sarahthereader's review against another edition
4.0
Do you have fans in your house of Nevermoor, The Unwanteds and Amari and the Night Brothers? Maybe you’re a fan too. Here’s a new middle grade series to add to your stack: The Marvellers (Marvellerverse #1) by Dhonielle Clayton.
From the publisher: “Author Dhonielle Clayton makes her middle-grade debut with a fantasy adventure set in a global magic school in the sky.
Eleven-year-old Ella Durand is the first Conjuror to attend the Arcanum Training Institute, where Marvellers from all around the world come together to practice their cultural arts. Ella knows some people mistrust her Conjuror magic, often deemed "bad and unnatural," but she's eager to make a good impression—and, hopefully, some friends. Just as Ella begins to find her way at school, a notorious criminal escapes from prison, supposedly with Conjurors’ help. Worse, her favorite teacher Masterji Thakur never returns from a research trip, and only Ella seems concerned about his disappearance.”
I loved everything about this so much! Magic, friendship, a school in the sky…you name it! I couldn’t wait to find out what happened and read it so quickly. Enjoy!
From the publisher: “Author Dhonielle Clayton makes her middle-grade debut with a fantasy adventure set in a global magic school in the sky.
Eleven-year-old Ella Durand is the first Conjuror to attend the Arcanum Training Institute, where Marvellers from all around the world come together to practice their cultural arts. Ella knows some people mistrust her Conjuror magic, often deemed "bad and unnatural," but she's eager to make a good impression—and, hopefully, some friends. Just as Ella begins to find her way at school, a notorious criminal escapes from prison, supposedly with Conjurors’ help. Worse, her favorite teacher Masterji Thakur never returns from a research trip, and only Ella seems concerned about his disappearance.”
I loved everything about this so much! Magic, friendship, a school in the sky…you name it! I couldn’t wait to find out what happened and read it so quickly. Enjoy!
jupternorth's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying, Hate crime, Xenophobia, Blood, and Kidnapping
Moderate: Death and Murder
Minor: Child death
kalynharris's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
jenns_bookshelf's review against another edition
adventurous
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? Yes
tissytis's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
I’m so glad I redeemed this book instead of leaving it to chance. I knew when I read the first chapter in the First Look that I will need to finish this book very soon. I do think that this is can be another popular book in the magical world. The illustrations that accompany the writing are so interesting, really add substance to the book. The map beforehand sets the scenes very well. It draws from the real world themes of cultural diversities and really highlight the prejudices around these to the young readers. I can’t help but notice all the food in magical world seemed so tasty, scrumptious, it makes me want to be in it and eat to my heart’s content. I love that it also mentioned Malaysia in it. It seemed so well researched as well. The pride around Jollof Rice and other dishes. I hope that there will be a sequel and it is well underway as I’m not sure how I can wait til it is published!
Thanks to Readers First, Dhonielle Clayton and Piccadilly Press for this book!
Thanks to Readers First, Dhonielle Clayton and Piccadilly Press for this book!
elizajaquays's review against another edition
adventurous
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
ashton_reads_'s review against another edition
5.0
4.5/5 stars
I really really really enjoyed this one! Think Harry Potter but whimsical instead of cozy…
Goodreads synopsis
Eleven-year-old Ella Durand is the first Conjuror to attend the Arcanum Training Institute, where Marvellers from all around the world come together to practice their cultural arts like brewing Indian spice elixirs, practicing Caribbean steel drum hypnosis, and bartering with fussy Irish faeries. Ella knows some people mistrust her Conjuror magic, often deemed "bad and unnatural," but she's eager to make a good impression—and, hopefully, some friends.
But Ella discovers that being the first isn't easy, and not all of the Marvellers are welcoming. Still, she connects with fellow misfits Brigit, a girl who hates magic, and Jason, who is never found without a magical creature or two. Just as Ella begins to find her way at the A.T.I., a notorious criminal escapes from prison, supposedly with Conjurors’ help. Worse, her favorite teacher Masterji Thakur never returns from a research trip, and only Ella seems concerned about his disappearance.
