"Ancient secrets, ageless evil, extraordinary creatures and an Institute of Magic — this quest-driven adventure is packed with peril and character."
September 2025 Debut of the Month
Elizabeth's Legacy, first book in Victor Kloss' six-strong Royal Institute of Magic series, melds magic and long-held family secrets to craft an atmospherically engaging Middle Grade adventure.
With an opening chapter set in the 16th-century setting a suitably intriguing tone, the action swiftly moves to the present-day, two years after Ben’s parents vanished without trace. While the police have failed to make any headway, and as Ben and his friend Charlie continue their own investigations, they find a mysterious letter that leads to the Royal Institute of Magic. After taking a journey on a goblin-manned, dragon-powered train, Ben and Charlie find themselves in “Taecia, the Founding Kingdom of the Elizabethan Empire and Home to the Royal Institute of Magic”, where they begin to unravel shocking truths about Ben’s parents and the Unseen Kingdoms, “twenty-four special islands shielded by magic innate to the land”.
It turns out, Queen Elizabeth I discovered the secret islands and founded the Royal Institute of Magic to explore them, with Taecia serving as a “buffer between the Unseen Kingdoms and the rest of the world”. Related to this liminal role, the stakes couldn’t be higher when it falls to Ben to face his family secrets and embark on a quest to defeat an ancient evil.
At once atmospheric and pacey, Royal Institute of Magic has plenty of appeal for Percy Jackson fans, with its Elizabethan context adding more than a dash of period drama and originality.
One cryptic note. Two missing parents. Zero ordinary answers, and a magical world he never expected.
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the best books for 9-12 year olds · the best books for teenagers
Elizabeth’s legacy is guaranteed to be one of your favourite books. Sprung from a world of pure magic fantasy lovers will be drawn straight away to the captivating world of The Royal Institute of Magic series.
Just when you thought books couldn’t get any better, along comes The Royal Institute of Magic series- Elizabeth’s Legacy.
Ben’s life has never been the same since his parents disappeared two years ago. But then he finds some of his old parents stuff which includes an intriguing letter which sends him to the Royal institute of Magic.
Here, along with his best friend Charlie and an apprentice called Natalie, they go on a quest to find his parents. But dark elves are on the way and there’s nothing that Ben can do to stop them.
From dragon trains to wood elves, this story hooked me on from the very first moment I saw it. There are lots of twists and turns that kept me turning the page.... Read Full Review
Royal Institute of Magic: Elizabeth’s Legacy is a fun fantasy set in a magical school. Elizabeth discovers her identity and legacy in a fast-paced story about friendship, bravery, and belonging.
Royal Institute of Magic: Elizabeth’s Legacy is a really fun fantasy book for readers around 9 - 12 years old. It’s set in a magical school where there are loads of secrets, cool lessons and unexpected surprises. The story follows Elizabeth as she starts to discover more about who she is and the powerful legacy she might have.
The Royal Institute of Magic feels exciting and full of mystery, with hidden corridors and magical moments that make you want to keep reading. It’s easy to imagine being there.
Elizabeth is a great main character because she’s curious and brave, but also sometimes unsure of herself, which makes her feel real. Throughout the book there are themes of friendship, belonging and believing in yourself.... Read Full Review
A must have for fans of Harry Potter.
I was hooked from the very first sentence. I loved how Ben and Charlie are so different and how imaginative the author is when it comes to the magical world and especially transport. I now can't wait to read the rest of the series.... Read Full Review
One cryptic note. Two missing parents.
The LoveReading4Kids Editorial Team have read and reviewed Royal Institute of Magic: Elizabeth's Legacy and determined it is suitable for children aged 9-12 years old
Royal Institute of Magic: Elizabeth's Legacy features in the following genres: Featured Books for 9+ readers, Featured Books for 11+ readers, Books Reviewed by our Reader Review Panels, Debuts of the Month, Recommendations, Adventure Stories, Fantasy / Magical, Mystery / Mythology, Children’s / Teenage general interest: Witches, wizards and magicians, Children's and Young Adult Fiction, Children’s, Teenage and Educational, Children’s / Teenage: General interest
Paperback. £8.99, down from the £9.99 cover price. In Stock.
Royal Institute of Magic: Elizabeth's Legacy was written by Victor Kloss and published by Vinci Books Ltd.
Royal Institute of Magic: Elizabeth's Legacy has 416 pages
Yes it is part of Royal Institute of Magic series
£8.99, reduced from £9.99. In Stock.
