Project and content management for Contemporary Authors volumes
WORK TITLE: The Apprentice Witch
WORK NOTES:
PSEUDONYM(S):
BIRTHDATE: 1977
WEBSITE: https://www.jamesnicolbooks.com/
CITY: Cambridgeshire
STATE:
COUNTRY: United Kingdom
NATIONALITY: British
RESEARCHER NOTES:
PERSONAL
Born 1977.
ADDRESS
CAREER
Librarian, bookseller, novelist.
WRITINGS
SIDELIGHTS
An enthusiastic child who loved fantasy novels and 1980s cartoons, James Nicol now writes books of magic and mystery for a young adult audience. Born in 1977, the British author has worked in bookshops and libraries, and lives on the edge of the Cambridgeshire Fens in England in a house with too many books and musical instruments.
The Apprentice Witch
In 2017, Nicol published The Apprentice Witch, the first in the “The Apprentice Witch” series. On her witch’s assessment test, Arianwyn Gribble received only a bronze disc, the rank of apprentice, rather than the full witch status she hoped for and membership in the Civil Witchcraft Authority. As her arch rival, Gimma, watches in glee, Arianwyn is sent to the remote town of Lull in disgrace where she can learn more of the glyph and symbol magic and wait until her reevaluation next years. She meets some interesting people, deals with dark magical forces in the Great Wood, and uncovers dangerous deception by Gimma, who happens to be the pompous mayor’s favorite niece. Praising Nicol for not treading the tired boarding school trope again, Julia Smith commented in Booklist: “While adorned with funny and charming details, Arianwyn’s story is primarily one of personal growth and discovery.”
Compared to Circus Mirandus, The Apothecary, and Diana Wynne Jones’ The Worst Witch, Nicol’s book focuses on self-worth, kindness, and duty. A Kirkus Reviews writer observed that the characters are all default Caucasian, they are traditional stock characters, and Arianwyn seems to be barely adolescent yet is old enough to live on her own. The writer concluded: “Not every fantasy has to be epic, grimdark, or startlingly new; this one is as cozy as a teapot and as comfy as old slippers.” According to a reviewer in Publishers Weekly, the book is a charming debut novel, yet unexplored plotlines and “underdeveloped characters don’t let the book live up to its full potential.” Nevertheless, the reviewer said the book lays the groundwork for more stories in the series. “With brisk pacing and sophisticated writing, this book is one of those rare, unputdownable gems,” declared Kristin Anderson in School Library Journal, adding that readers of magical fantasy will be enthralled by the book.
A Witch Alone
Nicol published the second book in the series, A Witch Alone, in 2018. Arianwyn is now a fully qualified witch and is busy helping people affected by the hex that has released all manner of dark creatures from the Great Wood. The High Elder has chosen Arianwyn to enter the forest and retrieve the Book of Quiet Glyphs. Helping her is her nemesis Gemma who has begun acting strangely. Arianwyn must steel up courage to face her responsibilities.
In an interview with Emily Morrow at the On Our Minds Scholastic blog, Nicol explained that the second book has more adventure: a secret mission, old friends and new enemies, an encounter with royalty, new magical creatures, and Bob, the moon hare. About Arianwyn, he said: “The expectations for her are suddenly very high—yet she doesn’t feel any different, even though she now gets to wear the silver star of a fully-fledged witch.”
An online contributor to Waterstones remarked that the book was “An irresistible combination of glorious characterisation and completely believable world building makes these stories utterly compelling.” The contributor added that Arianwyn’s flaws are endearing, making her an appealing character who must have faith and hope that she can defeat the dark forces. Laura Noakes commented on her Laura Noakes Website, “This was a stand-out story, driven by the characters I fell in love with in the first book. I so enjoyed the challenges and hesitations that Arianwyn experienced, as well as the relationship between Arianwyn and her grandmother.”
BIOCRIT
PERIODICALS
Booklist, June, 2017, Julia Smith, review of The Apprentice Witch.
Kirkus Reviews, May 1, 2017, review of The Apprentice Witch.
Publishers Weekly, May 22, 2017, review of The Apprentice Witch, p. 92.
School Library Journal, May, 2017, review of The Apprentice Witch, p. 89.
ONLINE
James Nicol Website, https://www.jamesnicolbooks.com (May 1, 2018), author profile.
Laura Noakes, https://laura-noakes.com/ (February 28, 2018), Laura Noakes, review of A Witch Alone.
