The concept of a witch has been deeply embedded in various cultures throughout history. Witches are often depicted as evil and malevolent beings, using their supernatural powers to harm others. However, there is another side to the world of witches. The passable witch is a term used to describe a witch who, despite possessing magical abilities, chooses to use them for good. The passable witch is not interested in causing harm or wreaking havoc. Instead, she uses her powers to help others, heal the sick, and protect the weak.
Much like with Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, one can just imagine a bunch of “1989 vs 2020” debates regarding which of the adaptations of this work is better. While I had my trepidations about Zemeckis making this film (his 2018 release Welcome to Marwen left me very nervous about his future), I was surprised by how entertaining it was for most of the time. It does manage to stick to the basics of the story, while never straying too far. And for those who are fans of Dahl’s work, don’t be surprised if you find a few little ‘easter eggs’ hidden within the film.
Much like with Charlie and the Chocolate Factory , one can just imagine a bunch of 1989 vs 2020 debates regarding which of the adaptations of this work is better. When I was studying it, back in early-2010s, 3D animation was the default, with 2D only starting to get the appreciation it deserves, mostly thanks the increasing popularity of anime.
Instead, she uses her powers to help others, heal the sick, and protect the weak. She is a guardian and a guide, using her magic to bring about positive change in the world. Often, the passable witch operates in the shadows, quietly working her magic to assist those in need without seeking recognition or praise.
James Patterson’s Witch & Wizard Novels: STAY AWAY
[wikipedia] James Patterson is a well known author, particularly for his Alex Cross detective series. He has received the Guinness World Record for the first author to sell a million e-books (probably way more now). This is a man who has out sold Stephen King, John Grisham, and Dan Brown COMBINED. Patterson doesn’t need much more of a recommendation than that. Therefore, when I saw the Witch and Wizard series I felt like this was a good investment of my time and would at the very least be passable read.
The Witch and Wizard series falls under the young adult category, where my reading interest usually lies. Having heard about Patterson being such a prominent author, I decided to pick up these books in good faith. Horrible mistake. The plot centers around a brother, Whit, and a sister, Wisty, that have magic powers in a suddenly (with almost no explanation) dystopian universe.
The central theme is that children have all the imagination and that they are the future in a dystopian world. Literally almost all of the adults are useless and/or evil. I could almost hop on board with all of that. The explanation of why this was happening was shoddy at best until book two or three, but if that was my only issue I think I could get over it. Unfortunately, it was not my only issue with the series.
[pinterest] Patterson jumps back and forth in extremely small chapters between the two main characters, which led to discrepancies in the action occurring. Both of them can be a part of the same event and yet one person describe the actions so differently despite experiencing it together that you have to re-read it just to make sure it’s the same scene. Some novelists pull this off wonderfully, but here it seems like a rough draft error that never got resolved.
Then there is the actual descriptive writing of this series. Besides lacking consistency on more than one occasion, the description was much too sparse for my liking for a novel. This noticeable occurred for the first two novels. I don’know if it had anything to do with the sub-authors that helped write the book, but it was bad. After half of the first novel I wanted to put it down, but couldn’t because I have to finish every novel I start. After a while it just became this mildly amusing annoyance. I finally reached the end of book three, considered that a satisfactory ending and ended my self-induced torture.
While the story line had an interesting concept and could be used to raise the self-esteem of children, I think anyone used to reading novels with descriptive events or with a higher standard in mind for what they read will find this series disappointing.
Many reviewers here are dead on (particularly from Goodreads and Amazon). The story line held great potential, but was written poorly. It was reassuring to find other readers thought the same thing I did – that this was not a finished, edited novel. The dialogue between the characters was overly cliche and sometimes horribly predictable. There were even spelling and grammar issues! One review really nails it on the head: “In a trite and oversimplified manner, we learn that our political system crumbled overnight and was replaced by the New Order.”
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Manga Adaption The main characters were a bit confusing, and at one point I thought they were going to be lovers because of the creepy closeness of their relationship. Overall, this is just a bad, not worthwhile series. Maybe the manga adaption would be better, but I’m not sticking around to find out.
Have you read the Witch and Wizard series? Would you recommend it?
The central theme is that children have all the imagination and that they are the future in a dystopian world. Literally almost all of the adults are useless and/or evil. I could almost hop on board with all of that. The explanation of why this was happening was shoddy at best until book two or three, but if that was my only issue I think I could get over it. Unfortunately, it was not my only issue with the series.
Unlike traditional witches, the passable witch does not wear dark robes or pointy hats. She may even pass off as an ordinary person, blending into society seamlessly. This allows her to move through the world undetected, using her magic discreetly to make a difference. The passable witch possesses a deep understanding of the responsibility that comes with her powers. She knows that her abilities have the potential to cause harm, and she is careful to use them wisely and ethically. The passable witch operates under a moral code, prioritizing the greater good over personal gain or revenge. The passable witch recognizes that magic can be a force for good or evil, depending on how it is used. She sees her abilities as a gift and uses them to bring light and positivity into the world. Despite the occasional challenges and risks she faces, the passable witch remains steadfast in her commitment to using her powers for the betterment of society. In literature and folklore, there are numerous examples of passable witches who defy the stereotype of their kind. These characters showcase the complexity and depth of witches, reminding us that appearances can be deceiving. They challenge our preconceived notions and open our eyes to the possibility that there is good in even the most unexpected places. The passable witch serves as a reminder that power can be wielded responsibly and compassionately. She teaches us that it is our choices and actions that define us, regardless of our inherent abilities. By embracing the passable witch archetype, we can shift our perspective and appreciate the nuances and potential for goodness that lies within each of us..
Reviews for "Uncovering the True Nature of the Passable Witch"
1. Sarah - 2/5 - I was really looking forward to reading "The Passable Witch" based on all the hype it received, but I was thoroughly disappointed. The characters were flat and lacked depth - I couldn't connect with any of them. The plot felt predictable and lacked any surprises. The writing style was mediocre at best, with clichéd descriptions and unimaginative dialogue. Overall, I found this book to be unoriginal and uninspiring.
2. Mark - 1/5 - I honestly don't understand why this book has received so many positive reviews. "The Passable Witch" was a complete waste of time for me. The story was slow-paced and dragged on unnecessarily. The protagonist was unlikable and made infuriatingly irrational decisions throughout the book. The writing was filled with typos and grammatical errors, which made it difficult to stay engaged. I would not recommend this book to anyone looking for a captivating and well-written fantasy novel.
3. Emily - 2/5 - As a fan of fantasy novels, I was excited to dive into "The Passable Witch". However, I found the world-building to be lacking and inconsistent. The magical system was poorly explained, leaving me confused about the limitations and possibilities of the characters' abilities. The pacing was also problematic, with long stretches of boredom followed by rushed and unsatisfying conclusions. The lack of character development made it hard to invest in their stories. Overall, I was left feeling underwhelmed by this book.
4. James - 1/5 - "The Passable Witch" was far from what I expected. The story was riddled with plot holes and inconsistencies. The author introduced new elements and characters without ever fully exploring them, leaving me with more questions than answers. The dialogue felt forced and unnatural, making it difficult to believe in the world the author was trying to create. I had high hopes for this book, but unfortunately, it fell short in every aspect. I would not recommend wasting your time on this one.