satan_is_back's review
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
mysterious
reflective
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
holy_coconut's review
adventurous
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
girlbosslindsey's review
adventurous
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
The trans allegory is once again so strong. Like just make Aster trans? It would make more sense why he can do witch magic. Idk. But it was cool learning about Ariel's family. The story just goes by so fast!! I wish it was a bit more drawn out but also then I would maybe be frustrated with a slower pace.
redchaosvoid's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
I loved this as much as I loved book one. The Midwinter Festival is coming up. Traditionally, the girls compete in a magic competition to become the Midwinter Witch, and the boys compete in some sort of a shifting competition to become the Midwinter Shifter. There's a new character in this particular installment, but I feel like it would be giving away a spoiler to mention them with specifics.
Aster, along with Sedge, Charlie, and Ariel go to the Festival. In the pictures (this is a graphic novel), it looks somewhat like a ski resort, which would definitely hide it from the... non-magic folk? I'm assuming the word 'Muggles' is completely off limits; and Rowling's and WB's recent homophobic decision means that really is for the best for more than the legal reason (Yes, I'm a bit salty about it; but that's neither here nor there, so I digress).
Sedge is slowly becoming a more likeable character even though he's in the background. I'd say he's one of my favorite characters in this series. I mean, I like most of them, but yeah. In this story, we delve more into Ariel and her backstory into finding out more about her family when she doesn't really want to. Charlie is basically along for the ride as is Sedge given something from book 2. There's also...genderphobia(?) coming directly from the mother again. She doesn't want Aster to compete in the Witch tournament, but encourages Ariel to do so (sexist!). Once again, we find a situation that could be compared to homophobia (and sexism!), and really brings you closer to the characters.
Seeing as this doesn't seem to have a finality to it, I'm hoping that means Ostertag is going to be writing more in this series. 5 out of 5 stars.
Aster, along with Sedge, Charlie, and Ariel go to the Festival. In the pictures (this is a graphic novel), it looks somewhat like a ski resort, which would definitely hide it from the... non-magic folk? I'm assuming the word 'Muggles' is completely off limits; and Rowling's and WB's recent homophobic decision means that really is for the best for more than the legal reason (Yes, I'm a bit salty about it; but that's neither here nor there, so I digress).
Sedge is slowly becoming a more likeable character even though he's in the background. I'd say he's one of my favorite characters in this series. I mean, I like most of them, but yeah. In this story, we delve more into Ariel and her backstory into finding out more about her family when she doesn't really want to. Charlie is basically along for the ride as is Sedge given something from book 2. There's also...genderphobia(?) coming directly from the mother again. She doesn't want Aster to compete in the Witch tournament, but encourages Ariel to do so (sexist!). Once again, we find a situation that could be compared to homophobia (and sexism!), and really brings you closer to the characters.
Seeing as this doesn't seem to have a finality to it, I'm hoping that means Ostertag is going to be writing more in this series. 5 out of 5 stars.
kaitsbookshelves's review
4.0
this one was a very sweet wrap-up to the story and it was good to see our main character get to be himself openly with others around, it kind of hit close to home which was incredible to feel. i think the family still has a long way to come to fully accept him but i am hopeful they will get there. overall, very sweet.
libraryofkait's review
4.0
this one was a very sweet wrap-up to the story and it was good to see our main character get to be himself openly with others around, it kind of hit close to home which was incredible to feel. i think the family still has a long way to come to fully accept him but i am hopeful they will get there. overall, very sweet.
alrauna's review
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
sannareads's review
4.0
I liked this graphic novel a lot!
Quite honestly I didn’t get the feeling that this is the last book in the series though, even if it’s meant to be. I felt like it needed more of a conclusion and less of an open ending.
The art was as always magnificent and the storytelling is really great and beautifully made. I liked to get to know the family more and find out more about other witches/clans.
Quite honestly I didn’t get the feeling that this is the last book in the series though, even if it’s meant to be. I felt like it needed more of a conclusion and less of an open ending.
The art was as always magnificent and the storytelling is really great and beautifully made. I liked to get to know the family more and find out more about other witches/clans.