A new entry in stories where a training academy is the setting has an appealing addition with The Incorruptibles. Despite the enticing cover, the tale is best for older, experienced MG readers (ages 10-14). They will be able to handle the large amounts of text on each of the nearly 400 pages.
The third person narration stays close to Fiona, a fantastic main character. She is an orphan as her parents were killed by sorcerers. Fiona lives with her uncle and is training to become a tailor.
That all ends after Fiona comes to the rescue of her uncle and engages in a fight with rulers of the sorcerers. Luckily there is a captain from the Incorruptibles who takes them both to safety. This is a group that until now Fiona didn’t believe existed. She then finds herself on a trial basis at Inc Academy where training to battle the sorcerers takes place.
Other students are skeptical and aren’t happy she was admitted, leading to some uncomfortable exchanges for Fiona. She works hard to prove that she belongs and soon gains confidence with the Thistles group, one of three in the academy.
The tension builds throughout and without giving away any spoilers, the epic nature of the tale will be evident. The exciting ending sets up what will happen next as Fiona and her mates continue their quest to battle the sorcerers and eliminate their power. Those who enjoy fantasy adventures with an appealing cast of characters have a new friend with THE INCORRUPTIBLES.
Book Birthday: JUNE 10, 2025
FIVE MORE THINGS TO LIKE ABOUT: THE INCORRUTIBLES by Lauren Magaziner
- Such a wonderful, diverse set of characters with personalities that are beautifully brought to life for readers. You will certainly have your favorite.
- Mel is one of those characters and has a memorable character ARC. She starts out as an obnoxious know-it-all but changes thanks in part to Fiona liking this girl more and more.
- The world building comes across is great fashion. You feel like you are there at times.
- The last battle between the sorcerers and the Incs is thrilling and page turning. It sets up what might happen next.
- Finding a new family is given a unique approach with some believable and heartfelt scenes.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Lauren is the internationally bestselling author of the Case Closed series, The Mythics series, the upcoming series The Incorruptibles (June 10, 2025), and three other stand-alone books for middle grade readers. Her books are available in 12 languages, have been Junior Library Guild selections, have been on the Indie Next List, been an Amazon bestseller, earned starred reviews, been on state lists, and have been optioned for a TV movie with Nickelodeon. She has also contributed short stories to Storyworks magazine and a middle grade mystery anthology called Super Puzzletastic Mysteries.
Lauren grew up in New Hope, Pennsylvania. After receiving a B.A. in Creative Writing and Philosophy at Hamilton College, Lauren Magaziner worked on two delightful Scholastic magazines, where many of her coworkers didn’t believe her last name was real. She currently lives in Philadelphia, where she writes full time. (Lauren’s Website)
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This sounds interesting with all the memorable characters. I agree with you that this is for upper middle graders, given how long the book is. Thanks for sharing it with us this week.
The author has a very appropriate surname all right! 🙂 I always love to read characters with redemption arcs (like Mel)! This sounds like a good choice for fans of magic schools. Thanks for sharing!
Sounds good. I get essentially all my books on ereader, and hadn’t thought about how they may look on the page and the impact that has on how easy or difficult it may be for kids to read them. I’ll have to pay more attention.
This has such an intriguing title! I also like that friendship inspires Mel’s growth. 400 pages sounds long, but not for fantasy lovers!
Sounds like a book for fans of fantasy! Thanks for sharing this title.
A story about belonging and finding your place. Love the cover and you get a sense of her feisty character. Sounds like a great fantasy series. Thanks for sharing.
Sounds like a book young readers till love, and it seems to have themes that are important and universal. Thanks for the review.
Great cover and a book that will appeal to guys and gals!