The Outcast Mage

This magnificent debut from Campbell brings together a classic magical school setting with political unrest and expansive worldbuilding. Naila, a foundling in the mage-governed city of Amoria, knows she has magic, but despite years of study, she has yet to achieve even the simplest spell. She must remain in classes with the youngest and least powerful mages, and is taunted by her peers. Meanwhile, Oriven, one of the highest ranked among the mages, seeks to increase his political standing by dehumanizing the nonmagical population of Amoria. When disasters occur throughout the city, Oriven blames the nonmagical community, putting Naila in a dangerous position. He also targets Naila’s teacher, Haelius, one of only a few mages powerful enough to have obtained the rank of wizard and an outspoken opponent of Oriven’s hate-filled movement. When Haelius gives Naila a rare magical artifact that Oriven also covets, she discovers that, using it, she can control the element of water. It’s a different kind of magic than most mages possess, and it makes her an even greater target. Meanwhile, in “interludes” throughout, Campbell describes entire villages destroyed by the elements and a mysterious pair of hunters tracking the destruction. The captivating heroine and hints of even graver danger to come make for a thrilling series starter. Campbell is an exciting new voice in epic fantasy. (Jan.)