THE MEMORY THIEVES

A 12-year-old uses history to prove that her people have always belonged in their magical world.

Ella Durand, a Black girl from New Orleans, and her friends Brigit and Jason return to the Arcanum Training Institute for Marvelous and Uncanny Endeavors with some experience under their belts but even more questions than when they started last year. Ella’s fame among Marvellers has skyrocketed ever since she helped stop the diabolical scheme of the Ace of Anarchy, Gia Trivelino. But Gia is not as down for the count as Ella and most Marvellians would hope—and she has decided that Ella owes her a debt that must be paid. On top of this threat, Masterji Thakur, Ella’s mentor, gave her blueprints showing that Conjurers have long been involved with the school. Ella insists on acquiring solid proof and revealing this truth that the media seems intent on suppressing. But with increased schoolwork, a mystery illness affecting the student body, and secrets she uncovers, Ella faces extra obstacles. Clayton continues building a world that is intricate, captivating, and sure to satisfy. This novel brings additional cultural diversity to the story as Ella explores her school and becomes involved with more members of the multidimensional cast of characters. References to events from the first book make this accessible to new fans, but readers are best served by having read The Marvellers (2022).

A wonderfully well-developed sequel.