In the realm of magic and mystery, there have been countless tales of supernatural beings and mythical creatures. One such entity that has captivated the minds of many is a verified magical skeleton. While it may seem strange to associate magic with something as ordinary as a skeleton, this particular specimen is no ordinary collection of bones. The verified magical skeleton is said to possess extraordinary powers and abilities, making it a coveted and sought-after artifact. Legend has it that this creature is imbued with ancient and potent magic, allowing it to harness unseen forces and manipulate energies beyond human comprehension. Its existence has been validated by numerous credible sources, including renowned wizards and magical researchers.
Colleen Mondor, Contributing Editor, is a writer, historian, and reviewer who co-owns an aircraft leasing company with her husband. She is the author of “The Map of My Dead Pilots: The Dangerous Game of Flying in Alaska” and reviews regularly for the ALA’s Booklist. Currently at work on a book about the 1932 Mt. McKinley Cosmic Ray Expedition, she and her family reside in the Pacific Northwest and Alaska. More info can be found on her website: www.colleenmondor.com.
In fact, much as Philip Pullman exposed the more hypocritical aspects of orga nized religion in the His Dark Materials series, Schoffstall plays with the idea of unquestioning subservience to religious power in Half-Witch. After everything else they have accomplished, putting things to rights in heaven seems like just the sort of job they are suited for and John Schoffstall is certainly up to the challenge as well.
Its existence has been validated by numerous credible sources, including renowned wizards and magical researchers. This enchanted skeleton is believed to be a conduit of mystical energy, capable of incredible feats such as levitation, shape-shifting, and even elemental manipulation. Some accounts describe it as being capable of summoning fireballs, controlling the weather, or summoning creatures from other dimensions.
Colleen Mondor Reviews Half-Witch by John Schoffstall
Half-Witch, John Schoffstall (Big Mouth Press 978-1-61-873140-1, $18.99, 322pp) July 2018.
There is something deeply satisfying about a traditional fantasy with plucky protagonists, nefarious villains, hungry goblins, tricky witches, and a dangerous and difficult quest. In John Schofstall’s Half-Witch, everything you expect to find is present, plus a lot of unlikely twists and turns that make this adventure a classic read. The novel’s most unusual plot device is the presence of God, who serves as an occasional sounding board to main character Lisbet. Remarkably, for all that God (and occasionally Jesus) chime in to offer opinions on Lisbet’s struggles, the plot is not terribly religious. God is simply an authority that people can briefly consult, via a communion wafer. He is in fact the top of the authority pyramid, the “Great Chain of Being” in Lisbet’s world, as she explains to her witch-friend Strix:
“At the top is God,” she said… “The angels answer to God. The Pope answers to God. The bishops and priests obey the Pope. Nobles obey the Pixie Queen. Commoners obey the nobles. Children obey adults. Horses and dogs obey people. Everyone has their proper station.”
Strix, who has a decidedly acerbic nature, is not impressed.
“Children obey adults or they get beaten,” Strix said with a shrug. “Commoners obey nobles or they’re hanged. The Great Chain of Being is obviously just an excuse for the strong to exploit the weak, dressed up in fancy language.”
It’s logic that Lisbet cannot refute and, in the end, will come to question with increasing fervor.
Lisbet and Strix end up together on their quest because of a problem and a witch. The problem is that Lisbet’s conman father has run afoul of the Margrave, the president-like leader of their alpine province. Forced to flee after her father is imprisoned, Lisbet seeks assistance from the witch who made (and thus controls) Strix. The two girls are thus thrust together in less than favorable conditions, but as they face down a bad man, cross a great mountain range, and enter the part of the world dominated by witches and goblins (and ruled by the terrifying Pope of Storms), they become friends. Lisbet nearly dies, Strix does die, a goblin bonds with them over books, a sewer full of defeated humans must be traversed, a moat full of crocodiles avoided, and the Pope of Storms outwitted, but everyone gets saved (even though they die) and the quest is successful!
(This is not a spoiler as quests are always successful in tales such as this.)
