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Friendly Neighborhood Wizard #1
Friendly Neighborhood Wizard
A rural village is fertile ground for a wizard sowing the seeds of magic, warding off bad vibes—and beasts—and ultimately bringing a community together.
After six years at Saint Balthazar’s Academy of Magic, Wil McKenzie has returned to his hometown a bewitching but humble Mr. Fix-It. The farming community of Harper Valley has its fair share of problems, and it’s counting on Wil’s sigils—and dazzling flicks of the wrist—to solve them. After all, the whole of Harper Valley funded his education.
Now, Wil’s back in the family fold and working hard to fill the needs of his neighbors, who all seem to want a fast return on their investment. But whether it’s mending fences, ridding a house of vermin, boosting crops, or finding lost children, Wil is ready. What the magical civil servant isn’t prepared for is everyone’s crotchety attitudes and exasperating skepticism—not to mention a noxious, self-serving mayor who’s itching for control.
But Wil remains optimistic, especially as he reconnects with his childhood crush, Darlene Johnson, and a former high school bully with a remorseful change of heart. And a good thing, too. Because there’s a mystical storm a-brewing and, with it, a centuries-old conflict. Bringing peace, safety, and hope to Harper Valley isn’t only the biggest challenge of Wil’s young wizarding career; it just might make him the local hero he was destined to become.
The first volume of the hit fantasy adventure series—with more than 600,000 views on Royal Road—now available on Kindle, Kindle Unlimited, and Audible!
After six years at Saint Balthazar’s Academy of Magic, Wil McKenzie has returned to his hometown a bewitching but humble Mr. Fix-It. The farming community of Harper Valley has its fair share of problems, and it’s counting on Wil’s sigils—and dazzling flicks of the wrist—to solve them. After all, the whole of Harper Valley funded his education.
Now, Wil’s back in the family fold and working hard to fill the needs of his neighbors, who all seem to want a fast return on their investment. But whether it’s mending fences, ridding a house of vermin, boosting crops, or finding lost children, Wil is ready. What the magical civil servant isn’t prepared for is everyone’s crotchety attitudes and exasperating skepticism—not to mention a noxious, self-serving mayor who’s itching for control.
But Wil remains optimistic, especially as he reconnects with his childhood crush, Darlene Johnson, and a former high school bully with a remorseful change of heart. And a good thing, too. Because there’s a mystical storm a-brewing and, with it, a centuries-old conflict. Bringing peace, safety, and hope to Harper Valley isn’t only the biggest challenge of Wil’s young wizarding career; it just might make him the local hero he was destined to become.
The first volume of the hit fantasy adventure series—with more than 600,000 views on Royal Road—now available on Kindle, Kindle Unlimited, and Audible!
313 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 20, 2024
40 people are currently reading
93 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
March 21, 2024
This was absolutely adorable. I don't read the 'cozy' fantasy genre a lot but I can definitely see the appeal. This book felt a bit like playing Stardew Valley. A good, easy pace, a fun concept and a quaint little setting to tie it all together.
Also the writing was good, which certainly never hurts.
I recommend this one for folks who want a change of pace from the higher octane stuff and an abrupt way to lower blood pressure.
Beware the food descriptions though. No book has ever made me crave fried chicken this badly 😩
Also the writing was good, which certainly never hurts.
I recommend this one for folks who want a change of pace from the higher octane stuff and an abrupt way to lower blood pressure.
Beware the food descriptions though. No book has ever made me crave fried chicken this badly 😩
February 29, 2024
A sweet slice-of-life fantasy. After six years away learning magic, Wil is happy to return home to Harper Valley and begin serving his community as the village wizard. Not everyone is happy to see him back, but he soon shows off just how handy a wizard can be in a small farming community like theirs. He'll need to hone his craft, because this town may end up needing more than mended fences and rodent repelling charms before the day is out.
This was a fun, lighthearted read. Wil is an earnest hero who truly wants to help everyone. The relationships between characters are great. Wil and his family are lovely together, and it was sweet to watch his growing friendships (and romance) as well. The ending clearly leads to a sequel, which I will be happy to pick up.
I received a free copy of this book via Podium Team and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This was a fun, lighthearted read. Wil is an earnest hero who truly wants to help everyone. The relationships between characters are great. Wil and his family are lovely together, and it was sweet to watch his growing friendships (and romance) as well. The ending clearly leads to a sequel, which I will be happy to pick up.
I received a free copy of this book via Podium Team and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 19, 2024
Audio: 5 Stars
Story: All the characters were just jerks or overly sassy! The MC doesn't deserve how he is treated, but he also needs to grow up, the character is very immature. I will tell all of the town "screw you" and go help only people who appreciate him and deserve it. And it is not that they are rude, but they are plain mean and malicious, even his family other than his mom and dad. Awful personalities and how long does he have to apologize for not going back home? Is not like he was partying, he was improving himself. I really will send them all to hell and go travel or something. Also the "romance" piece of it was unnecessary, I could have done without it. I really couldn't deal with the pettiness and immaturity of it all and it ruined the story for me. I disliked everyone other than the mom and the dad. Onto my next adventure, Happy Readings!!!
