Spellwright

December 21, 2009
Debut novelist Charlton creates a complex world in which magical abilities depend on the ability to handle words. Apprentice wizard Nicodemus Weal was once thought to be the prophesied Halcyon, but his inability to control spells sends him to the bottom of the pecking order. When murders and strange activities coincide with the Convocation at Starhaven, visiting wizards and druids begin to wonder whether Nicodemus might in fact be the anti-Halcyon. While the magic system is intriguing and carefully described, the setting is never fully realized, and Nicodemus's interactions with other teachers and students seem to take place in a world bereft of supporting characters. Charlton's baroque prose perfectly mirrors the central role of language and the byzantine politics surrounding the Convocation and the potential prophecy, and the innovative spell craft will please fantasy readers weary of more traditional magics.

Starred review from December 15, 2009
Nicodemus Weal, a young spellcaster and student at the magic school in Starhaven, is a cacographera mage whose misspellings send his spells in unpredictable and sometimes disastrous directions. His mentor believes he may be the prophesied Halcyon, destined to save the world; others believe him to be the Storm Petrel, a mage fated to destroy all magic. VERDICT Charlton's debut presents a refreshingly new look at magic and the power of words. Nicodemus is a strong protagonist, but the supporting cast is equally as memorable, two qualities that will make this series opener resonate in the reader's mind. Highly recommended.

Copyright 2009 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

Starred review from February 15, 2010
Charltons first novel superbly tells the story of a young man searching for his place in the world. Would-be spellwright (i.e., wizard) Nicodemus Weal may be the only person able to prevent a magical apocalypse. Or maybe hell bring about the end of magic. He desperately wants to become a wizard but has a big problem: hes a cacographer. In his world, magic can be written in many languages, but rather than on paper, spells are recorded in the casters muscles and released into reality with a flick of the wrist. For Nico, anything he touches is instantly misspelled, and when this happens with magical texts, the consequences can be deadly. From the very start, Charlton draws us into Nicos world. The character is eminently believable, and his difficulty with spelling will strike a chord with many. Charltons unique take on how magic is cast will tickle magic fans despite, or because of, its bearing very little resemblance to magic la Harry Potter. The title of the book is a play on words, of course, since Nico must learn to spell right to become a true spellwright. At storys end, he is at last credibly preparing for what he believes is his destiny, leaving readers anxiously expecting the next batch of his adventures.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2010, American Library Association.)