On Our Minds, http://oomscholasticblog.com/ (January 19, 2018), Emily Morrow, review of A Witch Alone.
Waterstones, https://www.waterstones.com/ (February 27, 2018), review of A Witch Alone.
all about me
I WAS BORN 'A LONG TIME AGO IN A GALAXY FAR, FAR AWAY...' well that's not actually true, but I was born the same year that the first Star Wars film came out. . .I'll just give you some time to work out how old that makes me!
I grew up in Norfolk and the very first book I remember as a child was The Giant Jam Sandwich by John Vernon Lord.
I actually wasn't very good at reading when I was younger but I really wanted to be so that I could discover all the great books in the school library - I knew they were full of magic!
The first novel I read, when I was about 7 or 8, was The Hundred and One Dalmatians by Dodie Smith. My Nana bought it for me from a jumble sale. I felt so proud when I finished reading it and actually wanted to be a dalmatian for about a month afterwards. I still think it might have been a good idea!
I was going to be an art teacher but I decided to run away and become a bookseller instead and ended up doing that for twelve years. I started as a Christmas temp, unpacking all the new books then as a children's bookseller and finally as a branch manager.
I then found myself working in libraries and thats what I do now when I'm not writing books. Yep! I really like books - that much!
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James Nicol (4 of 7)
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James Nicol (4 of 7)
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I now live in Cambridgeshire, on the edge of the fens, which is great because I really like clouds!
I live in a house with far too many books and far too many musical instruments, most of which I can't play. I can sing a little bit though and can sort of play a funny instrument called an autoharp!
When I'm not busy writing or working then I do like to read (of course!) listen to music or watch films. I really love going to the cinema in the middle of the day! We have a black and white cockapoo called Bonnie. She loves tennis balls, biscuits and carrots!
all about me
I WAS BORN 'A LONG TIME AGO IN A GALAXY FAR, FAR AWAY...' well that's not actually true, but I was born the same year that the first Star Wars film came out. . .I'll just give you some time to work out how old that makes me!
I grew up in Norfolk and the very first book I remember as a child was The Giant Jam Sandwich by John Vernon Lord.
I actually wasn't very good at reading when I was younger but I really wanted to be so that I could discover all the great books in the school library - I knew they were full of magic!
The first novel I read, when I was about 7 or 8, was The Hundred and One Dalmatians by Dodie Smith. My Nana bought it for me from a jumble sale. I felt so proud when I finished reading it and actually wanted to be a dalmatian for about a month afterwards. I still think it might have been a good idea!
I was going to be an art teacher but I decided to run away and become a bookseller instead and ended up doing that for twelve years. I started as a Christmas temp, unpacking all the new books then as a children's bookseller and finally as a branch manager.
I then found myself working in libraries and thats what I do now when I'm not writing books. Yep! I really like books - that much!
I also like baking cakes and eating them - though I seem to eat more than I bake!
You can follow me on Instagram and see lots of pictures of Bonnie, clouds and the occasional cake!
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Print Marked Items
The Apprentice Witch
Julia Smith
Booklist.
113.19-20 (June 2017): p91.
COPYRIGHT 2017 American Library Association
http://www.ala.org/aboutala/offices/publishing/booklist/
Full Text:
The Apprentice Witch. By James Nicol. July 2017.336p. Scholastic/Chicken House, $16.99
(97813381185821. Gr. 6-9.
Arianwyn Gribble has suffered a blow. The evaluation that should have made her a full-fledged witch
resulted only in humiliation and the conciliatory title apprentice witch. Even so, she's landed a position in
the small town of Lull, where she is eager to prove her mettle. Nicol has avoided the well-trod boardingschool
setting and created an interesting magical world where war simmers in the background, witchcraft is
carefully governed, and witches' skills are appreciated by non-magical folk. He also centers the practice of
magic around glyphs, written symbols historically linked to witchcraft and spellcasting. As Arianwyn's
abilities strengthen, she is haunted by visions of an unfamiliar glyph that' both tempts and terrifies her. Her
stint in Lull takes an unpleasant turn when Gimma, the mayor's niece and Arianwyn's school nemesis,
arrives to lend a hand--just as a dangerous dark spirit emerges in the Great Wood. While adorned with funny
and charming details, Arianwyn's story is primarily one of personal growth and discovery that will gratify
fantasy readers and Tiffany Aching fans.--Julia Smith
Source Citation (MLA 8th
Edition)
Smith, Julia. "The Apprentice Witch." Booklist, June 2017, p. 91. General OneFile,
http://link.galegroup.com/apps/doc/A498582818/ITOF?u=schlager&sid=ITOF&xid=cf651172.
