Target Earth

My Wizard Buddy #3

by Brian W. Wu, Scott Spotson

Tyler, now 13, feels abandoned this time around as he's captured on Earth by an ancient race of galaxy hunters called the Genzi, and must now find his own way to escape without the help of his wizard buddy, Dirk. Detained along with fifteen other Earthlings, he must outwit the Genzi as they place dangerous games of skill and agility in his path. Does Dirk manage to find Tyler and save the day--or will Tyler have to fend for himself and his band of fellow humans?

Genres: Middle Grade, Fantasy

128 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]

Target Earth introduces an entirely new element into this fantasy series as we see some very unpleasant alien invaders snatching people from Earth to use as prey in a safari like hunt. This one is actually much more a science fiction than a fantasy with the magical element playing its role only in a deus ex machina near the end.


As well written and as enjoyable as the previous two we witness Tyler this time rising to almost heroic heights as dual leader of a group of kidnapped humans as he battles and tries to outwit the Genzi. It is quite clear that our young hero is no longer a boy and at thirteen is entering into a new phase of his personal development. I particularly liked the hint of romantic awakening in the story and the possibility he may have met his first love.


This third instalment is a perfect conclusion to the trilogy and looking back it is amazing to think how much is covered in these three short works. I hope Tyler and Dirk return again soon as young adults.

[A.B. Syed · Rating 4 out of 5]

My Wizard Buddy - Target Earth is an exciting and satisfying sci-fi/fantasy adventure featuring 13 year old Tyler Dunsmore and his wizard friend Dirk.

This is the third book of a trilogy but can be read as a standalone and the story can be understood in its own right.

We read this story together out loud and found it to be thoroughly entertaining. We had great fun doing the alien voices and imagining the wonderful action sequences.

It is a story of great friendship and courage in the face of immense danger and will keep readers of all ages gripped to find out how Tyler can survive the incredibly challenging situations in which he finds himself.

It is well worth checking out this amazing trilogy!

I was given this book in return for an honest review.

[Noor Al-Shanti · Rating 4 out of 5]

Target Earth is a well-written science fiction with a touch of fantasy. It's aimed at younger readers so the length and the writing style cater more to a younger audience, but it was still enjoyable as an adult.

When I first started reading it I was a little annoyed by the "typical 13-year old American boy with an alien best friend" thing... it reminded me a lot of those goosebumps/ridiculous alien stories that I really don't like, but the action started quickly and I was soon turning the pages. It's kind of like that Doctor Who episode where the Slitheen invade... the typical alien talks to the president of the US and everyone on earth is immediately scared type of thing... but just like the Slitheen episode of Doctor Who I ended up getting into it and being swept up by the page-turner action and by the interesting characters.

There were all kinds of characters from various backgrounds and ages that contributed to the plot and played important roles which is awesome. I particularly liked the role of Rosalinda and I love that she was there to provide courage, strength and wisdom so that it wasn't just a 13 year old boy trying to survive and save people on his own. The main character's interaction with the younger children in the story is also a great touch.

Overall, this is a great sci-fi for young people who are into the genre that can also be enjoyed by adults. Oh - and I know it's book 3 of a series, but I read it without having read the other two books and was perfectly fine. A definite bonus for me!

[Nadishka Aloysius · Rating 3 out of 5]

I had not read books 1 and 2 when I started on this, so I found that the backstory was explained quite well. It helped me to enter the sci-fi world at the required point. Characters were also introduced well, although I personally find the matter of fact reference to people's hair colour etc annoying. The story developed well and built momentum. There was a logical sequence to the arc. The pace was good and did not lag. The descriptions of the aliens and their technology was very helpful.
However, I found the idea of a Hunt not very original (that being said, I did like the concept of testing teamwork and ingenuity that the Genzi alluded to - although at the end it turned out to be a lie on their part). There were a few facts missing which I felt would have helped the story - how did Tyler figure out so fast what the crystals were for? Wasn't it Tyler who commanded the crystals to act only to his voice? Then why was Prabhu able to command them? When did Prabhu emerge as a 'leader'? He didn't get a medal (I agreed with that decision as he didn't deserve one anyway!) Weren't the Adgiligda supposed to be a peaceful race?
I liked that the captives all managed to survive at the end - this is Middle Grade after all. And I liked how Tyler managed up to the very end without magical help from Dirk. An overall strong ending was ruined, though, by the height description of Rosalinda which was completely unnecessary!
Of course, I am sure children reading this will enjoy it and may not even notice some of the contradictions... so good luck with the next book!

