Common Sense Media Review
By Mary Eisenhart
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Queer-led, mildly violent academy tale starts epic series.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 10+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
THE INCORRUPTIBLES is set in a dystopian future about a century from now in which the world is enslaved by the Sorcerers, who for many years have used magic as a weapon to keep humans compliant and oppressed. Sorcerers killed 13-year-old Fiora's parents when she was small. Following a series of unlikely events where she gets the best of some bullies and makes powerful enemies, she's whisked off to the Incorruptible Academy—Inc Academy, for short—where quirky, dedicated students and teachers use skill and technology to defeat the Sorcerers. Fiora is bound and determined to show her worth and do her part, but between frenemy Mel and the fact that someone at the Academy is betraying them to the Sorcerers, it's not easy.
Is It Any Good?
Lauren Magaziner launches her middle-grade fantasy series with an exciting dystopian academy tale, with engaging, relatable characters battling evil and also coping with middle school. The Incorruptibles delivers strong messages of inclusion and acceptance, as nearly all characters are gay, lesbian, bi, or transgender, have many body types and skin tones, or use prosthetics or deal with disabilities—but it's all about the character-building and storytelling instead of speechifying à la Chris Colfer. The characters and situations are relatable and relatably connected to today's ills that led to the book's bleak future. The ending leaves them poised for further adventures in future volumes.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about stories set in boarding schools, magical academies, spy training institutes, and the like. Why is this such a popular theme? How does The Incorruptibles compare to your favorite boarding-school adventures?
This dystopian tale, taking place about 100 years from now, is rooted in the issues of our world of today. Do you see anything going on in the world around you that might lead to some of the story becoming reality? How do you feel about that? What can be done to create a better future?
How do you balance taking care of yourself and being responsible with being a helpful team member and working together to support the common good?
Book Details
- Author :
- Genre : Fantasy
- Topics : Fantasy ( Magic ) , Adventures , Friendship
- Character Strengths : Courage , Empathy , Gratitude , Perseverance , Teamwork
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : Aladdin
- Publication date : June 10, 2025
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 10 - 14
- Number of pages : 400
- Available on : Audiobook (unabridged), Hardback, Apple Books, Kindle
- Award : Common Sense Selection
- Last updated : September 18, 2025
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