Emblem Island is an incredible place full of magic, color, and adventure. It can also be a dangerous, treacherous place…especially if you’ve been cursed by the Night Witch, like Tor and his friends have been. Most Emblemites are born with an emblem somewhere on their body, a birthmark that indicates an ability—like singing beautifully, cooking like a master chef, or even breathing underwater—that determines your course in life. Tor, son of his village’s chieftess, was born with a leadership emblem just like his mother’s. He hates it, though, and he wants more than anything to change his fate. So on the annual Eve celebration, when Emblemites submit a wish to the gods, Tor wishes for a different emblem.

In a chilling instance of “be careful what you wish for,” Tor gets a nasty shock the next morning. Instead of the water-breathing emblem that he so desperately wants, he receives a curse: a blinking eye on his wrist that he learns is a malevolent gift from the fearsome Night Witch. She is the most frightening monster in the Book of Cuentos, the formative book of folklore that all Emblemites use as a guide to life on the island. When he accidentally passes his curse to his friends Engle and Melda, Tor must use the Book of Cuentos to find the Night Witch and convince her to remove the curse before all three of their lifelines run out.

To find the witch, the friends go on an odyssey from their beautiful village by the ocean to the bleakest, scariest parts of the island. Author Alex Aster cannily intersperses tales from the Book of Cuentos between the group’s adventures, introducing the reader to the monsters the friends are about to encounter in increasingly terrifying stories. Letting the readers know what’s ahead, and what these monsters are capable of, adds a tremendous level of tension and suspense to an already exciting read. I raced through this book, and I’d be willing to bet you’ll do the same.

Emblem Island is a fascinating location. I selfishly wished that Aster would have spent more time exploring the different cultures there, because it’s such a thrilling, vibrant place, but the book is paced so well and the descriptions are so vivid that it ultimately felt like the perfect amount of world-building. I’m eager for the next book, not only because I can’t wait to go back and learn more about the island, but also because the ending was so clever and so surprising that I’m going to be on pins and needles waiting to find out what happens next.

The book’s nuanced look at the nature of stories (and at the motives of storytellers) is a delight, asking the reader to simultaneously think more critically and be more open-minded about folktales. Curse of the Night Witch is a rousing, spooky adventure that examines the stories we tell ourselves and the stories we tell others. It shows its readers that the world is more complicated and more amazing than we realize, and that you can always change your fate…but you may not like what happens when you do.

I would say this is a very average middle grade for me. I didn't completely love it however, I did enjoy myself while reading it. The magic was interesting and I did like learning more about it. I really like the fact that it was diverse. Unfortunately for me, these characters fell a little flat. This may very well be just me and I can admit that because I am an adult reading a middle-grade book. That being said I would still recommend this book for the intended age group. I could see kids absolutely loving this book.

What a warm hug of a book! This is the kind of middle grade fantasy I love- imaginative world building, solid characters with age appropriate motivations, lots of emphasis on relationships with family and friends, and a quick, action packed plot. Author Alex Aster has crafted a wonderful middle-grade novel that provides plenty of suspense and thrills. This is another great addition to middle grade folklore/fantasy. It is realistic in its telling.

Humorously sweet and heartbreakingly tender, Alex Aster's middle grade sprung to life with legends and stories of a people we hear far too little about. Just like the rest of the fantastic books Rick Riordan Presents publishes, this book made my heart sing. It gives readers of all ages the important opportunity to hear from marginalized voices. I'm crossing my fingers for a sequel, because I adored every moment I spent in this world.

So! If you've enjoyed Percy Jackson, or any of the many excellent mkdmc/w books that have populated the teen landscape for the last while, you should Absolutely give Tor, Engle, and Melda's story a read! It's got a small amount of spoops, some scientific thinking, Tons of adventure, & heart to spare.

This was a fun adventure story as well as self growth, I really enjoyed were the mini stories in between each chapter, explaining the lore of the creatures and characters that were encountered during the journey.

