The Lock-Eater

Featuring expansive adventure, intricate worldbuilding, and a memorable cast, Loran Clark’s (the Adventurers Guild series) solo debut is a cozy fantasy set amid the beginnings of a wizard war. “With a gaze set forward rather than back,” Melanie Gate is one of the foundlings at ethnically inclusive Merrytrails Orphanage for Girls, run by motherly Mrs. Harbargain. One stormy night, a “thaumaturgically animated clockwork retainer, colloquially called a gearling” stops by, asking to apprentice one of the foundlings for its witch mistress. Given Melanie’s uncanny penchant for opening things—and the gearling’s offer of much-needed coin—she’s chosen for the situation. But once away from Mrs. Harbargain’s watchful gaze, the gearling, known as Traveler, proves to be not a mindless machine but an inexplicably sentient being in need of a human chaperone to avoid drawing aldermage attention. Taking on the mantle of Lady Porta the Periwinkle, magical prodigy, Melanie acquires a dashing coat “clearly made as part of a boy’s ensemble” that makes her feel, and look, the part. Centering lessons about pacifism and kindness to sentient beings, and featuring close friendships and a sweet queer crush, the book employs a flowing, vivid prose style to immerse readers. Ages 10–up. Agent: Ammi-Joan Paquette, Erin Murphy Literary. (Jan.)