The deadly fates

Gr 4--6--Ella Durand heads back to the Arcanum Institute for her third year of Marveller training, and tensions are higher than ever. Marvellian society is still struggling to come to terms with Ella's revelation that the school's founders stole its design from her great-grandfather, a Conjuror, and many outright refuse to believe it. Suspicion against Conjurors has grown, leading to hateful legislation that tracks and restricts their movements. Still, Ella has much to look forward to as her 13th year commences and she anticipates the arrival of her Conjurer Companion, an animal familiar who will be able to communicate with her telepathically. Clayton masterfully immerses readers in the world with chapter-opening newspaper articles, letters, and reports, alongside glimpses into complex villain Gia Trivelino. Timely parallels to history both past and present will resonate with readers of all ages. Ella and her family are Black, but the students at the Arcanum belong to many different races, ethnicities, religions, and identities. VERDICT A first purchase for all middle school libraries.

In this third series entry, Ella Durand and her friends embark on a journey that uncovers startling truths. Starting her third year at the Arcanum Training Institute for Marvelous and Uncanny Endeavors, Ella, a 13-year-old Black girl whose great-grandfather, Jean-Michel Durand, created the institute, has a lot on her plate. Along with keeping up with her magic lessons, Ella's determined to uncover more of the secrets and lies surrounding the world of Conjurors and Marvellers--and her school in particular. This pursuit leads her to explore mysteries surrounding New Orleans' Underworld and the history of the creation of the Cards of Deadly Fate, a conjure deck used to imprison people. She still has the help of best friends Jason and Brigit, and this time even more classmates join them. But will their search for answers be worth it, or will their efforts unravel the fabric of their magical society in possibly irreparable ways? Clayton continues to expand on the complex and fascinating magical world she's populated with dynamic and appealing primary and supporting characters. This sequel delves even deeper into the culturally diverse world Ella and her friends inhabit, taking readers on an emotional ride. This work will best be appreciated by those who are familiar with the earlier books in the series. Another gripping entry in an engaging series that's sure to keep readers hooked. (Paragons guide, Arcanum Training Institute information)(Fantasy. 8-12) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.