Sabin, E. Rose. A school for sorcery - Young Adult Review - Book Review

Kliatt, Jan, 2004 by Nancy Chrismer

Tor, Starscape. 318p. c2002. 0-765-34219-7. $5.99. JS *

Harry Potter fans rejoice! This novel is a must for every library serving them. In this book, Tria, the main character, is sent to the Leslie Simonton School for the Magically Gifted. When she arrives, she is taken aback by the appearance of the school, the professors, and the other students. It certainly does not look like a place that would be beneficial to anybody, let alone to those with special gifts. But Tria is confronted with adventures almost immediately, and must deal at once with a spiteful, nasty roommate who has a strange tendency to turn into a black panther when she is upset, other students who also have strange and unusual gifts, and professors who are not what they seem.

As the story progresses, Tria is confronted by Oryon, a male student who is intent on summoning evil forces, and eventually on putting everyone into grave danger, most of all Tria. As one nasty event leads into another, it is only Tria who is going to be able to save the school and her classmates. To do so, she must confront the evil that Oryon has unleashed, and find a way to triumph. With the help of her friends and some very unlikely allies, she emerges victorious from a cataclysmic battle. The story doesn't end after the battle however; Tria must continue on in the school, and must prepare for graduation. At the graduation ceremony, Tria is saddened by the special gifts that are given to all the others as she sees that there is not much left for her. It is only when she takes a close look at what she receives that she realizes what she has been given. The reader is left with the satisfying feeling that the story has come full circle.

Tria is an intriguing character, and a sequel would be welcome so that readers could follow her as she steps into adulthood with her gifts. This is an excellent choice for those who ask, after they read Harry Potter. "What can I read next?" Nancy Chrismer, Libn., Juniata H.S., Mifflintown, PA

J--Recommended for junior high school students. The contents are of particular interest to young adolescents and their teachers.

S--Recommended for senior high school students.

*--The asterisk highlights exceptional books.