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Denzil #1
The Wednesday Wizard
Denzil, a sorcerer's apprentice prone to trouble, runs to tell his master about impending danger from a dragon and finds himself in a jam. By the author of The Juniper Game. Original.
Paperback
First published May 1, 1993
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125 people want to read
About the author
Sherryl Jordan
40 books326 followersAward-winning New Zealand author Sherryl Rose Jordan (née Brogden) (1949-2023) began her writing career with picture books, but soon moved on to novels for older readers. Her breakthrough came with Rocco, published in the United States as A Time of Darkness, and since that time she has gone on to pen many more titles for young adult and juvenile readers that have been published both in her native New Zealand and throughout the world.
The recipient of a 1993 fellowship to the prestigious writing program at the University of Iowa, Jordan used her time in the United States to speak widely at schools and conferences about her books, which blend fantasy with bits of science fiction and romantic realism. "All my young adult novels have been gifts," she noted in the St. James Guide to Children's Writers. "I don't think them up. They hit me over the head when I least expect them; overwhelm me with impressions, sights, and sounds of their new worlds; enchant me with their characters; and dare me to write them."
The recipient of a 1993 fellowship to the prestigious writing program at the University of Iowa, Jordan used her time in the United States to speak widely at schools and conferences about her books, which blend fantasy with bits of science fiction and romantic realism. "All my young adult novels have been gifts," she noted in the St. James Guide to Children's Writers. "I don't think them up. They hit me over the head when I least expect them; overwhelm me with impressions, sights, and sounds of their new worlds; enchant me with their characters; and dare me to write them."
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
February 15, 2012
What a goof ball Denzil's character is....but kinda cute and can't get over the Star wars fascination :) A good and not a boring read...!!!
March 25, 2019
Not much learning or growing was done from the main character. I liked the fact the whle family got involved, rather than just the kids trying to hide him. liked Travis and Adam best.
July 10, 2011
Before reading my review, you should know that I read the danish version, so there is a good chance that I will not translate certain words perfectly (at least according to the original book).
The Story...
Denzil lives in the middle ages around 12-something. He is a wizard's apprentice, yet have already read a lot of his master's spells, even though he probably shouldn't have. He might very well be an apprentice, yet, he is already a formidable wizard in his own way.
The story kicks off with Denzil visiting an old witch. He claims that his master sent him, but really, he was there to steal something. However, when the witch calls him a thief, he gets angry... Denzil is NO thief... he is a robber and apparently there is a great difference. Before leaving the old witch, she gives Denzil a warning that a dragon will slay him on Spy Wednesday! Denzil, however, does not believe that the warning is meant for him, instead he thinks the warning is meant for his master... Valvasor...
Spy Wednesday is in four days, so Denzil decides to use his magical amulet to travel into the future to warn his master. But something goes wrong and Denzil finds himself 7 centuries ahead of his own time... in the garden of the MacAllister family!
Will Denzil be able to do the math correctly and find his way back to his own time and will he manage to save his master from certain doom...
My Judgment...
This is a children's book and it shows. However, this is not a bad thing. It has plenty of things to teach a child reading the book. It is unmistakably fantasy and there is plenty of magic within these pages, however, there is also a good story about being different from everyone else and come to terms with who (and what) you are. It is about finding your own destiny and allowing others to help you fulfill it. I feared early on that it would be far too predictable (because one of its great themes is time travel), but it really isn't. It is actually a sweet little story.
Highly recommended to children age 8-11! And don't be discouraged if you don't like fantasy... this is not pure fantasy, like the Lord of the Rings... it is more like Harry Potter.
The Story...
Denzil lives in the middle ages around 12-something. He is a wizard's apprentice, yet have already read a lot of his master's spells, even though he probably shouldn't have. He might very well be an apprentice, yet, he is already a formidable wizard in his own way.
The story kicks off with Denzil visiting an old witch. He claims that his master sent him, but really, he was there to steal something. However, when the witch calls him a thief, he gets angry... Denzil is NO thief... he is a robber and apparently there is a great difference. Before leaving the old witch, she gives Denzil a warning that a dragon will slay him on Spy Wednesday! Denzil, however, does not believe that the warning is meant for him, instead he thinks the warning is meant for his master... Valvasor...
Spy Wednesday is in four days, so Denzil decides to use his magical amulet to travel into the future to warn his master. But something goes wrong and Denzil finds himself 7 centuries ahead of his own time... in the garden of the MacAllister family!
Will Denzil be able to do the math correctly and find his way back to his own time and will he manage to save his master from certain doom...
My Judgment...
This is a children's book and it shows. However, this is not a bad thing. It has plenty of things to teach a child reading the book. It is unmistakably fantasy and there is plenty of magic within these pages, however, there is also a good story about being different from everyone else and come to terms with who (and what) you are. It is about finding your own destiny and allowing others to help you fulfill it. I feared early on that it would be far too predictable (because one of its great themes is time travel), but it really isn't. It is actually a sweet little story.
Highly recommended to children age 8-11! And don't be discouraged if you don't like fantasy... this is not pure fantasy, like the Lord of the Rings... it is more like Harry Potter.
May 7, 2014
I loved it although it was an easy read it was quality writing age appropriate for kids aged 8-14
May 14, 2013
this is another great book that will keep you occupied and you love the book till the very end
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews