PROMISERO ACADEMY

A newly orphaned girl struggles at a prestigious academy for the magically gifted in Robertson’s middle-grade fantasy debut.

Ariana Seaborne’s 13th birthday means that, like nearly everyone in the kingdom of Thalias, her Talent (magical ability) will show itself. However, just before her ceremony, she tragically loses her parents and her home in an unexplained fire. As people in Ari’s village dub her a “demon” for merely surviving the inferno, a kindhearted Captain of the King’s Guard takes her to Promisero Academy in the kingdom’s capital. Part of her deal in earning admittance involves becoming a Queen’s Lady, so she attends classes on magic, academics, and combat at the school, as well as private classes on royal etiquette and politics. She makes several trustworthy friends, including Prince Kaelen Trebellan, but she also must endure the fact that some students, and even some adults, are spreading a rumor that she caused the fatal incident in her village. However, Ari’s biggest obstacle is an inexplicable “block” on her Talent, which could spell the end of her time at Promisero. Robertson’s novel, which opens a prospective series, spotlights a wholly sympathetic protagonist who deals with bullies at school and blames herself for her parents’ deaths. Much of what unfolds is shown to be a learning experience for her; she’s a “commoner” who’s perpetually surrounded by people of wealth and privilege, and not just at the royal palace. At the same time, she gathers wonderful allies, including more than one whose loyalty never falters. Several of the author’s most vibrant passages linger on the landscape, with its “rolling foothills,” calm ocean waters, and a “mercurial spring sky.” As a result, it’s not until the final act that the story really gets going. Still, this first installment effectively leans into its genre elements, from compelling creatures (such as sprixies and fluffy, griffinlike gyrefells) to displays of magic as students take classes in all five of the known Talents, including fire and water.

The young hero of this charming, series-starting tale of magic will easily win readers over.