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The Near Witch Paperback – January 28, 2020

by V. E. Schwab (Author)
4.3 4.3 out of 5 stars 2,039 ratings
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ENTERTAINMENT WEEKLY'S BEST YA OF THE DECADE NEW YORK TIMES bestseller
Brand new edition of Victoria Schwab's long out-of-print, stunning debut.

All-new deluxe edition of an out-of-print gem, containing in-universe short story "The Ash-Born Boy" and a never-before-seen introduction from V.E. Schwab.

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.

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.

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.

Part fairy tale, part love story, Victoria Schwab's debut novel is entirely original yet achingly familiar: a song you heard long ago, a whisper carried by the wind, and a dream you won't soon forget.
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  1. Print length
    320 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Publisher
    Titan Books
  4. Publication date
    January 28, 2020
  5. Reading age
    13 - 17 years
  6. Dimensions
    5.13 x 0.91 x 7.79 inches
  7. ISBN-10
    1789091144
  8. ISBN-13
    978-1789091144
  9. See all details
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Editorial Reviews

Review

Best YA of the Decade List - Entertainment Weekly

“gorgeous new release” - Entertainment Weekly

“we’re ready for it to come roaring back” - B&N SFF Blog

“If you missed Schwab's debut novel when it first appeared, now's your chance to get on board.” - Kirkus Reviews

“we’re ready for it to come roaring back” - Barnes & Noble Bookseller Picks for March

“Situated in the sweet spot of the supernatural and the melancholy alongside works like The Ocean at the End of the Lane, [The Near Witch] boasts the dark and inviting sensibilities of fairy tales” - Barnes & Noble SFF Blog

“a delicate, yet powerful novel that succeeds equally as either a journey back to the beginning or as a first tumble down the rabbit hole and into your next author obsession” - Barnes & Noble SFF Blog

“an absolutely beautiful story...you can truly see her future works twinkling in the background” 4.5* - mall3tg1rl

"[has] that timeless allure, like a fairy tale or legend you can pick up five, ten, or twenty years from now and still have its setting and mood resonate with readers" - The Bibliosanctum 

 “an entirely unique and original story with an exquisitely painted world and for a debut novel, it’s so well written and well done” - Travel the Shelves

“The prose is beautifully written, and the characters will take residence in your heart” 5* - Her Campus

“The prose is beautifully written, and the characters will take residence in your heart” 5* - Books in the Skye

“the most gorgeous kind of fairytale, yet it feels like the kind of thing that’s just odd enough to be real, and I mean it when I tell you that this was easily one of the best books I’ve read all year, and will undoubtedly go down as one of my favorite books, period” 5* - Howling Libraries

“a modern classic that will undoubtedly be regarded as a masterpiece within its own genre by future generations” - Risingshadow 

“I loved getting to see themes in The Near Witch that I know become staples of her books...If you’ve read and loved other books by Schwab, I highly recommend sitting down with her debut.” - Bookish Staff Picks

“Schwab is truly a talented storyteller...Her characters are so well written that by the time you finish the story you feel as though you know them.” 4* - Misadventures of a Reader 

"A slow but intense gothic romance set in the atmospheric winds of the moors, where a witch’s whisper can just barely be heard" - Buzzfeed

About the Author

VICTORIA “V. E.” SCHWAB is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of more than twenty books, including the acclaimed Shades universe, the Villains series, the City of Ghosts series, Gallant, and the international bestseller The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue. Her work has received critical acclaim, translated into over two dozen languages, and optioned for television and film. First Kill – a YA vampire series based on Schwab’s short story of the same name – is now a Netflix series. When not haunting Paris streets or trudging up English hillsides, she lives in Edinburgh, Scotland, and is usually tucked in the corner of a coffee shop, dreaming up monsters.

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Titan Books; Reprint edition (January 28, 2020)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Paperback ‏ : ‎ 320 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1789091144
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1789091144
  • Reading age ‏ : ‎ 13 - 17 years
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 2.31 pounds
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 5.13 x 0.91 x 7.79 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.3 4.3 out of 5 stars 2,039 ratings

About the authors

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  1. Victoria Schwab

    Victoria Schwab

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    Victoria "V.E." Schwab is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of more than a dozen books, including the acclaimed Shades of Magic series, This Savage Song, Our Dark Duet, City of Ghosts and Vicious. Her work has received critical acclaim, has been featured in the New York Times, Entertainment Weekly, Washington Post, and more, has been translated into more than a dozen languages, and has been optioned for television and film. When she's not haunting Paris streets or trudging up English hillsides, she lives in Nashville and is usually tucked in the corner of a coffee shop, dreaming up monsters.

