The magic thief is a fantasy novel written by Sarah Prineas. Published in 2008, it is the first book in a series of the same name. Set in a fictional city called Wellmet, the story follows Connwaer, a young pickpocket who accidentally steals a wizard's locus magicalicus, a stone that helps control magic. Connwaer, or Conn for short, quickly discovers that he possesses an innate magical talent. He becomes an apprentice to the wizard, Nevery Flinglas, who takes him under his wing and teaches him about the world of magic. Together, they try to unravel the mystery of the disappearing magic in Wellmet and restore it to the city.
An illustration typical of the book, showing Nevery’s diary, Conn, Nevery and Benet on a backdrop of the map of Wellmet
Image: sarah-prineas.com
Artist: Antonio Javier Caparo
They return to Nevery s house, Heartsease, which remains in a state of disrepair since his forced departure twenty years before; it has a huge hole blown right through its centre after a botched magical experiment, and has never been repaired. It s also stuffed full of illustrations, coded messages, letters and diary entries, which sit alongside the text and are as much as part of the story as the words themselves.
Together, they try to unravel the mystery of the disappearing magic in Wellmet and restore it to the city. Throughout the book, Conn faces numerous challenges and tests his newfound magical abilities. He encounters dangerous creatures, encounters rival wizards, and discovers secrets about his own past.
The Magic Thief: Home - by Sarah Prineas (Paperback)
Despite successfully securing a balance between the competing magics of Wellmet, Conn is not happy. Duchess Rowan has promoted him to ducal magister, but the other wizards see him only as a thief.
But something sinister is brewing, as magicians' locus stones are being stolen and magical spells are going awry. As Conn faces old enemies and powerful magical forces, is he strong enough to save the city he calls home?
Diana Wynne Jones, author of Howl's Moving Castle, praised this middle grade fantasy series filled with magic and wonder, saying of the first book: "I couldn't put it down. Wonderful, exciting stuff."
From the Back Cover
Never look back!
Conn has come a long way since the days when he was a thief and a wizard's apprentice. He and the dragon Pip have saved the city of Wellmet from doom, and now Duchess Rowan wants to make him the ducal magister, the city's most important wizard. But the older wizards don't trust Conn . . . especially now that their locus magicalicus stones are disappearing! Once a thief, always a thief, they think.
To solve the mystery of the disappearing stones, Conn goes back to his beginnings--gutterboy, chimney sweep, mudlark, and, yes, thief. It's the only way he can clear his name and find the culprit. But turning back is not easy, and old enemies don't disappear. Can Conn pull himself out of the gutter one more time?
But something sinister is brewing, as magicians' locus stones are being stolen and magical spells are going awry. As Conn faces old enemies and powerful magical forces, is he strong enough to save the city he calls home?
Along the way, he forms unexpected alliances and finds a sense of belonging and purpose. Prineas's storytelling is engaging and imaginative, capturing the reader's attention from the very beginning. She creates a richly detailed world filled with intriguing characters and a compelling plot. The book combines elements of magic, adventure, and mystery, making it an enjoyable read for both children and adults. One of the notable aspects of the book is the character development of Conn. Initially a mischievous thief, he learns to harness his abilities for good and becomes a hero. His growth throughout the story is inspiring, showing readers the importance of self-discovery and personal growth. "The Magic Thief" is a captivating tale that explores themes of friendship, courage, and the power of knowledge. It is a story that reminds us that there is magic within all of us if we are willing to embrace it. With its well-crafted world-building and compelling characters, it is no wonder that the book has gained popularity and spawned a successful series..
Reviews for "Transporting Readers to the Streets of Wellmet: The World-Building in "The Magic Thief."
1. John - 2 stars - I found "The Magic Thief" to be a disappointing read. The plot was erratic and seemed to lack direction. The characters were underdeveloped, making it difficult to form a connection or feel invested in their journey. Overall, the book failed to captivate my attention and I struggled to finish it.
2. Sarah - 1 star - "The Magic Thief" was a complete letdown for me. The writing style was juvenile and lacked depth, making it feel more like a children's book than a novel for young adults. The world-building was weak, leaving me wanting more explanation and detail about the magical elements within the story. I also found the pacing to be sluggish, with very little happening throughout the majority of the book. I wouldn't recommend this to anyone looking for a compelling fantasy read.
3. Michael - 2 stars - Unfortunately, "The Magic Thief" failed to live up to the hype for me. The protagonist lacked charisma and came across as one-dimensional. The pacing was inconsistent, with moments of action followed by long stretches of tedious dialogue. Additionally, the magic system in the book felt underdeveloped and lacked originality. I was left feeling unsatisfied and unengaged with the story as a whole.
4. Emily - 2 stars - "The Magic Thief" was a struggle for me to get through. The writing style felt clunky and awkward, making it hard to immerse myself in the story. The plot was convoluted and lacked coherence, with various elements feeling disjointed and unrelated. I also found it difficult to connect with any of the characters, as they all felt flat and lacking in depth. Overall, this book did not meet my expectations and left me feeling disappointed.