As tensions grow in the Marvellian world, Ella finds herself the target of vicious rumors and growing suspicions. With the help of her new friends, Ella must find a way to clear her family's name and track down her beloved mentor Masterji Thakur . . . before she loses her place at the A.T.I. forever.
This book is really precious and fun and magical! It was the perfect little taste of fantasy to get me back in a fantasy mood!
First of all, the setting is fantastic. The magical academy vibes are immaculate and whimsical, with a focus on stars and clouds that make everything oh so dreamy. But there’s a lightheartedness, as well, that reminds me so much of Harry Potter and other books in that realm of middle-grade fantasy. The blend of epic magic and quirkiness is absolutely perfect, and I was very impressed with the little details that completed the vibe.
Clayton does a fantastic job of making her middle-grade characters actually realistic for their age. I truly felt, the whole time, that I knew exactly how old these characters were by their dialogue, their actions, and Ella’s internal commentary. I completely understood their motivations because I could easily think “hmm how I did I act in 5th/6th grade? … Yep, I get it.”
Speaking of characters, I really really loved every single character in this book. Honestly. There are mean kids, of course there are. But every character felt three-dimensional and realistic, especially our main character Ella! I LOVE HER. She struggles with middle school things like wanting to belong, but she also knows what she stands for and stands up for others too. She’s precious and I love how she reacts to how she’s treated as an “outsider.”
Plot-wise, this book slays. In a lighthearted, Harry Potter-esque way. I was completely intrigued the entire time; Clayton also does a great job at unfolding the mystery at a nice pace where it isn’t overly predictable but also doesn’t stress you out because you don’t know what’s going on… maybe that’s just a me-thing, but still, I appreciated it haha!
Oh, and lastly, the diversity in this book is AMAZING. As it should be. I'll leave that there.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book. While I wish a few details were a little less similar to Harry Potter, I loved loved loved the vibes, the themes, the characters, everything about it! I recommend this one for lovers of Harry Potter and fantasy worlds / vibes like that!
*I received a free e-arc of this novel from Fierce Reads in exchange for exposure and an honest review; all opinions in this review are my own. This book was published on May 3rd, 2022!*
Thanks for reading my review! If you enjoyed it, you can friend/follow me here on Goodreads or on Instagram and Pinterest @ashton_reads for more bookish content (@ashton.reads on Tiktok)!! If you want, you can give this review a like or comment with your thoughts so I know you've read my review; your support means a lot to me! Happy reading!
I really really really enjoyed this one! Think Harry Potter but whimsical instead of cozy…
Goodreads synopsis
Eleven-year-old Ella Durand is the first Conjuror to attend the Arcanum Training Institute, where Marvellers from all around the world come together to practice their cultural arts like brewing Indian spice elixirs, practicing Caribbean steel drum hypnosis, and bartering with fussy Irish faeries. Ella knows some people mistrust her Conjuror magic, often deemed "bad and unnatural," but she's eager to make a good impression—and, hopefully, some friends.
But Ella discovers that being the first isn't easy, and not all of the Marvellers are welcoming. Still, she connects with fellow misfits Brigit, a girl who hates magic, and Jason, who is never found without a magical creature or two. Just as Ella begins to find her way at the A.T.I., a notorious criminal escapes from prison, supposedly with Conjurors’ help. Worse, her favorite teacher Masterji Thakur never returns from a research trip, and only Ella seems concerned about his disappearance.
As tensions grow in the Marvellian world, Ella finds herself the target of vicious rumors and growing suspicions. With the help of her new friends, Ella must find a way to clear her family's name and track down her beloved mentor Masterji Thakur . . . before she loses her place at the A.T.I. forever.
This book is really precious and fun and magical! It was the perfect little taste of fantasy to get me back in a fantasy mood!
