The Marvellers

“Marvellers were born with marvels, light inside them that allowed them to perform magical feats. They lived in the skies above and away from non-magic-having Fewels…and Conjure folk. They were decidedly not the same. Conjurors were born with a deep twilight inside them, allowing the work of crossing spells and tending to the dead in the Underworld.”

In Chapter 1, Clayton defines the essential difference between Marvellers and Conjurors, underscoring the perception that the two will never share any common ground. Her comparison of light and twilight also points to a difference in the way the two colors are valued, suggesting racist overtones.

“‘It’s a huge responsibility to be the first. You don’t just represent yourself, but all of us.’ Papa put a warm hand on Ella’s shoulder.”

Ella prepares to attend the sky school knowing she will be the first Conjuror admitted to the Arcanum. Her father recognizes the pressure placed on her to succeed as the test case and prove the worthiness of all Conjurors everywhere, pointing to the challenges Ella experiences of distinguishing herself as an individual and herself as a representative of her people, highlighting the novel’s thematic interest in Navigating Questions of Identity.

“The windows glinted as if welcoming her with a wink. Ella gasped. She desperately wanted to belong here. She would do whatever it took. She would master every level. She would pass every test. She would become a Marveller. The very best one.”

Just as the preceding quote acknowledges the heavy responsibility being placed on Ella by the entire Conjuror community, this passage indicates the degree of pressure she places on herself. She doesn’t simply want to be acceptable. She wants to be exceptional, emphasizing The Challenges of Integration.