The Memory Thieves

The Conjureverse #2

by Dhonielle Clayton

Eager to wield their stapiers for Marvel Combat, Ella, Brigit, and Jason are back for their second year at the Arcanum Training Institute. With Ella’s celebrity growing throughout the Marvellian world after thwarting the Ace of Anarchy’s diabolical plans, it’s proving hard for her to focus on her coursework. But back home in New Orleans the Conjure community isn’t too happy about her return to the skies for another year learning to become a Marveller. As if life wasn’t complicated enough, Ella soon discovers more dangerous secrets about the Conjure architect who built the school.

Before she can dig deeper, a mysterious magical illness sweeps through the Institute, and Ella lands at the top of the suspect list. Can Ella and her friends save themselves and the Marvellian world before chaos breaks loose?

Genres: Fantasy, Middle Grade, Audiobook, Fiction, Magic, Adventure, Childrens

416 pages, Paperback

First published September 26, 2023

About the author

Dhonielle Clayton is a New York Times bestselling author of The Marvellers series, The Belles series, Shattered Midnight, co-author of Blackout, Whiteout, The Rumor Game, and of the Tiny Pretty Things duology, a Netflix original series. She hails from the Washington, D.C. suburbs on the Maryland side. She taught secondary school for several years, and is a former elementary and middle school librarian. She is COO of the non-profit We Need Diverse Books. She is the President and founder of Cake Creative and Electric Postcard Entertainment, IP story companies creating diverse books for all ages. She’s an avid traveller, and always on the hunt for magic and mischief. Find her on Instagram: @brownbookworm.

Reviews

[give me books · Rating 4 out of 5]

4,5
Ta książka to czysta przyjemność

[Anniek · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pleased to confirm there's no second book syndrome in sight in this installment. I often hesitate to continue series, because the sequels often don't live up to the first book for me, but that's definitely not the case here. It had been a while since I read book 1, but I quickly became immersed in this world again, and it was just as whimsical as book 1. I know we're at least getting a third and fourth installment, so I'm going to keep an eye out for those!

[Phøenix13 (Inactive) · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a fantastic sequel! In fact I liked it better than book 1 mostly because I LOVE political drama and magical illnesses.
(This actually felt super similar to the second book in the series I'm writing but that's a total coincidence I swear)
I think the only way this series could improve is if it got rid of the villain's perspective. Yes, it's interesting, but it revealed too much before the main characters knew it, making the plot twists not very twisty.
The worldbuilding and characters in this series are amazing. If you love middle grade fantasy and haven't given this series a go definitely check it out! It's easily one of my favourites. It's also incredibly diverse. I'm obsessed.

Easy 5 stars.

[Grey99 · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMFG I'VE WAITED SO LONG FOR THE SEQUEL AND IT'S COMING IN A FEW MONTHS.

So excited to get back into the Marvellian world. I'll get my money, BRB.

Diving back into the Conjureverse is one I've been looking forward to all year. This book was my most anticipated read and it did not disappoint.

Way better than the first book, with interesting character dynamics and a world that keeps on expanding.

The mystery aspect wasn't left out as well, as you start to notice similarities between Brigit and the father-son duo that come in and out of the arcanum, one is a student there.

Only thing I'd complain about is not enough brigit, but I did find it cute how Ella looked for Jason every time he wasn't around and constantly wished he was there, especially considering how she wasn't so eager to get to know him in the first book. The trio's relationship has blossomed into something beautiful but also true with topics of secrets and insecurities.

This book is a must read for all looking to have a fun time, escape but also learn about real life important topics.

5 stars. Can't wait for the next book and the mystery that Dhonielle has already set up to unravel.

[Emma · Rating 3 out of 5]

I absolutely adored the first book of this series and had high hopes for book 2!! I did enjoy this book, but not as much as the first. A lot of scenes and plot lines felt quite rushed, some of the dialogue and character decisions felt unrealistic, and I wish we’d slowed down a bit to develop and explore the magic in more depth. The pacing issues made a lot of the magic and world-building feel surface level, which was upsetting because this really is a marvelous fantasy world!

[FräuleinHallo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Zwar nicht ganz so toll wie der erste Band, da ich die Welt aber so wunderbar finde trotzdem 5 Sterne! So eine diverse, phantastische Welt in der Menschen verschiedener Religionen, Regenbogenfamilien und nicht-binäre Personen einfach ohne das Gefühl von weirden "Quotencharakteren" ihren Platz haben - großartig!

