MAGIC AT THE GRAND DRAGONFLY THEATRE

Two sisters, one of whom harbors a forbidden magical talent, attempt to protect each other from dangers seen and unseen.

Since their parents’ unwilling military conscription, Iris and Violet Ashmore have been their Uncle Leo’s wards, living and working in his magnificent Grand Dragonfly Theatre. Iris has a passion for acting and dreams of Royal Theatre stardom, but her playwright sister’s identity as a Conjuror, with more advanced magical abilities than a mere Illusionist, means Violet must stay hidden or she’ll face their parents’ fate. When a handsome boy, who comes with a glowing recommendation, joins the theater’s employ, his charm quickly grows on Iris, despite her better judgment. But Alec is harboring a dark secret—he’s working for a devious bounty hunter, who’s convinced that one Ashmore sister must be a Conjuror, possessing the True Gift. It doesn’t take long for a conflict to arise between Alec’s desperation to provide for his family and his growing affection for his target, though there may be no way to avoid destiny. June strikes a literary tone, with descriptive worldbuilding, an intriguing magic system, and a gentle, immersive plot. Despite the large cast, the characters are well drawn and engaging, offering opportunities for exploring the deep bonds among both biological and chosen family—and sweet romance for good measure. June’s writing is accessible to intrepid young teens, and complex enough to satisfy an older crowd. The leads read white, and there’s some diversity among the secondary characters.

A dramatic marvel.