Charming

This was a pretty good book. I enjoyed the storyline. My only complaint is that nothing really big happened until the end. Which wasn't necessarily a bad thing. It kept me reading because I wanted to know if something more would happen. Overall it was a good read.

Enjoyable middle grade fantasy about a brave and committed young student of witchcraft who doesn't pass her certification exam and gets sent to the hinterlands as an apprentice witch. Reminds me a little of DWJ or Eva Ibbotson.

This story is a fantastic fantasy but it is so much more! Having failed her assessment to go from being an apprentice witch to a full-fledged witch under odd circumstances, Arianwyn Gribble is sent to remote Lull for her first assignment. What, at first, seems to be a sleepy, boring little village turns out to be anything but. As Arianwyn keeps busy making charms and fighting off crawlers, snotlings and bogglins, she navigates through friendships, both new and old, as well as her insecurities and belief in herself and her talents. The magical creatures, charms and spells keep Arianwyn's adventure exciting and a great pick for fantasy lovers! However, Arianwyn's charm, doubts, folly and incredible kindness towards others will make this story a timeless favorite!

Recommended as a read aloud for 3-6th grade.

Very engaging tale of an apprentice witch who learns to believe in herself.

Read my review at Bookish Adventures.

A sweet little middle grade book. Not a lot of surprises, but it builds a cozy world and the audiobook narrator really helps immerse you in it.

An excellent read. Great world-building to host stomach-knotting drama. With complex and unpredictable characters including a teen girl protagonist (Arianwyn Gribble) who is lovely, brave, talented and wracked with self-doubt; At times ham-strung by her own generosity of spirit; Supported by great friends and extended family. A cracking 'hero's journey' and a very creditable Golden Egg Academy alumni. Thoroughly recommended - can't wait for the next installment.

For me it was slow to engage and I was thinking that maybe it was one of those children’s books truly more enjoyed by children than older people but I ended up liking it. And I did not guess everything that was coming, though the ending was not a surprise to me.

It was hard for me to decide between 3 and 4 stars. For much of the book I simply liked it but there were times, including the ending, that I really liked, so I’ll give it 3-1/2 stars.

I love Arianwyn. And I love her name. She is kind and she is brave, she has good intentions, and imperfections, and I think that girls will identify with her. I liked her a lot but often felt frustrated with her. There are also many other great characters.

I thoroughly enjoyed the place witches have in this world, assigned to people and towns to help them, and valued by them. I also love the place magic has in this world and the forms it takes. I thought the author showed a lot of creativity. Even though the premise is reminiscent of other books I’ve read the details are unique.