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Magicalia #2
Magicalia: Thief of Shadows
"Up there with Skandar and Impossible Creatures. An absolute triumph!" Mel Taylor-Bessent
Bitsy and Kosh are on the run in the second page-turning adventure in the spectacular fantasy series from bestseller Jennifer Bell, bursting with incredible magicores and amazing science! Perfect for 8+ fans of Skandar, Impossible Creatures and Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them.
FEEL THE MAGIC. CONJURE THE IMPOSSIBLE.
When Kosh is accused of being the notorious thief the Shadowsmith, he and Bitsy must go into hiding before Kosh is arrested. Determined to prove his innocence, Bitsy, Mateo and Kosh set out to find the real villain. But they have something the Shadowsmith desperately wants, something the conservatoire also needs for protection. Can Bitsy, Kosh and Mateo figure out the true culprit before time runs out and someone catches them?
Don't miss the first book in this outstanding fantasy series, Race of Wonders!
PRAISE FOR
"Fun, fast and ferociously readable. Pokémon meets Diana Wynne Jones in this outstanding start to a fantastic series. Already one of my favourite books of 2024!" Elle McNicoll
"Spectacular! A world-beating feat of imagination, as enthralling as it is exciting. Climb on board your ozoz, and hold on tight!" Sinéad O'Hart
"Jennifer Bell makes the impossible seem possible in this fantastical, pacy and hugely impressive story that’s filled with around-the-world adventure, intricate world building and magical creatures that are conjured from different emotions. It’s an absolute triumph!" Mel Taylor-Bessent
“Magicalia had me gripped from chapter one, with thrilling twists and magical creatures at every turn. A spellbinding read.” Rachel Chivers Khoo
“Magicalia is a thrilling story with brilliant, loveable characters. Bell’s storytelling is wonderful and the world she creates bursts with technicolour – I absolutely raced through it.” Jasbinder Bilan
Bitsy and Kosh are on the run in the second page-turning adventure in the spectacular fantasy series from bestseller Jennifer Bell, bursting with incredible magicores and amazing science! Perfect for 8+ fans of Skandar, Impossible Creatures and Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them.
FEEL THE MAGIC. CONJURE THE IMPOSSIBLE.
When Kosh is accused of being the notorious thief the Shadowsmith, he and Bitsy must go into hiding before Kosh is arrested. Determined to prove his innocence, Bitsy, Mateo and Kosh set out to find the real villain. But they have something the Shadowsmith desperately wants, something the conservatoire also needs for protection. Can Bitsy, Kosh and Mateo figure out the true culprit before time runs out and someone catches them?
Don't miss the first book in this outstanding fantasy series, Race of Wonders!
PRAISE FOR
"Fun, fast and ferociously readable. Pokémon meets Diana Wynne Jones in this outstanding start to a fantastic series. Already one of my favourite books of 2024!" Elle McNicoll
"Spectacular! A world-beating feat of imagination, as enthralling as it is exciting. Climb on board your ozoz, and hold on tight!" Sinéad O'Hart
"Jennifer Bell makes the impossible seem possible in this fantastical, pacy and hugely impressive story that’s filled with around-the-world adventure, intricate world building and magical creatures that are conjured from different emotions. It’s an absolute triumph!" Mel Taylor-Bessent
“Magicalia had me gripped from chapter one, with thrilling twists and magical creatures at every turn. A spellbinding read.” Rachel Chivers Khoo
“Magicalia is a thrilling story with brilliant, loveable characters. Bell’s storytelling is wonderful and the world she creates bursts with technicolour – I absolutely raced through it.” Jasbinder Bilan
320 pages, Paperback
Published February 6, 2025
4 people are currently reading
47 people want to read
About the author
Jennifer Bell
42 books152 followersLondoner Jennifer Bell began working in children’s books as a specialist bookseller at Foyles, Charing Cross Road, one of the world’s most famous bookstores. After having the privilege of listening to children talk about their favorite books for many years, she started writing a book of her own on her lunch breaks.
For other authors with the same name, see Jennifer^^Bell.
For other authors with the same name, see Jennifer^^Bell.
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
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January 20, 2026DNF. Just wasn’t for me.
January 24, 2025
I loved being back in this world. I forgot how much I loved the magic of the animals and how ingenious they all are. I read the first in this series ages ago, and loved that as soon as I was back there, I was immersed. This is brilliantly written and proper pacey. Can’t wait for the next one!
