Kelcie Murphy and the Academy for the Unbreakable Arts by Erika Lewis features a protagonist who — during a school trip to a museum — is transported to the Otherworld. There, Kelcie unexpectedly finds herself at a cliffside boarding school where the pupils train to become warriors. More than anything, Kelcie wants to find out who her parents are and why they abandoned her in Boston Harbour as a young child. But when she finds out that she is a Saiga and that her father is in prison for treason, how certain can she really feel about her allegiances?

The author, who herself struggled with learning to read, is a children’s literacy advocate. That is reflected in The Academy for the Unbreakable Arts, which is fast-paced and clearly written to engage young readers, including reluctant ones.

Fun read, though a little stunted at times. I had to keep reminding myself it was a tween read and in that regard, the writing and characters matched up better.

The Kelcie Murphy series is fantasy for middle grades with a training school at the center, an outsider for a hero/heroine, a group that has to learn to work together and rely on each others’ unique strengths in order to survive, intimidating teachers as well as warm & supportive, and a powerful evil force that must be defeated. Yes, all that sounds done and redone and I put off reading the opener for just that reason. And I shouldn’t have. Kelcie is no Harry Potter and the Academy for the Unbreakable Arts is not Hogwarts. The similarities do not result in a book that feels like old things rehashed at all. Part of the difference is the tie to Irish mythology that adds some of those wonderful beings, both good and evil. Other key elements that drew me in was Erika Lewis’ descriptive skills—I found myself totally caught up in the struggle Kelcie was having to control her powers as well as feeling on the edge of my seat during key battles. And then there were a few stand out phrases that took me by surprise—“Malibu Barbie selkie” for one! Can’t you just see a seal/human with the white blonde, wavy hair doing the beauty queen wave as she torments the humans? Or when Lewis was describing how effectively Niall effectively defends his friends with only one hand and she says, “Niall wasn’t missing a hand. The rest of the planet just has an extra.” There were moments of discovery that I felt myself cheering but I can’t describe those any more or I’ll spoil surprises. Suffice it to say, this is a middle grade fantasy that I would heavily promote among my library patrons if I wasn’t retired and am glad that Lewis is continuing to write the series. I look forward to see what Kelcie and her fianna of friends tackle in book 2.

I loved the setting of this book—I do love a good magic school—but also the overall plot, as I found trials super enjoyable to read in a middle-grade context. This first book sets up the magic system and our main character so well!

I received an ARC of this title during an ALAN workshop and have since purchased a physical copy of the text and added it to my classroom library.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher I was able to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
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Kelcie Murphy and the Academy for the Unbreakable Arts by Erika Lewis is the first in a middle grade series following foster child Kelcie Murphy raised in the human world stumbling on the Otherworld and finding where she belongs and with whom. After being moved from home to home and always getting into trouble, guilty or not, Kelcie is amazed to not only stumble her way through a magical gate to test into a magic school but find out she’s not entirely human. If there is one thing Kelcie is, it’s a survivor and she’s going to take this chance to find out who she is and where she comes from and get answers to how she ended up in the human world in the first place.
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A delightful book and I really enjoyed the use of Celtic mythology in the book. A bit different from the commonly used Greek/Roman mythology. Kelcie is a survivor who knows how to bounce back and stand on her own two feet but the one thing she struggles with the most is relying and trusting on others and this book will see her working her way through that. Fun book, looking forward to adding book 2 to my shelves.

Thanks to NetGalley & Macmillan-Tor/Forge for the copy in exchange for an honest review.

This was hard to put down! The drama, the magic system, and the characters, were all very strongly written and an absolute delight to read. Kelcie is a very fun protagonist and it was great seeing her bonds with her classmates grow. Found family always gets to me...

I especially loved Kelcie's friendship with Niall and how his disability was handled throughout the story. I liked that his disability was consistently mentioned instead of mentioned once and never again--plus many people were making decisions *for* him and he resisted against it and made his own decisions in the end. It was really sweet and I don't see it that often, as a disabled person myself.

