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The Evil Wizard Smallbone
In a hilarious tale reminiscent of T. H. White, a lost boy finds himself an unlikely apprentice to the very old, vaguely evil, mostly just grumpy Wizard Smallbone.
When twelve-year-old Nick runs away from his uncle’s in the middle of a blizzard, he stumbles onto a very opinionated bookstore. He also meets its guardian, the self-proclaimed Evil Wizard Smallbone, who calls Nick his apprentice and won’t let him leave, but won’t teach him magic, either. It’s a good thing the bookstore takes Nick’s magical education in hand, because Smallbone’s nemesis—the Evil Wizard Fidelou—and his pack of shape-shifting bikers are howling at the borders. Smallbone might call himself evil, but compared to Fidelou, he’s practically a puppy. And he can’t handle Fidelou alone. Wildly funny and cozily heartfelt, Delia Sherman’s latest is an eccentric fantasy adventure featuring dueling wizards, enchanted animals, and one stray boy with a surprising knack for magic.
When twelve-year-old Nick runs away from his uncle’s in the middle of a blizzard, he stumbles onto a very opinionated bookstore. He also meets its guardian, the self-proclaimed Evil Wizard Smallbone, who calls Nick his apprentice and won’t let him leave, but won’t teach him magic, either. It’s a good thing the bookstore takes Nick’s magical education in hand, because Smallbone’s nemesis—the Evil Wizard Fidelou—and his pack of shape-shifting bikers are howling at the borders. Smallbone might call himself evil, but compared to Fidelou, he’s practically a puppy. And he can’t handle Fidelou alone. Wildly funny and cozily heartfelt, Delia Sherman’s latest is an eccentric fantasy adventure featuring dueling wizards, enchanted animals, and one stray boy with a surprising knack for magic.
416 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 13, 2016
About the author
Delia Sherman
120 books336 followersDelia Sherman (born 1951) is a fantasy writer and editor. Her novel The Porcelain Dove won the Mythopoeic Fantasy Award.
She was born in Tokyo and brought up in New York City. She earned a PhD in Renaissance studies at Brown University and taught at Boston and North-eastern universities. She is the author of the novels Through a Brazen Mirror, The Porcelain Dove (a Mythopoeic Award winner), and Changeling.
Sherman co-founded the Interstitial Arts Foundation, dedicated to promoting art that crosses genre borders.
She lives in New York City with her wife and sometime collaborator, Ellen Kushner.
She was born in Tokyo and brought up in New York City. She earned a PhD in Renaissance studies at Brown University and taught at Boston and North-eastern universities. She is the author of the novels Through a Brazen Mirror, The Porcelain Dove (a Mythopoeic Award winner), and Changeling.
Sherman co-founded the Interstitial Arts Foundation, dedicated to promoting art that crosses genre borders.
She lives in New York City with her wife and sometime collaborator, Ellen Kushner.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 257 reviews
February 6, 2018
The glimmer of illusion, the crackle of magic, and the crunch of snow are forefront in this whimsical tale that is, sadly, brimming with unmet potential.
Spotlight (Andre Norton audio-enhanced) video review forthcoming.
Spotlight (Andre Norton audio-enhanced) video review forthcoming.
August 29, 2017
4.5 stars. $1.99 Kindle sale, August 28, 2017. What a delightful, fun middle grade fantasy! It's not really much like Harry Potter plotwise, other than being about a boy who's discovering the magic powers in himself, who has some awful relatives, but it carries the same kind of vibe for me as the first HP book, in particular. So if that sounds appealing, grab a copy of this one!
Nick is a neglected, stubborn 12 year old runaway who somehow finds himself in the clutches of the evil Wizard Smallbone, unable to leave the wizard's small farm. The wizard calls him an apprentice, but he's really being treated just a servant. Can he turn the tables on the wizard? And what about the werewolf shapeshifter and his coyote gang that's threatening their small Maine town?
Nick told the grumpy wizard that he can't read, but he actually can, and the books in the wizard's library--when they're not lecturing him on patience and proper magical protocols--are very helpful, responding to his thoughts and actions. The odd townspeople get involved in the story as well, and it turns out the town has a particularly interesting history.
Full review to come. Highly recommended!
