Wizard Planet

My Wizard Buddy #2

by Brian W. Wu, Scott Spotson

Tyler's wizard buddy, Dirk, has often driven Tyler to distraction even as he amicably conjured feats of incredible magic to help Tyler out of tight spots. Now, both boys are 12 years old, and Dirk has invited Tyler to visit his own wizard planet, called Adgiligda. Tyler hesitates before accepting, but when he does, it's one giant adventure after the other when Tyler joins in eye-popping games of wizardry and tangles with fearsome magical beasts!

118 pages, Paperback

First published December 9, 2014

About the author

Brian Wu graduated with a Bachelor's Science Degree in Physiology and Neurobiology. Currently, he holds a PhD and is an MD Candidate (KSOM, USC) in integrative biology and disease. He is also an experienced writer and editor for a large number of prestigious web pages. Brian values the ability of all ages to learn from the power of stories. His mission is to write about health conditions, educational topics, and life situations in an entertaining way in order to help children understand their own health conditions and daily circumstances.

Contact Brian Wu at hello @ healthstoriesforkids.com
More info on Brian can be found at http://www.brianwwu.com

Reviews

[James McCormick · Rating 4 out of 5]

Taking place almost a year after the first book this second instalment of Wu and Spotson’s YA fantasy series sees Tyler and Dirk’s roles reversed as Dirk is now the one showing his non magical friend around his incredible world of Adgiligda. Almost from the very beginning (chapter 2 in fact) we are given a guided tour of this amazing world which includes the gravity defying Wizardium, the clockwork way the seasons are designed, incredible houses seven hundred and eighty fee above the ground with no doors and the most convenient way of travelling. Anyone reading this, young or not so young, can only wish these things were possible in the ‘real’ world. Also, referring back to the first book, there is also a belated introduction to Dirk’s favourite game of killer ball.
Once again the themes of social order, fitting in and bullying are addressed. This time things take on a more menacing aspect however as prejudice in a most extreme for is introduced. In the previous book Dirk had to keep his identity secret because the truth was too incredible to let out. Now Tyler tries to keep his secret because Dirk’s race despise and are hostile to what they consider a savage and inferior species, one they ‘dealt’ with a long time ago.
Even Dirk’s own parents, upon discovering that their dinner guest is from Earth, scold their son for bringing home a puppy, one who doesn’t know any better. Bullying is also much more of an issue. Tyler is in very real physical danger this time as he comes up against three nasty young wizards in particular who refer to him as “that thing” and believe that as an undesirable on their world he needs to be punished.
Wizard Planet is an excellent sequel, one painted on a much broader canvass than the first book which sees the main character once again developing an inner strength and self belief and this time battling far greater obstacles culminating in an actual wizard trial against him.
I personally enjoyed the first book a little more as I was able to relate to the actual story better but this is an excellent and in many ways a perfect sequel to its predecessor.

[Steven Thompson · Rating 5 out of 5]

The adventures of Tyler and Dirk continue, and readers are whisked away to a magical planet of wizards! This is good fun for young readers. Exciting with creative new creatures as well. Think crocodiles with paint guns!
Hats off to the author for great new chapter.

[Sonal Panse · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is a sequel to 'My Wizard Buddy', and is more engaging than the first book. Tyler visits his wizard friend Dirk on the planet Adgiligda, and is amazed by its inventiveness, as compared to Earth. He meets Dirk's parents, Fiesta and Joyd, who are not very pleased to meet him; wizards and humans have a longstanding animosity, apparently. We get to see the inside of Dirk's house and how his family lives - they teleport into their house and from room to room and can conjure up the food they want and zap up the clothes they want to wear. He goes to Dirk's school and encounters wizard bullies, Victoria, Traf, and Gus, and, thanks to them, later plunges into unexpected adventures involving the dreadful alligator creatures, Borolex.

The world created is imaginative and exciting, but the characters come across as one-dimensional and the ending is too abrupt.

[Priya Narayanan · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read Wizard Planet-My Wizard Buddy #2 without reading the first part and found that it works pretty well as a standalone read. There is enough information about the first part in the initial pages to make connections. However, I wish these were presented in a better form -right now, it feels like information dumping, more tell than show.

