First, The Conjurer

by Mary Locke Jolley

ELLIE KENWORTHY has accepted her fate as the nerdy middle school loner who practices enchanting in secret. Then a mystic scientist called the Alchemist changes everything when she kidnaps Ellie's cousin, Abe. While their parents search for Abe, Ellie and her older brother Liam flee to the safety of Enchanted Gorge Ranch.

The ranch is full of strange mysteries, like wicked weeds that love to trip passersby, and a raccoon with a peculiar love for the grouchy cowboy, Crowley.

But while the ranch is fun to explore, there is no time to mess around. Because of the Alchemist's actions, Liam is in danger of explosive magical overload. Not only that, the ranch is full of people keeping secrets. Even Enchanted Gorge Ranch might not be safe from the Alchemist.

Readers who enjoyed Fablehaven and Amari and the Night Brothers are sure to love this twisting tale of courage, family, and magic of epic proportions.

255 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 4, 2023

Reviews

[Better Book Bureau · Rating 4 out of 5]

REVIEW OF First, the Conjurer by @marylockejolley

SYNOPSIS
"Ellie Kenworthy has accepted her fate as the nerdy middle school loner who practices enchanting in secret. Then a mystic scientist called the Alchemist changes everything when she kidnaps their cousin, Abe. While their parents search for Abe, Ellie and her older brother Liam flee to the safety of Enchanted Gorge Ranch.

"The ranch is full of strange mysteries, like wicked weeds that love to trip passersby, and a raccoon with a peculiar love for the grouchy cowboy, Crowley.

"But while the ranch is fun to explore, there is no time to mess around. Because of the Alchemist's actions, Liam is in danger of explosive magical overload. Not only that, the ranch is full of people keeping secrets. Even Enchanted Gorge Ranch might not be safe from the Alchemist."

BRIEF REVIEW
This was an enjoyable read! I read it with my husband, who said it was easily 5 stars. The magic system was interesting, and there were a few plot twists I didn't see coming. Maybe best of all was that it does not contain strong language or excessive violence like some middle grade fantasy books.

Occasionally, I didn't jibe with a few things about the plot/characters or writing, but that's my opinion. You may disagree! Overall, it was a very fun read. We blew through it in 3 days days. I definitely think we'll read the second one when it comes out.

I would definitely recommend this to readers of middle grade fantasy! My enjoyment of it was similar to my enjoyment of the Potion Masters books.

BRIEF CONTENT GUIDE
😘🙊🍷🤕 All mild or N/A

BOTTOM LINE
If you like middle grade fantasy, such as Fablehaven or Potion Masters, you'll probably enjoy this one!

FULL REVIEW AND CONTENT GUIDE on blog (betterbookbureau.weebly.com)

#firsttheconjurer

[Kelsey Haver · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was so fun and an honor to read a book written by my friend. It was such a delightful, fun, easy read. The preteen crowd would absolutely love it. Good job, Mary! I’m so impressed! Love you!

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

An absolute joy to read. Every character is like able and well formed. The story is paced well for its intended audience and it engages the reader from the very first chapter! Looking forward to the next books!

[Chantel Burnham · Rating 5 out of 5]

A clean, fun adventure that is great for all ages! I loved the family dynamics of the Kenworthy's, as well as the unique magic system, and the spooky looming threat! I also loved how the main character is so relatable for my inner child! I was a nerd that had a hard time being social as a kid, and I love seeing that represented, and I loved to see Ellie grow in her confidence. I love seeing smart characters, and Ellie is so smart, even if she does make mistakes, which is also relatable. I loved the adventure and danger and the fact that the main character tried hard things even when they were scary, and overcame difficult situations. Ellie is a great character, and I love the sibling dynamics of the Ellie and Liam, plus the setting of the ranch is so fun! I'm so excited for the next book in the series! May contain some scary moments for younger audiences, but is perfect for preteens and teens alike!

[Desiree Wills Velazco · Rating 5 out of 5]

Look. I understand this is supposed to be a book for older kids. Did that stop me from staying up late in the middle of the night because I couldn't stop reading it? No. No, it did not. I love how unique this book is, how quick paced it is. There was literally never a boring moment. You end up falling in love with the characters and HAVE to know what's next. I love the authors unique take on magic and the world of magic she has created, making it seem more scientific and something legit plausible. I don't know. I'm not a fancy book critic. I just know I really loved this book and can't wait for the next 🤩

[Fridelgard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Written in an accessible way for all ages to enjoy; First, The Conjurer reminds me of why I fell in love with reading and writing as a child and I'm excited to share my copy with other young fantasy fans. The Kenworthy Cure combines much of what makes the "secret magical world" genre great and builds upon it further. Between a magical system and world the author has clearly put time into designing and justifying, while also leaving plenty of room for clever shenanigans, almost every page contained an exciting or interesting moment that draws you into Mary Locke Jolley's fantastical world.

