Arson

by R.A. Consell

High school is supposed to be a place of new beginnings. It’s where new friendships are forged, old grievances forgotten, and romances are kindled. If you’re a street thief at a wizard school, though, it seems to mostly involve trying to flee from duels, avoid being eaten by dragons, and grappling with ancient witches of untold power.

Kuro has, against all odds, overcome accident, arrest, kidnapping, and gross incompetence to reach his first year at Avalon High. His reward for surviving thus far is more homework, less sleep, and an oppressive sense of dread that something terrible is about to happen.

Can Kuro survive another year at Avalon, and can Avalon survive another year of him?

Genres: Fantasy, Middle Grade

332 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 4, 2025

About the author

R. A. Consell is a Canadian author living and in Ontario. He is a writer of fantasy fiction, a nerd culture critic, science consultant, costumer, prop builder, and engineering instructor.

He has been featured in Game Developer Magazine, Kotaku, The Mary Sue, and Bully Pulpit Games. He also consulted on The Science of Game of Thrones by Hellen Keen.

Reviews

[Bjørnar Tuftin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have never read a final volume of a series that sticks the landing as well as Arson. I'm so happy this series exists and that I've read it, and only slightly sad that it's now done.

[Sheri · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lovely conclusion to a great series! I’m sad that it’s over but happy with how things turned out. It’s so nice to see a series stick the landing! Also rare, none of the books felt like fillers or placeholders just setting up for the “real” action in the next book. Each one was a solid delight!

[Daisy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such a good read! I had to pace myself and take breaks, which is so rare for me as to be a first in 40 plus years of reading.
Truly excellent world building, suspense, and growth in all of the characters. I have greatly enjoyed this series, and the author's imagination.

Thank you, R.A. Consell for releasing this to the world.

What a joy it was to experience your creativity.

[Dark_Magican · Rating 5 out of 5]

As always, a great addition to the series! A very fun read, I couldn't put it down and finished it in one sitting

[Jennifer Simonton · Rating 5 out of 5]

I didn't realize this would be the final book in the series until most of the way through the book. The series has been a lovely adventure and I will continue to reread it.

[David Hamilton · Rating 5 out of 5]

read in a night. excellent way to end the series. now, I'm the author could continue, but I felt it wrapped it up super well

[Ashlyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Incredibly satisfying -in the vein of Holes

One of the highest compliments I can give, the way this book wrapped up everything Kuro and his friends learned and experienced into a satisfying little package of tied up ends. I found myself saying “OH that’s why we learned x about y” often. And there were queer relationships with no suggestion that that might be abnormal or unexpected. Loved it. Will be recommending this series to anyone who wants a magical school series with good values and fun characters. I even learned about a new mythical creature I’d never heard of!

[R.K. Emery · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stealing from Wizards Vol IVL: Arson is a fast-paced fantasy adventure that blends action, mystery, and magic into a story that feels both familiar and fresh. The author writes with an energetic style that keeps the momentum high, making it easy to stay engaged from start to finish. The characters are distinct and relatable, each adding their own spark to the journey, while the plot unfolds with plenty of twists and suspense. The book carries enough excitement to appeal to fantasy fans of all ages. A fun and imaginative read overall.

[Ashel · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a bittersweet ending. Amazingly wrote and portrayed how multifaceted humans are. And that kids do grow and change. Still, it's a bit open ending on whether we'll get the 2nd and final year of school for the kids. See if they'll graduate even though it was already said that they've already settled with their livelihood and responsibilities. But one of the marketing this book advertise are kids being kids and adults being adults, so I still would love for the kids to finish their schooling regardless. And selfishly, cause I want more books haha

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a fan

I stumbled across these books years ago and could not be more smitten.

I've listened to them, I've read them repeatedly, and they hold a virtual space in my bookshelf reserved for my favorite series.

The characters are extremely likable and the story is compelling. Most importantly, these characters and the story are very well-written.

Kudos to Consell for giving us Kuro and his friends.

[Gina Stamper · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a story! This is one that rewards you the farther you delve into it.

This book had amazing characters, both good and bad and they had their ups and downs.

It is well written and smooth to read. Ultimately a great fantasy for young readers with a fun cast of characters.

[Scott Carle · Rating 5 out of 5]

An elegant and magnificent conclusion to the series. It is quite an adventure. If the author ever wants to revisit the characters and world that was created, there is fertile ground for more, but this is a fun series, and the ending is poetic.

[Chris · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fantastic conclusion to a very compelling story. The characters stay true throughout, but there are more twists and turns for each of them to come in this volume.

[Lada · Rating 4 out of 5]

Descriptively written and heartwarming.

[Josh Weiss-Roessler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sticking the Landing

Finishing a series well is incredibly difficult. There are so many things to satisfy. So many possible missteps.

And no matter what you do, you’re unlikely to please everyone.

So I started to get nervous the deeper I read into Arson, knowing this was the last book of Stealing from Wizards. It was enjoyable. Comfortable. But kind of languid in its pacing?

For the first half, the story sort of just rolls out rather than pulling with a lot of momentum. Which is fine, except THIS IS THE LAST BOOK.

Moreover, a literal and figurative huge new element is introduced early on that dominates the story and doesn’t seem all that related to the things we’ve been following for three books.

And then it all clicks together, and the last third or so of the book becomes a mad scramble in the best of ways to tie everything together and close everything out in surprising but incredibly fitting ways.

Even more surprising? It doesn’t feel rushed. Both action beats and quieter moments are given room to breathe, and they take full advantage.

It’s sad to see Stealing from Wizards go. But I couldn’t imagine a more fitting end for everyone we’ve come to care about in this wizarding world.