This book is such a good read. This is the second book in this exciting fantasy adventure series for older young readers. (I think better to read them in order.) The characters and Marvelling world presented to the reader is unique, bright and full of light, anction and magic. The story line is satisfying in its depth as Ella continues her quest, again with the support of her friends. Ella determined to intervene in the villain’s plans to save her friend, protect her family and reveal the truth about Marvellers to the world. More to come in the next book, I can’t wait to see what happens. Thank you to Bonnier Books UK and NetGalley for the ARC. The views expressed are all mine, freely given.

This series just keeps getting better. This zooms along at a cracking pace and you really wonder how things will turn out. I can't wait for the next in the series.

Coming from a Conjure background, Ella is keen to be accepted by her fellow students at the prestigious Arcanum school in the skies. But the community she belongs to is not well-regarded by other Marvellers.

Unfortunately, many students at this magic school - mirroring the wider world in which Ella lives - are uncomfortable with or suspicious of Conjurors. In the school, she faces hostility from one particular student, in a manner that is a little reminiscent of Harry Potter's struggles with the Malfoys.

Even the fact that Ella earlier played a key role in thwarting the malignant plans of the Ace of Anarchy (in the first book in this series) does not make her acceptable to everyone, despite the status it has earned her as a celebrity of sorts.

To make things even worse, her own Conjure community in New Orleans is totally against Ella heading off for Year Two at the school in the sky.

In the midst of this complicated situation, even as Ella is beginning to make some unwelcome discoveries about the architect who set up the school - and also comes from the Conjure community - a mysterious magical illness begins to make its way through the school...

This book is a worthy follow up to the excellent first book by Clayton in this series. The storytelling is vivid and engaging, and the world building is in a class of its own. The dynamics of the various social factors at play provide an additional layer of complexity which lends interest to the storytelling. Highly recommended.

Absolutely devoured this one!

The magic of Clayton’s world of Marvellers, Conjurers and hidden cities floating high in the sky continues in this exciting sequel! Filled with more ever-shifting corridors, mysteries of the Arcanum to unravel, injustice to rout out and villainous plans to be thwarted!

Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for the eARC in exchange for an honest review!