Little Witch: Hauntings and Hexes (Book 2)

Little Witch: Hauntings and Hexes (Book 2) by Aleesah Darlison (Big Sky Publishing) PB RRP $14.99
ISBN 9781925520576

Reviewed by Kylie Buckley

Courtney Little is a teenage girl embarking on a new stage in her life. She has recently moved to the little seaside town of Mixton Bay with her family and is about to start at a new school. Naturally she is a little nervous and has some self-doubt, as many teenagers do, however she has a little more to worry about than most. Courtney is trying to keep the fact that she is a ‘witchling’ under wraps. With the position fairly new to her, she is still finding her way and letting very few people into her secret world.

Courtney’s grandmother, Delia, was a white witch who left her special skills and spells to Courtney when she passed away. Courtney now explores incantations, spells and potions using Delia’s ‘Little Book of Spells and Secrets’, but unfortunately she doesn’t always get it right. She spends most of her spare time practising her spells and relishes in the thought of what might be. Courtney is warned that ‘magic isn’t a game and it’s not fun. It’s extremely serious stuff’. Initially she disregards this advice but after making a big mistake she quickly realises she has a lot to learn. White magic and black magic soon collide with potentially dire consequences for the people of Mixton Bay.

Hauntings and Hexes is the second book in the Little Witch series of middle grade fiction. It would suit readers 8-12 years old who enjoy stories of magic and fantasy. If they haven’t already, readers are encouraged to check out Secrets & Spells (Book 1) and stay tuned for more books in the series.