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Half-Witch

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'Half-Witch' by author John Schoffstall is a whimsical fantasy tale that follows the adventures of two young heroines, Lizbet and Strix, as they embark on a journey filled with magic, friendship, and overcoming adversity. Set in a fantastical world with elements of Christianity and radical theology, the story weaves together themes of hope, friendship, and the power of belief. Lizbet and Strix encounter an array of fantastical creatures and challenges, from goblins and demons to a giant maggot with a human face, all while navigating theological elements with humor and skepticism. The narrative is filled with imaginative twists, clever references, and a blend of dark and uplifting tones that keep readers enthralled from cover to cover.

Characters:

The characters are well-developed, with Lizbet and Strix showcasing growth and depth through their adventurous friendship.

Writing/Prose:

The writing style is imaginative and rich, drawing inspiration from classic authors while being accessible and profound.

Plot/Storyline:

The plot involves a coming-of-age quest centered around overcoming adversity through friendship, with magical and whimsical elements.

Setting:

The setting is a fantastical version of the Holy Roman Empire, rich with magic and whimsical elements.

Pacing:

The pacing is engaging, balancing fast-paced adventure with introspective moments that deepen the narrative.
Clinging to the back of Gerhard’s horse, they rode for their lives. An angry mob chased them. Lizbet, riding behind Gerhard and gripping his coat in her fists, risked a glimpse backward. Among the cro...

Notes:

Half-Witch is often compared to Catherynne Valente's The Girl Who Circumnavigated Fairyland.
It is written in third person, contrasting with Valente's omniscient narrator.
Both books explore young girls discovering their true potential.
Half-Witch balances darkness with hope and resilience.
The story focuses on the importance of bravery, determination, and true friendship.
It features imaginative worldbuilding with elements of whimsy and terror.
Schoffstall's writing style is influenced by Douglas Adams, Monty Python, and Neil Gaiman.
Lizbet embarks on a quest to save her father while encountering various magical creatures.
The book effectively combines elements of fantasy with social commentary.
Readers appreciate the emotional depth and relatable characters within the fantasy genre.
Half-Witch includes a unique premise involving a girl, a witch made of paper, and a quest for a stolen magical book.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

The book contains medium content warnings, including themes of violence and despair, but offers a hopeful resolution.

From The Publisher:

Set in a fantasy world of hungry goblins, powerful witches and human criminals, Half-Witch follows the unlikely friendship between Lizbet and the unpleasant sarcastic witch girl Strix on a twisted journey to rescue her father from prison.

In the world in which Lizbet Lenz lives, the sun still goes around the earth, God speaks directly to his worshippers, goblins haunt every cellar and witches lurk in the forests. Disaster strikes when Lizbet's father Gerhard, a charming scoundrel, is thrown into a dungeon by the tyrant Hengest Wolftrow.

To free him, Lizbet must cross the Montagnes du Monde, globe-girdling mountains that reach to the sky, a journey no one has ever survived, and retrieve a mysterious book. Lizbet is desperate, and the only one who can help her is the unbearable witch girl Strix.

As the two girls journey through the mountains and into the lands of wonder beyond, Lizbet discovers-to her horror-that Strix's magic is turning Lizbet into a witch, too. All while, a revolution in Heaven is brewing!

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