Nick is a neglected, stubborn 12 year old runaway who somehow finds himself in the clutches of the evil Wizard Smallbone, unable to leave the wizard's small farm. The wizard calls him an apprentice, but he's really being treated just a servant. Can he turn the tables on the wizard? And what about the werewolf shapeshifter and his coyote gang that's threatening their small Maine town?
Nick told the grumpy wizard that he can't read, but he actually can, and the books in the wizard's library--when they're not lecturing him on patience and proper magical protocols--are very helpful, responding to his thoughts and actions. The odd townspeople get involved in the story as well, and it turns out the town has a particularly interesting history.
Full review to come. Highly recommended!
June 12, 2017
An excellent middle grade modern fantasy with generous doses of humour.
This book definitely earned it's place on the
Andre Norton Award shortlist. It is well written, nicely paced and much funnier than I thought it would be. The tone of the storytelling reminded me a bit of the Percy Jackson books, and the reading level is approximately the same.
I listened to the audiobook version with my two kids and they both loved it. The narration was fabulous, and we all enjoyed the voice acting which added so much to the story.
A fun book well worth reading, that will be enjoyed by both kids and adults who enjoy middle grade fantasy.
This book definitely earned it's place on the
Andre Norton Award shortlist. It is well written, nicely paced and much funnier than I thought it would be. The tone of the storytelling reminded me a bit of the Percy Jackson books, and the reading level is approximately the same.
I listened to the audiobook version with my two kids and they both loved it. The narration was fabulous, and we all enjoyed the voice acting which added so much to the story.
A fun book well worth reading, that will be enjoyed by both kids and adults who enjoy middle grade fantasy.
September 29, 2016
3 STARS!!
I really enjoyed this one but I do have to say that it was 200 pages TOO long. I found myself getting bored and feeling like it was a chore to read and that's not a good thing. However I loved the characters and how cozy and fun this book felt. But again it felt too long and was really slow. I will be talking about it more in a Double Book Thoughts video with The Haunted House Project in October on my channel! :)
I really enjoyed this one but I do have to say that it was 200 pages TOO long. I found myself getting bored and feeling like it was a chore to read and that's not a good thing. However I loved the characters and how cozy and fun this book felt. But again it felt too long and was really slow. I will be talking about it more in a Double Book Thoughts video with The Haunted House Project in October on my channel! :)
August 19, 2017
Frequently amusing, this story of Nick, an abused, almost teen, fleeing his guardian and encountering and learning to live with the Evil Wizard Smallbone, is fun. The Wizard protects a nearby small town, Smallbone Cove, and lives with a variety of animals, and an opinionated bookstore. There are a series of mysteries Nick must figure out while learning cook for the wizard, taking care of his creatures and interacting with the bookstore. And there's another evil wizard in the vicinity, with his minions, intent on taking over the nearby town, and killing the wizard Smallbone. There are some interesting situations Nick discovers over the course of the story, and I thought the maturity and self-confidence Nick develops is fascinating to watch over the course of several months.
December 5, 2016
This is delightful traditional contemporary fantasy - with all the thrilling trappings of fantasy - and a wonderful point of view. And though it's a traditional story, it's still got some surprises up its sleeve , which is fantastic.
There are some loose ends. I'm not sure why
Still, this is fun and exciting and charming. And to echo Brandy: there's a MAGICAL BOOKSHOP. It may be on the nose, and entirely too aimed at readers like me - AND YET.
There are some loose ends. I'm not sure why
Still, this is fun and exciting and charming. And to echo Brandy: there's a MAGICAL BOOKSHOP. It may be on the nose, and entirely too aimed at readers like me - AND YET.
August 5, 2016
I'm not sure why it's being referred to as "hilarious" because, although it has moments of humor, it's not a funny book. It's quirky and oddly sweet and touching, but with a dark undercurrent. It's smart and thrilling and deeply satisfying. It is not, however, "hilarious". That aside, though, it is the kind of middle grade fantasy that finds its readers and holds on to them forever and ever and becomes a beloved childhood favorite. Twenty years (and more) from now, the kids who read it are going to be sharing it with their own children and getting nostalgic remembering where they were when they first discovered the world of the Smallbones.
June 14, 2017
Delightful story for school-aged children!
October 28, 2016
Originally posted here at Random Musings of a Bibliophile.
The Evil Wizard Smallbone by Delia Sherman is a book I could not wait to read. The cover, synopsis, and praise it received seemed to make it a perfect fit for me. And it was. I thoroughly enjoyed the afternoon I spent reading this book. It has a magical bookshop. A MAGICAL BOOKSHOP.
