In The Magic Thief: Lost, the second book in Sarah Prineas’s acclaimed middle grade fantasy series, wizard’s apprentice Conn is forced to improvise after he loses his locus magicalicus—with explosive results!
Never mix fire with magic!
Conn may only be a wizard's apprentice, but even he knows it's dangerous to play with fire . . . especially around magic. His master, Nevery, warns him that it could all blow up in his face. Besides, they have bigger problems to deal with. There is evil afoot in the city of Wellmet, an evil that isn't human.
But Conn is drawn to the murmurs he hears every time he sets off an explosion—something is trying to talk to him, to warn him. When none of the wizards listen, Conn takes matters into his own hands. His quest to protect everything he loves brings him face-to-face with a powerful sorcerer-king and a treachery beyond even his vivid imagination.
Diana Wynne Jones, author of Howl's Moving Castle, praised this middle grade fantasy series filled with magic and wonder, saying of the first book: ""I couldn't put it down. Wonderful, exciting stuff.""
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"The sophomore followup to The Magic Thief is piece of fresh air. A lot of magic fantasy books follow a quest type theme that is basically the same book just rewritten over and over. A new story line and character growth really helps move this series (which is now four books) along. "
— Dan (4 out of 5 stars)
“In this thrilling sequel…Conn has a heart of gold but struggles with his past reputation as a thief and his reluctance to work with a partner holds him back. Like its predecessor, this story is interspersed with letters and journal entries…giving readers an intimacy with the characters. Eloquent and suspenseful, this follow-up doesn’t disappoint.”
— Publishers Weekly“An abundance of clues to the evil will intrigue and confuse readers as they try to solve the mystery along with the protagonist…Conn’s relationship with Rowan continues to grow, providing both humor for the story and depth to both characters. A fun read for fans of fantastic adventures.”
— School Library Journal“Conn, equally gifted at picking locks and being a thorn in the side of all, remains a vivid, memorable lead.”
— Kirkus Reviews“[A] fast-paced magical adventure…A great book for fantasy fans who are looking for a captivating tale of magic, danger, and intrigue.”
— Children’s Literature“In this story, some of the action shifts to the desert city Desh, where shadowmen who may be responsible for terrorizing Wellmet reside. Compact yet exciting fare for younger fantasy fans.”
— Booklist" Second book in the magic Thief series, and it's very similar to the first one, which is on the Caudill list this year, I think. The main character is likable and elicits empathy from the reader. Boys will especially enjoy this series, I think. "
— Pattyb, 5/6/2011" While not as good as the first book, the story is still worth reading. Conn has learned how to talk to the magic through pyrotechnics. Exciting! "
— Beth/Sr., 4/4/2011" Fun story. The first part was a little slow, but it picked up quickly. I really enjoy this small world of magic, although this was a bit of a cliffhanger....which just means I'll have to check out the third book soon. "
— David, 2/28/2011" I liked the first book better. But I'll probably still read the third in this series just to know how it ends. "
— Ruth, 12/22/2010" A thick atmosphere that pulls you in completely. "
— Jeffery, 11/19/2010" I enjoyed this second book as much or more than the first. Nice progression of the unfolding of mysteries. Happy to add to my personal collection. "
— M, 10/26/2010Sarah Prineas is an author of fantasy fiction books for children, young adults, and grown-ups. She is the author of the Winterling trilogy, the the Ash and Bramble series, and the Magic Thief series, which was published in the United States and in seventeen other languages around the world. She lives in Iowa with her mad-scientist husband, two kids, two dogs, two cats, chickens, and a bunch of goats.
Greg Steinbruner is an actor, audiobook narrator, playwright, and public-speaking consultant. He studied at NYU’s Tisch School and writes, directs, and produces his own plays in New York City. He has lent his vocal talents to such books as The Magic Thief, Larklight, Starcross, and the Origami Yoda series.