2019
WISE Score
Amazon
A portal fantasy where kids get sold into magical indentured servitude—and then things get really weird and awesome.
4.8
4.8View →Our reviews and ratings are 100% unbiased, but as an Amazon Associate, Screenwise earns an affiliate fee if you buy a book or game by clicking one of our links. We don't get any credit if you just Google it instead :)
If you're trying to compete with the dopamine hit of a smartphone, this series is one of your best weapons. It’s fast-paced, imaginative, and doesn't treat kids like they're stupid.
Brandon Mull knows exactly how to hook a reader by the end of chapter one. While the 'slavery' premise sounds heavy, it's really just the setup for a massive rescue mission. It’s high-quality 'brain candy' that actually leaves them with some solid thoughts on loyalty and perseverance.
Perfect for the 9-12 crowd. It's complex enough to satisfy a 6th grader but clean enough for a precocious 3rd grader who’s already breezed through Harry Potter.
Mull specializes in high-stakes heroics that emphasize loyalty and grit without relying on cynicism or 'edgy' content. It's classic good-vs-evil with actual heart.
The world-building is top-tier. Floating castles, scavenging magic from the sky, and distinct laws of physics for each kingdom. It's a masterclass in 'what if' scenarios for kids.
It's a middle-grade fantasy. You'll find plenty of swordplay and peril, but no gore, sexual content, or language concerns. The 'slavery' aspect of the first book is handled as a fantasy plot device rather than something gratuitous.
While primarily entertainment, it forces readers to think through complex moral choices and the consequences of power. It's a great vocabulary builder and brain-stretcher.
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