Nick runs away from his abusive uncle and cousin after years living with them following his mother's death. He is not exactly prepared for his escape and finds himself cold, hungry, and in search of shelter during a snow storm. He happens upon the home and bookshop of the Evil Wizard Smallbone. When Nick lies to Smallbone about his ability to read, Smallbone agrees to feed him and take him on as an apprentice. Nick's first job is to clean the dirty bookshop. In doing so Nick begins to learn magic as the bookshop gives him the books he needs to help him on his way. And Nick will need all the magic he can find. The sentries that have guarded the village of Smallbone and protected them from the wizard's nemesis and his cohort of werecoyote bikers are failing. The villagers are terrified and even Smallbone seems at a loss as to how to save the town or himself.
Nick is pretty much everything I adore in a main character: snarky, independent, outwardly lazy, super smart and motivated about what he cares about. He's the total package. Smallbone is the perfect complement to him. These two have excellent banter and a relationship that is coated in surly sniping but deep down they come to care for each other in their own ways. The animals that live in the house with them also have their own distinct personalities as does the bookshop itself. There are several villagers from the town Smallbone created who add a lot to the story as well. The villain is actually rather terrifying and I honestly wondered how he was going to be defeated in the end a couple of times. When you add the very real world sort of danger of Nick's uncle and cousin, there was a lot of true evil (not the Smallbone kind) to overcome. It made for an engrossing read that was difficult to put down.
The world Sherman created for her story is fascinating. Both the bookshop and the village are brought to life by her imagery and the descriptions of the interactions of the people within them. I am impressed by how well she was able to render a sense of place and character together through these interactions, especially in the case of the bookshop where the animals far outnumbered the humans. The bookshop helped Nick and the books communicated with him in their own delightful ways. The villagers interactions with each other, Nick, and Smallbone paint a clear picture of what the place is like and Sherman's imagery made it a clear place in my mind.
This is one of those plots where the curiosity and stubbornness of children win the day. The reason these stories keep being published is because they work so incredibly well and leave children with a sense of empowerment. Nick's story will definitely leave kids feeling empowered. I appreciated how even though Nick was a loner he ended with a strong group of people he could count on when he needed them. I also like how Sherman brought themes of the importance of community and emotional ties.
The Evil Wizard Smallbone is a great addition to the collection of anyone who loves fantasy!
The Evil Wizard Smallbone by Delia Sherman is a book I could not wait to read. The cover, synopsis, and praise it received seemed to make it a perfect fit for me. And it was. I thoroughly enjoyed the afternoon I spent reading this book. It has a magical bookshop. A MAGICAL BOOKSHOP.
Nick runs away from his abusive uncle and cousin after years living with them following his mother's death. He is not exactly prepared for his escape and finds himself cold, hungry, and in search of shelter during a snow storm. He happens upon the home and bookshop of the Evil Wizard Smallbone. When Nick lies to Smallbone about his ability to read, Smallbone agrees to feed him and take him on as an apprentice. Nick's first job is to clean the dirty bookshop. In doing so Nick begins to learn magic as the bookshop gives him the books he needs to help him on his way. And Nick will need all the magic he can find. The sentries that have guarded the village of Smallbone and protected them from the wizard's nemesis and his cohort of werecoyote bikers are failing. The villagers are terrified and even Smallbone seems at a loss as to how to save the town or himself.
Nick is pretty much everything I adore in a main character: snarky, independent, outwardly lazy, super smart and motivated about what he cares about. He's the total package. Smallbone is the perfect complement to him. These two have excellent banter and a relationship that is coated in surly sniping but deep down they come to care for each other in their own ways. The animals that live in the house with them also have their own distinct personalities as does the bookshop itself. There are several villagers from the town Smallbone created who add a lot to the story as well. The villain is actually rather terrifying and I honestly wondered how he was going to be defeated in the end a couple of times. When you add the very real world sort of danger of Nick's uncle and cousin, there was a lot of true evil (not the Smallbone kind) to overcome. It made for an engrossing read that was difficult to put down.
