The Magic Thief: Lost Book Review

The Magic Thief: Lost
Book 2 of The Magic Thief
By Sarah Prineas
Illustrations by Antonio Javier Caparo
Harper Collins Publishers
2009

Dedication: To Theo, because the bird was his idea

Target Age Group: Boys or girls, Ages 10 through 14

Must Read
Good Read
Could Read

Synopsis

Something strange is happening in the city of Welmet. People are turned into stone by shadows. The shadows turn into smoke and disappear. It’s an incomprehensible evil that even the most powerful magicians don’t understand.

Conn, 12 years old, is the magician Nevery’s apprentice. He desperately wants to help, but what every magician needs in order to perform magic is a locus magicalicus – a stone, rock, pebble or jewel – and Conn’s was destroyed. Even without a locus magicalicus, Conn hears the magic speaking to him, but only if there’s an explosion, and he’s banned from exploding anything. Ever.

But what if…only a small explosion…maybe, just maybe…

Book Review

Lost is every bit as enchanting as The Magic Thief book 1. Reading the first book is not necessary to enjoy this one, but I would recommend it.

As with the first book, Lost is told in first person from Conn’s perspective. We get other characters’ perspectives through the use of letters and diaries.

The plot is clever and well thought out and completely believable (if you believe in magic). The pace is good, the mystery mysterious. But mostly, it’s a very enjoyable tale of a boy who’s courageous enough to do the right thing, even when it’s difficult, especially when it’s difficult.

Amazon Links

The Magic Thief: Lost (Hardcover)

Characters

Connwaer – Our hero, he goes by the nickname, Conn. He doesn't really know how old he is, but we're guessing he's between 12 and 14. He’s lived on the streets for a long time, and has quick hands for pick-pocketing, and at least one set of lock-pick wires with him at all times. But more than anything, he's an apprenticed wizard.

Nevery Flinglas – A crusty old -- actually ancient -- wizard who has taken Conn as his apprentice. He believes in Conn and his ability, even if no one else does.

Benet – A tall brutish fellow hired by Nevery as "muscle." But he has several other talents that would surprise you.

Rowan Forestal – Around Conn’s age, she is the daughter of the Duchess of Wellmet. She’s also one of Conn’s very few friends.

Kerrn – Captain of the guards around the Dawn Palace, where Rowan and her mother live. She doesn’t like Conn at all. But how far will she go to stop him from seeing Rowan?

Lord Jaggus – The sorcerer-king of the neighboring town of Desh. He has a ball to greet the envoy from Wellmet, but he hates the tiny lizards that seem to be everywhere in his kingdom.