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There are currently 29 member reviews
for The Witches at the End of the World
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Nanette S. (San Pierre, IN)
The Witches at the End of the World
Family, love, hate, sibling rivalry, and paranoia all told through the eyes of sisters Minna and Kaija using witches and witch spells as the backdrop for this novel was ingenious. Could the author use any other type of theme to present family dynamics? Maybe, but the witch theme added suspense for both sisters and their views about their village life they abruptly left. Snippets are gleaned about their childhood living in that same village with their parents from a neighbor named Tante Tllde, a past neither Minna nor Kaija can really remember. It's from part of that past one sees how and why they act, and react to circumstances that occur once they become adults. The story flowed easily to a fitting ending in my opinion. This one gave me a bit of a Salem, Massachusetts vibe, and I think there is enough within this novel to be discussed in a book club.
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Jackie R. (Clark, NJ)
A Great Debut
The bond of sisters with a touch of magic can never be underestimated.
The evolution of both characters was enjoyable to read.
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Colleen T. (Lakewood, CO)
The Witches at the End of the World by Chelsea Iversen
An interesting coming of age story of two sisters who experience death, love and heartache and learn to persevere and accept their inherent nature of witching. Kaija leaves to find a life in the village where her mother was killed and learns that she really belongs with her sister. Minna, left in the forest and feeling abandoned, sends out a spell that does as much damage to herself as to others. Minna learns that sending out negativity will eventually come back to harm her, as nature turns against her ability to live comfortably. Eventually Kaija leaves the village and, understanding where she belongs in the world, returns to her sister.
I found the story plot appealing, and the writing well done. However, I really got tired of the chapters moving back and forth from Kaija to Minna. I no sooner became interested in one story line when the next chapter moved to the other story line. I like having two or three chapters focus on one story then move to the other.
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Elizabeth L. (Salem, OR)
Witchcraft in Norway
Enjoyed this book and the differing perspectives of Kaija and Minna. I thought Tante Tilda was fantastic and would love a book about her. Other characters were a bit one dimensional. My main quibble is the ending. I felt that the story was tied up in a rushed manner and not consistent with the actions and motivations of Kaija and Minna. I could see how they got there but a stronger connection was needed.
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Nicole G. (Andover, MA)
Compelling magical realism with humanity at its heart
Chelsea Iversen has created a captivating world in which sisters deal with a traumatic childhood and the ways it continues to impact their adulthoods. Her world was so compelling that at times I forgot I was reading, as the images and moods she was able to create put my mind in a cinematic space. I look forward to reading more of Ms. Iversen's work. 4.5 stars
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Judy G. (Carmel, IN)
Witch Sisters
I found this book very readable and I enjoyed it. Living in a forest descriptions sparked my imagination of what that could really be like. The village living descriptions evoked what it's like to live in a small community where certain people take it upon themselves to judge and punish others in accordance with their personal beliefs. Yes, magic was involved but the storyline still mirrors real life. Good first novel!
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Janet T. (Westford, MA)
The Witches at the End of the World
Very captivating read with vividly presented characters. This was an unusual premise which included magic but the magic was really secondary to the relationship of the characters and their evolution as woman. Two sisters with vastly different visions of what the future should be like and who should be include to fulfill life. The process that each woman experienced to reach a resolution between them was very engaging. This is a recommended read, which I didn't expect because of the magic.
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