[Michael Thal · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tyler Dunsmore, a thirteen-year old boy from Providence, Rhode Island is best friends with Dirk, a powerful wizard from a distant star.

Tyler first met Dirk in Brian Wu and Scott Spotson’s first My Wizard Buddy novel. In Target: Earth, number three in the My Wizard Buddy Series, Tyler is kidnapped by the Genzi, evil aliens with nefarious intent to planet Earth.

Along with Tyler fifteen other humans of various ages are selected for “testing”. When Dirk finds out he knows that if he doesn’t intervene with his magical powers, Tyler’s life could be in jeopardy as well as the fate of Earth.

As in the other two books in the My Wizard Buddy series, Wu and Spotson weave an entertaining story middle grade students will have fun reading.

[J.C. Wing · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the third book in the My Wizard Buddy series, and in this reader’s opinion, the best one of the three. While the first two were very creative, the third one had a little different feel to it. The authors were very successful at building a satisfying anticipation with Target Earth, and promoted things such as the importance of teamwork, strategy and taking care of one another.

An alien race, the Genzi, have invaded Earth and kidnapped sixteen Earthlings. Thirteen year old Tyler is one of the captives. The whole time Tyler is held prisoner, he is hoping that his wizard friend, Dirk, somehow finds and rescues him. Tyler holds his own, however, and shows great inner strength when he realizes that there are two other prisoners much younger than he is. He becomes their protector and does his best to comfort them even though he himself is scared out of his wits.

The Genzi put their captives through a series of tests, both physical and mental. In one such test, the prisoners are taken to a remote place before turning themselves into various wild animals. It becomes a safari hunt where the ‘animals’ prey upon the humans. It is Tyler’s time to shine as he comes up with a plan to protect himself and the other Earthlings.

Dirk is not forgotten in this story, although to share just what his role is would be divulging too much. Target Earth is still very much about the friendship between Tyler and Dirk, but this third book really allows Tyler to shine. He is triumphant, not because he has the power of magic, but because he is quick thinking and logical. He is a hero…and the authors threw in a bit of potential romance. A very nice touch.

Something I did find a bit surprising, considering the fact that his is a juvenile fiction book, was the use of the word ‘damn’ on two separate occasions. While definitely one of the more tame curses, I would think the authors could have found a more suitable word considering their audience.

All in all, I found My Wizard Buddy to be a very enjoyable series. Target Earth is definitely the shiniest jewel of the three, but all of the books together are a fine work indeed.

[E.M. Cooper · Rating 4 out of 5]

In the third book of the ‘My Wizard Buddy’ series, ‘Target Earth’ rejoins our intrepid hero, Tyler Dunsmore a year after his entertaining planet Adgiligda adventure.

Mankind is thrown into upheaval after the Genzi, a nasty breed of aliens, make a sudden appearance on planet Earth in a global television interview with the US president. Things go from bad to worse when Tyler along with 15 humans (6-80 years) are plucked from the planet and taken for tests by Flexpa and Accultox, the evil Genzi leaders. The humans are challenged by a series of puzzles which are a fun interlude for readers who enjoy testing their minds.

In a ‘Hunger Games’-like scenario, the shape-shifting Genzi (also known as hunters of the galaxy) assume the form of safari animals and pursue the hapless humans. During the ‘Revolting Games’, Tyler displays courage and ingenuity to meet the Genzi challenge. Ultimately Tyler is also helped by his long-time wizard buddy the mischievous Dirk.

The plot was interesting and amusing, but it didn’t have quite the level of fantasy and fun which made the second book compelling for middle grade readers. However I believe this may reflect the fact that Tyler is maturing and his challenges are becoming more grown-up and onerous.