The world Sherman created for her story is fascinating. Both the bookshop and the village are brought to life by her imagery and the descriptions of the interactions of the people within them. I am impressed by how well she was able to render a sense of place and character together through these interactions, especially in the case of the bookshop where the animals far outnumbered the humans. The bookshop helped Nick and the books communicated with him in their own delightful ways. The villagers interactions with each other, Nick, and Smallbone paint a clear picture of what the place is like and Sherman's imagery made it a clear place in my mind.
This is one of those plots where the curiosity and stubbornness of children win the day. The reason these stories keep being published is because they work so incredibly well and leave children with a sense of empowerment. Nick's story will definitely leave kids feeling empowered. I appreciated how even though Nick was a loner he ended with a strong group of people he could count on when he needed them. I also like how Sherman brought themes of the importance of community and emotional ties.
The Evil Wizard Smallbone is a great addition to the collection of anyone who loves fantasy!
February 26, 2017
Shitty on several levels. Basically, the wizard's character is half baked. He behaves in an abusive fashion to the villagers/his apprentices and we get a ridiculous explanation (it wasn't really him! Even though some of it was him ie turning the boy into a spider, stone, rat etc). The villain is ridiculous and french. It's just boring and soulless and there are no significant female characters. Pass.
September 10, 2016
If you love Studio Ghibli films like Howl's Moving Castle or Spirited Away, I definitely recommend giving Delia Sherman's The Evil Wizard Smallbone a chance. This book is so charming and heartfelt, brimming with magic and a cast of peculiar characters. I would read a few chapters each night before bedtime like I was a little kid again, delighted in the story and Nick's journey as an unwilling apprentice to the Evil Wizard Smallbone.
When Nick runs away from his uncle's home one winter night, escape from abuse is his only thought, not any particular direction. Luckily (or not so luckily) for Nick, he stumbles upon a bookstore named Evil Wizard Books and meets its proprietor, the self-proclaimed Evil Wizard Smallbone. Smallbone needs a new apprentice to care for the bookstore while he locks himself away in his tower, working on spells to defend against his greatest enemy: the Evil Wizard Fidelou.
Fidelou and his pack of shape-shifting coyotes are close in breaking down the last protection spells guarding the picturesque coastal town of Smallbone Cove. The residents of Smallbone Cove may fear Smallbone, but he's really more of a grumpy old man. Everyone knows Fidelou is a truly evil wizard and must be stopped. And since Smallbone won't teach Nick any spells, he'll just depend on the self-aware bookstore to help him embrace his magic. Nick is stubborn, frustrated easily, and to the bookstore's resignation, not very patient when it comes to learning basic magic—but he may just be the ideal evil wizard's apprentice and save the day when it counts.
Delia Sherman's The Evil Wizard Smallbone is an enchanting blend of modern fantasy and classic fairy tale. Sometimes the pacing would slow down in those quiet moments when Nick would tidy the bookstore or care for the farm animals, but then it would pick right back up when Fidelou and his followers caused trouble. I really enjoyed this MG standalone fantasy, but it was definitely the final chapters that convinced me to bump up my rating. Two words: wizard's duel!
** I received a finished copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. **
When Nick runs away from his uncle's home one winter night, escape from abuse is his only thought, not any particular direction. Luckily (or not so luckily) for Nick, he stumbles upon a bookstore named Evil Wizard Books and meets its proprietor, the self-proclaimed Evil Wizard Smallbone. Smallbone needs a new apprentice to care for the bookstore while he locks himself away in his tower, working on spells to defend against his greatest enemy: the Evil Wizard Fidelou.
Fidelou and his pack of shape-shifting coyotes are close in breaking down the last protection spells guarding the picturesque coastal town of Smallbone Cove. The residents of Smallbone Cove may fear Smallbone, but he's really more of a grumpy old man. Everyone knows Fidelou is a truly evil wizard and must be stopped. And since Smallbone won't teach Nick any spells, he'll just depend on the self-aware bookstore to help him embrace his magic. Nick is stubborn, frustrated easily, and to the bookstore's resignation, not very patient when it comes to learning basic magic—but he may just be the ideal evil wizard's apprentice and save the day when it counts.
Delia Sherman's The Evil Wizard Smallbone is an enchanting blend of modern fantasy and classic fairy tale. Sometimes the pacing would slow down in those quiet moments when Nick would tidy the bookstore or care for the farm animals, but then it would pick right back up when Fidelou and his followers caused trouble. I really enjoyed this MG standalone fantasy, but it was definitely the final chapters that convinced me to bump up my rating. Two words: wizard's duel!
