A few years back I bought my 8 year old cousin, who was a reluctant reader, this book and he couldn't stop raving about it. It was actually one of my proud library moments that turned him from a kid who barely read to one that was excited about books and about talking about books with me. He told me the entire plot of the book in installments whenever I saw him, which I, of course, forgot entirely, so it was nice to read it for myself.
Connwaer, an orphan thief who lives on the Twilight (bad side) of Wellmet, pickpockets a wizard and accidentally steals his locus magicalicus, his locus or magic stone. When the wizard learns of the thievery, rather than punish the boy, he takes him on as his apprentice as he is impressed by the magic the boy could withstand when he stole the stone. The city of Wellmet has slowly been losing its magic supplies and the wizard has been brought back from exile to find out why. The boy's magical powers prove to be fruitful as he helps to solve the mystery and become a wizard of his own.
The book is told in first person from the perspective of the boy, but interspersing chapters are journal entries from the wizard, Nevery. I like that the voices are different and that we can see the difference between what Nevery says about the boy compared to his actions and feelings about the boy. On the bottom of the entries are runes that can be deciphered using the translator in the back of the book. This book is not going to be able to escape Harry Potter comparisons, but it is a much different premise as the whole world is a make-believe magical realm and magic is considered normal to everyone whether or not they are wizards. It is very fast paced and good for younger readers but not an Early Chapter book. I look forward to reading the rest in the series and being able to discuss them with my cousin.
Intended reading level: Grades 3-6 Interest level: Grade 4
Genre: fantasy, fiction
First in series.
Comparable titles: Harry Potter (books 1-3), Fablehaven
Book connections: black cats, semi-precious stones and rocks, insignia patches on sleeves, rune translator, costume jewelry, biscuits
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