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.

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

- Half Bad, authored by Sally Green, is part of a trilogy and has been noted in the Guinness World Records for the most translated book by a debut author prior to publication, with translations in 45 languages.
- Sally Green wrote Half Bad during the National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo), a program encouraging writers to complete a novel draft in a month.
- The book won the Waterstones Teen Book Prize in 2015, recognizing its popularity and impact among young adult readers.

Sally Green

Novel

The Half Bad Trilogy

Fiction

Guide

Study Guide

Before You Read

Explore Half Bad reviews, reading age recommendations, and essential genre and thematic details before you start reading.

Before You Read Half Bad | SuperSummary

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Overview

Get ready to explore Half Bad and its meaning. Our full analysis and study guide provides an even deeper dive with character analysis and quotes explained to help you discover the complexity and beauty of this book.

Half Bad Summary and Study Guide

Background

Half Bad Background

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Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Part 1: “The Trick”- Part 2: “How I Ended Up in a Cage”

Parts 1-2, Chapters 1-22

Half Bad Parts 1-2, Chapters 1-22 Summary & Analysis

Part 3: “The Second Weapon”

Part 3: Chapters 23-34

Half Bad Part 3: Chapters 23-34 Summary & Analysis

Part 4: “Freedom” - Part 5: “Gabriel”

Parts 4-5, Chapters 35-45

Half Bad Parts 4-5, Chapters 35-45 Summary & Analysis

Part 6: “Turning Seventeen”

Part 6, Chapters 46-53

Half Bad Part 6, Chapters 46-53 Summary & Analysis

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Character Analysis

Half Bad Character Analysis

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Themes

Half Bad Themes

Symbols & Motifs

Half Bad Symbols & Motifs

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Important Quotes

Half Bad Important Quotes

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Essay Topics

Half Bad Essay Topics

Half Bad

Before You Read

Reviews & Readership

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Who Should Read Half Bad?

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Book Details