Minus Magic

by Emma Laybourn

Ned is starting at a new school. There's just one everyone else can do magic. Ned can't. The only thing he can do is play the goosehorn. Just as he's getting used to being given snakes for hair and flying carpet rides, the terrifying necromancers strike!

Ned and his friends are kidnapped. But without magic, how can he possibly help them escape?

Genres: Fantasy, Childrens, Magic, Juvenile, Fiction

Audible Audio

First published May 24, 2006

About the author

I'm an author based in the north of England. Although I've spent most of my working life in schools and libraries, I've also had seven children's books published, as well as about 60 short stories in various magazines in the UK and Australia.
In 2012 I set up a child-friendly story website, Megamousebooks.com, to offer free online children's stories, downloadable ebooks and puzzles. It's proving a full-time job, but a very enjoyable one.
I've also been slowly producing free, abridged ebook versions of classic English novels, and selections of well-known poetry. These are now available from my second website, Englishliteratureebooks.com.

Reviews

[Rebecca Hill · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ned was born with no magical skills. In a world where everyone has some magic, this is a major blow. His uncle Kelver is one of the most powerful when it comes to magic, and Ned feels almost ashamed to have none. When his uncle pays for him to attend a magical school, Ned hopes that he will learn something that will help his magic increase.
But Ned is subjected to all kinds of magical taunts. He has decided to run away and bides his time. When he finally does it, he doesn't get very far before his uncle finds him. He takes him home and Ned has some time to think things over before he returns to the school. However, it does not take long for something to go wrong, and Ned might be the only person who can save everyone...


Super cute and fun read. I really enjoyed it and I know my boys are going to enjoy it as well.

[✨ Gramy ✨ · Rating 2 out of 5]

I checked this out to read to my grandchildren. This was a strange story about a boy named Ned who lived in a world where everyone could perform magic and he couldn't There are some life lessons regarding deception by a trusted adult I really wasn't compelled by the it though. The grandchildren were not interested in it either. Of course, they do prefer books with lots of humor.

[Jennifer Gladen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book. It started out a little slow, but once it picks up it is impossible to stop reading. I loved the last line!

Need lives in a world of magic. The only problem is he has no magic. He is missing magic, which was rare in his world.

When he is sent to a school for magic to see if it will help, he is met with bullying and magical pranks. He decides to run away but returns. Shortly after that Ned's world is completely turned upside down and he's thrown into a situation that reveals a shocking discovery.

[Broi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book in elementary and I loved it, i recommend it for any kids who are into magic and magical worlds. 10/10

[Allison Diamond · Rating 5 out of 5]

AMAZING!!!

[Rad · Rating 2 out of 5]

Laybourn’s first U.S.-published novel focuses on eleven-year-old Ned Truso, who, unlike the rest of the population, doesn’t have a magical bone in his body. Ned’s uncle Kelver, who happens to be the most gifted mage of his time, pulls a few strings to get Ned into a top school, but Ned flounders. The other students pick on Ned constantly and he is always reminded of the fact that he will never be able to learn magic. His one saving grace is being able to play the goosehorn, a magical and mischievous instrument that struggles in the arms of everyone else. In the background looms the threat of the Necromancers, an urban legend-like group of outlaws who are said to kidnap children. They don’t show up until the third “act” of the book, when several revelations – like why Ned has no magic and who Ned’s uncle really is – come to light. Throughout, Ned’s tone is overwhelmingly British, full of subtle sarcasm and dry observations. Despite all threads being tied at the end, readers may still have some questions about Ned and his uncle, as well as many of the other quirky supporting characters.

I really need to STOP thinking that a book will be great just by its cover. Of course, it has worked before. (I'm looking at you, Homework Machine!)

[Kimberli · Rating 5 out of 5]

Can you imagine living in a world where everyone can do magic except you? That’s exactly what 11-year-old Ned Truso’s problem is in Missing Magic by Emma Laybourn. Ever since Ned can remember he hasn’t been able to do magic. No one can figure out why Ned is dry of magic, he just is. When he’s sent to the Leodwych School of Magic, he finds out that nothing could be worse than having no magic. Ned is tormented and tossed into every strange and awful mess you can think of and still things get worse for him. He even finds out a terrible secret that he was never supposed to know. If you want to find out what happens to Ned read this book, it will definitely have you wanting more.

[Tiffany · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very good story. I enjoyed how the main character, Ned, in the story was different, but it wasn't until he went to the "special" school that he realized just how different. It was interesting to me to watch the character grow and overcome some hardships like the school bully and the taunting from other students.

This was a great story in teaching some of life lessons without feeling preachy or talking at the reader.

I'd suggest this book to any kid out there that loves magic.

[10-11 Hannah · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really liked this book I read it pretty quickly and when you read the first couple of chapters its really weird and hard to really get then it gets better I thought this book was pretty good, its funny, it really is about missing magic I wont say to much so here you go thats all im gonna say.I just picked this book right off the shelf and it turned out to be entertaining..

[Jennifer Heise · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good yarn in the tradition of Emma Ibbotson, but with a 'things are not always what they seem' spin. Reminds me a bit of some other stories recently published in the 'having no magic in a world without magic' vein, but with a bit of a lighter hand. I think this would be a good geeky boy book as well as a geeky girl book...

[Rachel · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is for the mid-elementary school crowd. It was like a simplified Harry Potter with a great twist. It wasn't totally original but it contains a great message for kids.
(Thanks Naomi for the recommendation!)

[Rachel · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ned is tragically lacking the ability to do magic. This is manageable on his parents' farm, but a big problem when he heads off to a boarding school where everyone else uses magic routinely. This was a fun children's book.

[Naomi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great lesson on using the gifts you have and not covetting others' gifts. Fun, fast read.

[Sharon · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's a funny story with suspense and necromancers.

[Ledawn · Rating 3 out of 5]

Easier reading for fans of Harry Potter.

[Nathan Na · Rating 3 out of 5]

good book

[Becky · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is exactly the kind of book that a younger me would have read again and again. I loved it!