Common Sense Media Review
By Mary Eisenhart
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Thrilling conclusion to teen witch saga ends in epic battle.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 11+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
The cosmic conflict between Rygoth the evil witch and 13-year-old Kara leads to an unavoidable battle for world domination that won't end till THE LAST SPELL is cast. Along the way, Kara must pay a terrible price -- every spell she casts requires her to give up another memory, until there's less and less of her left. Friends and loved ones come to assist; so do a few characters whose intentions and loyalties are questionable at best. Beloved characters suffer terrible fates -- will their sacrifices, Kara's kindness, and the kids' problem-solving skills carry the day?
Is It Any Good?
J.A. White brings his teen-witch saga to a thrilling conclusion as young protagonist Kara and her allies face off against the forces of darkness in an epic battle. Not everyone survives these harrowing adventures, others are permanently damaged along the way, and it's not at all clear whether the good guys will prevail, however unthinkable the alternative. Before The Last Spell is cast, there are puzzles to be solved, wrongs to be righted, and magical creatures conjured out of mere wisps of thought. Monsters and gory death abound, but so do intriguing characters with strong spirits, kind hearts, and relatable issues.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about good vs. evil cosmic battles in The Last Spell. It's a popular theme, but different storytellers have very different versions. How is Kara's story like, say, Harry Potter's, and how is it different?
Some people think magic is evil. Some think it's a force for good. What do you think, and what stories make you think that way?
Would you be willing to give up your favorite memories? What might be worth such a price?
Book Details
- Author :
- Illustrator : Andrea Offerman
- Genre : Fantasy
- Topics : Adventures , Family Stories ( Siblings ) , Fantasy ( Magic ) , Friendship
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : Katherine Tegen Books
- Publication date : April 4, 2017
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 11 - 18
- Number of pages : 512
- Available on : Nook, Audiobook (unabridged), Hardback, Apple Books, Kindle
- Last updated : December 4, 2025
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