A "charming" story of an inexperienced aspiring witch trying to prove her worth—and taking on a bigger battle than she bargained for (Publishers Weekly). Arianwyn has flunked her witch's assessment. She's doomed. Declared an apprentice and sent to the town of Lull in disgrace, she may never become a real witch—much to the glee of her obnoxious arch-rival, Gimma. But remote Lull is not as boring as it seems. Strange things are sighted in the woods, a dangerous infestation of hex creeps throughout the town, and a mysterious magical visitor arrives with his eye on her. With every spirit banished, creature helped, and spell cast, Arianwyn starts to get the hang of being a witch—even if she's only an apprentice. But the worst still lies ahead. For a sinister darkness has begun to haunt her spells, and there may be much more at stake than just her pride—for Arianwyn and the entire land. "Arianwyn is a likable hero, with well-drawn struggles." —The New York Times Book Review "With brisk pacing and sophisticated writing, this book is one of those rare, unputdownable gems. [It] is somewhat reminiscent of J.K. Rowling's Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them, and fans of magical fantasy will be enthralled with the details of this fascinating world." —School Library Journal "Will at once open a new and imaginative world and feel like a book you have loved forever." —Jennifer Nielsen, New York Times–bestselling author of The False Prince