This was such a fabulous book! It was filled with so much diverse magic and wonder and I absolutely adored the mix of different cultures. I did wish that there was at least one main character of the trio that wasn’t American, but honestly, even in the real world, like calls to like!
The book speaks heavily on how Black people are treated, without outright stating it, doing it through magic types instead, and it’s done so well! While the aesthetic is not quite there, I’d also put it under dark academia, as it 100% critiques the school system with a racial lens.
(It also reminded me of why I despise traditional schools and prefer homeschooling)(Not that I needed the reminder)(But that’s neither here nor there)
Tangent aside, the characters where so charming and I found myself rooting for them constantly! I loved Ella’s family so much—and I’m glad she has a family! So many of these kinds of books have children as orphans, utterly alone. And while those books are also important, it’s nice to see complex family dynamics as well.
The world building was glorious! Just as Rick Riordan said in his blurb, I wanted to live in the world. It was so fascinating reading all of the different magical food and species—and I love that it mixes real world folklore and religion with fantasy! It helps make you wonder if there’s magic right outside your door.
This is an absolutely fantastic fantasy school book for a Black child! It gives a beautiful message of even when people try to shove you out, you belong where you are <3