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My Wizard Buddy #1-3
My Wizard Buddy, Wizard Planet, Target Earth
Here, in trilogy format, is the My Wizard Buddy series from Books One to Three!
Children aged seven to thirteen will love this series, which blends eye-popping fantasy along with valuable coming-of-age lessons. These books are truly magical, as a wizard boy befriends a human boy on Earth, and causes zany antics to happen out of nowhere!
As written up by one reviewer,
"I bought this book so that I had something to read with my 10 year old nephew, who loves all things Harry Potter and Dr Who. With a title like “My Wizard Buddy” I was hoping it would provide us with some entertainment we could enjoy together. And I was absolutely right. When a story’s got scary alligator soldiers, superhero action with a berserk giant octopus, and of course plenty of magic, then you know you’re onto a winner if you’re trying to keep an imaginative boy happy. We both had lots of fun acting out parts of the story. I also liked how the book included some more serious topics that kids sometimes go through, such as bullying and family bereavement. It can be tricky for kids talking about those things, so stories like this can be a help."
And by another:
"YA fantasy is easy to write but extremely difficult to write well and I’m pleased to say that in My Wizard Buddy the authors Brian Wu and Scott Spotson deliver a first class tale perfectly tailored for their young audience. Not only is the main character Tyler entirely believable, he is also very likeable, someone whose problems and insecurities we can understand. The tale deals with many important issues such as self esteem, popularity, friendship and family dynamics, most notably sibling rivalry. It also takes the idea of the invisible friend to a whole new realm."
Children aged seven to thirteen will love this series, which blends eye-popping fantasy along with valuable coming-of-age lessons. These books are truly magical, as a wizard boy befriends a human boy on Earth, and causes zany antics to happen out of nowhere!
As written up by one reviewer,
"I bought this book so that I had something to read with my 10 year old nephew, who loves all things Harry Potter and Dr Who. With a title like “My Wizard Buddy” I was hoping it would provide us with some entertainment we could enjoy together. And I was absolutely right. When a story’s got scary alligator soldiers, superhero action with a berserk giant octopus, and of course plenty of magic, then you know you’re onto a winner if you’re trying to keep an imaginative boy happy. We both had lots of fun acting out parts of the story. I also liked how the book included some more serious topics that kids sometimes go through, such as bullying and family bereavement. It can be tricky for kids talking about those things, so stories like this can be a help."
And by another:
"YA fantasy is easy to write but extremely difficult to write well and I’m pleased to say that in My Wizard Buddy the authors Brian Wu and Scott Spotson deliver a first class tale perfectly tailored for their young audience. Not only is the main character Tyler entirely believable, he is also very likeable, someone whose problems and insecurities we can understand. The tale deals with many important issues such as self esteem, popularity, friendship and family dynamics, most notably sibling rivalry. It also takes the idea of the invisible friend to a whole new realm."
345 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 13, 2014
2 people want to read
About the author
Brian W. Wu
27 books2 followersBrian 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
Contact Brian Wu at hello @ healthstoriesforkids.com
More info on Brian can be found at http://www.brianwwu.com
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
September 11, 2014
My Wizard Buddy 3-Book Bundle
This collection of three books written for pre-teens follows the adventures of Tyler Dunsmore and his wizard friend Dirk. Tyler is a pretty normal kid.
He likes to play video games and probably doesn't have too many friends, but one afternoon he wishes for a best friend and Dirk, a wizard, promptly
turns up.
First, the good stuff. The first book is good fun. Tyler's adventures are enjoyable and essentially harmless. The tale is quite inventive, and I think most kids would appreciate the storyline. The second book takes Tyler away from earth to the wizard planet where everything seems a lot of fun, but when the wizard children discover Tyler isn't a wizard he is subjected to a bullying ordeal. While it's perhaps a good thing to raise the subject of bullying in a book for children, the bullies were never satisfactorily punished, and indeed seemed to get away with it uncensured. Again, the story was inventive and all ends well. The third book returns to earth which is subject to an alien invasion, and Tyler is kidnapped by the aliens who want to experiment on him and fifteen others. Again the story is inventive and entertaining.
BUT - and it's a big one - all three stories are bedevilled by malapropisms and peculiar turns of phrase, and the writing stumbles a lot. There are a fair number of typographic errors. It is almost as though the books were written by someone who isn't quite as fluent in English as they'd like to be. The stories are fine, but their readability would be mightily improved by a vigorous edit.
If I could rate the books seperately I'd probably give one more star to the first book than the other two.
This collection of three books written for pre-teens follows the adventures of Tyler Dunsmore and his wizard friend Dirk. Tyler is a pretty normal kid.
