It’s really hard to read a book written for older children / tweens where a school for magic kids starts accepting non-magic kids and not think of HP… of course there will be comparisons.
However, The Marvellers stands on its own, partly by well representing a variety of cultures and black and brown characters (something HP is often criticised for lacking).
In addition to the misfit-in-a-new-school storyline there’s also the mystery of the disappearing teacher to be solved as Ella tries to clear her name and find her place in Arcanum.
The chapters are relatively short and the right length for the target readers. At just under 400 pages it’s about average for a secondary school reader.
It’s the first book I’ve read by Dhonielle Clayton, and from what I see it’s a bit of change from her usual style (modern fairy tales) but after reading the Marvellers I will definitely go on to reading more from her.
However, The Marvellers stands on its own, partly by well representing a variety of cultures and black and brown characters (something HP is often criticised for lacking).
In addition to the misfit-in-a-new-school storyline there’s also the mystery of the disappearing teacher to be solved as Ella tries to clear her name and find her place in Arcanum.
The chapters are relatively short and the right length for the target readers. At just under 400 pages it’s about average for a secondary school reader.
It’s the first book I’ve read by Dhonielle Clayton, and from what I see it’s a bit of change from her usual style (modern fairy tales) but after reading the Marvellers I will definitely go on to reading more from her.