[Betweenpaperbackworlds · Rating 5 out of 5]

The parallels between Black America and this book are CRAZY. This is not just a book for middle grades to read this series is for everyone!!

[Lois · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 Stars

This was a worthy sequel. No drag or letdown in tension or storyline. This sequel introduced Indigenous Peoples of the Americas with characters plus their mythological stories. It's beautifully inclusive without loss to the story or feeling preachy.

At the same time, this explores the history of the ties between the Marvellers and the Conjurors. In many ways it mirrors aspects of our society and how we react as a society to newcomers. This book offers answers as well as deepens the mystery of the Marvellers history and treatment of Conjuror's.

There are scenes set at Conjure school, we get to see more of where and how the Conjuror's live, there's tons of action, multiple reveals and the villain is a POV character which is a nice touch. I really like the magic system in this novel and the world building is top notch.

[Brandi Thompson · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the second installment in the Conjureverse series, which is a middle grade, magic school series very a la the Wizarding World, but inclusive. In this book, our trio of curious kids run into a different battle with the evil Ace of Anarchy, all while facing a mysterious illness at their magical school.

This was a hard rating for me, because there were some polarizing feelings during my reading.

Pros:
- Love most of the characters, you really build an attachment to them. Plus, you can really feel their connections with one another, as well.
- Love the diversity and the descriptions of everything within the world.
- Strong emotional finish at the end.

Con(s):
- Too long, it had too many needless details, especially ones that just say 'I am heavily trying to be a new version of HP. Like, it's just too much. You don't need it. I think the author is very creative on her own, without having to push so much similarity to HP. Some of those details could have been eliminated without affecting the story.
- The whole pandemic thing, clear references to the pandemic. I get that was part of our life, but I don't feel that such obvious parallels to Covid were needed in the story. There are already SO MANY DETAILS in this book, that it just bogged it down.

I think the author is a brilliantly creative person, and these books are very endearing, but it just got a little tedious at times with what I feel are unneeded details. A little streamlining could have made this a four, or even a five, star book.

[Amelie B · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was slightly disappointing. I mean, I love the plot but the characters lacked there usual brilliance. Brigit was so much more weak, and was just annoying. This was disappointing, and my hopes had been high dropped down significantly after the first few chapters.

[Tamara Evans · Rating 3 out of 5]

“The Memory Thieves” is a teen novel and the second book in the Conjureverse series by author Dhonielle Clayton focusing on friends Ella Durand, Brigit Ebsen, and Jason Eugene as they return for a second year of study at the Arcanum Training Institute for Marvelous and Uncanny Endeavors and face old and new nemeses.

The novel consists of thirty-five chapters divided into four parts.

The novel begins with a table of the five paragons or marvels a student can have followed by a letter welcoming students back for a second year of study at the Arcanum Training Institute for Marvelous and Uncanny Endeavors, and main character Ella Durand’s level two training timetable for her second year at the institute.

Part one, “New Horizons,” begins with Ella Durand and her family heading to Celestial City to buy school supplies while bypassing Marvellian and Conjuror onlookers. People are nosy and this is the second time Ella has become a celebrity due to being the first Conjuror to enroll and attend the Arcanum (read Marvellers book 1) then by saving the world from a power hungry villain named Gia Trivelino three months ago. When boarding the Sky Ferry, Ella’s family experiences discrimination due to being Conjurors. Ella is frustrated by mistreatment by others but is soon comforted by reuniting with her friends Jason and Brigit.

Meanwhile, villain Gia Trivelino is on the run and is sad that her daughter Brigit has rejected her. Gia’s marvel of being able to manipulate strings of matter labeled her as monstrous and she aims to pay back Ella, Brigit, and Jason for destroying her plan to take other people’s marvels.

Upon arriving at the institute, Ella is excited to learn that three more Conjure students from Columbia, Brazil, and New York have enrolled at the institute. In addition to new Conjure students, the institute is hosting a biennial cultural exchange program with five indigenous students from the Navajo Nation. Brigit worries that students will find out the Gia is Brigit’s mother or Gia will try to come and get her. Despite Ella and Jason promising to protect Brigit, Ella receives a threatening letter from Gia but doesn’t share the letter to not alarm Brigit.

There’s a worry from the Conjuror community that by Ella attending the institute and her godmother Sera teaching at the institute, Marvellers will soon be take conjuror marvels as their own and travel to the Conjure underworld. Ella worries about her friendship with Brigit when she starts hanging out with other people and staying out past curfew.