Story: All the characters were just jerks or overly sassy! The MC doesn't deserve how he is treated, but he also needs to grow up, the character is very immature. I will tell all of the town "screw you" and go help only people who appreciate him and deserve it. And it is not that they are rude, but they are plain mean and malicious, even his family other than his mom and dad. Awful personalities and how long does he have to apologize for not going back home? Is not like he was partying, he was improving himself. I really will send them all to hell and go travel or something. Also the "romance" piece of it was unnecessary, I could have done without it. I really couldn't deal with the pettiness and immaturity of it all and it ruined the story for me. I disliked everyone other than the mom and the dad. Onto my next adventure, Happy Readings!!!
August 20, 2024
The book starts out great with a tale about a lad coming home from Wizarding Uni with a masters in wizardry with a focus on farming. Mainly starting out with a cozy slice of life / blue collar wizarding story (which is something I didn't know I really want more of), but very quickly shoehorns a loveplot, conspiracies, an absurd raising of stakes that is resolved almost immediately, to be followed by yet another raising of the stakes.
Personally I would have preferred a book about a blue collar wizard rather than what now looks like it will devolve into a power fantasy. The setting is somewhat ambiguous but the best analoge is 1800s rural Europe with American sensibilities.
TL;DR Strong start, weak finish with a worrying trendline
Personally I would have preferred a book about a blue collar wizard rather than what now looks like it will devolve into a power fantasy. The setting is somewhat ambiguous but the best analoge is 1800s rural Europe with American sensibilities.
TL;DR Strong start, weak finish with a worrying trendline
June 24, 2024
Spectacular. Endlessly charming. A true delight.
I love cozy books. But it's rare to find one that's also well-written. This one is definitely both.
The characters are well-drawn, realistic, and relatable. They're the kinds of people I'd be proud to call friends; and, after reading this book, I almost feel like they are.
Give this one a read. You'll be glad you spent your time on it.
I love cozy books. But it's rare to find one that's also well-written. This one is definitely both.
The characters are well-drawn, realistic, and relatable. They're the kinds of people I'd be proud to call friends; and, after reading this book, I almost feel like they are.
Give this one a read. You'll be glad you spent your time on it.
October 24, 2024
Did what it said on the tin.
This was a cosy fantasy as described but there was a definite lack of tension in a lot of the stories. Many of the issues were easily resolved and the stakes felt low. If you liked Legends & Lattes then you'll love this.
The world-building was well thought out and actually quite interesting. The characters were mostly solid although the secondary characters were bit flat.
The narration was great too. Would recommend.
This was a cosy fantasy as described but there was a definite lack of tension in a lot of the stories. Many of the issues were easily resolved and the stakes felt low. If you liked Legends & Lattes then you'll love this.
The world-building was well thought out and actually quite interesting. The characters were mostly solid although the secondary characters were bit flat.
The narration was great too. Would recommend.
November 8, 2024
A very good, soothing story
I quite enjoyed this slice of life wizard's tale. I always listen and read along, and the narrator is an excellent match for the material. I'm not at all thrilled about the cliffhanger ending, so thank goodness the next book is out and I can dive right into book #2!
I quite enjoyed this slice of life wizard's tale. I always listen and read along, and the narrator is an excellent match for the material. I'm not at all thrilled about the cliffhanger ending, so thank goodness the next book is out and I can dive right into book #2!
December 6, 2025
Well Written
This was recommended to me by Argus and they hit the nail on the head. Really well written, fairly low stakes fantasy with solid world building. Only minor quibble was that the last 20% felt more like it belonged at the start of the next book than the end of this one.
This was recommended to me by Argus and they hit the nail on the head. Really well written, fairly low stakes fantasy with solid world building. Only minor quibble was that the last 20% felt more like it belonged at the start of the next book than the end of this one.
March 23, 2024
Exactly what it says on the tin
The stakes are social and the pressure is professional... and personal. It's all about family and helping people now that he's back in town, and making old connections come back to life.
A delightful story.
The stakes are social and the pressure is professional... and personal. It's all about family and helping people now that he's back in town, and making old connections come back to life.
A delightful story.
March 24, 2024
Going to go far.
SmilingSatyr paints an enchanting picture of a realm of magic and technology. The characters are vivid and likable, and the story told s thoughtful and uplifting. Keep it up.
SmilingSatyr paints an enchanting picture of a realm of magic and technology. The characters are vivid and likable, and the story told s thoughtful and uplifting. Keep it up.
January 10, 2025
This was pretty enjoyable! I really loved the setup, but I felt the last half dragged on a little too much. There was probably a better stopping point then what happened at the end of the book, but I am intrigued enough to try book 2!
March 16, 2024
I loved this cozy Fantasy. I loved the main character.
May 10, 2024
Generally cozy community oriented fantasy. More politics and ethics than I expected coming in, but excellent plot and good pacing.
June 9, 2024
Fun and light hearted
First time I read this author and couldn’t stop reading especially towards the end. Looking forward to the next book in the series.
First time I read this author and couldn’t stop reading especially towards the end. Looking forward to the next book in the series.
January 24, 2025
A random recommendation while I was doom scrolling on Facebook and now one of the best cozy fantasies I've read yet! The characters, magic, and the world were just perfect 💚On to book two now!
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews