Arianwyn is the daughter and grand-daughter of witches. Instead of going to a witch school, she is tutored by her grandmother who is on the witch council. When it comes time for her evaluation to become a full fledged witch, she is sad and disappointed when something goes wrong and she is the only candidate that doesn't pass. Retaining her status as an apprentice witch, she is sent to a small town that has been without any witch for 40 years. She bumbles her way through the first few months, and gradually begins to gain the confidence of the residents. When her rival arrives in town and unleashes a creature of immense dark power, Arianwyn must conquer the darkness within before she can hope to save her new home and friends.
This is a decent middle grade fantasy. It isn't going to win any awards, but I know plenty of 4th and 5th graders who would enjoy it. After reading so many "acclaimed" books, I was pleased to find it was refreshingly devoid of any controversial issues, like same gender attraction, or racial tension. It is just an entertaining adventure that is just a little bit sappy. (A little sap never hurt anyone.) The ending could lead to a second novel or stand alone so it will be interesting to see if there is a sequel. (318 p. It was published in UK in 2016, and in the US in 2017)
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