Accessed 23 Apr. 2018.
Gale Document Number: GALE|A498582818
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The Apprentice Witch
Publishers Weekly.
264.21 (May 22, 2017): p92.
COPYRIGHT 2017 PWxyz, LLC
http://www.publishersweekly.com/
Full Text:
The Apprentice Witch
James Nicol. Chicken House, $16.99 (336p) ISBN 978-1-338-11858-2
In Nicol's charming debut novel, failed witch Arianwyn Gribble learns of the power that comes with
knowing one's self-worth and conquering the darkness within. After Arianwyn botches her evaluation, she
thinks her dreams of becoming a full-fledged witch and member of the Civil Witchcraft Authority are over,
but she's given a second chance: she will continue to be an apprentice witch in the small town of Lull until
the time of her reevaluation. After arriving in Lull, Arianwyn realizes more is afoot: evil spirits from the
Great Wood (a "dangerous and remote" forest filled with ancient spirits) are causing mayhem, a hex
infection has taken root in the Great Wood, and a shadowy creature begins terrorizing the town, too. Nicol
presents a world filled with magic and strange creatures, but unexplored plotlines--such as the ongoing but
vaguely described war that has caused a shortage of witches, allowing Arianwyn the opportunity to be
reevaluated--and underdeveloped characters don't let the book to live up to its full potential. Still, Nicol lays
enough groundwork to support future stories. Ages 8-12. (July)
Source Citation (MLA 8th
Edition)
"The Apprentice Witch." Publishers Weekly, 22 May 2017, p. 92. General OneFile,
http://link.galegroup.com/apps/doc/A494099128/ITOF?u=schlager&sid=ITOF&xid=da845563.
Accessed 23 Apr. 2018.
Gale Document Number: GALE|A494099128
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Nicol, James: THE APPRENTICE
WITCH
Kirkus Reviews.
(May 1, 2017):
COPYRIGHT 2017 Kirkus Media LLC
http://www.kirkusreviews.com/
Full Text:
Nicol, James THE APPRENTICE WITCH Chicken House/Scholastic (Children's Fiction) $16.99 7, 25
ISBN: 978-1-338-11858-2
An insecure young witch comes into her own in this pleasantly old-fashioned fantasy debut.Arianwyn
Gribble desperately wants to serve in the Civil Witchcraft Authority. But after blowing up the testing device
at her official evaluation, she is granted only a remote assignment with provisional certification as an
"apprentice witch." Soon Arianwyn discovers that even sleepy little villages can harbor terrifying
challenges. This world feels like an alternative mid-20th-century England, where everyone is default white
and, despite the (apparently) exclusively female CWA, traditional gender roles hold firm. The story has a
similar vintage vibe. The "glyph"-based magical system is coherent and consistent (if not particularly
original), with little impact on ordinary life. Arianwyn is quite likable: brave, kind, and competent despite
her almost crippling lack of self-confidence. While apparently old enough to live on her own and hold a
responsible position, she reads as barely adolescent, providing all the more satisfaction as she gradually
builds faith in her own abilities and wins the respect of the townsfolk. The remaining characters are simple
stock types, nonetheless comforting in their familiarity. The narrative comes to a solid conclusion but with
sufficient hints of a wider world--and deeper magic--to justify further adventures. Not every fantasy has to
be epic, grimdark, or startlingly new; this one is as cozy as a teapot and as comfy as old slippers. (Fantasy.
11-16)
Source Citation (MLA 8th
Edition)
"Nicol, James: THE APPRENTICE WITCH." Kirkus Reviews, 1 May 2017. General OneFile,
http://link.galegroup.com/apps/doc/A491002812/ITOF?u=schlager&sid=ITOF&xid=a2eed7ff.
Accessed 23 Apr. 2018.
Gale Document Number: GALE|A491002812
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Nicol, James. The Apprentice Witch
Kristin Anderson
School Library Journal.
63.5 (May 2017): p89+.
COPYRIGHT 2017 Library Journals, LLC. A wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No
redistribution permitted.
http://www.schoollibraryjournal.com/
Full Text:
NICOL, James. The Apprentice Witch. 336p. Scholastic/Chicken House. Jul. 2017. Tr $16.99. ISBN
9781338118582.
