Chilling Adventures of Sabrina, Vol 1: The Crucible by Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa, Robert Hack (Artist)
copy from the library; all opinions are my own
Official Summary (add to Goodreads): On the eve of her sixteenth birthday, the young sorceress Sabrina Spellman finds herself at a crossroads, having to choose between an unearthly destiny and her mortal boyfriend, Harvey. But a foe from her family’s past has arrived in Greendale, Madame Satan, and she has her own deadly agenda.
Review: First off, I have to say that I’ve never watched The Chilling Adventures of Sabrina show on Netflix. I do want to, but I figured it couldn’t hurt to get a little primer on this new version of Sabrina. This graphic novel introduces readers to Sabrina Spellman – a witch yes, with an Aunt Hilda and Aunt Zelda, yes, and oh yes, Salem is there. This Sabrina is a patron of the Dark Arts though, so it’s definitely a darker, more gruesome Sabrina we have here.
This volume was in the adult section of my library, and it makes sense, though I feel like I’ve seen it in the YA section too. I’d put it more in adult though. Sabrina might be a teenager but she’s not the Teenage Witch many of us grew up with. I thought the first volume, The Crucible, was done really well. I was riveted by the story and the wonderful artwork. It looks like there is only one other volume currently out, but I hope we get more!
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Chilling Adventures of Sabrina: Season of the Witch (a prequel novel) by Sarah Rees Brennan
won in a giveaway from the publisher; all opinions are my own
Official Summary (add to Goodreads): It’s the summer before her sixteenth birthday, and Sabrina Spellman knows her world is about to change. She’s always studied magic and spells with her aunts, Hilda and Zelda. But she’s also lived a normal mortal life – attending Baxter High, hanging out with her friends Susie and Roz, and going to the movies with her boyfriend, Harvey Kinkle.
Now time is running out on her every day, normal world, and leaving behind Roz and Susie and Harvey is a lot harder than she thought it would be. Especially because Sabrina isn’t sure how Harvey feels about her. Her cousin Ambrose suggests performing a spell to discover Harvey’s true feelings. But when a mysterious wood spirit interferes, the spell backfires in a big way.
Sabrina has always been attracted to the power of being a witch. But now she can’t help wondering if that power is leading her down the wrong path. Will she choose to forsake the path of light and follow the path of night?
Review: Season of the Witch is classified as a prequel novel, which I assume means it’s a prequel to the Netflix show, which again, I have not seen. Regardless, I was excited to have won a copy of this book to check out. I think Brennan is a wonderful author – I’ve read other books by her – but this one didn’t quite captivate me as much. It wasn’t bad, by any means, but I felt like it took me such a long time to read and I could easily put it down for something else.
One of the things that I really loved about Season of the Witch though is the sections throughout the book with a black background and white lettering. They are always titled What Happens in the Dark and they give you an interesting perspective on the various people and entities in Greendale, since the rest of the book focuses on Sabrina. This is definitely a YA title, and it deals a lot with growing up and making choices about the person you want to be. It’s about first love and friendship. It has some darker elements, but it’s not terribly scary or anything.
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All in all, I enjoyed both books in different ways but I definitely prefer the graphic novel. Regardless, I do want to watch the Netflix show and hopefully I can do that soon. Fall seems like a great time to start!
Oh I’m interested in these for sure.
I haven’t watched too many episodes yet, but of the ones I’ve seen, I’ve really enjoyed the Netflix show. I hope you enjoy it when you get to it!
Nah, I’ve never seen the show nor have read these books. Idk, it wasn’t my thing back in the day, and my taste haven’t change. Lol. Glad you’re curious enough about the show to read these books, though!
You just reminded me that I still haven’t seen season 2!
Thanks for reviewing this. I’m glad you liked it. I love the TV series and was wondering what the books would be like.
It’s great that you had a good time with both books!
I never watched the original either!! I’m not a huge fan of witchy things so I don’t think it’s something I would go out of my way to pick up.
Karen @ For What It’s Worth
I haven’t watched the new series yet either, but I do enjoy a good witch story here and there, I’d be curious to see what this version of Sabrina is like. I always loved Salem too.
Wow! Totally brings me back to my childhood of watching the show – I used to love it! Will have to check out the book.
Oh how interesting how connected these books are. I’ve never seen (or heard of!) the show though. The graphic novel especially sounds interesting!
I haven’t seen the show- I’m kind of afraid that it’s a little TOO dark for me. I’d definitely be interested in checking out the graphic novel, though. I didn’t even know that existed!
My teenage kids are hooked to the new Sabrina show. Dang it is dark and scary though. So I get the YA and adult conundrum. I just told theme there is a book out and now they are trying to grab it on Amazon! Thanks for sharing 🙂
I haven’t read either of these nor would I be likely to but I’m looking forward to watching the tv show. I’ve just been waiting on autumn nights and the run up to Halloween… So it’ll be soon! 🙂
I also love Sarah Rees Brennan, and wanted to read the book just because she was the author, but just didn’t get around to it. Sounds like that was probably the right decision for me. But the first one maybe I should get for my graphic novel loving students at school if they’ve watched the show. Great reviews!
The graphic novel looks SO good! I’ll have to check that one out!
I started the Netflix show but got sidetracked, but I’m definitely interested in the graphic novel. Sounds fun! The show is definitely adult though- I was surprised how dark it was! lol definitely NOT the previous one for sure!
The Netflix show has been on my queue! October may be the perfect month to watch it.
I just recently started watching the show so I’m definitely curious about both of these books. I also agree that fall is a great time to start the series. It’s very creepy and atmospheric.
Both of these look good. I am going to add them to my list. I like that they are adult!
My only knowledge of Sabrina are the comics that I remember as a kid (in the 70’s). I kind of remember the TV show (in the 90’s?) but I never saw it. Interesting that these are considered adult graphic novels.
I actually never saw the more light-hearted version of Sabrina when I was younger, but I watched the Netflix show and it’s wayyyy darker than I thought it’d be, haha. (I enjoy watching it though–looking forward to another season soon, hopefully!) I’m gonna need to pick these up at the library!
Very cool. The Netflix series is darker than the TV series and I like it. This going on my list.