City of Magic (Midnight Magic #3): (Midnight Magic #3)

About this book

From Newbery Medalist Avi comes a richly imagined, action-packed companion to his bestselling medieval mysteries Midnight Magic and Murder at Midnight

When King Claudio sends Mangus the Magician and his faithful servant, Fabrizio, to Venice to steal a manuscript that explains a magical method of making money, they must succeed in their mission or risk death. The manuscript is key to obtaining great profits for the king—and a secure future for Mangus and Fabrizio.

But Venice in 1492 is a dangerous place, full of foggy canals, cunning informers, and harsh punishments for those who steal its secrets. Before long, Mangus is snatched away into prison, and it’s up to Fabrizio and his secretive new friend, Bianca, to navigate the city, find the manuscript before their enemies do, and keep Mangus alive!

Reviews

Praise for City of Magic:

* "In this companion book to Avi's Midnight Magic and Murder at Midnight (2009), he transports readers to a series of vividly realized Italian Renaissance settings and continues the adventures of Fabrizio, a flawed but lovable character. . . . Avi is a pillar of kid's historical fiction, and this companion to a beloved series is sure to attract his stalwart fans." - Booklist, starred review

"It's a story of suspense, with healthy doses of wisdom, set in a fascinating and complex city, and it's based on a real book, over 500 years old, that changed history. Another smart and compelling novel from one of our best children's writers." - Tim McCarthy, Boswell Book Company

Praise for Murder at Midnight:

"Readers will be glued to this suspenseful, headlong caper from first page to last." -- Kirkus Reviews

"The suspense simmer[s] right through to the end." -- Booklist

Praise for Midnight Magic:

* "With snappy dialogue, nonstop action and lavishly embroidered period backdrops, this will please Avi's fans and may well win over some new ones."-- Publishers Weekly, starred review

"The pages fly with intrigue and action." -- The Horn Book