Confession: Before I started reading the novel, I had the misconception that the main character was almost a witch, hence the title. Perhaps that is why I spent most of the novel waiting for her to take up the mantle of the witch. (That doesn't happen. In fact, there are no hints of that happening anywhere. So it was just me seeing one and coming up with hundred but just in case you are like me, you should consider yourself forewarned and adjust your expectations accordingly.)I liked the book. A lot. If I were going to be all professional about it, I would say that the book wove several elements of intrigue, supernatural and mystery together to create a story that lingers long after the book has been read and the Adobe Reader clicked shut. But since I'm trying to be a bit more personable, I shall say that the manner in which Ms. Schwab creates atmosphere is freaking fantastic. The first scene got my heart racing. It was just so darned brilliant. Sort of like taking a blank canvas, painting a picture on it and then blowing on the picture to regain the blank canvas - only now it is a blank canvas with a history.Er...yes. Anyway, the characterizations were well done. I liked Lexi, the two witches, the understated complexity of the mother, the villages, the other side characters, they were all very interesting. Cole was a very interesting love interesting, flawed as he was. I have a soft spot for tortured people. It makes their eventual happy ever after so much nicer to read. The plot, too, is entertaining and at the same time is a warning against the narrow mindedness that festers in small places, the danger of letting prejudices and superstitions control your actions. The romance was sweet too. It was very sudden and I felt that they were in love way too soon but I guess there were page constraints and it didn't seem too contrived so c'est la vie. What I did have a problem with was the love triangle. It wasn't necessary. It didn't achieve anything. And I think the book would have been stronger without it. That's just me though. I'm getting kind of tired of the ever present love triangles anyway. Also, while I did like the plot, I felt it would have benefited from a bit more complexity, a bit more turns and twists (like, Lexi being a witch, haha). That said, however, it is a very strong debut and an utter pleasure to read. I recommend it to anyone who likes good paranormal YA novels.