Ella’s mood is lifted when she receives a note inviting her to join a secret underground stapier league to prepare for the spring Paragon tryouts and discovers a shared secret with a Part one ends with Gia reuniting her former group of troublemakers called “The Aces” including current teachers at the institute as well as running for class office.

Part two, “Conjure Conundrums,” begins with Ella hearing gossip about students getting nosebleeds and losing their marvels. Student blame a change in food or change of weather for the unusual situation with students. Ella finds a protector from an unexpected source but is soon confronted by a student about being noisy. Ella fights the urge to tell her Aunt Sera about being bullied by new student Noemie but decides against it, lest she drawn more attention since she was the first conjuror at the institute.

Aunt Sera and Ella meet together to teach Ella about her cartomanic marvel which will help her glimpse the past and their future but as a conjuror, she’ll also be able to change their fortunes at times. This part of the novel was interesting in how Aunt Sera provides details on lociambulism also known as mind walking and tells Ella about the difference between mind waking the living and the dead. Although Ella is reluctant to learn about lociambulism, Aunt Sera tells her that since she is from two of the most powerful conjure bloodlines, it’s time to learn an essential conjure tool.

The trio are discovered with institute blueprints by a group of historians and institute instructors but are saved by a sympathetic employee. Due to the continued outbreak of headaches, nosebleeds and loss of marvels, the institute closes ending the fall term early. Forced to return home, Ella reconnects with her best friend Reagan to learn about an ancestor and his far reaching impacts in the Marvellian world. Part two ends on the first day of February with Ella trying to bridge the gap between the Conjuror world and the Marvellian world leading to the whole family being under investigation for breaking a Conjure Commandment and if found guilty, punishment being removed from New Orleans and the entire Conjure community.

Part three, “Hard Truths,” begins with Gia locating Brigit in New York through using one of her trusted Aces to lift a conjure veil, revealing a cloaked house and gaining access to Brigit for devious reasons. Meanwhile in New Orleans, Ella and her family celebrate Mardi Gras under the dark clouds of her family meeting the United Conjure Congress, the institute being closed, and having her starpost mail to her mentor intercepted and destroyed. Ella gets a pleasant surprise from Jason who shows a kindred-walking marvel stemming from him being a conjuror and marveller.

Ella is excited to learn that the institute is reopening and the sick students have recovered. Upon returning back to the institute, students are seen wearing masks and protective face shields (similar to COVID precautions.) Signs are posted everywhere regarding safety and wearing gloves. Sad to learn that institute is trying to blame mystery sickness on the Conjuror and Navajo students.

Shortly after returning to the institute, Ella’s head is full of unanswered questions as student headaches and nosebleeds restart. Starpost communications are shared between Gia and Noemie’s mother. After Ella finally shares the notes from Gia with Jason and Brigit, the trio engage is a spying mission and make a shocking discovery. Part three ends with the Ella, Brigit, and Jason attempting to mind walk Noemie with disastrous consequences.

Part four, “Marvellian Lies,” begins with Gia receiving a visit from a former Ace now adversary Mitha Thakur. It is revealed that Gia helped removed the criminal backgrounds of him and another Ace to have new lives. Jason is seriously injured after they return from mind-walking in Noemie’s mind and he is eventually sent home. Ella and Brigit ambush Noemie and feel sympathy once they learn Gia threatened to hurt Noemie’s parents unless she did what Gia said and stole certain student’s memories. Gia’s grand plan is exposed to make the whole Marvellian work sick on election night through poison balloons. Shocking news is provided about the identity of Brigit’s father.

Ella and Brigit surprise Jason’s by traveling to his home in Celestial City to get help from him as well as his lightning bird Izulu. Gia has a reunion with her former top Ace Presidential candidate Johan Fenris Knudsen. Following thwarting Gia’s latest plan, Brigit publically learns who her father is while Ella has a reunion with her estranged Aunt Celeste before being rewarded with her great grandfather’s memory-cask. Ella and Brigit return to the Arcanum and she reveals seeing her Aunt Celeste to her mother and godmother. Working together as a family, Ella’s mother and godmother Sera enter the memory-cask of her ancestor/great-grandfather Dr. Jean Michel Durand, previously hidden architect of the Arcanum. It is revealed that Durand was a founder of the Arcanum and just when everyone was going to work together, they changed their minds and imprisoned him in the memory-cask. Ella and family vow to find out who imprisoned Durand as well as transport him to his rightful home in the Underworld.

