Half Bad

Starred review from December 23, 2013
Nathan is the Half Code son of a White Witch and a Black Witch, and no White Witch will let him forget it. While Whites try to fit in amid normal "fains," secretly manipulating society, the Blacks are dangerous loners who, according to the Whites, have no purpose but murdering other witches to steal their powers. Nathan, whose father is Marcusâthe most hated of Black Witchesâfalls in love with a White Witch girl, is taken into custody by the all-powerful Council, and, for years, is both tortured and trained in secret to murder his father. Then, just before Nathan's 17th birthday, he escapes, with only months to find someone to help him receive his own magical gifts. This grim and thrilling tale, first in a planned trilogy, features understated prose that lets readers' imaginations fill in the blanks, as well as a well-developed sense of Witch culture. Nathan, the damaged survivor of horrific abuse, is an unforgettable protagonist, and Green expertly captures his torment at being caught between the mutually hostile sides of his heritage. Ages 12âup. Agent: Claire Wilson, Rogers, Coleridge & White.

This story is a mosaic of complex characters, intensely private moments, and chilling adventure. Narrator Karl Prekopp sounds completely at home with the text. In a time when one's worth is determined by one's bloodline as a white or black witch, Nathan's mixed parentage leaves him questioning himself, his family, and whether he's destined to be good or evil. Prekopp brings this world to life with startling vehemence. He maintains a quiet intensity during painfully intimate circumstances and provides adrenaline during confrontations. With precision and insight, Prekopp personifies each witch's deadly combination of skill and passion. His delivery will keep listeners riveted on Nathan and his quest to live a life free from persecution. K.S.B. © AudioFile 2014, Portland, Maine