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The Conjureverse #3
The Deadly Fates
The fantasy adventure continues in the third book of the instant New York Times and #1 Indie Bestseller, The Marvellers by Dhonielle Clayton! Return for Year Three at the global magic school in the sky in The Deadly Fates.
When Ella, Brigit, and Jason return for their third year at the Arcanum Training Institute, they discover a dark plot brewing. Secrets and deception surround the magic school's founders, and the trio will stop at nothing to find out what really happened to the Institute's enigmatic Conjure architect. As they dive deeper into the mystery, it leads them to the Underworld and the Cards of Deadly Fate—a seemingly impenetrable prison full of villains. And worst of all, their old nemesis, Gia Trivelino, awaits them, ready to wreak more havoc.
With tensions between Conjure folks and Marvellers at a fever pitch, the trio must face the living and the dead to get the answers they need to protect their world.
When Ella, Brigit, and Jason return for their third year at the Arcanum Training Institute, they discover a dark plot brewing. Secrets and deception surround the magic school's founders, and the trio will stop at nothing to find out what really happened to the Institute's enigmatic Conjure architect. As they dive deeper into the mystery, it leads them to the Underworld and the Cards of Deadly Fate—a seemingly impenetrable prison full of villains. And worst of all, their old nemesis, Gia Trivelino, awaits them, ready to wreak more havoc.
With tensions between Conjure folks and Marvellers at a fever pitch, the trio must face the living and the dead to get the answers they need to protect their world.
352 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 4, 2025
38 people are currently reading
589 people want to read
About the author
Dhonielle Clayton
40 books2,629 followersDhonielle Clayton is a New York Times bestselling author of The Marvellers series, The Belles series, Shattered Midnight, co-author of Blackout, Whiteout, The Rumor Game, and of the Tiny Pretty Things duology, a Netflix original series. She hails from the Washington, D.C. suburbs on the Maryland side. She taught secondary school for several years, and is a former elementary and middle school librarian. She is COO of the non-profit We Need Diverse Books. She is the President and founder of Cake Creative and Electric Postcard Entertainment, IP story companies creating diverse books for all ages. She’s an avid traveller, and always on the hunt for magic and mischief. Find her on Instagram: @brownbookworm.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
February 1, 2025
You have no idea how impatiently I’ve waited for this book. This series has quickly skyrocketed to the top of my list. Family secrets, dystopian reality, new conjuring powers. For adults or super aware children this hits home for a sign of the times. How do these just keep getting better?! I love so many books from Dhonielle Clayton, but these are by far my favorite. Please tell me there will be more?
The friend drama, trying to understand each other’s cultures, family histories, and now some teenage/preteen angst! Poor Brigit…
Yes the plot, setting, and timing are all perfection, but where Clayton really excels is character work. Masterji Thakur is my favorite! Best character in all three books thus far. He is welcoming, warm, and funny, like a cup of hot tea and cozy sweater. Clayton has truly mastered the art of developing side characters that have so much personality and depth. This series is fast paced and action packed with mystery and intrigue to boot. I think people of all ages will enjoy this series.
Check out the series website and take the fun quizzes!
https://www.theconjureverseseries.com...
Real Time Notes:
25%
“Conjure Ban” 😂 …contraband
50%
“Depending on our new president and his agenda, who will get to live there? Some are positioning for it to have no conjure businesses and not to allow conjures to work or even visit.”
(Wow, the timing of this book.)
SPOILERS!
70%
Finally Ella got her companion!
(Laheem? I couldn’t find the spelling online and I only received the audio file for this arc.)
“Conjure Companions arrive to you in your greatest time of need. Or at least that’s what my mom said.”-Jason
91%
I’m heartbroken! 💔 😭
“She just took off running.” Me too, Ella, me too…
“I don’t want you to spend your time chasing a ghost.” If only we could implement the wisdom in this lesson from the age of childhood. I’m not crying. Nope, those aren’t tears.
