Mamo

Trigger Warnings: Mention of past child abuse

Mamo was the local witch of Haresden. After she passes, her granddaughter, Orla, returns to find the town in a mess. She really doesn’t want to get involved, but a local girl, Jo, convinces her. Together, they track down the roots of all the chaos to make team

The art for this novel is beautiful - it’s one of the reasons I picked it up (But also any stories about young witches will almost always grab my attention), it reminded me so much of Studio Ghibli. Not only did the cover catch my attention right away, but it kept my attention all the way through the novel.

The only reason I didn’t give them 5 stars is because I kind of wish we got to see more of the community through Jo’s eyes show more and see why she deeply loves it so much. She mentioned it and there were some things here and there, but we saw mostly Orla’s upbringing and why she didn’t like the town because of the memories of growing up.

This is a stand alone volume (I believe), but I wouldn’t mind seeing more of these characters and their future. There is so much Jo has to learn and much more Jo has to teach. I could see this being a series, but it stands wonderfully on its own as well.

Overall, a great read with beautiful, adorable artwork. I’ve already recommended it to two others before I even finished writing my review. show less

This was a short but sweet story and I absolutely loved every second! Beautiful artwork and a cute (and kinda sad) story about a young witch overcoming her past and her budding relationship with a girl from her hometown and their adventure to save the town from disaster. It is queerly adorable and I highly recommend it! 10/10!

Jo, young woman seeks a witch to help her mother and others of the town troubled by curses and the fae. Orla is prickly and reluctant but is drawn in to a web of troubles at least aggravated by her grandmother's scattered bones. In seeking the bones to settle them at the borders of the town Jo becomes more a participant in Orla's magic.

First, I must say that the art in this was wonderful. I love how the colors and movements of nature were depicted. Also, the art really highlighted the ways in which nature interacts with the characters.
That said, the story didn‘t blow me away. I would have liked more definition in the character development. A lot of the backstory for Orla, for example, was hinted at but not fully explained. I do acknowledge that perhaps the style of storytelling just wasn‘t for me on that front. I will say, the relationship between Orla and Jo was really cute, and of course Sìth, the cat familiar, was a highlight.

I'm not sure why it is that the more I like a book, the less I want to say about it.

Let's leave it at . . .

Magical.