Oh my gosh, this is the second book by Lee Edward Fodi that he's hit out of the ballpark into the stratosphere! This was an amazing read. I gobbled up this story. It's a steamroller from start to finish, and he does it with a character who's got a bad attitude, at least at the beginning.
But what's key is that you can empathize with Cara Moon. She's a student in a magical boarding school without any magic of her own. In fact, she's given a broom to sweep up the detritus the magic of others creates. Her "non-magic" track at school is even labeled MOP -- for Magical Occurrence Purgers. Yuck!
But she's also kinda got a bad attitude about it and that significantly limits how she views herself, what she's learning and her role, overall, amid magic-wielders. (Because it's far more important than she suspects). She's resentful, bitter, begrudging. She's not sure why her school mentor has taken her on, just that he doesn't even like to look at her. In her grey sweeper dress, with her broom, she's the butt of jokes and bullying and treated like…a janitor.
Until there's a rip in the magical field, and her nemesis -- the Chosen One, Harlee Wu -- casts a spell that leaves behind downright deadly hazardous waste. When it happens a second time, on an outing to investigate where it's coming from, it's even partially sentient hazardous waste.
But Cara's also acquiring allies, including an egg of a little creature she refuses to kill. It's a kind, merciful gesture that has a big payoff later on.
I won't reveal the plot twists and turns! In typical Fodi-style there's just too many and if I go much further, I'll reveal too much and spoil it for you. And you really want to read this for yourself.
It's a great read, one I'm excited to offer as a Holiday Pick. Enjoy!
