The Near Witch by V.E. Schwab - Review

Sometimes, when you fall in love with a book, you wonder if it’s the book itself or the author. After reading The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue, I wanted to read more by V.E. Schwab. After a quick search and social media follows, I read Schwab’s first published book, The Near Witch.

The Near Witch is a lovely story about magic and witches and family, trust, and judgment. I loved how the story captures you and takes you to the moors. There’s enough detail about all the right things and enough ambiguity where there needs to be as well. I read the book quickly because, like Addie LaRue, you’re focused on the character and what she does and experiences. Schwab doesn’t bog you down with overly descriptive passages about things that don’t matter.

The Near Witch tells the tale of Lexi Harris in her small community called Near. Everyone knows everyone, so when a mysterious stranger enters their town, and unexplainable things happen, the best – and the worst – is brought out within the community.

This is one of those underrated books that, I hope, stands the test of time. The themes within it are present today in fear of the unknown, fear of strangers, fear of different beliefs, and fear of change. Be kind and be curious, but don’t assume malice before proof.

4/5 Definitely Worth a Read

Lessons Learned from The Near Witch by V.E. Schwab

• People fear what they don’t know, and decisions based on fear rarely end well

• Trust your gut

• Protect your loved ones while remaining kind to others

• You can always make something right