---

What is the Book about?

Coco, a young girl who lost her father early in life, lives with her mother in a quaint village. Ever since she received a magical picture book from a sorcerer as a child, she’s been consumed by the desire to become a witch, despite knowing that such powers are typically innate. When a Pegasus carriage unexpectedly arrives in her village, Coco finds herself entangled in an enchanting encounter with a young sorcerer. Driven by her lifelong dream and fueled by her insatiable curiosity, Coco embarks on a journey that leads to a pivotal mistake with far-reaching consequences.

---

Rating
Plot ★★★☆☆
Characters ★★★★☆
Excitement ★★★☆☆
Atmosphere ★★★★★
Art Style ★★★★★

Favourite Character
Qifrey, Richeh

My thoughts while reading it

As a lover of fantasy and magic, I was on the hunt for a new adventure that would enchant me and provide just the right balance between a light-hearted tale and one with surprising depth. With the first five volumes of the Witch Hat Atelier series, I was not only satisfied but completely drawn into a breathtaking world brimming with secrets, magic, and unexpected twists, which offers more depth than initially meets the eye.

The story unfolds in a world where magic is omnipresent but mastered by only a chosen few. The protagonist, Coco, is a young orphan living in a remote village, captivated by the allure of magic. Her life takes an unexpected turn when she’s given the opportunity to study at a renowned magical academy and unleash her talent. However, this academy holds not only knowledge but also secrets that plunge Coco and her friends into a perilous adventure.

The world crafted by Kamome Shirahama is incredibly captivating and rich in detail. From majestic landscapes to exquisite costumes, every aspect is meticulously thought out and lovingly designed. Initially, the world seems small and centered around the main characters in the first two volumes, but we’re given glimpses that the world is vast and not as bright and friendly as initially thought. We see the supposed “good” witches pitted against the “evil” witches, yet we also sense that the supposedly good witches may be hiding things, hinting at something grand and potentially epic unfolding. The settings are wonderfully complex, encompassing not just a medieval world but one filled with ancient and mysterious places. Floating rocks, dark underground caves, and cities vulnerable to dragon attacks are commonplace, adding a deeper layer to the whimsical charm.

The illustrations are beautiful, perfectly capturing the magic of the story. I have never seen a manga series with such intricate detail, which is perfect for the story’s depth. Each panel is a joy to behold, with so much to take in that one can’t help but linger over every detail. Yet, despite the abundance of detail, not everything is immediately apparent, adding to the story’s authenticity. I would love to have the illustrations as artwork on my own wall!

What truly sets this story apart, however, is not just its visual splendor but also its profound characters and emotional depth. Coco is a fascinating heroine, coming to life with her doubts, fears, and determination. Despite her childlike nature, it’s important to remember that these are young students, allowing for youthful behavior. However, one is never irritated by their sometimes childish behavior but rather witnesses how the characters confront their own fears and mature. Their friendships and conflicts are authentic and touching, and it’s easy to identify with them as they evolve on their journey through the world of magic. It’s also delightful to see that Coco isn’t the sole focus, especially from Volume 3 onwards, as we get to know more about her friends, each with their own complex personalities. Whether it’s the reclusive Agott, initially grumpy and uninterested in making friends, or Richeh, who lives a solitary life to avoid influence from others. A highlight for me remains Qifrey, a mysterious teacher who outwardly appears full of life, but something haunts him in his dreams at night. Even within the first five volumes, we’re still not any closer to unraveling his secret! What I also want to emphasize is that every character is beautifully crafted, and not only are their unique personalities noteworthy, but also their appearances.

I wholeheartedly recommend this series to fantasy enthusiasts and those seeking a captivating story that touches the heart and ignites the imagination. It transports readers to a world full of wonder and adventure, where magic is real and dreams can come true. This story is a love letter to fantasy, reminding us that even in a world full of darkness and uncertainty, magic still exists if one believes strongly enough. This series is a true delight, and I can’t wait to dive further into its enchanting world!

Reading Recommendation? ✓
Favourite? ✓