Title: The Marvellers

Series: Marvellerverse #1

Author: Dhonielle Clayton

Eleven-year-old Ella Durand is the first Conjuror to attend the Arcanum Training Institute, where Marvellers from all around the world come together to practice their cultural arts like brewing Indian spice elixirs, practicing Caribbean steel drum hypnosis, and bartering with fussy Irish faeries. Ella knows some people mistrust her Conjuror magic, often deemed “bad and unnatural,” but she’s eager to make a good impression—and, hopefully, some friends.

But Ella discovers that being the first isn’t easy, and not all of the Marvellers are welcoming. Still, she connects with fellow misfits Brigit, a girl who hates magic, and Jason, who is never found without a magical creature or two. Just as Ella begins to find her way at the A.T.I., a notorious criminal escapes from prison, supposedly with Conjurors’ help. Worse, her favorite teacher Masterji Thakur never returns from a research trip, and only Ella seems concerned about his disappearance.

As tensions grow in the Marvellian world, Ella finds herself the target of vicious rumors and growing suspicions. With the help of her new friends, Ella must find a way to clear her family’s name and track down her beloved mentor Masterji Thakur . . . before she loses her place at the A.T.I. forever.

Ella Durand is the first conjurer to attend the Arcanum Training Institute for Marvelous and Uncanny Endeavors and lets just say that not everyone is pleased she is there and, of course, there’s a mystery to solve!

Along with her 2 best friends, Brigit and Jason, Ella has to navigate finding her place in their world, coupled with all the prejudices thrown at her and trying to investigate a few mysteries!

This was a really fun book! I absolutely loved Ella, she was so driven, optimistic and never gave up. I also adored Feste and those naughty pixies!

I’ve got so many questions, my most pressing is what Ella’s animal companion will be!

The ending was sort of open ended so I really hope there is more to come!  After reading this book I’ve decided I’d love to be a Marveller or a Conjurer!

‘What’s done in the dark doesn’t stay there for very long.’