The Magic Thief

Connwaer, a gutter-boy and thief in the city of Wellmet, picks the pocket of the wizard Nevery. Instead of dying from touching the wizard's locus stone, Conn survives, sparking Nevery's curiosity. Nevery takes him on as an apprentice, but with a catch: Conn must find his own locus stone within thirty days. As Conn navigates his new life of literacy and magic, he and Nevery realize that the city's magic is being bled dry by a mysterious force. Conn must use his street wits and newfound magical intuition to save the city. SENSITIVE TOPICS: The book deals with socioeconomic hardship and homelessness in a direct but age-appropriate way. Conn's life on the streets is depicted realistically, involving hunger and petty crime, but the tone remains adventurous rather than tragic. The resolution is hopeful, focusing on the formation of a chosen family. EMOTIONAL ARC: The story begins with a sense of urgent survival and isolation. As Conn finds a home, the tone shifts toward curiosity and intellectual discovery. It builds toward a high-stakes climax, ending with a strong sense of belonging and purpose. IDEAL READER: A middle-grade reader who enjoys 'underdog' stories or children who may struggle with traditional academic expectations but are incredibly observant and resourceful in real-world situations. PARENT TRIGGER: A parent might see their child being underestimated by teachers or peers because of their background or 'unconventional' way of learning. PARENT PREP: The book is safe for cold reading, though parents might want to discuss the ethics of Conn's thievery as a survival mechanism in the early chapters. AGE EXPERIENCE: Younger readers will focus on the 'cool factor' of the magic and the mystery of the thief, while older readers will appreciate the political intrigue of the city and Conn's complex relationship with his mentor. DIFFERENTIATOR: The story is uniquely told through a mix of Conn's first-person narrative and Nevery's journal entries, giving it a distinct, multi-layered voice that stands out in the fantasy genre.