This prequel to Colfer's popular Land of Stories series gives fans a glimpse into an early conflict within the magical community. Brystal Evergreen is a girl in the Southern Kingdom, where it's against the law for her to read. When Brystal discovers a secret, magical book in the library, she learns that she is actually a fairy and is whisked away to Madame Weatherberry's Academy of Magic, where she meets others like her. There she learns about the oppression faced by the magical community, the choices between good magic and bad, and her teacher's hope for the future in changing the world's mind about magic. Then, when an evil magical presence begins growing stronger, it's up to Brystal and her fellow students to save their teacher. Colfer offers a lot of discussion opportunities for readers about identity and acceptance veiled beneath the guise of magic and fairy tales. An engaging, albeit long, story that will please fans of the series while offering an entry for new readers as well.

In this entertaining fantasy series opener, billed as a prequel to Colfer-s Land of Stories series, a girl pursues her destiny, defying the rigid gender roles and draconian laws of a kingdom that has outlawed magic and forbidden women from reading. Diehard bibliophile Brystal Evergreen, 14, is disowned by her family after she manifests magical talents and is sentenced to a workhouse; shortly afterward, the enigmatic Madame Weatherberry rescues her to study at her newly established Academy of Magic, in an attempt to reverse public prejudice against benevolent magic users, whom she calls fairies to differentiate them from very real, very wicked, witches. At the Academy, Brystal learns to embrace her inner self, achieve her full potential, and reconcile the disparate parts of her identity. When a deadly conflict brewing in the north forces Madame Weatherberry to leave, it-s up to Brystal and her newfound school friends to harness their powers and save the day. With its focus on chosen family, accepting one-s true self, and changing public perception through normalization, it-s easy to spot Colfer-s gentle, if unsubtle, metaphors for marginalized experiences (-Someone-s existence is never a choice, or a fault, and it-s certainly not a crime-). Strong characters and an engaging story line make this a thoroughly satisfying adventure that can stand alone for Colfer newcomers. Ages 8-12. (Oct.)

Gr 5-7 In the oppressive Southern Kingdom, magic is outlawed and women have only one option: become wives and mothers. But 14-year-old Brystal Evergreen thinks big: she sneaks books, she listens to the men's discussions, and she dreams of escaping. When she gets caught with a magical book, Brystal fears her life is overuntil a surprise visitor whisks her away to an academy of magic. While there, Brystal discovers a sinister plot brewing in the Northern Kingdom, fueled by the terrifying Snow Queen. As the situation worsens, the academy students realize that stopping the Snow Queen may be up to them. This is an exciting, seamless reintroduction to the fairy-tale world Colfer introduced in his first series, "The Land of Stories," but prior knowledge isn't a requirement. This fresh, original page-turner perfectly integrates the story of the Snow Queen. Colfer draws parallels between the narrative and the current political climate, which will feel less heavy-handed to younger readers and spark discussion about empathy and open-mindedness. The occasional scene or phrase may make this book more appropriate for slightly older readers than the audience of "The Land of Stories," but it will still fit into an elementary collection. Some stilted dialogue and one-dimensional characters detract at times, but the plot is engaging enough that most readers won't mind. VERDICT A dynamic, engrossing fantasy that will have readers staying up late and dreaming big. Kristin Brynsvold, Tuckahoe Elementary School, Arlington, VA