Dhonielle Clayton has created a magical school series with a truly unique magic system. Throw in some excellent world building, an interesting villain, and some real world issues, and The Marvellers is a definite winner.
The way that Ella is treated as she starts as the the first Conjuror to attend the Arcanum Training Institute in the clouds draws a clear parallel to real world prejudice and the ways that “politeness” and “tradition” are weaponized against marginalized people. Despite this clear commentary, the story stays focused on Ella, her experiences, her positive attitude, and her excellence. It highlights the importance of uplifting differences, rather than shying away from and othering them.
Through their friendship, Ella, Brigit, and Jason show bravery, heroism, and the great things that can be achieved with acceptance and collaboration. This is a truly magical world that I am excited to revisit in the second installment.
The way that Ella is treated as she starts as the the first Conjuror to attend the Arcanum Training Institute in the clouds draws a clear parallel to real world prejudice and the ways that “politeness” and “tradition” are weaponized against marginalized people. Despite this clear commentary, the story stays focused on Ella, her experiences, her positive attitude, and her excellence. It highlights the importance of uplifting differences, rather than shying away from and othering them.
Through their friendship, Ella, Brigit, and Jason show bravery, heroism, and the great things that can be achieved with acceptance and collaboration. This is a truly magical world that I am excited to revisit in the second installment.