Conjuror is the latest collaboration from John and Carole E. Barrowman. This is the fourth book they have written together, and the first in the new Orion Chronicles series. It continues the story of Em and Matt Calder, but leads readers on a much deeper and darker path.

Conjuror opens with Remy watching his mother and aunt tortured by Don Grigori. And Remy’s mothers last words echo in his head. Find the journal. And so Remy begins searching for the mysterious journal that his mother kept all his life. And begins to learn about himself and his abilities.

Em and Matt Calder have the ability to have their illustrations come to life. And the ability to walk into paintings to travel. They join a mysterious organization called ” Orion”, which is the secret protection of the secret guild of the Animare. The people who, like Em and Matt, bring the world to life through illustrations.

Remy flees to London looking for the journal, and a piece of art that holds Don Grigori. Literally holds Don Grigori. While in London, the paths of Remy, Em, and Matt cross, and the three realize that Remy is the last of a rare line. Remy is a Conjuror. Through music Remy can create changes in this reality. Similar to what Em and Matt do, but on a completely different scale.

From London to Spain, the trio chases Don Grigori. They only know that somehow Remy will be used to bring back the Grand Inquisitor, and bring about world destruction.

This book rides the edge between YA and New Adult. There are some themes and scenes that may be a bit too graphic for younger readers, but there is enough action and plot to keep them all engaged. In fact, there’s plot, dialogue, and enough action to keep just about anyone engaged. For those who don’t know, John was a central character in Torchwood, and this book does have a bit of that same vibe. Something mysterious, maybe dangerous, but certainly needing of more investigation. So anyone who is/was a fan of Dr Who or Torchwood should find this book quite interesting.