Class book review: A Witch Alone by James Nicol

Nicol’s charming sequel casts a spell for pupils at Berrow Church of England Primary School in Somerset
20th May 2018, 11:31am

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Class book review: A Witch Alone by James Nicol

https://www.tes.com/magazine/archive/class-book-review-witch-alone-james-nicol
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A Witch Alone (The Apprentice Witch 2)

Author: James Nicol

Publisher: Chicken House Ltd

Info: 352 pages, £6.99, paperback

ISBN: 9781910655979

 

Having not read the first Apprentice Witch book, I went into this a little sceptically. Would my class or I have the background knowledge needed to comprehend this story? After reading, I would say my scepticism was about 50 per cent warranted.

The story is a charming tale of Arianwyn the witch, who is sent on a secret mission by the Witch High Council. The characterisation of the lead and the other characters is great - you want to go on an adventure with them and you are willing her to succeed. However, the myriad mythical creatures to get your head around is a bit of a mission in itself, especially for a class full of Harry Potter fans, who struggle to see a world outside of JK Rowling’s magical one, even with a glossary provided at the back to refer to when reading.

The world created by Nicol is enchanting, but I feel I lacked the connection that was needed to really enjoy this book, having not read the first in the series. It is entertaining nonetheless, including as it does a concoction of fall-outs between friends, town squabbles and magical mishaps, but you are left with a lot of unanswered questions, and there isn’t a lot of major action. I found I had to force myself to pick it up a couple of times. Maybe this was owing to my lack of knowledge, or more likely, that Nicol is setting up for a third book and wants to entice us in.

This book is perfect to digest with a relaxing cup of tea as an adult interested in children’s fiction, or for key stage 2 children who need to break out of Potter-land and into something just as magical.

I particularly admired that the lead was female and there were generations of relatable characters, for example Arianwyn’s grandmother. Overall, a heartwarming read.

Jess Sinnott is a Year 5 teacher at Berrow Church of England Primary School in Somerset

Pupil reviews

‘Striking vocabulary’

Before reading A Witch Alone, I had never heard of this author or read any of his books, so I didn’t know what to expect.

When I started it, it reminded me of the Harry Potter series (which I love). It included strong characters and striking vocabulary. The descriptions were so vivid, I could almost feel myself there.

Arianwyn Gribble, who is a young, newly qualified witch, has been sent on an exciting but dangerous quest to find an important book. She gets blocked by a nasty hex spreading fast through the Great Wood.

There is a big cliffhanger at the end of every page. The writing is descriptive and grasping of your attention. I found that if you miss even one single page, then you miss a lot, because there is a new thing happening on every page.

It has break-ups and reunions and is just purely amazing.

I would definitely recommend this book to anyone.

Arianwyn is a great main character, but my favourite would have to be Salle, because she is really kind and caring, and also reminds me of myself.

The author has imaginative names for places, people and things. Lots of problems and dangers occur. I thought this was a really great book.

Martha, age 10

‘Good and a bit funny’

A Witch Alone by James Nicol was very good and a bit funny. It was about a girl who needed to find a book to stop bad animals from entering town and she then finds out that the book is inside her.

My favourite part was when the girl slimed the king’s nose.

It’s not really my type of book, but otherwise I would definitely recommend it. I give A Witch Alone a four-star rating.

Willow, age 10

If you or your class would like to write a review, please contact sarah.cunnane@tes.com

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