readingnymph's review against another edition
5.0
This book... THIS book
I loved it, I loved delving deeper into this character and it was heartbreaking to see the hardship he had grown up in. My only downside - I wish there was more of the story
I loved it, I loved delving deeper into this character and it was heartbreaking to see the hardship he had grown up in. My only downside - I wish there was more of the story
oli_eli's review
adventurous
mysterious
relaxing
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
erikoo's review against another edition
4.0
Victoria Schwab is a brilliant wordsmith, creating vivid descriptions and startling twists. I think her real strength lies in the care she give each and every sentence, making the simplest idea come to life. The Ash-Born Boy is a beautiful story that serves as a helpful back story to The Near Witch. I would definitely recommend it as a quick (only 61 pages!) and informative read (if you've read The Near Witch) with the occasional sentence that really makes you stop and think.
I didn't feel as connected or drawn in by the characters as I did in her novel, The Near Witch, though. The world she created in this novella didn't quite come alive for me. I wish the minor characters (Sarah and Phillip in particular) were fleshed out more, since they came across as very one dimensional. I definitely feel that Schwab's style lends itself more so to longer works in which the story can develop slowly and naturally. I found the plot very rushed toward the end, and would have preferred a faster pace--or more pages!--to help the story flow better. That being said, I loved learning more about what made Cole--the mysterious, tantalizing presence in the Near Witch--the way he is, and Victoria Schwab does an amazing job of bringing that to light.
I read this book in my extra time over two evenings. I definitely enjoyed it and can't wait for more from Victoria Schwab!
I didn't feel as connected or drawn in by the characters as I did in her novel, The Near Witch, though. The world she created in this novella didn't quite come alive for me. I wish the minor characters (Sarah and Phillip in particular) were fleshed out more, since they came across as very one dimensional. I definitely feel that Schwab's style lends itself more so to longer works in which the story can develop slowly and naturally. I found the plot very rushed toward the end, and would have preferred a faster pace--or more pages!--to help the story flow better. That being said, I loved learning more about what made Cole--the mysterious, tantalizing presence in the Near Witch--the way he is, and Victoria Schwab does an amazing job of bringing that to light.
I read this book in my extra time over two evenings. I definitely enjoyed it and can't wait for more from Victoria Schwab!
thelastcolour's review against another edition
3.0
a heart breaking prequel but super interesting. i enjoyed listening to it :)
ah3llfire_'s review against another edition
4.0
There were a lot of emotions for a short read. It was interesting to read about what made Cole (or, well, Will) the character we see in Near Witch, and learn how much information he actually shared... and DAMN THIS WAS TRAGIC
kylielovesbooks's review against another edition
4.0
I absolutely love that VE Schwab wrote a short story about Cole/Will. Being portrayed as the "stranger" in The Near Witch, he feels mysterious throughout the story even after we get to know him.
Although his origin story is a sad one (which we gather from The Near Witch), I really enjoyed reading it and having some light shed on his character.
Although his origin story is a sad one (which we gather from The Near Witch), I really enjoyed reading it and having some light shed on his character.
mikayladlewis's review
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75