Title: The Marvellers
Author: Dhonielle Clayton
Publisher: Macmillan Children’s
Publication date: May 3, 2022
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Summary
Ella Durand is officially the first Conjuror to attend the prestigious Arcanum Training Institute. It’s where all Marvellers come to practice various cultural arts. Traditionally, Ella’s Conjuror magic was considered “different” and “bad.” But she’s determined to prove them otherwise.
However, Ella quickly learns that being the first isn’t easy. Especially when most of the other Marvellers aren’t all that welcoming. When a notorious criminal escapes from prison and Ella’s teacher mysteriously disappears, things start to escalte in the magical world. And Ella finds that she and her family are being blamed for it all. In order to clear their name, she has to learn to trust her new friends.
Review: The Marvellers
Thanks to Macmillan Children’s and NetGalley for an advanced copy of The Marvellers to review! This middle grade, magical school fantasy should definitely be on your radar of May releases. It is absolutely a delight to read! From beginning to end.
Clayton’s skills in world building are on full display here! If you’re a fan of magical schools in the slightest, you’ll absolutely love this. Arcanum is a magical school in the sky. What isn’t to love about that? The way that we’re presented with the world and the school quickly pulls you into the story. I promise you’ll be hooked from the get go!
And the characters! Not only do we get to see them through interactions, but the bits and pieces between chapters. Throughout, Clayton includes news clippings, messages, etc. to help with building characters and the world. And it works so well! Not only does it help with world building, but we get to see different character personalities as well. Honestly, it just makes you fall in love with this little group of misfits even more.
All in all, if you’re looking for a new middle grade fantasy to dive into, definitely pick this one up when it comes out in May!
4.5/5 stars