Purveyors and Acquirers (The Phosfire Journeys)

The Phosfire Journeys #1

by James D. Macon

In the port city of Arlanda, Zeal, an orphan with a mysterious benefactor, is an Apprentice in the shadowy organization known as the Trade. Through his training, mentorship, and natural skill, he rapidly becomes adept at procuring possessions and secrets that belong to others. When one of his fellow apprentices is kidnapped by a group preying on Arlanda's children, Zeal's Mentors discover to their surprise that the kidnappers are using the conjuring arts to carry out their nefarious plot. Although the Apprentices are instructed to stay out of the matter and not endanger themselves further, Zeal and his fellow novices cannot stand aside. How can they, when their specific, intensive training can be used to help their friend? Against their Mentors' wishes, and in accordance with their lessons, the Apprentices plan and act in secret. As they fight the threat to their Trade family, Zeal and his cohort meet adventure at every turn, while Zeal discovers he has unusual powers of his own, including the ability to talk to the dead.

310 pages, Paperback

Published November 7, 2016

Reviews

[Marrico Gordon]

Nice world building. Although original, the story reminds me of Harry Potter. Kids learn magic, stick together, and help a friend in need. The first book of a series of five.

[Akina Blaze]

The story started out on an interesting note but it seemed to fall flat from there. The characters seemed very one dimensional and descriptions of the environment, actions, and characters were minimal to nonexistent. I enjoyed the premise of the story and think it had potential, but things never really seemed to develop, and others just seemed out of place; while a lot of things had no background or explanation. However this is part of a series so maybe they are waiting to divulge many things, but unfortunately this first book did not make me adamant to read the next. However I did enjoy them making the value of friendship, hard work, and self defense central points as this seems to be becoming more rare in books aimed at younger audiences.

[Tessa L]

I really like this series.