He likes to play video games and probably doesn't have too many friends, but one afternoon he wishes for a best friend and Dirk, a wizard, promptly
turns up.
First, the good stuff. The first book is good fun. Tyler's adventures are enjoyable and essentially harmless. The tale is quite inventive, and I think most kids would appreciate the storyline. The second book takes Tyler away from earth to the wizard planet where everything seems a lot of fun, but when the wizard children discover Tyler isn't a wizard he is subjected to a bullying ordeal. While it's perhaps a good thing to raise the subject of bullying in a book for children, the bullies were never satisfactorily punished, and indeed seemed to get away with it uncensured. Again, the story was inventive and all ends well. The third book returns to earth which is subject to an alien invasion, and Tyler is kidnapped by the aliens who want to experiment on him and fifteen others. Again the story is inventive and entertaining.
BUT - and it's a big one - all three stories are bedevilled by malapropisms and peculiar turns of phrase, and the writing stumbles a lot. There are a fair number of typographic errors. It is almost as though the books were written by someone who isn't quite as fluent in English as they'd like to be. The stories are fine, but their readability would be mightily improved by a vigorous edit.
If I could rate the books seperately I'd probably give one more star to the first book than the other two.
September 26, 2014
This is a fun trilogy of books filled with adventure that will be sure to entertain preteens. The books take the reader on adventures from the earth to a wizard planet, and into outer space.
The first book was not up to par with the final two installments. I had trouble getting into the story initially, but once I got to the second book, the story line kept my interest and attention. However, I must qualify, that the story line (especially in the first book) included Ouija boards, séances, and communicating with the dead, which are not subjects that preteens should be encouraged to delve into.
The writing style was simple and easy to follow, appropriate for youth who are progressing in their reading.
The cover-art is expressive of the story line for the first and third books, but the second is rather vague. I could not figure out what the artist was trying to convey in that cover.
Lastly, as much as I enjoyed the books, they need editing. There were numerous errors that should have been picked up by the editor. If these books were better edited, the second two books in the series would have earned the trilogy a fourth star.
The first book was not up to par with the final two installments. I had trouble getting into the story initially, but once I got to the second book, the story line kept my interest and attention. However, I must qualify, that the story line (especially in the first book) included Ouija boards, séances, and communicating with the dead, which are not subjects that preteens should be encouraged to delve into.
The writing style was simple and easy to follow, appropriate for youth who are progressing in their reading.
The cover-art is expressive of the story line for the first and third books, but the second is rather vague. I could not figure out what the artist was trying to convey in that cover.
Lastly, as much as I enjoyed the books, they need editing. There were numerous errors that should have been picked up by the editor. If these books were better edited, the second two books in the series would have earned the trilogy a fourth star.
December 14, 2017
A respectable wizard appears when you need him the most and likes to have a spectacular emergence. The one in this book has the peculiar way of descending on Earth from an UFO spaceship at the request of an eleven years old bored boy, Tyler. The fact that he comes from the far away planet Adgiligda makes everything even more interesting. As the story unravels, with his wizard’s help, Tyler evolves from a lone child to the ‘respected’ member of the Fearsome Foursome group.
The novel has many appealing moments of tension, action, magic, and what boys like the most, intelligent funny games. The magic makes the story in most cases and provides an interesting and imaginative immersion in an invisible world that many kids are dreaming to live in. The way how things from the far away planet of the “Wizard Buddy” -like the ‘Borolox’ alligators - mix with Earth’s reality is full of fun and engaging. Everything is also an exercise of imagination for the young readers, an invitation to create their own entertainment.
My Wizard Buddy is a light and fun read.
The novel has many appealing moments of tension, action, magic, and what boys like the most, intelligent funny games. The magic makes the story in most cases and provides an interesting and imaginative immersion in an invisible world that many kids are dreaming to live in. The way how things from the far away planet of the “Wizard Buddy” -like the ‘Borolox’ alligators - mix with Earth’s reality is full of fun and engaging. Everything is also an exercise of imagination for the young readers, an invitation to create their own entertainment.
My Wizard Buddy is a light and fun read.
October 11, 2017
I'm rating this series a perfect four because it is a three in some ways and a five in other ways. There were some editorial glitches and sometimes the adult author seemed to let his mask slip when he was supposed to be writing as an adolescent. I also found it to be a bit predictable in the 'boys are cool and girls are bratty and have cooties' stereotype and not exactly gender neutral/friendly. But these are personal and minor quibbles in the long run because the story itself is quite electric. The premise of an extraterrestrial buddy is not only one kids can sink their teeth into but it's one that holds lots of material to mine for the future. I absolutely love the life lessons woven so seamlessly into the stories, a cool way to help kids deal with serious issues while they're being thoroughly entertained. I can easily see this as a series on Netflix someday - give the installments a bit more polish but definitely keep them coming!