April 26, 2025
Bitsy and Kosh were such a lovable duo in Magicalia, that when the prospect arose in chapter one of Mateo joining them to form a trio, I didn’t know how I felt. However, what a revelation. Having finished the book, I have such a soft spot for Mateo, his vibrancy and strength of character. Some parts of this book would be hard for anyone to go through, let alone as someone new to everything. He’s a character I cannot wait to see grow as the series progresses and hope he continues to pop along for the adventures.
The other character plot I adored in this novel is Kosh’s journey. His sense of otherness and not belonging at the start of the book after Bitsy’s acceptance into this new world of Conservatoire really had me feeling for him. As we all know most of the best people have been othered at one point or another, and whilst it was sad to see Kosh go through this, I was happy to see his journey go from strength to strength.
I also want to shout out the strength of Jennifer Bell’s antagonists. With a fair few antagonists in one book essentially, I’ve seen instances where it’s hard for each of them to feel like an independent threat and they more become a blurred collective. Within Magicalia: Thief of Shadows, all of them shine as individuals and feel like separate entities, which is down to Jennifer Bell’s characterisation and shaping of identities. Dare I go as far as to say the Shadowsmith and Riddlejax features and elusiveness were my favourite parts of the book!
The Magicores are such a wondrous invention, especially as they continue to embody physical and behavioural characteristics of animals and creatures we all know and love, but with such a unique, magic-fuelled twist. As an animal lover myself, I spend half my time wanting a Hix of my own (and fortunately, while reading this book, my partner got a puppy so very much felt like I did). In this novel, the Mollowups stole my heart too as I could just see them being so much fun to be around!
I would recommend this to any reader ages 7/8+ whose imagination will LOVE the animals, the adventure, and most of all the chance to see magic in a world. All in all, this novel is a sensation sequel to the first Magicalia book and the series is driving itself in a wonderful direction. Without giving too much away, it’s safe to say the mystery is truly growing, and I cannot wait to see where it goes in Magicalia 3… In the meantime, I’m off to find my farthingstone.
The other character plot I adored in this novel is Kosh’s journey. His sense of otherness and not belonging at the start of the book after Bitsy’s acceptance into this new world of Conservatoire really had me feeling for him. As we all know most of the best people have been othered at one point or another, and whilst it was sad to see Kosh go through this, I was happy to see his journey go from strength to strength.
I also want to shout out the strength of Jennifer Bell’s antagonists. With a fair few antagonists in one book essentially, I’ve seen instances where it’s hard for each of them to feel like an independent threat and they more become a blurred collective. Within Magicalia: Thief of Shadows, all of them shine as individuals and feel like separate entities, which is down to Jennifer Bell’s characterisation and shaping of identities. Dare I go as far as to say the Shadowsmith and Riddlejax features and elusiveness were my favourite parts of the book!
The Magicores are such a wondrous invention, especially as they continue to embody physical and behavioural characteristics of animals and creatures we all know and love, but with such a unique, magic-fuelled twist. As an animal lover myself, I spend half my time wanting a Hix of my own (and fortunately, while reading this book, my partner got a puppy so very much felt like I did). In this novel, the Mollowups stole my heart too as I could just see them being so much fun to be around!
I would recommend this to any reader ages 7/8+ whose imagination will LOVE the animals, the adventure, and most of all the chance to see magic in a world. All in all, this novel is a sensation sequel to the first Magicalia book and the series is driving itself in a wonderful direction. Without giving too much away, it’s safe to say the mystery is truly growing, and I cannot wait to see where it goes in Magicalia 3… In the meantime, I’m off to find my farthingstone.
February 10, 2025
Nefarious goings on; a whodunnit; and a race against time with the highest of stakes. Proper middle grade fun.
When the Shadowsmith dares an audacious robbery in the inner most sanctum of the conservatoire, panic spreads. There are definite signs it’s an inside job- but who could it be? Certainly not Kosh- and he’s getting the blame! And Bitsy as his accomplice!
Innocent yet forced to go on the run, can Kosh and Bitsy find the real culprit whilst evading capture? The children can’t help the gnawing feeling that Riddlejax is somehow involved.
They will be helped along the way by an army of imaginative magicores, loyal friends and the odd surprise ally, but will this be enough against such an influential foe?
I loved rejoining Bitsy and Kosh in another fast paced, exciting adventure. The powers of the magicores mean that the possibilities are unlimited and you really never know what is going to happen next! Jennifer Bell does a great job at the beginning of bringing the reader (back) up to speed without retelling swathes of the first book.
My class will be keen to go back into this world.
My magicore stats (book 2):
Favourite name: Sticklish
Most relatable: Grudgernaut 😂
Favourite ability: Urluck/Thimbull
One I need in my life: Zentaur
Bravery: Mollowup/Hix
Scariest: shhh! Spoiler free zone!
