SOCKS & SECRET QUESTS

A young apprentice searches for her true power.

When Peri took part in the kingdom of Genta’s Apprentice Trials, she displayed so much magical potential that everyone expected great things from her. Instead of being sent off for hero training, however, she’s chosen as the apprentice for the traveling shop that outfits adventuring parties with the equipment they need, right when they need it. Peri is still waiting for her power to manifest as something other than super-fast knitting skills when hero Niam, wayfinder Audra, and wizard Bree arrive to collect the supplies they need for their quest. Shortly after their departure, dark wizard Isric from nearby Osken shows up, intent on kidnapping Peri for her magic potential. After Peri’s mentor, Hema, bargains with him to let her take Peri’s place, Peri tracks down Niam, Audra, and Bree and they permit her to join them on their quest and even agree to help rescue Hema. The ensuing journey entangles them in Osken’s dark magic and the politics of Genta’s Hero Council, but Peri’s most important journey is internal, as she learns to resist the group’s constant infighting and stop underestimating her own capabilities just because they didn’t fit others’ expectations. With its magical items and roving adventurers, the worldbuilding in Murphy’s debut will appeal to fans of tabletop role-playing games. Most central characters present white, and Audra is cued Black. Final art not seen.

A spirited tale of fiber arts and hard-won friendship.