Description
Glorious, powerful, magic; a city of twists, turns and tricksters; extraordinary secrets which only one girl can uncover . . . welcome to the world of Arkspire.
Arkspire is a city obsessed by magic. The five Arcanists - a group of all-powerful magicians - have protected the great city for as long as anyone can remember. Within the hustle and bustle of these cobbled streets lives Juniper Bell, a thief who'd do anything for her family - even her unbelievably annoying sister.
Then one night, something incredible happens. A mysterious stolen relic (nothing to do with Juni,ahem...) explodes, revealing a mysterious creature, Cinder - who appears to 'bond' with Juni. The only creatures like that are allegedly dangerous enemies of the Arcanists . . . and its not long before they turn their attention to Juni.
Soon Juni, Cinder and everyone she loves are pulled into an extraordinary world of magic, power and prestige - but also grave danger. It seems the world Juni thought she knew is nothing but a lie - and now only Juniper and Cinder can bring it down.
Review
Set in Arkspire, where magic controls everything and everyone, Juni and her best friend, Thea, are‘The Misfits’ - a gang of relic hunters who live in the poor Iris district, known as the Dregs.
Their world has always been controlled by five Arcanists, whose magic has protected the city of Arkspire against the evil that exists all around them. The Arcanists have the ability to pass their power to someone in the next generation who they believe to be worthy of receiving the gift—and Juni’s twin sister, Elodie, is a candidate at the Academy, attempting to be the one chosen.
The once close twins now live very different lives, and have different ideas and feelings about the powerful magicians that control their lives. When Juni unwittingly unleashes Cinder - a strange and mysterious creature - from a relic she found, and it attaches itself to Juni, the fun and games really begin!
Cinder causes no end of problems, and Juni and those around her find themselves in all sorts of trouble as they uncover the truth about the world they live in. A truth that is different to what they have always been told...
This is a wonderful, action-packed, magical story that has a great setting and fantastic characters. The illustrations throughout drag you into this magical world. Juni is feisty and determined, and you will find yourself constantly wanting her to succeed. This will be enjoyed by all those in upper primary and lower secondary.
Reviewed by Sam