** I received a finished copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. **
March 13, 2017
I read this as part of the Norton finalist packet.
This clever middle grade books begins with a jerk of a kid, Nick, fleeing from his abusive uncle and cousin. He ends up stumbling upon the abode of an evil wizard, who immediately takes him in as an apprentice—but really, as more as an indentured servant. Nick grows as a sympathetic character as he endures the wizard's bizarre behavior, befriends a sentient bookstore, and discovers the wizard's personal town and its captive citizens. Meanwhile, danger lurks just beyond the town as a French werewolf plans to make his move to vanquish his old foe, Smallbone. It's a fun adventure romp/coming-of-age story, one I would have enjoyed as a kid and still found immense joy in as an adult.
This clever middle grade books begins with a jerk of a kid, Nick, fleeing from his abusive uncle and cousin. He ends up stumbling upon the abode of an evil wizard, who immediately takes him in as an apprentice—but really, as more as an indentured servant. Nick grows as a sympathetic character as he endures the wizard's bizarre behavior, befriends a sentient bookstore, and discovers the wizard's personal town and its captive citizens. Meanwhile, danger lurks just beyond the town as a French werewolf plans to make his move to vanquish his old foe, Smallbone. It's a fun adventure romp/coming-of-age story, one I would have enjoyed as a kid and still found immense joy in as an adult.
February 26, 2017
The bones of this story are good, though it is too long and meandering. Some of the plot developments don't really go anywhere, . Some of the characters, like Ollie and Tom, seem extraneous. But Nick is a strong-willed protagonist who ends up in a different, and better, place than he starts. And who doesn't love shapeshifting and magical books?
March 18, 2016
Great fun. Reminded me at moments of Diana Wynne Jones' Chrestomanci books, in the best way.
April 18, 2019
חמוד אם כי מעט איטי לטעמי.
February 14, 2017
After running away for the third time, Nick stumbles onto the dwelling of the Evil Wizard Smallbone who forces him to become his apprentice. But he doesn't teach Nick any magic. But Nick, being a rather resourceful kid, discovers that the bookstore that Smallbone supposedly runs will help him learn magic, but only if he cooperates. Meanwhile, the Evil Wizard Fidelou is working on bringing down the magical Sentries (spells) that are keeping Smallbone Cove protected, and Nick's cousin and uncle are helping him. After some rather interesting twists and turns, Nick and Smallbone must face off with Fidelou because not only their own lives, but the lives of everyone in the Cove depend on it.
I can't say that I found this particularly funny. And I didn't find the characters particularly appealing. But the plot did hold my attention with it's interesting twists and turns. I loved the idea of the bookstore being a living entity and the books that talked to Nick. And the plotline involving the animals was definitely a nice touch. While this was definitely not my favorite among the seven Cybils finalists that I read, I did enjoy it and could see why it ended up on the list. I can safely say that I've never read another fantasy quite like it.
I can't say that I found this particularly funny. And I didn't find the characters particularly appealing. But the plot did hold my attention with it's interesting twists and turns. I loved the idea of the bookstore being a living entity and the books that talked to Nick. And the plotline involving the animals was definitely a nice touch. While this was definitely not my favorite among the seven Cybils finalists that I read, I did enjoy it and could see why it ended up on the list. I can safely say that I've never read another fantasy quite like it.
September 13, 2016
Sweet, fun, funny and magical. I loved Nick, and I LOVED the magical bookstore. (Who wouldn't want one of those?) This book was so much fun to read.
May 31, 2019
Nick runs away from his abusive uncle, only to fall into the hands of an evil wizard! Nick is forced to become Smallbone's apprentice, but the old man refuses to teach him any magic. Unraveling the secrets of the Evil Wizard Bookshop and the mysterious town of Smallbone Cove, Nick will have to outwit his master before an even more evil wizard, Fidelou, terrorizes and destroys the entire town.
I am delighted with this whimsical tale of wizardry! I love the enchanted town of Smallbone Cove and the rich history of the people there. I love how grumpy and enigmatic Smallbone is, because we slowly discover that he has a heart of gold underneath. I love the twisty plot with all kinds of weird surprises. I like the writing style too! There's a lot of dry humor and snappy dialogue.
And I like the main character, Nick. He's stubborn and rude and scrappy. He acts tough, but can also be gentle and kind. He gets bored and impatient, but also knows how to work hard. He has some good character development, and I enjoyed discovering the magic system along with him.
Such a fun read!
I am delighted with this whimsical tale of wizardry! I love the enchanted town of Smallbone Cove and the rich history of the people there. I love how grumpy and enigmatic Smallbone is, because we slowly discover that he has a heart of gold underneath. I love the twisty plot with all kinds of weird surprises. I like the writing style too! There's a lot of dry humor and snappy dialogue.
And I like the main character, Nick. He's stubborn and rude and scrappy. He acts tough, but can also be gentle and kind. He gets bored and impatient, but also knows how to work hard. He has some good character development, and I enjoyed discovering the magic system along with him.
Such a fun read!
December 4, 2018
Delightful! What a perfectly written children's book. It reminded me in bits and pieces of many of my favorites. The story is set in the present, though somehow I kept picturing Pip from Great Expectations and the streets and villages of the old English countryside. There were magical elements reminiscent of Narnia, a warlock that I imagined as a male version of the Wicked Witch in Oz, all based in a quaint little town like Belle's from the Disney Beauty and the Beast. Oh, and don't forget a pack of werewolves and a magical bookstore! Hoping that there's a second and that it becomes a series.
October 14, 2019
Running away from his abusive uncle, Nick stumbles upon Evil Wizard Books, and its crusty proprietor. Could the old man really be a wizard? Nick doubts it -- until the evil wizard declares Nick his apprentice and enchants him so that he can't leave the property. Nick is sure that Smallbone doesn't mean to teach him any magic -- but maybe he's stubborn enough to learn on his own...
This is an enjoyable read for fans of children's fantasy. It's quirky, with hints of darkness, but not anything that will be too scary or upsetting for sensitive readers. I enjoyed it, but didn't find it so compelling that I couldn't put it down. I think it would be a good, cozy wintertime read.
This is an enjoyable read for fans of children's fantasy. It's quirky, with hints of darkness, but not anything that will be too scary or upsetting for sensitive readers. I enjoyed it, but didn't find it so compelling that I couldn't put it down. I think it would be a good, cozy wintertime read.
June 12, 2017
fun romp; action and magic and remembering who you are, even if that may change over time
September 23, 2018
Such a lovely fantasy. The characters are sweet, the world believable and the message heartwarming. Following the rules of story telling the author sees its hero grow and learn in a way that makes sense. My only issue is the length. Could have been a bit tighter in some areas but overall a fun read.
August 8, 2016
Sherman, Delia. The Evil Wizard Smallbone. Candlewick, 2016.
Nick finally escapes his abusive uncle's home, only to find himself on the doorstep of an evil wizard who makes Nick his apprentice, which makes it impossible for Nick to leave his house. Smallbone has Nick cooking, cleaning, and caring for his animals; meanwhile the town around him is falling apart because they have not taken care of the magical protections the wizard had placed there. It takes the natural magical talents Nick has working together with Smallbone to save the town from someone even more evil than Smallbone himself.
This was an adorably magical middle grade story, and kids who enjoy fantasy worlds like Harry Potter would likely enjoy this one as well. The characterization and world-building are well done without completely hiding the plot, and the action scenes will keep readers turning pages to find out what happens next. This book would make an excellent classroom read-aloud as well. Recommended.
Recommended for: middle grade
Red Flags: fantasy violence; the wizard often threatens Nick and has in fact threatened his previous apprentices as well
Overall Rating: 4/5 stars
I received a complimentary copy of this book through NetGalley for the purposes of review.
Nick finally escapes his abusive uncle's home, only to find himself on the doorstep of an evil wizard who makes Nick his apprentice, which makes it impossible for Nick to leave his house. Smallbone has Nick cooking, cleaning, and caring for his animals; meanwhile the town around him is falling apart because they have not taken care of the magical protections the wizard had placed there. It takes the natural magical talents Nick has working together with Smallbone to save the town from someone even more evil than Smallbone himself.
This was an adorably magical middle grade story, and kids who enjoy fantasy worlds like Harry Potter would likely enjoy this one as well. The characterization and world-building are well done without completely hiding the plot, and the action scenes will keep readers turning pages to find out what happens next. This book would make an excellent classroom read-aloud as well. Recommended.
