THE SCHOOL FOR WICKED WITCHES

In this third series entry, ambitious witch Ava Heartstraw faces the wickedness of Vivienne Morderay with the help of her peers at the School for Wicked Witches, or Swickwit.

After rescuing Swickwit from Wicked Mode, Ava rejoins her fellow Nettle students. Her frenemy, Tinabella Grouse, finishes her stint in isolation in Punzell Tower, where she was sent after handing over unlimited power to Vivienne, the wickedest witch to ever come out of Swickwit. Vivienne cast the spell Dorothy’s Gale, causing a windstorm that captured teachers and teenage Broom students, leaving the younger kids to fend for themselves. Familiar characters reappear, such as Gern the gargoyle and Crow Backpatch, who becomes a natural class leader. Amid the chaos, Swickwit students must pass the Midwinter tests to progress in their studies. Determined to exact revenge on Vivienne for abandoning her, Tinabella gets Ava—who imagines the acclaim she’d receive if she succeeds—to help her brew poisons, cast curses, and even attempt entanglement magic to attack Dorothy’s Gale. Ava contemplates friendship and wickedness as she navigates life without rules or professors. The clever, inventive writing from the earlier books continues as Taylor describes the school and its students with humor and whimsy, showcasing each witch’s unique magical abilities. The fantasy-diverse characters have a variety of skin tones and hair colors. A celebration of imperfections, this novel focuses on sacrifice, humility, and teamwork when faced with seemingly impossible odds.

Satisfyingly witty and original.