Gr 4-8--Arianwyn just failed her witch's test, and she is humiliated. Thankfully, her grandmother pulls some
strings that allow her to continue her education as an apprentice witch in Lull, a faraway town. Arianwyn
sets out to prove that she is capable of greatness. Lull is right on the edge of the woods, where all sorts of
dark creatures live. As a witch, Arianwyn must clear away and banish these creatures to make the area safe.
What she hasn't told others is that a dark symbol haunts her dreams and thoughts. When an especially
malevolent creature threatens the town, will Arianwyn have the courage to confront both this dark symbol
and the beast? With brisk pacing and sophisticated writing, this book is one of those rare, unputdownable
gems. This tale 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. The ending wraps up
neatly, though there is enough room for potential sequels. VERDICT Recommended for libraries looking
for solid fantasy with shades of J.K. Rowling.--Kristin Anderson, Bloomingdale Public Library, IL
Source Citation (MLA 8th
Edition)
Anderson, Kristin. "Nicol, James. The Apprentice Witch." School Library Journal, May 2017, p. 89+.
General OneFile, http://link.galegroup.com/apps/doc/A491032107/ITOF?
u=schlager&sid=ITOF&xid=e94471f5. Accessed 23 Apr. 2018.
Gale Document Number: GALE|A491032107
Cover reveal: A Witch Alone by James Nicol
Emily Morrow // Jan 19, 2018
We are so excited to reveal the cover of A Witch Alone, the second book in The Apprentice Witch series! We sat down with author James Nicol to talk about his upcoming book. Check out our conversation below, and scroll all the way down to see the gorgeous new cover!
OOM: Congratulations on a wonderful U.S. launch for The Apprentice Witch! The New York Times Book Review called your heroine Arianwyn “a likeable hero, with well-drawn struggles”, and the book was named to Amazon’s Best Children’s Books of 2017! What was your favorite part of launching this book to American readers?
James Nicol: There have been so many amazing aspects to the book being released in the U.S. Do I have to pick just one? Partying with Captain Underpants and Dog Man at the Scholastic party at the American Booksellers Association’s Children’s Institute is high on the list, for sure. Seeing The Apprentice Witch selected by OwlCrate JR. for their August crate was also very exciting (my Instagram has never been so busy!). And the New York Times review—well, I don’t think I’ll ever get over that. Still gives me butterflies to think about it! But I think a huge thing was to meet so many wonderful booksellers on my visit. Their passion and enthusiasm is second to none, and alongside all the wonderful teachers and librarians, they are so key to encouraging children's reading and love of books. Swapping recommendations with booksellers from New York to Denver was a definite highlight for me.
OOM: Tell us a little bit about A Witch Alone, set to hit shelves October 1, 2018. What will readers find out as Arianwyn’s journey continues?
JN: Oooh – well, there’s much more excitement and mystery. There is a secret mission, some old friends and enemies and new as well. An encounter with royalty, some beautiful and frightening new magical creatures, and plenty of Bob, the moon hare! Arianwyn gets back to Lull, no longer an apprentice (spoilers!), and the expectations for her are suddenly very high—yet she doesn’t feel any different, even though she now gets to wear the silver star of a fully-fledged witch. As the hex in the Great Wood creeps ever closer, all manner of things start to emerge near Lull. Ofcourse, it’s left up to Arianwyn to deal with it all!
OOM: There’s a new look for the paperback of The Apprentice Witch and we’re here to reveal the cover of A Witch Alone for the first time! What do you love about these covers?
JN: Oh my goodness, these covers are just gorgeous. I’ve been staring at them for hours now. I am such a huge fan of Leo [the designer] and I think the new cover for Apprentice Witch links nicely with the original UK cover, but gives it its own very definite look and feel. As for the A Witch Alone cover – well, it’s just as magical and full of mystery as I hope the insides are! I really hope everyone is going to love them as much as I do.
Finally, just a HUGE thank you to everyone who has read, reviewed and fallen in love with Arianwyn and co. To all the teachers, librarians and booksellers who have pressed it into the hands of readers: you are super stars and i hope you all enjoy A Witch Alone. I certainly enjoyed going back to Lull and the Four Kingdoms and I hope you all do to.
And now, without further ado, the cover of A Witch Alone:
Reviews: A Witch Alone (1)
Book Lover Jo
“A truly unforgettable story filled with magic and mystery that will once again capture your heart!”
