A conclusion to the trilogy that includes The Hidden Witch finds Aster defying tradition by competing in an annual witch tournament, while Ariel struggles to connect the mysterious witch of her nightmares to her own past. Simultaneous. Illustrations. - (Baker & Taylor)

Booklist Reviews

*Starred Review* The third installment of the Witch Boy series revolves around the Midwinter Festival, where Aster's extended family gathers each year for a magical competition. He decides to enter the contest meant for witches—effectively his public coming-out party—despite the lingering discomfort and hostility of certain family members. Meanwhile, Aster's new witch friend Ariel has become a ward of his family, and she struggles with accepting their love, especially when her estranged aunt attempts to lure her away by poisoning her self-esteem. Here, Ostertag proves once more that she is among the brightest stars in a young generation of storytellers who speak the truth of today's youth. These are thoughtful, nuanced stories, concerned with common personal and interpersonal struggles that have gone largely unrepresented. Instead of the traditional black-and-white tales of good versus evil, Aster's adventures involve sympathetic people driven by relatable, human forces that shape their choices and relationships—for better or worse—and along the way they model a philosophy of understanding, compassion, and empathy that readers of any age will benefit from. All of that without feeling heavy-handed, and the craftwork is on-point, too, with smooth pacing, endearing characters, gripping plots, and clean, colorful, expressive artwork. Hand this series to fans of Rebecca Sugar (Steven Universe) or Noelle Stevenson (the Lumberjanes series) in search of similarly affirming, fantastical fiction of quality. Grades 4-7. Copyright 2019 Booklist Reviews.

Horn Book Guide Reviews

This third graphic novel about the taboo-breaking male witch Aster (The Witch Boy, rev. 11/17; The Hidden Witch, rev. 3/19) finds him attending a midwinter gathering in a charmed mountainous setting. He's joined by friends Ariel (who has a history of dark magic and no knowledge of her biological family) and Charlie (who has no magical abilities). When it comes time to compete for Midwinter Witch, a coveted role traditionally reserved for girls in the clan, both Aster and Ariel face challenges of identity, truth, and belonging. In the panel illustrations, colored with bold and lush hues, subtle glances between characters often reveal their inner thoughts and tensions, while dialogue provides narrative support to readers. Visual symbols add depth; squiggly figures inside word balloons represent the characters' magical language, and the shapes of the balloons convey tone of voice. With clear and effortless references to past installments, without too much distraction from the main narrative, this is a strong addition to the series. Copyright 2021 Horn Book Guide Reviews.

Horn Book Magazine Reviews

This third graphic novel about the taboo-breaking male witch Aster (The Witch Boy, rev. 11/17; The Hidden Witch, rev. 3/19) finds him attending a midwinter gathering in a charmed mountainous setting. He's joined by friends Ariel (who has a history of dark magic and no knowledge of her biological family) and Charlie (who has no magical abilities). When it comes time to compete for "Midwinter Witch," a coveted role traditionally reserved for girls in the clan, both Aster and Ariel face challenges of identity, truth, and belonging. In the panel illustrations, colored with bold and lush hues, subtle glances between characters often reveal their inner thoughts and tensions, while dialogue provides narrative support to readers. Visual symbols add depth; squiggly figures inside word balloons represent the characters' magical language, and the shapes of the balloons convey tone of voice. With clear and effortless references to past installments, without too much distraction from the main narrative, this is a strong addition to the series. Elisa Gall January/February 2020 p.94 Copyright 2020 Horn Book Magazine Reviews.

Kirkus Reviews

Will Aster, accepted as a witch by his immediate family, find that approval with his extended family? And does Ariel, welcomed into the Vanissen fold, even want a family? As the ward of the Vanissen family, Ariel's now being trained in witchcraft, and in a world in which magic is passed down and learned within families, this should be a wonderful thing. But orphaned Ariel chafes against magical traditions and the emphasis on family, a response that appears to be the result of her understandable fear of abandonment and intimacy. Added to this are nightly dream visitations from a woman named Isabel Torres. Claiming to be her aunt, Isabel plants doubts about the Vanissens' acceptance and feeds Ariel's anti-traditionalist leanings. Meanwhile, the Midwinter Festival—an annual magical extended family reunion—is coming, and Aster wants to compete in the Jolrun for the title of Midwinter Witch. As the first boy to openly study witchcraft, he'll be the first boy to compete. The Vanissens, Ariel, and nonmagical friend Charlie attend, but a surprise at the Jolrun causes conflict. Ostertag's signature bold, clear, thick-lined illustrations are at work here, as are her fascinating magical world-within-a-world worldbuilding and thoughtfully inclusive approach to LGBTQ and racial representation. Aster is biracial, with a white mom and brown-skinned dad, Ariel has olive skin and dark hair, and Charlie is black, with two black dads. This solid addition to the series should please fans and newcomers alike. (Graphic fantasy. 8-14) Copyright Kirkus 2019 Kirkus/BPI Communications. All rights reserved.

School Library Journal Reviews

Gr 3–6—In this conclusion to Aster's journey, things seem to have settled down for the witch boy and his friends. While friend Charlie and cousin Sedge attend regular nonmagic school, orphaned witch Ariel attends magic lessons with the Vanissens and is learning to control her power—somewhat. Just as she's getting used to the idea of a newfound magical family, Ariel starts having dreams: realistic visions of a long-lost aunt who is searching for her and who claims that magic is to be stolen, not shared. These dreams follow her to the Midwinter Festival, a Vanissen family reunion that includes notable magic competition the Jolrun. Aster dreams of competing as a witch, but some of his family members still don't approve. As the festival continues, friendships are strained, secrets are kept, and a surprise appearance by a villainous figure puts everyone in danger. But Aster and his friends show up for one another when it counts, embodying the possibilities of young friendship and found family through tough times and misunderstandings. Though more subdued than its counterparts, this graphic novel is a strong cap to a delightful series. A folksy palette of forest greens and browns interspersed with bursts of warmth captures the frosty outdoors and the group's cozy cabin evenings. Though newcomers will enjoy this title, those familiar with the first two entries will most appreciate the plot references and the development of each character's arc. VERDICT A heartwarming, wintry adventure that series fans will love.—Ashleigh Williams, School Library Journal