posted on 26 Jan 2025

Magicalia: Thief of Shadows by Jennifer Bell

This is the second instalment of the Magicalia series but if you’ve not read the first, I’ve got some good news for you: if you pick this book up, you’ll be able to read it as a stand-alone and enter the inventive and magical world without too much difficulty. Why? Because Jennifer Bell is such a good writer that she gives you an easy introduction to the central features of the magical world inhabited by the two central protagonists, Bitsy and Kosh.

What you need to know from the beginning is that there are such things as ‘magicores’ that are fantastical beings that can be conjured by some people from raw emotions. And some who can go on to earn the status of ‘conjurors’ – those able to use the magic of the magicores through the use of something called a ‘farthingstone’. 

We join Bitsy and Kosh as they start life in the Conservatoire of Conjuring, beginning their training for this elevated status. But, pretty soon, Kosh finds himself timetabled for a session with something called the Chyrsalides in a part of the college he’s never been before – and Bitsy tags along. Little do they know that they’re about to find themselves at the start of a fast-moving adventure full of danger and surprises.

As Kosh discovers why he has been summoned to this meeting, the chrysalides come under a sudden attack orchestrated by someone known as Shadowsmith, a master criminal of sorts responsible for major thefts around the world. Clearly there is something he wants - and Kosh and Bitsy think they know what it is and make off with it.

The only problem is that no-one really believes the Shadowsmith story and are more than ready to point the finger of blame for the theft at the two conjurers-in-training. The two have no option but to go on the run, track down Shadowsmith and discover what diabolical plan the master criminal has in mind.

Now read on……….

Fast moving and full of thrills and jeopardy, this is a perfect read for lovers of fantasy world fiction and would ideally suit readers of about 9 and above who not only like a fast-moving story but who enjoy committing to a series in which they can track the ups and downs of their favourites.

Available now from Walker Books, you will be able to get a copy from your local independent bookshop – who will, of course, be happy to order you a copy if they don’t have it on their shelves.

 

Terry Potter

January 2025