A story about a boy discovering his magical powers is not a new one. In this version though we have enough uniqueness and charm to capture the interest of young readers. They won’t be disappointed.

Jaden and Elijah have always been best friends. It’s bad enough that they go to separate schools, but now Elijah has disappeared leaving Jaden a note that he needs help.

The next day, a mysterious man invites Jaden to attend the Five Emergences School of Magic. Turns out this was Elijah’s school where he trained to become a Sorcerer. Now Jaden has inherited some of Elijah’s magic (something that wasn’t supposed to be possible) and will also become a student at this boarding school. He’ll attempt to unravel the mystery of his missing friend while learning how to use his new powers.

Two new friends are at his side to help clear Elijah’s name because everyone thinks he is the one responsible for siphoning magic and increasing the power of a world ending force known as the Ruin. Most of the other students think Jaden might also have evil intentions even though he just wants to find out what happened to Elijah.

The first person narrative flows smoothly through 25 chapters. Jaden is an endearing character who is brave but also fearful of what he is uncovering. The classes he must take are fun, scary, and fascinating. I figured out early who was really behind the disappearance of Elijah and smiled at my right guess in the closing pages. The ending of JADEN POWERS and the INHERITANCE MAGIC leaves it wide open for a Book 2 as this series will for sure be gaining a devoted set of fans.

BOOK BIRTHDAY: AUGUST 27, 2024 PAGE COUNT: 320

FIVE MORE THINGS TO LIKE ABOUT JADEN POWERS AND THE INHERITANCE MAGIC by Jamar J. Perry.

1. An appealing cast of characters. It begins with Jaden but continues with friends Mikael and Scion but also main nemesis Silas. The faculty at the school also had some uniqueness to their teaching that was quite surprising and memorable.
2. Excellent world building as you could easily visualize the surroundings in each scene.
3. The strong bond between Jaden and Elijah was a plus. They truly are best friends.
4. Diversity in the characters and some added bits of humor make this story even more unique.
5. The book cover is a real draw. It’s one you are instantly drawn to.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Dr. Jamar J. Perry is the middle grade fantasy author of the Cameron Battle series and its sequel. Jamar attended Berea College in Berea, KY, studying psychology. Understanding that this field was not his true calling after a year of study, Jamar switched his major to English Literature with a concentration in Education, where he studied the structure and power of contemporary literature while learning how to teach it to middle and high school students. After graduation, Jamar became a middle school teacher in the Washington, D.C. area, hoping to instruct the next generation of scholars, thinkers, and writers. 

After four years of teaching and finishing his Master’s degree, he decided to enroll into a PhD program at the University of Maryland, College Park, hoping that he could continue his love for literature and education.

While at the University of Maryland, College Park, Jamar’s research focused on Black boys, the history of traditional and Black masculinity in America, and racial literacy. With this renewed research focus, he began to write again, writing stories for the type of reader he always wanted to engage: reluctant readers, Black boys who needed to understand that they were magic, that they could also have joy, that they could be vulnerable and emotional, that they could be the hero in their own stories. 

Jamar understands the value of connection as he finishes his stories that center Black boys. Please reach out to him at any time on his website or on his Twitter @jamarperry and Instagram @jamarjperry.

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