The Memory Thieves by Dhonielle Clayton

What worked:

If you haven’t read “The Marvellers”, you should know that conjurors like Ella evoke a wide range of emotions from the other characters. It’s safe to say they make most of the citizens uncomfortable while others fear and/or detest them. The way their abilities work isn’t generally known and conjuring’s connection to death is disconcerting. The fact that Ella saved everyone from public enemy number one in the first book makes her a hero and celebrity but another point of view says it’s all part of a conjuror plot. Prejudice against conjurors runs rampant and is still a major issue in the book. Many in the conjuror community themselves aren’t happy to see Ella attending the Arcanum nor her godmother teaching Marveller students conjuror secrets. Some of the problems are relatable to real-world debates concerning immigration and segregation. Ella found original blueprints for the Arcanum in the first book and she’s determined this time to uncover secrets about the importance of conjurors in founding the institute.

The author does a marvelous (pun intended) job of providing complicated relationships and school drama. The other students have mixed feelings about Emma and she really wants to be accepted. Readers will wonder if friendly gestures toward her are sincere or conceal devious intentions. One new student clearly detests Emma and does little to conceal her disdain. She’s an obvious antagonist but she’s also conducting some sneaky business within the walls of the school. In addition, something is affecting the health of some students as they’re suffering from headaches and nosebleeds and their powers aren’t working properly. Gia (kind of like this book’s Voldemort) is back and has some kind of master plan brewing that is sure to bring the world of Marvellers down to its knees. The fact that she’s the mother of Emma’s roommate only complicates matters more.

Each chapter ends with news articles, letters, or messages that address events and thoughts from behind the scenes. There’s an upcoming election in the Marveller world so some stories address the issues and candidates and try to get Marvellers riled up. Ella and her friends send notes back and forth but Ella also receives anonymous messages that she’s being watched. Letters to Ella’s parents from the Arcanum and the conjuror government inform readers of additional complications developing inside and outside the school. The articles and messages at the ends of the chapters educate readers about subplots and conflicts without wasting pages of narrative that might distract readers from the main story.

What didn’t work as well:

I hate to say this but there are a lot of things going on and it can be challenging to not lose focus on the major storylines. For example, the first line in the synopsis talks about Marvel Combat but it’s really not important in the overall plot. The book already has the mystery of the Arcanum architect, politics and the election, Gia’s nefarious plans, and problems with Ella’s friends, non-friends, and family to name a few plots and subplots. It can be too much.

The Final Verdict:

Overall, this book offers a fantasy world, fantasy creatures, and characters with mystical powers. Ella discovers new conjuror abilities that open up new possibilities. I recommend you read “The Marvellers” before moving on to this book but most young lovers of speculative fiction will surely enjoy them both.