Paperback edition
by Book Lover Jo
After what seems like an absolute eternity James Nicol is back with the follow up to his enchanting debut, ‘The Apprentice Witch.’ The great news is that ‘A Witch Alone’ is definitely worth the wait as James has crafted another truly unforgettable story filled with magic and mystery that will once again capture your heart. Arianwyn, no longer an apprentice now a fully fledged witch, is thrown into the deep end with people knocking at her door desperate for her help. The hex has driven supernatural creatures from the Great Wood into Lull testing Arianwyn to her very limits and just to make matters worse, the High Elder has set her a dangerous secret mission. Oh and if this is not challenging enough, Arianwyn’s arch-enemy Gimma has been sent to work with her in Lull and is behaving very oddly. With trials seemingly at every path, can she survive the toughest spell of her witching career all alone?
It’s such a joy to return to Lull and become totally engrossed in Arianwyn’s world again. I think it’s remarkable that James can create stories that are wonderfully comforting like a hot chocolate on a cold winter’s day but that are still deliciously dark with a real dangerous edge. An irresistible combination of glorious characterisation and completely believable world building makes these stories utterly compelling. Arianwyn despite being an actual qualified witch still struggles with her belief in herself and her ability to control the magic within her. But her flaws are wonderfully endearing and this is why she is such a likeable and appealing character. Surrounding her with such a brilliant cast of characters brings this story to life allowing the reader to become totally absorbed in this marvellous adventure.
As well as being a tale of bravery and friendship, James has cleverly shown how easy distrust and barriers can be formed between people who are different in challenging times. Arianwyn’s trust of the feylings is in stark contrast to the majority of Lull who are instantly suspicious of their presence using them as a scapegoat for their misfortune and assuming they will bring the hex to infect them. Yet she must have faith and hope that they can help defeat the dark forces that are threatening their very existence. I devoured this book in one sitting as I simply couldn’t put it down, it’s an absolute delight from start to finish. James has such a talent for storytelling that I simply cannot wait to join Arianwyn for more magical adventures.
Review: A Witch Alone by James Nicol
February 28, 2018Laura
download (11)Arianwyn Gribble is back!
During an eventful holiday in Kingsport, Arianwyn is recruited for an important mission: to retrieve the Book of Quiet Glyphs from its hiding place in the Great Wood.
But as she returns home to Lull, feyling refugees gather outside the town walls and hex plagues the forest. As tensions lead to fall-outs with her friends, town squabbles and magical mishaps, Arianwyn faces a sobering truth: she alone can find the Book, and wield its secrets ..
My thoughts:
I utterly loved James Nicol’s fabulous debut novel, THE APPRENTICE WITCH when I read it last year, so I jumped at the chance to get my hands on his follow up novel. (To see my review of THE APPRENTICE WITCH click here).
I’m always a little wary about the second book in a series when I fell completely head-over-heels in love with the first book, but it’s always SO DARN LOVELY when the sequel is just as good, if not better, than the first.
Returning to Arianwyn’s world is like a hug from my mum, or a mug of tea on a freezing cold day–it’s comforting in the best way. James has this remarkable ability to make Lull seem simultaneously familiar and classic, and also SO original and intriguing.
This was a stand-out story, driven by the characters I fell in love with in the first book. I so enjoyed the challenges and hesitations that Arianwyn experienced, as well as the relationship between Arianwyn and her grandmother, and her friends Colin and Salle.
However, this doesn’t mean that A WITCH ALONE suffered from a lack of action. There was a distinct tension and heightened danger in this book, and I really really enjoyed the political intrigue, and how Arianwyn dealt with that.
I also loved the evolution of Gimma and Arianwyn’s relationship–it’s approached in such a mature, complex manner, which I think is FAR more interesting to read about. I actually really enjoyed Gimma in this book–I think she’s definitely improved herself from book 1.
So, I know it’s only February…but I already think this is one of my fav books of the year. Considering how much I adored THE APPRENTICE WITCH, I am blown away by this follow up. It’s everything I love in middle grade and more. Packed full of charm, friendship and with first class world building and an emotional punch, A WITCH ALONE is tremendous. GO READ IT. Also, I’m so so excited for the Arianwyn’s next adventure.
ALSO, when I turned to the acknowledgements (as I always do when I finish a book–they make me teary in a good way), imagine my surprise when I saw my name! What an honour. Def treasuring this amazing story for a very, very long time. Thank you, James!