FANTASTIC FRIDAY: The Firelight Apprentice by Bree Paulson

 

THE FIRELIGHT APPRENTICE    

written & illustrated by Bree Paulsen

Quill Tree Books, 2024

ISBN: 978-0-06-326659-9

Source: publisher for review

Ages 9-12

All opinions expressed are solely my own.

Book cover & summary provided by the publisher through Goodreads.com.

ABOUT THE BOOK

In a city powered by magic and still recovering from a bloody war, Ada is concerned about her younger sister Safi’s developing powers. She understands that Safi could learn how to control her magic under the apprenticeship of a king's magician. But with the memories of war still fresh, Ada is conflicted by this prospect—despite her knowing that she can’t keep Safi safely at home with the threat of deadly, power-thieving liches prowling the kingdom.

When a traveling group of magicians comes to the city to perform, they immediately recognize Safi’s talents and offer to take her on as an apprentice. Safi is thrilled about her new adventure—even if that means leaving behind Ada and their sickly father. And Ada is right to worry about her sister, for there may be monsters hiding behind friendly faces…

REVIEW

The Firelight Apprentice highlights the bond between sisters, Ada and Safi, in a world striving to recover from a war. After losing their mother in the war, and with their father suffering from a disease of the lungs, Ada becomes responsible for helping run the family's shop and for helping her sister develop her growing magical talents. The arrival of an old magician in town inspires Safi to learn to use her magic. Knowing her father isn't healthy enough to train her sister, Ada seeks an apprenticeship with a traveling group of magicians, even knowing Safi will be required to work for the king afterwards. Safi is thrilled with her situation and the opportunity to learn to use her magic instead of holding it in. But she misses her family desperately and doesn't receive the letters her sister sends. And the threat of liches, creatures who steal and use other people's magic, grows stronger throughout the story. 

Paulsen's gorgeous art really shines in this story of magic, family bonds, and survival. Safi and Ava make especially sympathetic characters; Safi because of her difficulties restraining the magic that wants to get out, and Ada because of the burden of caring for her sick father, the shop, and her little sister. The lush spreads of the war-torn countryside and remarkable places that Safi gets to visit during her training is fascinating and brings the setting to life. The story packs an emotional punch with its twists and turns, betrayals and surprises, losses and gains. A powerful story for young graphic novel enthusiasts who enjoy a story with darker origins and deeper themes than many graphic novels. Recommended.