Plot Summary: Arriman the Awful has spent most of his life being a powerful, "evilish" wizard and he is ready for a break. However, he can't retire until he finds someone to take his place. He is advised the best way to do this is to marry on of the local witches and produce an heir. He is hesitant to do this as to his knowledge, all the local witches are warty and unkempt but he decides to marry the woman who produces the darkest magic spell. Belladonna, a beautiful white witch is deeply in love with Arriman but despairs at ever winning the contest as she is a white witch and only capable of making flowers bloom and caring for baby animals. She decides to enter the contest anyways with the help of a young orphan boy and her new familiar, a small worm. With the contest under way, who will win the hand of Arriman?
Critical Evaluation: Which Witch is an amusing, light read and will be particularly popular for those readers who enjoy magic and wizardry. Although the subject matter may seem dark with evil wizards and witches as the main characters, it is actually a light read that will appeal to a wide audience. The book is imaginative and original while maintaining a fairytale like structure.
Reader's Annotation: Arriman the handsome wizard must choose a bride, although he dreads marrying one of the local hags. He arranges a contest: the witch that performs the darkest spell will become his wife. Arriman doesn't realize that one of the witches is very beautiful and already loves him but is unfortunately, incapable of performing dark spells. Will love or dark magic prevail?
About the Author: Eva Ibbotson is the author of The Secret of Platform 13, The Beasts of Clawsone Castle and others. She writes mainly fantasy and historical fiction for tweens and young adults.
Genre: Fantasy
Curriculum Ties: None
Booktalking Ideas: Is it better to be good and powerless or evil and powerful?
Challenge Issues: Necromancy is performed. This could be defended by examining the context it is performed in.
Interest Level: 9-12
Selection Process: On the cover it is described as " a zestful adventure, perfect for fans of Harry Potter." This appealed to me as I am a big fan of the Harry Potter series.
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