The first installment in this traditional fantasy series spins an emotional coming-of-age tale as young Lessia, frustrated that she hasn’t manifested magical powers, trails behind other children her age, toiling as her blacksmith father’s apprentice. When her powers at last reveal themselves, when she comes to the aid of miners trapped in a tunnel, Lessia is sent to the Academy of Magic to hone her gifts. There, as a young Luxmancer, a mage who can control light, she’ll be tested as she joins a band of mercenaries in a quest to overthrow Zavus, the dark lord bent on destroying the dragon forces that protect the land of Eluramance.

Maloney shows promise in his eye for detail and character and his investment in creating an immersive fantastical world. Despite working within the traditional confines of the fantasy quest, he has built the tale around some freshly imaginative concepts: Eluramance boasts wonders like glass trees, voidbags, and Komeyu, a shining sword crafted from a dragon’s tooth. An intricate mythology and creation story gives nuance to a tale that otherwise risks familiarity, and Lessia is a likable protagonist, whose above-average abilities are tempered by a wide-eyed eagerness.

However, Maloney plays it safe by integrating stock tropes: Eluramance is peopled with elves, dwarves, and orcs who behave as one would come to expect, and expository dialogue slows the pace at times. Future installments may benefit from an appendix to help young readers keep track of characters and magic essentials to firmly ground them in the series. Still, there is a touching emotional weight to the tale that will keep readers invested. The Eluramance Chronicles does not yet break new ground, but a spirit of enthusiasm, adventure, and conviction distinguishes this series kickoff. It will appeal to young readers new to the genre or older ones who favor tradition.

Takeaway: A young woman learns to master her own magic in this traditional but promising fantasy quest.

Great for fans of: Marie Lu’s The Young Elites series, Sue Lynn Tan’s Daughter of the Moon Goddess.

Production grades
Cover: B
Design and typography: A
Illustrations: N/A
Editing: B-
Marketing copy: B+