Season of the Witch

Mariah Fredericks expertly weaves together elements of a paranormal thriller and a realistic drama, creating a captivating story that is believable and poignant. Bullying is a common theme in YA literature, but few stories capture—especially with such empathy—the experience of being both a victim and a perpetrator. Toward the beginning of the novel, Toni mentally relives her difficult first day at school: “The three of them pressing in on me. So thrilled that they could scare me. I have to not be scared, I tell myself.” Later, when Toni has decided to seek revenge against her main tormenter, Chloe, she knows exactly how she wants Chloe to feel: “I want her scared. I want her hurt. I want her humiliated.” Features a cast of true-to-life characters. Ella, Toni’s bubbly BFF; and Cassandra, Toni’s witty, witchcraft-practicing new friend; are particularly compelling. Ella and Cassandra are cousins, and a dark family secret tears them apart and catches Toni in the middle, adding considerable intrigue to the novel. The moody Manhattan setting is well drawn and surprisingly fitting, as a city park and a family apartment become ominous backdrops to vengeful curses. When Toni and Cassandra team up, readers may correctly predict that the pair’s retribution will soon get out of hand. But the author’s gift for cleverly upending expectations ensures a riveting, unpredictable reading experience, all the way to the surprising and rewarding conclusion.