The MAGIC THIEF by Sarah Prineas is her first novel written for children. This amazing book has a magical presence and vividly detailed descriptions to keep readers drawn into the World of Wellmet – the city that runs on magic.
In this book, a young boy is drawn to a life of wizardry and adventure. On the day Conn picked the pocket of a wizard, he should have dropped dead. But for some reason, he did not. In Nevery’s pocket was the wizard’s locus magicalicus, the stone used to focus magic and work spells. Nevery finds Conn’s reaction interesting and he takes him on as his apprentice on the provision that the young boy find a locus stone of his own. Unfortunately for Conn, nothing is as simple as it seems. Conn has little time to search for his own locus magicalicus (the magical stone which will focus his own power). As Nevery’s apprentice, there are wizard lessons to attend to and a pressing need to convince Nevery that a fellow wizard is consorting with the city’s cruel Underlord to steal away the city of Wellmet’s magic. Time is running out!
THE MAGIC THIEF is a book that takes an orphaned boy, provides him guidance of a gentle wizard, and teaches lessons along the way as Conn transforms into a trustworthy young man. The details of the Victorian-esque world are so vividly drawn that readers will feel the chill of the icy winds and taste the buttery goodness of Conn’s favorite biscuits. What makes the book particularly special is Conn himself. His voice is lively, with exactly the sort of street-smart practicality and frankness you’d expect from a boy who has spent most of his life on the streets. In this tale filled with adventure, you will find yourself chasing Conn and Nevery through Strangle Street and finding ways to avoid the Underlord’s minions. You may also find a place for Conn’s character in your heart. He is kind-hearted and simply longs to find a place where he can make a difference.
This is the first book in an anticipated trilogy. It is full of adventure and suspense. Since Conn has a lot yet to learn, THE MAGIC THIEF is sure to draw avid fans and middle-readers back for more reading fun. The second book is expected to release by HarperCollins Summer,2009.