I feel like Green Angel was a much stronger book as both a standalone book, and as a book 1 of 2. Green Witch isn't by any means terrible, but I prefer to think of it as more of an optional sequel than a must-read book 2 of 2. As a sequel, we start off with our main character Green doing a lot better than she was in the first book, and she's taken to making paper out of the various materials in her garden. Each chapter has her writing about a different character - a character thought to be a witch - by writing down their stories on paper made to represent that person. It also brings back a few plot points we only saw hints of in book 1, and brings back a few characters we only saw for a brief time in book 1 as well. Again, Green Angel worked best as a standalone book and a book 1 of 2 - and in trying to be book 2 of 2 and trying to bring that stuff back, you may end up feeling either satisfied with the duology's conclusion that Green Witch tries to provide, or you might just feel like it was nice, but that Green's story and the story of those around her never really needed an ending tied up with a neat little bow either.

It's definitely a take it or leave it kinda book, but I still have my copy anyway because it's far more whimsical than Green Angel - and the difference in tone and how deliberately more fantasy-like it presents itself as could make it just enough to justify reading Green Witch, or owning a copy yourself. ( )

good story but not as good as the first book ( )

This volume continues the story of the Green Angel. The disaster changes everything for Green and her family. When the Horde comes down from the hills and destroys the city many people are killed in the fire including Green’s parents, sister, and her true love, Diamond. The Horde, the group responsible for the burning, claims heaven is punishing them for their sins and they hate everything the people have built: schools, libraries, buildings, businesses. The magical realism of the novel blends Green’s powers to tend her garden, which grows overnight, with the very real world of survival after disaster. The townspeople tolerate Green even though they think she is one of the Enchanted or witches who live alone, because she provides them with food and collects and writes their stories down. The Finder, who finds everything people need and turns out to be a thirteen year old boy, wants Green to help him find his sister who disappeared when the Horde swept through the village. As she collects the stories of the Enchanted, searching for the woman who can grant your heart’s desire, she discovers that Diamond is still alive and she and Troy set out to find his sister and Diamond. This beautiful, lyrical novel will appeal to more thoughtful readers who appreciate good writing. ( )

The style is quite different than other books I've read and as such probably won't be for everyone. I found it a rather dreamy sort of style, if that makes sense as a descriptor here. I really liked the messages/morals of the story that were found peppered throughout this book. It's actually very quotable and contains some of my favorite quotes. Even though I read this book some time ago and it isn't the usual sort of style I like, I still find this book to be near and dear to my heart.

A lot of this book involved quests, as well as learning to cope with and move on from it when loved ones die and leave you behind. At the time I first read it, it was something that I very much needed to read so I'm glad that I picked it up. Maybe that's why some of the quotes and the messages from the pages stuck with me to the point of memorization.

The subject matter and style may not be for everyone, but I do really recommend it nonetheless. It's not usually for me, but this book is a very notable exception. ( )

I loved this book, classic Alice Hoffman at her best. ( )