Note: The midwinter witch is a mystical figure that appears during the winter solstice, a time of darkness and uncertainty. Many myths and stories surround the midwinter witch, and her presence is believed to bring both fear and fascination. According to folklore, the midwinter witch is said to possess immense magical powers and is able to control the forces of nature. She is often depicted as a dark and mysterious figure, clad in a flowing cloak and carrying a staff adorned with mystical symbols. Her eyes are said to glow with an otherworldly light, and her presence is often accompanied by a chill in the air and a swirling mist. In many cultures, the midwinter witch is feared as a bringer of misfortune and destruction.
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Witch Hat has appeals to younger readers--the main girl is much younger, there s little cute brush buddy worm-like creatures and so on--but the world as drawn and conceived is far more detailed and elaborate and complex, appealing to a wider range of readers, I think. Witch Hat has dramatic swirling crazy detailed imaginative art work, and this Western one is Noelle Stevenson-style, brightly colored, Scholastic-designed and highly promoted in these parts.
In many cultures, the midwinter witch is feared as a bringer of misfortune and destruction. It is believed that she can curse crops, cause illness, and bring about storms and natural disasters. Villagers would light bonfires and perform rituals to ward off her malevolent influence.
Graphic Novel Review: “The Midwinter Witch” by Molly Knox Ostertag
With The Midwinter Witch, author Molly Knox Ostertag wraps up the series she began with The Witch Boy and The Hidden Witch. Aster’s friend Ariel has become a ward of the Vanissen family, learning the healthy and safe way to do magic alongside Aster and his cousins.
But though the whole Vanissen clan is gearing up for the Midwinter Festival, a yearly celebration and family reunion, Ariel isn’t sure if she belongs. When she meets a previously unknown relative in a dream, who urges Ariel to follow a power-hungry path different than the one charted for her by Aster and his family, her feelings are complicated even further. Meanwhile, Aster grapples with the difficulty of revealing to his extended family his penchant for witch magic instead of shapeshifting.
I’ve really enjoyed both of the previous graphic novels in this series, and The Midwinter Witch is no exception. Ostertag is thoughtful and compelling in her rendering of the Vanissen family dynamics, and it continues to be a pleasure to immerse myself in their world and traditions. I read the book in record time, and, as always, was left eager for more.
This eagerness is the root of the only critique I have of this installment since it is meant to be the conclusion of the series. In terms of plot, I think The Midwinter Witch hits a lot of the same beats as The Hidden Witch (Ariel has a secret, she almost yields to the dark side of magic, the power of friendship is victorious in the end), and the parts of the story that are new feel like they open a lot more questions than they answer. Aster’s story felt more resolved, but this installment also didn’t feel necessary for his journey. His role in the story felt like it served Ariel’s story more than his own.
In short, The Midwinter Witch is really fun as an episode in the world Ostertag has created but a little unsatisfying as a finale.
A copy of this book was provided by the publisher, Scholastic, for review.
However, there are also those who are drawn to the midwinter witch's power and seek her out for assistance. These individuals, often called "seekers," believe that the midwinter witch can grant wishes and bring about good fortune. They perform secret ceremonies and leave offerings to gain her favor, hoping that she will grant their desires. Overall, the midwinter witch represents the duality of nature - both destructive and creative, fearful and alluring. While she is often portrayed as a malevolent force, there is also an element of awe and reverence associated with her. The midwinter witch captures the essence of the winter solstice, a time of darkness and transformation, reminding us of the power and mystery that lies within the season..
Reviews for "The Secrets of Snow: The Midwinter Witch's Guide to Elemental Magick"
1. Sarah - 2 stars - I was really disappointed with "The Midwinter Witch". The story was slow and lacked any real excitement. The characters were one-dimensional and I couldn't connect with any of them. The writing felt amateurish and the plot was predictable. Overall, this book just didn't capture my attention and I wouldn't recommend it to others.
2. John - 1 star - I couldn't finish "The Midwinter Witch" because it was so boring. The pacing was incredibly slow and there was no sense of urgency in the story. The dialogue was stilted and unnatural, making it difficult to engage with the characters. The world-building was also lacking, leaving me feeling disconnected from the setting. I wouldn't waste my time with this book.
3. Emily - 2 stars - "The Midwinter Witch" had so much potential but fell flat for me. The premise sounded intriguing, but the execution was lacking. The plot was convoluted and confusing, leaving me feeling lost at times. The characters were underdeveloped and their motivations felt unrealistic. The writing style was also not to my liking, making it difficult to get through the book. Overall, I was disappointed with this read.