Brittany Crow

I received an ARC from the author in exchange for my honest review and wow! I was blown away by A. A. Warne's imaginative world of magic. Ell is hit with unexpected tragedy and faced with a decision no ten-year-old should be faced with making. Poor, starving, and on the brink of war, he turns to the only salvation in sight...Terra Magicae--- where the prestigious Wizardry Academy resides. Soon, he discovers not all is what it seems at the academy. Now, he must save his family, community, and friends...but can he save himself? I LOVED The Reluctant Wizard! Warne has broke the mold on middle-grade fantasy--- pushing aside what's easy and familiar and subjecting her characters to the darkness that envelopes everyday life---and includes some elements of adventure, mystery...and duty. This debut work is fun and fast-paced--- she tempts you with some magic and then hits you in the feels, only to rinse, wash, repeat. I was left guessing until the end! I'm just glad there's the promise of more Eli and wizards in the future. Family-friendly, magical, and hits you in your heart's gut... what more could you want from your next best read of 2020?