The Magic Thief: Lost

Sarah Prinea (author)

Antonio Javier Capero (illus)

Quercus, UK: 2009; 377pp

ISBN: 9781847248558

Genres: adventure, fantasy

Issues: friendship, identity, loyalty

Bereft of his locus magicalicus after his heroic deeds in The Magic Thief: Book 1, Connwaer now finds himself in the uncomfortable - and dangerous - position of being unable to speak to the magic of Wellmet.

Conn finds that his discovery that magic is a being rather than an elemental force, is regarded as idiocy by some and heresy by others. As his attempts to renew contact with Wellmet's magic become more dangerous, Conn realises he must leave the city if he is to discover the source of the sinister Shadows that haunt Wellmet, turning the unwary to stone. At a time when it seems all have turned against him, Conn must have the courage of his convictions and travel to Desh to face a mysterious sorcerer who is also King, if he is to prove the threat to Wellmet is real.

Another exciting narrative from Prineas, this is the darker middle act of the trilogy. Characters and relationships from the previous novel are given room to expand. Again told principally from Conn's point of view, Lost also has extracts from Rowan's travel journal as well as letters between Conn and Nevery. These give the reader a wider view than is usual with first person narrative. Conn's intuitive understanding of magic as well as the combination of his naïve honesty and determination, produce some wonderfully humorous moments. Prineas uses remarkably evocative language that creates a strong connection between reader and story. Very clever. Very readable. Very more-ish.

Highly recommended.