Apart from this, I found the book to be quite entertaining. Tyler, the human protagonist visits Dirk’s home planet and gets into several adventures that are engaging. I liked the way the authors have conjured the world of the wizards with two Suns and thirty-five planets and many other interesting details. While the teleporting hub, the Hall of Mirrors and the Borolox Forest are novel ideas that make you want to go explore more of the planet, I felt some parts had a Harry Potter hangover. For instance, the Wizardium and the Death Ball game. Also, by introducing the Wizard bullies, the authors have kind of played into a tricky zone – why should everything in a completely new planet remind you of something so close to home? Finally, the interesting part about the relationship between wizards and earthlings has not been developed completely, something I think would have given the story more depth.

So yes, the book pulled me in two different directions. There were parts that I thoroughly enjoyed and parts that were just so so. But I guess that’s because I’ve read quite a few wizard stories. All in all, it is a good, well-paced story and I’ll definitely recommend it to kids who have not yet read too many books in this genre.

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest, non-reciprocal review.

[Karl Woodhouse · Rating 3 out of 5]

There was no messing around with this book. Before you knew it, Tyler had been transported to the wizard planet, where he was soon left to fend for himself. It seemed a bit strange that his wizard buddy left him hanging so much. I must say that I felt Dirk was not a very gracious host, and that wizards in general, as portrayed in this book, are not a nice bunch.

I would recommend that you read the first book before diving into this one, as there are a few references to the previous story that are important to this storyline but are not explained – Why do crocodiles play paintball? How did Tyler speak to spirits? What’s up with the Seers of Dunsmore? I felt these needed a bit more explanation in this instalment for this to work well if you discovered this as a standalone book.

The steady stream of scenes and action may be enough to keep younger readers happy. There really is no let up in Tyler’s troubles from the moment he is transported to the planet. I did feel that, at points, the story needed to slow down a bit and go into more detail. For example, the final trial felt like it was glossed over and the outcome felt a bit contrived.

Kids who like adventure tales may enjoy this book, there is a lot going on, and the action is relentless. Kids who want characters and story telling with a bit more depth may find themselves disappointed.

[Craig Goodwin · Rating 3 out of 5]

(SPOILERS) While better than the first, Wizard Planet fell short of its potential. Tyler, our human protagonist, is brought to the wizard world by his magical buddy Dirk, setting us up for a Harry Potter-type adventure. However, that doesn't happen. The writing is very intellectual--I would like more insight into dynamics and emotions based off of dialogue and Tyler's physical responses to situations. For example, I would rather see "Tyler saw the bullies from the corner of his eye and felt a pit in his stomach." From that we can ascertain that Tyler is nervous or afraid. Also, humans kept getting referred to as "mortals." Are the wizards immortal? The climax of the story is when upright alligators attack the town with paintball guns, inciting terror in the wizards. I don't see justification for the level of chaos and fear. Make it more clear. This can be the climax, just make it more climactic. Don't give so much attention the the mundane and focus on making the action scenes more exciting. Like I said earlier, the book has potential, it just needs work.

[Tassa DeSalada · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Wizard Planet" is Scott Spotson and Brian Wu's second book in this series. I highly recommend reading these books in proper order because the first book gives a nice, solid background for the second book. It's not essential, but it's certainly preferred.

Furthermore, the second book is a fascinating role reversal of the first book. The first book takes place on this planet. The second book takes place on an alien planet. How creative! In addition, conflicts vary by the planet, and escalate by the page. The prejudice and racism turn very ugly very fast. Most victims, and innocent bystanders, have a very hard time dealing with racism. This book confronts that type of ugliness. There's lots of action, confrontation, and suspense.

I'm looking forward to reading the third book.

[Ella May · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the second book in the My Wizard Buddy series. I haven't read the first instalment, but the authors work around the fact that readers might be starting from book #2 by giving us a lot of information from the previous book.
I enjoyed the descriptions of Dirk's home planet, e.g. how the seasons were divided up. The seers of Dunsmore seemed like interesting characters, and their possible connection to Tyler might lend itself to another Wizard Buddy sequel.
I realized while reading this that I hadn't read a story with an omniscient narrator in a long time. I would prefer to have read about the adventures from the point of view of either main character, or switching back and forth.
I think a good editor could successfully bring out the potential in this story.

