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Magic Thief #2
Lost
In The Magic Lost , the second book in Sarah Prineas’s acclaimed middle grade fantasy series, wizard’s apprentice Conn is forced to improvise after he loses his locus magicalicus—with explosive results! Never mix fire with magic! Conn may only be a wizard's apprentice, but even he knows it's dangerous to play with fire . . . especially around magic. His master, Nevery, warns him that it could all blow up in his face. Besides, they have bigger problems to deal with. There is evil afoot in the city of Wellmet, an evil that isn't human. But Conn is drawn to the murmurs he hears every time he sets off an explosion—something is trying to talk to him, to warn him. When none of the wizards listen, Conn takes matters into his own hands. His quest to protect everything he loves brings him face-to-face with a powerful sorcerer-king and a treachery beyond even his vivid imagination. Diana Wynne Jones, author of Howl's Moving Castle , praised this middle grade fantasy series filled with magic and wonder, saying of the first "I couldn't put it down. Wonderful, exciting stuff."
400 pages, Hardcover
First published May 12, 2009
204 people are currently reading
4065 people want to read
About the author
Sarah Prineas
45 books1,121 followersComing in April 2021 from Philomel, Trouble in the Stars! It's a middle grade science fiction adventure about a shapeshifter kid.
And Dragonfell is out in paperback in April 2020.
Happy reading!
My website: www.sarah-prineas.com
And Dragonfell is out in paperback in April 2020.
Happy reading!
My website: www.sarah-prineas.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 424 reviews
December 27, 2008
I loved this book LIKE PIE. Which is pretty much how I felt about the first book in the series as well, but it was just so delicious to read more about Conn and Nevery and Rowan and others I'd come to love from Book 1 -- plus some new characters (or newly developed ones, like Argent) who are interesting in their own right.
The pace of the story clips along as briskly as ever (and there's plenty going on), but never too fast that there's no time to develop the characters. Conn goes through a lot in this book, emotionally as well as physically, and his internal struggle is so (typically for Conn) understated yet so well done I nearly cried. He's such an amazing character -- almost completely Withheld from the outside, with obvious faults of secrecy, arrogance and stiff-necked pride, but the first-person narration keeps you from misunderstanding his motives, and it's practically impossible not to love the kid. (Though not a kid for long -- he's growing up! But not so fast that my eight-year-old son couldn't identify with him, which is a good balance, I think.)
There are still some aspects of the story's logic I'm not clear on, but I'm pretty sure those will clear up with a re-reading (particularly once I get my hands on the finished copy, which I understand has some significant changes from the ARC that I read). Anyway, I can see no reason that readers of the original MAGIC THIEF won't enjoy this one every bit as much -- or, as my son did, even more.
The pace of the story clips along as briskly as ever (and there's plenty going on), but never too fast that there's no time to develop the characters. Conn goes through a lot in this book, emotionally as well as physically, and his internal struggle is so (typically for Conn) understated yet so well done I nearly cried. He's such an amazing character -- almost completely Withheld from the outside, with obvious faults of secrecy, arrogance and stiff-necked pride, but the first-person narration keeps you from misunderstanding his motives, and it's practically impossible not to love the kid. (Though not a kid for long -- he's growing up! But not so fast that my eight-year-old son couldn't identify with him, which is a good balance, I think.)
There are still some aspects of the story's logic I'm not clear on, but I'm pretty sure those will clear up with a re-reading (particularly once I get my hands on the finished copy, which I understand has some significant changes from the ARC that I read). Anyway, I can see no reason that readers of the original MAGIC THIEF won't enjoy this one every bit as much -- or, as my son did, even more.
October 7, 2012
Diving in along with Mercy for her 12th birthday.
What I like a lot about this one is that Conn continues to be misunderstood, but he is actually saving the city! He has a hefty amount of good discernment.
Really enjoyed his interaction with the " Captain of the Guard" woman named Kern (which I understand is actually the amount of space between two words) she kidnaps him and treats him badly, yet he understands her motives and doesn't reject her out of hand is because she is someone that would normally capture thieves.
The two of them end up on trail together and she basically puts him on a leash, but providential circumstances reverse-- I'll leave you to read how Conn is faced with an amazing choice.
All of this is excellent character building for young people.
Also enjoyed the genuine trust and affection building up for Nevery (his magical mentor) and how small letters between them delivered by Connware birds give Conn hope and knowledge to keep going.
What I like a lot about this one is that Conn continues to be misunderstood, but he is actually saving the city! He has a hefty amount of good discernment.
Really enjoyed his interaction with the " Captain of the Guard" woman named Kern (which I understand is actually the amount of space between two words) she kidnaps him and treats him badly, yet he understands her motives and doesn't reject her out of hand is because she is someone that would normally capture thieves.
The two of them end up on trail together and she basically puts him on a leash, but providential circumstances reverse-- I'll leave you to read how Conn is faced with an amazing choice.
All of this is excellent character building for young people.
Also enjoyed the genuine trust and affection building up for Nevery (his magical mentor) and how small letters between them delivered by Connware birds give Conn hope and knowledge to keep going.
September 3, 2017
Second in The Magic Thief fantasy series for middle-grade readers and revolving around Conn, a thief turned wizard’s apprentice. But, but, that was then.
My Take
No matter how much you know, never get so hidebound that you can’t listen to someone else. And that bunch of wizards are sooo hidebound, it ain’t funny. They’re much too busy with the current crisis to be able to think without spending hours, days, weeks in committee meetings. Between their refusal to accept they don't know all and the horrifying deaths occurring every night, it's no wonder that Nevery would be ticked off at his fellow magisters. Idiots.