    See more on the author's page
  2. V. E. Schwab

    V. E. Schwab

    Brief content visible, double tap to read full content.
    Full content visible, double tap to read brief content.

    VICTORIA “V. E.” SCHWAB is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of more than twenty books, including the acclaimed Shades of Magic series, the Villains series, the Cassidy Blake series and the international bestseller The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue. Her work has received critical acclaim, translated into over two dozen languages, and optioned for television and film. First Kill – a YA vampire series based on Schwab’s short story of the same name – is currently in the works at Netflix with Emma Roberts’ Belletrist Productions producing. When she's not haunting Paris streets or trudging up English hillsides, she lives in Edinburgh, Scotland, and is usually tucked in the corner of a coffee shop, dreaming up monsters.

    See more on the author's page
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Customer reviews

4.3 out of 5 stars
4.3 out of 5
2,039 global ratings

Top reviews from the United States

L. L.
5.0 out of 5 stars The Near witch, set in the town of Near
Reviewed in the United States on October 25, 2023
Verified Purchase
This was a true surprise, by a gifted writer. I found I really loved this book, loved the lead characters, and loved the sister witches that were not "wicked at all" but helpful. A mysterious young man arrives one night, and happens on Near as children are missing..
Is the long dead Near back to punish these men who chose to murder her, falsely blaming her for missing children a century ago, that she's not guilty of taking back then, or is she's just looking for peace and a respectful burial..Can they get her bones be found in time before another innocent victim is killed by these men that feel they'll never get their kids back, and now want to hurt a strange but sweet, innocent young man with his own past traumas.
The characters are loveable, but in Near only the women seem wise, but exist at a time when men rule by brute force and thick headedness.. Does Lexi get help before it's too late and get back the stolen children...You'll devour this book in two nights, I did. I hope there's a sequel. I love this authors work. I promise you'll love this one too.
The end of this book has a short story that is some of the best writing I have read in years. I was riveted and my heart beat as it wrapped up explaining who Cole is. His story deserves a book in itself..You can start at the end and then read again. Amazing writing. Every sentence of "Cole's'" story is breathtaking.
2 people found this helpful
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Kindle Customer
4.0 out of 5 stars Worth A Read
Reviewed in the United States on January 8, 2023
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Schwab excells at capturing emotions, creating full and rich worlds, turning clever phrases, and connecting novel concepts. This book has no shortage of these elements and yet is also very approachable. In particular, Schwab created Near with such care as it almost feels like a real place someone can visit. While some of the characters are flat or erratic and the plot a tad meandering with extra scenes thrown in, the Near Witch is a great tale clearly told with love. It is worth the read and sharing with others.
2 people found this helpful
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Beguiled By Books
5.0 out of 5 stars Underrated book!
Reviewed in the United States on July 21, 2023
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Sometimes, when you fall in love with a book, you wonder if it’s the book itself or the author. After reading The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue, I wanted to read more by V.E. Schwab. After a quick search and social media follows, I read Schwab’s first published book, The Near Witch.

The Near Witch is a lovely story about magic and witches and family, trust, and judgment. I loved how the story captures you and takes you to the moors. There’s enough detail about all the right things and enough ambiguity where there needs to be as well. I read the book quickly because, like Addie LaRue, you’re focused on the character and what she does and experiences. Schwab doesn’t bog you down with overly descriptive passages about things that don’t matter.

The Near Witch tells the tale of Lexi Harris in her small community called Near. Everyone knows everyone, so when a mysterious stranger enters their town, and unexplainable things happen, the best – and the worst – is brought out within the community.

This is one of those underrated books that, I hope, stands the test of time. The themes within it are present today in fear of the unknown, fear of strangers, fear of different beliefs, and fear of change. Be kind and be curious, but don’t assume malice before proof.
14 people found this helpful
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Rebecca Davis
3.0 out of 5 stars An interesting beginning
Reviewed in the United States on March 11, 2024
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I do enjoy most of VE Schwabs work. I loved the Darker Shade trilogy and enjoyed her villainous duo-logy and the many lives of Addie La Rue.

This was felt like a nice simple fable/fairy tale, which is also a particular favorite of mine. It had nice intrigue and a hint of magic. I think the characters lacked some depth to them. Like Lexi we got loved her family but I struggled to really connect with her.

