Eva Evergreen, Semi-Magical Witch (Eva Evergreen, 1)

To say that I adored this book is an understatement. This is a book I will keep on my shelves for my kids to re-read someday, and the moment they are old enough, I will be handing it to them, hoping they'll love it just as I did!I first have to start off by complimenting Julie Abe's writing. It is so magical and created the perfect world. From the way the settings are described (Can Auteri be real, please?!) to the way the food is described (I was ready to transport myself to Eva's world just to snack!) -- it is all so beautifully crafted! Beyond the setting and the descriptions of food, the way that Eva's thoughts and feelings are described to us is so beautiful. One of my favorite quotes that made me pause and reflect on the writing was this one: "But... even those thoughts and her deep frown couldn't keep delicate tendrils of joy from blossoming inside my heart. (pg. 110)" Just beautiful! And the novel is packed with these so make sure you have a highlighter handy!While I do think the novel lagged at points, I do see how each event that took place and even the time in between was necessary. She is constantly learning to believe in herself, and one of the best ways this was helped along was through her friendships with Char and Davy. I adored them, and I really hope Book 2 has much more of them! At one point towards the end, I had to pause and make a note next to something Charlotte said that just says, "LOVE HER!" because she is such a wonderful side character. I would honestly love to read a novella about her because she is that interesting!This is definitely one of the best MG novels I have read, and it is one of my favorite 2020 releases. I think MG can be overlooked because it's meant for "kids", but I also think adults can get so much joy from a book like this -- I certainly did! If you're looking for a fun, magical read, look no further! I would recommend this book to everyone!

This is such a charming story full of magic, whimsy, and heart. Eva's struggles speak to all of us who have faced self-doubt or feelings of inadequacy, and watching her overcome challenges with courage and determination will bring readers inspiration and satisfaction. Her adventures are seasoned with a sense of danger, but there are threads of gentle humor woven throughout that made me smile. Plus, there's a flame fox! This is a delightful book that feels like a warm cup of comforting tea or a hug from a dear friend. Highly recommended.

This book. It's got total Kiki's Delivery Service vibes, but it's definitely its own wonderful little thing with a cute witch who tries so very hard and struggles so much and overcomes in the end. Highly recommend.

Would recommend for anyone looking for a fairly light magic adventure packed with moral support and adorable. I found it recommended after Kiki's Delivery Service, and that's pretty spot-on. Flavors include Studio Ghibli, Diana Wynne Jones, and maybe a dash of Grace Lin. I pre-ordered book 2.

Eva Evergreen is absolutely delightful in every way.

I’m not the main demographic for this book but still enjoyed reading it a lot! The story is great and so Eva’s character development. I also kind of ship Eva and Charlotte and will be buying the second book! Book also came in good condition

I loved every bit of this magical book. Julie Abe is an incredible writer and had me hanging on the edge of my seat with every chapter. Not to mention cute little Ember also stole the show. ❤️ I loved Eva Evergreen with all my heart.

I really enjoyed getting to know Eva, Semi-Magical Repair Witch. Her supportive parents (a combination of non-magical dad and Grandmaster Witch mother) were a delight, as are all of the characters Eva meets as she sets out on her quest to help a city, "Do Good" and earn her Novice level as a witch. The settings are imaginative and charming. Eva's character grows stronger as she learns to use her own creative repair ideas to fix situations- in many ways she reminded me of an inventor and I bet she would love a Maker Lab! The firefox, Ember, whose tail does not stay lit on fire (much like Eva's magic which isn't quite as strong as other witches) is a fun pet and sidekick for Eva's adventures. Throughout Eva's quest to find success on her own, the threat of the impending Culling- a destructive force of magical weather- and the deadline of Eva's quest move the story forward toward a climax. Themes of identity, resourcefulness and creativity, community, friendship, and family throughout Eva's journey make this story important and an excellent one to analyze deeper.I was disappointed not to learn much about Eva's nemesis, Conroy, a witch who has had strong magic since the day he was born and is also on his Novice Quest, and his uncle the head of the Council of witches. I felt like these antagonists weren't explored much, but a cliffhanger at the end of the book leaves the impression that we may learn more about them in the second book, a book I am eager to read to continue Eva's story! There were a few times that I felt the pacing was off, as other reviewers have mentioned, and this is something that could possibly hinder emerging readers. Fantasy lovers will enjoy this book a great deal. I fell in love with Eva's fighting spirit and can't wait to read more from Julie Abe. #LitReviewCrew

The story strikes me as heavily influenced by manga, magical girl and by video games - it's like reading an Animal Crossing fanfic. Eva wakes up each morning and goes off to the town square and engages in a short dialogue with a character, perhaps a shopkeeper or a sailor. A cute animal sidekick will make motions. She will describe the location. The dialogue is shallow, rarely going beyond small-talk. Eva makes an error with her magic. And tomorrow, the cycle begins again.It is extremely gentle and fluffy for younger kids, but even younger kids like a bit of action and perhaps some plot to generate interest. A character who wakes up, talks to some characters who say a stock sentence or two, then eats a bun isn't exactly the most riveting thriller.

If you’re in the mood for an adorable read filled with warmth, cosiness and a sprinkling of magic, I would highly recommend this book. I loved reading about Eva’s time in the gorgeous seaside town of Auteri. The descriptions of Auteri throughout made it sound like both the cosiest and most whimsical place to live and oh how I’d love to visit it. The characters were also delightful especially the mischievous yet incredibly adorable flamefox, Ember. It was so heart-warming to see how Eva gradually grew in confidence and became firm friends with the people of Auteri throughout the book. I was also incredibly intrigued by the mysterious Culling, and I can’t wait to find out more about it when I read the second book

My children loved and one read it within in week.

Eva may only be a semi-magical witch, but this book was fully magical ! I really enjoyed following Eva's journey to hopefully become a novice witch. Eva is very creative and resourceful and it's a joy to see her grow in self-confidence and grow into friendships.For anyone that has enjoyed Kiki Delivery's Service, you should enjoy this book. The premice is similar, and you will find delicious and quirky food everywhere in this book, just like in Ghibli movies, but it's its own story, a well built world.I hope there is an animated adaptation some day, I want to see all that food come to live, and the flamefoxes ! Those amazing creatures that are so expressive and cute ! (maybe there should be a flamefox plushie too...)I can't wait to see what comes next, Julie Abe's story and Eva's adventures is far from being over !

I absolutely loving it :)Highly recommend this story for young and old. I got really attached to all the characters. The writing is beautiful as well as the little drawings on each new chapter.It is now my favourite book even if I am 29. Never thought that a book for kids/teenagers would warm my soul like this :) as i pointed it out before: highly recommend!