[Penny · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it!!!
I really enjoyed this book. I read it one day at the beach. It’s a great story. I also enjoyed how magic was explained not just taken for granted. The other great thing was it was completely clean and age appropriate. I feel
confident recommending it to all my nieces and nephews. Such a refreshing change to find a book that kids and adult can both enjoy. Love the characters and so well written! I can picture all the places in my mind because the writing was so vivid! Can’t wait for the next one!

[Jess · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a great debut novel!! I recommend this book to anyone who loves magic, adventure, and exploring family dynamics.

I enjoyed spending time with our main characters and look forward to the next installment. The setting was fun and the magic was interesting. The stakes matched the target audience well and the pacing was quick while maintaining depth and growth for the characters.

If you are looking for a middle grade story full of magic or something to share with a child in that age group, then this may be the book for you!

Happy reading! 🙂

[Jaralee Metcalf · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a perfect book for readers 8-12 years old! They're going to LOVE it! If you, as a parent or family member, are anything like me, you want to start your kids into the world of fantasy at a young age. This is the perfect book for that!
It's a good length, with a fun, adventurous plot! It will keep them engaged!
I kept thinking of my students from my last job when it came to some of the funny thoughts and dialog that the kids shared, it's so perfect! 😁

[Mary Hawkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Go on an adventure with Ellie as she explores her budding magic, struggles with her own insecurities, while also fighting to save her family from evil forces with a not so ordinary raccoon by her side.

This was a delightful debut novel and I can’t wait for next installments. If you’re a fan of ‘Percy Jackson’ or ‘Amari And the Night Brothers’ then you’ll love ‘First, The Conjurer.’

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Percy Jackson and Lockwood & Co. and this book is right up there with them.
Ellie is so relatable as she has to dig deep to find courage to save those she loves which had me hooked as as adult. This is also a great read for kids--even those who may not love reading because they will find that the magic and the secrets will suck them in! A great family message as well.

[Kat M · Rating 5 out of 5]

this was a great start to the Kenworthy Cure series, it had everything that I needed from the description. The characters were wonderfully written and I was hooked from the first page. Mary Locke Jolley has a great writing style and I enjoyed the cover of this novel.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Matt · Rating 5 out of 5]

A captivating story with a perfect blend of mystery, adventure, and character development, transporting you through an extraordinary world brimming with magic. Each chapter unravels a new level of mystery and suspense that keeps you effortlessly reading further.

A fun adventure for all ages. Looking forward to the next book!

[Gary Ray · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely have to give this book a 5 star rating. The flow and ebb of the story kept me wanting more. Every time I set it, I'd think, "Okay, what's gonna happen next?" and the ending, absolutely love it. Was not expecting the outcome to be who it was, but it's perfect!!! Can't wait for book 2 to be finished and released so I can keep reading about Ellie and Liam and the Kenworthy's.

[Angelica Jackson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Discovering she has magical powers, just like her extended family and other mystickind, should be the highlight of Ellie’s young life. But with secrets and sinister scientists in the mix, Ellie won’t have time to enjoy her gifts before she’s whirled away to mystery and adventure—and a chance to save her brother from a shattering fate.

[Tracey Dunning · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is adventurous drawing you into a magical world- within the world and locations we already know. It reminded me a lot of Harry Potter. I would add that similar to Harry Potter, it is also a little frightening if a younger reader is disturbed by things such as kidnapping. But most young readers would LOVE this series! Definitely recommend.

[Anna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ellie is a very relatable character. Side characters are more complex than what you expect at first glance. This book has a huge range of emotions from isolation to belonging with heartbreaking and heartwarming scenes among others. This is a fun quick read that young bookworms will devour.

[Deirdre Stokes · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a cute charming book and I just love the innocence of Elle and the magical world she was learning about.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Wendi Alston · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fun book!

I loved the relationship between Ellie and Liam. This is a wonderful first book!!
I can’t wait for the next one.

[Susan]

Rating and review withheld until after Whitney Awards judging is completed.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

I might be a little biased, but I think this book is awesome.