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NIGHT OF THE WITCH

Sara Raasch and Beth Revis

Explore the age guidance, content cautions, positive qualities, and supporting notes for NIGHT OF THE WITCH by Sara Raasch and Beth Revis. This book is recommended for ages 14+; content notes include Death of a character, Frightening scenes, Violence; positive qualities include Courage & resilience, Creativity & curiosity.

Ages 14+Source checked

Why this age? The novel combines substantial fantasy violence, persecution, torture-related peril, deaths, grief, frightening supernatural elements, and emotionally mature romance with YA-level complexity. This is guidance, not a safety guarantee; reading level and family context may differ.

Quick view

At a glance

Recommended age14+

Strongest cautions

  • Death of a character4/5
  • Frightening scenes4/5
  • Violence4/5

Strongest positives

  • Courage & resilience5/5
  • Creativity & curiosity4/5
  • Good role models4/5

What’s in it?

Death of a character4/5
Why this rating?

Characters are killed, specifically via burning, as part of the premise's central conflict.

Graphic injury2/5
Why this rating?

Some descriptions of injuries related to fire and combat, though not excessively graphic.

Strong language2/5
Why this rating?

Occasional mild profanity consistent with the genre.

LGBTQIA characters2/5
Why this rating?

Includes LGBTQIA characters/relationships within the narrative.

Religious themes3/5
Why this rating?

Fictional religious dogma is central to the oppression of witches.

Romance3/5
Why this rating?

Contains romantic subplots and tension typical of YA fantasy.

Frightening scenes4/5
Why this rating?

Witch hunts, executions, captivity, pursuit, and threatening magic create sustained, intense danger and a consistently dark atmosphere.

Sexual content & nudity1/5
Why this rating?

Implied intimacy and romantic tension but no explicit sexual content.

Alcohol or drugs1/5
Why this rating?

Occasional social drinking typical for a court/fantasy setting.

Violence4/5
Why this rating?

Frequent combat, persecution, raids, imprisonment, and threats occur in the resistance against witch hunters; violence is more serious than cartoonish.

What’s good in it?

Courage & resilience5/5
Why this rating?

Bravery in the face of persecution and danger is central; characters repeatedly risk safety to resist injustice and defend others.

Creativity & curiosity4/5
Why this rating?

Rich magic, an invented historical-fantasy setting, and strategic resistance encourage imagination and inventive problem-solving.

Diverse representation3/5
Why this rating?

The book features a diverse cast of characters with varied backgrounds.

Educational value1/5
Why this rating?

The story can encourage discussion of persecution, propaganda, prejudice, and resistance, but it is primarily an entertainment-focused fantasy novel.

Kindness & empathy3/5
Why this rating?

Kindness is shown as a powerful, albeit often dangerous, act of defiance.

Positive messages4/5
Why this rating?

It emphasizes resisting oppression, questioning propaganda, protecting targeted people, and choosing solidarity over fear and obedience.

Good role models4/5
Why this rating?

Characters show growth, agency, and dedication to their moral compasses.

Family discussion

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Conversation starters based on this title’s published content notes.

  1. What did courage look like in this story? Was being brave always the same as being fearless?
  2. How did the story approach death or loss? What helped the characters cope?
  3. Which choice in NIGHT OF THE WITCH would you have made differently, and why?
  4. Who changed the most in NIGHT OF THE WITCH, and what caused that change?
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These content notes are a starting point, not a guarantee. Review the evidence and use your own judgment before choosing a title.

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