Part of The Paper Magician
First published 2018
Alvie Brechenmacher travels to London to train as a Polymaker, learning to enchant plastic through magical means. This newest branch of magic offers endless possibilities for discovery, and Alvie throws herself into her studies with fierce determination. Her mentor Marion Praff shares her passion for innovation, and Alvie's fresh energy sparks new life into the master magician's research. Working together, they develop an invention that could transform Polymaking forever. But their breakthrough attracts dangerous attention when a competitor discovers their work and plots to steal their creation. Alvie must outwit this rival before he can claim credit for their discovery. She faces the harsh reality that magical academia harbors those willing to cheat and deceive for glory. Alvie's journey forces her to balance her inventor's heart with the cunning needed to protect her work in a world where brilliant discoveries can be stolen by those who refuse to play by the rules.
Genres: adventure, fantasy, magical-realism, young-adult, academic
Vibes: competitive, determined, inventive, magical, suspenseful
Tropes: coming-of-age, mentor-student, rivals-to-conflict, theft-and-deception
Setting: London
233 pages · Kindle Edition · 47North