Astra Fox and the Rise of the Wonderworkers
An orphan with big dreams becomes entangled in the corrupt magic system of her city in this gripping middle grade fantasy adventure from critically acclaimed author Isaac Fitzsimons—perfect for fans of Chronicles of Whetherwhy and School for Thieves.
Astra Fox longs to be a wonderworker, traveling the world and casting fantastical illusions. But as a ward of the awful Sisters of Sorrows’ Foundling Home for Friendless Children, her dreams seem impossible. Then Astra’s fate takes an incredible turn when she’s granted an apprenticeship with the Bellamys, a prominent family who made their fortune manufacturing wonderwork into everyday products.
Surrounded by wealth and glamor, Astra is captivated by her new world and feels closer to her ideal future than ever before. But when rumors of a mysterious figure who sparks rebellions reach the city, Mr. Bellamy places Astra in his gilding factory as a spy, promising sponsorship and an opportunity to explore the world as a wonderworker in exchange.
Now working in the same factory from which her sister disappeared years earlier, Astra experiences firsthand the perils and injustices suffered by the employees and discovers a larger plot that puts them all in danger. With the help of her new friends and some unexpected allies, can Astra put her dreams aside to save Empire City?
Reviews
"[A] scintillating story about an orphaned tween with the inherited ability to create powerful illusions, a skill used by her ancestors as a means of survival... The result is a richly imagined fantasy that engages with concepts of systemic oppression and labor exploitation."
"Astra’s struggle to choose a path is compelling...Fitzsimons’ middle-grade debut connects current socio-economic issues to Gilded Age labor movements, rendering both believably and accessibly within its fantasy setting. A timely and magical (if jam-packed) fantasy that explores integrity and self-interest."
"Caught between her ideals, her often grandiose ambitions, and the pragmatic, often agonizing calculations of survival, Astra is an appealing protagonist—tough and scrappy with a sense of justice that’s both a strength and a vulnerability... With a tight focus on Astra as she moves through both the rich and poor circles of Empire City, this swift-moving volume lays the groundwork for further installments and leaves its readers with a satisfying conclusion (and a few surprise reveals) that will have them eagerly anticipating the follow-up."Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books
"Fans of Angie Thomas’s “Nic Blake” trilogy or Kwame Mbalia’s “Tristan Strong” series may be intrigued by this fast-paced mix of history and fantasy."School Library Journal
"This whirlwind journey will appeal to young fans of serial dramas like The Apothecary Diaries."Booklist
"The story deals with civil rights for a discriminated group of gilders. Astra’s emotional rollercoaster will lead readers on a troubling adventure that pits the existence of wonderworks against the rich and powerful. I recommend you give this book a shot."