It’s a contrasting perspective from one side. I know, that doesn’t seem to make sense, does it? Well, Prineas is using dual first-person protagonist point-of-view with Conn’s and Nevery’s perspectives. Where the contrast comes in is with Conn’s young viewpoint that keeps him open to the possibilities and immaturity that creats problems while Nevery is older and wiser…partly because he’s had his own youthful, ahem, indiscretions.
Prineas’ The Magic Thief series reminds me of Angie Sage’s Septimus Heap series, although Sage’s work is more confusing with its timelines, and it is written for a slightly older reading audience. It’s an interesting contrast with The Magic Thief being so much more simplistic.
I do like the characters in The Magic Thief. I’d’ve never expected Benet to be so homey, *grin*, while Nevery is the kindly gruff master. Ro is another who is open to possibilities, and her mother is quite the political animal. One never knows which way she’ll turn. She is at least open to possibilities AND yet very protective of her city. A good thing. Now if only Conn weren’t such a “troublemaker”, sigh…
The Story
After events in The Magic Thief , Conn is back to hunting for another locus stone. Without one, the magisters say he cannot be a wizard. An attitude that only worsens when he tries to tell the truth about the magic in Wellmeet.
Part of that truth wants Conn gone. Out of the city. Exile will do nicely, especially when Conn knows he's not to play with fire, and it all blows up in his face.
Conn will have to find another way to save those he loves, and his quest will bring him face-to-face with a powerful sorcerer-king and a treachery beyond even his vivid imagination.
The Characters
Connwaer was a pickpocket who managed to become Nevery’s apprentice. Nevery Flinglas is the wizard who came in from the cold in The Magic Thief , 1, and reopened Heartsease, his home. Benet is the thug Nevery employed as chief cook and bodyguard. Lady is the white and tabby-tailed cat.
Wellmeet is…
…where magic is alive and protecting the city. As one of a loose confederation of cities, the Peninsular Duchies, it is ruled by Willa Forestall, the Duchess of Wellmet, who lives in the Dawn Palace in the well-off Sunrise neighborhood. Rowan is Willa’s daughter and friends with Conn. Kerrn is the captain of the guards who doesn’t like Conn; some of the other guards include Mira and Farn who will become the acting captain. Sir Argent is Rowan's fencing master.
Wellmeet Academics is…
…the wizard school located on the island on which the wizards live. Brumbee A is the chief idiot, er, the master wizard. Keeston is his new apprentice. Trammel and Nimble are more wizards.
The Twilight is the poor section of Wellmeet. Sparks works with black gunpowder; Embre is her grandson. Uncle and Underlord Crowe and Pettivox had conspired to imprison the city’s magic. Dusk House had been Crowe’s headquarters. Hand and Fist were some of Crowe’s minions. Dee is a gutterboy.
Desh is…
…a city built on sand and slowsilver mines ruled over by Lord Jaggus, a young and powerful wizard. Arhionvar is a white cat and filled with dread magic. Half-finger is captain of Jaggus’ guard.
Be wary of the Shadows, those created with darksilver. If they touch you, you’ll...*shudder...you don't want to know! A locus magicalicus is any stone that speaks to you. The embero spell causes you to shapechange. Slowsilver attracts and confines magic.
The Cover and Title
The cover has the look of tooled leather, a deep brownish red worked with arcane symbols inside the fancy brass frame that holds the inner circular frame surrounding the pastel graphic of Jaggus tossing a red ball charged with electrical magic and young Conn ducking behind him. That same jewel sits at our right at the bottom with a salamander opposite it on the left. The series information is large on a brass plaque at the top, a semi-circular addition with a black connwaer looking over his shoulder below that, and below that, the much smaller title inside a scroll-like shape. At the bottom of the round frame, is another arc of brass holding the author’s name.
The title is a metaphor that can apply to Conn and Lord Jaggus, for both are Lost in their own ways.
My Take
No matter how much you know, never get so hidebound that you can’t listen to someone else. And that bunch of wizards are sooo hidebound, it ain’t funny. They’re much too busy with the current crisis to be able to think without spending hours, days, weeks in committee meetings. Between their refusal to accept they don't know all and the horrifying deaths occurring every night, it's no wonder that Nevery would be ticked off at his fellow magisters. Idiots.
It’s a contrasting perspective from one side. I know, that doesn’t seem to make sense, does it? Well, Prineas is using dual first-person protagonist point-of-view with Conn’s and Nevery’s perspectives. Where the contrast comes in is with Conn’s young viewpoint that keeps him open to the possibilities and immaturity that creats problems while Nevery is older and wiser…partly because he’s had his own youthful, ahem, indiscretions.
Prineas’ The Magic Thief series reminds me of Angie Sage’s Septimus Heap series, although Sage’s work is more confusing with its timelines, and it is written for a slightly older reading audience. It’s an interesting contrast with The Magic Thief being so much more simplistic.
I do like the characters in The Magic Thief. I’d’ve never expected Benet to be so homey, *grin*, while Nevery is the kindly gruff master. Ro is another who is open to possibilities, and her mother is quite the political animal. One never knows which way she’ll turn. She is at least open to possibilities AND yet very protective of her city. A good thing. Now if only Conn weren’t such a “troublemaker”, sigh…
The Story
After events in The Magic Thief , Conn is back to hunting for another locus stone. Without one, the magisters say he cannot be a wizard. An attitude that only worsens when he tries to tell the truth about the magic in Wellmeet.
Part of that truth wants Conn gone. Out of the city. Exile will do nicely, especially when Conn knows he's not to play with fire, and it all blows up in his face.
Conn will have to find another way to save those he loves, and his quest will bring him face-to-face with a powerful sorcerer-king and a treachery beyond even his vivid imagination.
The Characters
Connwaer was a pickpocket who managed to become Nevery’s apprentice. Nevery Flinglas is the wizard who came in from the cold in The Magic Thief , 1, and reopened Heartsease, his home. Benet is the thug Nevery employed as chief cook and bodyguard. Lady is the white and tabby-tailed cat.
