Threadneedle

I can see where the comparisons with Harry Potter come from for this book - a magic world hidden in the human one is definitely a theme lifted directly from that. But there is a darkness and more claustrophobic feel than HP ever generated in this.

We follow the story of Anna, a witch being raised by her aunt. Her aunt is a powerful witch in her own right but has a puritanical bent. The magic system we are introduced to is fascinating, with multiple languages of magic that allow the witches to cast there spells. The aunt here is an obsessive with what is called knot magic - and tries to enforce this as the only type of magic being used.

Anna's world is opened up when Effie and Attis enter her life. Forming a coven at school she begins to discover the world of magic out there, and also some of the dark secrets of her own family.

This is a refreshing take on the school age magician. It has a nice level of darkness and is definitely one of the better YA's I have read in a while!