The Hexton Chronicles: The Trouble with Magic

About this book

Hexton is a magical town where residents can evoke remarkable powers. Fray’s parents, the Mantels, were once respected figures there, with access to an ancient Croxometer, an artefact capable of harnessing great magic. But after their hunger for power damaged the town, Fray was banished and raised in non-magical Bridgetown, and his parents were never seen again.

When his last remaining relative dies, Fray inherits the family Croxometer and his own magic begins to emerge. He returns to Hexton and is drawn into an underground battle between those trying to preserve magic and a new authority determined to remove it. As Fray uncovers more secrets about his family legacy, he fights to gain control over his own illusive form of shadow magic in his struggle to save Hexton and clear his family name.

This is a fabulous fantasy book with a coming-of-age story at its core. Fray is a nuanced and often spikey character with the pressures of his family legacy, friendship, revenge, morality and the allure of power all pulling him in different directions. It is only by trusting in his new friends and following his heart that he can negotiate the dangers of the town. 

Amy Wilson paints Hexton with rich and detailed descriptions that fantasy lovers will enjoy. Even more impressive is the magic system that exists there: each individual possesses a unique ability, whether it be shadow conjuring, mastery over spiders, light evocation or control of vines and nature. Fray’s journey to mastering these powers along with his new peers under the tutelage of their eccentric teacher is truly gripping and transportive. 

The first in an epic new series, look out for more magical adventures in the Hexton Chronicles.