[M . · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book it took me on a great adventure. I read the book in one sitting. I was immediately lost in this magical and action filled world. The book is full of descriptive details and i had no problem envisioning any parts of the story. I found Tyler and Dirk to be really cool characters. Tyler being a brave cool kid,while Dirk was a loyal friend . This was an action packed read and I would recommend for an older child that is looking to lose themselves in a magical place.

[J.C. Wing · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the second of three books in Scott Spotson and Brian Wu’s My Wizard Buddy series. This time, earthling Tyler is taken to Dirk’s home planet of Adgiligda where he is introduced to the amazing Wizardium, the center of the planet’s universe. It has an ice crystal ceiling and is the place where games, concerts, competitions, ceremonies and pageants are held. Dirk then takes his friend to Julian, his home town. The two boys play Death Ball, (a game where the ball goes after the players…shrieking and shooting laser beams all the while,) and Tyler learns that the residents in Julian can enjoy summer, fall, winter or spring all year round simply by moving to different parts of the town. As a reader, I was intrigued by this just as much as Tyler was.

All is going well until Dirk invites Tyler to his home for dinner. He tells Tyler that his parents might be upset to find out that Tyler is a human. Tyler learns that in the past, wizards and humans lived on Earth together before the wizards became incredibly powerful and eventually killed off the human race. Needless to say, this throws quite a damper on Tyler’s enthusiasm and enjoyment of this new and magical place.

Tyler’s education continues when he goes to school with Dirk the next day disguised as a wizard. A debate breaks out among the children about whether or not the humans should have been destroyed by the wizards. Tyler winds up being taunted by several of the wizard children, and here is where this inspired tale takes a dark turn. I will not divulge the details in fear of ruining the story, but I will say that the authors take bullying to a whole new level.

This is a book brimming with colorful detail. The authors have created a vibrant new world full of interesting architecture and ideas. This second installment, however, as imaginative as it is, is also much darker than the first. Tyler is very nearly brutalized by three young wizards. He finds himself in a huge amount of trouble, not just physically and mentally due to the malicious acts of his tormenters, but also in a court of law when he and Dirk face criminal charges. In the end, the three bullies are not brought to justice, although the authors leave their readers with a ray of hope as the story concludes. Is it possible that Dirk and Tyler have forced the wizards of Adgiligda to think differently about their history with the human race?

The story is creative and very well written. In this reader’s opinion, it may have been a bit fierce for its targeted age group, but overall, I believe that this series is an absolute winner.

[Loralee · Rating 2 out of 5]

The premise is an exciting and clever one. The wizard world is crafted well, and has a great deal of potential. The writing however, was awkward, with more telling than showing. There were far too many linking verbs, "was" and "were" verbs, instead of more active, visual verbs. There are a great deal of sentences that go along the lines of “Tyler was afraid.” Instead of “Tyler’s stomach twisted with fear.” Additionally, the conflict took a very long time to get started, and the protagonist did not have a main goal. There were a number of POV violations as well. For example, when Dirk first took Tyler to his school, there was no way to know, unless the class had introduced themselves without the readers knowing, what the other students names were. Yet we’re told right off, some of the students’ names, namely Victoria, Traf, and Gus. Yet they’re never introduced to Tyler, so there’s no way he could have known their names. Also, there was no reason why the alligator people and their paintball guns could create such panic and mayhem. It isn’t explained why the wizards are so afraid of these particular individuals.
I think that the idea behind My Wizard Buddy has a great deal of potential, and were this to be polished up, with many of the ‘was’ verbs replaced with more active verbs, a clear story goal given to the protagonist then the story passed by a professional editor, I believe it could be quite a gripping story for young kids!

[S.T. Blake · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wizard Planet follows the first My Wizard Buddy book in telling the adventures that ordinary human kid Tyler experiences with his friend from another world, on which everyone knows how to do magic. This time Tyler gets to visit his magical buddy’s planet in person, after only hearing about it in the first book.

The wizard’s planet is really nicely drawn and the best parts of the book involve Tyler exploring the planet and being amazed (or frightened) by what he sees there. So, we get to visit the spectacular Wizardium and see Tyler play some frantic Death Ball and then he floats up into the atmosphere above the planet to get a stunning view of how the wizard’s organise their world and its seasons using magic. These chapters are really enjoyable and make this book overall more fun than the first My Wizard Buddy.

