The Witch Haven book series is a captivating fantasy series written by Andrea Correll. It tells the story of a young orphan girl named Emma who discovers that she possesses magical powers and is admitted to a secret school for witches called Witch Haven. Set in a world where magic is forbidden and witches are persecuted, Emma must navigate the dangerous school, uncover its secrets, and ultimately save herself and her fellow witches from the clutches of evil. The series is known for its vivid world-building and intricate plotlines. Each book in the series delves deeper into the rich history and mythology of Witch Haven, introducing readers to a diverse cast of characters and magical creatures. From the wise and mysterious headmistress to the mischievous and loyal friends Emma makes along the way, the characters in the series are well-developed and relatable.
The smile I force feels like defeat. There’s nothing he loves more than basking in our gratitude. Never mind that it’s the thirteen of us here who do all the work and ship the profits off neatly to him at the end of every week.
The Last Magician meets The Lady s Guide to Petticoats and Piracy in this spectacular, singular, and spellbinding Casey McQuiston, New York Times bestselling author of Red, White Royal Blue historical fantasy following a young woman who discovers she has magical powers and is thrust into a battle between witches and wizards. Maxine and Lena s friends are her most incredible support system as they help her figure out the mystery of her brother s death while still looking out for her.
From the wise and mysterious headmistress to the mischievous and loyal friends Emma makes along the way, the characters in the series are well-developed and relatable. One of the standout aspects of the Witch Haven series is the exploration of themes such as friendship, identity, and the power of belief. Emma's journey from an outsider to a powerful witch is not just a physical one, but also an emotional and psychological one.
Sasha Peyton Smith’s The Witch Haven is strong YA sequel
Return to a world of witches and magic in The Witch Hunt, the sequel to The Witch Haven, a historical YA fantasy by Sasha Peyton Smith.
Months after the devastating battle between the Sons of St. Druon and the witches of Haxahaven, Frances has built a quiet, safe life for herself, teaching young witches and tending the garden within the walls of Haxahaven Academy. But one thing nags; her magic has begun to act strangely. When an opportunity to visit Paris arises, Frances jumps at the chance to go, longing for adventure and seeking answers about her own power.
Once she and her classmates Maxine and Lena reach the vibrant streets of France, Frances learns that the spell she used to speak to her dead brother has had terrible consequences — the veil between the living and the dead has been torn by her recklessness, and a group of magicians are using the rift for their own gain at a horrifying cost.
To right this wrong, and save lives and her own magical powers, Frances must hunt down answers in the parlors of Parisian secret societies, the halls of the Louvre, and the tunnels of the catacombs. Her only choice is to team up with the person she swore she’d never trust again, risking further betrayal and her own life in the process. —Synopsis provided by Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers
The Witch Haven and The Witch Hunt are meant to be read together, so if you haven’t already read the first novel, do that first. And if you have read the first novel, I suggest rereading it before picking up The Witch Hunt.
At the center of The Witch Haven was the theme of female oppression. Author Sasha Peyton Smith’s exploration of it was strong and moving. That theme plays less of a role in The Witch Hunt, which explores atoning for transgressions, trust and extended familial bonds.
There’s less actual magic in The Witch Hunt, too, as Frances is holding back due to the hiccups in her magical powers. But when magic does make an appearance, it flows naturally within the confines of the world Smith has created.
Frances has grown as a character — still flawed — but she has a grounding to her. She pairs well with Maxine and Lena, who balance her well. Frances’ love interest, Oliver, could be more interesting, but he’s strong and steady in the way that she needs him to be.
The Witch Hunt is not as dark as its predecessor, however, there are still themes of death, murder and violence. Smith’s writing is smooth and comfortable and The Witch Hunt feels like a natural progression. It’s a fairly fast and engaging read that transports you straight to the streets of Paris.
Copyright © 2022 Cracking the Cover. Unless otherwise noted, all books — digital and physical — have been provided by publishers in exchange for honest and unbiased reviews. All thoughts and opinions are those of the reviewer.
Share. Facebook Twitter Pinterest LinkedIn Tumblr EmailJessica Harrison is the main reviewer behind Cracking the Cover. Prior to creating Cracking the Cover, Jessica worked as the in-house book critic for the Deseret News, a daily newspaper in Salt Lake City. Jessica also worked as a copy editor and general features writer for the paper. Following that, Jessica spent two years with an international company as a social media specialist. Jessica is currently a freelance writer/editor. In 2023, she was selected to be one of the first-round judges for the Cybils Awards — middle-grade fiction. She is passionate about reading and giving people the tools to make informed decisions in their own book choices.
Or like my school friend Rosie, working in that factory by the river, inhaling sludge, on her feet for twelve hours a day, putting the same button on the same shirt ad infinitum. And that mind-numbing exhaustion is nothing compared to some of the stories she tells me, like the one of the girl who wore her braid too long. It got snatched up by one of the machines, and she died right there on the factory floor.
Through her trials and triumphs, readers are reminded of the importance of embracing one's true self and believing in one's own abilities. Another strength of the series is its fast-paced and action-packed storytelling. From thrilling magical duels to heart-pounding escapes, the Witch Haven series keeps readers on the edge of their seats. Correll's writing style is engaging and immersive, making it easy for readers to get lost in the magical world of the series. Overall, the Witch Haven book series is a must-read for fans of fantasy and adventure. With its compelling characters, intricate world-building, and action-packed storytelling, it is sure to captivate readers from beginning to end. Whether you're a fan of witches, magic, or simply a good story, the Witch Haven series is not to be missed..
Reviews for "Exploring the Themes of Identity and self-discovery in the Witch Haven Book Series"
1. John - ★☆☆☆☆
I couldn't get into "The Witch Haven" book series at all. The characters were flat and uninteresting, and the plot was predictable and lacked any suspense. I found myself not caring about what happened to any of the characters, and I was just counting down the pages until the book was over. Overall, it was a big disappointment.
2. Emily - ★★☆☆☆
"The Witch Haven" book series had an intriguing concept, but it fell short in execution. The pacing was slow, and the world-building felt superficial. The main character, Mia, was not relatable, and her decisions often left me scratching my head. Additionally, the romance aspect felt forced and unnecessary, detracting from the overall plot. Sadly, this series didn't live up to my expectations.
3. Sarah - ★★☆☆☆
I struggled to connect with the characters in "The Witch Haven" book series. They lacked depth and development, making it difficult to invest emotionally in their journeys. The magic system was also unclear and inconsistent, leaving me confused about the rules and limitations. The pacing was uneven, with long stretches of tedious descriptions. Overall, I found this series to be a disappointment and couldn't find the motivation to continue reading beyond the first book.
4. Michael - ★☆☆☆☆
"The Witch Haven" book series was a letdown from start to finish. It had an interesting premise, but it quickly became convoluted and confusing. The plot lacked coherence, and the twists felt forced and unnecessary. The main character, Mia, was bland and uninteresting, and the secondary characters were forgettable. The writing style was also lackluster, failing to capture my attention or immerse me in the story. I wouldn't recommend this series to anyone looking for an engaging and well-written fantasy novel.
5. Amanda - ★☆☆☆☆
"The Witch Haven" book series had potential, but it failed to deliver an engaging story. The world-building was shallow and didn't feel fully realized, and the magic system lacked depth and complexity. The plot was predictable, and the characters were one-dimensional, making it difficult to care about their fates. The pacing was also inconsistent, with slow moments that seemed to drag on indefinitely. Overall, I was disappointed with this series and wouldn't recommend it to fellow fantasy readers.