Gia watches Knudsen is sworn in as President and makes a deal with Ella’s father to protect his family. Gia hatches another plan involving twilight stardust from the Conjuror underworld which keeps all Marvellian cities and the Arcanum in flight. Part four ends with Ella attending Marvel Combat team tryouts and becomes a member of the Paragon of Vision Marvel Combat Team before becoming a level three student.

As I finished the novel, I continue to be impressed by author Dhonielle Clayton’s ability to create a magical would that is inclusive multicultural. I appreciated the clearly defined parts of the books as well as additions of character’s personal effects such as personal letters to students, class timetables, report cards and other signage including wanted posters and letters to others. I was annoyed at times by Ella’s lack of focus, carelessness, and disregard for others at times. I liked the different cultures created such as the Fewels/Humans who live on the ground while the Conjurors are magical people who live in the sky above the Fewels and the Marvellers live in the sky above the Conjurors. By creating a novel series with such a diverse cast of characters, readers young and old can see themselves that in story and consider that magic lives inside us all and is not limited to a specific race or location in the world.

[Azim Kasmani · Rating 4 out of 5]

A pretty good addition to the first book, the themes of discrimination against certain communities are written very well and the main story and characters are entertaining as ever.

On the other hand, I was misinformed that this was a two book series and was left on a cliffhanger, which I am upset about.

Magic lightsabers

[evernell · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm actually so sad I didn't love this book because I really liked the first one 😭. I think my main problem with this is that it felt too middle grade for me (and that's totally my fault because this is the audience the book is aimed at). It started out great but then it kept getting more boring, mainly because I felt like nothing was really happening and all the plot twists were very easy to guess (and the characters just took ages to realise stuff 😑). However, I still adore the worldbuilding and the way the book talks about inclusion and injustice, as well as my darling Gia. I just love her so much <3.

[Jay DeMoir · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not as great as the first but still pretty solid. Passing this along to my God daughter.

[Buchstabenschloss · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ella kommt für das zweite Lehrjahr ans Arkanum zurück. Genau wie im ersten Jahr, so hat sie auch in diesem Jahr wieder mit Vorurteilen zu kämpfen. Als dann auch noch eine Krankheit ausbricht und der Verdacht dafür auf ihre Gemeinschaft fällt, hat sie genug. Sie geht zusammen mit ihren Freunden Brigit und Jason auf die Suche nach Antworten. Dabei kommen sie einem Geheimnis auf die Schliche, welches alles verändern könnte.

Das Cover ist wieder wunderschön und passt hervorragend zu Band 1. Es sind wieder einige kleine Details im Cover zu erkennen, die Lust auf die Geschichte machen. Darüber hinaus gibt es im Buch eine schöne Karte sowie Illustrationen. Der Schreibstil der Autorin ist flüssig, leicht und locker. Sie schafft es, dass man mit der Geschichte mitgerissen wird.

Ella ist ein neugieriges und vor allem sympathisches Mädchen. Sie versucht allem mit dem nötigen Respekt zu begegnen, auch wenn ihr das an manchen Tagen schwerfällt. Sie kann die Vorurteile gegenüber ihrer Gemeinschaft nicht nachvollziehen. Für mich ist Ella genau die Protagonistin, der ich zutrauen würde die Welt zu verändern. Natürlich hat sie auch Unterstützung von ihren Freunden Brigit und Jason. Und auch diese beiden sind tolle Charaktere, die ihre eigene Geschichte haben und sich in die Geschichte einbringen.

Man muss zwingend die Geschichte von Band 1 vor Band 2 lesen, ansonsten wird es schwer der Geschichte zu folgen. Die Welt, in der die Geschichte spielt, ist ziemlich komplex mit den beiden Gemeinschaften und deren Besonderheiten, sowie den Paragonen.

In dieser Geschichte gefällt mir besonders gut, dass die Gegenwart und die Vergangenheit behandelt werden. Denn diese gehen Hand in Hand und erklären gewisse Gegebenheiten. Es macht viel Freude Ella und ihren Freunden auf der Suche nach der Wahrheit zu begleiten. Die Kinder vollziehen große Taten, die die Gesellschaft nachhaltig ändern könnte, auch wenn die Meinungen und Vorurteile hartnäckig in den Köpfen sind. Schließlich gehen Ella und ihre Freunde mit bestem Beispiel voran.

