Dive into a World of Magic: Amulet Book 8 Now Available

I am excited to inform you that the publication day for "Amulet Book 8" is quickly approaching. Fans of the series have been eagerly anticipating the release of the next installment, and the wait is almost over. "Amulet Book 8" continues the captivating story of Emily, Navin, and the rest of the crew as they navigate through a treacherous magical world filled with strange creatures and powerful artifacts. This new book promises to be just as thrilling and action-packed as its predecessors, with stunning illustrations by the talented author and artist, Kazu Kibuishi. Throughout the series, readers have been captivated by the intricate world-building, relatable characters, and gripping plotlines. Each book in the series has left readers on the edge of their seats, eagerly awaiting the next chapter in Emily's journey.

Cropper said the broad social and cultural scope of witchcraft is accepting of people from any walk of life and any form of practice.

Michelle said witchcraft is about controlling individual energy and working toward a certain goal or outcome, with a vast majority of practitioners doing so in a positive way, because we want to see positive change, because we want to see people unite and come together. Michelle said witchcraft is about controlling individual energy and working toward a certain goal or outcome, with a vast majority of practitioners doing so in a positive way, because we want to see positive change, because we want to see people unite and come together.

Each book in the series has left readers on the edge of their seats, eagerly awaiting the next chapter in Emily's journey. "Amulet Book 8" is sure to be no different, as it delves deeper into the mysteries and conflicts that have been building up over the course of the series. As the publication day approaches, fans of the series can look forward to diving back into the world of Alledia.

On Halloween, real witches set the record straight

PHOENIX – Flying broomsticks, evil spells and pointy hats usually come to mind when people think of witches. But Rosemary Szymanski-Lockett, a retired elementary school teacher, and Stefani Michelle, who has a communications degree, don’t fit that description.

Halloween is here, and so are the classic images of haggard green faces with big warty noses toiling over bubbling cauldrons. But practitioners of witchcraft want to set the record straight.

Szymanski-Lockett is the high priestess of the Sacred Spiral Pagan Church of Arizona, where witchcraft is about using the energy in the universe to help people acquire and achieve their goals.

“The craft is more about healing and just being thankful and being grateful for this beautiful planet we live on,” she said. “It’s not anything like you see in the movies.”

Negative images of witches in Western society go back as far as the 12th century, when religious leaders began to view the long, benign practice as dark and devil-worshipping. Over the centuries, the condemnation grew into witch hunts and trials, which led to the current stereotype of witches as scary, black-clad creatures emerging on Halloween to cast spells.

Witches in popular culture often are depicted as evil sorceresses, but some real witches embrace the stereotype and dress up that way for Halloween. (Photo by Sierra Alvarez/Cronkite News)

“I don’t have a wart on my nose,” said Michelle, a psychic witch, Reiki master and yogi who works at Vision Quest Psychic Bookstore in central Phoenix, where there’s no indication of the coming holiday – nary a tombstone or zombie in sight.

Michelle said witchcraft is about controlling individual energy and working toward a certain goal or outcome, with a vast majority of practitioners doing so in a positive way, “because we want to see positive change, because we want to see people unite and come together.”

Szymanski-Lockett was an elementary school teacher for 28 years, and she said she kept her spirituality hidden due to the stigma surrounding witchcraft and potential repercussions.

“They think of witchcraft as what you see in the movies; that we all dance around at midnight and summon the devil and all this stuff,” she said on a Zoom call from her kitchen, which is adorned with a spice rack and magnets on the refrigerator. “When in reality, we don’t even believe in the existence of the devil.”

Codey Cropper, local practitioner of witchcraft, was raised to believe that mysticism was evil, but he said he found love, acceptance and personal power through practicing.

“For the first time in my entire life, this was the first time I was able to pray and feel comfort in the divine,” Cropper said. “It is a little frustrating to see that at times, and it does suck to always see it be painted in such a negative light.”

