Common Sense Media Review
By Florencia Orlandoni
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Witchlings defend memory and stand up to oppression.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 10+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
What's the Story?
In SCEPTER OF MEMORIES, Seven, Thorn, and Valley are the only ones in the Twelve Towns who remember what happened to Miss Dewey and who know the truth about Ambert Lophiifort's true nature. His plan to dominate the towns threatens the lives and memories of the people they love and admire most. When the Witchlings are accused of using unnatural magic and are threatened with imprisonment, they go into exile. They search for Delphinium Larkspur, the only witch who can help Seven understand her unique powers. Forced to leave their homes, the Witchlings navigate unfamiliar lands, learn to trust new people, and confront challenges that test their friendship, magical abilities, and courage.
Is It Any Good?
This powerful fourth installment of the saga delivers a compelling exploration of memory, truth, and resistance, while continuing to enchant with its whimsical magic and gripping mystery. Scepter of Memories introduces new characters, creatures, and richly imagined settings, expanding the magical world while maintaining the focus on Seven and her loyal friends, who show that friendship and memory are precious tools in the battle for a more just society. With well-grounded, fast-paced tension and intrigue, readers will fly through the pages. The world is populated with queer characters and families from varied social and economic backgrounds and celebrates belonging, resilience, and the courage to be your true self. Fans who've grown up with the series will be ready for its nuanced exploration of political repression and ways to resist it. Fans of Harry Potter, Netflix's Wednesday, or Wicked will be captivated by the clever world-building, compelling plot, and strong young people navigating courage, friendship, and self-discovery.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about why remembering is so important in Scepter of Memories. What happens when people try to erase certain memories in history? What is one memory or historical event that you think people should never forget? Why?
Book Details
- Author :
- Genre : Fantasy
- Topics : Activism ( Animal rights , Civic engagement ) , Animals ( Wild Animals ) , Fantasy ( Magic , Monsters ) , Friendship
- Character Strengths : Communication , Compassion , Courage , Empathy
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : Scholastic Press
- Publication date : September 16, 2025
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 9 - 12
- Number of pages : 352
- Available on : Audiobook (unabridged), Hardback, Kindle
- Award : Common Sense Selection
- Last updated : November 13, 2025
Did we miss something on diversity?
Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by
Suggest an Update
Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.
See how we rate