While getting closer to the end I did think it could have been a standalone, but there is a nice cliffhanger to continue the story. Which I am curious how it will continue.

Curse of the Night Witch reminds us that sometimes what we are running from is what we need. We can't see the value of something until it is threatened or taken away. For Tor Luna that "something" is his culture. He looks at his uneventful lifeline on his palm as a burden of boredom instead of reliable information. He looks at the emblem on his skin that determines his job and wishes it was anything else. Tor starts a journey with two friends to get away from his destiny only to realize all he is doing is running towards it. Our identity is made from our culture and our family who came before us whether we acknowledge it or not. Each of these three characters are so different every child will be able to see a little bit of themselves in at least one of them. Their adventure leads to many different environments that show Tor the variety of cultures. Children ages 12 and up will enjoy this spooky story told through unparalleled imagery.

At first, this seems like every other fantasy adventure. It has all of the standard elements - an unlikely group is thrust into a journey, a quest that pits them against a series of incredible odds and unimaginable dangers. In it's details, it is has many similarities to Harry Potter, Tor standing in for Harry, Engle for Ron, and Melda for Hermione. They are traveling towards a confrontation with a legendary, mysterious villain. With that framework, it had the possibility of becoming incredibly derivative. It's the final confrontation that makes this one truly stand out. The reveal of the nature of the Night Witch and her role in the structure of Emblem Island not only sets this book apart, it sets up the ongoing plot of the series and lends a sociological complexity that most middle grade fantasy lacks. And the whole plot asks the reader not only to question our own role in society but also the role of legend and story. Well worth a read.

Alex Aster's debut is sure to capture the hearts of its audience! It has characters one can't help but root for, a fast-paced plot that hooks the reader from the beginning, Latinx mythology, and a magical—albeit sometimes dark—adventure. It tackles themes of friendship, sacrifice, and not letting fate define you. I enjoyed this debut tremendously, and I know my 12-year-old son is going to devour it once we receive the published copy.

This was a very interesting fantasy, with a unique system of magic (although I don't think that word is used at all in the book). The characters grew on me throughout the story, though Engle was a bit flat. It ended on a total cliffhanger, so if you purchase this book for your library, be ready for readers to ask for the sequel. I liked this story, and I would be interested to read the sequel. If you have fantasy readers who are looking for something a bit different, this might be a good fit. I thought at the beginning that it might really skew towards younger readers (maybe 3rd grade) because of the writing style, but it seemed to become a bit more complex as the book progressed, and I think some of the darker elements will make it appealing to upper elementary and maybe early middle school.

Thank you to NetGalley, SOURCEBOOKS Jabberwocky, and Alex Aster for the opportunity to read Curse of the Night Witch in exchange for an honest review.

Curse of the Night Witch is the first book in the Emblem Island series. The story takes place on Emblem Island (of course). All people are born with an emblem, a mark on their wrist or arm that denotes a certain skill, such as strength or leadership.

Tor is the son of his village leader, and his emblem reflects this. He doesn't want to take up the leadership position. He wants to be able to breath underwater. Being in water is his whole life, yet he must hide his passion. Once a year, the villagers, after they reach age twelve, get to make a wish during their annual Eve ceremony. Tor wants a new emblem. When his wish angers the wish-god, he is cursed with a short life, his emblem replaced with the terrible omen of a dark eye. Anyone who touches the curse gains the curse themselves. The only way to rid themselves of this curse is to hope the Night Witch will have mercy and remove the curse, or kill her.

Now Melda, Engle, and Tor must follow the mythological clues from a collection of short stories called The Book of Cuentos. As they get closer and closer to the shadowed land of the Night Witch, a place lacking of feeling and color, they continue to encounter creatures and beings from the collected stories. One of the neat aspects about the structure of this book is between every chapter, one of the little short stories is inserted. They are very short and told in a fable sort of way with no dialogue. It's just a description of events leading to the creation or myth of one of the various creatures. Still, an interesting structural choice.

