The day that Bea looks into the eye of an old hare, her life begins to change. She meets Lars, a good-looking young man, who teaches her how to skate-board. No one can blame her for having a huge crush on him. This is all normal, right? She makes a new friend, Silvis, who is a little strange but by now Bea is discovering she has some oddities as well. Are the things she is seeing in the sky all in her imagination or are they something far more important? Silvis introduces Odi, her grandfather, to Bea who begins to learn that not only is she a witch – a powerfully gifted one – but also that her life, and the life of her family, are under threat from The Hunt. Even Lars isn’t as safe as she thinks he is. She is manipulated and controlled to the point that she abandons her family and becomes involved in behaviour that she knows, deep in her heart, is wrong. Is there a way back for Bea? Will the other witches forgive her? Despite her powers, she is still a young, frightened teenager, who is way out of her depth.

In The Lost Witch, we see how a child abuser grooms his victim and so manipulates their world that right is wrong, death is life and nothing and no-one can be trusted. It’s frightening but, unfortunately, it happens in the real world far too often. This is an absorbing, magical tale of friendship, family, trust, justice and mercy. Just when all seems lost, other people’s kindness finds a way through the nightmare. And, even more importantly, the one gift that is considered weak and useless is the thing that saves the day.

This is a wonderful message to every reader who thinks they have nothing of value to give to the world. Burgess is a skilful world creator and a masterful storyteller.

Reviewed Wendy Noble
Age Guide 12+