When an awkward 13-year-old, Moth Hush, discovers that she is descended from a long line of powerful witches; life becomes anything but average. With the help of her mom and a bevy of zany characters; she goes on an awesome adventure to reclaim her heritage.
I received an advanced copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. I initially requested this graphic novel from NetGalley for my 13 yo daughter. While perusing a list of new releases for middle schoolers, she was drawn to this one both by the cover art and the synopsis (which she claims to "relate to"). She asked about it nonstop and inspired me to read along.
The story starts in much the same way all coming of age stories start. Meet awkward pre-teen, Moth Hush. She lives in a single-family home above a thrift/gift shop with her mother, Calendula Hush and wishes to be "special." The relationship between mother and daughter initially great, but it becomes strained after a strange occurrence at school.
On Halloween, very shortly after her 13th birthday, Moth discovers that she possesses a powerful gift quite by accident. Terrified at the changes her body was going through, she seeks the help of her mother. Here's when the strain starts. Turns out, not only does mom have the same gift, she's been secretly hoping that Moth did not. In fact, her mother has gone out of her way to avoid her gift due to a painful experience in the past. After a very strained conversation, moth agrees to her mother's terms but very quickly breaks her promise.
From this point on, I was completely invested in this story. The author does a superb job in her depiction and growth of each character. The character interactions were so "real," and each very relatable. I found myself annoyed at Moth, then overjoyed when she and her mother make up. I felt a bit silly feeling my eyes mist at the apex of the final battle, but I'll admit it here. There were a few laugh-out-loud moments as well as I revisited my own awkward early teen years. I recommend this book to young and not-so-young women who enjoy quirky, coming of age tales with a paranormal twist.
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