October 19, 2017
I am a lover of all things magical and adventures so this bundle was definitely up my alley. It was written for a pre-teen audience, which made it a fun and easy read. I even shared this with my 1o year niece who thought it was enjoyable too.
April 8, 2018
This is a really fun concept and a fun read that younger children especially will love. I think it would be great for reluctant readers too, as the action just doesn't stop: the next crazy twist is always right around the corner. Let's face it, most kids these days dream of being a wizard, and the next best thing is having a best friend who is a wizard, right?
The writing style is easy, light and quick to read, again well aimed at children. There are lots of great little moments that are true to life and the human experience, opportunities for learning when mistakes are made, opportunities for growing when enormous challenges come along. Plenty of everyday things for readers to relate to.
There are lots of funny situations in book 1 as Dirk the wizard is introduced to suburban life and going to school etc. While he has magic, he doesn't actually know a lot about Earth customs or stories such as superheroes. Wish fulfilment is the name of the game as Dirk handles bullies and magicks up super awesome video games that attract new friends for Tyler. Whether that is the best way to make friends remains to be seen. In any case, Tyler gets to join the cool kids, and things keep getting more interesting as Dirk messes with reality and sometimes goes a little bit farther than he should. Tyler gets some good scares but magic always saves the day.
In book 2, Tyler gets to go visit Dirk's planet, which is something that's not supposed to happen as wizards apparently don't like non-wizards - except for Dirk. So there are these cool wizard cities and wizard sports and unfortunately also wizard bullies who bring a whole lot of misadventure down on Tyler's head with more trouble than he's ever been in before. Terrifying magical ordeals, scary creatures, and mean schoolkids mingle with cute details of wizard housekeeping and wizard candy. There's even a court case. The setting is very imaginative with lots of quirky wizard ways of doing things.
Book 3 is about what happens when some aliens decide to invade Earth and kidnap Tyler due to his connection to the wizards. In quite a different turn to the other books, Tyler is mostly without Dirk and has to assume a place of leadership to save his own planet. The stakes are much higher and the pace is even faster than the two previous books. This book in particular could have done with another round of proofreading and polishing, as typos were frequent and the style stutters a bit. Still a good story.
One of my favourite parts is Dirk's magical bedroom that is hidden at the end of the hallway in Tyler's house - not visible from the outside or to anyone except the two boys. I also like how with magic, anything is possible, and Dirk is always eager to help his friend. Sometimes this makes the solutions to their problems a bit too easy, but this is a kids' story after all. And it was really great how Tyler grabbed hold of courage in the last book, and did what he had to do. Well done to the authors.
The writing style is easy, light and quick to read, again well aimed at children. There are lots of great little moments that are true to life and the human experience, opportunities for learning when mistakes are made, opportunities for growing when enormous challenges come along. Plenty of everyday things for readers to relate to.
There are lots of funny situations in book 1 as Dirk the wizard is introduced to suburban life and going to school etc. While he has magic, he doesn't actually know a lot about Earth customs or stories such as superheroes. Wish fulfilment is the name of the game as Dirk handles bullies and magicks up super awesome video games that attract new friends for Tyler. Whether that is the best way to make friends remains to be seen. In any case, Tyler gets to join the cool kids, and things keep getting more interesting as Dirk messes with reality and sometimes goes a little bit farther than he should. Tyler gets some good scares but magic always saves the day.
In book 2, Tyler gets to go visit Dirk's planet, which is something that's not supposed to happen as wizards apparently don't like non-wizards - except for Dirk. So there are these cool wizard cities and wizard sports and unfortunately also wizard bullies who bring a whole lot of misadventure down on Tyler's head with more trouble than he's ever been in before. Terrifying magical ordeals, scary creatures, and mean schoolkids mingle with cute details of wizard housekeeping and wizard candy. There's even a court case. The setting is very imaginative with lots of quirky wizard ways of doing things.
Book 3 is about what happens when some aliens decide to invade Earth and kidnap Tyler due to his connection to the wizards. In quite a different turn to the other books, Tyler is mostly without Dirk and has to assume a place of leadership to save his own planet. The stakes are much higher and the pace is even faster than the two previous books. This book in particular could have done with another round of proofreading and polishing, as typos were frequent and the style stutters a bit. Still a good story.
