Review: The Last Witch - Various Contributors

Review: The Last Witch - Fear & Fire - Various Contributors - September 2021

There’s something rather magical about discovering a new fantasy world that instantly pulls you in  the kind where you can almost imagine curling up with the book on a rainy New Zealand afternoon, a cuppa in hand, and letting the story whisk you away. The Last Witch, a young adult fantasy graphic novel collecting issues #1–5, is exactly that sort of adventure: mysterious, atmospheric, and filled with heart.

At the centre of the story is Saoirse, a brave and slightly reckless young girl who lives in a village where the terrifying witch known as the Cailleach hunts children once a year. Instead of hiding away like everyone else, Saoirse sees the annual hunt as the perfect chance to rebel against her father and uncover the secrets hidden within the witch’s tower. Of course, as many fantasy heroes learn the hard way, curiosity can be both a gift and a curse.

When Saoirse and her brother Brahm are captured by the Cailleach, their lives take a dramatic turn. What begins as a daring adventure soon becomes something far bigger and more dangerous. Saoirse discovers that the strange mark on her shoulder might hold the key to powerful magic that could save the people she loves, if only she can understand it and learn to embrace who she truly is.

Written by Conor McCreery and V.V. Glass, The Last Witch beautifully blends classic fantasy elements with a modern young adult voice. The story feels like a fairy tale with a darker edge, the kind that reminds you of the old folklore stories where magic is unpredictable and the world feels both wondrous and a little bit dangerous.

One of the things I really enjoyed was Saoirse herself. She’s not perfect, and that’s what makes her so relatable. She’s impulsive, stubborn, and fiercely loyal qualities that make her feel like a real teenager thrown into extraordinary circumstances. Watching her slowly realise the strength she carries within herself makes for a compelling coming-of-age journey.

The artwork also deserves a special mention. The illustrations perfectly capture the eerie atmosphere of the witch’s world, from shadowy forests to the mysterious tower. It adds an extra layer of magic to the story, making it easy to lose yourself in each page.

 It’s filled with mystery, adventure, and a message about discovering the power that lies within us all. If you enjoy magical tales, strong young heroines, and stories that feel like modern folklore, this one is definitely worth adding to your reading pile.

From one book lover to another  this is the sort of story that reminds us why we fell in love with fantasy in the first place. 

Amazon: https://amzn.to/4ue5lWR