February 1, 2023
Two teens apprenticed to rival sorcerers start to fall for each other as the world around them implodes. Nonmagical almost-17-year-old Edison "Rook" Rooker just wants back into the world of magic that he lost when his grandmother passed away. And while being magicless himself is a major obstacle, his optimistic scheme to develop an illegal yet scientific way to access magic while being apprenticed to powerful sorceress Antonia Hex is pretty much going according to plan. Until, that is, the Magical Consortium gets wind of his detection device. Given how Antonia--due to previous run-ins with the Consortium--is not technically allowed to have new apprentices, she is arrested alongside rival colleague/accomplice Fable. Rook is now on the run, hiding from those who want to prevent him from accessing magic and determined to rescue Antonia and Fable with help from Sun, Fable's introverted, annoyingly cute, and extremely magical apprentice. While the strong worldbuilding and the overall arc about magic, oppression, and overcoming obstacles are well done, the true highlight of the novel lies in its cozy sense of humor, relationships, and theme of belonging, explored both in terms of working families created by apprentices and masters and the endearing grumpy-sunshine romance that develops between Rook and Sun. Both Sun and Fable are nonbinary. Antonia is brown-skinned; Sun is implied Korean, and Rook is assumed White. A delightful novel about magic and belonging. (Fantasy. 14-18)
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February 6, 2023
Two sorcerers’ apprentices face off against a greedy organization that’s been stealing individuals’ magic in this energetic fantasy romance from Lukens (So This is Ever After). Sixteen-year-old Edison Rooker wants nothing more than to be part of the magical world that exists in harmony with his own. Though he has no innate powers, he persuades revered sorcerer Antonia Hex to hire him as office staff in her curse-reversing business. Antonia dubs him Rook and decides to teach him magic, even if it’s a blatant flouting of Magical Consortium rules, which state that magical information mustn’t be shared with nonmagical folk. Rook soon encounters Fable, Antonia’s rival, and their prickly, nonbinary apprentice Sun, 16, who begrudgingly helps tutor Rook in magical studies. But when word of their efforts reaches the Consortium, resulting in Antonia and Fable’s arrests, the teens must figure out how to save them or risk losing their magic forever. Tight plotting, fresh worldbuilding, and an innovative magic system buoyed by clever banter and impassioned romance results in a winsome found family narrative and a delectable treat. Rook and Fable cue as white, Sun cues as Korean, and Antonia is described as having brown skin. Ages 14–up.
April 1, 2023
Gr 7 Up-Rook is a very relatable 17-year-old who readers can't help but root for as he explores the magic that was lost to him after his grandmother's death. When his mentor goes missing, the apprentice sorcerer must work together with his enemy-turned-friend, Sun. This is a charming and engaging story about finding your family when you feel out of place. The characters feel familiar and likable, and from Rook and Sun's sarcastic banter to Antonia's carefree attitude, it's hard not to smile while reading it. This is an excellent tween/early teen book full of adventure, fantasy, and humor. For those who may struggle with science fiction and fantasy, it is an easy gateway into the genre without being overwhelming. Lukens makes it easy to get lost in the story without the constant worry of keeping track of worldbuilding or an influx of characters. Instead, readers travel along with the story and each piece of the puzzle is given as they need it. VERDICT A simple but sweet story that would be a great introduction to fantasy books. Very worthwhile to have in any tween or YA collection.-Sarah Filiberto
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