I love this book and it was a real JOY to chat with Dhonielle Clayton. It is always great when an author comes out with an idea for a new series — and it works out so well! The Marvellers is Dhonielle’s debut Middle Grade book — and it became an instant New York Times bestseller! Wow! It’s almost like magic….

It was a brave decision to write a book about a magic school — but nothing stopped Dhonielle. She got the idea and ran with a story about eleven-year-old Ella Durand, who is the first Conjuror to attend the Arcanum Training Institute. Sounds like a great place. You can meet Marvellers from around the world who do fun things like brew Indian spice elixirs and bartering with pesky Irish pixies.

Of course, nothing is ever easy — but that’s why this book is so much fun. We really care about Ella and the cast of friends she makes along the way. Including an elixirs teacher, Masterji Thakur, and Brigit, who hates magic, and Jason, who loves magical creatures that can talk.

What makes this an outstanding book is that Dhonielle has layers — real depth in her storytelling. It is lovely to see so many adults in Ella’s life who care about her and are just nice people. And Ella is relatable. Someone we would like to meet.

The adventure involves a dangerous criminal known as the Ace of Anarchy and the mysterious disappearance of Masterji Thakur. But Ella and her friends will come to the rescue and readers will be looking forward to their next adventure.