God gets into a bit of a sticky situation in heaven, however, and his image takes a hit. “It was discouraging to find, in her hour of utmost need,” Lisbet notes at one point, “that God’s advice sounded depressingly like that of any other grown-up.” In fact, much as Philip Pullman exposed the more hypocritical aspects of organized religion in the His Dark Materials series, Schoffstall plays with the idea of unquestioning subservience to religious power in Half-Witch. Lisbet finds disappointment sometimes with God (and Jesus, who disappears when the going gets tough), but she does not lose faith. God does not have all the answers, but neither does anyone else. The challenge is simply to not stop looking for answers.
As they continue their quest, Lisbet and Strix become the very definition of plucky, and it is hard not cheer them on. They are charming characters who overcome all sorts of fantastical obstacles and forge a powerful friendship. In the end, they just might be up to saving God and, really, why shouldn’t they? After everything else they have accomplished, putting things to rights in heaven seems like just the sort of job they are suited for and John Schoffstall is certainly up to the challenge as well.
Colleen Mondor, Contributing Editor, is a writer, historian, and reviewer who co-owns an aircraft leasing company with her husband. She is the author of “The Map of My Dead Pilots: The Dangerous Game of Flying in Alaska” and reviews regularly for the ALA’s Booklist. Currently at work on a book about the 1932 Mt. McKinley Cosmic Ray Expedition, she and her family reside in the Pacific Northwest and Alaska. More info can be found on her website: www.colleenmondor.com.
This review and more like it in the August 2018 issue of Locus.
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Its power is said to be limited only by the imagination and skill of the person who possesses it. However, harnessing the power of the verified magical skeleton is not without its risks and challenges. It is said that only those with immense magical prowess and ethical intentions can successfully wield its power. Attempting to use the skeleton for personal gain or malicious purposes could result in dire consequences, as the forces it channels are not to be trifled with. The journey to finding and acquiring a verified magical skeleton is not an easy one. It is said to be hidden in the depths of treacherous and ancient tombs, guarded by powerful spells and enchantments. Those who seek it must be prepared to face perilous trials and tests of their worthiness. While the notion of a magical skeleton may sound fantastical, the existence of such an entity cannot be dismissed outright. In a world where magic thrives and mythical creatures roam, the idea of a verified magical skeleton is not so far-fetched. Whether it exists as a testament to the extraordinary powers of magic or remains a legend lost to time, the intrigue and fascination surrounding the verified magical skeleton will continue to capture the imagination of those who dare to believe in the extraordinary..
Reviews for "The Duality of Magic: A Verified Magical Skeleton's Ability to Bless and Curse"
- Sarah - 1 star - I really didn't enjoy "A verified magical skeleton". The premise seemed interesting, but the execution was lacking. The characters were underdeveloped and the plot felt rushed and confusing. I had a hard time connecting with any of the characters and their motivations. Overall, it was a disappointing read for me.
- Jason - 2 stars - I had high hopes for "A verified magical skeleton", but it fell short of my expectations. The writing style was clunky and the dialogue didn't flow well. The magical elements felt forced and didn't seamlessly fit into the story. Additionally, the pacing was off, making it difficult for me to stay engaged. Overall, it was a mediocre read that didn't live up to its potential.
- Emily - 1.5 stars - "A verified magical skeleton" was not my cup of tea. The concept was interesting, but the execution left much to be desired. The story lacked depth and the characters were one-dimensional. The dialogue felt forced and unnatural. I struggled to stay engaged and ultimately found myself skimming through the book. Overall, it was a disappointing read that didn't deliver on its promises.
- Ethan - 2 stars - I found "A verified magical skeleton" to be quite disappointing. The plot lacked coherence and the writing style was difficult to follow. The characters and their motivations were unclear, leaving me confused throughout most of the book. The magical element felt shoehorned in and detracted from the overall story. Overall, I wouldn't recommend this book to others as it failed to capture my interest.
- Olivia - 1 star - "A verified magical skeleton" was a disappointment from start to finish. The story meandered without clear direction, making it difficult to stay engaged. The characters were unrealistic and lacked depth, failing to elicit any emotional connection. The dialogue felt forced and unnatural. Overall, it was a lackluster read that I would not recommend to others.