There's a reason the vast majority of people rate this book so well. It's not about "something happening" and it's certainly better than anything Rowling has ever done. This book is about exploring the complexity of people and as a character study of that nature, it succeeds very well. For people looking for a story with a clearly defined beginning, middle, and end, with lots of black and white characters, pass up this book. Instead, Macguire is trying to take the reader into the conflicts and self doubt of a character that has been perceived as the apotheosis of evil. Macguire shows us that evil is relative and in the eye of the beholder. Following the Witch from birth to death is a wonderful glimpse into the psyche of someone who has followed a meandering path to where she is. This book will leave you thinking.