First of all, the setting is fantastic. The magical academy vibes are immaculate and whimsical, with a focus on stars and clouds that make everything oh so dreamy. But there’s a lightheartedness, as well, that reminds me so much of Harry Potter and other books in that realm of middle-grade fantasy. The blend of epic magic and quirkiness is absolutely perfect, and I was very impressed with the little details that completed the vibe.
Clayton does a fantastic job of making her middle-grade characters actually realistic for their age. I truly felt, the whole time, that I knew exactly how old these characters were by their dialogue, their actions, and Ella’s internal commentary. I completely understood their motivations because I could easily think “hmm how I did I act in 5th/6th grade? … Yep, I get it.”
Speaking of characters, I really really loved every single character in this book. Honestly. There are mean kids, of course there are. But every character felt three-dimensional and realistic, especially our main character Ella! I LOVE HER. She struggles with middle school things like wanting to belong, but she also knows what she stands for and stands up for others too. She’s precious and I love how she reacts to how she’s treated as an “outsider.”
Plot-wise, this book slays. In a lighthearted, Harry Potter-esque way. I was completely intrigued the entire time; Clayton also does a great job at unfolding the mystery at a nice pace where it isn’t overly predictable but also doesn’t stress you out because you don’t know what’s going on… maybe that’s just a me-thing, but still, I appreciated it haha!
Oh, and lastly, the diversity in this book is AMAZING. As it should be. I'll leave that there.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book. While I wish a few details were a little less similar to Harry Potter, I loved loved loved the vibes, the themes, the characters, everything about it! I recommend this one for lovers of Harry Potter and fantasy worlds / vibes like that!
*I received a free e-arc of this novel from Fierce Reads in exchange for exposure and an honest review; all opinions in this review are my own. This book was published on May 3rd, 2022!*
Thanks for reading my review! If you enjoyed it, you can friend/follow me here on Goodreads or on Instagram and Pinterest @ashton_reads for more bookish content (@ashton.reads on Tiktok)!! If you want, you can give this review a like or comment with your thoughts so I know you've read my review; your support means a lot to me! Happy reading!
caylieratzlaff's review against another edition
4.0
This was an amazing middle grade novel, but it’s also full of historical information and discusses deep issues (like racism, slavery, discrimination) while creating a magical world with such a cool magic system and integrating root work and conjure work and traditions. I also like the references to other black authors.
madelinefmcguire's review against another edition
4.0
Eleven year old Ella Durand is the first ever Conjuror to attend the Arcanum Training Institute where Marvellers of all types come to learn. Ella knows that people misunderstand and mistrust her Conjuror magic often deemed "bad and unnatural" but she's eager to show the world that Conjuror magic can fit into the Marbellers as well. It's not easy when so many are against you but with the help of her fellow misfits Brigit, a girl who hates magic, and Jason, who's hiding a secret of his own, Ella's confident she will learn to be accepted. Just as she starts to settle at ATI a notorious criminal escapes from prison and the Conjurors' are blamed. With the help of her new friends Ella must find a way to clear the Conjurors' names if she wants to become a Marveller.
This was good and if I was the intended audience I think I would have liked it more. The world building felt a little slow to me and I wanted more on the conjurors than I got. It felt like a cross of Amari and the Night Brothers and Harry Potter. A great choice for anyone looking for a fantasy adventure.
This was good and if I was the intended audience I think I would have liked it more. The world building felt a little slow to me and I wanted more on the conjurors than I got. It felt like a cross of Amari and the Night Brothers and Harry Potter. A great choice for anyone looking for a fantasy adventure.
royalgreen's review against another edition
5.0
Wow, what an engaging book! The audio version of this is spectacular and really added to my enjoyment of the narrative. The world building is incredible too, very dense in the best of ways. I could really see this capturing the audience of kids everywhere! I don't often read MG books that make me want to go back and immediately read again, but this book has that honor. And that cliffhanger!!!! I am very much looking forward to the next installment. Highly recommend.