Grand Finale:
“Sometimes the only way to make real change requires destroying the old and making space for the new.” -Gia (Brigit’s mom)
And here I thought there might not be another book. Dear MacMillan, if you feel so inclined to send me the next installment or even the entire series I would not turn them down nor will I stop gushing about Dhonielle Clayton. Flawless!
The friend drama, trying to understand each other’s cultures, family histories, and now some teenage/preteen angst! Poor Brigit…
Yes the plot, setting, and timing are all perfection, but where Clayton really excels is character work. Masterji Thakur is my favorite! Best character in all three books thus far. He is welcoming, warm, and funny, like a cup of hot tea and cozy sweater. Clayton has truly mastered the art of developing side characters that have so much personality and depth. This series is fast paced and action packed with mystery and intrigue to boot. I think people of all ages will enjoy this series.
Check out the series website and take the fun quizzes!
https://www.theconjureverseseries.com...
Real Time Notes:
25%
“Conjure Ban” 😂 …contraband
50%
“Depending on our new president and his agenda, who will get to live there? Some are positioning for it to have no conjure businesses and not to allow conjures to work or even visit.”
(Wow, the timing of this book.)
SPOILERS!
70%
Finally Ella got her companion!
(Laheem? I couldn’t find the spelling online and I only received the audio file for this arc.)
“Conjure Companions arrive to you in your greatest time of need. Or at least that’s what my mom said.”-Jason
91%
I’m heartbroken! 💔 😭
“She just took off running.” Me too, Ella, me too…
“I don’t want you to spend your time chasing a ghost.” If only we could implement the wisdom in this lesson from the age of childhood. I’m not crying. Nope, those aren’t tears.
Grand Finale:
“Sometimes the only way to make real change requires destroying the old and making space for the new.” -Gia (Brigit’s mom)
And here I thought there might not be another book. Dear MacMillan, if you feel so inclined to send me the next installment or even the entire series I would not turn them down nor will I stop gushing about Dhonielle Clayton. Flawless!
July 4, 2025
3.5 stars rounded up. I always have a hard time with the endings of the books in this series. They feel very rushed and like certain elements don’t make sense but are never explained. Also, the writing feels pretty distant in this one; I never quite felt like I was in Ella’s head, even though it was told from her POV. But I still love this world and want to live there. Will be continuing on with this series for sure.
January 30, 2025
Thank you to Macmillan Audio and NetGalley for the ALC!
Another solid entry in the Conjureverse series. I loved the addition of Abina, Miguel, and Regan to Ella's investigative group, and the mysteries around Ella's family and the Arcanum Founders kept me glued to my audiobook.
This is definitely the heaviest entry in the series yet, with Ella and her friends struggling emotionally to deal with how their lives have changed and the toll of the many dark secrets of the Marvellers. Hopefully this is the "darkest before the dawn" entry in the series, though it does end on a *huge* cliffhanger, and I wonder how everything will wrap up in the last book.
Stellar narration, as always, by Joniece Abbott-Pratt.
Another solid entry in the Conjureverse series. I loved the addition of Abina, Miguel, and Regan to Ella's investigative group, and the mysteries around Ella's family and the Arcanum Founders kept me glued to my audiobook.
This is definitely the heaviest entry in the series yet, with Ella and her friends struggling emotionally to deal with how their lives have changed and the toll of the many dark secrets of the Marvellers. Hopefully this is the "darkest before the dawn" entry in the series, though it does end on a *huge* cliffhanger, and I wonder how everything will wrap up in the last book.
Stellar narration, as always, by Joniece Abbott-Pratt.
January 31, 2025
*4.5 Stars*
I was provided an ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
This series keeps being great. I loved getting back into this universe and seeing the conflicts and story unfold even more. I fell right back into it and I had the best time. However, it felt a little bit like not much was happening, until the very end, when it truly pickled up. And it ended.
Still, a great third book and I can't wait for the next one!
I was provided an ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
This series keeps being great. I loved getting back into this universe and seeing the conflicts and story unfold even more. I fell right back into it and I had the best time. However, it felt a little bit like not much was happening, until the very end, when it truly pickled up. And it ended.
Still, a great third book and I can't wait for the next one!
