Jaden Powers and the Inheritance Magic

Twelve-year-old Jaden Powers is reluctant to start seventh grade without his BFF Elijah, who will be attending a fancy new school for unknown reasons. Yet before the year begins, Jaden is told that Elijah has died, which he doesn’t believe. After Jaden finds a note from Elijah explaining that he needs Jaden’s help, strange things begin happening, such as Jaden suddenly being able to hear other people’s thoughts and produce fire from his fingertips. Then Jaden is invited to attend the otherworldly Five Emergences School of Magic, the same place where Elijah had been a student, so he can practice his magic and train to become a sorcerer. Once there, Jaden is informed that Elijah had been stealing magic, and if he isn’t found soon, he could die and both the magical realm of the Five Emergences and the mortal world could be destroyed. Memorable characters and vibrant worldbuilding brings this absorbing fantasy by Perry (the Cameron Battle series) to life. Jaden’s unfettered resolve to help his best friend despite the odds is endearing, and themes of grief and healing are capably balanced alongside fast-paced, spellbinding adventure. Ages 8–11. Agent: Taj McCoy, Rees Literary. (Aug.)