If I had to nitpick, the only thing that I hope is improved in the next book is the pacing and more world-building. We didn't get much time to spend in the world before being sent to the Unbreakable Arts Academy.

I can't wait to see more in this series!

Fast-paced with an interesting premise… Kelcie is a foster kid living in the human world but enters the other world to attend the Academy where she discovers that she’s a Saiga, a mistrusted elemental whose legacy includes a dangerous traitor. Her new friends help her learn about her unique powers, and together they fight the monsters who attack the school, seemingly looking for Kelcie. This first book packs a punch and sets us up for book two — which I can’t wait to read. I adore the elements of Celtic mythology and how the pacing zips along with action and intrigue. Highly recommended!

Thank you to netgalley and the publisher for giving me access to the advanced copy of this book to read.

Kelcie has had a tough go at life in our world and out of our world at the Academy for Unbreakable Arts. But friends make all the difference- and finding out she has some magic helps too!
And while trying to learn about who she is in any world, Kelcie is tossed into dire straits time and time again. There is SO much action and magically morphing teens in this read, that you're at risk for papercuts from quick page turns to find out who the real villain(s) are!

Kelci Murphy is a great series starter for those that love fantasy fiction like Harry Potter and Percy Jackson. I did think there was a lot going on with this book but see it being very popular among my middle school students. I have recommended it to multiple students and it seems to be a hit so far.

A really cute MG fantasy with a strong MC and magic! Kelcie Murphy has true potential. If you want engaging material,then look no further. It was excellent and well written. Very engaging read for young readers.

This was really well thought out. The world-building is phenomenal and the pace is amazing (some things that usually trip on each other's feet). It's got all my favorite fantasy elements: being drawn into a magical world, new friends, magic school, new powers (and actively learning about them not just suddenly being in control), and the epic struggle of good and evil.

This is a fun adventure as Kelcie discovers she's no ordinary girl, neglected by the human world, but someone with amazing gifts and a special purpose.

When she learns about the 'Otherworld' and that she might be able to train as a warrior at it's special academy, Kelcie is determined gain admittance. But now she's on a path to find out why her parents abandoned her all those years ago...and what happened to them.

This is fun reading for anyone who enjoys a well-written fantasy adventure with mystical Celtic touches. Certainly, if you liked Harry Potter this is your cup of tea, but it's not Harry Potter, it's Kelcie, and her story is amazingly entertaining. SO worth the read, I'm hoping there's a sequel in the future!

I received this egalley as part of the ALAN conference and it is kept on a kindle in my classroom. My rating is based on the fact that my students have enjoyed this title and I look forward to when I get the chance to read it.

I didn't like this book. I wanted to. I really wanted to. But I didn't. I found it to be a pale imitation of Percy Jackson or Harry Potter, with a plot that was too chaotic and characters that weren't interesting. I'm sure that this book will appeal to some though.

The start of this book is very similarly to Percy Jackson (& I’m not someone who notices these things). Troubled child, parental abandonment, school trip, trusted adult not who they say they are, a non-human posing as an authority figure. And, of course, troubled child is in fact special with special parent(s) who had to abandon them. DNF due to feeling like I’d read the story before. I’m sure some children will like the formulaic similarities.

A bit of a roller coaster book.

It started off okay. Then got great and really pulled me in. But towards the middle-end part, I started losing interest.

I think Kelcie is a great character. The setting is well built as well. Not exactly sure what made me drift away from the story, but perhaps there was a point where it became too predictable? Or too many clichés?

I still think it’s worth a read. Especially for younger audiences who might relate more to the character.

FIRST IMPRESSION:

The first thing that crossed my mind when I was approached regarding reviewing Kelcie Murphy and the Academy for Unbreakable Arts was that it’s Celtic mythology! It sounded so much like a Celtic mythology and Percy Jackson fusion! How amazing is that? So, of course I said yes!

THE STORY:

Kelcie Murphy is an orphan who has been bouncing around from foster home to foster home for as long as she can remember. But everything changes when she gets kidnapped by her case worker on a school field trip. Yep, you read that right: Kelcie gets kidnapped by her case worker. To make things more wacky, Elliott the case worker turns out to be a fairy – an ice fairy from the Lands of Winter, to be exact. When Elliott and a nasty ice fairy named Grimes get Kelcie to say a few Celtic words that opens up this scary box, they promptly push her into a tree that transports her to a school that trains the best warriors of the Other World.

Soon Kelcie finds herself enrolled at the Academy for Unbreakable Arts and battling her fellow classmates while simultaneously trying to figure out her heritage and mysterious past!

FIVE REASONS WHY:

1. I love how the author built an otherworldly school incorporating Celtic myth and legend.
If we thought Hogwarts was hard to get into, the Academy for Unbreakable Arts seems even harder! Starting with the super exclusive transport system based on trees called the Sidral, and the tough curriculum that involves perfecting your combat skills, you have to be pretty hardcore to survive this. I also loved how everyone gets allocated into their own team of warriors, called a fianna, who fail and succeed together.

2. The disability rep that Niall brought to the mix was well-done!
Kelcie ends up making some great friends. There is Brona, the descendant of a warrior goddess, who is all tough and shares a mysterious connection with Kelcie. Then there is Zephyr, an all-brawns but big softie, who leads their fianna. And then there is Niall, the cute telepath-telekinetic that Kelcie can’t stop blushing around. Oh, and he was born with one less hand. Having personally grown up with a classmate with a similar birth defect, I was delighted to see a character like Niall in a middle-grade fantasy! I love the message about accepting everyone despite their differences and that Niall was just as strong as everyone else in his fianna.

3. Kelcie’s journey to forming bonds and her found family.
Kelcie grows up the odd one out, being an orphan who bounced from home to home, and she is also naturally distrusting of people. It was beautiful to see how she slowly grew to trust and form familial bonds with her fianna. Ultimately Kelcie ends up with a loving family that ended up being bigger than she ever anticipated.

4. Loads of monsters and mythical creatures with Celtic origins!
I have always been a huge fan of monsters and mythical beings, so all the new creatures that popped up through Kelcie’s first year at AUA was so cool! There were so many creatures that I have never heard of before and I can’t wait for kids to find out about sylphs, selkies, and cù–sìthe.

5. Action, mystery and the plot twists that are TV show-worthy!
When I said this felt like a Celtic twist on Percy Jackson, I meant that for the action and plotline too! The whole book was one heart-pounding adventure after another, and it is pretty darn impossible to not like Kelcie and her fianna! Armed with gasp-worthy plot twists and some great fight scenes, this book will speak to any read who is a fan of fantasy adventure.

FINAL VERDICT:

Kelcie Murphy and the Academy for Unbreakable Arts is a stunning series-starter that is sure to entertain every lover of fantasy, adventure, and magical schools. Armed with an array of Celtic mythical beings, some great friendships and loads of adventure, it is impossible for this book to not entertain its readers. There is a character that everyone could relate to, and many that readers would be vouching for. Make sure you pick this up if you love Celtic mythology, Percy Jackson, or fantasy adventures!

Overall

This book had me with Celtic mythology. It’s something I don’t see very often in middle grade, and I happen to love adventure/mythology middle grade, so it seemed to fit well. Plus, even if it’s been done so many times before, it’s hard to resist the magic school setting and the nostalgia it always triggers in me!

Kelcie Murphy and the Academy for the Unbreakable Arts plunges the reader headlong into a world full of magic and danger based on Celtic mythology. You will absolutely fall for this squad of characters and their struggle to find a place they can belong!

There were moments I felt like this book slowed down a bit and dragged a little, and the big fight at the end resolved a little easily, but I had a lot of fun with this book anyway. I was caught by surprise by a couple plot twists, which is always fun. The characters is where this book really shines! I absolutely loved Kelcie’s little squad, their varied personalities, and the way they banter and joke. I can’t wait to have more adventures with this group.

