The Hidden Witch by Molly Ostertag
Published by Graphix on October 30th 2018
ISBN: 1338253751
Pages: 208
Goodreads

The sequel or continuation of Aster’s story from Ostertag’s first graphic novel Witch Boy. It’s tough for a second book to maintain the excitement and fire of a series, and while this book is a little less thrilling in its message of suspense and self-discovery, it makes up for that in messaging. Aster is really coming into his own as a witch, now being allowed to attend witch lessons in the open, and the support and compassion shown by many of the characters in the book was delightful. At the same time that Aster is dealing with an old evil, that of intolerance and hate from the past, he is being embraced by family and friends. And the other characters in the book are struggling to find their place in the world, but they are doing it with support, guidance, kindness, and love. There is a new character, Ariel, who dabbles in dark magic and whose backstory is hinted at, hopefully, sowing a seed for a 3rd book in the series. The artwork is clear and vibrant and pairs fantastically with the story. Like a Fetch hunting its prey, this GN will fly off the shelf.

Reviewed by Jill O’Connor, Merrill Memorial Library, Yarmouth