Thanks to Netgalley and Macmillan Children's Publishing Group for this ARC.

This was a hard one for me to read. I liked the characters and the magic system, but from the start it felt like Marcus was falling for a trap. I had trouble reading about the toxic and abusive relationships. It was well written, but did not make me feel happy.

I extend my gratitude to Craig Kofi Farmer, Roaring Brook Press, and NetGalley for providing an ARC copy in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.

The characters in this narrative are semi-developed, yet they possess compelling character arcs that resonate with readers. Marcus, for instance, serves as a pivotal figure who teaches young audiences invaluable lessons about trust and the importance of relationships. He embodies the idea that family can be defined not just by blood ties but also by the bonds we choose to forge with others. Through his journey, readers are encouraged to reflect on their own lives and consider the significance of the connections they cultivate. Additionally, Marcus's pursuit of his dreams—specifically, the aspiration to help others—illustrates the challenges that accompany such noble intentions. The narrative emphasizes that the path to realizing one's dreams is often fraught with obstacles, but it is precisely these ups and downs that shape our identities and fortify our resilience. Jade, another central character, poignantly captures the complex emotions of loss, loneliness, and guilt. Her experiences shed light on how these feelings can heavily influence our decisions and interactions with both ourselves and others. The story delves into the psychological impact of allowing negative emotions to dictate our actions, serving as a cautionary tale about the importance of emotional awareness and self-care. Through Jade's struggles, readers gain insight into the necessity of confronting and processing our feelings rather than allowing them to control our lives. On the darker side of the narrative, Mr. O emerges as a well-crafted villain. His treatment of others is designed to evoke a strong emotional response from readers, leaving them frustrated and upset. However, the narrative cleverly reminds us that every villain possesses a backstory that explains their descent into villainy. This nuanced portrayal encourages readers to consider the complexities of human behavior and the circumstances that lead individuals down a dark path, fostering a deeper understanding of morality and empathy. The settings throughout the story are meticulously crafted, effectively mirroring the moods and actions of the characters. Each environment is described in vivid detail, enhancing the reader's immersion in the narrative. The writing style is generally strong and descriptive, though there are moments where the direction of the plot seems somewhat unclear. This ambiguity may be intentional, reflecting the internal confusion some characters experience, thus adding another layer of depth to the storytelling. While the plot is engaging and ultimately wraps up in a satisfying manner, it does suffer from a slower pace at times. The frequent introduction of magical elements may leave some readers feeling bewildered or disengaged, as they navigate through the various magical casts and their implications. Nevertheless, the overarching story arc and character development culminate in a magical contemporary ending that resonates with the themes of growth and transformation. One critique I have is that the resolution of the story feels somewhat rushed. Some consequences of the characters' actions appear to be addressed inadequately or not at all, which may leave readers longing for a more thorough exploration of these outcomes. However, considering this is a middle-grade novel, younger readers may not be as affected by these shortcomings as older audiences might be. It is important to note that the story includes references to verbal and physical abuse towards children, which could be triggering for some readers. The treatment of this sensitive topic is handled thoughtfully, as the narrative explores how abuse can begin and be perpetuated, while also providing insights into seeking help and breaking the cycle. Despite my three-star rating of the book, I firmly believe that young readers, particularly those who have a fondness for magic and divination, will find enjoyment and value in this story, as it weaves together themes of friendship, resilience, and the journey toward self-discovery.

Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for letting me review this book. Marcus and his sister are living with their aunt. He soon discovers his abilities and gets a mentor. But sometimes you can lose the way and realize you’ve gotten in more than you realized. Marcus realizes he with the help of his friends could change everything. Sometimes we believe and trust in the wrong people.

I really enjoyed this! It stressed me out at parts which doesn't normally happen with middle grade books. Marcus is a twelve year old who always feels like he needs to be doing something helpful. His trauma from his past makes him always feel unworthy. Even though his aunt loves him, he always thinks that he is a burden to her. When he accidentally uses magic he learns that he has a special skill and finds a mentor to help guide him. His insecurities cause him to get mixed up in who his true family is.

At parts this was a hard read because of some of the upsetting topics, but the author does give a content warning at the front that people who are sensitive to talking about abuse may want to proceed with caution. It's not overly graphic or scary but it does depict child abuse and the long term effects that are caused from it.

With a strong message of community and family I really felt like this was a beautiful book.

Marcus Pennrider and his younger sister Arianna are living with their Aunt Donna after being removed from their abusive father's custody. This was made possible by Mr. O., who runs the Orisha Corner Store in their close knit Grand Park neighborhood. Mr. O. kept records of injuries incurred by the children, and reported the father to child protective services. Marcus is keenly aware of his aunt's sacrifices in taking care of him, and tries to help out around the house and volunteers at Brian's Sole Food restaurant as a delivery boy, helping the community get Brian's food, which is all priced at $1 per dish. When Marcus draws some magical symbols, they come to life and wreck the apartment while his aunt is out working her second job. He asks Mr. O. about it, and Mr. O. informs him that the two share Divinator powers. Mr. O. and his apprentice, Jade, clean up the apartment, and give Marcus Circe's Cast book, which proves to be a big distraction at school. When Marcus forgets to pick up Arianna and doesn't show up for work at Brian's so he can attend training sessions with Mr. O., his aunt grounds him. Mr. O. claims that Marcus' aunt doesn't want to have him around, so Marcus stays with Mr. O. and Jade to make sure that his Divinator powers are properly trained, but when it turns out that the aunt is looking for him, Mr. O. whisks him away to a Divinator conference. Everyone seems to not quite trust Mr. O., and Marcus is warned repeatedly about this fact, but still stays with his mentor. When Mr. O. hits him, however, he has a heart to heart with Jade. Is being trained by Mr. O. the best way to control his powers and help his community?
Strengths: Books about tweens discovering magical powers are always a big hit, and the details about how these powers are trained are essential to readers' enjoyment. Grand Park is a fascinating community, and the background about Marcus' magic is developed well. I loved the Sole Food restaurant! It's great that Marcus has a good relationship with his younger sister and normally takes good care of her; I wish we would see more of this in middle grade literature. Mr. O. saved Marcus from an abusive father, so it makes sense that he trusts the older man even when everyone around him says not to. It was good to see that once physical abuse started, he was willing to walk away, even though it meant leaving Jade.
Weaknesses: I didn't like this one personally, since I could tell right away that something was deeply creepy about Mr. O., and that he was essentially grooming Marcus. The fact that Marcus couldn't see that is no doubt a completely accurate portrayal of a tween who has escaped abuse, but troubled me the whole time I was reading. Younger readers will not necessarily feel this way.
What I really think: This is a good choice for readers who enjoyed Farmer's Kwame Crashes the Underworld or other books that involve tweens finding out they have magical powers like Dumas' Wildseed Witch or Leathley's Meticulous Jones and the Skull Tattoo (Inkbound #1).