The gingerbread witch

After witch-hunting Wolves reduce her mentor to ash, a 12-year-old aspiring witch fashioned of enchanted gingerbread must find a way to restore things in an innovative "Hansel and Gretel" subversion from Overy (the These Feathered Flames series). To maintain the form given to her by Mother Agatha--as well as that of other confectionary creations, including Nuss, a squirrel made of mousse--Maud must retrieve the spell book of the First Witch, long hidden in ancient glade deep in the deadly Shadelands. Inadvertently joining a caravan of Wolves, including Hansel and Gretel, who claim responsibility for Agatha's destruction, Maud must hide her true nature and her mission. As the journey takes them deeper into the Shadelands, she finds common ground with those who would destroy her, but newfound friendships may not be enough to overcome age-old enmity. Maud's good nature and sense of loyalty makes her a memorable protagonist in this refreshing fairy tale twist that considers the witch's point of view. Most characters read as white. Ages 8--12. Agent: Patrice Caldwell, New Leaf Literary & Media. (Sept.)

After Mother Agatha, who raised her in a gingerbread house, is burned to ashes, 12-year-old Maud sets out through the dangerous Shadelands in search of a way to bring her back to life. Overy's new spin on fairy-tale favorites is a series opener that includes characters from "Hansel and Gretel" and "Little Red Riding Hood"--plus a three-legged wolf with violet fur aptly named Grim. Maud is not quite human but not fully witch either--she's a creation of Mother Agatha, who quite literally made her from enchanted gingerbread. After Agatha is pushed into a fire by witch-hunting Wolves, Maud seeks to revive her from the ashes. Along the way, she encounters the Wolves and a mysterious witch named Vira and learns to trust her instincts. Overy's story is well paced; the sense of urgency around saving Agatha keeps the pages turning. Maud's sidekicks--Grim and two gingerbread-made creatures, Nuss the squirrel and Florian the vulture--are utterly charming and full of personality. While most of the plot threads are tied together at the end, a few details are frustratingly left unresolved, possibly leaving room for a sequel. Although made from gingerbread, Maud is described as having white skin. A modern reimagining that reads like a well-told fairy-tale classic. (map) (Fantasy. 8-12) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.