In case this is your first time coming across my blog, hi, hello, my name is Alexa and my favorite Studio Ghibli film of all time is Kiki's Delivery Service. I never tire of the charming story of a young witch determined to make a life for herself after settling into a new small town. And I'm totally willing to admit that I initially picked up Eva Evergreen, Semi-Magical Witch because it was compared to Kiki's Delivery Service. (And, okay, I also fell in love with this adorably illustrated cover and couldn't leave it behind when I found it at the bookstore.)
The most important thing you'll need to know? Eva Evergreen, Semi-Magical Witch is wonderful. It's by far my favorite book I've read so far in 2021, and I can easily see it earning a spot on my best reads list at the end of this year (a spot that it'll hopefully share with its forthcoming sequel). I knew I was going to enjoy this book, but I could never have anticipated how much I ended up loving it.
Eva Evergreen, Semi-Magical Witch centers around Evalithimus "Eva" Evergreen, a young witch determined to earn the rank of Novice Witch before her thirteenth birthday in order to keep her magic... what little she has, that is. The requirements are simple: fly to a town that needs you, live there and do good for one moon and when the time comes, fly home by broomstick. Will Eva be able to settle into her new home, use the pinch of magic she has to help the town and save the day when a big magical threat makes itself known?
While there are certainly small similarities to Kiki's Delivery Service, I can wholeheartedly say that Eva Evergreen, Semi-Magical Witch is definitely a standout story on its own merit. I fell head over heels for the whimsical world that Julie Abe brought to life with each new chapter, including the magical beings and lore, the coastal town of Auteri and the Japanese-inspired details woven throughout. I loved the story, particularly how Abe combined a wholesome slice-of-life plot beautifully with an individual character development journey and exciting turns when our characters are faced with looming magical threats. And, best of all, I loved the characters, particularly our titular character Eva. As a character-driven reader, it's always heartwarming to 'meet' a new person to love and root for and Eva was instantly one of those people for me. Her determination to pursue her goal no matter the odds, her genuine heart to help those who need it no matter the cost or risk, and her willingness to acknowledge her vulnerabilities and her strengths - these are just three of the things I adored about her.
As you can tell, I love Eva Evergreen, Semi-Magical Witch so much. It's a charming, wholesome middle grade fantasy tale that warmed my heart (and made me cry) with its delightful cast, compelling plot and themes of friendship and moral support. This novel easily earned it's five star rating and a spot on my all-time favorite middle grade reads list, and I would highly recommend it.
Pub Info: August 4, 2020 by Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
Ahhh your review is making me want to drop everything and pick up my copy of Eva now!!
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