Coven

March 1, 2025
A coven of problem-solving witches takes on a mission that tests their friendship and bonds. Witches Anadil, Hester, and Dot are summoned to Red Isle when the animals of the Dark Lands are found starving after sludge kills all the vegetation. Mother Sorastra, the leader of the Dark Lands, confronts Prince Lexius of the neighboring Light Lands, arguing that he's abusing nature's gift of raaka, a resource used to power clever inventions. But Prince Lexius blames Mother Sorastra for breaking a truce and causing the pollution. The conflict escalates when citizens of the Light Lands are murdered, and their facial features are erased. Pale, white-haired Anadil, brown-skinned, black-haired Hester, and Dot, who has brown skin and Afro-textured hair, arrive in time to stop the outbreak of war and attempt to solve the mystery of the face-stealing killer. When a coven of witches impersonating the trio appears, Anadil, Hester, and Dot must overcome their bickering and work through hurt feelings in order to band together and bring peace and balance to Red Isle. This graphic novel features cleverly realized characters: Anadil with her team of magical rats, Hester with her pet demon, and Dot with her ability to summon confectionary are memorable leads. The relationship between Anadil and Hester adds a hint of romance to the story, and the environmental themes add real-world relevance. Vivid illustrations with saturated colors create a fantastical backdrop for the fast-paced storyline. An action-packed, magic-filled exploration of natural resource abuse.(Graphic fantasy. 12-16)

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April 1, 2025

Gr 6 Up-Witches Anadil, Hester, and Dot, also known as the Witch Coven, live in the Endless Woods where they provide protection and investigative services to those in need. Their friendship is tested when they are asked to travel to Red Isle, where not only has a long-term battle between the light and the dark reached crisis level but also ongoing abuse of the environment and the overconsumption of the precious resource raaka has left the area barren and broken. On top of that, they need to stop a murderer who is killing townspeople by stealing their faces, and figure out who the three evil witches who look just like them really are. The trio must rediscover what unites them and rely on the strength each member provides in order to defeat the seemingly insurmountable trouble plaguing Red Isle. This is the first graphic novel based on Chainani's hit series "The School for Good and Evil," and fans will be thrilled. Having some familiarity with the books might be helpful, particularly with the dynamics between the Witch Coven, but is certainly not necessary as this reads easily as a stand-alone volume. The illustrations are bright, energetic, and help keep the story as light as possible despite some bleak themes. VERDICT A tense and exciting eco-thriller fantasy that highlights the importance of friendship and trust.-Sarah Maciejewski

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