t know her work yet, then this is the perfect place to make your acquaintance.
Thank you so much to Titan Books, firstly for republishing The Near Witch, and then for sending me a copy to review. It sits very proudly next to my other VE Schwab books and I can confirm I’m a total fan!
* This book was gifted in exchange for a review but all opinions are my own. This post also uses affiliate links (see my disclaimer). Please do feel free to check out my other book reviews too.
I must admit, I’m not usually the biggest fantasy fan, but I’ve been expanding the genres I read lately, and this sounds super interesting. It seems like it introduces some thriller/mystery themes, what with the children disappearing, which is more what I’m into. With all that going on, I’m definitely left wondering how they find the time for romance, haha! I love how detailed your review was.
Ah, thank you, that’s lovely to hear! There’s definitely some mystery in there (not least how fast the love affair blossoms, haha) but it was such an easy and engrossing read. And I really had no clue where the story was going at one point, which was interesting 🙂
I’ve never read any of this authors books but I’ve heard a lot of good things. It’s not a genre I’d usually opt for but as it’s a short book I’d definitely be more inclined to read it! The cover certainly is stunning <3
Jenny in Neverland
It’s a really good introduction to her work, I think you’d race through it. And yes, the cover is just WOW, isn’t it?! x
This book actually sounds like a really lovely read, I have been trying to find a book to get stuck into for ages so I may have to give this a go. I love that there’s a mix between fantasy and reality and a little fairytale. Great review x
Oh, in that case, I think you’d love this one, it’s the perfect combination. Do let me know what you think if you do read it! x
Sounds really nice, thanks for telling the truth about the cliches part. I don´t know her work,but I may read her later in this year or next year, the problem for me is I speaks spanish jaja, i am very slow reader in english. The book cover es divine!!!
Ah, you’re welcome, and I hope you do get to read some of her work, she’s really an amazing writer. Such a fabulous imagination 🙂
I’m not the biggest fan of fantasy books and I’m not familiar with the author either, if I’m honest. But I’d probably read this book as I like reading an author’s first piece and also the story does sound quite interesting. I’m glad you enjoyed it so much, Lisa. Thanks for sharing!
It was very interesting to read this first book and see how far she’s come with her later novels. There’s no way of writing that without sounding patronising but I hope you get what I mean! x
I know they say don’t judge a book by its cover but it a very pretty colour – i would defo love to pick this up and have a read, now that I’ve finally read the books in my house I can buy new ones!
Jessica & James
Aw yay, the perfect excuse to buy new books, and lots of them! 🙂
Okay, this was DEFINITELY just added to my ‘to read’ list because it sounds like something I’d really enjoy! Thanks for sharing, I love finding new books to read!
Ah, you’re welcome, I hope you do enjoy it if you read it – and let me know what you think!
I’ve seen so much praise for this author recently and though not a genre I read a lot I’ll definitely try her books because of who I’ve heard raving about her including you, great review and thank you for bringing it to my attention.
I think all the praise is very well deserved, she’s a great writer and it’s been so interesting seeing her earliest work bearing in mind how much I enjoyed her more popular Shades of Magic and Vicious series. I hope you enjoy her writing too!
Great review Lisa. I’m not a huge lover of fairy tales but do love the fantasy genre and this sounds like it’s a little more than a fairy tale. What with the love story and the sense of mystery which are themes I enjoy in a story. Will have to check my local library for this one and failing that good ole Amazon. x
Thank you, I’m so glad you like it 🙂 I think it will have to be Amazon as it’s literally only just been published so your library is unlikely to have it yet. But I’m sure they’ll have some other VE Schwabs though! x
I’m not the biggest fantasy fan but I like that this seems to have an element of a mystery in there, definitely sounds more appealing to me than the average fantasy does. I’m just looking at that beautiful cover! The hardback especially, I don’t think I’d want to read it in case I scratched it 😂 x
Sophie
I know what you mean, as soon as I’d taken the cover off for a hardback photo I put it straight back on again! Yes, the mystery element does add to the story, it’s such a page turner, I loved it 🙂 x
Its been a while that I read any magical fantasy/fairy tale genre. The combination of fairy tale with love story sounds good. Will check this one out. The book cover is really pretty and attractive. Lovely review Lisa. 🙂
Via | http://glossnglitters.com
Ah, I think you’d love this one then, Via, and it’s only 300 pages too 🙂 Thank you for your lovely comment! x
Ooh I’ve actually not heard of this author before I don’t think! I love fairy tales too and I love a good page turner. I love the sound of the themes of the book as well despite the cliches. I’ll keep an eye out for this!
Soph – https://sophhearts.com/ x
Oh, I think you’d LOVE this book then, it sounds perfect for you – let me know what you think if you do buy it! x
I have yet to read any of Schwab’s books, though I have several on my shelf. I really enjoy Fantasy books and this one sounds really good. I do love the cover, it’s simple and yet draws the eyes in, which is exactly what a cover should do. I’ll have to keep my eyes out for this book next time I go book shopping.
If you enjoy fantasy books then I think you’ll love this one. It’s such an easy read, her writing just flows and it’s fascinating to see an early example of her craft too. I agree, the cover is stunning and does exactly what it’s supposed to do!