  | Full Text Reviews: School Library Journal - 05/01/2017 Gr 4–8—Arianwyn just failed her witch's test, and she is humiliated. Thankfully, her grandmother pulls some strings that allow her to continue her education as an apprentice witch in Lull, a faraway town. Arianwyn sets out to prove that she is capable of greatness. Lull is right on the edge of the woods, where all sorts of dark creatures live. As a witch, Arianwyn must clear away and banish these creatures to make the area safe. What she hasn't told others is that a dark symbol haunts her dreams and thoughts. When an especially malevolent creature threatens the town, will Arianwyn have the courage to confront both this dark symbol and the beast? With brisk pacing and sophisticated writing, this book is one of those rare, unputdownable gems. This tale is somewhat reminiscent of J.K. Rowling's Fantastic Beasts and Where To Find Them, and fans of magical fantasy will be enthralled with the details of this fascinating world. The ending wraps up neatly, though there is enough room for potential sequels. VERDICT Recommended for libraries looking for solid fantasy with shades of J.K. Rowling.—Kristin Anderson, Bloomingdale Public Library, IL - Copyright 2017 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission. Booklist - 06/01/2017 Arianwyn Gribble has suffered a blow. The evaluation that should have made her a full-fledged witch resulted only in humiliation and the conciliatory title apprentice witch. Even so, she’s landed a position in the small town of Lull, where she is eager to prove her mettle. Nicol has avoided the well-trod boarding-school setting and created an interesting magical world where war simmers in the background, witchcraft is carefully governed, and witches’ skills are appreciated by nonmagical folk. He also centers the practice of magic around glyphs, written symbols historically linked to witchcraft and spellcasting. As Arianwyn’s abilities strengthen, she is haunted by visions of an unfamiliar glyph that both tempts and terrifies her. Her stint in Lull takes an unpleasant turn when Gimma, the mayor’s niece and Arianwyn’s school nemesis, arrives to lend a hand—just as a dangerous dark spirit emerges in the Great Wood. While adorned with funny and charming details, Arianwyn’s story is primarily one of personal growth and discovery that will gratify fantasy readers and Tiffany Aching fans. - Copyright 2017 Booklist. Loading...
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