Auch wenn ich ein riesen Fan der Geschichte bin, muss ich gestehen, dass es auch Passagen gibt, die für mich zu sehr in die Länge gezogen sind. Darüber hinaus finde ich die eine oder andere Szene wirr oder sprunghaft, sodass ich ab und zu Passagen doppelt lesen musste.

Aber alles in Allem eine wundervolle Fortsetzung. Ich bin schon gespannt wie die Reise von Ella, Brigit und Jason weitergeht.

[Adelaide · Rating 5 out of 5]

I realized that I haven’t rated a book five stars in a while… opps. Well anyways I think this book was really good and honestly I have no complaints. I would’ve finished it faster if I hadn’t lost it for a day….. Though I do think some things were quite obvious like the fact headmarveller MacDonald was dating Sera Baptiste, or the fact that Brigit’s father was Johan Knudsen. But either-way I don’t care because those were theories of mine and I was proven correct. I also loved that someone in the book was named Adelaide because though I know a lot of Adelaide’s in real life (not including me) all the one in books are men. Even though her character was not a really good one. I highly recommend!

[Missy H]

Much of what I enjoyed about the first was present in the sequel: the inclusion of so many cultures in a familiar tale. This time, the familiarity grew - some hints of Star Wars, as well as the ever present callback to Harry Potter. I didn’t love the aspects of reality that were included, though - namely allusions to Trump and COVID - which, for me, made a fun and quick read a little less fun.

[Erin · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5, This time, I found the audiobook narration a little grating. I wish this book was read with a little bit more maturity. It makes Ella sound like a six year old rather than a twelve year old. I'm not sure how long this series is supposed to be, but I hope it follows Ella's journey all the way through the Arcanum.

[Rachel Kohlbrenner · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars and a great 2nd book in this series. There was so much happening, lots of new questions and learning more in this magical universe. It was fun and looking forward to the next one in the series to see what happens next.

[Caitlin (CMAReads) · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fun book two in this MG series. Hope there are more coming.

[Karolina · Rating 4 out of 5]

cudowna zabawa w obu częściach 🥹

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

I will continue to rave about this series. Want something that feels like the magic of Harry Potter and the world she built but with DIVERSITY and a non-problematic author? READ THIS

[Czarina Flores · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is so much fun! I loved the first book and enjoyed this one just as much. The world of these books are magical and it is quickly becoming one of my favorite series!

[Manon the Malicious · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was provided an ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

I loved this sequel to The Marvellers. I loved where the story took us and seeing the characters grow up. I was so taken by the story. I was enthralled from start to finish and could picture the school so well and rooted for Ella and her friends the entire time. The plot truly thickened in The Memory Thieves and I was oh so here for it. I cannot wait for more from this series. It's just so so good and captivating. I love these characters and I want to see what more they can do!

[Madds.lib ⚢ · Rating 2 out of 5]

Man this one was such a disappointment. I really enjoyed the first one and was so excited for book two, but I found it so frustrating.
Why does Ella never refuse to talk to any of the many adults in her life?! she has so many people who would support her but she chooses to consistently make things worse by flying by the seat of her pants and trying to save the day on her own. I find it hard to believe and that that doesn’t fit with her personality.
It would be different if there weren’t so many adults in Ella’s life but she has every opportunity to seek help and instead just does nothing. She doesn’t listen to lessons and puts everyone around her in danger by jumping in without a plan or a clue.

[Zachary Brinkman · Rating 4 out of 5]

And thus my woes about being behind on my reading schedule continue... fear not, though, because the quarter has officially ended and I am on Spring Break now! I have some things to take care of here and there but, other than that, I am hoping (and praying) to be sitting on my couch with a mug of coffee and a good book for the majority of this upcoming week.

Ignoring the fact that it is nearly the end of March now, this was the last novel that I had planned to read for Black History Month and I have finally gotten around to finishing it—this is a telltale marker of just how behind I am, right?

Regardless, I stumbled up on The Conjureverse Series randomly while browsing Middle Grades novels at my neighborhood library and enjoyed the first book so much that I decided to delve right into the next one... and, despite being the second installment in a three or four part fantasy series, this did not disappoint.

Dhonielle Clayton's The Memory Thieves picks up right at the end of summer break after the first book ends and takes the reader on a wild ride with some new backdrops, an engaging and action-packed plot, and some character development and growth that rivals that of its predecessors and competitors.