The only disappointment was that Wizard Planet rehashes the bullying scenes from the first book. But whereas in book one it felt as if there was a genuine reason to raise a topic that many kids have to go through in the real world, here it seemed more like an easy way of getting Tyler involved in some dangerous incidents to push the plot along. The wizard bullies weren’t held to account for their actions in any way. So, hopefully, that marks the end of those scenes in the series and book 3 finds different dangers for Tyler to face and overcome.

[E.M. Cooper · Rating 5 out of 5]

For every child who has longed for the excitement and wonder of escaping to a fantasy world, Brian W. Wu and Scott Spotson have created the perfect planet.

Twelve-year-old Tyler Dunsmore is reunited with his wizard friend, Dirk after completing his wizard exam studies. When Dirk visits he stays in a hidden bedroom beside Tyler’s room, complete with tiny toy soldiers battling on his purple and blue carpet and with stars and planets hovering on the wall.

Dirk whisks Tyler through a portal to the amazing planet of Adgiligda where he meets his parents and discovers truths about the history of wizard-human relationships. This is where the fun and challenges begin as Tyler discovers wizard behaviour isn’t exactly what he expected. When his situation looks dire, he discovers he has a quirk that makes the wizard folk see him in a new light.

Wu and Spotson write in an accessible and colourful style making the story a fast and entertaining read. They have created a world that’s sure to appeal to children, complete with fantastic food, games and creatures. I especially enjoyed the depiction of the Wizardium, the House of Mirrors scene and the whacky Borolax, red-eyed crocodile-like creatures that wield paintball guns and chase wizards. ‘My Wizard Buddy: Wizard Planet’ is a fast-moving, action-packed fantasy that will delight middle-grade readers.

[Rachel Tetley · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very enjoyable addition to the middle-grade fantasy fiction that provides contemporary, light-hearted fun. As the second in the series, it in no-way loses it's appeal as a concept, with plenty of fresh action and entertainment, and I would even go as far to say that this book goes further than the first, in creating a deeper, darker feel to the whole storyline. The main characters are well-drawn, making them believable and relatable, and the descriptions of the setting were spot-on in order to draw vivid pictures of the world in which you find yourself in. The author clearly has a great imagination and has created some really wonderful ideas, games and objects.

One of the best things, I feel about this series, are that whilst the books are far from written in a simplistic way, somehow, they achieve a feel about them that makes them highly appealing and accessible for the more reluctant reader - in particular, my boys! I guess it's the nature of the action and adventure which is fast-paced, often wacky (in a good sense) and as I said before, fun.

I would therefore have no hesitation in recommending it to any lover of fantasy, action and adventure from 9 years and above, for a really good-fun read.

[Michael Thal · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book two of the My Wizard Buddy series won’t disappoint fans. In Brian Wu and Scott Spotson’s first installment of this fun boy fantasy, Tyler Dunsmore is a lonely pre-teen looking for a friend. Miraculously, Dirk Grimwolf popped from out of nowhere turning Tyler’s life upside down.

In Wizard Planet, Tyler and Dirk are back for another adventure together. This time Tyler shows interest in Dirk’s home world. Traveling to the Darsian System, thousands of light years from Earth, won’t need a star ship zipping at top warp speeds. No! All Dirk needs to do is project his world on a magical wall. And all Tyler must do is touch the golden marble representing Adgiligda, and poof! Instantaneously the duo materializes on a world orbiting twin stars.

Thus begins an enchanting tale of friendship. On Wizard Planet, Wu and Spotson let their imaginations soar thrusting Tyler and Dirk into many funny and exciting situations. Tyler confronts bullying by wizard pre-teens, is forced to endure a magical roller coaster ride, and he even meets up with Yeti.

Wizard Planet is a creative tool that will motivate reluctant young male readers to love the adventure of reading.

[K.S. Ferguson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wizard Planet, the second in the My Wizard Buddy series, describes Tyler's adventures when he goes to his wizard buddy Dirk's home planet, where everyone has magical abilities. The setting is vividly described and sure to spark the imagination of the pre-teen audience. There's plenty of action, but little real violence. (Paintball guns substitute for real guns, and bullying teen wizards know they aren't allowed to kill Tyler.) Bullying and prejudice are raised in nuanced tones that give the story a bit of moral fortitude without devolving into preaching.