Wellmeet is…
…where magic is alive and protecting the city. As one of a loose confederation of cities, the Peninsular Duchies, it is ruled by Willa Forestall, the Duchess of Wellmet, who lives in the Dawn Palace in the well-off Sunrise neighborhood. Rowan is Willa’s daughter and friends with Conn. Kerrn is the captain of the guards who doesn’t like Conn; some of the other guards include Mira and Farn who will become the acting captain. Sir Argent is Rowan's fencing master.
Wellmeet Academics is…
…the wizard school located on the island on which the wizards live. Brumbee A is the chief idiot, er, the master wizard. Keeston is his new apprentice. Trammel and Nimble are more wizards.
The Twilight is the poor section of Wellmeet. Sparks works with black gunpowder; Embre is her grandson. Uncle and Underlord Crowe and Pettivox had conspired to imprison the city’s magic. Dusk House had been Crowe’s headquarters. Hand and Fist were some of Crowe’s minions. Dee is a gutterboy.
Desh is…
…a city built on sand and slowsilver mines ruled over by Lord Jaggus, a young and powerful wizard. Arhionvar is a white cat and filled with dread magic. Half-finger is captain of Jaggus’ guard.
Be wary of the Shadows, those created with darksilver. If they touch you, you’ll...*shudder...you don't want to know! A locus magicalicus is any stone that speaks to you. The embero spell causes you to shapechange. Slowsilver attracts and confines magic.
The Cover and Title
The cover has the look of tooled leather, a deep brownish red worked with arcane symbols inside the fancy brass frame that holds the inner circular frame surrounding the pastel graphic of Jaggus tossing a red ball charged with electrical magic and young Conn ducking behind him. That same jewel sits at our right at the bottom with a salamander opposite it on the left. The series information is large on a brass plaque at the top, a semi-circular addition with a black connwaer looking over his shoulder below that, and below that, the much smaller title inside a scroll-like shape. At the bottom of the round frame, is another arc of brass holding the author’s name.
The title is a metaphor that can apply to Conn and Lord Jaggus, for both are Lost in their own ways.
May 2, 2021
This was as good as the first one, but I remembered it less from my first read about 10 years ago. It got to me and I cried me some tears. Poor Conn, life can be cruel to those who have to follow their own path against not only the will of their enemies, but against the will of those they love.
I am listening to the excellent audio version. Have one more to go, and then will switch to the ebook version for book four and five, as I just realized that I have the whole lot on my Kindle ;-)
I am listening to the excellent audio version. Have one more to go, and then will switch to the ebook version for book four and five, as I just realized that I have the whole lot on my Kindle ;-)
July 14, 2010
In which we find, Conn, bereft of his locus magicalicus, trying to talk to Wellmet's magic by blowing things up.
I think I called Conn the Steve Jobs of magicians in my review of book 1. Maybe I should have gone for Thomas Edison, who I believe also blew things up. Edison lost the hearing in one of his ears and Conn blows up his master's house and gives Bennett, Nevery's bodyguard, a skull fracture.
We've probably all known people like Conn; people who are so convinced that they are right that they disregard the advice and rules of their elders and "betters." I've known a couple of Conns in my day and must say that they are much more fun to read about than to deal with in the real world. Conn, like Nevery before him, offends the political and magical bureaucracies so thoroughly that he is exiled and ends up tagging along with an unsuspecting diplomatic envoyage to a neighboring land from which dark magic may be emanating.
Normally I would resent the cliff-hanger ending, but luckily I didn't discover the series until after book 3 had been written, so it's all good...
I think I called Conn the Steve Jobs of magicians in my review of book 1. Maybe I should have gone for Thomas Edison, who I believe also blew things up. Edison lost the hearing in one of his ears and Conn blows up his master's house and gives Bennett, Nevery's bodyguard, a skull fracture.
We've probably all known people like Conn; people who are so convinced that they are right that they disregard the advice and rules of their elders and "betters." I've known a couple of Conns in my day and must say that they are much more fun to read about than to deal with in the real world. Conn, like Nevery before him, offends the political and magical bureaucracies so thoroughly that he is exiled and ends up tagging along with an unsuspecting diplomatic envoyage to a neighboring land from which dark magic may be emanating.
Normally I would resent the cliff-hanger ending, but luckily I didn't discover the series until after book 3 had been written, so it's all good...
February 10, 2016
4.5 stars. I loved this one. Compared to the first it was a shining star! Read this series if you are looking for a fun middle grade book.
January 12, 2021
This was a great story. The writing style was an improvement over the previous book. In addition, the book is filled with journal entries and letters, which really enhance the story because you get different perspectives.
August 9, 2009
Reviewed by Lynn Crow for TeensReadToo.com
Ever since wizard apprentice and former thief Conn destroyed his locus magicalicus saving the city of Wellmet's magic, he's been banned from lessons and shunned by all the wizards except his master, Nevery.
No one believes his theory that the magic is a living being. As shadowy beings stalk Wellmet and attack its residents, Conn becomes desperate to communicate with the magic again. But his experiments with pyrotechnics cause a disaster so great he is exiled from Wellmet.
Outside the city, Conn steals a place on a envoyage to a distant city he suspects may be involved in Wellmet's troubles. Along the way he makes new friends and new enemies, and discovers a threat far greater than he ever imagined. Even Conn's great skills of stealth and thievery may not be enough this time.
Fans of THE MAGIC THIEF will love returning to Conn's world and joining him on his continuing adventures. Conn comes off at times more subdued than in the first book, but overall he has the same straight-forwardly charming voice. Minor characters from the first book have their roles expanded, making up for the fact that the wonderful Nevery and Benet are left behind for many chapters.
It's a delight seeing the world further explored and learning all the new and intriguing details about how it works. The enemy Conn faces is truly frightening and unexpected, and the stage is well set for the trilogy's concluding book.
Recommended for all fantasy readers - though of course it's most enjoyable if you've read the first book already.
Ever since wizard apprentice and former thief Conn destroyed his locus magicalicus saving the city of Wellmet's magic, he's been banned from lessons and shunned by all the wizards except his master, Nevery.
No one believes his theory that the magic is a living being. As shadowy beings stalk Wellmet and attack its residents, Conn becomes desperate to communicate with the magic again. But his experiments with pyrotechnics cause a disaster so great he is exiled from Wellmet.
Outside the city, Conn steals a place on a envoyage to a distant city he suspects may be involved in Wellmet's troubles. Along the way he makes new friends and new enemies, and discovers a threat far greater than he ever imagined. Even Conn's great skills of stealth and thievery may not be enough this time.
Fans of THE MAGIC THIEF will love returning to Conn's world and joining him on his continuing adventures. Conn comes off at times more subdued than in the first book, but overall he has the same straight-forwardly charming voice. Minor characters from the first book have their roles expanded, making up for the fact that the wonderful Nevery and Benet are left behind for many chapters.
It's a delight seeing the world further explored and learning all the new and intriguing details about how it works. The enemy Conn faces is truly frightening and unexpected, and the stage is well set for the trilogy's concluding book.
Recommended for all fantasy readers - though of course it's most enjoyable if you've read the first book already.
Read
June 21, 2009A highly enjoyable continuation of the events of the first book, expanding the cast of characters, the scope of the world, and the complexity of the plot.
Some of my favorite bits:
Conn and his understated personality. He keeps so much inside, but there's just enough insight that I felt for him greatly, particularly at a certain point midway through when some very bad things happen, and at the end. There was one paragraph at the end that just got me in the heart, because the whole book had (at least in my mind) built up to it. I love that!
Rowan. I enjoyed getting to see more of her and (because I am a romantic sap) I am already eagerly anticipating how the relationship between she and Conn will develop in future books as she and Conn get a little older. Especially with Argent in the mix (I was very glad to see Rowan already putting Argent in his place though, heh).
The underlying mystery. I'm intrigued by the way magic seems to work in this series and particularly Conn's relationship to the magic of Wellmet and the various animals that are associated with the magics. I am looking forward to learning more about what is really going on in book 3. Also, the dragons!
Some of my favorite bits:
Conn and his understated personality. He keeps so much inside, but there's just enough insight that I felt for him greatly, particularly at a certain point midway through when some very bad things happen, and at the end. There was one paragraph at the end that just got me in the heart, because the whole book had (at least in my mind) built up to it. I love that!
Rowan. I enjoyed getting to see more of her and (because I am a romantic sap) I am already eagerly anticipating how the relationship between she and Conn will develop in future books as she and Conn get a little older. Especially with Argent in the mix (I was very glad to see Rowan already putting Argent in his place though, heh).
The underlying mystery. I'm intrigued by the way magic seems to work in this series and particularly Conn's relationship to the magic of Wellmet and the various animals that are associated with the magics. I am looking forward to learning more about what is really going on in book 3. Also, the dragons!
March 15, 2015
** WARNING SPOILERS AHEAD ** Hey you like the Magic Thief? If you do then this book is for you. It's a fiction book. I thought it was great/funny. Let's review.
The setting is part in Wellmet and part in Desh. In the beginning Shadows Attack Wellmet. In the rising action Conn gets exiled. In the climax Conn is set free by his friends. In the falling action Jaggus Falls to his death. In the resolution Conn goes to jail for literally setting foot in Wellmet.
Let's do another paragraph shall we. Jaggus's death was scary. I agree with that but if you watch 1 of these movies from disney ( Beauty and the Beast, Snow White or The great mouse detective. ) it won't be scary. Conn deserved his exile. I'd agree with that but he is our protagonist.
How 'bout another? Kernn's a jerk. I agree with that but she's just doing her job. Jaggus is just troubled. I'd agree with that but he is evil.
In conclusion this book is epic. That's why I gave it 5 stars. I recommend this to all you who like magic. So this is Karol signing out. Squids.
The setting is part in Wellmet and part in Desh. In the beginning Shadows Attack Wellmet. In the rising action Conn gets exiled. In the climax Conn is set free by his friends. In the falling action Jaggus Falls to his death. In the resolution Conn goes to jail for literally setting foot in Wellmet.
Let's do another paragraph shall we. Jaggus's death was scary. I agree with that but if you watch 1 of these movies from disney ( Beauty and the Beast, Snow White or The great mouse detective. ) it won't be scary. Conn deserved his exile. I'd agree with that but he is our protagonist.
How 'bout another? Kernn's a jerk. I agree with that but she's just doing her job. Jaggus is just troubled. I'd agree with that but he is evil.
In conclusion this book is epic. That's why I gave it 5 stars. I recommend this to all you who like magic. So this is Karol signing out. Squids.
December 4, 2019
This book was fun to read. I really enjoyed the way connwaer likes to test out explosion he got interested in protechnics. I want to read the next one in the series if my sister lets me. I like books that have to do with magic and this book almost sounds life like but it has to do with magic rocks. My one question is why and how is magic a living thing as connwear says in the story. A question i have is why did the leader of desh have to be evil and the other question was if the magics a living thing did the leader of desh know. Another question is why and how does the black slimy stuff get to the center of the stones. This book as you can see gave me lots of questions. I would highly recommend this book to people but you might have to read the first one. All in all i rate the book 4.5 stars.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 27, 2017
3.5 *
Tập 2 hay và hấp dẫn hơn tập 1. Vẫn là thằng bé luôn gây rắc rối, Conn liệu có thể cứu cái phép thuật của Wellmet ? Chờ tập 3 thôi.
Tập 2 hay và hấp dẫn hơn tập 1. Vẫn là thằng bé luôn gây rắc rối, Conn liệu có thể cứu cái phép thuật của Wellmet ? Chờ tập 3 thôi.
March 15, 2020
CW: Death of a child, death of an animal
Actual rating: 3.5 stars
This series is really cute and I definitely needed the break right about now. (: (: (:
Actual rating: 3.5 stars
This series is really cute and I definitely needed the break right about now. (: (: (:
May 21, 2024
Short and fun.
November 9, 2010
Damrodel........................
Odesseldesh...................
Ellarhion........................
Varliarden......................
Liesh............................
Conn menangkap penggalan kata diantara asap ledakan.
Sihir telah berbicara!
Makin lama cerita dalam buku ini kian menarik. Bayangkan saja, seorang penyihir tanpa memiliki media apapun untuk melakukan sihir Tiada tongkat, apalagi locus magicalicus. Namun begitulah nasib Conn. Sedang locus magicalicus-nya rusak ia nyaris tidak bisa melakukan sihir. Ia juga tidak diperbolehkan sekolah karena tidak memiliki locus magicalicus. Para Magister berpendapat ide-ide Conn mengenai sihir bisa meracuni anak lainnya.Bahkan Conn percaya bahwa sihir adalah semacam mahluk hidup! Dan ia bisa berkomunikasi dengan sihir melalui ledakan. Mantra merupakan bahasa sihir.Tak heran jika ia seakan terobsesi dengan ledakan.
Conn merasakan bahaya yang datang. Ia harus berbicara dengan sihir walau resikonya besar. Alih-alih berhenti, Conn malah melakukan percobaan yang membuat heartsease meledak. Untuk itu maka ia dibuang keluar dari Wellmet. Berbekal keyakinannya akan pesan dari sihir, Conn pergi ke Desh, sebuah kota kota berkilauan di padang gurun yang dipimpin oleh Jaggus sang Raja Sihir.Walau masih muda namun rambutnya sudah memutih serta selalu dikepang seperti ekor kucing. Matanya berwarna biru sungguh kontras dengan pakaian putih bersulam benang emas dan perak kegemarannya. Ia merasa kejahatan yang sedang berlangsung bisa ditemukan penanggulangannya disana. Dalam buku ini, kemampuan mencuri Conn ternyata berguna
Ada hal yang membuat saya penasaran. Entah kenapa, dalam buku ini locus magicalicus tidak dicetak miring mungkin karena sudah tidak dianggap kalimat asing. Sepanjang buku ini, banyak cerita tentang aneka jenis makanan. Sang koki,Benet, telah berhasil membuat Conn lupa akan bagaimana rasanya lapar. Siapa tahu ada yang tertarik, untuk mencoba resep berikut
Infomasi mengenai buku Magic Thief bisa dilihat dihttp://www.harpercollinschildrens.com.... Sang tukang cerita, Sarah Prineas tinggal Iowa City diantara tanaman jagung bersama suaminya Device, dua orang anak ,dua kucing serta seekor anjing. Sarah meraih gelar PhD untuk Sastra Inggris. Sebelum menulis Thief Magic, ia banyak menulis cerita fantasi untuk orang dewasa. Sarah juga sangat menyukai naga bahkan mengoleksi aneka pernak pernik. Situs resminya di www.sarah-prineas.com
Thx to beloved Boni, yang rela novelnya dijarah duluan
So… repiu yang ini spesial 4 him
Odesseldesh...................
Ellarhion........................
Varliarden......................
Liesh............................
Conn menangkap penggalan kata diantara asap ledakan.
Sihir telah berbicara!
Makin lama cerita dalam buku ini kian menarik. Bayangkan saja, seorang penyihir tanpa memiliki media apapun untuk melakukan sihir Tiada tongkat, apalagi locus magicalicus. Namun begitulah nasib Conn. Sedang locus magicalicus-nya rusak ia nyaris tidak bisa melakukan sihir. Ia juga tidak diperbolehkan sekolah karena tidak memiliki locus magicalicus. Para Magister berpendapat ide-ide Conn mengenai sihir bisa meracuni anak lainnya.Bahkan Conn percaya bahwa sihir adalah semacam mahluk hidup! Dan ia bisa berkomunikasi dengan sihir melalui ledakan. Mantra merupakan bahasa sihir.Tak heran jika ia seakan terobsesi dengan ledakan.
Conn merasakan bahaya yang datang. Ia harus berbicara dengan sihir walau resikonya besar. Alih-alih berhenti, Conn malah melakukan percobaan yang membuat heartsease meledak. Untuk itu maka ia dibuang keluar dari Wellmet. Berbekal keyakinannya akan pesan dari sihir, Conn pergi ke Desh, sebuah kota kota berkilauan di padang gurun yang dipimpin oleh Jaggus sang Raja Sihir.Walau masih muda namun rambutnya sudah memutih serta selalu dikepang seperti ekor kucing. Matanya berwarna biru sungguh kontras dengan pakaian putih bersulam benang emas dan perak kegemarannya. Ia merasa kejahatan yang sedang berlangsung bisa ditemukan penanggulangannya disana. Dalam buku ini, kemampuan mencuri Conn ternyata berguna
Ada hal yang membuat saya penasaran. Entah kenapa, dalam buku ini locus magicalicus tidak dicetak miring mungkin karena sudah tidak dianggap kalimat asing. Sepanjang buku ini, banyak cerita tentang aneka jenis makanan. Sang koki,Benet, telah berhasil membuat Conn lupa akan bagaimana rasanya lapar. Siapa tahu ada yang tertarik, untuk mencoba resep berikut
Infomasi mengenai buku Magic Thief bisa dilihat dihttp://www.harpercollinschildrens.com.... Sang tukang cerita, Sarah Prineas tinggal Iowa City diantara tanaman jagung bersama suaminya Device, dua orang anak ,dua kucing serta seekor anjing. Sarah meraih gelar PhD untuk Sastra Inggris. Sebelum menulis Thief Magic, ia banyak menulis cerita fantasi untuk orang dewasa. Sarah juga sangat menyukai naga bahkan mengoleksi aneka pernak pernik. Situs resminya di www.sarah-prineas.com
Thx to beloved Boni, yang rela novelnya dijarah duluan
So… repiu yang ini spesial 4 him
June 7, 2009
I loved the fresh voice and intriguing premise of The Magic Thief, so I eagerly dove into book 2.
Conn has discovered that explosions allow the magic of his city Wellmet to talk to him, and since his locus magicalicus stone was destroyed at the end of book 1, this is very important to him. Unfortunately, Conn accidentally blows up his master Nevery’s house, at which point he is exiled from the city. This is horrifying to Conn but just as well, as Conn is quite certain that the magic of Wellmet wants him to investigate and solve the problem of the Shadows that have been invading Wellmet – and the root of the evil seems to lie in the desert city of Desh. With his friend Rowan and her retinue, he struggles against a mysterious magician and an ancient, malignant magic.
With the destruction of his powerful locus magicalicus, Conn has seemed to lose some of his vigor and energy. Despite his penchant for explosions, he seems strangely subdued and even taciturn – even Rowan notices, pointing out to him several times that he has stopped talking to her. Even his narrative voice has gotten terser – when Nevery says “Well, boy?” Conn thinks ‘Not really well, no,’ and doesn’t say a word. Getting exiled from his beloved city and its magic – and from his friends and his master – is horrifying and tragic for him, and it just makes him more silent and intense. Although this makes sense, it’s a bit distancing for the reader.
Luckily, some bouts of mortal danger toward the end of the book serve to wake Conn (and the reader) up, and we all gallop together toward the action-packed conclusion. Finally, at the very end, comes the emotional scene that has been lacking, and we realize that Conn and Nevery both have feelings that they very rarely share. Not that they’ll get much chance for that in the near future, as the city of Wellmet is under attack, and we won’t know the outcome until book 3.
Final verdict – all fans of the first book must read this installment despite its occasional lack of affect. By the end, the old Conn is back, and readers will be on tenterhooks to find out what happens next. Recommended for grades 4 to 7.
Conn has discovered that explosions allow the magic of his city Wellmet to talk to him, and since his locus magicalicus stone was destroyed at the end of book 1, this is very important to him. Unfortunately, Conn accidentally blows up his master Nevery’s house, at which point he is exiled from the city. This is horrifying to Conn but just as well, as Conn is quite certain that the magic of Wellmet wants him to investigate and solve the problem of the Shadows that have been invading Wellmet – and the root of the evil seems to lie in the desert city of Desh. With his friend Rowan and her retinue, he struggles against a mysterious magician and an ancient, malignant magic.
With the destruction of his powerful locus magicalicus, Conn has seemed to lose some of his vigor and energy. Despite his penchant for explosions, he seems strangely subdued and even taciturn – even Rowan notices, pointing out to him several times that he has stopped talking to her. Even his narrative voice has gotten terser – when Nevery says “Well, boy?” Conn thinks ‘Not really well, no,’ and doesn’t say a word. Getting exiled from his beloved city and its magic – and from his friends and his master – is horrifying and tragic for him, and it just makes him more silent and intense. Although this makes sense, it’s a bit distancing for the reader.
Luckily, some bouts of mortal danger toward the end of the book serve to wake Conn (and the reader) up, and we all gallop together toward the action-packed conclusion. Finally, at the very end, comes the emotional scene that has been lacking, and we realize that Conn and Nevery both have feelings that they very rarely share. Not that they’ll get much chance for that in the near future, as the city of Wellmet is under attack, and we won’t know the outcome until book 3.
Final verdict – all fans of the first book must read this installment despite its occasional lack of affect. By the end, the old Conn is back, and readers will be on tenterhooks to find out what happens next. Recommended for grades 4 to 7.
September 20, 2015
"Lost" follows the events of Stolen. (Go read that book, otherwise a second-in-series review might spoil you a wee bit).
After losing his locus stone, Conn experiments with pyrotechnics to find another way of talking to the magic. Nevery tries to warn him, but when has Conn ever listened to a warning? Add to that the fact that Wellmet is seemingly threatened by forces from outside the city, and you'll realize that this book is a huge step up from the relatively lighthearted adventure in "Stolen".
The adventure is still there, along with a bit of travel, new characters and an insight into the worldbuilding as Sarah Prineas introduces us to the city of Desh and its Sorcerer-King Jaggus. It is, however, also very emotional for a children's book, even though there are elements of humour.
Conn is faced with evil he has never encountered before, has to live through the consequences of his own actions, and - even worse - has to go through emotional challenges. While every emotional challenge is resolved at the end (not all questions answered though - they need something to do in book three after all), I did tear up now and then while reading it.
"Lost" delivers basically everything you could want from a second book in a trilogy - it takes your by now beloved characters on an adventure that is more grim than you could have imagined in the beginning, it shows you more of the world you've come to know, and it keeps up the suspense for book three.
Which is what I'm going to read now :).
After losing his locus stone, Conn experiments with pyrotechnics to find another way of talking to the magic. Nevery tries to warn him, but when has Conn ever listened to a warning? Add to that the fact that Wellmet is seemingly threatened by forces from outside the city, and you'll realize that this book is a huge step up from the relatively lighthearted adventure in "Stolen".
The adventure is still there, along with a bit of travel, new characters and an insight into the worldbuilding as Sarah Prineas introduces us to the city of Desh and its Sorcerer-King Jaggus. It is, however, also very emotional for a children's book, even though there are elements of humour.
Conn is faced with evil he has never encountered before, has to live through the consequences of his own actions, and - even worse - has to go through emotional challenges. While every emotional challenge is resolved at the end (not all questions answered though - they need something to do in book three after all), I did tear up now and then while reading it.
"Lost" delivers basically everything you could want from a second book in a trilogy - it takes your by now beloved characters on an adventure that is more grim than you could have imagined in the beginning, it shows you more of the world you've come to know, and it keeps up the suspense for book three.
Which is what I'm going to read now :).
July 15, 2012
"The Magic Thief: LOST" is the second book in the series that centers around street boy turned magical apprentice Connwaer. This book picks up shortly after the first one ends, and deals with Conn's lack of a locus stone, his belief that the magic is a being protecting the city, and the consequences of these two plots. Also, there's reports of strange Shadow creatures coming to Wellmet at night and leaving with people's lives.
I really enjoyed this book, and think it's one of the best lately in the Middle Grade genre. I enjoy the writing and the plot (which, while easily read isn't simplistic), and I adore Conn. Some of the other characters didn't really arc too much in this book, but some of the secondary characters from the first book are given more layers.
While I wouldn't consider this book "dark" there are deaths (some are characters that we come to know in the book) and a few parts are fairly grim. I've always thought the scene from "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone" (which I love!!!) of the creature drinking the unicorn's blood one of the creepiest in the MG books I've read, and I don't think anything in this book was quite as creepy. But, there are a few things that could disturb sensitive young readers. (if you want details, feel free to ask me in the comments).
Overall, while I'd be tempted to give this four stars instead of five given ALL the books I've read, I feel I should give it five compared to most other books in its age and genre categories. And, I'm incredibly curious to find out what happens in the next book!!
I really enjoyed this book, and think it's one of the best lately in the Middle Grade genre. I enjoy the writing and the plot (which, while easily read isn't simplistic), and I adore Conn. Some of the other characters didn't really arc too much in this book, but some of the secondary characters from the first book are given more layers.
While I wouldn't consider this book "dark" there are deaths (some are characters that we come to know in the book) and a few parts are fairly grim. I've always thought the scene from "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone" (which I love!!!) of the creature drinking the unicorn's blood one of the creepiest in the MG books I've read, and I don't think anything in this book was quite as creepy. But, there are a few things that could disturb sensitive young readers. (if you want details, feel free to ask me in the comments).
Overall, while I'd be tempted to give this four stars instead of five given ALL the books I've read, I feel I should give it five compared to most other books in its age and genre categories. And, I'm incredibly curious to find out what happens in the next book!!
September 20, 2009
The magic had been returned to Wellmet, but the wizard Nevery Flinglas discovered that it was still low. While Connawaer (gutter boy turned wizard‘s apprentice) spent his time searching for a new locus magicalicus (wizards magical stone), both the Sunrise and the Twilight side of Wellmet were being terrorized by the dark cloaked ‘Shadowmen’ who were turning anybody found out in the dark to stone. During Conn’s attempts to speak to the magic, he was led to believe that he should travel to Desh to find the answers to the problems of the cities magic, but would he be allowed to return to the city that has protected him all his life?
Book 2 ….. So glad I read book 1 before I started this one, this is not really a stand alone story. Like book 1, this is deceptively large (almost 400 pages), odd shape and large print, but it is fun and fast to read. Told from Conn’s point of view with the exceptions of letters from Nevery and journal entries of Rowan’s, those were fun to read and a great way to include another ‘voice‘ to the story telling. These are great characters and as we get to know them better, they just keep getting better. The connections of Conn with Nevery, Rowan, Kerrn and Benet just keep getting better. This is not the end of this series, we are still left with a dilemma that needs to be resolved, and more trouble for Conn to get into. I can only hope that Book 3 is not far behind. What a fun adventure for kids age 10 and up and up and up.
Book 2 ….. So glad I read book 1 before I started this one, this is not really a stand alone story. Like book 1, this is deceptively large (almost 400 pages), odd shape and large print, but it is fun and fast to read. Told from Conn’s point of view with the exceptions of letters from Nevery and journal entries of Rowan’s, those were fun to read and a great way to include another ‘voice‘ to the story telling. These are great characters and as we get to know them better, they just keep getting better. The connections of Conn with Nevery, Rowan, Kerrn and Benet just keep getting better. This is not the end of this series, we are still left with a dilemma that needs to be resolved, and more trouble for Conn to get into. I can only hope that Book 3 is not far behind. What a fun adventure for kids age 10 and up and up and up.
August 23, 2009
I liked this second book in the series better than the first: whereas the first seemed filled with exposition, this time Prineas is able to slip in information from the first book while moving forward quickly. The relationship between the characters is growing, too.
Conn has moved up in the world: no longer a gutterboy, he is the unofficial apprentice of the wizard Nevery. Unofficial because his locus magicalicus, his magic-focusing stone, was destroyed when he stopped an evil wizard and Underlord from taking over the magic in the first book; Conn was also expelled from the magic school and is generally regarded with suspicion for his renegade ideas about magic. However, he understands magic better than most wizards, and Nevery suspects that Conn has some sort of special connection to the magic of Wellmet, their town, which has kept him safe and healthy despite everything. While Shadows start attacking the people of Wellmet, Conn experiments with explosives as a way to access magic, and sets in motion a chain of events that results in him joining an expedition to a neighboring town to find out more about them.
Conn has moved up in the world: no longer a gutterboy, he is the unofficial apprentice of the wizard Nevery. Unofficial because his locus magicalicus, his magic-focusing stone, was destroyed when he stopped an evil wizard and Underlord from taking over the magic in the first book; Conn was also expelled from the magic school and is generally regarded with suspicion for his renegade ideas about magic. However, he understands magic better than most wizards, and Nevery suspects that Conn has some sort of special connection to the magic of Wellmet, their town, which has kept him safe and healthy despite everything. While Shadows start attacking the people of Wellmet, Conn experiments with explosives as a way to access magic, and sets in motion a chain of events that results in him joining an expedition to a neighboring town to find out more about them.
September 1, 2012
"Lost", the second book in The Magic Thief series, picks up right after the first book ends. Conn is still a wizard, but without his magic loci he cannot do any spells. Feeling lost and empty, Conn attempts to do magic using pyrotechnics - and by "pyrotechnics", I mean explosions.
The action and characters in this book work for me, as the plot moves along at a nice, believable pace. I like how the author keeps everyone true to form, but allows for the characters to change and grow as the story moves forward. I especially like that Conn manages to bother those in charge by being right about matters in which they want him to be wrong.
For those who haven't read the first book, the main portion of "Lost" is written from Conn's point of view. But the author, Sarah Prineas, lets the reader see into other character's heads through letters and diary entries. I like this format, as it gives me a bit more information about what is going on in a believable way.
I recommend The Magic Thief series from both kids who enjoy reading fantasy to adults who don't mind getting books in the Young Adult section of the library.
The action and characters in this book work for me, as the plot moves along at a nice, believable pace. I like how the author keeps everyone true to form, but allows for the characters to change and grow as the story moves forward. I especially like that Conn manages to bother those in charge by being right about matters in which they want him to be wrong.
For those who haven't read the first book, the main portion of "Lost" is written from Conn's point of view. But the author, Sarah Prineas, lets the reader see into other character's heads through letters and diary entries. I like this format, as it gives me a bit more information about what is going on in a believable way.
I recommend The Magic Thief series from both kids who enjoy reading fantasy to adults who don't mind getting books in the Young Adult section of the library.
July 6, 2009
Very consistent with the first - and I liked it as well. There is a potterish component - young boy against the world, befriended by wise older person, discovers talents and gifts, saves world/city/universe/friends. But beyond that theme, it isn't a copy of Harry Potter.
I like that the magic is part of the world, but the book isn't all about the cool magic gadgets. In fact, there is a rather big controversy about what exactly the magic is and the young hero, Conn, is at the center. The lesson about sticking to your beliefs even when older people (who always assume they know more) scoff or even punish you is well noted. Though I wish there were more adults who were willing to listen because I think there often are.
I like that the magic is part of the world, but the book isn't all about the cool magic gadgets. In fact, there is a rather big controversy about what exactly the magic is and the young hero, Conn, is at the center. The lesson about sticking to your beliefs even when older people (who always assume they know more) scoff or even punish you is well noted. Though I wish there were more adults who were willing to listen because I think there often are.
March 24, 2014
This is one of the best sequels ever.
Seriously, it is.
Unlike most sequels, this one doesn't just continue the story.
I mean, it does, but it doesn't leave things the way they were. Conn, rather than continuing to grow in power, becomes a social outcast, worse than he'd been before. His problems grow and the villain changes.
It's not a remake of book one, it's a true continuation, filled with enough mischief and trouble to make even the most cynical reader smile, which is only proper when one considers who the story is about.
there is nothing about Conn that is boring, or repetitive.
He's always getting into trouble, yes, but it's never the same.
Watch out for shadows my friends,
watch out for shadows. ^.~
Seriously, it is.
Unlike most sequels, this one doesn't just continue the story.
I mean, it does, but it doesn't leave things the way they were. Conn, rather than continuing to grow in power, becomes a social outcast, worse than he'd been before. His problems grow and the villain changes.
It's not a remake of book one, it's a true continuation, filled with enough mischief and trouble to make even the most cynical reader smile, which is only proper when one considers who the story is about.
there is nothing about Conn that is boring, or repetitive.
He's always getting into trouble, yes, but it's never the same.
Watch out for shadows my friends,
watch out for shadows. ^.~
February 12, 2010
This is a book my 10 year old was reading, so I read a little as well and just got it again so I could read it to (it's the second in a series, so read the first one first). It's a good story with magic and a young boys' journey from being a pick pocket to being an apprentice to a wizard, but he's also always getting into trouble. I like it because even though you wish the magic would make everything better, you learn, with him, to deal with the mistakes and consequences of choices. There's no magic that can make everything better, but by moving on.
December 23, 2014
I still love listening to Conn narrate the story. His voice is the best part of reading the series. I didn't like this one quite as well as the previous book. I liked the coziness of the last book, and that was suddenly and violently taken away in this one, and I think that was the main drawback for me here and slightly soured the rest of the book for me. The conclusion was satisfyingly dramatic and exciting though, and it was still, aside from that one complaint, a pretty fun story to read.
October 25, 2020
Unfortunately, our little library does not have any more in these series, at least I don't think so, so I won't be reading any others. Besides, I deem this not too good that I have to read the other books in the series. I like how the author writes the book so that it seems to me that Conn and Nevery are real people. I really like Nevery, and I think Argent is jealous of Conn, the 'thief and gutterboy'.
October 21, 2009
Loved it. This was, perhaps, even more fun than the first in the series. It has a lot of themes of loyalty and love, especially of when loyalty to one thing causes disloyalty to another. And it had lots of scary bad guys and interesting characters, and was a great adventure. Recommended.
May 30, 2012
A very worthy sequel to "The Magic Thief," written with the same skill, grace and style that seem to define author Sarah Prineas.
October 10, 2015
I couldn't wait to read this book and it really captured my attention. I really liked it
January 4, 2016
I am really enjoying this series! I would recommend it for kids of all ages!
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