Bound To Stay Bound

School Library Journal - 06/01/2008 Gr 3-6-Conn, a pickpocket on the streets of Twilight, one day picks the pocket of a powerful wizard and steals his locus magicalicus, the center of his power. It should kill Conn, but it doesn't. Nevery, the wizard, has just returned after a 22-year exile, to try to save the town from the leaching of its magic, upon which so much, including its economy, depends. Curious about the boy, Nevery takes him on as an assistant and then an apprentice. Although it is the wizard's job to stem the tide of the disappearing magic, he seems unable to do so. Conn believes he knows the answer, but his enemies are closing in. Prineas has created an appealing cast of characters, which she carefully reveals through their actions. The story is told primarily by Conn, and is interspersed with cryptic journal entries by Nevery, which offer a tantalizing counterpoint to the protagonist's viewpoint. Their voices are consistent and well handled. Exciting without being frantic, the narrative wastes no time getting to the heart of the story. This novel would work well as a read-aloud, as it has a conversational rhythm that moves the plot along. The book is long, but the large print and appealing drawings will encourage younger readers. Fantasy and adventure lovers alike will groan when they get to the tantalizingly mischievous ending, and are likely to hound you until the sequel arrives.-Sue Giffard, Ethical Culture Fieldston School, New York City Copyright 2008 Reed Business Information. - Copyright 2008 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission.

Bulletin for the Center... - 07/01/2008 The city of Wellmet is in serious trouble due to a dramatic decline in its level of magic. The situation threatens to upset the already delicate balance of power between the duchess, who rules the city from her palace on the east side of the river in Sunrise, the Underlord Crowe, who keeps a mafia-like grip on the west side in Twilight, and the magisters, who control the magic from their islands in the middle of the river. Enter Conn, a raggedy street urchin who picks the pocket of wizard Nevery, but instead of slipping a handful of coins, he accidentally snatches the magister’s locus magicalicus, or wizardly stone. That his grave trespass does not kill him interests both him and Nevery; Conn thinks he’ll make a good wizard’s apprentice, while Nevery thinks he’ll make a useful servant. Confusion over his exact status gets ironed out after he moves in with Nevery and hired muscle Benet; Nevery constantly underestimates the boy, but quick learner Conn doggedly pursues his own locus magicalicus and his status as a wizard, as well as taking a keen interest and vital role in halting the leaking magic and saving the city. Chapters are narrated by Conn, who tends to play his cards close to his chest; he is a careful thinker, however, and readers are lucky to be privy to his constant reflections, wry observations, and honest assessments. Journal entries at the end of each chapter provide terse recaps from Nevery’s point of view, and chapter-header sketches serve to further engage the audience. Prineas exercises tight control over her characters, rendering their actions credible and offering surprising revelations about their histories. Conn’s voice is particularly solid, both measured and intense, making this a delight to read aesthetically, and additional appeal stems from the compelling plot and attractive setting. This is the first in an anticipated trilogy, and since Conn has a lot yet to learn, he is sure to draw avid fans back for more. KB - Copyright 2008 The Board of Trustees of the University of Illinois.

Booklist - 05/15/2008 *Starred Review* Young Conn opens the first volume of this new trilogy, noting “A thief is a lot like a wizard.”  Conn is a thief but, through desire and inevitability, becomes a wizard by book’s end. This evolution begins when Conn picks the pocket of the wizard Nevery, who is startled that the nicked magical stone didn’t kill the boy. Nevery takes on Conn as a servant, but the boy’s inquisitiveness and talents move him to apprentice status. Nevery has recently returned to Willmet to save the city-state, which is faltering as its magic seeps away. As Conn becomes more enmeshed in his new life, he navigates through the intricate dealings of both the wizarding world and the political machinations of the Underlord. The events are not as lively as in some middle-grade fantasies—though Conn’s turn as a cat is delightful, and his search for his own stone is very well played. What works wonderfully well here is the boy’s irresistible voice, which is supplemented by the writings of Nevery in his journal, its creased and stained pages appearing as apart of the design. Readers will particularly enjoy the way Conn often knows just a little more than his master, and they’ll look forward to seeing how much more he learns as the series progresses. - Copyright 2008 Booklist.

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