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Positive tags
Heroine archetypes
Protagonist archetypes
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Synopsis
From Publishers Weekly In this hokey, meandering novel, Julia is a girl gifted with a healing touch and the power to glimpse the future. When she sees a vision of her best friend's boyfriend, Jim, shot and bleeding to death, she does her best to keep him out of danger. But then another friend is shot while witnessing a gas station holdup, and Julia and Jim set out to wreak revenge on the gunman. Meanwhile, Julia's best friend discovers that the gunman just happens to be the deranged former boyfriend of Kary, the recently deceased half-sister Julia never knew. Julia's mother--also a healer--had died in an attempt to save Kary's life. In another part of town, a carload of good witches is hot on Julia's trail, determined to keep her from abusing her powers. Typically, Pike's writing is peppy enough to animate his most tangled plots; here, however, his style becomes choppy and unconvincing--unable to sustain the coincidence-riddled story. In addition, the text is littered with sexist one-liners which, along with a humorless running "joke," are as irritating as they are offensive. Ages 13-up. Copyright 1990 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Is Witch appropriate for my child?
Suitable for most readers 13 and up.
Parents should know this book contains gun violence including a gas station shooting and a death, along with teens seeking revenge. The protagonist has healing powers and visions, and discovers family secrets about her deceased mother and half-sister. Some dated sexist humor noted by reviewers.
What to know going in
This book has moderate violence, no sexual content, and mild language. Content notes include murder, death, and death of parent (see the full list above).
Who'll love this
Teens will be drawn to Julia's psychic powers and healing abilities as she races to prevent a deadly vision from coming true.