Hammer of Witches

March 4, 2013
Stories come alive in this rousing historical fantasy, which is set against the backdrop of 15th-century Europe and Columbus’s famous first voyage to the New World. Baltasar Infante has grown up listening to the stories of his Uncle Diego, including those of the legendary Moorish hero, Amir al-Katib. However, the 14-year-old boy is still unprepared to learn that not only is he al-Katib’s son, but he’s also a Storyteller—a sorcerer capable of working magic through the old tales. With the sinister witch-hunting order of the Malleus Malificarum after him, Baltasar’s only recourse is to run, joining the crew of the Santa María as it heads west, while hoping to find his long-missing father. As Baltasar explores his abilities, he gets caught up in a conflict between the Old World and the New. Newcomer Mlawski delivers a fast-paced coming-of-age adventure, respectfully evoking the complexities and cultural landscape of the period. She draws from a variety of sources, including Jewish and Biblical myth, offering an accessible, attention-grabbing story that seamlessly inserts its magical elements into historical fact. Ages 12–up. Agent: Jessica Regel, Jean V. Naggar Literary Agency.

March 15, 2013
An engaging, magical adventure set against the historical backdrop of Columbus' westward voyage. Young Baltasar, a converso (a Spanish Jew converted to Catholicism), relies on his wits to distract the village bully by telling an amusing tale. Soon after, Bal discovers his storytelling has magical properties when he summons a monster to ward off the Malleus Maleficarum, witch-hunting Inquisitors after Bal's father. Intent on escaping and finding the father he thought dead, Bal is hired as translator on none other than the Santa Maria, captained by Columbus himself. The voyage takes Bal on the uncharted seas of Columbus' famous voyage and into adventures that include sea beasts and secrets from Bal's own past. Though keeping track of all the Spanish-named seamen can be a challenge, Mlawski's central characters--Jinniyah, a genie Bal summons, and Catalina, a fellow storyteller, in addition to Bal himself--are imaginative and well-developed, and her swashbuckling pace and intriguing plotting keep readers at seat's edge. This story is told entirely from Bal's perspective, but by placing him on the Santa Maria and inside the Caribbean villages the expedition visits, Mlawski invites young readers to see the familiar Columbus story from another perspective--and to consider the power of stories to shape perception in everyday life. Backmatter includes a helpful author's note and pronunciation guide. Though set in the 1490s, this provocative blend of fantasy and history offers loads of contemporary appeal. (Historical fantasy. 11-15)

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July 1, 2013

Gr 9 Up-Mlawski is creative and daring in her YA debut, blending genres to craft an informative and literary historical fantasy. Raised in 15th-century Spain by his aunt and uncle, Baltasar has no knowledge of his parents' legend. His favorite tales glorify his hero, Amir al-Katib, the renowned Moorish sorcerer and soldier who fought for the freedom of Christian Europe. To Baltasar Infante, stories are both enchanting and extremely useful; they educate, captivate, and enable him to escape from almost any situation. When tragedy strikes in the form of his aunt and uncle's deaths and kidnapping by the Malleus Malificarum, his true identity is revealed, and he is forced to flee Spain. Following the advice of an old prophet, he joins the Nina, Pinta, and Santa Maria westward into the unknown in pursuit of a great evil that will destroy the world. Baltasar is a combination of classic, bumbling coming-of-age protagonist and hero motif, making his character relatable and likable. The novel's storyteller concept is fresh and innovative, making this a lively read for fantasy buffs.-Jamie-Lee Schombs, Loyola School, New York City

Copyright 2013 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

July 1, 2013
Grades 6-8 Mlawski combines the history of 1492 with a fantasy about Storytellers and witches in this debut novel. Fourteen-year-old Baltasar's background is complicated. He has both Moorish and Jewish blood but is now Marrano; his long-gone father, al-Katib, is heroic to some, a horror to others; and Baltasar learns he is a Storyteller who can conjure up mythic characters. When Baltasar is caught by the witch hunters of the Spanish Inquisition, he flees aboard one of Christopher Columbus' ships and heads for the New World, where unimaginable adventures await. The story is at its best when focusing on its array of intriguing characters: Jinni, the almost genie; Catalina, a girl with powers of her own; the Ta-no shamans and rulers; and Baltasar himself, whose boyish charm is perpetually winning. But there is so much nonstop action, the characters and their connections to each other sometimes get lost. Fantasy lovers will relish the wide array of supernatural goings-on, and history buffs will enjoy reading the author's notes, which explain where Mlawski has stuck to the script and where she takes wing.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2013, American Library Association.)