One of my favourite parts is Dirk's magical bedroom that is hidden at the end of the hallway in Tyler's house - not visible from the outside or to anyone except the two boys. I also like how with magic, anything is possible, and Dirk is always eager to help his friend. Sometimes this makes the solutions to their problems a bit too easy, but this is a kids' story after all. And it was really great how Tyler grabbed hold of courage in the last book, and did what he had to do. Well done to the authors.
August 21, 2014
Thirteen year old Tyler Dunsmore is the luckiest kid alive. A magical best friend has come into his life. In this case, that friend is Dirk, who of all things, is a wizard from another planet who is capable of becoming invisible at will, creating rooms out of thin air, yet able to play the part of a well mannered guest when parents need to be appeased. (For anyone old enough to remember Eddie Haskell on “Leave it to Beaver”, the duality is reminiscent.)
The authors are able to tap into the kinds of things that kids would find “cool”. The best toys and games magically appear; the annoying sister is thwarted, and throughout the trilogy, Tyler goes from being kind of a loner to a popular kid who receives lots of public recognition.
We never find out why Dirk has chosen Earth as his playground (he seems to have lots of choices), or why he has decided that Tyler would make the ultimate playmate. That doesn’t interfere with the story, but it might be interesting to have that explained. The My Wizard Buddy series is a must-read for young boys.
The authors are able to tap into the kinds of things that kids would find “cool”. The best toys and games magically appear; the annoying sister is thwarted, and throughout the trilogy, Tyler goes from being kind of a loner to a popular kid who receives lots of public recognition.
We never find out why Dirk has chosen Earth as his playground (he seems to have lots of choices), or why he has decided that Tyler would make the ultimate playmate. That doesn’t interfere with the story, but it might be interesting to have that explained. The My Wizard Buddy series is a must-read for young boys.
October 20, 2014
This series is aimed at young pre-teens, especially ones learning to read or progressing in their reading.
The story line is very well targeted to young boys. Lots of video games, special friends, and adventure. The kind of things any young boy wants to have in his life and would enjoy reading about, making it easy to engage them in the story.
The plot is simplistic which I would think is a good thing for the targeted reader age.
My biggest complaint is that at times he uses words that would not be easily understood by someone at a beginning to mid-level of reading skill.
The story line is very well targeted to young boys. Lots of video games, special friends, and adventure. The kind of things any young boy wants to have in his life and would enjoy reading about, making it easy to engage them in the story.
The plot is simplistic which I would think is a good thing for the targeted reader age.
My biggest complaint is that at times he uses words that would not be easily understood by someone at a beginning to mid-level of reading skill.
September 12, 2014
This book is PERFECT for any youngster that any parent want to introduce to reading. It is imaginative and shows the writers creative side. His writing is light and fun. I am letting my 9 year old read this when he goes to bed. It's perfect. I let my kids stay up 30 minutes past their bed time if they want to read in bed. It's an excellent way to get my kids into reading and my son loves the story. I would recommend this book to anyone who has young children who love to read. A++++
March 19, 2018
My Wizard Buddy is a pre-teen trilogy about Tyler Dunsmore and his wizard friend Dirk who comes to visit Tyler from another planet. Tyler finds Dirk’s ability to create imagery and become invisible amazing and entertaining, but he quickly learns Dirk has a mischievous nature and needs a watchful eye. Still, having a wizard as a buddy gives Tyler the full attention of his friends and keeps his sister in her place.
I tried to read the book as a pre-teen and found it to ring true for the age group. The topics of computer games, Ouija boards, pre-teen angst, and even judgmental bullying seem to fall in line with what a typical 13-year-old might face or find interesting.
The three trilogies escalate in fantasy, starting on earth with Dirk as Tyler’s guest, then move to Dirk’s planet where Tyler has trouble fitting in, and then back to earth where aliens invade. The subject matter is clearly Harry Potter-esque, although more modern, and targets a similar age group and anyone interested in the supernatural.
I would rate the book a five for entertainment value and inventiveness, but it could use some editing and tightening up in areas--things a thirteen year old would likely not notice.
I tried to read the book as a pre-teen and found it to ring true for the age group. The topics of computer games, Ouija boards, pre-teen angst, and even judgmental bullying seem to fall in line with what a typical 13-year-old might face or find interesting.
The three trilogies escalate in fantasy, starting on earth with Dirk as Tyler’s guest, then move to Dirk’s planet where Tyler has trouble fitting in, and then back to earth where aliens invade. The subject matter is clearly Harry Potter-esque, although more modern, and targets a similar age group and anyone interested in the supernatural.
I would rate the book a five for entertainment value and inventiveness, but it could use some editing and tightening up in areas--things a thirteen year old would likely not notice.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews