Step into a magical New York where Wall Street Wizards rule the stock market, cops hand out magic tickets instead of parking tickets, the lady next door bakes hexes into her hamentaschen, and Thomas Edison has just accused Harry Houdini of committing un-American sorcery….
Sacha Rescued by the Rag and Bone Man. Illustrator Mark Edward Geyer
“[A] fabulously imaginative historical fantasy set in an early 20th-century New York City where every ethnic group has its own magic … Moriarty’s novel is chock-full of period detail (both in the author’s confident prose and Geyer’s occasional pen-and-ink illustrations), feisty character dynamics, and a solid sense of humor. It’s a fascinating example of alternate history that leaves the door open for future mysteries. ”
—Publishers Weekly, starred review
“Thirteen-year-old Sacha lives in New York City’s Lower East Side at the turn of the 20th century. Or does he? The sights and sounds and smells, social ills and rampant racism and anti-Semitism all seem to be as they really were. But hexers are all around, and the regulars at the Metropole Café are learned witches and wizards from the top European universities. Astral Place is named for an important family, and J.P. Morgaunt rules just about everything. Sacha can see magic even when it’s hidden, so he is drafted into the Inquisitors, the arm of the police dedicated to eradicating magic, at least among the poor. What follows are wild adventures involving spells and dybbuks and deathly struggles between good and evil. Moriarty beckons readers into this alternate universe … making it all come alive, especially the very real magic of New York City itself. A marvelous, mystical romp that doesn’t ignore reality. A hint of a possible sequel whets readers’ appetite for more: Yes, please!”
—Kirkus, starred review
“A great magic trick! … Moriarty’s plotting is just fantastic, and the story itself manages to tackle difficult issues of race and class and politics without ever slowing down … This is one of those incredibly promising first volumes that makes you hope that the writer’s got plenty more where it came from.”
—Cory Doctorow, New York Times bestselling author of Little Brother
“A wonderfully inventive and fascinating story of the clash of ancient magic and early-twentieth century technology. A compelling book that I read in a single sitting and highly recommend.”
—Ellen Kushner, host of Public Radio International series Sound & Spirit
“Mixing Steampunk, Kabbalists, a doughty young Jewish boy, a fearless girl, and an alternate history of New York and some of its more famous residents . . . what’s not to like? If you’re still in doubt, flip through the Geyer illustrations, and you’ll fall right into The Inquisitor’s Apprentice.”
—Robin Hobb, New York Times bestselling author of the Farseer Trilogy and the Rain Wilds Chronicles
“Spoiler Alert: It’s awesome.” —Fuse #8 Blog on School Library Journal
Want a Signed Copy For Someone Special?
Signed copies of the First Printing are still available at Books of Wonder and McNally Jackson for as long as supplies last. Both stores are great New York literary institutions that you can be proud to support. And they both take online orders for immediate shipping or in-store pickup.
BUY A SIGNED COPY at BOOKS OF WONDER
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You can also get a personalized signed copy through Buffalo Street Books in Ithaca, NY. Just tell them what you want me to write in the book when you make your order, and they’ll wave their magic wand and make it so.
BUY a PERSONALIZED SIGNED COPY at BUFFALO STREET BOOKS