My Thoughts

- Kelcie Murphy is such a relatable character as she stumbles her way through this chaotic world she was so rudely thrust into. What I really enjoyed about Kelcie is that she didn’t always do the logical thing (what kid ever does?!) or she sometimes makes silly decisions, but her character is so true to how normal people would react in the situation, for the most part. I mean, what else would you do if someone just started throwing ice at you, and then you end up in a world filled with magic and strange creatures?! It’d be a bit jarring, to say the least.

Then, after an entire life of thinking otherwise, she learns she has magic! Okay, sure, she maybe destroys some school property in the meantime, but who wouldn’t get a little carried away with their powers in that situation? I mean, nothing exploded, so I feel like she’s already got a leg up on how I’d probably react. Kelcie’s struggle, while not particularly fun for her, was very relatable, and I enjoyed the chance to discover the world with her. Plus, all she really wants to know is the truth about who she is, and is that not the most relatable desire of all time? It’s impossible not to root for her on her quest to find out more about herself and where she comes from.

- The secondary characters are an absolute riot, each with their own personalities. They don’t always mesh smoothly, but they come through when it really matters. Which is all that matters, right? There are a lot of characters in this book, which can sometimes make it difficult to keep track of everyone. That being said, each character had their own distinct personality, and it was a pleasure when they all came together and interacted. The other students in Kelcie’s house were delightful, and while still being supportive of her, they definitely took the chance to tease her when it arose.

Kelcie also has the three other students in her fianna, which is her fighting group. There’s one student from each house in the fianna, and they all bring their unique talents, but also their unique struggles. The leader is learning how to lead . . . and phew, let me say, he’s got his work cut out for him with this squad. Then there’s the warrior princess who has it all together on the surface but is definitely more than she seems. Even though she’s still a total badass, either way.

Don’t get me wrong, the fianna doesn’t always get along. How boring would that be? As Kelcie is learning and growing as herself, she’s also making connections with her peers and learning how to trust others. It isn’t always easy, but this group has to figure out how to come together to be an actual squad, and it’s delightful when they start to click.

- One of the secondary characters, Niall, was born without a hand, and he faces a lot of struggles from people counting him out or assuming he can’t do what everyone else can. Not that he’s going to let that stop him. And not that it matters to his fianna. Disability rep is growing in prevalence, but you still don’t see too many people missing limbs in fantasy, so I think the inclusion of Niall is super important. Especially because, despite missing a hand, he’s a core hero in this story and does some pretty amazing things. Yes, there are challenges he faces that are unique to his situation (like rope climbs!), but the point is he isn’t alone. He’s got a team that’s got his back. His uniqueness is their strength. Positive representation like this is so important, and Niall is a great character for it.

Niall isn’t just the “disability rep character,” either. He’s got so much depth and personality! While he doesn’t talk about his family much, it’s apparent that his family life is a bit complicated and he doesn’t always agree with his parents (and what kid does?!). He’s also caring and thoughtful and supportive of his teammates. Plus, his magic? Pretty awesome, not gonna lie. There’s also a teensy budding romance between him and Kelcie in a sort of baby crush middle grade way that was super adorable.

- This world is absolutely bonkers, and I absolutely love it! It’s full of danger and magic and I never knew what to expect to appear next. I mean, it starts with ice faeries, so I feel like it pretty well prepares the reader to expect something grand. Boy does Lewis deliver on that! This world is freaking awesome. I had no idea what the Otherworld would be like, other than magic and danger of course, but gosh, the different types of creatures there are super fun! I won’t talk too much about them, because the element of surprise is one thing that I loved about it so much. Rest assured, a visit to the Otherworld is definitely worth it, and I can’t wait to go back there in the next book. They even have Wolfbane that actually howls and very likely might attempt to eat you. If the plants are like that, imagine what the creatures are like!