Though I could have done without the various points of view or the too-rushed ending, I found this to be a solid follow-up to the first installment and strong enough to stand on its own. Thus, I am giving this a fairly high rating.

“Conjurors were born with a deep twilight inside them, allowing the work of crossing spells and tending to the dead in the Underworld. Now Ella would be the first one to enroll, and when she passed all the tests, she'd be the first to join the Marvellian community.”

Let me start my proper review of this novel, as I normally do, by talking about the setting and the worldbuilding: it was (pun-intended) MARVELOUS! As I spoke about in my review of The Marvellers, this book mostly takes place at the Arcanum Training Institute for Marvelous and Uncanny Endeavors. Here, though, we get a little bit of a twist... apparently, the Arcanum changes locations and "theme," for lack of a better term, each year and we get to experience the shift in that throughout the entire front half of the novel. With the school floating over the Nordic Sea, there is snow year-round. In addition to this, the school has taken on a Chinese architectural style and incorporates Chinese mythology into the mix. I thought that the author was really creative in taking this approach because it gives us a new backdrop for each book and a new place for the reader to explore each time; this was masterfully crafted and well thought out.

Other than this, we also get to learn more about both marvels and conjure throughout this book and I enjoyed how the education builds upon itself, as it does in reality.

We got to explore more of the Marvellian cities, as well as their political systems, too, and I thought that this was an interesting way to rope in modern and current concerns into a fantasy book that could appeal to readers on many different levels.

When it comes to the plot, I thought that Clayton did a really good job at gripping the reader from the first chapter and keeping the pacing at a steady level throughout the entire novel; I don't remember feeling any part of it lulling or growing stale, even in the middle, and that has to be applauded—especially for a Middle Grades novel of this length.

The author did approach the point-of-view differently, however. I liked that we got some perspective from the Ace of Anarchy herself but I feel like this revealed FAR too much of the plot before the main characters latched onto it and it lessened the impact of the twists, in my opinion.

I also thought that the last few chapters could have been "beefed up." Everything felt like it was wrapped up a bit too quickly and I would have liked to see some more depth to the climax. I do recognize that this is a Middle Grades novel and the target audience is VERY far away from me, however, so that may just be a personal gripe.

Just like with the first installment, I enjoyed the themes of prejudice and discrimination threaded throughout the story; this was done really well and was less "on the nose" than it could have been and I think that this worked in the book's favor, if nothing else. The insertion of current political issues and the COVID-19 Pandemic was an interesting addition, as well.

The characters were lovely and I feel like there was a substantial amount of development for each of them; one of my favorite things about the Magical School trope is watching the characters mature through the years and I can already see that happening here!

Overall, I really enjoyed this book and was very happy to see that it didn't suffer from Second Book Syndrome! I am not exactly sure how many subsequent novels are going to be in this series but I already have the next one, The Deadly Fates, tagged at my library...

[Jojo Frost]

I was waiting for some news about this sequel. So excited. I can't wait to read this.

[Tasneem · Rating 1 out of 5]

I loved the first book so I had high expectations for this book...I liked the first one a lot better but it's still ok...

[Jared White · Rating 2 out of 5]

I know I maybe shouldn't compare this to Harry Potter... but it borrows so much that it's hard not to.

I gave the first book in this series 4 stars, but this book went down pretty fast. Ella, for someone who is supposed to be very intelligent, is just too ridiculous to be believed or tolerated. If you've read Harry Potter and thought Harry was reckless, then you better hold onto your butts because Harry is nothing compared to Ella! Have you been warned that entering someone's mind could leave you trapped there forever? That's no reason to not venture into somebody's mind and while you're at it, you might as well take two friends along!... even though you've only had two lessons related to this and have never been told how to actually get out of someone's mind once you're in. Have you discovered a plot that will singlehandedly dismantle the whole leadership of the Marveller society in a bang? Try to handle it with just a few friends and a poorly devised plan!... even though you're not very sure of many details regarding the villain's plan. Ella just jumps into things over and over and over and drags her friends with her. Harry was reckless, but he had Hermione to help reign him in a bit and helped him come up with carefully thought-out plans.

