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A review by aliciawhatsthestory
The Marvellers by Dhonielle Clayton
adventurous
inspiring
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
Dhonielle Clayton has created a magical school series with a truly unique magic system. Throw in some excellent world building, an interesting villain, and some real world issues, and The Marvellers is a definite winner.
The way that Ella is treated as she starts as the the first Conjuror to attend the Arcanum Training Institute in the clouds draws a clear parallel to real world prejudice and the ways that “politeness” and “tradition” are weaponized against marginalized people. Despite this clear commentary, the story stays focused on Ella, her experiences, her positive attitude, and her excellence. It highlights the importance of uplifting differences, rather than shying away from and othering them.
Through their friendship, Ella, Brigit, and Jason show bravery, heroism, and the great things that can be achieved with acceptance and collaboration. This is a truly magical world that I am excited to revisit in the second installment.
The one small annoyance was that the author seems to conflate knitting, quilting, and crochet, which are three different crafts. I am hoping for an explanation in the next book.
The way that Ella is treated as she starts as the the first Conjuror to attend the Arcanum Training Institute in the clouds draws a clear parallel to real world prejudice and the ways that “politeness” and “tradition” are weaponized against marginalized people. Despite this clear commentary, the story stays focused on Ella, her experiences, her positive attitude, and her excellence. It highlights the importance of uplifting differences, rather than shying away from and othering them.
Through their friendship, Ella, Brigit, and Jason show bravery, heroism, and the great things that can be achieved with acceptance and collaboration. This is a truly magical world that I am excited to revisit in the second installment.
The one small annoyance was that the author seems to conflate knitting, quilting, and crochet, which are three different crafts. I am hoping for an explanation in the next book.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racism
Minor: Child death, Death, and Blood