March 21, 2025
First, my plea for everyone to READ THIS SERIES. It's the only one that ACTUALLY gives me the same feelings and vibes as Harry Potter, but with diversity and not a transphobic author.
I was unsure starting this book how much it was going to wrap up since its her last year "in the lower school". Not much at all is the answer, but that means more Conjureverse novels and I'm all for it.
I was unsure starting this book how much it was going to wrap up since its her last year "in the lower school". Not much at all is the answer, but that means more Conjureverse novels and I'm all for it.
April 9, 2025
This is a fun children’s book series and I’m already looking forward to book 4!! It was nice to see our main characters a little bit older and dealing with emotion changes and friendship hurts and things definitely felt more grown up. The world in this as always is so beautifully diverse and magical and it’s good for my inner child honestly.
February 18, 2025
Wow, this was simply amazing! I've binged this series over the last week, starting with book 1 in anticipation of reviewing this 3rd novel in the series. This book is phenomenal. Much like in the 2nd book, the reader gets time with the family in the Conjure world. I am invested in the mystery at the Marvellers school but also want to go through a year of Conjure school as well.
This pretty much picks up where book 2 left off. This installment offers many reveals, introduces new characters, has a bit more serious theme, and deals with growing pains between friends. More magic is revealed, more history is revealed, and there is a serious bit at the end that I won't reveal for spoilers sake.
The relationship between the Marvellers and the Conjurors feels so relevant to current times that it's almost eery. The author couldn't have known we'd be living through these perilous times when this was written, but it feels like she did. Marvellers have their own MAGA element. This ends on both a cliffhanger and a bang.
This audiobook is beautifully narrated by Joniece Abbott-Pratt. Her voices for each character are distinct and impressive. The accents are superb, as is the pronunciation of non-English words with comfort, ease, and a great accent. All of that, plus her ability to hold so much emotion in her voice, just brings this novel and these characters to life. Joniece was the narrator for the first 2 books as well. Definitely do yourself a favor and consume this on audiobook. It's an experience not to be missed.
Thank you to Dhonielle Clayton, Macmillan Audio, and NetGalley for the opportunity to listen to and review this audiobook. All opinions and viewpoints expressed in this review are my own.
This pretty much picks up where book 2 left off. This installment offers many reveals, introduces new characters, has a bit more serious theme, and deals with growing pains between friends. More magic is revealed, more history is revealed, and there is a serious bit at the end that I won't reveal for spoilers sake.
The relationship between the Marvellers and the Conjurors feels so relevant to current times that it's almost eery. The author couldn't have known we'd be living through these perilous times when this was written, but it feels like she did. Marvellers have their own MAGA element. This ends on both a cliffhanger and a bang.
This audiobook is beautifully narrated by Joniece Abbott-Pratt. Her voices for each character are distinct and impressive. The accents are superb, as is the pronunciation of non-English words with comfort, ease, and a great accent. All of that, plus her ability to hold so much emotion in her voice, just brings this novel and these characters to life. Joniece was the narrator for the first 2 books as well. Definitely do yourself a favor and consume this on audiobook. It's an experience not to be missed.
Thank you to Dhonielle Clayton, Macmillan Audio, and NetGalley for the opportunity to listen to and review this audiobook. All opinions and viewpoints expressed in this review are my own.
April 21, 2025
4 ah yes one of my few favorite trio's are back again and Bridget has got to be my favorite character through out this book especially the mystery surrounding her parentage and whole childhood in question which we got more information from in the last book. I liked the underworld world building in this book. And ah yes ANOTHER cliffhanger these authors are gonna kill me (I'm looking at you Tracey Deon, B.B Alston and Dhonielle Clayton) Like this endings are diabolical and always end at the worst timing) But nonetheless I'm planning on reading the 4th book!
April 22, 2025
Omg that cliffhanger ending!
October 15, 2025
Holy cliffhanger.
