The Near Witch is only an old story told to frighten children.

If the wind calls at night, you must not listen. The wind is lonely, and always looking for company.

And there are no strangers in the town of Near.

These are the truths that Lexi has heard all her life.

But when an actual stranger-a boy who seems to fade like smoke-appears outside her home on the moor at night, she knows that at least one of these sayings is no longer true.

The next night, the children of Near start disappearing from their beds, and the mysterious boy falls under suspicion. Still, he insists on helping Lexi search for them. Something tells her she can trust him.

As the hunt for the children intensifies, so does Lexi's need to know-about the witch that just might be more than a bedtime story, about the wind that seems to speak through the walls at night, and about the history of this nameless boy.

Part fairy tale, part love story, Victoria Schwab's debut novel is entirely original yet achingly familiar: a song you heard long ago, a whisper carried by the wind, and a dream you won't soon forget.

The Near Witch is one of the few books that I have nothing bad to say about. From the very first line I was hooked and I was on the edge of my seat until the very last page. Victoria Schwab’s debut novel deserves every word of praise that it has gotten.

Lexi is one of the best main characters I have ever read about. Her life was not easy but she never let that change her positive outlook on life and people. She was one of the few people in the town of Near who was not afraid of witches and instead she treated them just like everyone else. She was open-minded, loving, and very brave. I feel like teenage girls should read this book just to see how a heroine should really act. Lexi is a role model or she should be.

The rest of the characters were wonderful as well. Cole was very sweet and caring but he did have a troubled past. His story was very heartbreaking. Lexi’s little sister, Wren, was fun and bubbly and she helped lighten the mood at times. Lexi’s mom was a little confusing at times, as was Lexi’s uncle, Otto, but in the end I liked them both.

As for the plot, I don’t want to give anything away but I will say that it was very suspenseful, unique, and creepy at times. Victoria Schwab’s lyrical writing really brought this story to life and I can’t wait to see what is next from her.

Overall, The Near Witch is a must-read for everyone, boy or girl, young or old. I’m sure that everyone will find a little something to fall in love with (or a lot, like me).

What others are saying about The Near Witch:

Alexa Loves Books’ review: “Finishing The Near Witch was like having the perfect cup of coffee in the morning – it left me feeling relaxed and satisfied.”

Ivy Book Bindings’ review: “Ultimately, I have to admit that it was the slow pace that made me put this down far before I’d reached the end.”

Great Imaginations’ review: “Victoria Schwab did it all, and she did it well in this book.”