Brian W. Wu and Scott Spotson have teamed up again to create a funny and entertaining fantasy adventure, which I’m certain middle grade readers will love and no doubt they’ll be on the lookout for the next in the series. Can't wait to see where Tyler and Dirk are headed!

[Rachel Tetley · Rating 5 out of 5]

As the third and final book in the trilogy, I won't say it is the best, because they each stand on their own individual merits, however, I did particularly enjoy where the authors went with this one as it really gives you a different and satisfying experience from the first two. I think the authors did a great job of making the reader feel as though the main character, Tyler had growin up, and as such had the appropriate tone and feel for his age. I loved the fact that you got to see Tyler work independently from Dirk (Although Dirk is a very entertaining character), and I really enjoyed the storyline and challenges Tyler was forced to face.

Full of imagination and great messages.

A wonderful series, that was brilliantly concluded. I would recommend to 8 years plus lovers of fantasy, action and adventure.

[Wendi Wilson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Target Earth is a very entertaining story about a boy, his alien-wizard best friend, and working together to thwart an army of shape-shifting, hunter aliens bent on invading Earth.

I found it to be exciting I think my 10 year old would love it too. Great writing, great story. I loved how people from all over the world worked together to save themselves, and all of mankind, despite their differences.

I haven't read the other books in the series and I had no trouble following the storyline or keeping the characters straight. The explanations of past events were concise enough that people who have read the other books wouldn't get bored, yet informative enough that readers like me could get the gist of the overall series.

All in all, I give it two thumbs up. Great job.
*I was given a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[A.J. Raven · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tyler is 13 years old in the third installment of the ‘My Wizard Buddy’ series. He is more grownup compared to the previous two installments and so, his challenges have become tougher as well. While the friendship between Tyler and Dirk was the main focus in the previous two stories, Dirk isn’t present much in the third book. However, Tyler still has hope that his friend will come to save him. The good thing is that Tyler doesn’t wait around to be saved either. He does what he can, and leads the rest of the humans after getting kidnapped by a race called the Genzi. While some readers might not enjoy the more ‘sci-fi’ route of the third book, it is still an enjoyable read. Fans of the series should read it just to see what kind of a young boy Tyler is growing up to be.

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

[Loren Lockner · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fun fantasy for kids! My Wizard Buddy: Target Earth is a fine juvenile fantasy about two friends from entirely different worlds—Tyler from Earth and Dirk from the wizard planet of Adgiligda. In book 3 of the series, Earth is invaded by the Genzi, a hunter race. As the action intensifies Tyler is kidnapped and finds himself an unlikely hero. As an upper elementary teacher, series like this are highly appreciated, since they promote reading and inspire self-worth. The main characters are highly likeable and all children who love fantasy will be swept away by the story. A great read for the classroom and home alike!

[Steven Thompson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a fun read that will be great for younger boys. A typical teenage boy makes friends with a totally awesome wizard from another planet who is also a teenager. Then our hero finds himself abducted by strange aliens who come to earth for nefarious purposes. Up against incredible technology and without the aid of his wizard friend, Tyler has to rely on his own wits and cunning to help his fellow humans save the day. Using his head, his courage, and his heart, Tyler finds a way to win. I recommend this for younger boys who need some excitement to get them reading and off of the video games. Great job!

[Susanne Leist · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tyler and fifteen other Earthlings are taken by a group called Genzi. They are forced to endure challenges and games. Book Three takes on a more serious tone than the first two books. Tyler is growing up and so are his challenges. He must use his wit and not lose hope. His hope centers around his wizard friend, Dirk, who he hopes will come to his rescue. That's what friends are for.

[J.B. Trepagnier · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the third book in the series, but works well as a standalone if you haven't read the other books, which I haven't.

There's not a lot of background as to how Dirk came into Tyler's life, but I'm sure that's covered in the previous books. We know in this book that Dirk is from another planet and only Tyler knows of his gifts.

Another alien race invades and Tyler is taken along with 16 other people of various ages so that this alien race can hunt them for sport. The pace was fast and the action strong. I went into this thinking it was middle grade fiction, but really, there are characters of all ages, including some very strong women characters and I think people of any ages would enjoy this story, if not the entire series, if you like fantasy and sci-fi