Recommended for: middle grade
Red Flags: fantasy violence; the wizard often threatens Nick and has in fact threatened his previous apprentices as well
Overall Rating: 4/5 stars
I received a complimentary copy of this book through NetGalley for the purposes of review.
December 4, 2016
Nick, a run-away boy, in the snow, stumbles on a grand house, and bookstore. Hammering on the door bring out a man who asks him whether he can read -- he lies and says not -- and then drags him in to do his work, and never learn to be an evil wizard like him, since he can't read the books.
Meanwhile, the nearby town of Smallbone Cove has some problems with motorcyclists.
It involves an old rivalry, all sorts of skins used in shape-shifting, nursery rhymes, E-Z Spells for Little Wizardz, a librarian in a wheel chair, Nick's uncle and cousin, collecting eggs by magic, the details of the Contract, the way the bookstore's shelves keep changing, being a mechanic, and more.
He reads a fairy tale at one point, and in the end, the author mentions that she was rewriting that. Never having read that one myself, I was thinking "Master and Pupil." You might also recognize the tale if you've read "Farmer Weathersky" -- it's a kind of obscure type, nowadays.
Meanwhile, the nearby town of Smallbone Cove has some problems with motorcyclists.
It involves an old rivalry, all sorts of skins used in shape-shifting, nursery rhymes, E-Z Spells for Little Wizardz, a librarian in a wheel chair, Nick's uncle and cousin, collecting eggs by magic, the details of the Contract, the way the bookstore's shelves keep changing, being a mechanic, and more.
He reads a fairy tale at one point, and in the end, the author mentions that she was rewriting that. Never having read that one myself, I was thinking "Master and Pupil." You might also recognize the tale if you've read "Farmer Weathersky" -- it's a kind of obscure type, nowadays.
September 13, 2017
This is a nice light read.
I enjoyed the way the magic was done. I particularly liked the final reveal about Smallbone. I liked how Nick's magical strengths presented themselves - he was good at some things and less good at others. And I love that his best friend is the magical bookshop at one point in this novel. Also, I feel like the setting is quite well-described.
I feel like this takes a fair number of fairly common tropes, and does them well, with enough surprises along the way. . Which is really all you can ask for.
I enjoyed the way the magic was done. I particularly liked the final reveal about Smallbone. I liked how Nick's magical strengths presented themselves - he was good at some things and less good at others. And I love that his best friend is the magical bookshop at one point in this novel. Also, I feel like the setting is quite well-described.
I feel like this takes a fair number of fairly common tropes, and does them well, with enough surprises along the way. . Which is really all you can ask for.
June 6, 2018
Delia Sherman became one of my favorite fantasy authors, when I read an anthology that included a story by her. So I looked her up online and ordered a bunch of her books, including this delightful fairy tale.
"Fummydiddling with enchanted doo-dads" isn't an expression you come across every day. Actually, the evil wizard reminds me of my Uncle Buddy. The way he talks and takes his apprentice for granted... how he's eager to criticize and complain but doesn't acknowledge Nick's housecleaning and rearranging, let alone thank him. Grumpy old recluse.
"Fummydiddling with enchanted doo-dads" isn't an expression you come across every day. Actually, the evil wizard reminds me of my Uncle Buddy. The way he talks and takes his apprentice for granted... how he's eager to criticize and complain but doesn't acknowledge Nick's housecleaning and rearranging, let alone thank him. Grumpy old recluse.
September 30, 2019
This is one of my son's favorite books, so I thought I'd give it a try. It was a fun and interesting concept... a different take on the whole "boy discovers he's a wizard" theme that actually didn't feel like a copy of other stories. That said, it's still a kids book and everything was pretty surface level and somewhat predictable.
I did like the final battle though. The good guys were totally outmatched, but still managed to outwit the villain in a clever and unexpected way.
Definitely a good one for kids 8 to 12.
I did like the final battle though. The good guys were totally outmatched, but still managed to outwit the villain in a clever and unexpected way.
Definitely a good one for kids 8 to 12.
April 2, 2016
I had the very good luck to read a draft of this book. And oh my, what a delight. I plan on buying at least one copy for me, and one for a friend.
January 11, 2017
This book charmed me beyond belief. A tale of transformation and redemption, it is exactly the book I needed today.
March 27, 2017
Great YA book - reminded me a bit of the "Girl who circumnavigated fairyland" series, but more of a male twist.
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