The TradeMagic™ Series
TradeMagic is nearly extinct. Will an enchanted era vanish in a brutal takeover, or can Fritz and his friends craft a path to survival?
Perfect for YA readers ages 12-14, but the young-at-heart age 8-88 will love it, too.
The Toymaker and the Magic Within
Magic’s forbidden. It’s also the only thing that can save them…
The day Fritz Schenk finds his handmade toys standing guard outside his shop, he realizes TradeMagic is in trouble. Outlawed by the Guild more than half a century ago, the mysterious TradeCrafters’ ability to imbue objects with magical powers is now almost extinct.
Almost.
When seventeen-year-old Liam Kraus and his cousin, fifteen-year-old Anna Beck witnesses magic at an artisan’s market, Liam vows to learn everything about the powers he has been denied— with or without his family’s blessing. But learning TradeMagic from the shadowy members of the Legion means being lured into a sinister plan that could destroy more than just the Guild.
As the enemy gains strength, Fritz knows time is running out to pass TradeMagic’s faded legacy to the next generation. Can he depend on a girl like Anna to lead the charge? Without new TradeCrafters learning magic for the good of all, the Legion’s dark pursuit of TradeMagic’s powers will cause nothing but disaster.
Unless someone is willing to break the rules...
What is the TradeMagic Series about?
Over half a century ago, a mighty power known as TradeMagic was sentenced to extinction. Apprentices mastering trade crafts would no longer be taught how to channel magic into the things they made, eventually steering the world clear of anyone being able to misuse its powers and wreak havoc in the world again. But denying TradeMagic didn’t stop evil from latching on to its possibilities.
Fast forward to 2007. That same evil has spawned a brutal takeover.
Will what’s left of an enchanted era vanish into darkness, or can a retired toymaker and friends craft a path to survival?
The TradeMagic Series is a story of good versus evil, told through the eyes of an aged Toymaker who regrets not leaving his magical legacy behind for his grandchildren. It is the story of a rebellious, teenage boy who is resentful for being denied magic’s marvelous opportunities; and a quiet girl who wants to make magic her own but ends up being the voice of all her friends who want to be taught magic, too.
Within the pages of The TradeMagic trilogy, you’ll find themes like:
Coming of age
The strength of community through friendship and family ties
That denying history leaves one ill-equipped to build a better future
All generations, young and old, have something to contribute
Good will always triumph over evil
Stories that send you on magical adventures…
“I absolutely loved this book! Birgit writes in such a pleasant, comforting manner, and has created such an immersive world. The tight-knit families are all so heartwarming, and this magic system is so unique and truly fascinating! I can see this book quickly becoming a popular read accompanied by a stormy day, a mug of hot chocolate, and a cozy fire crackling in the background.”
– Emma, English major at Linfield University
“The epic battles come to life off the page, just like you’re right alongside the characters. The magical battles are epic and will thrill your imagination.”
– Tim, avid reader of fantasy fiction
“As a homeschool mom, I found these books to be so family friendly. I can let all my children read them.”
– Trisha, mother of four
Legacy: A TradeMagic Prequel
Magic was sent to its grave — but its powers refuse to be buried.
Best friends Otto Kraus and Fritz Schenk are celebrating the end of a highly successful carpentry apprenticeship — landing jobs with the most prestigious employer in the village. Little do the locals know, Otto and Fritz’s woodwork skills contain a secret: TradeMagic.
Their Guild has forbidden the use of the magical powers that TradeCrafters can embed into their work. If magical work is discovered, a TradeCrafters’ conduit is stripped from them, and their skills diminished forever. As history has shown, practicing the mysterious craft has always resulted in more harm than good.
So Otto and Fritz, and a handful of their friends, vow to keep their magical gifts hidden. In the tiny hamlet nestled in the mountains of southern Bavaria, that shouldn’t be difficult…
Then Otto’s older brother offers him a contracting job with guaranteed success in the big city up north, but it comes with an expectation of loyalty. Otto and Fritz come to realize that not all who possess TradeMagic may have good intentions…
In Legacy: A TradeMagic Prequel, readers meet key characters in Birgit Schreiber’s TradeMagic series, and discover the roots of their magical world.
Book Two
Anna and Liam’s pursuit to claim TradeMagic as their own continues, but that doesn’t necessarily mean their goals align with Guild or Legion trajectories. Fritz continues to work his own magic, finding ways to help light their way, and for the Guild to succeed in their fight for survival.
No hiding place lasts forever…not even a magical one.
Slated for Winter 2024
The TradeMagic Series Trilogy…
Book Three
The Guild and Legion collide, in a monumental race across the finish line, right into a harrowing battle that will determine everyone’s future – including the fate of TradeMagic.
Aiming for Spring 2025
FAQS
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We’re constantly looking to make the book more available, right now you can only order online, you sadly aren’t likely to see it in stores (yet!).
The book can be ordered through the following retailers, but make sure to check out your local bookstores to see if they can order it too!
Order from:Paperback:
Walmart
Powell's
BAM! Books-a-million
Thalia.de
Hugendubel
Your favorite bookstore
And more!
E-book:
Kindle users: go to Smashwords
Libraries can get the e-book through:Palace Marketplace
BorrowBox
Bibliotheca
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As this book plays host to a multi-generational cast, some adult characters engage in responsible beer drinking.
This activity is important due to the book’s setting and German culture. There is magic in the brewing process (just as there is in other trades), but it’s impossible for drinkers of magical Bräu to become inebriated or impaired. Magically-infused beer can contain different magical properties when consumed by mouth or used topically. For example, Reality Bräu allows the drinker to see what’s real versus magic around them, and Freeze Bräu inflicts immobility when applied.
Younger characters enjoy Celebration Bräu at the end of the book, which allows the drinker to feel a heightened sense of joy and harmony amidst others.
Trigger warnings:
Stalking
Guns
Death
Alcohol use, as per the above-mentioned adult theme of beer consumption.
Smoking cigarettes
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Three, plus a prequel. The three books can be enjoyed without reading “Legacy: A TradeMagic Prequel,” but if the reader enjoys backstory and Easter eggs, they should eventually check it out! (It will be free to anyone signing up on Birgit’s email list for a limited time.) Starting in 2024, it will be available for free to club subscribers or it will be available for purchase via Birgit’s self-publishing supply channels.
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The prequel can be read at any time – before, after, or even in between any of the three main TradeMagic books. Readers will have unique experiences either way – discovering Easter egg revelations by reading further or in hindsight and drawing connections when they do read the main books. The last of the Easter eggs will take readers up to the final chapters of Book Three.
Ready to start the adventure?
Escape into the TradeMagic™ world with
The Toymaker and the Magic Within