February 9, 2025
Thank you, NetGalley and Macmillan Audio | Macmillan Young Listeners for this ARC audiobook for review. I was super excited that I was approved for this book as I loved the first 2 books in this series and have been eagerly awaiting this sequel! This book definitely did not disappoint as the 3rd book in the Conjurverse series delves more into the Marvellers vs Conjurers mystery as Ella is back at the Arcanum Training Institute for year 3. More secrets are revealed and Ella is still at the head of it. This series is so good!!!
January 30, 2025
Thank you Macmillan Audio, Macmillan Young Listeners, and NetGalley for the advanced electronic audio review copy of this book. This is the third volume in the Conjureverse series with the same great characters, nonstop action, a mystery, and magic. In this book we find out who the enigmatic architect is while there is more to discover in the next volume. Can’t wait for the next book and looking forward to sharing this one with my students!
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April 2, 2025Not finished, abandoned at page 154, no rating given
I've had enough.
I was already getting some doubts during Book 2, even though I didn't mention them back then. But the story was becoming increasingly political, and that's not something I'm looking for in books - to the contrary, I like to actively avoid it. However, it's clear that The Deadly Fates is going the same way, and is becoming ever more socially committed as well. It's clearly a metaphor for oppression and racism (especially in the US), and I just don't want to read books in which the metaphors are so obvious. And Clayton falls into the trap of double standards several times as well - I'm not say that the Marvellers are right when they want to put Conjurors in a ghetto or something, but I am saying that it is mentioned several times that some Conjurors in the olden days did do bad things in the world. So you don't get to act all high and mighty with me, and as if they're all so great and good.
Ella is also getting more and more obnoxious. She often acts idiotic and irresponsible, like when her thoughts drift off all the fucking time and she gets into trouble. Get your act together. You're not going to save the world by not paying attention in class if they're actually teaching you stuff you need to know, or by interrupting your teachers all the time with questions they're going to answer anyway, even though they'll do it in their own time.
She's becoming incredibly egoistic, too, just look at how she treats Birgit. Everything is always about herself, and her friend needs to solve her own problems. I quit this book right after a scene in which the two of them have , and I wholeheartedly agree with Birgit.
Lastly, I simply assumed that this series was going to consist of three books, because, you know, three is an author's favourite number when it comes to a book series, but I just had a quick look at the end of the book and Clayton clearly isn't planning on quitting in the near future. There's at least a Book 4 in the pipeline, and I noticed that there are at the very least seven levels at the Academy. With each book up to now covering one year... does that mean this is going to be a Harry Potter-length series? Whatever its length, I won't be continuing this series.
I've had enough.
I was already getting some doubts during Book 2, even though I didn't mention them back then. But the story was becoming increasingly political, and that's not something I'm looking for in books - to the contrary, I like to actively avoid it. However, it's clear that The Deadly Fates is going the same way, and is becoming ever more socially committed as well. It's clearly a metaphor for oppression and racism (especially in the US), and I just don't want to read books in which the metaphors are so obvious. And Clayton falls into the trap of double standards several times as well - I'm not say that the Marvellers are right when they want to put Conjurors in a ghetto or something, but I am saying that it is mentioned several times that some Conjurors in the olden days did do bad things in the world. So you don't get to act all high and mighty with me, and as if they're all so great and good.
Ella is also getting more and more obnoxious. She often acts idiotic and irresponsible, like when her thoughts drift off all the fucking time and she gets into trouble. Get your act together. You're not going to save the world by not paying attention in class if they're actually teaching you stuff you need to know, or by interrupting your teachers all the time with questions they're going to answer anyway, even though they'll do it in their own time.
She's becoming incredibly egoistic, too, just look at how she treats Birgit. Everything is always about herself, and her friend needs to solve her own problems. I quit this book right after a scene in which the two of them have , and I wholeheartedly agree with Birgit.
Lastly, I simply assumed that this series was going to consist of three books, because, you know, three is an author's favourite number when it comes to a book series, but I just had a quick look at the end of the book and Clayton clearly isn't planning on quitting in the near future. There's at least a Book 4 in the pipeline, and I noticed that there are at the very least seven levels at the Academy. With each book up to now covering one year... does that mean this is going to be a Harry Potter-length series? Whatever its length, I won't be continuing this series.
