CHRONICLES OF WHETHERWHY

A nature-based fantasy that’s alive with magic.

In Whetherwhy, everyone contains a bit of magic that’s associated with one of the seasons—enough to make “everyday tasks easier” or provide “a talent at something or other.” Talents are revealed to 13-year-olds on their next Spring Ember Day. The rare children who turn out to be enchanters hone their skills at the Thistledown Academy of Enchantment. Light-skinned, redheaded twins Juniper and Rafferty Quinn must part for the first time when only Juniper is revealed to be an enchanter. But when Juniper is attacked en route to the academy by people intent on stealing her magic, it becomes clear that the world is more complicated than she realized. As Juniper grows more in touch with her magic, Rafferty feels increasingly frustrated and alienated. He eventually joins the Papercut Society, a group that’s working to rectify (by whatever means necessary) what they perceive as deep inequities in magical distribution. Fans of the magic school genre will enjoy this series opener. The characters face complex problems, and James gives them grace and opportunities for growth. Wyatt’s ethereal, atmospheric illustrations nicely supplement important parts of the story. Interludes featuring a storytelling grandfather and listening grandchildren are distracting, but the book offers much to think about in terms of inequality and what talents are celebrated.

An appealing book set in a magical world where nature and interconnectivity are celebrated.