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52 pages 1 hour read

Half Bad

Fiction | Novel | YA | Published in 2014

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Book Brief

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Sally Green

Half Bad

Fiction | Novel | YA | Published in 2014
Book Details
Pages

380

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Modern-day Britain

Publication Year

2014

Audience

YA

Recommended Reading Age

14-18 years

Lexile Level

HL680L

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Super Short Summary

In contemporary England, 15-year-old Nathan is imprisoned by a witch named Celia due to his mixed heritage of Fairborn and Blood Witches. The Fairborn Council fears his potential power, considering his father Marcus is a notorious Blood Witch. As his 17th birthday approaches, Nathan escapes and seeks a ritual to unlock his powers, encountering allies and discovering prophecies that further complicate his quest. The book contains graphic descriptions of torture, violence, and physical abuse, particularly against children.

Dark

Mysterious

Suspenseful

Challenging

Emotional

Reviews & Readership

4.0

57,005 ratings

65%

Loved it

24%

Mixed feelings

10%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

Half Bad by Sally Green has been lauded for its unique take on the supernatural genre and compelling protagonist. Critics appreciated the novel's intense narrative and emotional depth. However, some reviews pointed out pacing issues and predictable plot elements. Overall, it offers a fresh perspective despite minor flaws, making it a gripping read for YA fans.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Half Bad?

Fans of dark fantasy and coming-of-age tales will enjoy Sally Green's Half Bad. Readers who appreciate the moral complexity and gritty atmosphere found in Suzanne Collins' The Hunger Games or J.K. Rowling's Harry Potter series will find themselves captivated by the story's exploration of identity, power, and survival within a divided magical society.

4.0

57,005 ratings

65%

Loved it

24%

Mixed feelings

10%

Not a fan

Character List

Nathan (Byrn) Edge

The illegitimate son of two rival witches, Nathan feels like an outsider and is often described as a skinny youth with spiky black hair. He grapples with his mixed heritage and shares a strong bond with his brother Arran.

Nathan’s biological father and a powerful Blood Witch, Marcus is known for his multiple magical abilities and is a figure of significant interest and intrigue in Nathan’s life.

Nathan’s maternal grandmother and a potion-making Fairborn Witch, Gran raises Nathan and tries to shield him from the restrictive rules of the Fairborn community.

An ancient Blood Witch with control over weather, Mercury is known for granting favors to other witches and has a complicated connection to Nathan and his father.

A pretty blond Fairborn Witch who attends school with Nathan, Annalise shares a secret attachment with him amidst familial tensions.

A teenage Blood Witch with shapeshifting abilities, Gabriel becomes a close friend to Nathan while acting as his emissary to Mercury.

Mercury’s assistant, Rose is a Fairborn by birth with the Gift of transforming into mist, and she interacts with Nathan throughout his journey.

A tall, athletic Fairborn Witch, Celia serves as Nathan’s keeper and trainer, enforcing strict regimes while expressing a complex attitude towards him.

Nathan’s gentle and kind younger brother, Arran possesses the Gift of healing and supports Nathan despite the challenges they face.

The eldest of Nathan’s half-siblings, Jessica is antagonistic towards Nathan, leveraging her shapeshifting abilities against him from a young age.

Book Details
Pages

380

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Modern-day Britain

Publication Year

2014

Audience

YA

Recommended Reading Age

14-18 years

Lexile Level

HL680L

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