Cropper said in any form of religion or practice there will always be people who take it too far.

Stefani Michelle, psychic witch and author, says one misconception of witchcraft is that it focuses on controlling energy in a negative way. (Photo by Sierra Alvarez/Cronkite News)

“Anything can be used to manipulate,” Michelle said. “There is a very small percentage of people who use it (witchcraft) in a manipulative way.”

There are many ways to practice, she said, including divination, prayers, spells and crystals. There’s green witchcraft, fairy witchcraft and kitchen witchcraft, to name a few.

Cropper said the broad social and cultural scope of witchcraft is accepting of people from any walk of life and any form of practice.

“I feel like it’s a perfect practice for people to grow and learn and fall into themselves,” he said.

And they don’t mind if you dress up like a witch on Halloween.

“If it makes you feel cool and it gives you empowerment, do it,” Cropper said.

“I love to see it,” said Michelle, adding that even her daughter is planning to dress as a witch. “I think it is wonderful.”

Olivia Munson expects to graduate in spring 2022 with a bachelor’s degree in journalism and a minor in women and gender studies. Munson, who has reported for the D.C. Bureau, Times Media Group, The State Press and The Arizona Republic, is working in the Phoenix News Bureau.

Breanna Isbell expects to graduate in May 2022 with a bachelor’s degree in sports journalism and a minor in fashion. Isbell, who is interning with RightThisMinute, is working for the Phoenix sports bureau.

Sierra Alvarez expects to graduate in May 2023 with a bachelor’s degree in journalism and mass communication. Alvarez is assigned to Cronkite News this semester.

Szymanski-Lockett was an elementary school teacher for 28 years, and she said she kept her spirituality hidden due to the stigma surrounding witchcraft and potential repercussions.

They can once again follow Emily and her friends' quest to save their world from the nefarious Elf King. With its distinctive blend of fantasy, adventure, and emotion, "Amulet Book 8" is sure to captivate readers young and old. So mark your calendars and get ready to join Emily and her friends on another thrilling adventure. The publication day for "Amulet Book 8" is almost here, and fans are eagerly awaiting the opportunity to continue this beloved series. Don't miss out on the excitement!.

Reviews for "Experience the Magic: Amulet Book 8 Lives Up to Expectations"

1. Sarah - 2/5 - I was really disappointed with "Amulet book 8 publication day". I've been a fan of the series for years, but this installment fell short for me. The plot felt rushed and underdeveloped, with key moments and character arcs feeling forced and unrealistic. The artwork, which I usually love, also wasn't up to par in this book. Overall, it felt like a lackluster addition to an otherwise great series.

2. Mike - 1/5 - "Amulet book 8 publication day" was a major letdown. The story was convoluted and hard to follow, with too many new characters and subplots introduced without any depth. The pacing was off, dragging in some parts and flying by in others. I also felt like the dialogue was overly cheesy and forced, lacking the natural charm and wit I had come to expect from this series. Overall, I was highly disappointed with this installment.

3. Jenna - 2/5 - As a longtime fan of the "Amulet" series, I was excited for the release of book 8. However, it didn't live up to my expectations. The story felt repetitive and predictable, with the same themes and plot elements being rehashed. The characters also didn't show much growth or development, which made it hard for me to invest in their journey. While the artwork was still beautiful, it couldn't save the lackluster plot and characterization. I hope the next installment brings back the magic the series once had.

4. Robert - 2/5 - I had high hopes for "Amulet book 8 publication day", but unfortunately, it fell flat for me. The plot felt disjointed and rushed, with little time for the reader to process or emotionally connect with what was happening. The dialogue also felt stilted and unnatural, lacking the depth and complexity I had come to love in the previous books. While the artwork was still stunning, it couldn't make up for the issues I had with the overall narrative. I hope the next book in the series will be a return to form.

Amulet Book 8: An Unforgettable Conclusion to the Series