While the beginning was rather interesting, the middle slogged on just a tad as the trio continues to encounter various myths from The Book of Cuentos. As a story, I liked the idea of the emblems that each person is born with. It somewhat reminds me of My Hero Academia where a large portion of the population is born with quirks, or Blank, where everyone is born with some kind of mark that ultimately pairs them with their life partner. It's a fun idea in the development of Emblem Island's world building.

The characters are certainly Middle-grade. They are twelve and go through struggles with personal choice and will power that a middle-grade age person might go through, despite those challenges being presented in a fantasy lens. I think this is a very fun book for the age group to read. 

I also appreciated the fact that the entire book was contained within itself, except for the end. It could have been a stand-alone, but the climax and very end offer further adventures for these characters, adventures that seem potentially more intriguing than their first. Holistically, this book is enjoyable and quick, an easy recommendation.

I received an electronic ARC from Sourcebooks Jabberwocky through NetGalley.
Tor Luna doesn't want to be a leader. He especially doesn't want to study to be one, and he doesn't want to follow his mom as the next chief. So, on their annual celebration night, he wishes for a different emblem. Unfortunately, his wish is granted but not in the way he hoped. He is cursed and through him two friends are cursed. As is expected at this point, they set off on a quest to find the Night Witch and end the curse.
I like the way Aster blended a story within a story. As the three venture across the island, they follow a path laid out in the myths and stories of their home. In order to reach the Night Witch, they must encounter and defeat the various characters in the myths. In a final twist, the Night Witch isn't who she's portrayed to be and Tor is given a very different answer to his wish than he wants. Interesting cliff hanger ending.
Plenty of action and character development to hold middle grade readers. Those who enjoy myths of various cultures will appreciate the ones presented in this story too.
Looking forward to the next book in the series.

The story did take time for me to get into but once I did, I was eager to find out what would happen. The main character is Tor along with his friends Melda and Engle who go on a quest to find the Night Witch. I think my students will enjoy this mysterious world where everyone is born with an emblem. It was fun reading the short monster stories from the Book of Cuentos which gave us clues as to who they would encounter next. I appreciated the themes of friendship, not appreciating what you have and seeing people in a different light. The ending was a total surprise to me and I really enjoyed it. At first I was wondering how these kids would be able to do what many adults in the story couldn’t do. But the author did an awesome job of bringing it all together and making it believable and not hokey. I’m hoping that this author has a sequel up her sleeve because I would love to find out what happens next!

Be careful what you wish for....

On the island of Emblem, if you are lucky enough to be born with an Emblem, then you know your fate, and with that fate comes a special ability. But Tor Luna would do anything to change his fate, and rid himself of his markings indicating that he is destined for leadership. A hard enough thing to live up to as-is, but even more so when your mother is the village chief. But Tor has a plan to change everything.

Every Eve, marking the end of a year, everyone over the age of 12 makes a Wish--which may or may not be granted by the Wish God. And, for years, Tor knew exactly what he would wish for: for a different Emblem. When he wakes up on the first day of the new year, he is horrified. He received a different marking, alright, but not at all what he asked for. Instead, he got a mark indicating that he is cursed.

Now, along with his quirky best friend Engle and his frenemy Melda, Tor is off on an adventure across Emblem to seek out the Night Witch to rid himself of the curse. But there is something even more sinister that lies beneath the surface, and Tor's Wish is just the beginning.

Set in an amazing Latin American inspired land where gemstones can be eaten, color means life, and stories have power, "Curse of the Night Witch" is a fantastic tale about what it means to choose your own fate. I'm eager to return to Emblem, to learn more about the lore of the island as well as what new adventures await Tor, Engle and Melda.

2.5 stars

Something about this debut fell flat to me. It sounded like such an interesting premise, but it just ended up being a book that you read to the end to complete a review, without any emotions being stirred up.

