The Near Witch by Victoria Schwab

Book Summer (Via Goodreads): The Near Witch is only an old story told to frighten children.

If the wind calls at night, you must not listen. The wind is lonely, and always looking for company.

And there are no strangers in the town of Near.
These are the truths that Lexi has heard all her life.
But when an actual stranger—a boy who seems to fade like smoke—appears outside her home on the moor at night, she knows that at least one of these sayings is no longer true.
The next night, the children of Near start disappearing from their beds, and the mysterious boy falls under suspicion. Still, he insists on helping Lexi search for them. Something tells her she can trust him.
As the hunt for the children intensifies, so does Lexi’s need to know—about the witch that just might be more than a bedtime story, about the wind that seems to speak through the walls at night, and about the history of this nameless boy.

 
Book Review:
Oh my stars,this book was FANTASTIC! I have read reviews that have said as much, but I had to check it out for myself. Needless to say, I was not disappointed! Schwab's writing is beautiful and elegantly paced. Her descriptions are vivid and fluent. It made want to slow down and drink it all in. The main character, Lexi, is flawed, adventurous, intuitive, and downright lovable. She goes to great strides to do the right thing, even at her own expense. I loved her relationship with "the sisters." Her visits to the sisters home were some of my favorite parts of the book. I also loved Lexi's relationship with her own sister, Wren. It was very heartwarming, a bright spot among the darkness. I did want to mention that this book is extremely creepy and goosebump-inducing! I must say that it takes a LOT to scare me, and this book was right on point. There were several times when I had to stop reading to look around because I thought I heard or saw something (that wasn't really there).This book has fluid prose, engaging characters, and paranormal accents. What more could one ask for? For more info, check out the authors blog here. 
 
Favorite Quote:

"My father taught me a lot about witches. Witches can call the rain or summon stones. They can make fire leap and dance. They can move the earth. They can control an element. The way Magda and Dreska Thorne can...The Thorne sisters are witches, through and through. And witches are not welcome here." (p. 22) 

Cover Art Commentary:
This cover has a beautiful, simple style. It's almost like the main character, Lexi, is reaching out to the reader.

Rating: