Witchborn

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Average Rating
Publisher
Chicken House/Scholastic Inc
Publication Date
2018.
Language
English
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Description

Two queens, two religions, two visions for the future of the nation. Fleeing to London with a witch hunter on her trail, Alyce discovers her own dark magic and lands herself embroiled in the struggle.

Alyce's mother has just been burnt at the stake for practicing witchcraft. With only a thin set of instructions and a witch's mommet for guidance, Alyce must face the world that she's been sealed off from -- a world of fear and superstition. With a witch hunter fast on her trail, she'll need the help of an innkeeper and a boy looking to discover the truth behind his own mother's past.But as her journey continues, another war rages: a hidden war of the supernatural, of the living and the dead. Good and evil are blurred, and nobody's motives can be trusted. And Alyce finds herself thrown unwillingly into the conflict. Struggling to understand her own powers, she is quickly drawn into a web of secret, lies, and dark magic that could change the fate of the world she is just coming to know.This dark, twisty, and thrillingly original debut will leave readers entranced in its suspenseful plot and rich prose.

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ISBN
9781338277531
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Published Reviews

School Library Journal Review

Gr 6-10-The year is 1577, and Alyce has just seen her mother burned at the stake as a witch. She makes her way to the streets of London and meets some supportive friends, especially Solomon who is a part of an acting troupe. Alyce begins drawing on her own powers, and it slowly becomes clear that she is wanted by some very important people. Why are Queen Elizabeth I and Mary Queen of Scots so interested in Alyce's whereabouts? After multiple encounters with some very creepy witch hunters, all becomes clear, and the mystery of Alyce's identify is resolved; no one who understands the significance of Alyce's red hair will be surprised by the ending. However, young American readers may not have encountered the historical figures represented, which could make the conclusion less significant for them. While the dialogue leans heavily on more modern language construction, this will assist readers in comprehension. Bowling offers up a fun read for those looking for something a little on the scary side. VERDICT Rich in detail and setting, this is a solid choice for fans of darker fantasy, like Joseph Delaney's The Revenge of the Witch and its sequels.--Kristin Lee Anderson, Jackson County -Library Services, OR © Copyright 2018. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

(c) Copyright Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
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Horn Book Review

After her mother is executed as a witch, Alyce flees to London. There with the help of Solomon, a friendly actor, she discovers strange truths about the supernatural powers that drive the politics of Renaissance England. Although Bowling's novel showcases deep historical research, the plot is an extended chase scene, with Alyce making one discovery after another until she and Solomon escape to the New World. (c) Copyright 2019. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

(c) Copyright The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
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Kirkus Book Review

They found them, the witchfinders...In 16th-century England, Alyce's mother is dead, burned at the stake. In her rush to escape a similar fate and follow the only clue her mother left her, Alyce finds herself on a path that will take her through London's seedy underbelly, all the way to Whitehall itself. Alyce Greenliefe looks like any other prisoner in Bedlam, but looks can be deceiving. Holding on to a secret too dangerous to even speak aloud, her only hope is to escape and find the mysterious John Dee, the hangman, and pray he knows why her mother sent her to him. With a bit of luck and help from gangly young Solomon, an unlikely new companion, Alyce finds herself free but quickly ends up in the middle of a treasonous plot to overthrow Queen Elizabeth I and release dark magic into the world. Can she stand up to Queen Mary and do what is right even when Mary promises her the thing she wants most in the world? This is an enjoyable tale with well-researched historical elements that will inspire curiosity about actual events. All characters are white.An intriguing story full of exciting, creepy, dark magic, just enough action, and endearing characters readers will root for. (historical note) (Historical fantasy. 12-18) Copyright Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.

Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
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School Library Journal Reviews

Gr 6–10—The year is 1577, and Alyce has just seen her mother burned at the stake as a witch. She makes her way to the streets of London and meets some supportive friends, especially Solomon who is a part of an acting troupe. Alyce begins drawing on her own powers, and it slowly becomes clear that she is wanted by some very important people. Why are Queen Elizabeth I and Mary Queen of Scots so interested in Alyce's whereabouts? After multiple encounters with some very creepy witch hunters, all becomes clear, and the mystery of Alyce's identify is resolved; no one who understands the significance of Alyce's red hair will be surprised by the ending. However, young American readers may not have encountered the historical figures represented, which could make the conclusion less significant for them. While the dialogue leans heavily on more modern language construction, this will assist readers in comprehension. Bowling offers up a fun read for those looking for something a little on the scary side. VERDICT Rich in detail and setting, this is a solid choice for fans of darker fantasy, like Joseph Delaney's The Revenge of the Witch and its sequels.—Kristin Lee Anderson, Jackson County Library Services, OR

Copyright 2018 School Library Journal.

Copyright 2018 School Library Journal.
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