Witch High

An anthology of short stories set in a high school for budding witches.

The stories are supposedly set in the same world, but nearly all had contradictory rules about magic that made that a tough sell. Also, there were multiple stories using the same plots (late-blooming witch coming into their magic with surprising power, apparent non-witch developing powers, not following magical rules having predictably disastrous consequences, etc). Despite the general quality of authors in the anthology, the stories were predictable, repetitive, and mediocre. ( )

Witch High, edited by Denise Little, is a shared-world anthology centering around a high school in Salem, Massachusetts. Reading this book over lunch really ripped me out of a bad mood one day. I'm not going to take the time to review every story, but about the worst I could say is that a few of them were a little predictable. On the other hand, there was nothing in the running for a Hugo award, either.

The anthology as a whole got a few more complaints, though. They're all supposed to be set in the same world, but the editor apparently didn't bother to clean up points. Most notably, one story depends on a device that can detect the use of magic in a classroom, whereas the next implies that there's no trivial way to detect it. One story has a character who is the only one in her class not to get a familiar yet, when I can't remember another familiar in the whole book. The tone jumps around a lot--from very light boy-meets-girl to life-and-death action--which took a while to get used to, but I eventually accepted.

Overall, I gave it a 3.5. An entertaining set of fiction. ( )

A good bunch of stories about a magical high school. No duds, and most were a lot of fun. ( )

Reviewed by Jaglvr for TeensReadToo.com

WITCH HIGH is a fun anthology that takes place at Salem Township Public High School #4, aka Witch High. Using the theme of the high school, each story weaves another piece of the fabric that is the history behind the school. The stories all reveal that even those with magical powers suffer the same struggles in high school as the non-magical kids. There are bullies, there is heartbreak, there are cliques, and so much more.

Containing fourteen different stories, each author takes on a different idea and uses their imagination to create unique situations for their characters. Not reading much paranormal fiction personally, I will admit that none of the authors were known to me. But that did not hinder my enjoyment of the stories. As with most anthologies, I found that some of the stories spoke to me more than some of the others, but overall, they were all a treat to enjoy.

Pick up WITCH HIGH and you will find out what happens when a fire elemental likes someone who is interested in them back...sparks really do fly! Discover the creative punishment that is inflicted on a student who wreaks havoc on the school and has to pay back the guidance counselor in full. And see what sort of hidden magic a girl with seemingly no magical ability at all can grow.

These are just three of the wonderful stories included in the book. I'd wave my wand over everyone and make them read this book as well, but alas, I truly have no special abilities. At least, none of mine have manifested yet! ( )