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Magic misfits
374 pages
A theatrical, fast-paced adventure where clever illusions and newfound friendships are the ultimate defense against wicked tricksters.
What it feels like
Reading this book feels like stepping into a bustling, slightly dangerous carnival where the real magic lies in the bonds of friendship. The pace is brisk and theatrical, pulling the reader along on a train-hopping, diamond-guarding adventure filled with clever illusions and narrow escapes. Beneath the suspenseful heist mechanics and the whimsical atmosphere of escape artists and levitating objects, the story pulses with an earnest, found-family warmth. It explores the philosophical weight of identity and the joy of finding where you belong. The prose is accessible and engaging, perfectly tuned for young readers who delight in outsmarting wicked adults. It is a playful, heartfelt journey that celebrates misfits, teamwork, and the true magic of discovering your people.
- Mood
- whimsical
- mysterious
- warm
- theatrical
- Tone
- playful
- earnest
- adventurous
- suspenseful
- Pace
- brisk
- Themes
- found family · discovering identity · the magic of friendship · overcoming deception
- The writing
- Accessible and engaging, blending theatrical flair with heartfelt moments suited for young readers.
- The arc
- Moves from the lonely desperation of a runaway to the empowering warmth of finding a loyal, magical found family.
- Who it's for
- Young readers who love clever heists, stage magic, and stories about misfit kids teaming up to outsmart wicked adults.
Content notes
- orphanhood
- running away from home
- deception and con artists
About the book
Carter Locke is an orphan and he is running away from his con-artist uncle Sly. He jumps a train to Mineral Wells, a small town. He stays the night at an evil carnival run by B.B Bosso who is also a con-artist (except worse than Sly). He (luckily) runs away from him and his gang because of a warning given by Dante Vernon (a kind illusionist). While seeking Mr. Vernon at Vernon's magic shop! and meets Leila, Mr. Vernon's escape-artist daughter, Theo, who levitates objects, and Ridley, a girl in a wheelchair and the brains of the operation. Together they try to stop Bosso from stealing the largest diamond in the world, along with the help of Izzy and Ollie, twin entertainers. Can Carter and his friends expose Bosso for the criminal he really is?
Description from Open Library.
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