Artezan – a combination of:
Artisan – skilled craftsperson & Artesian – A spring or well that flows upwards
Join these words with a Z instead of an S and you have…
Artezan – One who can wield the magic that flows through them.
Ed and Elodie are twins, and now at age 11 they are to go through a special ceremony for children of Artezan parents to reveal the magic within them.
This is a big deal in the Artezan world and Ed is worried. His sister Elodie has always found making friends, school and life in general… easy. At least that’s what it looks like from his point of view. He himself is the opposite – overthinking things and unable to relax in many situations.
They were adopted very young, and are unsure whether they even have any magic. Their fathers are both talented Artezans, and Ed wonders if he will be able live up to the Crane family name. Elodie is his best friend, but will she outshine him yet again at the Reveal ceremony?
Both twins receive good news on the Reveal – both have a power to be proud of. At first Ed is unsure about his, as he is of most things. Elodie’s power seems much more straight forward, but as they begin to learn about their individual magic, Ed realises his is much more complicated, wonderful and scary at the same time.
Magic has been dwindling over the centuries for Artezans, and no one knows why. When Ed suddenly finds himself in between a land of dreams and nightmares, he not only discovers his new magical power, he learns about himself, the lost ancient magic, and an evil force that is responsible.
Ed must overcome his hesitative nature and stride forth with confidence to save the new friends he has made, the Artezan way of life and magic, and most importantly of all, his best friend and sister Elodie.
Well written and imaginative and the first in a planned trilogy, I enjoyed the first half of Artezans as Ed struggles with his confidence and place in his world. I’ve never be a huge fan of dreamscape stories, but did enjoy the character arc of Edward as he finally finds his self confidence through his love for his twin.
Ed’s revenge on a bully was well done, as was his realisation that it wasn’t really helping his problem with a difficult boy in his Summer holiday Artezan classes.
Travelling to another world of dreams and nightmares reminded me a little of The Magic Faraway Tree, but for more sophisticated tween readers.
Author – L D Lapinski
Age – 8+
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(2024, Hachette Aust, Magic, Powers, Family, Two Dads, Same-sex parents, Love, Wonder, Fear, Dreams, Nightmares, Control, Self Esteem, Confidence, Twins, Siblings, Magic Summer Camp, Sea glass, Action, Courage, Series, Adventure, Fantasy)