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380
Novel • Fiction
Modern-day Britain
2014
YA
14-18 years
HL680L
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
57,005 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
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.
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.
57,005 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Marcus Edge
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.
Gran (Mrs. Ashworth)
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.
Mercury
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.
Annalise O'Brien
A pretty blond Fairborn Witch who attends school with Nathan, Annalise shares a secret attachment with him amidst familial tensions.
Gabriel
A teenage Blood Witch with shapeshifting abilities, Gabriel becomes a close friend to Nathan while acting as his emissary to Mercury.
Rose
Mercury’s assistant, Rose is a Fairborn by birth with the Gift of transforming into mist, and she interacts with Nathan throughout his journey.
Celia
A tall, athletic Fairborn Witch, Celia serves as Nathan’s keeper and trainer, enforcing strict regimes while expressing a complex attitude towards him.
Arran Byrn
Nathan’s gentle and kind younger brother, Arran possesses the Gift of healing and supports Nathan despite the challenges they face.
Jessica Byrn
The eldest of Nathan’s half-siblings, Jessica is antagonistic towards Nathan, leveraging her shapeshifting abilities against him from a young age.
380
Novel • Fiction
Modern-day Britain
2014
YA
14-18 years
HL680L
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