The Midwinter Witch (Witch Boy #3)

by Molly Knox Ostertag (Author)

Reading Level: 6th − 7th Grade
Series: Witch Boy

The acclaimed graphic novel world of The Witch Boy and The Hidden Witch comes to a thrilling conclusion in this story of friendship, family, and finding your true power.

Magic has a dark side . . .

Aster always looks forward to the Midwinter Festival, a reunion of the entire Vanissen family that includes competitions in witchery and shapeshifting. This year, he's especially excited to compete in the annual Jolrun tournament-as a witch. He's determined to show everyone that he's proud of who he is and what he's learned, but he knows it won't be easy to defy tradition.

Ariel has darker things on her mind than the Festival-like the mysterious witch who's been visiting her dreams, claiming to know the truth about Ariel's past. She appreciates everything the Vanissens have done for her. But Ariel still craves a place where she truly belongs.

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?

Select format:
Paperback
$12.99

More books in the series - See All

Other series you might like

Kirkus

This solid addition to the series should please fans and newcomers alike.

ALA/Booklist

Starred Review
With smooth pacing, endearing characters, gripping plots, and clean, colorful, expressive artwork. 

School Library Journal

In this conclusion to Aster's journey, things seem to have settled down for the witch boy and his friends. While friend Charlie and cousin Sedge attend regular nonmagic school, orphaned witch Ariel attends magic lessons with the Vanissens and is learning to control her power—somewhat. Just as she's getting used to the idea of a newfound magical family, Ariel starts having dreams: realistic visions of a long-lost aunt who is searching for her and who claims that magic is to be stolen, not shared. These dreams follow her to the Midwinter Festival, a Vanissen family reunion that includes notable magic competition the Jolrun. Aster dreams of competing as a witch, but some of his family members still don't approve. As the festival continues, friendships are strained, secrets are kept, and a surprise appearance by a villainous figure puts everyone in danger. But Aster and his friends show up for one another when it counts, embodying the possibilities of young friendship and found family through tough times and misunderstandings. Though more subdued than its counterparts, this graphic novel is a strong cap to a delightful series. A folksy palette of forest greens and browns interspersed with bursts of warmth captures the frosty outdoors and the group's cozy cabin evenings. Though newcomers will enjoy this title, those familiar with the first two entries will most appreciate the plot references and the development of each character's arc. VERDICT A heartwarming, wintry adventure that series fans will love.—Ashleigh Williams, School Library Journal

Copyright 2019 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

Review quotes

A heartwarming, wintry adventure -School Library Journal

Should please fans and newcomers alike. -Kirkus Reviews

Praise for The Witch Boy

* Leaves readers wishing for more. -Kirkus Reviews, starred review

* Brims with life. -School Library Journal, starred review

Thrilling. -Hope Larson, author of All Summer Long

Praise for The Hidden Witch

* Absolutely bewitching. -Kirkus Reviews, starred review

Vivid and vibrant . . . A great comic for magic fans. -Booklist
Molly Knox Ostertag
Molly Knox Ostertag is the acclaimed ABA Indie and New York Times bestselling graphic novel author-illustrator of The Girl from the Sea and the Witch Boy trilogy: The Witch Boy, The Hidden Witch, and The Midwinter Witch, as well as a writer for animation. A graduate of the School of Visual Arts, Molly was featured in the Forbes 30 Under 30: Media list in 2020. She's married to fellow writer and artist ND Stevenson, and they live in Los Angeles with two cats and a very cuddly dog. You can find her online at mollyostertag.com.
Classification
Fiction
ISBN-13
9781338540550
Lexile Measure
550
Guided Reading Level
-
Publisher
Graphix
Publication date
November 05, 2019
Series
Witch Boy
BISAC categories
JUV039060 - Juvenile Fiction | Social Themes | Friendship
JUV013030 - Juvenile Fiction | Family | Multigenerational
JUV008080 - Juvenile Fiction | Comics & Graphic Novels | Fantasy
Library of Congress categories
Identity
Identity (Psychology)
Magic
Witches
Graphic novels
Sex role
Shapeshifting
Cartoons and comics
Comics (Graphic works)
Festivals
Fantasy comics

Subscribe to our delicious e-newsletter!