March 14, 2025
This book definitely kicked it up a notch from the last. In the second book, I felt like the various story lines were a little disjointed and lacking direction. However, as Ella and co are getting older and exiting childhood in this book, things are all coming to a head. Ella, Jason, and Brigit are full blown teens and are starting to grapple with more adult problems. It challenges them to continue to face their relationships and struggles with bravery and also challenges their parents too. Where they used to be protected from that world they are about to inherit from their parents, we now see those walls of safety starting to crumble away whether it’s through incidental discoveries or kicking those walls down as these kids seek to understand themselves, their world, and their place in it. A great installment.
April 6, 2025
Spoiler-free review: This series has quickly become one of my favorites, and the third book did not disappoint. We got to learn more about Ella's family, the Underworld, and the hidden past of the conjurors. When Ella starts uncovering the truth of Arcanum Institute's founding, the truth has ripple effects that cause trouble for the three lead characters, straining their friendship.
The Deadly Fates is a fast-paced, action-packed read brimming with family secrets, hidden truths, and the trials of teenage friendships. As always, Dhonielle Clayton does a masterful job of interweaving various cultures and their traditions in a way that is respectful and enlightening. My favorite part is always hearing about the food and drinks they enjoy at the Institute.
I can't wait to see where Ella and her friends take us next.
The Deadly Fates is a fast-paced, action-packed read brimming with family secrets, hidden truths, and the trials of teenage friendships. As always, Dhonielle Clayton does a masterful job of interweaving various cultures and their traditions in a way that is respectful and enlightening. My favorite part is always hearing about the food and drinks they enjoy at the Institute.
I can't wait to see where Ella and her friends take us next.
April 28, 2025
I am absolutely loving the Conjureverse series, and The Deadly Fates definitely delivers. The story feels eerily similar to what has happened — and is still happening — in parts of the world today. From being forced to register if you’re a Conjure, to stealing the magic and creations of others and claiming them as your own, the parallels to real-world history and injustice are powerful and unsettling.
What I love about this book is how the line between right and wrong keeps blurring. It really makes you question people's motives — are they truly evil, or have they just been painted that way by others? It’s not a simple good vs. bad story, and that complexity makes it even more compelling.
The ending was a major cliffhanger, and now I cannot wait for Book 4. This series is amazing — not just for the magic and the world-building, but for how it holds a mirror to our own past with segregation and hints at the future we could face if we're not careful. Everyone should be reading this series!
What I love about this book is how the line between right and wrong keeps blurring. It really makes you question people's motives — are they truly evil, or have they just been painted that way by others? It’s not a simple good vs. bad story, and that complexity makes it even more compelling.
The ending was a major cliffhanger, and now I cannot wait for Book 4. This series is amazing — not just for the magic and the world-building, but for how it holds a mirror to our own past with segregation and hints at the future we could face if we're not careful. Everyone should be reading this series!
June 21, 2025
What do you do when the people in charge are the ones who are perpetuating lies and misinformation?
Here is where this series is finally gaining some momentum. Up until this book, this series has been an entertaining children’s school story. But things are coming apart in the Conjurverse, and that’s because their entire world is built on the lies Ella and her friends keep exposing. And what do you do when you find out your whole life is built on lies? When your parents are part of the deception? When neighbor is pitted against neighbor, and places that used to be safe no longer are? If you’re Ella Durand, you decide you’re going to fix everything.
Here is where this series is finally gaining some momentum. Up until this book, this series has been an entertaining children’s school story. But things are coming apart in the Conjurverse, and that’s because their entire world is built on the lies Ella and her friends keep exposing. And what do you do when you find out your whole life is built on lies? When your parents are part of the deception? When neighbor is pitted against neighbor, and places that used to be safe no longer are? If you’re Ella Durand, you decide you’re going to fix everything.
February 23, 2025
This is definitely my favorite installment in the series, as Ella starts coming into her own and grows more confident in her powers. I love that for every mystery Ella and friends solve it uncovers a bigger, deeper problem, making it impossible for them to ever pull themselves out (let’s face it, they’re way too curious to ever let a mystery go unsolved). I can’t wait for the next installment!
