Avi. Midnight Magic. Scholastic, 1999. ISBN 0-59-036035-3. $15.95. 249 pp. A 3-6 FI Reviewed by Nancy C. Evensen One stormy night, Fabrizio, the obtrusive but loyal servant of Mangus, the ex-magician, can't resist drawing the tarot cards to see the future. When the card of death comes up, he knows there is trouble ahead. Within minutes, the king's cortege arrives to escort Mangus to the palace; Fabrizio insists on going along to assist. The king expects Mangus to use his outlawed powers to rid his daughter of a ghost. Unfortunately, Mangus doesn't believe in ghosts or magic. Threats of death and promises of rewards are offered by several in the court as the tale is spun. In somewhat of a surprise ending, a wrong is righted and evil is put in its place. Although the story is somewhat confusing and deals with complex characters, the book offers an intriguing medieval tale of magic. Complete with spiral staircases, hidden passages, secret doorways, and characters who are not what they seem, this book is absorbing.