The stories interspersed between the pages are lovely, but they also tend to be the character who turns up in the next chapter. It made the chapters rather predictable as I knew what the threat was going to be when they turned up midway through. And then the issue was resolved by the end of the chapter.

Both of these issues undercut tension. The story felt very episodic and in the middle and the threats didn't feel real. For example - they endanger a village by destroying the laterns in a snowball fight, smash a magic fire ball, reignite the torches, then sneak away before anyone can realise they caused the problem. There were no consequences to their actions, and the "danger" was resolved a few paragraphs later.

This leads into the lack of stakes, as things are resolved so easily. It was hard to believe they ever were in danger - certainly not from the curse that was just there until it suddenly had a side effect near the end.

Everything felt so easy. They were just able to leave home without any of the three kids raising a fuss - they agree without seeing an adult in charge, even though at least one is a stickler for the rules (and has very important reasons for staying home). But no, they up and leave and somehow criss-cross and entire island on foot in a matter of days.

All in all, and interesting premise that lacks some spark to make it engaging.

A fast-paced middle grade novel with interesting world-building including fantastical locations across the island, a trait-based magic system, and a rich mythological canon. The adventuring trio did have something of a Harry-Ron-Hermione format (the main one, the funny one, the smart girl), but they're engaging characters, and there's a well-defined cast of side characters. The stakes certainly seem high and the ending leaves you wanting to find out what happens next.

I love middle grade and mythology, put those together and you get this fun adventure! This was such a fast paced story and was a lot of fun to read. I thought the world was fascinating, and the characters were very likable! Great read!

If you have heard the cautionary proverb, be careful what you wish for, then one would be wise to have given this advice to Tor Luna on Emblem Island. Every child is born with an emblem that determines their future, Tor Luna has received the Leadership emblem and he is facing a staid normal future. All the people of the Island can make a wish on New Year’s Eve and sometimes the wish Gods will grant a wish. Tor Luna is planning a wish that will change his future but he didn’t foresee the consequences of his wish. Read this and find out what was Tor’s wish.

Such a wonderful fast paced book with a lot of great mythology that I adore reading about!
If you're looking for your next great read I would highly recommend picking this one up! The details and world were incredible!

A warming story about friendship and learning life's lessons, The Curse of the Night Witch is chock-full of adventure from start to finish.

Throughout the length of the story, you get to encounter a lot of characters that help the three leads—Tor, Melda and Engle—progress further. These characters are always varied, as are the places that they come from, and though I wish that we'd spent a little more time getting to know then deeper than at surface level, it's not surprising for them to appear and then move along in this genre.

It was, however, intriguing that a lot of them come from the stories that these three children read in the featured dark tales tome of The Book of Cuentos. Not only do I love novels that have stories within stories—which is one of the biggest reasons I've grown fond of The Hazel Wood series—but I love it when they're incorporated into the main plot and come alive. And because this trio of friends have to move along a map that traces these stories so that they can reach the Night Witch at the end of their quest, they have to constantly encounter—and sometimes battle—these stories in their real world.

It's certainly entertaining.

The Curse of the Night Witch has a colorful setting, full of interesting beasts and folklore, and it was lovely to see little lessons sprinkled throughout for readers: “Be careful what you wish for,” one of the most prominent ones. The bond that grows among Melda, Tor and Engle is so sweet to behold, because at its core this is a story about friendship and familial bonds; and there's a gripping foreshadowing angle at the end of what's to come in the next phase of the story.

If you're a fan of quests like Engle, take a peek between these pages.

I LOVED this story! Great characters, plot and imagery! I couldn’t put it down. It held my attention the WHOLE time. What a great debut!

This was a really amazing middle grade adventure story!I would definitely recommend to anyone with younger kids looking for something diverse and adventurous. The main trio go on a journey to find the witch that has curse them, and the story is interspersed with tales from an old storybook that informs the trials they encounter along the way. This is a really fun and amazing story of friendship and magic and adventure.