The Whitby Witches

The Whitby Witches follows orphaned siblings Ben and Jennet as they arrive in the coastal town of Whitby to live with their new foster parent, Alice Boston. Ben possesses the ability to see spirits, a gift that has caused problems in their previous foster homes and created tension with his sister Jennet, who believes he is making up stories. The siblings find themselves in an atmospheric seaside community populated by a circle of elderly women, each with distinct personalities and histories. Their new guardian Miss Boston, an ex-university lecturer, welcomes them into her unconventional household and shares local legends with Ben. The story takes place against the backdrop of Whitby, a historic fishing town with deep connections to folklore and maritime history. The setting plays a crucial role as the children navigate their new life and encounter supernatural elements. This first book in The Whitby Witches series explores themes of family bonds, acceptance of differences, and the intersection between the mundane and supernatural worlds. The narrative examines how children cope with loss while finding their place in a new community.

Readers describe this as a darker, more complex children's fantasy that doesn't shy away from frightening elements. Multiple reviews note it works well for ages 10+ who enjoy supernatural stories. Readers liked: - The atmospheric seaside setting of Whitby - Complex characters, especially the elderly sisters - Blend of folklore and original mythology - Unpredictable plot twists - Inclusion of serious themes like death and loss Readers disliked: - Pacing issues in the first third - Some confusing plot elements - Occasional dated language/references - Too scary for younger children Ratings: Goodreads: 4.1/5 (1,200+ ratings) Amazon UK: 4.5/5 (120+ ratings) Amazon US: 4.3/5 (50+ ratings) Common reader comment: "Much darker and more sophisticated than typical children's fantasy books" Multiple reviews mention re-reading it as adults and finding it holds up well, though several note the dated 1990s references.

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🌊 Whitby's famous 199 steps, which appear in the novel, were originally built in 1340 to help worshippers reach St. Mary's Church. 🏰 Whitby Abbey, a key landmark in the book's setting, was also the inspiration for Bram Stoker's "Dracula" when he visited the town in 1890. 📚 Robin Jarvis initially worked as a model maker for television before becoming a full-time author, and he often illustrates his own books. 🌟 The book is part of a trilogy known as "The Whitby Saga," followed by "A Warlock in Whitby" and "The Whitby Child." ⚓ The fishing town of Whitby has a rich history of folklore involving witches, smugglers, and supernatural creatures, many of which are woven into the novel's narrative.