Step into the enchanting streets of Wellmet, where a young thief named Connwaer discovers a world of living magic in Sarah Prineas’s Magic Thief series! This middle-grade fantasy adventure blends heart-pounding mystery, witty characters, and a magical system that feels as alive as the city itself. Perfect for fans of Harry Potter or Septimus Heap, it’s a tale of transformation and courage that captivates readers of all ages.
With its Dickensian flair and innovative magic, the series follows Conn, a street-smart pickpocket, as he navigates a city powered by a dwindling magical force. From shadowy alleys to wizardly halls, Magic Thief is a spellbinding journey that’s hard to put down.
How Magic Thief Began
Sarah Prineas, an Iowa-based author with a PhD in English literature, first crafted the Magic Thief’s opening chapter for Cricket, a young adult literary magazine, after a call for wizard-themed stories. The characters, particularly the roguish Conn and grumpy wizard Nevery, demanded more space, leading Prineas to expand the tale into a novel. Published by HarperCollins in 2008, the first book sparked a trilogy, later joined by a fourth book and an e-story, all illustrated by Antonio Javier Caparo.
Prineas’s love for fantasy and her knack for vivid world-building shaped Wellmet, a city inspired by Victorian London but infused with a unique magical pulse. Her goal? To create a fresh, fast-paced fantasy that felt like slipping into “warm, fuzzy slippers” for readers.
The Heart of Magic Thief
The series kicks off with The Magic Thief (2008), where Conn picks the pocket of wizard Nevery, stealing his locus magicalicus—a stone that channels magic. Instead of dying, Conn survives, sparking Nevery’s curiosity and earning him a spot as an apprentice. As Wellmet’s magic fades, Conn races to uncover the cause, blending thievery with wizardry. Lost (2009) sees Conn exiled, battling shadowy creatures and a sinister sorcerer, while Found (2010) takes him to dragon-filled mountains to secure a new locus stone. Home (2014) wraps up the saga as Conn, now a magister, goes undercover to stop locus stone thefts.
Themes of identity, belonging, and resilience shine through Conn’s journey from “gutterboy” to hero. The magic system, where spells are a language to communicate with sentient magic, feels fresh and immersive. Wellmet’s split between the seedy Twilight district and the upscale Sunrise adds a gritty, lived-in vibe, with clockwork devices and Victorian garb lending a steampunk edge. Prineas’s conversational prose, peppered with Conn’s cheeky narration and Nevery’s cryptic journal entries, keeps the pace brisk and the stakes high.
Secondary characters like Benet, a knitting thug who bakes delectable biscuits, and Rowan, the sharp-witted duchess, add depth and humor. The series balances action with heart, making it a cozy yet thrilling read for ages 9 and up.
Why Magic Thief Resonates
Magic Thief has carved a niche in middle-grade fantasy for its relatable hero and inventive magic. Fans praise its shorter, accessible books compared to heftier series like Harry Potter, with some calling it “better in most ways” for its concise world-building and Conn’s grounded angst. Nominated for the Iowa Teen Award and E.B. White Read-Aloud Award, it’s a favorite for family read-alouds, thanks to its engaging rhythm and vivid imagery.
Its lasting appeal lies in its blend of familiarity and originality. Prineas subverts fantasy tropes, giving secondary characters surprising arcs and crafting a magic system that feels alive. For readers craving adventure with a side of biscuits, Magic Thief remains a hidden gem.
- Publication Years: 2008–2014
- Number of Books: 4, plus 1 e-story (A Proper Wizard)
- Awards: Nominated for Iowa Teen Award (2011), E.B. White Read-Aloud Award (2009)
Dive into The Magic Thief and let Conn’s quick hands and clever spells steal your heart! Grab the first book and explore Wellmet’s magical mysteries today!