Arkspire By Jamie Littler
Published by Puffin Books at Penguin Random House
Paperback £7.99
Review by Nicky Mathewson
The great city of Arkspire is made up of five districts led by five Arcanists:
Invention district, home of The Maker
Iris district, home of The Watcher
Midnight district, home of The Shrouded
Gateway district, home of The Enigma
Radiant district, home of The Tempest
Since the evil Betrayers ruined the world with war and misery, the Arcanists’ ancestors created Arkspire as a place of peace and learning and a message to The Betrayers that they would stand strong against the curse they left behind.
The Arcanists are the only people in the world to possess magic and it is their job to protect the people of Arkspire from the constant danger of Shades: life sucking shadows which were left behind by The Betrayers.
As each Arcanist dies, their power must be passed to another to continue the line of magic and protection. Therefore, Arkspire’s five districts need willing candidates who are prepared to take on the role of Arcanist.
Juniper and Elodie are sisters who were once close, but life in the slums of Arkspire has dealt them a rough hand and pointed them in different directions. While Elodie is in training to become a Candidate for the Iris District, Juniper is a relic thief and a huge disappointment to her sister. One of the relics stolen by Juniper opens up a whole heap of trouble for her and her loyal friend Thea, by bringing a shadow creature through a hidden door. In a world of deadly Shades, the presence of such a creature would be disastrous.
Juniper gets caught up in a web of lies to cover up what she has done and has to pretend she is someone she is not, but in doing so she uncovers some dark secrets about the Arcanists which suggests they are definitely not what they seem.
This is a wonderful fantasy adventure by the author of Frostheart. Illustrated throughout with Jamie’s dynamic style, this is the start of an amazing series which is perfect for confident readers age 8+. Arkspire 2: The Order of Misfits, has just been published and I cannot wait to continue the adventure!
10% off for Marshwood Vale readers at The Bookshop on South Street, Bridport. 01308 422964 www.dorsetbooks.com