A bit of insta love which I didn’t exactly mind but I also felt like Cole was a bit too vague. I liked that we got his story at the end though.

Not very original plot wise, but a lovely ride regardless!
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TW
5.0 out of 5 stars Witchy good
Reviewed in the United States on February 4, 2024
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Mysterious tale, very well told. Beautiful descriptions of Nature and its wondrous forces and messages.
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Kelly Brown
4.0 out of 5 stars Enjoyable
Reviewed in the United States on April 6, 2024
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I liked this book, and I liked the short prequel of Cole's story at the end as a bonus. For a short read, I recommend it.
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MAP
5.0 out of 5 stars A hauntingly beautiful tale
Reviewed in the United States on March 17, 2019
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Lexi Harris lives in the village of Near. Secluded in the vast stretches of the moor, Near and its residents live a quiet, if mundane, existence. That is until a strange, ethereal boy arrives in town. As young children begin to go missing in the middle of the night, the outsider is blamed, but Lexi is convinced a dark, older, more nefarious entity is behind the disappearances: The Near Witch. A story filled with magic, love, and heart, VE Schwab's THE NEAR WITCH is an absolutely beautiful read.

I will always freely admit i am a massive VE Schwab fan. THE NEAR WITCH seems different than her other works. As her first novel, THE NEAR WITCH is smaller, a more intimate story. Her characters don't quite have the complexity she is now known for, but you can see the beginnings of everything to come. Lexi is stubborn and filled with angst and conviction. She's the character you want to root for. Cole's mystery is what seems compelling. The love story is alright, but it is secondary to the overall conflict.

There are many themes throughout: family, love, acceptance, isolation. Everything is brought together well but unexceptionally.

What truly sets this book apart is the absolutely gorgeous writing and amazing setting/atmosphere. Schwab has a lyrical storytelling quality that makes you feel the grass of the moors at your feet, see the wind blown trees, and connect with the natural rhythm and beauty of Near just like Lexi does. This has become one of my favorite books for the writing alone.

THE NEAR WITCH is one of those hauntingly beautiful books you should crack open on a blustery, rainy night. It is subtle, quiet, and unimposing, but settles around you like a comfortable blanket. There is something familiar in the tale of witches and young love that makes this simple story a treat to experience. I have a feeling I'm going to read this book again and again.
28 people found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

Bob
5.0 out of 5 stars Continues to amaze
Reviewed in Canada on June 25, 2022
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I will say only this as regards "The Near Witch" : Victoria Schwab continues to amaze me with her ability to write fantasy peopled with such truly believable characters and settings.
There are a wealth of good-to-great fantasy/fable storytellers in the market place, but Ms. Schwab has deservedly earned her place among the best. My collection of her books continues to grow, and I've found nothing yet that has been less than stellar. I am a fan!
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Cliente Amazon
5.0 out of 5 stars Magical
Reviewed in Spain on May 26, 2022
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Absolutely beautiful, whimsical and magical
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Laura Fenwick
5.0 out of 5 stars Loved it.
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on October 30, 2021
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This was honestly wonderful. I adore Schwab’s style of writing in this. I love the steady, easy rhythm of the writing and the beautiful imagery, describing the rolling moors and the howling wind and darkness of the nights.

Lexi, our young hero, is a force to be reconned with. She struggles to do what she feels is right due to the men of Near who overlook and belittle her, trying to control her. This was in utter contrast to how she was treated by the women around her, and I loved how those who knew her best encouraged her to be true to herself.

Schwab’s story of Lexi’s hunt for the truth seems to effortlessly take us through a whirlwind of emotions; anger, fear, faith, love and desperation, to name a few, with the help of a well rounded supporting cast, including my favourites; Magda and Dreska, to my least favourite; Tyler.

Covering a number of important themes, like prejudice, fear and belonging, Schwab sprinkles a little bit of magic to bring together this unique and lovely story.
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Angelina Huerta
5.0 out of 5 stars Very nostalgic book
Reviewed in Mexico on November 9, 2019
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Delivery was fast and the book was in good conditions.
The story is very nostalgic and well written. I wanted to know more about Cole, so it's good this edition has an additional story at the end.
I'm not a fan of first-person narrative though. The limitations of first person made some parts difficult to believe.
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Susanne
5.0 out of 5 stars It's magic!
Reviewed in Germany on October 23, 2019
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I loved it. It's sad and dark, but full of hope. Although some questions remain unanswered, this book is a page-turner and leads to an ending that's not necessarily foreseeable.
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