Melissa Marr
Penguin, June, 2021
272 pages
Grades 5-7
Fantasy
Multiple points of view tell the story of four extraordinary young people brought together in the quest to protect the Queen from evil forces. An ancient gargoyle named Rupert arrives from the magical Netherware and pledges to watch over a group of fearless children. Time marches on and now he is watching their prodigies, the next generation, as they find their places in the world and begin studies at Corvus to become elite Ravens. After the loss of her entire family, Victoria is training to be the warrior that her mother once was in order to seek revenge. Algernon is training to be an alchemist (the queen's poisoner) like his father, but does he have what it takes? Milan is a common street thief, taken in by Algernon's father, and now finding himself also a student at the school and possibly in over his head. Meredith is not what she seems and carries many secrets. Is she to be trusted? The four students find each other and learn to trust in order to fight evil and protect the queen from hidden enemies, perhaps even from within their own school.
I am a long-time fan of Melissa Marr, specifically of her teen Wicked Lovely series, of which I read every book. I was excited for this new middle grade series starter. Marr certainly is a world builder. I love this place that she created, filled with gargoyles, kelpies, and fairies, where certain lucky people can crossover to the Neverware to explore a magical land. The characters are interesting and the school where they all come together has a certain Hogwarts vibe, with quirky professors and secret features. There is also a certain amount of mortal danger and conflict with plenty of action and plot twists. My complaint is that maybe there was a bit too much going on and the story is a bit complicated for the target audience. There are a lot of characters to keep straight and I was personally confused at certain points. Its one of those books that you think must be a sequel and that you are missing something that you should already know. This appears to be a series starter, so for those young people willing to continue, maybe some of these unknowns will be cleared up moving forward. Ambitious readers will find much to bite into and the series will be sure to find fans.
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