The midwinter witch is a concept rooted in folklore and mythology, representing a figure with extraordinary powers and connections to the winter season. In many cultures, the midwinter witch is seen as a symbol of both light and darkness, embodying the duality of the season. Traditionally, the midwinter witch is associated with the solstice, the longest night of the year. This time is often regarded as a liminal period, where the boundary between the physical and spiritual worlds is thin, allowing the midwinter witch to manifest their powers more strongly. One common belief is that the midwinter witch has the ability to control the weather, particularly bringing snowfall and cold temperatures. This power is often seen as a reflection of their ability to manipulate the natural forces of the season.
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?
Aster always looks forward to the Midwinter Festival, a reunion of the entire Vanissen family that includes competitions in witchery and shapeshifting. When she meets a previously unknown relative in a dream, who urges Ariel to follow a power-hungry path different than the one charted for her by Aster and his family, her feelings are complicated even further.
This power is often seen as a reflection of their ability to manipulate the natural forces of the season. In some folklore, the midwinter witch is depicted as a benevolent figure, bringing comfort and protection to those in need during the harsh winter months. They are believed to have the ability to heal, both physically and spiritually, and may be sought out for their wisdom and guidance.
Graphic Novel Review: “The Midwinter Witch” by Molly Knox Ostertag
With The Midwinter Witch, author Molly Knox Ostertag wraps up the series she began with The Witch Boy and The Hidden Witch. Aster’s friend Ariel has become a ward of the Vanissen family, learning the healthy and safe way to do magic alongside Aster and his cousins.
But though the whole Vanissen clan is gearing up for the Midwinter Festival, a yearly celebration and family reunion, Ariel isn’t sure if she belongs. When she meets a previously unknown relative in a dream, who urges Ariel to follow a power-hungry path different than the one charted for her by Aster and his family, her feelings are complicated even further. Meanwhile, Aster grapples with the difficulty of revealing to his extended family his penchant for witch magic instead of shapeshifting.
I’ve really enjoyed both of the previous graphic novels in this series, and The Midwinter Witch is no exception. Ostertag is thoughtful and compelling in her rendering of the Vanissen family dynamics, and it continues to be a pleasure to immerse myself in their world and traditions. I read the book in record time, and, as always, was left eager for more.
This eagerness is the root of the only critique I have of this installment since it is meant to be the conclusion of the series. In terms of plot, I think The Midwinter Witch hits a lot of the same beats as The Hidden Witch (Ariel has a secret, she almost yields to the dark side of magic, the power of friendship is victorious in the end), and the parts of the story that are new feel like they open a lot more questions than they answer. Aster’s story felt more resolved, but this installment also didn’t feel necessary for his journey. His role in the story felt like it served Ariel’s story more than his own.
In short, The Midwinter Witch is really fun as an episode in the world Ostertag has created but a little unsatisfying as a finale.
A copy of this book was provided by the publisher, Scholastic, for review.
I’ve really enjoyed both of the previous graphic novels in this series, and The Midwinter Witch is no exception. Ostertag is thoughtful and compelling in her rendering of the Vanissen family dynamics, and it continues to be a pleasure to immerse myself in their world and traditions. I read the book in record time, and, as always, was left eager for more.
On the other hand, there are also stories and legends that portray the midwinter witch as a more malevolent force. They may be associated with darkness, death, and mischief, using their powers to sow chaos and bring about misfortune. Throughout history, the midwinter witch has been celebrated and feared in equal measure. Festivals and rituals often take place during the midwinter season to honor or appease them, with offerings and rituals performed to seek their favor or protection. In modern times, the midwinter witch continues to capture the imagination, appearing in literature, art, and popular culture. They are often depicted in elaborate costumes, with flowing robes, adorned with symbols of winter such as snowflakes and icicles. Overall, the concept of the midwinter witch reflects the powerful and mysterious nature of the winter season. Whether seen as a bringer of light or a harbinger of darkness, this mythical figure continues to captivate and intrigue us, reminding us of the enduring power and enchantment of the winter season..
Reviews for "Evaluating the world-building in "The Midwinter Witch"
1. John - 2 stars - I was really disappointed with "The Midwinter Witch". The storyline seemed promising, but it fell flat for me. The characters lacked depth and the plot felt predictable. The writing style was also quite basic, and I didn't feel connected to the story or the world that was being built. Overall, I found it to be a forgettable read that failed to live up to my expectations.
2. Sarah - 2 stars - I found "The Midwinter Witch" to be a tedious read. The pacing was incredibly slow, and it took forever for anything significant to happen. The dialogue felt forced and unnatural, and I couldn't relate to the characters at all. Additionally, the world-building was lacking, making it difficult for me to fully immerse myself in the story. Overall, I was left feeling bored and uninvested throughout the entire book.
3. Michelle - 1 star - I really struggled to finish "The Midwinter Witch". The writing was incredibly juvenile, and it felt like I was reading a middle-grade book rather than a young adult novel. The characters were one-dimensional and lacked any real development. The plot was predictable and lacked any tension or suspense. Overall, I was highly disappointed with this book and wouldn't recommend it to anyone looking for a captivating and well-written story.
4. Robert - 2 stars - "The Midwinter Witch" was a letdown for me. The magical elements were underdeveloped and vague, and I had a hard time understanding how the magic in this world worked. The pacing was uneven, with long stretches of nothing happening followed by sudden bursts of action. The main protagonist was also quite bland and lacked any real personality. I struggled to stay engaged with the story, and it ultimately fell flat for me.
5. Emily - 3 stars - While "The Midwinter Witch" had an interesting premise, it failed to fully deliver. The writing style was simplistic and lacked depth, making it difficult to fully connect with the story. The world-building felt incomplete and left me with many unanswered questions. However, I did appreciate the magical elements and some of the supporting characters. Overall, it was an okay read, but it didn't live up to my expectations.