The Apprentice Witch

By James Nicol

A “charming” story of an inexperienced aspiring witch trying to prove her worth—and taking on a bigger battle than she bargained for (Publishers Weekly).

Arianwyn has flunked her witch’s assessment. She’s doomed. Declared an apprentice and sent to the town of Lull in disgrace, she may never become a real witch—much to the glee of her obnoxious arch-rival, Gimma.

But remote Lull is not as boring as it seems. Strange things are sighted in the woods, a dangerous infestation of hex creeps throughout the town, and a mysterious magical visitor arrives with his eye on her. With every spirit banished, creature helped, and spell cast, Arianwyn starts to get the hang of being a witch—even if she’s only an apprentice. But the worst still lies ahead. For a sinister darkness has begun to haunt her spells, and there may be much more at stake than just her pride—for Arianwyn and the entire land.

“Arianwyn is a likable hero, with well-drawn struggles.” —The New York Times Book Review

“With brisk pacing and sophisticated writing, this book is one of those rare, unputdownable gems. [It] 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.” —School Library Journal

“Will at once open a new and imaginative world and feel like a book you have loved forever.” —Jennifer Nielsen, New York Times–bestselling author of The False Prince

• Language: English
• Publisher: Open Road Integrated Media
• Release date: Jul 25, 2017
• ISBN: 9781338118636

Reviews for The Apprentice Witch

[completely_melanie · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Cute story. It was a fun read. I'd give it 3.5 stars.

[fireformed · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Overall this was a very clever book. I liked the world building and the magic set up. The only thing that I felt could have done with some improvement was the MC, Arianwyn. Her personality kinda flip flopped back and forth a bit at times between being very strong and confident to letting doubt crush her. Not saying that doesn't happen irl, but it was disconcerting in this book.

[wagner5sarah35 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

If at times, the plot of this novel felt too simple and routine, it was also familiar, engaging, and fast-paced enough to keep one reading. The young Arianwyn has failed to pass her witch's evaluation, and is sent to a quiet town to serve as an apprentice witch. She arrives fresh with disappointment, but Lull reveals itself to be quite active with hexes and magical creatures for a quiet town. Slowly, Arianwyn begins to learn her new role and come into her own confidence - and then her old school rival Gimma shows up. Fun, light reading set in a magical world and highly recommended for fans of YA fantasy.

[krau0098 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

This is the first book in the Apprentice Witch series. I enjoyed this book, it was a well done middle grade fantasy featuring a strong female lead.The story is about a young witch apprentice who fails her witch exam and is sent off to a distant town to serve that town as an apprentice witch. Unfortunately, all sorts of dark creatures haunt the town and her abilities are put to the test trying to protect it.This book was well written and easy to read. I enjoyed Arianwyn and her trials, she grows a lot throughout the book. I also really enjoyed the interesting dark creatures that emerged from the Great Wood that she had to confront.Overall this book was a fun and quick read with some interesting magic and easy-to-love characters. I enjoyed this world a lot and plan on continuing with the series. I would recommend to those who enjoy magical middle grade fantasies featuring a strong heroine and evil dark creatures.

[lisa2013_1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

For me it was slow to engage and I was thinking that maybe it was one of those children’s books truly more enjoyed by children than older people but I ended up liking it. And I did not guess everything that was coming, though the ending was not a surprise to me.It was hard for me to decide between 3 and 4 stars. For much of the book I simply liked it but there were times, including the ending, that I really liked, so I’ll give it 3-1/2 stars.I love Arianwyn. And I love her name. She is kind and she is brave, she has good intentions, and imperfections, and I think that girls will identify with her. I liked her a lot but often felt frustrated with her. There are also many other great characters.I thoroughly enjoyed the place witches have in this world, assigned to people and towns to help them, and valued by them. I also love the place magic has in this world and the forms it takes. I thought the author showed a lot of creativity. Even though the premise is reminiscent of other books I’ve read the details are unique.

[jmoncton_1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

This was a fun middle novel that had a good combination of a fast-paced magical plot with elements of loyalty and friendship. Thank you Libro.fm for the free review copy!

[wyvernfriend · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Instead of qualifying as a witch, Arianwyn is held to still be an apprentice and she's sent to remote Lull in disgrace, there are dark things outside in the forest. She has to keep trying and fighting her demons and find a place for herself in this world.I enjoyed the story and the characters and how she did her best.