leahlovesloslibros's review
adventurous
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
In the conclusion to The Witch Boy graphic novel trilogy, Aster and his family are to attend the Midwinter Festival, where many generations of witches and shifters in his family will come together to visit and compete in the Midwinter tournaments. He wants to compete as a witch, but some are worried hat the rest of the family is not ready to see a male witch yet.
While he decides whether or not he will compete, Ariel is also debating competing. She is being visited by a mysterious "family member" in her dreams, but she doesn't know whether or not she can trust her. She fears that she may ruin her ties to the Vanissen family if she follows this family member; however, she also can't help but be curious about the family who left her behind.
This was a quick read for me. The mystery of the family member who visits Ariel in her dreams kept me turning pages, and the stress of whether or not Aster should compete as a male witch and risk upsetting the family was relatable, in a sense. I continue to be impressed with the intentional yet not in-your-face diverse characters. You can tell the author put a variety of characters in on purpose, but they are also not tokenized; they are normalized as both main and background characters. I really enjoy the storyline woven throughout the three graphic novels, and would happily read more written by Molly Knox Ostertag.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Bullying and Homophobia
Minor: Animal death
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