Spellslinger

De Castell (the Greatcoats series) makes some variations on a familiar fantasy theme—a young person’s struggles to master magical arts—in this pleasant, if not innovative, kickoff to a planned six-book series. 15-year-old Kellen of the House of Ken is introduced as he’s about to fight his first mage’s duel, hampered by his inability to actually perform magic. Kellen’s clever con to make his adversary defeat himself is undercut by his younger sister, Shalla, who exposes his trick and almost kills him in the process. His life is saved by Ferrius Parfax, an eccentric stranger from another clan, but Kellen must still deal with political intrigue; the death of his clan’s prince triggers an electoral campaign whose results will shape his family’s future. Against that tense backdrop, Kellen must also try to find out what is causing other young initiates to lose their ability to cast spells. Though de Castell writes well, the plot and tone have a young adult vibe, especially after Kellen ends up allied with an intelligent non-human creature. Longtime readers of epic fantasy may find this too shallow for their tastes. Agent: Heather Adams, HMA Literary. (July)