When the Shadowsmith dares an audacious robbery in the inner most sanctum of the conservatoire, panic spreads. There are definite signs it’s an inside job- but who could it be? Certainly not Kosh- and he’s getting the blame! And Bitsy as his accomplice!
Innocent yet forced to go on the run, can Kosh and Bitsy find the real culprit whilst evading capture? The children can’t help the gnawing feeling that Riddlejax is somehow involved.
They will be helped along the way by an army of imaginative magicores, loyal friends and the odd surprise ally, but will this be enough against such an influential foe?
I loved rejoining Bitsy and Kosh in another fast paced, exciting adventure. The powers of the magicores mean that the possibilities are unlimited and you really never know what is going to happen next! Jennifer Bell does a great job at the beginning of bringing the reader (back) up to speed without retelling swathes of the first book.
My class will be keen to go back into this world.
My magicore stats (book 2):
Favourite name: Sticklish
Most relatable: Grudgernaut 😂
Favourite ability: Urluck/Thimbull
One I need in my life: Zentaur
Bravery: Mollowup/Hix
Scariest: shhh! Spoiler free zone!
April 23, 2025
I read book 1, Magicalia Race of Wonders, that I absolutely loved, With being a fan, I just had to read, Jennifer Bell’s book 2 Magicalia, Thief of Shadows, which I loved just as much as the 1st novel. Jennifer Bell has an incredible sense of imagination and is in my view the new Queen of fantasy for 9 for 12 year olds. I can’t wait to find out what Jennifer Bell will write about next time in her 3rd fantasy novel. I do hope schools will stock Jennifer Bell’s fantasy books as they are the best escape for children reading about magical creatures. Thank you to walker books for sending me this book to read and review. This is one of my favourite series, so my thoughts are my own.
December 22, 2025
Est-ce que je pensais le finir en une journée ? Absolument pas.
Est-ce que c'était génial ? OUI.
J'ai encore une fois passé un très bon moment en compagnie de ce trio d'adolescents hyper attachants. Ils se sont encore fourrés dans des histoires sans le vouloir. L'univers se dévoile de plus en plus et je suis très très curieuse de découvrir le tome 3 et voir ce que nous réserve l'autrice !
Est-ce que c'était génial ? OUI.
J'ai encore une fois passé un très bon moment en compagnie de ce trio d'adolescents hyper attachants. Ils se sont encore fourrés dans des histoires sans le vouloir. L'univers se dévoile de plus en plus et je suis très très curieuse de découvrir le tome 3 et voir ce que nous réserve l'autrice !
February 16, 2026
Another fun adventure with Bitsy and Kosh. I love the magicores and wish I could conjure one.
Bitsy and Kosh are resourceful and they are able to solve any mystery with their brains, hearts, and help from their friends. I hope there are more books planned for this series.
Charlie Sanderson did a good job bringing these characters to life.
Bitsy and Kosh are resourceful and they are able to solve any mystery with their brains, hearts, and help from their friends. I hope there are more books planned for this series.
Charlie Sanderson did a good job bringing these characters to life.
December 2, 2025
A good book for 10years and up. An Amazing mix of fantasy and reality
September 5, 2025
On plonge dans le coté scolaire de l’aventure avec le schéma habituel d’une école de magie : cours étranges, profs déjantés, dangers à chaque changement de classe… J’ai beaucoup aimé retrouver Bitsy et Kosh dans une nouvelle épopée. Le duo fonctionne toujours aussi bien, et se retrouve (encore) dans la panade (ce ne serait pas drôle sinon). Comme pour le premier tome, ils paraissent plus matures que leur âge, ce qui me fait tiquer. Kosh notamment, s’assombrit. On sent que le jeune homme est un peu perdu et dépassé par les évènements. J’avoue que je suis curieuse de voir son évolution, car c’est une piste intéressante à explorer malgré tout.
En parlant d’évolution, on avance bien dans l’intrigue principale. De mon côté, j’ai une petite idée quant à sa résolution, mais l’autrice a réussi à me surprendre sur certains points dans ce second volet, je ne suis donc pas à l'abri d’une surprise…
Bref, une très chouette suite, qui me donne très envie de découvrir le tome 3 !
En parlant d’évolution, on avance bien dans l’intrigue principale. De mon côté, j’ai une petite idée quant à sa résolution, mais l’autrice a réussi à me surprendre sur certains points dans ce second volet, je ne suis donc pas à l'abri d’une surprise…
Bref, une très chouette suite, qui me donne très envie de découvrir le tome 3 !
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews