Discover the fantasy and wonder of The Magic Thief, the first book in Sarah Prineas's acclaimed middle grade fantasy series! Diana Wynne Jones, author of Howl's Moving Castle, said: ""I couldn't put it down. Wonderful, exciting stuff.""
In a city that runs on a dwindling supply of magic, a young boy is drawn into a life of wizardry and adventure. Conn should have dropped dead the day he picked Nevery's pocket and touched the wizard's locus magicalicus, a stone used to focus magic and work spells. But for some reason he did not. Nevery finds that interesting, and he takes Conn as his apprentice on the provision that the boy find a locus stone of his own. But Conn has little time to search for his stone between wizard lessons and helping Nevery discover who--or what--is stealing the city of Wellmet's magic.
About the Author :
Sarah Prineas lives in the midst of the corn in rural Iowa, where she wrangles dogs, cats, chickens, and goats, goes on lots of hikes, and finds time to write. She is also the author of Ash & Bramble, a retelling of Cinderella. She is married to a physics professor and has two kids. You can visit Sarah online at www.sarah-prineas.com.
Greg Steinbruner is an actor, audiobook narrator, playwright, and public-speaking consultant. He studied at NYU's Tisch School and writes, directs, and produces his own plays in New York City. He has lent his vocal talents to such books as The Magic Thief, Larklight, Starcross, and the Origami Yoda series.
Review :
"A delight to read...Since Conn has a lot yet to learn, he is sure to draw avid fans back for more."
-- "Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books (starred review)"
"An amiable tale akin to that of another well-known boy wizard...Young readers will also find the familiar character types and straightforward plotting easy to grasp, while the evolving conflicts and distinctive setting draw them on."
-- "Horn Book"
"An uncommonly engaging young narrator kicks this debut fantasy ahead of the general run...Conn works his way into the hearts of both his master and the mystery...along the way to a literally explosive climax."
-- "Kirkus Reviews (starred review)"
"Danger, humor, magic, and mystery combine to make an entertaining fantasy tale."
-- "Kliatt"
"It is a mystery accompanied by danger, intrigue, and betrayal. This first book in a projected series will appeal to readers who appreciate Jonathan Stroud and J. K. Rowling...An eccentric cast of characters, sure to figure more prominently in other series books yet to come, are introduced and explained sufficiently here...[as it] illustrates the blend of the comic and darker elements of this novel."
-- "VOYA"
"Prineas has created an appealing cast of characters, which she carefully reveals through their actions. The story is told primarily by Conn, and is interspersed with cryptic journal entries by Nevery, which offer a tantalizing counterpoint to the protagonist's viewpoint...This novel would work well as a read-aloud, as it has a conversational rhythm that moves the plot along."
-- "School Library Journal"
"Readers clamoring for magical tales will enjoy Prineas' fast-paced first novel...Prineas depicts Conn, the narrator, as refreshingly candid and a quick study while revealing Nevery as insightful and unexpectedly caring...The magical fireworks do not explode until the end, leaving readers confident that Prineas will turn up the heat in the next installment."
-- "Publishers Weekly"
"This is typical boy-wizard-rags-to-riches fare. What lifts it above the ordinary is a puckish interpretation of its main character, Conn, by narrator Greg Steinbruner. Also in its favor, and something quite often missing in young adult fantasy, is a likable and trustworthy, if somewhat curmudgeonly, adult...Nevery Finglas...Steinbruner's skillful performance helps differentiate a wide array of characters and enhances the story's entertainment."
-- "AudioFile"
"What works wonderfully well here is the boy's irresistible voice."
-- "Booklist (starred review)"
