The Raven Heir

Gr 3-5–Burgis’s latest middle grade combines magic, family, and heart in a quest to heal the magical land of Corvenne. Cordelia, with a gift for shifting into different animals, is the sibling always called to the forest. Giles composes songs with an obsessive fervor, while Rosalind wants to be a great warrior. One day, the people of the kingdom surround their mother’s castle in the enchanted forest, demanding the heir to the throne and thrusting the triplets into the unknown. Similar to other coming-of-age adventures, each sibling learns to harness their talents throughout their journey to increase the success of their magical quest. The bonds of family are tested by secrets and intensified through defining moments of spirit, heart, and protectiveness. Although some of the backstory and characterization of the antagonists falls flat, the good-versus-evil dynamic is necessary for younger readers and has great potential as the series continues. Burgis weaves a tale that inspires readers to harness the magic within themselves, even during challenging times. This title would appeal to fans of Chris Colfer’s “Land of Stories” series and Kelly Barnhill’s The Girl Who Drank the Moon.