Harry's reluctance to ask adults for help is much easier to swallow because for as long as he can remember until he was 11 years old, the primary adults in his life were wretched, unloving, and clearly showed they were not supportive. Ella is from a loving, supportive family, has a loving godmother who is a teacher at her school, and a supportive mentor... and yet she is continually reluctant to share anything with them or ask them for help (except occasionally her mentor, who always seems to be away when she needs him). Add to this that one of Ella's biggest secrets involves one of her ancestors and it's especially unbelievable that she wouldn't tell her parents and grandmother (or at the very least her father, who obviously wants and is trying to encourage connections to the sky cities).

Also, one would think that if you have a friend who has a special affinity with animals and if he repeatedly tells you not to ignore a certain bird that keeps hanging outside your window... then it would freaking be a good idea to see what that's all about! Instead of ignoring the poor bird, not for a day or two... but for weeks!?

I really didn't like that they didn't check up on the Star Folk (was it Aries?). He saved your butts twice and very likely got fired or banished for helping you the second time... but you're not going to check to see that he's okay?

The fact that, in this book, like 6 additional students (including a few older students) knew about various secrets, and not one of them reported them to an adult was just too hard to believe.

I felt like the rotties were just a bit too convenient. Need a spy? Call a rottie. Need a lookout? Call a rottie. Need to find a secret door? Call a rottie.

And why did Ella continue to use Star Post to discuss secretive things even after she knew some were being read/monitored... especially to a boy in the same school as her. If she really couldn't wait to tell him, why not use rotties to exchange messages (since they used them for everything else)?

So the most exciting Marveller sport is... fencing? Within classes they're shown some cool things that they can do in combat using the various types of powers, but then in the few fights we "see" it just sounds like normal sword fighting. Not very exciting as a magical sport.

There were other things that were annoying/didn't make sense, but I'll stop there.

Anyway, I just felt this book was a lot less thought out than the first one, and I don't think I'll be continuing or recommending the series.

[Mark Buxton · Rating 5 out of 5]

What worked:
If you haven’t read “The Marvellers”, you should know that conjurors like Ella evoke a wide range of emotions from the other characters. It’s safe to say they make most of the citizens uncomfortable while others fear and/or detest them. The way their abilities work isn’t generally known and conjuring’s connection to death is disconcerting. The fact that Ella saved everyone from public enemy number one in the first book makes her a hero and celebrity but another point of view says it’s all part of a conjuror plot. Prejudice against conjurors runs rampant and is still a major issue in the book. Many in the conjuror community themselves aren’t happy to see Ella attending the Arcanum nor her godmother teaching Marveller students conjuror secrets. Some of the problems are relatable to real-world debates concerning immigration and segregation. Ella found original blueprints for the Arcanum in the first book and she’s determined this time to uncover secrets about the importance of conjurors in founding the institute.
The author does a marvelous (pun intended) job of providing complicated relationships and school drama. The other students have mixed feelings about Emma and she really wants to be accepted. Readers will wonder if friendly gestures toward her are sincere or conceal devious intentions. One new student clearly detests Emma and does little to conceal her disdain. She’s an obvious antagonist but she’s also conducting some sneaky business within the walls of the school. In addition, something is affecting the health of some students as they’re suffering from headaches and nosebleeds and their powers aren’t working properly. Gia (kind of like this book’s Voldemort) is back and has some kind of master plan brewing that is sure to bring the world of Marvellers down to its knees. The fact that she’s the mother of Emma’s roommate only complicates matters more.
Each chapter ends with news articles, letters, or messages that address events and thoughts from behind the scenes. There’s an upcoming election in the Marveller world so some stories address the issues and candidates and try to get Marvellers riled up. Ella and her friends send notes back and forth but Ella also receives anonymous messages that she’s being watched. Letters to Ella’s parents from the Arcanum and the conjuror government inform readers of additional complications developing inside and outside the school. The articles and messages at the ends of the chapters educate readers about subplots and conflicts without wasting pages of narrative that might distract readers from the main story.
What didn’t work as well:
I hate to say this but there are a lot of things going on and it can be challenging to not lose focus on the major storylines. For example, the first line in the synopsis talks about Marvel Combat but it’s really not important in the overall plot. The book already has the mystery of the Arcanum architect, politics and the election, Gia’s nefarious plans, and problems with Ella’s friends, non-friends, and family to name a few plots and subplots. It can be too much.
The Final Verdict:
Overall, this book offers a fantasy world, fantasy creatures, and characters with mystical powers. Ella discovers new conjuror abilities that open up new possibilities. I recommend you read “The Marvellers” before moving on to this book but most young lovers of speculative fiction will surely enjoy them both.