My only criticism is that Tyler gets rescued a bit too often. It is only during his encounter with the Yeti that Tyler shows brilliance and courage and manages to escape unaided. Otherwise, either Dirk or a lawyer that represents him is responsible for getting him out of trouble. This doesn't detract noticeably from the story, however. Young readers will probably not realize it.

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Maggie Larche · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wizard Planet is an entertaining read where we follow Tyler as he goes to the wizard's world. There's some really interesting world-building going on, and I loved some of the details about Wizard Earth. And of course, Tyler and Dirk get into several adventures during his visit, causing plenty of action to keep the young reader engaged.

I do have to say that the story felt a little incomplete to me. There were a few subjects brought up that never were fully developed -- most noticeably, the wizard's contentious past with humans and the threat they might hold to Earth now. I hope this is a subject that's addressed in future books.

All in all, this is a good choice for kids, especially reluctant readers. They are sure to love the imaginative setting and fast pace!


Note: I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a non-reciprocal review.

[A.J. Raven · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tyler and Dirk have grown a year in the second installment of ‘My Wizard Buddy’ series. If you have been wondering what Dirk’s home plant looks like then this book shows it all because Tyler is the one who becomes the ‘alien’. While there is a lot of creativity in the world building there is also a lot of prejudice in the story. Dirk’s world doesn’t take kindly to normal human beings and consider them inferior. Tyler also has to face bullying. As a parent if you think such things might be a bit too dark for your kids then it is best that you first read the story yourself before letting your kids read it. Regardless of the somewhat dark nature of the story I liked how the roles were reversed and Tyler became the one who had to make sense of Dirk’s world.

Note: same review has been posted on Amazon under the name Omar Mujtaba.

[Loren Lockner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Our two friends just can’t stay out of trouble! In this 2nd installment of my Wizard Buddy, Dirk decides to whisk Tyler to his home planet for a visit. Tyler quickly learns that while many things on Dirk’s planet are different, such as expanding elevated houses, disappearing and appearing food, and transporting oneself in a blink of an eye, some things are just the same as earth; like bullies. Three bullies trick Tyler and leave him to fend for himself in a strange world where humans are considered 2nd class citizens. If you enjoyed the first My Wizard Buddy, you’ll love this fun tale of intergalactic travel and friendship.

[Ashley Howland · Rating 5 out of 5]

This time Tyler goes to visit Dirk’s home planet. He discovers they are not fond of the human kind and gets himself into all sorts of trouble. Can Dirk rescue his friend in time?
Once again this book is full of action, excitement and suspense. Kids will love the fast pace and the amazing magical world. Scott Spotson has a gift for developing characters and this book is another fantastic adventure.

[Susanne Leist · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had fun reading this book. Two boys, one a human boy and one a wizard from another planet, go on an adventure together. Tyler and his wizard friend, Dirk, journey to Dirk's home. If you had thought that they had gotten themselves into trouble in Book One, wait to see what they get into in Book Two. This time, their adventures are magical.

[Kristie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was so much fun to read. I loved being able to explore Dirks home planet and getting a glimpse of how he grew up and what living in a world of magic could look like compared to the ordinary life on Earth with Tyler...Now I really want some of that candy. LOL

[Lauren · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wizard Planet is the continuation of adventures for Tyler and his wizard friend Dirk. This time Tyler is introduced to Dirk's world: his town, parents, schoolmates and the wonder and danger of entering a world of magic.

The authors waste no time getting into the meat of the story. There is sufficient reference to the boys' previous adventures but not to the point where you feel like you're always backtracking. I really enjoyed the vivid and imaginative descriptions, which often seemed to provide details for all the senses.

The reason I gave this book 4 stars is that while the world created in this story is fantastic, there are times the plot is a little lacking. The magic often seems to be taken for granted, requiring no more than a wave of the hand. Additionally, the story ends with not quite enough vindication for the main characters; I wish they could have proven themselves more. Otherwise, it's a fun book with a rich and enchanting world for an adolescent reader to step into.