Astra Fox and the Rise of the Wonderworkers by Isaac Fitzsimons

What worked:

Astra is a sympathetic character, as she’s treated poorly at the orphanage. She’s frequently and severely punished and is separated from other orphans. Her hope is that someone will claim her when they discover her wonderwork ability. Those who wield wonderwork are called gilders. Astra creates amazing illusions, but many people hate all wonderworks and think it shouldn’t exist. That means gilders like Astra shouldn’t exist. Another underlying problem is that Astra doesn’t know where her sister lives, but her ultimate hope is to be reunited. Some chapters begin with letters from her sister, always sounding hopeful that they’ll be together again. 

Astra is claimed by a wealthy benefactor, and she’s taken to Bellamore Hall in Empire City. There, she discovers two large problems. First, prejudice against gilders is ever-present, as evidenced when Astra isn’t allowed in a store without an escort. Secondly, she finds parts of the city without wonderworks, where dark, dirty buildings seem like they can fall at any moment. Astra realizes Bellamore Hall’s appearance is an illusion after she discovers a dark, moldy, crumbling room. She eventually ends up in the Bellamore Factory and is thrust into the middle of the wonderworks conflict. The working conditions are deplorable, and gilders are getting hurt or dying. Astra is torn between helping the other workers while avoiding the wrath of Mr. Bellamore. Non-gilders enjoy the fruits of wonderwork, but they don’t want gilders to have any rights. The situation is reminiscent of slavery.

The author creates vivid mental images with a masterful gift for words and language. Descriptions of wonderwork creations are colorful and eloquent, enabling readers to “see” the gorgeous scenes. “Sprawling ivy… leaves ablaze in hues of crimson, amber, and gold.” A “grand marble staircase” led to the manor’s front door, and “towering columns stretched skyward…they brushed the clouds.” Readers learn about Astra’s personality when the author says, “But Astra’s greatest talent was outrunning her better judgment.” 

What didn’t work as well:

Wonderworks create illusions, but they don’t change the essence of reality. Gilders can make food look and taste better, but it can’t make moldy food more nutritious or rickety buildings more stable. These inconsistencies may bother some readers, although the story eventually addresses them. 

The final verdict:

The story deals with civil rights for a discriminated group of gilders. Astra’s emotional rollercoaster will lead readers on a troubling adventure that pits the existence of wonderworks against the rich and powerful. I recommend you give this book a shot.