The Witch Boy series is a popular graphic novel series created by Molly Ostertag. It follows the story of a young boy named Aster who lives in a magical world where only girls are allowed to practice witchcraft, while boys are expected to become shapeshifters. However, Aster is different from other boys his age as he has a natural talent for witchcraft and a deep desire to explore this forbidden practice. Throughout the series, Aster faces many challenges and obstacles as he tries to navigate between his true self and the expectations of his community. He must keep his magical abilities a secret from his family and friends, while also finding a way to prove his worth and capabilities as a witch. In order to do this, Aster sets out on a quest to uncover the mysterious disappearance of other boys with the same magical abilities as him.
The Midwinter Witch is due out November 5 in both paperback and hardcover. As with the previous books, it’s aimed at ages 8-12 or grades 3-7. Filed under: Graphic Novels, News, Young Adult
When a powerful and sinister force invades the reunion, threatening to destroy everything the young witches have fought for, can they find the courage to fight it together. The first book, the story of a boy named Aster who wants to practice magic in a family where only the girls are witches, came out for Halloween 2017.
In order to do this, Aster sets out on a quest to uncover the mysterious disappearance of other boys with the same magical abilities as him. As the story progresses, Aster forms unlikely alliances with characters such as his non-magical friend Charlie and Ariel, a girl who dreams of becoming a shapeshifter. Together, they face dangerous creatures, solve riddles, and uncover dark secrets that threaten to unravel their world.
‘Witch Boy’ Series Continues!
The popular and acclaimed Witch Boy series by Molly Knox Ostertag will continue! The first book, the story of a boy named Aster who wants to practice magic in a family where only the girls are witches, came out for Halloween 2017. The sequel, The Hidden Witch, was released on Halloween last year. That one focused more on friendship, with new witch acquaintance Ariel, and learning to appreciate family in spite of struggles. The publisher Graphix has announced a third book is coming in the series. The Midwinter Witch looks at a different holiday, with a Midwinter Festival setting that features witchery and shapeshifting competitions and a family reunion. Here’s more of the description:
SCROLL TO KEEP READING THIS POST ADVERTISEMENT ADVERTISEMENTThis year, [Aster is] especially excited to compete in the annual Jolrun tournament — as a witch. He’s determined to show everyone that he’s proud of who he is and what he’s learned, but he knows it won’t be easy to defy tradition. Ariel has darker things on her mind than the Festival — like the mysterious witch who’s been visiting her dreams, claiming to know the truth about Ariel’s past. She appreciates everything the Vanissens have done for her. But Ariel still craves a place where she truly belongs. The Festival is a whirlwind of excitement and activity, but for Aster and Ariel, nothing goes according to plan. When a powerful and sinister force invades the reunion, threatening to destroy everything the young witches have fought for, can they find the courage to fight it together? Or will dark magic tear them apart?
The Midwinter Witch is due out November 5 in both paperback and hardcover. As with the previous books, it’s aimed at ages 8-12 or grades 3-7. Filed under: Graphic Novels, News, Young Adult
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Johanna Draper Carlson has been reviewing comics for over 20 years. She manages ComicsWorthReading.com, the longest-running independent review site online that covers all genres of comic books, graphic novels, and manga. She has an MA in popular culture, studying online fandom, and was previously, among many other things, webmaster for DC Comics. She lives in Madison, Wisconsin.
The Witch Boy—which has two sequels, The Hidden Witch and The Midwinter Witch—is an affecting and gorgeous story about growing up to be who you are, even when it’s not what’s expected of you. Here’s the publisher’s summary:
Along the way, Aster learns valuable lessons about friendship, identity, and the importance of being true to oneself. The Witch Boy series combines elements of fantasy, adventure, and coming-of-age themes to create a compelling narrative that captivates readers of all ages. The beautiful and detailed artwork by Ostertag adds an additional layer of depth and visual appeal to the story. The series has been critically acclaimed for its inclusive representation of gender identity and challenging of traditional gender roles. Overall, The Witch Boy series is a must-read for fans of fantasy and graphic novels, offering a unique and empowering perspective on identity and self-discovery. It artfully explores themes of gender, magic, and acceptance, leaving readers eagerly anticipating the next installment in Aster's journey..
Reviews for "The Witch Boy's World: Building a Rich and Enchanting Fantasy Realm"
1. Jennifer - 1 star
I found "The Witch Boy" series to be highly disappointing. The plot was predictable and lacked any originality. The characters were one-dimensional and lacked depth. The writing style was lackluster, making it difficult to stay engaged in the story. Overall, I was left feeling underwhelmed and uninterested. I would not recommend this series to anyone looking for a captivating and well-written fantasy story.
2. Mark - 2 stars
"The Witch Boy" series failed to live up to the hype for me. While the concept of a boy challenging gender stereotypes in a world of magic was intriguing, the execution fell flat. The pacing was slow, and the dialogue felt forced and unnatural. The characters were forgettable and failed to evoke any emotional connection. Additionally, the world-building seemed half-hearted, lacking the depth and richness I expected from a fantasy series. Overall, I was left unsatisfied and would not recommend this series.
3. Jessica - 2.5 stars
I had high hopes for "The Witch Boy" series, but unfortunately, it didn't deliver. The story felt disjointed and rushed, lacking a clear direction. The protagonist's journey of self-discovery felt clichéd and lacked any surprises. The writing style was simple and lacked the poetic flair I crave in fantasy novels. While it had some redeeming aspects, such as promoting acceptance and challenging gender norms, it wasn't enough to make up for the overall lackluster experience. I would suggest exploring other fantasy series before giving this one a try.
4. Michael - 1.5 stars
"The Witch Boy" series was a complete letdown. The plot was predictable and lacked any real substance. The characters were uninteresting, and their development was stunted. The dialogue felt forced and unnatural, making it difficult to connect with the story. The magic system was poorly explained and inconsistent, leading to further confusion. Overall, this series failed to capture my attention or evoke any genuine interest. I would not recommend wasting your time on this lackluster fantasy series.