Infernal witchcraft is often associated with dark, mysterious practices and the summoning of supernatural forces. Conjuring a blaze is a powerful manifestation of this black magic, and when ignited in a charcoal grill, it creates an eerie and haunting image. The juxtaposition of the infernal and the mundane creates a sense of unease and fascination. It is as if the witchcraft is infiltrating the everyday, transforming something as ordinary as a charcoal grill into a vessel of the supernatural. This image also evokes a sense of danger and destruction. The idea of fire, especially when combined with witchcraft, suggests a power that can consume and destroy.
I love the many characters that Aster meets and the stories that happen as she meets them. I think that each teach her a lesson and each of them make me want to read more. I think that each story blends well with each other and continues the story but I also like how each story can also be read on its own.
First blush this story seems science fiction; a more futuristic tale as humans have destroyed the crows nesting area to the point of almost extinction. What comes from this is Granny do not call her that, or old whom has some interesting surprises up her staff, wooly dogs who give wool, Buzz, a wooly dog with no wool, one Trickster Rapscallion who grants three wishes, monsters who are nice but stinky and magic.
The idea of fire, especially when combined with witchcraft, suggests a power that can consume and destroy. It reminds us of the destructive capabilities of both literal fire and the figurative fire of supernatural forces. In conclusion, the notion of infernal witchcraft conjuring a blaze ignited in a charcoal grill is a captivating and evocative image that taps into our fascination with darkness, mystery, and the occult.
Aster and the Accidental Magic: (A Graphic Novel) (Paperback)
Aster is not happy when her family decides to relocate to the middle of nowhere. But no matter how much whining, begging, and pleading she does, her family's decision is final. The great migration (of bloodthirsty birds who terrorize the country side!) is just around the corner, and her mom must finish her solution to the problem (a gigantic robotic bird!) before it is too late! But this is just the beginning of Aster's magical adventures. She will soon encounter old ladies with herds of magical dogs, trickster spirits, and the Gods of each season. Somehow it will fall upon her shoulders to keep the balance of the mountainside intact. This little graphic novel was such a delight; I fell absolutely in love with these characters and their wacky adventures. Not to mention the adorable art! This series is perfect for fans of Adventure Time and Hilda.
Spring 2020 Kids Indie Next List
“This book is perfect for fans of Hilda, with the simple design of Adventure Time and the guileless charm of Steven Universe. Aster is NOT happy to be moving into the boring old woods, but she quickly learns that there is more in this valley than meets the eye when she stumbles into the truth at the core of every local legend.”
— Stephanie Heinz, PRINT: A Bookstore, Portland, ME
Description
A fun, action-packed fantasy adventure about a girl, her dog, and magic gone wrong!
Quiet . . . birds . . . nature. . . .
That's what Aster expects when her parents move their whole family to the middle of nowhere. It's just her (status: super-bored), her mom and dad (status: busy with science), her brother (status: has other plans), and . . .
In her new home, Aster meets a mysterious old woman with a herd of dogs who gives her a canine companion of her own. But when she and her dog Buzz are adventuring in the forest, they run into a trickster spirit who gives Aster three wishes. After wishing for the ability to understand and talk to her dog, she becomes only able to talk in dog language . . . and the trouble she gets into is just starting.
Maybe the middle of nowhere will be more interesting than Aster thought.
"Crisp, vibrant artwork." -The AV Club
About the Author
Thom Pico was born in 1989 in Périgueux. Since then, his enthusiasm for writing has led him to a number of different projects, including theater, writing and youth workshops -- until Karensac offered to collaborate with him on their new comic book project. You can find him online at @ThomPico.
Karensac was born in 1990 in Grenoble. Always passionate about comics, her webcomic won the Angouleme New Voices prize for online work. Aster and the Accidental Magic is her first graphic novel. You can find her online at @MlleKarensac.
Praise For…
“Full of sardonic asides and general whimsy, this will make readers eager to snag the promised sequel and begin rural adventures of their own.” —The Bulletin, starred review
“An entertaining and lighthearted fantasy." —Kirkus Reviews
"Spirited adventure and an oddball sense of humor make this a promising start to a series that will be perfect for fans of the Hilda comics." —Publishers Weekly
"Featuring simple lines and appealingly bizarre creatures, the art will entice readers." —School Library Journal
- Juvenile Fiction / Comics & Graphic Novels
- Juvenile Fiction / Comics & Graphic Novels / Action & Adventure
- Juvenile Fiction / Comics & Graphic Novels / Fantasy
- Hardcover (March 3rd, 2020): $20.99
- Library Binding (March 3rd, 2020): $27.59
Quiet . . . birds . . . nature. . . .
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Reviews for "Revealing the Secrets of Infernal Witchcraft Concoctions"
1. John Smith - 2 stars - While I appreciate the creativity and boldness of the concept, "Infernal witchcraft conjures a blaze ignited in a charcoal grill" ultimately fell short for me. The play seemed to focus more on shock value rather than delivering a meaningful narrative. The excessive use of explicit language and violent scenes overshadowed any potential depth the play might have had. Furthermore, the lack of cohesive storytelling left me confused and disconnected from the characters. Overall, I found the play to be more of a gratuitous attempt at shocking audiences rather than a thought-provoking piece of art.
2. Emily Johnson - 2.5 stars - "Infernal witchcraft conjures a blaze ignited in a charcoal grill" had an interesting premise, but it failed to live up to its potential. The combination of supernatural elements and cooking seemed intriguing, but the execution fell flat. The dialogue felt forced and unnatural, making it difficult to connect with the characters or believe in their motivations. Additionally, the pacing was inconsistent, with some scenes dragging on while others felt rushed. While there were moments of dark humor that elicited a chuckle, overall, the play lacked cohesiveness and left me feeling underwhelmed.
3. Sarah Thompson - 2 stars - I must admit, I was expecting something entirely different when I went to see "Infernal witchcraft conjures a blaze ignited in a charcoal grill." The play seemed promising with its unique title, but unfortunately, it failed to deliver. The storyline felt disjointed and confusing, making it difficult to follow. The use of explicit language and controversial themes also overshadowed any potential artistic merit. While the actors gave commendable performances, the weak script and lack of a coherent narrative left me disappointed. I would not recommend this play to those seeking a thought-provoking or engaging theatrical experience.