Review Detail

One Witch at a Time takes a spin on the traditional ‘Jack and the Beanstalk’ tale. Rudi Bauer just wanted to have a good, successful day at the market place when his neighbor, Susanna Louisa, sells his family cow for beans. When the beans prove to be magical, magic from a source they shouldn’t have, Rudi, Susanna, and a strange girl named Agatha go on a journey they won’t forget.

The premise for this story is adorable. The twists on ‘Jack and the Beanstalk’ are fun and different, especially the use of the beanstalks. Susanna and Rudi both feel realistic and true to their ages. Rudi’s desire to be seen as worthy and noticeable will settle with many readers his age, as will his reluctant but brotherly relationship with Susanna. The frequent appearances of the Brixen Witch are hilarious and enjoyable as well.

As much as I enjoyed the premise, the plot fell a bit flat for me. Though the novel is short, the pacing drags at times, and it leads to a disappointing climax. The witch of Petz feels one-dimensional, and there is little urgency in defeating him. Agatha and Rudi wrap up their journey easily with little room for character development. However, Agatha and Rudi are still charming, and they work well together as a team.

Though this story had areas that left me wanting more, this is an overall entertaining story, perfect for readers looking for a quick and fun read. The premise is imaginative and delightful, and this would make a good choice for fans of unique retellings.