If you know us well, you know we’re huge lovers of fantasy here at Nerdist. But even among all the amazing books we read, it’s rare to find one that makes you feel like magic is real. Bestselling author Dhonielle Clayton’s newest novel The Marvellers does just that. Immersive, inclusive, and downright fantastical, this magical boarding school tale is going to shake up the fantasy landscape. And it will do so in all the ways that are so desperately needed. That’s why we’re incredibly excited to share the trailer for the middle grade novel right here. Get ready! You’re about to get a taste of your favorite new magic school for the very first time.
Check Out Our Exclusive The Marvellers Trailer Reveal
What’s The Marvellers About?
The official description of The Marvellers teases the fantastical adventures to come.
11-year-old Ella Durand is the first Conjuror to attend the Arcanum Training Institute, a magic school in the clouds where Marvellers from around the world practice their cultural arts, like brewing Indian spice elixirs and bartering with pesky Irish pixies.Despite her excitement, Ella discovers that being the first isn’t easy—some Marvellers mistrust her magic, which they deem ‘bad and unnatural.’ But eventually, she finds friends in elixirs teacher, Masterji Thakur, and fellow misfits Brigit, a girl who hates magic, and Jason, a boy with a fondness for magical creatures.
When a dangerous criminal known as the Ace of Anarchy escapes prison, supposedly with a Conjuror’s aid, tensions grow in the Marvellian world and Ella becomes the target of suspicion. Worse, Masterji Thakur mysteriously disappears while away on a research trip. With the help of her friends and her own growing powers, Ella must find a way to clear her family’s name and track down her mentor before it’s too late.
Why Are We Such Huge Fans?
This isn’t only a magical adventure. It’s also a book that deals with institutional racism, racial integration, and inherited trauma. Like many of the best fantasy novels, The Marvellers introduces us to a new world without ignoring the realities of ours. All the while inspiring younger readers to imagine a better one too.
We’re Not the Only Ones
Fans of Rick Riordan rejoice, not only is this perfect for you to read but the author himself is a huge fan of the story. “The Marvellers deserves the highest compliment I can give a book: I want to live in this world,” Riordan says. He’s not the only amazing author to sing its praises either. Soman Chainani, New York Times-bestselling author of The School for Good and Evil series says, “The Marvellers is a rich, enchanted melting pot of magic, thrills, and color . . . filled with heart, wit, and humor. A tantalizing introduction to an exhilarating fantasy universe.”
We’re huge fans of both authors and heartily agree with the praise, The Marvellers is nothing short of marvelous.
The Marvellers hits shelves on May 3. You can place a pre-order now.
