Despite being the daughter of one of the land's most powerful witches, Eva has barely inherited any magic herself. Determined to prove herself worthy, she sets out on her all-important novice quest, for which she must find a town and improve its residents' lives. If she fails, what little magic she possesses will be lost. After landing in a beautiful seaside town, Eva gradually finds her place there, but the residents are nervous about a mysterious oncoming magical storm, and Eva realizes that in order to pass her test, she'll have to summon her meager magic and protect her new home before time runs out. Abe's marvelously magical world strikes an excellent balance between the familiar and the whimsical, and a Japanese influence is clear in the descriptive names and foods. The action doesn't heat up until the final third of the book, but the slower pacing allows for wonderful world building and realistic bonds to form between the characters. A satisfying conclusion leaves room for further adventure.

In Rivelle Realm, Apprentice Witch Evalithimus Evergreen, 12, is prepared to embark on the quest that will grant her Novice Witch status, the first phase to following in her Grand Master mother's footsteps. But Eva's stores of magic are so meager that she falls asleep after casting the simplest of spells, and if she fails her quest, the Council of Witches and Wizards will strip her of magic altogether. With only a month to prove her worthiness, Eva travels to the littoral town of Auteri, whose domineering mayor allows her to stay under one condition: she must protect the town from "a strange, cursed force of nature" known as the Culling, a near-impossible task even for full-fledged witches. Eva's only hope is to combine her affinity for repair magic with mundane solutions, no matter how unorthodox a witch it makes her. In this thoroughly charming debut, Abe centers Eva's ingenuity, resilience, and adaptability, as well as the strength of friendship. Though the subtle but unmistakable Japanese influence in this bildungsroman invites comparisons to Miyazaki, Abe's combination of magic and modern technology in an original world ensures this series starter has a place all its own. Ages 8--12. Agent: Sarah Landis, Sterling Lord Literistic. (Aug.)

Gr 3--7--Fans of Kiki's Delivery Service will feel right at home in this middle grade fantasy set in Rivelle Realm, where magic is dwindling. Magical late bloomer Eva must complete her first independent mission if she wants to become a witch before her 13th birthday. Not completing the quest comes at a horrible cost--being forever stripped of the little magic she does possess. Eva has a loving family with a magical mother and nonmagical father, yet she cannot help comparing herself to her high-achieving mother, and fears she will never become a successful witch. Eva has a magical condition that causes her to feel physically drained each time she practices, although she knows practice will make her stronger. Her quest leads her to coastal Auteri, where she faces skepticism from community leaders, garners the support of a town sponsor, makes a frenemy-turned-friend, and establishes lasting relationships with small business owners as she practices her magical specialty: repair work. Eva stretches her abilities and struggles to find her footing as the sole local witch while making small inroads with her own practice. Her frequent, rapid fluctuations in confidence level, while mirroring the human experience, make for an odd reading experience, along with a plot that doesn't arc so much as build and then meander. Eva's ultimate solution to save the town appears spontaneously without narrative development. VERDICT Despite its occasional storyline waffling, this middle grade fantasy is worthwhile. Memorable characters accompany strong messages of believing in yourself, working hard, and choosing who you love. A novel well worth the read. Recommended for fiction collections.--Lauren Younger, Univ. of Dallas Lib.

Eva must discover her own strength on a quest to become an official witch. Eva Evergreen has just turned 12 and is ready for the quest she must undertake in order to gain the rank of Novice Witch. Unfortunately, she only has a smidgen of magic, and casting spells isn't easy for her. When Eva's quest takes her to the small coastal town of Auteri, she struggles to convince the townspeople that she is capable of helping them. Eva sets up a "semi-magical" repair shop and does little fixes around town. Slowly, she begins to make friends and earn the trust of Auteri, but the Culling, a mysterious, cursed weather phenomenon, threatens to destroy everything she's worked toward. Abe has penned a spectacular, whimsical coming-of-age fantasy, with magic, exciting adventure, and even an adorable magical pet, a mischievous flamefox she names Ember. Eva's quest challenges her to fight expectations and doubt and to find her voice and power. Abe creates a dazzling, magical world with well-developed characters, relationships, and challenges. The epilogue leaves readers on a cliffhanger, nicely setting up a sequel. There is a hint of Japanese influence throughout, seen in the names of towns and people, like Okayama or Isao, and foods, like yuzu. Eva has straight, black hair and brown eyes, and she tans in the sun. Bewitching--a must-read for fantasy lovers. (Fantasy. 8-12) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.