Customer Reviews

Good Witch of the West (Volume 2: The Secret Flower Garden)

5 star:		(1)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

These books are underrated for their entertainment value, creative hijinks, and sparkling characters. Don't let the cover become a distraction, the writing is lively, bright, and interesting. The mystery of who Firiel and Rune really are is unfolding in curious and engrossing ways. You will find yourself wondering what's in the cards for Firiel and Rune next. However, volume 3 of the Novel is far overdue by this time and, given how enchanting this series is, I'm quite disappointed by that development.

I'm an serious book reader, especially of fantasy, and though I was a bit put off by the covers of the Good Witch of the West series, I'm now an avid fan eagerly awaiting the next one. Ogiwara has crafted a fantastic, detailed world where Firiel, in almost cliche fashion, finds out she may be heir to the throne. However, that's where the cliche ends. In this volume, Firiel, using the status her blood has now brought her is now trying to protect her childhood friend Rune for his scientific research (the Queen has named it to be heretical). Making a deal with the Count who has taken her under his wing, Firiel must now go to a special school for girls to learn the ways of the court, and that's where Firiel makes the shocking discovery that the school runs itself as a living model of the country, with the fellow students taken upon the roles of government and ruling the "lower class" of their classmates. Firiel has to learn how politics work fast if she's to survive and keep Rune safe.

I'm really enjoying the series, especially the interesting government Ogiwara has set up making it so only women can rule the country, and the lengths they go to to keep in power. I can't wait for the next book!