Joniece Abbott-Pratt did an amazing job with the narration as always. Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for the opportunity to listen to the ARC!
Joniece Abbott-Pratt did an amazing job with the narration as always. Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for the opportunity to listen to the ARC!
March 23, 2025
Ugh, the cliff hanger! I don't want to wait to find out what happens next (this is me throwing a tantrum on the floor). I love how creative Dhonielle Clayton is with the creation of this world. It has similarities to ours, but it also has magic schools that move to random locations and hide within other structures. I can't wait to read the next book in the series (when it has been written and published).
Joniece Abbott-Pratt did a great job narrating this story and I hope they continue narrating this series.
Joniece Abbott-Pratt did a great job narrating this story and I hope they continue narrating this series.
March 9, 2025
Literally loved it. I adored everything about it. I most of all love the fact they are hitting puberty and as well as saving the world they have to deal with all that too.
The Jason and Reagan thing was sooo cute
Plz may we have more of that in the next one
(I started to actually really emphasize with Gia ngl even though I hated her in the 1st book)
Loved how the characters have developed
Cheers to another great installment
❤️❤️❤️
The Jason and Reagan thing was sooo cute
Plz may we have more of that in the next one
(I started to actually really emphasize with Gia ngl even though I hated her in the 1st book)
Loved how the characters have developed
Cheers to another great installment
❤️❤️❤️
July 13, 2025
I read this with my 7 and 9 year old girls. we all absolutely love this entire series. it covers some big topics in a magical way. the writer does such an incredible job creating a fantastical world with real world issues that are tackled in a way that's engaging, emotional, positive and empowering. I can't say enough amazing things about this book and the entire series. can't wait for the next book.
May 14, 2025
I was almost lost trying to get through this book because I had forgotten some of the events from the last two books. I see we are going to have to go the actual fours years with this group to see how it ends. So far we are doing good I’m hoping for a good plot twist and happy ending when this is all said and done.
July 12, 2025
The best book in the series by far! I loved the stories and the development of all the characters! Also had one of the saddest moments in the series so far, and the ending was very exciting! I'm looking forward to the next one and also, slight spoiler: I really want Ella and Jason's relationship to develop into a romance, they were really cute throughout this whole book!
August 8, 2025
This series just keeps getting better, and more intense!
I appreciate the way so much of the story parallels current events (and historical events-things that have happened and that keep happening). I also really appreciate that everything that our main character, Ella, does doesn't always work out. There's a lot to love about this series, and I am so ready for the next book.
I appreciate the way so much of the story parallels current events (and historical events-things that have happened and that keep happening). I also really appreciate that everything that our main character, Ella, does doesn't always work out. There's a lot to love about this series, and I am so ready for the next book.
October 23, 2025
Library copy
I have a few fans of this series, but it's on the long side for middle grade and the print is tiny. I will probably buy The Paragon Games (August 2026), but it's a struggle to get my students to read a book series with over three books. This was fine but definitely ended on a cliffhanger.
I have a few fans of this series, but it's on the long side for middle grade and the print is tiny. I will probably buy The Paragon Games (August 2026), but it's a struggle to get my students to read a book series with over three books. This was fine but definitely ended on a cliffhanger.
April 10, 2025
3.5 stars. The beginning and middle bored and didn't grab me. The last three chapters got my attention back. I was about to give this series up but the last chapters were able to peek my interest to pick up the next book.
July 3, 2025
3.5 stars for a pretty solid MG fantasy series. There's plenty of action, likable characters, and some really cool magical/fantastical world.
This is a series to be read in order. Great for 4th grade and up.
This is a series to be read in order. Great for 4th grade and up.
February 18, 2025
WOW! What an amazing series. So much action, so many twists and surprises, and lot of loyal friendships.
March 7, 2025
I just couldn’t get in to this one as much as I could with the others in the series. I just felt it was padded out and too much faffing. Such a shame.
March 19, 2025
There’s just something about this world that I absolutely adore. This book was somehow better than the first two and I need the fourth book now after that ending because what??
Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews